Parish Newsletter March 2024

Message From Father Angi


Our First Reading today depicts the Ten Commandments. Some have said we don’t hear about the ten commandments anymore. The Ten Commandments are not a way to get to heaven. They are not even the center of our faith. Instead, Jesus is both the way to heaven and the center of our faith. Nevertheless, the Ten Commandments are understood to be of great significance for us.


Being a Catholic Christian is a bit like getting married. When the vows are taken, promises are made. There is a shape to the married life. There are guidelines, which are absolutely essential if marriage is to succeed. Thus, when one marries a wife or a husband, there is a promise to forsake all others, a promise to be faithful to the spouse, and to do this until death do us part.


What is central to a marriage is one's spouse. The rules enable the relationship, but they can never replace it. Likewise being a Catholic Christian has to do with a personal relationship with God, a relationship which occurs when a person trusts Jesus When this happens a new life begins, and this life has a concrete shape. This shape is congruent to a life which is shaped by obedience to the Ten Commandments.



The life shaped by Jesus Christ is also marked by love, repentance, hope. A life not shaped by this obedience cannot be a life where faith, hope and love are flourishing. To run afoul of the Ten Commandments is to live a life which is not centered on Jesus Christ. The Ten Commandments are like reflectors on a highway. They warn us of danger. They warn us when our life with God is headed in the wrong direction. They warn us when our life with God is moving toward danger.



The Ten Commandments touch on two relationships. They tell us of our relationship with God and with our neighbor. The Ten Commandments do not tell us how to love God or how to love our neighbor. They do warn us when we are moving in the opposite direction and away from love of God and neighbor. We are challenged to live out the Ten Commandments daily. 


Sincerely,


Fr. Steve

Honoring Our Past & Investing in Our Future


We officially launched our capital campaign to provide our Church with many necessary updates so that it can continue to be a place for our parish families to come together in faith, prayer, and love. In order to make the proposed improvements, we need to raise $1.5 million. For more information on the campaign and proposed renovations, click here.


We hope you will prayerfully consider donating to our Capital Campaign and Honoring Our Past and Investing in Our Future. 

Summer Mass Plans


Due to renovations to Guardian Angels Church this summer, the Church will be closed for Mass. We will be celebrating Mass in the Undercroft beginning June 8th.

Guardian Angels Parish Easter Egg Hunt

EdChoice Expansion Scholarship Program


It’s an exciting time for Ohio’s Catholic schools as we expect to open our doors to more families in our communities thanks to the expansion of EdChoice. 

 

Every K-12 student in Ohio is eligible for the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship program, including every current and future student at Guardian Angels. Annual scholarship awards are based on household income with amounts up to $6,166 for Grades K-8. Once enrolled, EdChoice Expansion Scholarship funds can be renewed each year through Grade 12. 

 

Families can email [email protected] to learn more about the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship program for their child(ren). Parents also can visit CatholicBestChoice.org to calculate scholarship eligibility and find answers to the most frequently asked questions. 



We’re proud of our offerings and achievements at Guardian Angels and are excited at the prospect of welcoming new families in the school year ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Student enrollment is now open for the 2024-2025 school year, and we invite all families in our parish community to learn more and tour the school.

St. Gregory the Great Holy Week Schedule


Stations of the Cross

Every Friday of Lent

7:00 pm- GA

7:00 pm- IHM

6:30 pm- SJF


Holy Thursday

7:30 am- Morning Prayer- GA

7:00 pm- Mass of the Lord's Supper- GA

8:00-9:00 pm- Adoration- GA

9:00 pm- Night Prayer- GA


Good Friday

7:30 am- Morning Prayer- GA

8:15 am- Morning Prayer- IHM

12:30 pm- Liturgy of the Lord's Passion

12:45 pm- Stations of the Cross- SJF

1:30 pm- Liturgy of the Lord's Passion- SJF

2:00 pm- Stations of the Cross- GA

7:00 pm- Stations of the Cross with Veneration- GA

7:00 pm- Liturgy of the Lord's Passion- IHM


Holy Saturday

8:00 am- Morning Prayer- GA

8:15 am- Morning Prayer- IHM

9:00 pm- Easter Vigil Mass- IHM


Easter Sunday

8:00 am- Mass- GA

9:00 am- Mass- SJF

9:30 am- Mass- IHM

10:00 am- Mass- GA

11:00 am- Mass- SJF

11:30 am- Mass- IHM

1:30 pm- Mass- IHM (En Espanol)

Visit Our Fish Fry!


We will hold a Fish Fry each Friday throughout Lent from 5:00-7:00pm with both drive-thru and dine-in options available. There is no Fish Fry on Good Friday.

 

Keep an eye on the parish website and our bulletins for more details.

