To kickstart our Lenten season, we will have a two-day Lenten Mission with renowned Catholic speaker, radio host and author, Jon Leonetti. The Mission theme is "Surge of the Heart". I invite you and your friends and family to be nourished by Jon's faith, joy, and humor on Monday, March 7 and Tuesday, March 8 in the church. Both nights of the Mission start at 6:30 p.m..

Catholic Charities Annual Appeal
This weekend we are blessed with the opportunity to support over 400,000 in need in our communities who receive help each year from Catholic Charities. This year's annual appeal has the theme of "Be the Light" as we remember that we are called to bring the light of Christ to the world through our faith and generosity. Thank you for your participation in this year's annual appeal. We will conduct our in-pew pledge process at all Masses this weekend.

Prayer Service of Remembrance (Feb 27)
Sunday, February 27 will mark 10 years since the tragic shooting at Chardon High School. We are hosting a prayer service of remembrance on Sunday, February 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the church for anyone in our community to come pray. We will offer a short service with Scripture, intercessions, and a reflection. Please come pray for all those affected that we may together receive the love and mercy of our Lord Jesus.

Heart of a Shepherd Campaign Correction
I would like to offer a correction that was brought to my attention about my Heart of a Shepherd campaign update from last week's bulletin. While I mentioned that 50% of funds raised would go to the diocesan campaign and 50% would remain here for capital projects at our parish (sidewalks, church roof, new rectory), I did not include that 80% of every dollar raised over our parish goal of $358,230 would come back to our parish. I apologize for the oversight. Our campaign raised $645,700 which is 180% of our original goal! Thank you again for your generosity to this campaign and for your timely fulfillment of your pledge payments.

Listening Session First Theme: Community
I am eager to continue sharing with you the fruits of our November Listening Sessions. This week we reflect on the first main theme that was highlighted, Community with its sub-themes of history, civic community, and parish family. The number in parentheses corresponds to the number of times that particular sub-theme was mentioned in parishioner comments.

History: With over 100 years of history, the foundation of St. Mary Parish is built upon deep faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to serve as a Catholic spiritual home in the community, while the parish envisions its future in building God’s kingdom on earth. (23)

Civic community: Chardon is a treasured gem in the hearts of many as a place of beauty and intimate community in which St. Mary Parish provides solace and faith-filled stability. (19)

Parish Family: St. Mary Parish can provide for the need of meaningful Christian relationships where families can join together in connecting faith and life. (58)

Generation after generation of families have devoted faith, hope and love in their Catholic way of life at St. Mary Parish. The first parishioners came together over 100 years ago and invested their time, their money, and their labor in building up what has become a fundamental institution in the Chardon community. Their labor of love provided a strong foundation upon which parishioners hope to continue to build an ever-growing vibrant parish community. Many parishioners at the listening sessions expressed a vision of a parish that will be identified by love for one another and a place where families are supported in their efforts of living out the Gospel message. Their vision is supported by words of St. Pope John Paul II: