Christmas Village! A Wonderful Day of the Year!

Christmas Village 2022 was nothing short of a magical day. Santa and Mrs. Claus were once again welcomed by parishioners young and young at heart with a grand reveal of Santa’s throne. Dasher’s Diner served a nice luncheon while Ms. Shirley and friends entertained our littlest crafters. In the atrium were the dedicated elves of Santa’s Workshoppe, selling and wrapping gifts for children to take home and selling tickets for the Village Grand Raffle. Raffle baskets were donated by the Daughters of St. Colette, the Holy Name Society, Carol Weiss, Patty Shell, and Nancy Porter. New to the Village this year was “Gingerbread Land” where children got to decorate their own gingerbread house— a huge hit this year! A huge thank you to the many hands involved with making this day a success, including Kevin Laughlin from maintenance who helped with all of the major set-up—- could not have happened without you!

Check out this nice article by PSR alum, Mia Dolan of Brunswick High School. Thanks, Mia for covering the story!

https://www.medinacountylife.com/online_features/family_living/santa-claus-is-coming-to-church-local-brunswick-parish-hosts-unique-holiday-event/article_3824ab72-6d88-11ed-b010-0bab7af288d4.html

Franciscan Sisters Host Advent Retreat

We’re pleased to promote the Franciscan Sisters T.O.Rs as they host their annual Advent Retreat. God bless the work that they do! Feel free to pass along this information to anyone interested.

Our Parish on the Radio!

Bob Tayek hosts a radio program on AM 1260 “The Rock”, entitled “Where We Worship.” Bob spoke with Fr. Krizner, Lisa Radey and Christina Dinklocker, one of our founding parishioners. This was a chance to highlight the Parish of St. Colette. It gave some insight on where we came from and who we are today. This will air on Sunday, November 20th at 11am and repeat on Saturday November 26th at 4:30PM. Mark your calendar and tune in to AM 1260 The Rock!

Ready to Welcome Franciscan Sisters!

On October 16th at 6:30PM we welcome Sr. Anna Rose, T.O.R. Her and Franciscan sisters will present a evening of reflection on the Blessed Sacrament. From Cleveland, Sr. Anna attended St. Charles and Holy Name High School where she was a member of Campus Ministry under Fr. Krizner. As a Franciscan sister, Sr. Anna found her “highway to heaven” in service to her community and dedication to our Lord in prayer. Her and her Franciscan friends will share that witness with our parish community. We hope you will join us! Bring a friend!

Eucharistic Revival!

Virtual Eucharistic Revival Conference

The USCCB is also hosting a Eucharistic Revival Conference from September 22-24. Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in participating in this FREE virtual conference.

Eucharistic Miracle Display

In response to the diocesan year of Eucharistic Revival, SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish in Twinsburg will be hosting the Eucharistic Miracle Display as chronicled by Blessed Carlo Acutis. Blessed Carlo was a teenager from Italy who developed a website dedicated to the documented and scientifically scrutinized occasions when the Holy Eucharist changed in its physical appearance, reminding us that the bread and wine of the Mass truly become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

From October 17-30, 2022, SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish will be welcoming tours from Catholic schools and parishes, as well as the local and surrounding cities. The event is completely free. The parish campus will be set up like a museum for the thousands that are expected to participate in the event. New Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, Most Reverend Michael Woost, will be offering Mass on Saturday, October 22 at 4:00pm. Consider publicizing the event in your parish bulletin or organizing your parish staff or a parish group to dive deeper into the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Click here for more information.

Franciscan Fundraiser!

Join the Franciscan Sisters, TOR for a wonderful evening benefiting their order. Celebrate Mass, enjoy a lovely dinner, and hear guest speakers on the themes of mercy and unity in Christ. It’s sure to be an uplifting evening! Thank you for supporting the religious sisters!

God Bless Our Seniors and Students!

As summer winds to a close, we acknowledge the service of our graduating seniors. Pictured, Vince Bonanni, AJ Fuller and Giuseppe DiTeodoro, part of our maintenance crew, move-on to college this Fall. We’re grateful for their hard work, dedication, and joyful presence they brought to our parish each and every day. They will always remain a part of our parish family and in our prayers as they start their next chapter.

Similarly, we congratulate all of our children starting a new school year. May your year be blessed and your minds filled with knowledge and wisdom to live a life in God’s grace. Continue to be his light in the world!