Vacation Bible School June 17th-20th


The St. Gregory the Great Vacation Bible School is June 17th-20th from 9 am to 12 pm. for students entering kindergarten through 4th grade. Plunge Beneath

the Waves to Forge a Mighty Faith! Children will go on a thrilling underwater journey, where they can dive into the unceasing, boundless love of God. At Scuba VBS, kids will submerge themselves in the Scriptures and uncover the true essence of the living waters! For more information, click here.


Camp will be held at IHM due to renovations at Guardian Angels this summer. To register, please click here. To submit payment, please click here.

St. Gregory the Great Townhall Meetings


Third Town Hall Event

“Where Are We Going?”

 

On Monday evening, March 4th from 7-8:30 pm, the Saint Gregory the Great Pastoral Council will hold a townhall meeting to discuss the Pastoral Plan that was published in the bulletin on Sunday, February 25th. Participants in small-group, break-out sessions will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on ways to implement the Plan’s three goals. Members of the Pastoral Council will also take questions about the future direction of Saint Gregory the Great Family of Parishes.

 

Date: Monday, March 4th

Time: 7:00-8:30 pm

Location: Guardian Angels Church Undercroft


Fourth Town Hall Event

A recap of the three previous events

What: Fourth Townhall Meeting Sponsored by the SGtG Pastoral Council

When: Saturday morning, March 9, 2024; 9:00-11:00 am

Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary


Save the date. More detailed information to come in the weeks ahead.

Woodworker Needed


The Church Beautification Committee is looking for a woodworker who might be willing to volunteer to help with a couple of small projects in the church. If interested, please email the Committee at [email protected].

Bid-N-Buy


Our Bid-N-Buy silent auction will go live June 9th-12th. Our parishioners were so generous last year, and we are hopeful for your support again.

Here's how you can help!

  1. Check out the Amazon Wish List. Put your online shopping skills to good use! You can always donate an Amazon gift card in any amount, and we will use it towards our bigger items. Click here to view the list. 
  2. Gift cards are needed for entertainment, restaurants, and shopping.
  3. Donate lottery tickets in any amount.
  4. Do you have season tickets to local sports events? Can you spare a couple of tickets? We would love to offer tickets to the Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati, UC, XU, Ohio State, Notre Dame, UD, etc.
  5. Do you have an experience you can offer? Maybe a tour of your small business or you have a contact with someone at a restaurant, brewery, or factory?
  6. Send in a cash/check donation to the rectory. Please make your check out to Guardian Angels and mark your check as "Bid-N-Buy Donation." 

Guardian Angels Church

6531 Beechmont Ave

Cincinnati, OH 45230


The deadline for returning donations is June 1st, but sooner is better! 


Registration for online bidding will open on May 16th. 


Thank you for your generosity and support! 

Lenten Soup and Supper Speaker Series


Join us for our final Lent Soup and Supper Speaker on Wednesday, March 6th with Mr. John Leyendecker. Having encountered Jesus in the Eucharist, John became Catholic in 1999 after a very prodigal life. Working as a full-time youth minister for four years, seven years as a Team Director for FOCUS, and training people across the country in evangelization and discipleship has equipped John and made him even more passionate about the work of the New Evangelization. John joined the School of Faith team in July 2014 and currently, he and his wife, Lisa, reside in the Cincinnati area with their nine children.


Please sign up to bring an item if you can! A potluck dinner will begin at 6:30 pm followed by a speaker at 7:15 pm. Bring the whole family--babysitting will be provided!

GA St. Vincent de Paul Society St. Joseph's Table


In honor of St. Joseph's feast day, which is March 19th, we invite you to offer a family prayer to St. Joseph, and as a sign of gratitude for our blessings, provide an item for those who count on our generosity. Students may bring in their items from Monday, March 11th through Friday, March 15th.

 

Preschool and Pre-K: Facial Tissues

Kindergarten: Toothbrushes

1st Grade: Toothpaste

2nd Grade: Shampoo

3rd Grade: Liquid Dish Soap

4th Grade: Deodorant

5th Grade: Paper Towels

6th Grade: Cleaning Spray

7th Grade: Laundry Detergent

8th Grade: Deodorant

 

Click here for more information. 

St. Gregory's 60+ Group Newsletter


The St. Gregory the Great 60+ Group has many exciting events and activities coming up. To see their most-recent newsletter, click here.


St. Gregory's 60+ Saturday Evening Sock Hop

Dance the night away with friends at the Saturday Evening Sock Hop hosted by the St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes 60+ Group. Professional DJ, Patrick McCurdy, will spin oldies tunes and challenge us with Music Bingo! Retro dress is optional. For more details, click here.

Spring Flower Sale


The Boy Scouts and the 8th grade class of 2025 are selling 12-inch combo hanging baskets. Orders are due March 27th. Flowers will be available for pickup Friday, April 26th from 3:00-8:00pm in the GA Pavilion. Order online or fill out the attached order form and make a check payable to Troop 445. Paper order forms and check can be dropped off at the church or school office.

