Parish Newsletter March 2019
Lenten Season Begins Next Week
Ash Wednesday is March 6th. Guardian Angels Parish will hold Masses for Ash Wednesday at 7:30am, 9:00am, and 7:15pm.

During Lent, we will also have Stations of the Cross every Friday night in the church beginning at 7:00pm.
Urgent Financial Report from the Stewardship Committee
Guardian Angels’ fiscal year began July 1st, 2018. As of February 19, 2019, the cumulative offertory collection is at $836,438, which is significantly down (-$33,556) from this time last year, and even further behind the projected higher costs of this year’s operational budget. Offertory contributions provide more than 70% of the parish’s total income, and are essential to support our fundamental Catholic ministries, to provide religious education to our non-school families, to maintain the buildings and grounds, and to pay the modest salaries for our staff. Over the past decade, the annual offertory collection has remained remarkably constant at ~$1.4M (+/- 5%), while operational costs have risen considerably. Despite frugal and conscientious spending decisions recommended by the Finance and Operations Committee and the Business Manager, and then approved by our Parish Pastoral Council, we have finally reached a point where the trending budget deficit will negatively impact our plans unless corrected immediately.

We also have several major projects that really shouldn’t be postponed any longer:
  • The stairwell outside the “Old Gym” is currently closed for safety concerns about its structural integrity: work estimate is $18,448.
  • The main entrance to the Sanctuary (outside front doors) is in considerable disrepair: work estimate is $61,915.
  • The pews and kneelers in the church need to be refurbished, and the rugs replaced: work estimate is ~$300,000.

To that end, we are asking all parishioners to prayerfully consider increasing your regular offertory commitment to our parish, and to also embrace the Lenten season as an opportunity to help us catch up on our immediate financial needs. Please give generously! 
Online Offertory Giving Now Available
Online Giving is now available for Guardian Angels parishioners as an easy and convenient way to save time and support the church. Donating is simple, safe, and completely secure. On the parish website, you can now set up a recurring weekly or monthly transaction using your checking, savings, or credit card account. You can decide how much to give to any collection and make changes any time, day or night.
If you would like to enroll in Online Giving, please visit the parish website .
If you have any questions or concerns about the program or would like help setting up your account, please email Jamie Wilmers or call her at 513-624-2200 .
Fish Fry Fridays Begin March 8th
Guardian Angels hosts a fish fry dinner every Friday during Lent in the undercroft from 5:00-7:30. There is no Fish Fry on Good Friday. Everyone is welcome!

There is plenty of food for families to eat-in or carry out. Fried and baked fish, shrimp, cheese pizza, mac-n-cheese, french fries,cole slaw, and baked goods.  Senior dining available for parishioners in Room B. There is also a craft corner for children. Children must be attended by an adult at all times.

Many volunteers are needed to help work the Fish Fry event s. If you are interested, please email Marianne Glassmeyer .

PTA is in charge of running the Bake Sale Table  at each Fish Fry. They are looking for people who will make/donate baked goods for the table. They also need volunteers to work the bake sales. You can sign-up to do either here . If you have any questions, contact Margaret Dunn .
The Lenten Soup and Speakers Series
The Lenten Soup and Speakers Series will be held on Tuesdays, March 12, 19, and 26 . Topics will be on Reflections of St. Joseph, Love in Suffering: Lessons from St Therese, and Faces of Passion. Supper begins at 6:00 pm and the presentation begins at 7:00 pm. A flyer is attached .
GA Boosters Offers Scholarship to 8th Graders for High School
Beginning this spring, the Guardian Angels Athletic Boosters will award two $1,500 non-renewable scholarships to help pay for tuition at a Catholic High School. The recipients will include one boy and one girl. For consideration applicants must be:
  • Enrolled at Guardian Angels School or in the CCD program at Guardian Angels Parish
  • Have participated in at least one athletic program sponsored by GA Boosters within the last two years
  • Registered at a Catholic high school for the 2019-2020 school year
You can find more information and an application form here .
Volunteer Training
If you are an adult wishing to volunteer with children, you must attend a VIRTUS child protection training class in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and have an online background check submitted through their system. The next VIRTUS training session at Guardian Angels will be offered in the Undercroft on Monday, March 4th from 6:00-9:00pm. Anyone wishing to attend should first email safeenvironment@gaparish.org for a background check token, and then visit virtus.org to pre-register for this session. Registrations are locked 24 hours prior to the start of class, and no additional registrations or walk-in attendees will be accepted. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to attend and once the session begins, no one will be permitted to enter, per Archdiocesan policy.
40 Days for Life
Over the past years Guardian Angels parish has volunteered to cover two of the 40 Days for Life event where we have someone continually praying from 7:00am to 7:00pm at Planned Parenthood’s abortion facility. Many of our working parishioners try to cover our early and late hours and those available during the day fill the hours in between.
 
Please consider joining us as many of our “regulars” can no longer participate mainly for health reasons. Sign up at   40daysforlife.com/cincinnati   or on the bulletin boards in the gathering space.  The GA dates are Wednesday, March 6th and Wednesday, April 10th . Questions? Problems signing up? Contact  Luann Rowekamp A flyer for the campaign is attached
Bid-N-Buy Needs You!
Guardian Angels is so lucky to have the support of great parishioners like you! Please consider donating to AngelsFest Bid-N-Buy.  You can send your donations to the rectory, school office, or the Religious Education office.
Some Basket Bonanza ideas we are working on include:
  • We Hope You Win a LOTTO! (lottery tickets)
  • We’ve Got Spirit,How ‘Bout You? (high school or college accessories, apparel, sporting event tickets, etc)
  • In My SPARE Time (bowling)
  • You’ve Got a PIZZA My Heart (pizza restaurant gift cards, at home pizza making items.)
We will also happily accept any ready-made baskets and gift cards.

