Dear Parish Family,
  After this week, I'll have been assigned here at the parish for a whole month. I feel so blessed by God to be with you. Time is flying as I immerse myself in parish life. Please continue to help me get to know you by reminding me your first and last name, something interesting about yourself, or a ministry you're involved in at the parish. That will help me make connections and settle in.

There are a number of items I invite you to take action on this week:
Haiti Relief Special Collection: Bishop Malesic has asked parishes to take up a voluntary collection to relieve the burdens placed on Haiti by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace. As a result of both disasters, many Church properties, along with homes and businesses, have been severely damaged or destroyed. A second collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend for this cause. You may also drop off a check to the parish office this week with memo “Haiti Relief.” Thank you for your solidarity and generosity to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Resuming the Offertory Collection: This weekend we will resume the offertory collection during Mass. Ushers will extend the long-handled baskets through the pews. I hope this is one more step toward 'normal' as we celebrate Mass together!

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Invite: As we begin a new year of formation and growth, I invite you to reflect on your personal call and relationship with God. As a witness of His mercy and love, YOU are the greatest 'advertisement' of the Gospel to those who hunger for the Lord in the deepest desires of their hearts. Please reach out to family and friends, share the witness of your faith life with them, and encourage them to come and see what being Catholic is all about. Personal invitations are the most impactful ways to help people encounter our Lord. If you are not Catholic, I want to especially invite you to come to an RCIA Information Night at St. Mary Parish in Chardon on Monday, September 13 at 6:30 pm in the Hospitality Room in the St. Mary Church gathering space. No commitment is necessary. Just come and meet us and learn more about what it means to be Catholic. And if you are already Catholic, you may wish to invite and accompany a non-Catholic friend or family member to this night.
 
Geauga County Fair Booth: I'm excited to come to the Geauga County Fair on Labor Day weekend! Come and visit the Geauga Catholic booth while you're there. St. Mary's and St. Patrick's parishioners will be in that booth on Sunday, September 5. We are in need of volunteers to be stationed at the booth throughout the day, so please email Deacon Tom Peshek ([email protected]) to sign up to serve a two-hour time slot (I volunteered to serve for a few hours myself!). See you there!
Please know of my daily prayers for you and your loved ones.