Festival for Ukraine

Our prayers and support for the people of Ukraine continues. Consider attending this event! Funds raised will go toward humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

"Those Were the Days!" ~~ Penny Carnival 2022

Fr. K’s Amazing American Penny Carnival weekend was nothing short of a good old fashioned, American , fun time! Taking place after each of the Masses, all parishioners, young and old, were able to enjoy the sights and sounds of simpler days. Saturday evening offered a delicious, sell-out menu and fun entertainment. Music Ministry led the crowd in songs from yesteryear from “It’s My Party” to “Let’s Twist Again”. Everyone had a blast.

On Sunday the little ones were invited to play the games led by teens from Celebration. Little kids and big kids had so much fun playing the games and winning great prizes. Thank you to all who donated prizes! Sunday’s menu was both kid and adult-friendly with a little something for everyone. And of course, there were plenty of cotton candy, popcorn, and the Euclid Beach trademark: Humphrey Popcorn Balls. In the spirit of Euclid Beach Park, “nothing to depress or demoralize”, the Penny Carnival brought a spark of joy and nostalgia to all who entered through her arches. As the carnival is now ‘Closed for the Season”, we look to the next community event were “we provide the atmosphere and you make the memories!”

Thank you to all who volunteered and supported this event!

Welcome Maryknoll Ministry!

  Jillian Foster is originally from Loveland, Ohio, and attended the University of Dayton. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in human rights studies along with three minors: computer science, religious studies and sustainability. It was in college that she started to become more active in social justice, forming a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Student Ambassadors group to encourage others as well during her final two years. After graduation, Jill served a year with Francis Corps in Syracuse, New York, working as an assistant in a L’Arche community, where she learned much about accompaniment and community. In 2019, Jill applied to Maryknoll Lay Missioners and was placed in Haiti. Jill’s transition to life in Haiti has come at a time when the whole world is transitioning to a different reality. Two weeks out of language school and in her new home in Gros Morne, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Still working on her Haitian Kreyòl, Jill has been working in a tree nursery of the Jean Marie Vincent Center in Grepen. As one of the most deforested countries in the world and with the reality of climate change, reforestation is a top priority. Since beginning work at the Grepen center in late March of 2020, the agronomists and Jill have raised and sent over 8,000 trees to be planted, with many more on the way. In addition to these ministries, Jill also helps fill the gaps for the agronomy center and for Lekòl Jezi Mari (Jesus and Mary School) with data organization.

Jill will speak at all masses at St. Colette's Parish the weekend of July 23-24, 2022 to share her mission experience as part of the Diocese of Cleveland’s Missionary Cooperation Plan 2022.  The second collection will be taken to support Maryknoll Lay Missioners. Your kind welcome and generous support is most appreciated.

Maryknoll Lay Missioners is one of the largest U.S. Catholic organizations sending laypeople into global mission. Over the past four and a half decades, we have prepared and sent more than 700 missioners who have accompanied people experiencing poverty and marginalization around the world. Your donations will allow Maryknoll Lay Missioners to prepare and sustain laypeople in global mission and to help build a more just, compassionate and sustainable world. This once-a-year opportunity is a wonderful way for all of us to participate in the on-going global mission to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth! To learn more please visit www.mklm.org

Vacation Bible School 2022 Highlights

This past July, we welcomed almost 70 children and 40 volunteers to a week with “St. Colette and her Friends”. Each day centered around a Franciscan friend of St. Colette: St. Colette herself, St. Anthony, St. Francis, and St. Clare. The program was created by our talented staff and was nothing short of a fun week for all involved. From playing outdoor games of teamwork, creating original crafts, and even baking bread, many of the children want to see VBS extend to two weeks next summer! We even welcomed special guest, Sr. Anna Rose to share her life’s witness and love of Jesus. Thank you for making it a week of fun and we’ll see you next year! St. Colette and her friends, pray for us!

We're seeing a BUILDING!

The week began an exciting phase of “Project Endeavor”. On Monday the materials for the actual building structure were delivered. By Tuesday afternoon the beam for the roof were installed. What began as an idea a few years ago is finally being visualized! We hope you enjoy the progress!.

Blessed are the peacemakers!

We’re blessed to share an update with the refugee assistance in Poland for the people of Ukraine. As the months of war drag on, we are reminded through the kindness of Dorota’s family and countless others, that those who sow the seeds of peace reap the biggest blessings. We hope you enjoy her letter as well as the pictures. While they certainly bring about a sense of sorrow for what these innocent families lost, they also depict inspiriting resilience. They remind us that goodness always triumphs over evil; kindness always shines brighter than the fires of war.

