Message From Father Angi

Wednesday, March 5 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent is a call to surrender, let go, and practice humility and repentance as we fully enter into our humanness. That’s what the ashes represent — the smudges on the foreheads of believers who have chosen to receive this sacred gift is an outward representation of an internal reality that we all know to be true but sometimes have a hard time believing. The true reality is that from dust we came and to dust we shall someday return.

The ashes on our foreheads though, all gray and smudged, remind us that while our sin separates us, we serve a compassionate God who is constantly calling us back to Himself. There is always the invitation to return Home to God in repentance, and as we receive our ashes and ask for that forgiveness, He is always faithful to freely give it. And it’s there, in the breaking, in the weeping and mourning and asking for mercy that we find our humanness. It’s there that we find God is with us.

Our God is a redeeming God. He is a God of reconciliation. He is a God of healing, wholeness, harmony, justice, forgiveness, and love. He loved us so much that He sacrificed His One and only Son, Jesus, to die a brutal death. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of that dawning reality, that slow walk toward Resurrection Sunday. Beauty instead of ashes isn’t a ‘maybe’ thing. It’s a for-sure thing. It’s a promise from God. As we receive the ashes on Ash Wednesday, we are reminded that Jesus fills in all of the gaps between our present pain and the eternal joy that awaits us.

Burning of Palms

The palms we receive on Palm Sunday are blessed and are therefore a sacramental. Sacramentals are holy objects (such as the palm or a blessed statue), actions (such as making the Sign of the Cross), and gestures (such as genuflecting to the Tabernacle) in the Catholic Church that are used to increase devotion and help people draw closer to God. They are meant to sanctify everyday life and circumstances. Sacramentals can help people call on God's blessing and serve the Lord. Catholics dispose of sacramentals by burning or burying them in a way that shows respect for their sacred purpose. The burning of palms is a Catholic tradition that takes place right before Lent. The palms are burned to create ashes that are used for Ash Wednesday. The ashes symbolize repentance and mortality.

Return your palms from last Palm Sunday to the Gathering Space the weekend of March 1 & 2. The palms will be burned on Tuesday, March 4 at 6 pm.

St. Gregory the Great Lenten Schedule

Ash Wednesday

7:30 am, 9:00 am and 7:00 pm- Guardian Angels

8:15 am, 12:00 pm, and 7:00 pm- IHM

12:00 pm and 6:15 pm- St. John Fisher

Stations of the Cross

Every Friday of Lent

7:00 pm- Guardian Angels

7:00 pm- IHM

Greeters and Gift Bearers for GA Liturgies

How can your family contribute to the success of our liturgies? We are need of 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 (kfroehlich@gaparish.org) or see an usher when you get to Mass. Thank you for volunteering to serve in these important ministries!

Fish Fry Events Begin March 7th

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.

A complimentary Kids Craft Corner and Face Painting will be available in the GA undercroft at all the Fish Fry events. Please note that children must be accompanied at all times.

Please see the parish website for details on the menu and a full list of activities.

Family Faith Formation for 2025 - 2026

After careful consideration of the family survey results and the updated Archdiocesan requirements, we are excited to share the details for the 2025-26 Saint Gregory the Great Faith Formation options.

Each option is offered as an opportunity for families to grow in faith together. We strive to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to life by exploring our faith through study of our Catholic core beliefs, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Scripture, Sacraments, Saints, Prayer, and through practical application activities based on these teachings.

Security Reminder for Evening Meetings

As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of our church and school campus, we kindly ask that anyone that hosts an evening meeting at Guardian Angels ensures that the premises are empty and the doors are closed tight before leaving. It is important to be mindful of our surroundings and take the necessary precautions. If you notice any unusual activity or have concerns about security, please report it immediately to the Parish office (513) 231-7440 or, if necessary, contact the non-emergency number at the Cincinnati Police Department (513) 765-1212.

Wheelchair Needed

Does anyone have a wheelchair at home that you no longer need? Would you like to donate it to GA? We would like to have one in the Gathering Space for use on occasion in the church and school. If you are interested in donating, please contact the Parish Office at (513) 231-7440.

Register Now for Vacation Bible School

Registration is now open for the St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes Vacation Bible School. Children who are entering Kindergarten through 4th grade are welcome to join. 

Monday, June 23 - Thursday, June 26

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm on IHM’s campus

Click here to register. Please register each child separately. Registrations after May 17th will incur a late fee.

Click here for online payment. For cash/check payment, please mail or drop off to the Guardian Angels rectory (6531 Beechmont Avenue). Make checks payable to Guardian Angels. 

See the flyer for more details. Hope you can join us—it is sure to be a fun and exciting time!

St. Gregory the Great 60+ Group

Please click here for the March Newsletter for the St. Gregory the Great 60+ Group. It contains a full list of March activities along with some of the upcoming April activities.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training FOR ADULTS | March 8th

The St. Gregory the Great Mental Wellness Ministry is excited to offer one of the premier training courses for adults who want to support youth with mental health challenges or substance use disorders -- or just want to increase their knowledge of these conditions and their impact on individuals, families, and the community. This is important training for all adults who interact with youth – including Teachers, School Staff, Parents, Grandparents…

Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA) is an essential training component for strengthening the skills required to reach out to children and adolescents who are struggling with mental health challenges or substance use disorders.

