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"The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven, and will help bring about everlasting peace on earth,"
- Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Lent begins on Feb. 26, Ash Wednesday. Although not a holy day of obligation, many Catholics attend Mass and receive ashes. Our Mass Schedule - Mass at 8:30 am, Liturgy Of The Word With Ashes !2:00 Noon, and Mass at 7:00 pm.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 10) are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
Fasting is required for those ages 14-59. One full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal are permitted. Abstinence means those 14 and older are to abstain from eating meat.
During Lent, Catholics are asked to devote themselves to the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture; to service by giving alms and to practice self-control through fasting. Catholics also are called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout Lent, as well as to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for those who have declared their desire to become Catholic.
Catholics also are encouraged to experience the sacrament of reconciliation during Lent. In the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, there will be an Evening of Confession 5-8 p.m. March 11 in parishes throughout the diocese.
Join us for the fish dinners this year. Every Friday in Lent (except Good Friday), fish dinners will be served in Lux Hall between 4:30 and 7:00pm. Take out will be available as well. If anyone is interested in volunteering—setting up, preparing the food, serving the food, washing dishes, cleaning up—please call the rectory or send an email to nzola@leothegreat.org. If you can spare some time one or more of those Fridays, it would be appreciated. Thank you!
The College of Consultors in the Diocese of Cleveland has elected Reverend Donald P. Oleksiak of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland as the diocesan administrator until Holy Father Pope Francis names a new bishop of the diocese. This election and vote of the consultors was required by canon law and put into motion by the pope’s appointment of former Cleveland Bishop Nelson Perez to serve as the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on January 23.
A diocesan administrator is elected by the College of Consultors. The College of Consultors is a group of priests (eight, in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland) whose normal role is to advise the diocesan bishop, especially regarding major transactions. The College of Consultors is obliged to elect a diocesan administrator within eight days of receiving notice of the vacancy of an episcopal see. Those currently serving on the College of Consultors for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland are: Rev. Douglas T. Brown, Rev. Edward T. Estok, Jr., Rev. Eric S. Garris, Rev. Lawrence Jurcak, Rev. Joseph R. Mamich, Rev. Donald P. Oleksiak, Rev. William A. Thaden and Rev. Joseph G. Workman.
A diocesan administrator is a priest or bishop who administers a diocese temporarily until the installation of the next diocesan bishop. The diocesan administrator generally has the same powers as a diocesan bishop, except for matters which would have long-term consequences. As much as possible, a diocesan administrator will leave decisions regarding major changes to the next diocesan bishop. It often takes six to eight months — and sometimes longer — from the time a diocesan bishop’s seat becomes vacant until a new bishop is appointed.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1989, Father Oleksiak, 57, has served the diocese in administrative roles for over a decade. Most recently he served as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for Bishop Nelson Perez. He served as the delegate to Bishop Daniel E. Thomas who was the Apostolic Administrator for the diocese prior to the appointment by Pope Francis of Bishop Perez as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. Father Oleksiak also served as Vicar General and Moderator for the Curia under Bishop Richard Lennon from 2014 to 2016. He served as director of diocesan Office of Clergy Personnel. In addition, Father Oleksiak has been administrator for several parishes including St. Patrick Parish in Thompson, Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Garfield Heights and St. Peter in Loudonville. Father Oleksiak was pastor of St. Monica Parish from 2003-2005. He served as parochial vicar at St. Bernadette Parish in Westlake from 1994 to 1995 and at St. Joseph Parish in Strongsville from 1989 to 1994.
Father Oleksiak’s appointment as diocesan administrator takes effect immediately.
In its 173 year history, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has never had a diocesan administrator. Following the retirement of Bishop Richard Lennon in December 2016, the Holy Father appointed Bishop Daniel Thomas of the Catholic Diocese of Toledo as apostolic administrator. An apostolic administrator is appointed by the Holy Father, not elected in the local diocese, is always a bishop and has the same powers as a diocesan bishop.
Margaret Menge (nee Boehnlein), age 70. Beloved wife of Donald J. Dear mother of Sharon Fernandez (Joseph), Jennifer Shulock (Kenneth), Brian (Ashley) and Michael. Loving grandmother of Nicholas, Christopher, Tyler, Owen, Lauren, Madelyne, Payton and Logan. Daughter of the late Raymond and Joann (nee Voyce). Sister of Marie Seacrist (deceased) Raymond (deceased),Charles, Regina Sidorski, Ann Marie and Michael. Dear aunt and great aunt to many. Visitation Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. at the FORTUNA FUNERAL HOME 7076 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10:00 A.M. at St. Leo the Great Church 4940 Broadview Rd. Cleveland, Ohio 44109. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
William James Gleason, age 63, Loving husband of Judy (nee Jones), devoted father of Shane (Alexandra), Devon (Bernerd Graves), much loved Grandpa Bill of Collin, Rainah, Xavier, and Rosemary, dear brother of Robert (Sue), Rosemary, David (Bonnie), and the following deceased Patrick and Sandra Narowitz, dear uncle and friend of many. FRIENDS AND RELATIVES ARE ASKED TO GATHER FOR A MEMORIAL SERVICE, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020, AT 5 PM AT ST. LEO THE GREAT CATHOLIC CHURCH 4940 BOADVIEW RD. CLEVELAND, OHIO 44109.
https://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=william-j-gleason&pid=195448934