A NEW MINISTRY! - Suspended

St. Mary of the Falls is initiating a VISITATION MINISTRY to call on parishioners who are homebound from age, illness, disability or just need someone to talk to. 

We are looking for people interested in making visits who can give an hour or two a week to this worthwhile ministry.

If you are interested, please call Judy Stasenko at
440.235.2222 X122 for more details. 

GRATEFUL HEARTS ~ The Vine and the Branches Bethlehem Committee ~ GLAD TIDINGS

Father Wally has generously given St .Mary of the Falls Parish family a most joyful legacy, The Town of Bethlehem.
This beautiful collection, which has graced our vestibule for many Christmases, is the culmination of gifts of appreciation
to Father Wally over the years.  Now it will be enjoyed at St. Mary's for generations.
 
We are planning a perennial plant sale in May and the raffle of two beautiful Waterford crystal items to raise funds for an
improved stand and scenery for Bethlehem.
 
As you work in your garden this spring, please pot extra plants and divisions for our sale.  We could use all perennials, ferns, grasses, bushes, small trees and groundcovers.  You can also help us by buying raffle tickets for a chance to own a beautiful Waterford crystal bowl or vase.  We will begin the sale of tickets after Easter.
 
We would greatly appreciate any additional help or suggestions.
 
Questions?  Please call or text Mary Hill at 440-539-6812 or LouAnn Anghel at 440-781-0438.

Mary’s Meals can provide a free homemade meal for up to one week to those who have a family member in or recently released from the hospital.  If you can help cook or deliver, please call the Parish Office at 440.235.2222 to be connected with a member of the Mary’s Meals committee. 

Volunteers from St. Mary of the Falls are needed to help distribute food and clothing at the center.  Holy Name is located in Slavic Village at the intersection of Harvard and Broadway.

The center is always in need of diapers, toiletries and non-perishable food items.

For info or to volunteer, call Bob Taylor at 440.748.2188 or email rtaylo56@gmail.com. 

Thanks to all who help our less fortunate friends in the inner city.

Hunger Hurts Barrels: 
Currently need MAC & CHEESE, CANNED FRUIT, and PEANUT BUTTER.  Donations of any non-perishable food items are appreciated, as well as cash or check donations payable to Christians in Action. If you are able to contribute, please leave your donations in the Olmsted Township Police Station. We can also re-use your plastic store bags for food distribution.

For more information about Christians in Action click here. 

The Craft Group meets faithfully on Tuesday afternoons at 1pm in the Community Room.  They lovingly donate their time and talents to create hand-knitted and crocheted Prayer Shawls for those in need. 
The Prayer Shawl Ministry has reached out to comfort many people during the painful and difficult times in their lives brought on by illness, hospitalization and the loss of a loved one. Prayer Shawls offer spiritual strength through the prayer and love that are woven into them by the hands and hearts of the ladies who design them.  Prayer Shawls are gifts of faith which have been blessed and cannot be bought.  They are given freely in the hope that they will bring God’s love and healing to all who wear them.
There three ways you can be part of or help this Ministry:

1. Simply come to the Community Room on Tuesday afternoon at 1pm; if you can’t knit or crochet, the ladies in the Craft Group will teach you. 
2. The Craft Group always has a need for new yarn.  It takes six 4-oz. skeins of yarn to make one Prayer Shawl.  The Group is in need of 4 ply worsted yarn (no wool please) in the following colors: Forest Green, Chocolate Brown, Blues, Pinks, Bright Yellows, Variegated colors of any hue and soft pastel colors.  Please, no baby yarn. 
3. If you know someone in need of a Prayer Shawl, please let the Craft Group know. 

For more information about The Prayer Shawl Ministry or if you can donate yarn or would like someone to receive a Shawl please contact Judy Stasenko at 440-235-2222 ext. 122.

Imagine the joy you will experience when you bring joy of the Eucharistic to someone who cannot attend Mass due to advancing age or poor health! 

If you are already serving as Eucharistic Minister then you are already qualified!  If not, training for new EM’s is coming soon!

Please call Judy Stasenko at 440.235.2222 Ext. 122 to volunteer.

Learn to help inmates continue their education using free application for federal student aid (FAFSA).  Classes are run quarterly at two prisons with discussions of requirements and exceptions. 

For more information, contact Gregg Flagg at 440.463.3042 or email greggflagg@cox.net.