Dear Parish Family,
Jesus' command "lower your nets" in today's Gospel comes at the worst time for Simon Peter and his fishing crew. They've just spent the whole night catching nothing. They are tired and have given up. They're ready to wrap things up and try again tomorrow. But Jesus has another plan. In fact, Jesus tells them to go out deeper, to take a risk when no real reward seems attainable. He asks them to double down their efforts after failing so many times. It's as if Jesus is saying, "Do this just one more time, but do it with Me in your boat. You'll see the difference. 
 
As the divine teacher, Jesus knows the right timing, location, and approach we should take to all life's challenges. Like any great coach or teacher, Jesus helps us see the pattern and capitalize on the right opportunity at the right moment. After a while, we catch the drift and can begin to do what the teacher does without the need for as much instruction. Our lives become more free, spontaneous to follow God's commands since our human nature has been taught to be guided by God's divine will. 
 
At the end of today's Gospel, Simon Peter begins to understand what learning from the teacher entails. He says, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man." In other words, "Jesus, I can't be like you. I'll never measure up. You'd be better off teaching someone else." Jesus simply responds, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." The great catch of fish was only a sign foreshadowing Simon Peter's heart being transformed into the Heart of Christ. Do not be afraid to let your guard down to Christ. Don't be afraid to fail. The Lord has great things planned for you! Let Him teach you His ways. Follow His guidance, and over time you will be free to live the life of the Spirit with deep integrity and great generosity!
 
We're hiring! We've posted a job for a full-time Youth Minister to direct the youth ministries at St. Mary Parish & School and at St. Patrick Parish. We are looking for an applicant who is sincere in his or her faith who will help lead teens to Christ. The new Youth Minister will be in charge of our Life Teen high school youth ministry program, form a core team, assist with the social, spiritual, service, and faith formation needs of our youth, and be present as a campus minister at St. Mary School, especially to the junior high students. The person we are looking for should be charismatic, relatable, trustworthy and dependable. For more information and to view the job description, please visit https://stmarychardon.org/jobs. Word of mouth is the best way to get the word out, so if you know someone who would be a good fit, please encourage them to apply! Sherry Loxterman is currently our part-time Youth Minister and will continue to serve in that role until the new Youth Minister is ready to serve!
 
As you prepare your taxes, remember that the contribution window is still open for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for your 2024 state income taxes through April 15 of this year. Every dollar invested will help us reach our goal of raising $300,000, and will help us exceed our priorities to lower parent tuition commitments, raise teacher salaries, and maximize the St. Mary Parish investment into St. Mary School. Thank you for your support!
 
Remember that we are in the Jubilee Year of Hope throughout 2025. Visit the Jubilee table in the gathering space at St. Mary's for information about the Jubilee Year and instructions for gaining indulgences. 
 
The second edition of the new rectory newsletter was published last week. You can view it along with past editions athttps://stmarychardon.org/new-rectory-project.
 
Next weekend we celebrate the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal commitment weekend. Catholic Charities serves over 400,000 people in need annually right here in our Diocese of Cleveland. These individuals and families rely on the life-saving works Catholic Charities provides each year.  Please pledge generously to help us reach our parish goal of $54,632.
 
I am yours in Christ, 
Fr. Scott Goodfellow