Dear Parish Family,
In 2007, I studied abroad in Rome for a semester. Every day I would pass in front of St. Peter’s Basilica to get to class. The first few weeks, I would stop in amazement before the Basilica to savor the richness and beauty of the place. As the weeks progressed, my amazement faded and even the marvel of our great Basilica became “ordinary.” As my time in Rome drew to a close I began taking in all the marvels around me once more. How could something so amazing become so mundane to me?
 
We can all experience this neglect of the extraordinary in our midst when we don’t appreciate in gratitude the gifts of God before us. When we come to Mass, do we truly appreciate the miracle of Jesus present in the Eucharist? When is the last time you stood before the tabernacle and just relished Jesus being present with you? How many times have we just walked by giving Him little or no notice, or approached to receive Him in communion without real reverence?
 
The crowds in today’s Gospel know the humanity of Jesus quite well, but when Jesus begins revealing His divinity to them they resort to the ordinary and mundane: “Isn’t he the carpenter’s son? We know him, so how can he say he is the bread of life?” For them, Jesus had become so ordinary a person that they refused to see Him as God. Today’s Gospel invites us to respond differently.
 
Like my experience in Rome, we need to remember to open our eyes to see the blessings around us. We need to take in anew the miracles of life and God’s grace, most especially the gift of the Holy Eucharist. Reverence for Christ in the Eucharist means seeing Him for who He really is, and refusing to diminish His presence with us as a fantasy or dream. Christ has promised to be our Bread of Life. Let’s take Him at His word.
 
Our parish Oktoberfest is just over a month away on Sunday September 15 starting with a Noon Polka Mass and Oktoberfest from 1-7 pm! You can help make this day fun and successful in a few ways: first of all, save the date, spread the word, and plan to come with family and friends. Second, see the SignUpGenius link below to volunteer in one or more roles for a few hours.
 
Volunteer Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FACA729A0F5C07-50335831-oktoberfest
 
Last, help us secure sponsorships for our Oktoberfest. There are sponsorships available at various levels from $1,500 to $250. Oktoberfest attracts over 700 people! Visit the link below for all of the details.

 Oktoberfest 2024
 
I also want to share that I met with the Chardon Chiefs of Police and Fire last month to review our Oktoberfest emergency action plan and get their counsel on ensuring we have the best security measures in place for our event. I met with them based on recent incidents at other local festivals and recommendations from our diocese to ensure a safe and fun gathering. We have the benefit of our Oktoberfest being a one-day event during daylight hours and not being visible from the street. All the same, please know we will increase peace officer presence and ensure our Oktoberfest staff and volunteers are trained to respond to any incident.
 
I will be speaking at the Geauga County Catholic Pro-Life Coalition meeting this coming Saturday, August 17 at 9:15 am in the St. Mary Chardon ABC Room. As you know, the November election is quickly approaching, and I will be offering some guidance on voting conscientiously as a faithful Catholic, especially as it relates to our pro-life moral issues we face in our society as a Church. I hope you will consider joining us.
 
Remember that August 15 is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. We will celebrate Mass at 4:30 pm on Wednesday August 14 for the Vigil, and at 7:30 am and 7:00 pm on Thursday August 15.
 
I am yours in Christ,
Fr. Scott Goodfellow