Second Sunday of Lent March 12, 2017

8:30 Morning Prayer, Rosary, Monday through Friday

Monday, March 13 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Ramey / Ramatowski Families 6:30 Eucharistic Exposition Tuesday March 14 Lenten Weekday 8:00 John & Selma Dowd Wednesday, March 15 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Richard Stybel 5:00 Confessions Thursday, March 16 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Adam Gregg (anniv) Friday, March 17 Lenten Weekday 8:00 Patrick & Jenny Ballato 3:30 Stations 7:00 Living Stations Saturday, March18 Lenten Weekday 3:15 Confessions 4:00 Living & Deceased Members of the Hetman Family Sunday, March 19 Third Sunday of Lent 8:00 Living & Deased Members of the Rickard Family 10:00 People of the Parish 12:00 Daniel J. Stanowick 1:00 Baptism

Liturgy Schedule

the following members of our Parish community: Matthew Looby, John Hvisvos, Chris Backo, Bob Rafal, Baby Ryan Martin, Frank Zorc, Genevieve Jankowski, Frank Gigliotti, Edward Brady, Sheila Sil-lasen, David Bender, Andrew Burdette, Roger Zalewski, Richard Rosberil, Theresa Grimshaw, Joann Reddinger, Karen Styler, Stephen Rapsik, Sarah Burket and Mark Pennington. The names will remain in the bulletin for two weeks. Please call the Parish office for more information. If you have a special intention you would like remem-bered in prayer, please call Lillian Neptune @ 216.662.5464.

Religion Question of the Week Why does Lent last for 40 Days? Did you Know? Did you know that the Church aisle is 100’ long? One Liner Did you know that Judas was the first person to leave Mass early? Answer to the Religion question of the week located on page 4 of this bulletin, under the collections.

Our sincere sympathy and prayers are extended to the family and friends of Cecelia Swiatek who was buried this past week. May she and all our dearly departed, rest in peace.

There is NO social this week due to the Break-fast. Join us for Coffee & Donuts next weekend after the 8:00am and 10:00am masses. Hosting will be members of the Respect Life Ministry.

Athletic Breakfast ST BENEDICT ATHLETICS WILL BE HOSTING A BREAKFAST this SUNDAY MARCH 12TH FOLLOWING THE 8AM AND 10AM MASSES IN THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA. COST iS $6.00 and $4.00 for kids 6 and younger Breakfast IN-CLUDES EGGS, SAUSAGE AND HASH

BROWNS, COFFEE AND ORANGE JUICE. PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR STUDENT ATHLETES!!

Sacrament Penance – Special Evening All are welcome to attend a special evening of the Sacrament of Penance on Wednesday, March 15th , from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, in St. Monica Church. Priest confessors will be available for private confes-sions during that time period for all who would like to receive the Sacrament of Penance. This Evening of Penance is taking place in all the Churches in the Diocese of Cleveland. If you have been away from this Sacrament for a long period of time, or only a short period of time, you will be welcome. Please make time in your schedule to receive the Sacrament of Penance during the Season of Lent – this evening is a special opportunity.

Divine Mercy Please join us for a special hour of adoration and thanksgiving to the Divine Mercy of Jesus this Sunday, March 12th, at 2:30 in St. Monica Church. There will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and prayers for families, our youth, and our country. All are welcome to join us.

Dispensation from Lenten Abstinence on Friday, March 17 Out of pastoral solicitude, Bishop Daniel Thomas has formally dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland from the obligation to abstain from meat on the Memorial of Saint Patrick, Bishop. Which will be observed this year on Friday, March 17. Those who choose to par-take of meat on that day are encouraged to undertake another penance that day in the form of a corporal or spiritual work of mercy. In this way, a faithful Catholic still keeps the peni-tential spirit of a Friday in Lent and unites oneself more closely with the suffering Christ and His Church.

Pastoral Scene

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Yogi Berra Whenever I introduce the Sacrament of Penance and the formation of conscience to both the second graders and the RCIA candidates, I am reminded of this quote. We are bombarded daily with making decisions, some important and others seemingly in-consequential. Those I catechize soon learn that choices make a significant difference in one’s spiritual life, affect the lives of those around us, and can alter our lives forever by setting us on a course that may last a lifetime. Even small decisions make in haste, or even no decision, can become very serious. Consider the following. When Ronald Regan was a child, his aunt took him to a shoe store and had the shoemaker make him some custom-made shoes. When asked if he wanted square-toed or rounded-toed shoes, Ronny could not make up his mind, so he and his aunt left the store without a decision being given. When Ronny went back to pick up his shoes, one of the pair had a rounded toe while the other had a square toe. It was a lesson Ronald Regan never for-got and affected his decision-making skills throughout life and con-tributed to making him the effective decision maker that he was as an adult. Forming a ‘right conscience’ is not always an easy task as my little ones soon learn. Many of you have seen the cartoon of a person who has an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, both whispering simultaneously into the character’s ears. (Talk about mixed messages!) When there are two choices and it is reasonably evident that one is good and the other is not so good (or sinful), the decision is easier. The fork in the road is very clear. Sometimes, however, doing the right thing exists in a gray area where three or more choices -- none of them sinful -- are acceptable options. The challenge in that case becomes choos-ing the one option among those available that will make God and you happy. Important decisions result in options which can take us down different forks in the road of life. A situation where each option is acceptable can paralyze us because we put way too much pressure on our decision (sometimes hoping for a sign from God as to what we should do). Being a person who often ‘overthinks’ a response, I needed to develop a personal process to filter through all the data points that go into making a wise decision, especially where there is no direct prohibition in God’s Law. Surprisingly, the process I use involves only three major steps for making a ‘best option in God’s eyes’ decision’ in deciding which fork in the road to take. Please note: the order of the process is vital!

Take time for prayer and ask yourself. ‘what do I know, or have read, or have been taught about each op-tion.’

Weigh all the options – what do you see happening if you did each one. Feel free to make a list of conse-quences.

Ask God for the courage to act and then do what you feel is best!

Unfortunately, there is no unfailing assurance that you have se-lected the best choice. However, this process functions like the bumpers on a bowling lane. Bumpers do not guarantee that you will bowl a strike every time, but they usually keep you from falling into the gutter on a regular basis “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” is an im-portant piece of advice because we have to go one way or the other. No one can make our decisions for us. Choices determine the road we travel, shape our lives, and even affect the future of others. Most importantly, taking the correct fork in the road is al-ways a step that creates a lifetime of personal integrity. Looking for those forks in the road and taking them with you – Sister Helene

Second Sunday of Lent March 12, 2017

The Garfield Hts. Knights of Colum-bus will be holding a wing night on Saturday, March 18th at the Parma Tavern from 7 to 9pm. Tickets are $25.00 each and include wings, pizza, pasta, draft beer, wine and

pop. There will also be basket raffles and other draw-ings. Contact Will at 216-544-6785 for tickets. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Q: What does healthy food samples, therapy horses, goat milk hand cream, nutrition games, chair massages and cholesterol, glucose, vein and blood pressure screenings have in common?

A: It’s all part of the St Monica Health Fair Sat April 1, 10am-2pm. The fair is open to all and all ages! No admission cost! Refreshments, vendor sales and chair massage available for minimal costs.

Faith Shots Continues! Have you ever wondered why the Passion Gospels look at the death of Jesus so differently? If they are describ-ing the same event, shouldn’t the testimony be the same? To find out why, join us for the next installment of Faith Shots the weekend of March 18th and 19th. Spend 15 minutes to learn more about your Catholic Faith as we explore the topic: Consider Your Audience: Four Evangelists, Four View-points. Faith Shots will take place immediately after all Weekend Masses in the West Nave of the Church.

Fish Fry St. Monica Meal Ministry is sponsoring our annual Lenten Fish Fry Dinners on Fridays, March 17, 24, 31, and April 7 at 4:00 to 7:00 in school dining area. This year our menu consists of Baked Salmon with dill sauce, Beer Battered Cod, Fried Shrimp, French Fries, Pierogi, Homemade Macaroni & Cheese and Homemade Cabbage & Noodles. Choice of Applesauce or Coleslaw. Roll, butter, dessert and beverage included. Many requests have been received for Chris’ Homemade Potato Soup so we will make it available starting on Friday March 17. You can purchase it by the cup or quart to take home. Price will be announced. Price range from $5.00 to $10.00. Senior/ Child’s menu available. Please support our parish by joining us for a great meal in a family friendly atmosphere and enjoy our hospitality. If you are bringing a group of 8 or more please call the parish office before hand to insure sitting together. Dine in or carry outs are available. Credit & debit cards accepted and handicapped accessible.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION March 4 / March 5 Regular Sunday Envelopes $ 9,916.00 St. Monica Fund $ 1,570.00 Children’s Envelopes $ 17.00 Black and Indian Missions $ 146.00 WeShare Regular $ 3,589.50 WeShare St. Monica Fund $ 612.75

