The Baptism of the Lord
January 11th, 2026 | | |
- Please stay for a bit after Sunday mass to take down the creche and trees. Your help is much appreciated!
- Parish Council meets Tuesday, January 13th at 6:30pm in the Rectory meeting room.
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The readings for this feast have an obvious focus, the baptism of Jesus. So it is that we have one of the famous songs of the suffering servant from the book of Isaiah in the first reading, reminding us that Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God, but is the chosen one to save the people from their sins and lead them home. Christ’s way of saving is also noted, that he will not come with brute force, but rather with kindness and healing.
The Psalm for the day brings us to the baptism of the Lord by speaking of the voice of God hovering over the waters, the voice that we hear about in Saint Matthew’s Gospel. The reading from Saint Paul is crucial for this feast, because it makes the Baptism of Jesus an extension of the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord - Jesus’ baptism means that all peoples will be welcomed into the kingdom of God. Saint Paul also shows us something that we might otherwise overlook: the life of Jesus cannot be separated into individual moments. The birth of Jesus is tied to his baptism, is tied to the good that he did in his ministry. And for those who claim Christ as our savior, his death is not separate from any of this - it is all one great act of love for us, an act we celebrate every time we gather for Mass. Liturgy.com
| | Read the latest issue of Diocese of Cleveland's online magazine HERE. | | | Click the button below ⬇️ and add your cell number. We will ONLY send important event updates or cancellations due to weather or emergencies. Thank you! | | Set up a mass by filling out the form on our website (click picture above and scroll to Mass Request), or call the rectory 216.696.1926 or send an email to office@stwendelincleveland.org with the month/day you prefer. | |  | |
Pray for the health of Jenny Weaver, Wayne Matlus, Linda Pacanosky, Dennis Vok, Denise Turner, Nancy Simala, Jane Hilf, Terry Chura, Red Rodio, Frank Novak, George Cummings, Steve Dabrowski, Larry Blasius, Roselyn Cowell, Fr. Kropac and for many special intentions for strength, mercy and healing.
Reply to this email to add a name or intention to our list.
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Year-End Giving
This season of giving is a perfect time to express your gratitude for the blessings in your life by making a year-end gift to our parish. As you plan your charitable contributions for 2025, please know that we gratefully accept gifts of cash and appreciated assets, such as stocks or bonds, and grants to our parish from donor-advised funds.
You can make a gift to our parish using your IRA
As Christian stewards, we are called to help make our Church a strong community of faith and a beacon of service to others. This includes supporting the financial needs of today while ensuring a stable foundation for the future. One way to contribute is through your IRA. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $108,000 directly from your IRA to your parish. This gift will not be taxable income and can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD). Looking ahead, you might also consider naming our parish as a beneficiary of your IRA. Click here for more details, consult your financial advisor or contact Mary Lou Ozimek at 216-696-6525 x4070.
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A Free Will-Writing Resource
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to make it easier for our community to create their Catholic legacy. Using this online tool, you can write a legal will for free and protect your blessings, while including the necessary language to create an eternal legacy gift in your plans. This resource takes 20 minutes or less and can be paired with an attorney for more complex estates. We invite you to visit www.catholiccommunity.org/freewill to write a free, legal will.
| | What can YOU do to help? Become a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, a Server or an Usher. Send an email to office@stwendelincleveland.org with your name and the ministry you're interested in helping with. The next sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are listed here: | ➡️ Join the Moriah House Meals Group that prepares a hot meal for the residents of the WSCC's Moriah House. On the 3rd Saturday of every month, meet up in the STW parking lot with prepared foods to deliver. You don't have to participate every month. To join this great service group, text or call Carol at 2164104068. |
Carmona Caravan, an Organization of Catholic Men and Women Dedicated to Assisting Persons With Intellectual Disabilities, is looking for more volunteers. Please click HERE for more information.
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Make a will. Make an impact rooted in faith!
August is National Make-A-Will Month, and there’s no better time to create or update your will. Catholic Community Foundation offers a free resource through FreeWill, a simple online tool that can help you plan ahead in about 20 minutes.
Your will reflects your values—caring for your loved ones and strengthening faith-based stewardship for generations to come.
Visit FreeWill.com/CatholicCommunity to put your faith into action.
| | | Listen to all things Catholic at AM 1260 The Rock here. Deepen your and your family’s faith, AM 1260 The Rock offers daily Mass, devotionals, apologetics, and much more. Don’t forget about AM 1260 The Rock’s own Wisdom From The Rock, where you can hear Daily Gospel Reflections from local priests and deacons, special interviews, and more. | |
Do you get a birthday card from Fr. Kropac in the mail? If not, we do not have your current information! Click here and update for us. | | |
Want to learn more about our parishioners? Check out the Parishioner Profile Book (blue 3 ring binder) in the back of the church and get copies of all of the stories printed so far.
Nominate yourself or a friend to be the next subject of Parishioner Profiles, just reply to this email with your suggestion.
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