As Dorota and her family travel to Poland, please keep them in your prayers! Know that she takes the love of St. Colette with her to the good people of Poland and the refugees of Ukraine. Thank you, Dorota, for allowing us to walk this journey with you.

Things are much different in Chorzow now then at the time of the concert.
All temporary shelters were gone by Easter. Children can use their gyms again!

Some Refugees found apartment on their own, some have moved to bigger cities in Poland or Europe.
There is still quite big group that is not fully independent.
They found their temporary home in the Transition Home that my sister in law is in charge of.

The old building was empty for almost two years. It used to be a nursing home but they closed during COVID. In April with the tremendous financial help sent form our parish, that building was refreshed, some plumbing issues were fixed and during the Holy Week over 40 people moved in.

Currently, there are 36 children and 21 adults living there.
Each family has their own room with bathroom. In the rooms are medical style beds (from that former nursing home) and in some rooms for older kids - bunk beds. On each from the three floors, there is one community kitchen and common room with TV and dining and seating area.
They have a very nice backyard with a small BBQ.

There are two senior couples, one grandpa with three young granddaughters and the rest are women with children age 4 months to 18 years old.
Some ladies already found job. All school age children are attending local schools (last day of school is June 24th). Mothers with younger children help each other taking turn watching kids when some of them are working.

The youngest child is Kiara - she was born on February 24 - the day the war broke. She moved in with her mother and two brothers about a month ago. Kiara is the youngest child there.

In recent weeks, the money donated by our parishioners was used for buying some Ukrainian books, toys and games for children various age, two high chairs, 7 school backpacks for students, and supply of contact lenses for two teenage girls.

In addition, on regular basis baby formula and food as well as laundry detergents are being purchased with that money.

My sister in law, Joanna, has also purchased small gifts for all mothers and one grandpa who act as a mother for three little girls for Mother's Day (celebrated in Eastern Europe always on May 26). She said it was a huge surprise and mothers went very emotional about it.

Last Sunday was another big day at the Transition House. They celebrated International Children's Day. It is a widely celebrated holiday in the entire Europe usually on June 1st.

Joanna, other social workers, and volunteers have organized a picnic with lots of attractions for all children who live in the Transition house or who went through it in last two months. There was lots of good food, presents, live music, games for children, face painting, inflatable castle, local sport club mascot, and much more. Joanna said, it seemed like Ukrainian families were able to forget about the war for those few hours. Everyone was happy and in many of the children's eyes she could see the sparkle of joy instead of the chronic sadness.

Every time Joanna gives me an update, she keeps asking to thank everyone who helped and who keeps all the Ukrainian refugees as well as social workers like her in their daily prayers.

I cannot express how excited I am since today we have purchase flight tickets and in three weeks my family and I will be able to join them in my hometown in Poland.

Please, keep my family and me in your prayers as well as the time is not safe at all. We trust our Lord and hope in Him. With his help we will be safety back here in mid of July.

Dorota

Is God calling you to be His Bride?

Is God calling you to be His Bride?  Join the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns of Cleveland, Ohio, for a ‘Come and See’ retreat from 4:00 p.m. Friday afternoon,  June 3rd to 3:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, June 5th.  We invite you to draw closer to Our Lord and learn more about our Franciscan contemplative vocation.

Each day includes talks by some of the nuns and by priests, praying the Divine Office with the sisters, opportunities for Q&A with the nuns, and personal time for prayer, Eucharistic adoration and reflection.  Each day will begin with Holy Mass in the public Chapel, and end with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  Housing will be arranged as needed in a nearby motel for out-of-towners. To register, visit our website at https://pcc-cle.org/retreat-registration. For more information, please contact the sisters at 216-941-2820.

"Blessed Be the Name of JESUS!"

With regard to the atrocities occurring in our Nation, Fr. Krizner responds with imploring the Name of Jesus! Please join us in this prayer crusade!

Dear Parish Family,

         The bulletin is sent on Tuesday to be published. This is sometimes difficult for us as we can’t include the happenings of the week. This past week has been a difficult week for the Church, for Catholics, and for our Nation. IT has been a week of blasphemy, profanity, and desecration against the Holy Eucharist. I don’t imagine that you missed this on the news though not all news channels will cover such events. Because of this I am urging you to recite the Divine Praises on a daily basis. (They are printed here) I will be joining you each day in reparation for the irreverence that seems to permeate parts of our society. These may be passing issues but they are grave issues in the now and present.  How do our children even begin to comprehend the disregard for the Eucharist? 