Parish Activities

MONDAY, March 13 11:00 District Mtg. (AR) 4:00 Athletic Practice (g) 6:30 Eucharistic Exposition (+) 7:00 Finance Council Mtg (F) 7:30 CWV Mtg (c) TUESDAY, March 14 2:00 Senior Mtg. (AR) 2:45 CRCIA Instruction (+) 2:45 Cooking Club (c) 4:00 Athletic Practice (g) 6:00 Bible Group (p.o. kitchen) 6:30 Baptism Class (F) 6:45 Troop 389 Mtg (c) 7:00 St. Benedict Board Mtg (J) WEDNESDAY, March 15 12:00 Scripture Study (+) 12:30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (+) 3:00 Fish Fry Prep (k & c) 4:00 Athletic Practice (g) 4:00 Diocesan Training Seminar (AR) 5:00 Diocesan Wide Confessions (+) 8:00 Ushers Meeting (c) THURSDAY, March 16 10:00 Cleveland Clinic (J) 2:45 Boardgame Club (AR) 3:00 Fish Fry Prep (k & c) 4:00 Athletic Practice (g) 4:00 Diocesan Training Seminar (AR) 7:00 Guild Mtg (c) Friday, March 17 3:30 Stations 4:00 Athletic Practice (g) 4:00 Fish Fry (c) 7:00 Living Stations SATURDAY, March 18 9:30 1st Communion Retreat (c) SUNDAY, March 19 8:00 /10:00 Coffee & Donuts (c)

To help build an endowment fund, please consider

remembering St. Monica Church in your Will.

Second Sunday of Lent March 12, 2017

St. Benedict Catholic School is pleased to announce where the eighth graders will be attending High School in the Fall. We are pleased to share that over eighty-three percent of the eighth graders will be attend-ing a Catholic High School. The faculty and staff are so proud of all the students.

Preschool Open House On Sunday, March 12th from 12:00-2:00 p.m. the St. Benedict Early Learning Center will be hosting their Open House for interested pre-school families. Please contact the school office at 216-662-9380 with any questions.

Answer to This Week’s Question

Why does Lent last for 40 Days? Answer: Because Jesus began his public life by spending 40 days in the desert.

YOUTH MINISTRY Middle school youth group meets Wed

March 22, 6:30-8:30pm in the youth room. Doors open at 6:15. Pizza will be served. New students are welcome at any time! Each meeting is a new experience!

Nancy Heineke, Youth Minister YOUTH412 is a cluster pro-gram of St Martin of Tours, St Monica, Saints Peter and Paul and St Therese 13623 Rockside Road, Garfield Hts OH 44125(216) 662-8685 ext 123

ST BENEDICT ATHLETICS IS IN NEED OF AN ATHLETIC DIREC-TOR FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT DONNA MA-JOROS AT 216.789.3602. THANK YOU!!

High School Number of Stu-dents Attending

Beaumont 2 Benedictine 2 Cleveland Central Catholic 2 Cleveland School of the Arts 1 Cuyahoga Heights High School 1 Garfield Heights High School 1 Holy Name 1 North Royalton High School 1 Padua Franciscan 3 St. Edwards 1 St. Ignatius 2 Trinity 21 Undecided 3 Walsh Jesuit 1

Readings for the Week of March 12, 2017 Sunday Second Sunday of Lent Gn 12:1-4a; Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22; 2 Tm 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9 Monday Dn 9:4b-10; Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13; Lk 6:36-38 Tuesday Is 1:10, 16-20; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21and 23; Mt 23:1-12 Wednesday Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16; Mt 20:17-28 Thursday Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 16:19-31 Friday Saint Patrick, Bishop Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Ps 105;16-17, 18-19, 20-21;Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Saturday Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Sunday Third Sunday of Lent Ex 17:3-7; Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42

Second Sunday of Lent March 12, 2017

STUFFED CABBAGE DINNER Dinner consists of: Dinner will consist of 3 Stuffed Cabbage, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Rolls & Butter Costs: Adults - $10 ..... Children Under 12 - $8 ALL DINNERS INCLUDE COFFEE TEA, WATER, AND NON‐CARBONATED BEVERAGES DINNERS BY: MAPLE HEIGHTS CATERING RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: 216-662-2277 mailbox #2 DUE BY SUNDAY MARCH 26 - 8PM The Isabella Guild will also be selling fresh bakery

Married Couples Weekend: It's spring gardening time! A World-wide Marriage Encounter Weekend will give you the "gardening tools" you need to help your marriage grow and blossom. Next Eastern Ohio Weekend: May 5-7 at the Clarion Inn, Hudson. For information or to apply call 330-305-9963 OR GreatMarriagesOhio.org