We've also created an Amazon Wish List with some of the items we'd like to place in themed baskets. You can   view that list here . If you purchase from the Amazon list, you can choose to have the items sent directly to the rectory. Please include your name in the note section so we know who donated the item and can send you a receipt for the gift.

If you would like to join the planning committee or have any questions, contact Kay Froehlich. We could use additional help picking up donated items from area businesses. Thank you for your support!
Save the Dates
Guardian Angels Follies: Hooray for Folliewood
GA Follies presents  Hooray for Folliewood   April 26, 27, 28, May 3, and 4  . This will be the group's 56th production! More information about the upcoming show and tickets sales will be available soon.

Guardian Angels Follies is a Parish Service Organization that has been dedicated to raising funds for the Guardian Angels Church and School for 56 years. Funds raised have helped bring to life projects such as the Science Lab, Parish Center, student scholarship fund, steeple lighting and many more. If you would like to read more about becoming a patron/donor for the event, click here . A ticket order form can be found here . Donations can be also made and tickets can also be purchased through the Follies website .
Halo Hustle

Mark your calendars for the GA 5k - The Halo Hustle!  Our 12th annual 5k event will take place May 17th at 6:30pm and includes a run/walk, kids fun course, and a post-race party!
 
Join us for a scenic 5K Run/Walk through the neighborhoods of Mt. Washington with music and fans cheering you on along the way. Stay for the after-party and awards ceremony to enjoy live music by the Marshal Street Project, food trucks, beverages, and kids entertainment! Race registration includes a bib tag and a "swag bag" filled with goodies and one free drink ticket. All proceeds benefit Guardian Angels School.
 
New for 2019:
  • Refer a Friend! If you refer at least 3 friends, you will receive $10 back on your registration!
  • Start or join a team! Do you have a student at GA? Join his/her homeroom team so the class can win a pizza party! 
  • Post-Race Party Only! Not into 5Ks? No problem! You can still support the school and join the party, Don't miss out on the live music, great food, and mingling with your friends.

Registration is $25; kids 12 and under get $10 off. Add on a t-shirt for $10. Online registration will be available soon.

If you are interested in sponsoring the Halo Hustle, please email  Nicole Schneider  or  Christine Ackerman .
AngelsFest is June 7-9
Our annual parish festival will be held June 7, 8, and 9 . AngelsFest is the parish's largest fundraising event of the year! You will find plenty of great food and drinks, rides, and games for adults and children of all ages. We will also have live entertainment all weekend long!
Festival Schedule:
Friday: 7:00pm-12:00am
   Live Entertainment: Vintage Gear
Saturday: 6:00pm-12:00am
   Live Entertainment: Marshall Street Project 
Sunday: 4:00pm-9:00pm
   Live Entertainment: The Sly Band
We will also have a golf ball drop from the football field on Sunday.

More information about volunteer opportunities and donation needs will be communicated in the coming months.
Family Mission Trip - June 13-16
Guardian Angels Parish is gearing up for its 5th annual Family Mission Trip to Frenchburg, KY on June 13-16. This family-friendly mission trip will include service projects for all ages and skill levels. Projects may include construction, landscaping, painting, crafting, food preparation, and visiting the sick or elderly. See the Family Mission Trip Flyer for more information.

Registration deadline is May 1. You can register here .

Questions? Please email Anne Jones .
Roar Into Vacation Bible School
Life is wild for kids – full of ups and downs and twists and turns. At ROAR VBS, kids will deepen their friendship with a mighty, loving and good God who empowers them to boldly face life’s challenges.
 
Bible Camp runs from Monday, June 17th through Thursday, June 20th , 9:00am until 12:00pm each day.
 
Children ages 5-8, (incoming kindergarten through incoming 3rd grade) are welcome to attend.
 
The cost for GA Bible Camp is $45 per camper. Included in this fee is a GA bible camp t-shirt, snacks and crafts! We will have music, story time and games all week long.
 
The Registration Form and Archdiocese Release Form may be found on the Religious Education page of the parish website . A separate registration form and release form must be completed for each child.
Camp GAudeo is June 24-28
Registration is now open for Camp GAudeo, a summer ministry for students currently in grades 5-8. Camp will be held June 24-28 at Guardian Angels, and includes a ton of fun activities for the youth of our parish. This year’s camp will include roller skating, field day activities, Coney Island, service projects, and a trip to Run Jump-N-Play. The Camp GAudeo page on the parish website hosts registration, additional event information, and applications for potential high school and adult volunteers. Contact Youth Ministry at youth@gaparish.org with additional questions.  
News From Guardian Angels School
Come Learn More About Our School
Anyone interested in learning more about Guardian Angels School is welcome to call and schedule a personal tour. You will meet with our administration to discuss the classes and programs available through GA and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. These are typically done during school hours so you can see what a typical day is like for students.Call the school office at (513)624-3141 to schedule a tour. 
Have News to Share?
If you are part of a parish organization and have news you would like to share with our community, please email Tiffany Strah. To be included in next month's newsletter, your information must be received by the last Monday of this month.