Last weekend we Celebrated First Holy Communion! The children approached this ‘mystery of faith’ with such reverence, love and excitement! What a graced event for our parish.

We continue to pray for our Nation. God DOES hear our prayer and in His time and according to His Will answers us! As John says in the Gospel, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God. Have faith in Me.’

Pray for the peace of America.  While the people of Ukraine struggle for peace there are those in our society who act contrary to it.  Don’t lose heart.

"When I Was Homeless, You Opened Your Door"-- Update from Poland

These pictures are amazing. Dorota once again shares an update from her amazing family on how they are putting your generosity to work:

Last week was busy here in Ohio as well as on the other side of the ocean :)

In Chorzow, Poland my brother with his wife (Woytek and Joanna) were shopping and delivering necessary items for opening the housing unit for 55 people. Today the first group of 15 people will move in from shelters hosted in gymnasiums of the middle schools in Chorzow.

Using money collected by our parishioners they purchased 7 sets of linens, pillows, and blankets for new housing units created in a former nursing home. They also bought lots of baby items for a 4-month old baby girl who will move in there with her family. In addition, they purchased laundry drying racks, some kitchen dishes, and pots, shower curtains, and a supply of towels and toilet paper.

In addition, they delivered milk and fresh produce to the shelter - enough for over 55 people.

On the other hand, I got in touch with one of my former co-workers who coordinates the transition of the refugees from the elementary school shelter (I used to work there before moving to the US) into public housing units. They brought in some needs as well: microwave, electric hot water pot, and a hairdryer for 3 units. I was able to order it online and they already received some of it, the rest is expected to arrive this week. The families will remain in the school through Easter. They have 14 children living on site. So I did order some Easter candies for all of the kids.

Last, but not least, last Saturday I was able to ship the rest of the goods collected in Lidia's bakery. This time it was seven boxes but they were much bigger. We shipped lots of towels, linens, baby items, and leftovers of used clothes and shoes. Shipment is very expensive, even with the received discount I have spent another $720 on it. I have set an amount of money for shipping toys (hopefully they are much lighter than clothes and towels) but it works better and is more efficient if the needed items are purchased directly in Poland and delivered where needed. Thanks to the pandemic (did I really say it?!) shopping online became more popular and accessible in Poland too!.

I am attaching pictures of the new house for 55 refugees (the old building that used to be a nursing home - they still use the bedding and furniture from the nursing home) and shopping in action. There are also pictures of the two shelters in Chorzow that we are collaborating with.

Hopefully, by next week I will have pictures of new families who are moving in soon.

Ukrainian Efforts Update!

We’re excited to share some news of your tremendous generosity in raising funds to help Ukraine and the refugee crisis in Poland. Through our Concert for Ukraine, we raised over $15,000. Dorota and Lidia are working together through your kindness to make a difference for those in need amidst such grave tragedy. Here is an update from Dorota:

Yesterday - Saturday April 2nd, 13 parcels were sent over to Poland with all goods collected by Lidia at her Rudy's Bakery. There was a lot of used and brand new clothes, shoes, some hygiene essentials and toiletry, as well as some baby diapers. Together with Lidia and one of her girl's - Tori, we sorted it and packed it and then I have use direct shipment to Poland service named Polonez. Their pick up point is located at Krakow Deli in Parma. I have spend some of the money donated by parishioners to pay for the service however the company gave me 30% for shipping Humanitarian Aid which was a big help. It was the cheapest shipment option I could find, although I still have to spend almost $620 for it.

I need to return to Lidia's bakery next week to finish up - they are still few bags left that need to be packed and ship over.

While I was helping there, my brother used first portion of the money wired last week to buy milk, and some fresh fruits for the refugees who are placed in near by school auditorium. They are working now to adopt a building to transfer all the refugees from that school there - about 50 families. They hope that it will happen before Easter.

It is an old motel. The plan is to use some of the donated money to organize a community play room there where the kids from the entire motel can come and share toys and play.

Meanwhile, Lidia might post a list of the most needed items in her bakery again, since people keep asking how they can help.

For now the list consist of new underwear for woman and kids of all ages (including teenagers) as well as towels of all size (new or gently used). In addition they need seepy cups and baby bottles.

To continue our efforts, Fr. Krizner adds that “we will be asking the PSCF kids to consider bringing in gently used toys, puzzles: chess, checkers, construction blocks etc,  Kids can write a short note to the ‘kids ‘as many of the older Ukrainian kids know English.  You have done something that goes beyond our imagining for brothers and sisters who have known nothing but separation and devastation.”

Thank You all so much,