Greeters and Gift Bearers


How can your family contribute to the success of our liturgies? We need individuals, couples, and families to serve as greeters (stand at the Gathering Space doors and welcome Mass attendees to our parish) and gift bearers (bring up the bread, wine, and collection basket at the Offertory Procession during Mass). We need volunteers for all 3 of our weekend Masses. Signing up in advance allows the ushers to know who is volunteering and not have to scramble to find a family to bring up the gifts.


Sign up here, contact Kay Froehlich, or see an usher when you get to Mass. Thank you for volunteering to serve in these important ministries!

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is back at Guardian Angels Parish 10 a.m. Mass on the third Sunday of every month. This ministry relies on the support of volunteers to serve our parish. Two adults and 4 teenage volunteers are needed each month. To sign up, click here.

Eastside Catholic Youth Ministries

 

Eastside Catholic Youth Ministries (ECYM) is the group of ministries serving our Family of Parishes. There are a wide range of opportunities for students in grades 5-12, open to youth of all schools and faith backgrounds. Join us as we seek to have fun, enjoy fellowship, and grow as disciples.

 

If you would like information about upcoming opportunities, please contact [email protected].

Volunteer Healthcare Professionals Needed

Young Men's Faith and Fellowship


When: Upcoming meetings are every Monday 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, and 4/15 from 8-9 p.m.

Where: Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Room B in the undercroft or by zoom 

Age: 20s - 40s 

Join together in brotherhood with other men to grow in virtue and faith. This winter, we will be using a program called Happiness and the Meaning of Life from the World on Fire Institute. Contact the group at [email protected] to join our email distribution list, receive more information, or to join via Zoom.

Young Women's Faith and Fellowship


When: 3/27

 from 8:00-9:00 pm.

Where: Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Room B in the undercroft

Age: 20s - 40s

Join together with other women to expand your Catholic faith and build meaningful relationships as we dive into various faith studies from the Blessed is She, Rooted devotional. No prior knowledge or materials needed; come as you are! Contact the group at [email protected] for more information.  

Fathers Team

Each Friday, Fathers Team will be meeting for Fathers Team "Lite” which consists of a review and discussion of the upcoming Sunday's scripture readings. All GA fathers are invited to join either in person or via Zoom. Our meeting will start at 6:05 am Friday morning and last for one hour. Together we explore the readings and consider how the scripture's message can be applied to our daily lives. If you are holding back because you’re not an expert, join the crowd....neither are any of us! Join us in person in the Undercroft (Conference Room B), or by Zoom, this Friday at 6:05 am. Contact us at [email protected] for the zoom information, or to get on the GA Fathers Team email distribution.
Parish Reminders
Make Offertory Donations Online
Giving to Guardian Angels Parish has never been easier. Offertory donations can be made online. If you are interested in establishing a one-time or recurring gift through our online platform, just click the button below. Once you have an account setup, you can make any changes to your giving yourself through the website.
Make An Online Offertory Donation
8am & 10am Masses Streamed Each Sunday
The 8am and 10am Masses are livestreamed each Sunday and can be viewed on our YouTube channel and Facebook page live or they can be played back on either channel at a later time.
GA YouTube Channel
GA Facebook Page
School News

2024-2025 Enrollment


Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is open. You'll find all the information you need on the school website.


If you missed our Information Sessions but would still like to learn more about our school, we invite you to take a personal tour. A tour allows you to 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.

School Masses


Please join our school community in celebrating the Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the school year. All-school Masses are offered most Tuesdays for Kindergarten through 8th grade and are live-streamed to the Guardian Angels YouTube channel. Visitors are welcome to attend any school Mass, although seating is limited for all-school Masses.

Please include our school community in your daily prayers!

Other News
Learn More On FORMED.org
 
Did you know that all parishioners have access to a bevy of incredible Catholic content through Formed.org? Parishioners can use this platform to discover the many ebooks, audio resources, movies and Bible studies that are available on your phone, tablet, smart tv or computer.


If you are new to the website:
  1. click on sign-up
  2. Choose I belong to a Parish or Organization
  3. Search Guardian Angels Parish (make sure you select the one on Beechmont in Cincinnati)
  4. Then create your own account

This treasure trove of material is provided as a gift to you as a valued member of our Faith Family.

Stay Connected with GA on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with all things GA by following us on social media. 
Guardian Angels is active on several social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The links to our social media channels at the bottom of every parish newsletter.

Bulletin Advertising Available

Our bulletin publisher is looking for new advertisers and sponsors. Thanks to our sponsors, the bulletin is published weekly at no cost to our parish. Please consider purchasing an ad. Your ad and participation make the bulletin successful, and you attract customers! If interested, please email Sherry Montel or call/text her at 614 301-7444.


Advertisements and sponsorships can be purchased for a business, family, charity, in Honor or in Memory of a Loved One, or to support the church or a community service organization, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We appreciate your support.

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 the parish office. To be included in next month's newsletter, your information must be received by the last Monday of this month.
Guardian Angels Parish | 513.231.7440 | 6531 Beechmont Ave | gaparish.org
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