A message from the director

National Marriage Week 

Observed February 7-14, annually, this year’s theme comes from the national pastoral framework- Marriage: Called to the Joy of Love! Find resources from the USCCB and from National Marriage Week USA, who offer a tool-kit of resources and tips. 

Additionally, feel free to share For Your Marriage's new Valentine’s blog post for couples, “Give the Gift of Words”.  

 

Marriage Encounter 

The Northeast Ohio Chapter of Marriage Encounter has a weekend scheduled for February 11-13 at the Radisson in Fairlawn. There is a $75 application fee. Scholarships are available by calling 330-305-9963.

More information and registration is available on their website. Click here to download the flyer.
 

Lenten Day of Reflection 

Friday, March 11, 10am-2:30pm 
Center for Pastoral Leadership
SAVE THE DATE! A prayerful Lenten reflection day, with speaker Andy Philbin, whose conversion led him to "Sidewalk Advocates for Life". There will be opportunities for networking and gaining information on area service agencies, as well as resources for you and those you care for in ministry. Morning hospitality begins at 9:15 am and lunch will be provided. Cost is $10/person.
 

Year of the Family

The Year of the Family comes to a close this June and Region 6 has come together to develop a toolkit with several different options that a parish can embrace to celebrate the Year of the Family. The toolkit includes three simple ideas for parish celebrations, complete with activities, announcements, and resources links for your parish to use.  Download the toolkit and ENJOY! 

Marriage Tip

Our marriages deserve some maintenance too, how will you care for yours? 

When we value something we take extra care to ensure it will last. When it comes to our cars and houses we do regular maintenance on both, not only because they are important to us, but because we want them to work as efficiently as possible. Marriage is your most valuable asset and it deserves some maintenance too! Read a book on relationships together; seek counseling early if there are issues that you can’t resolve; learn how to communicate positively so your marriage continues to grow; consider attending a marriage enrichment evening sometime this year. 
 

Hey Mom!

Is there a Mom’s Group at your parish? If so, let us know. We would like to get a listing together of what parishes are offering mothers groups, as well as offer some collaboration by connecting the Mom’s Groups throughout the diocese. 

If you don’t have a Mom’s Group, and that seems a little daunting, don’t worry. There is an entire “force field” behind you, praying for you. There's also this great resource, Catholic Moms Group.  Contact our office and we'll help you get started! Email Terri Yohman

Parenting Tip

The new year is a time for all of us to reflect on the past and see if positive changes are needed in our lives. Are there changes you would like to see in your family - more time spent together, a greater number of meals shared as a family, increased sharing of events in each others lives, or an increase in peaceful family time? Discuss what changes each family member would like to see and then write out an action plan - a how to - so you will accomplish one or two of your goals. Your children will learn how to set goals and action plans, while all of you will benefit from positive changes that will strengthen your relationship as a family. 

Saints Anne & Joachim Grandparents Workshop

Grandparents play a vital role in the faith lives of their families. Pope Francis directed us to pay attention to grandparents so, in Cleveland we are going to be doing just that. 

• 28 Mar, 9a-2p, Queen of Heaven Parish, Uniontown
• 30 Mar, 9a-2p, St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor 
• 4 Apr, 9a-2p, St. Albert the Great, N. Royalton 
• 6 April, 9a-2p, St. Clarence, N. Olmsted

International Catholic Grandparents Association

Did you know? There are over 60 chapters of the International Catholic Grandparents Association in the United States and zero in Ohio! I am confident that we have strong faith-filled grandparents in our diocese that will be more than happy to change that statistic! Read more 

Bereavement Ministry Collaboration

In October, our Office connected with the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey to train new leaders for our parishes. The training was offered via Zoom and the breakout rooms were a great opportunity for us to share our experience and skills. Our leaders gained a wealth of resources during 6-week training. The collaboration was so successful that our office was invited to host sessions in the next round of trainings.

Bereavement Ministers Retreat Day

The pandemic has brought with it new challenges for our facilitators and group leaders at the parish level. Fifty ministry leaders from across the diocese gathered at the Jesuit Retreat House for an Advent Retreat Day where we shared conversations about our Losses and Longings or Graces and Gains during the pandemic thus far. Participants heard from Catholic Charities counselors, Rachel Dollard and Stephanie Wilson, about best practices for bereavement ministry.