What the Youth Mental Health First Aid course covers:

• Identifying and responding to common signs and symptoms of youth mental illness (anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, etc.)
• Identifying and responding to signs and symptoms of substance abuse
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis
• How to connect youth with help
• Expanded content on trauma, addiction, and self-care; and the impact of social media and bullying

Youth MHFA Training

March 8th 2025, 9 am to 3:30 pm at Saint John Fisher (Resurrection Room)

(training offered free of charge, through a grant to Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio)

To register, click here or contact Kendall Keiser, kendallk@sggparish.org 

Mental Wellness Spiritual Support Groups for Adults

The support group started in January 2025 and is held on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Mondays, January 20th — April 14th 7 pm at SJF Nativity Rm

Wednesdays, January 22nd — April 16th 7 pm at IHM Parish Office Bernadin Rm

These adult groups will run every other week until Easter and you can join at any time. New sessions will begin in June.

Please register/RSVP with name, email address & group location (SJF or IHM) before attending via mwmsupportgroups@sggparish.org  or 513-388-4184



SGG Mental Wellness Spiritual Support Groups provide a safe and welcoming space to discuss various aspects of mental health, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, aging, memory challenges, and difficult life transitions. Whether you are facing a mental health challenge yourself or supporting a loved one on their journey, you’ll find understanding, resources, and a community ready to pray and walk beside you.

For questions or to learn more, contact:

Kendall Keiser, Director of Health Ministry 

513-388-4184

kendallk@sggparish.org

Spring Flower Sale

The Boy Scouts and the Guardian Angels 8th grade class of 2025 are selling 12-inch combo hanging baskets. Orders are due March 31st. Flowers will be available for pickup on Friday, April 25th from 3:00pm-7:00pm 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 checks can be dropped off at the church or school office.

Eucharistic Minister Training at IHM

We invite any member of the St Gregory the Great family of parishes who would like to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to attend a training program in the church on Thursday, March 27th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Those who attend will be commissioned at the end of the training session and will be able to begin serving as Ministers of the Eucharist right away. All current ministers are welcome to attend as a formation opportunity to grow in the love of the Eucharist, review procedures and be reminded of the incredible gift we share. Click here to access the Signup Genius or call the IHM parish office at 513-388-4466 to register.

St. Gregory the Great

Day of Service

The St. Gregory the Great Day of Service is on Saturday, March 15th. A major focus area involves packing personal hygiene kits for men’s and women’s area homeless shelters and packing food “power packs” for after school programs. We are seeking donations of food items and small travel sizes of shampoo, toothpaste, and other essential items. One of the most effective ways to secure products is to order these items in bulk quantities from Amazon. We have set up shopping lists that you can access via the QR codes. This allows you to make your donations and have them shipped directly to the IHM Welcome Center. We encourage anyone who is willing to donate to use the Amazon lists to save both time and money. Please direct any questions to Jim Moyer at jmoyer1@fuse.net or 513-300-3883.

From the Mountains to the Sea Luncheon

The IHM Social Action Commission is sponsoring the "From the Mountains to the Sea Luncheon" to celebrate our two twinning communities.

Sunday, April 6th, 2025, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Guardian Angels Parish Undercroft, 6531 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH

Ticket Price $35 per person or $175 for table of 8

Six Raffles:

·       1 week at Villa La Estancia Los Cabos, Mexico

·       5 days at beach house at Guacalito de La Isla, Tola, Nicaragua

·       Batting practice hosted by Brent Suter, 4 Reds tickets, & a parking pass

·       Two tote bags each with $100 gift card to Mitchell's Salon & Day Spa

·       International candy box

Click here to register for the luncheon or purchase raffle tickets online. To purchase with check, please make it payable to Immaculate Heart of Mary, earmark FTMTTS. Please mail or drop off at the IHM Parish Office by April 4th.

For more details, please see the flyer. For questions, contact Sue Keefe at 513-706-2789 or skkeefe37@gmail.com

Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Italy - October 2025

Join Fr. Aaron Hess on a once-in-a-lifetime Jubilee Year experience to Italy. 

• Celebrate daily Mass in some of the most beautiful churches in the world.
• Walk through the Holy Door in Rome.
• Receive a blessing from Pope Francis at the Wednesday General Audience.
• Visit the four major pilgrimage basilicas and experience Mass in the Catacombs.
• Visit Assisi, home to St. Francis and St. Clare. Tour the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
• Visit the medieval town of Siena and the hill town of Orvieto with its beautiful Duomo.
• This pilgrimage will be faith filled, educational and fun. There will be time for prayer and reflection.

Open to all St. Gregory the Great parishioners and their families.

Quality hotels in central locations, delicious Italian food and wine and free time for individual exploration. All breakfasts and seven dinners included.

Prices start at $3,995 with group airfare from Cincinnati available.

Contact Joy Roose with questions or if you are looking for a roommate at joyroose60@gmail.com or 513-205-0719. For details and to register, visit: https://tri.ps/HHkfk

Follow St. Gregory the Great on Social Media!

Get involved and stay up to date with all that is happening in our family of parishes!

St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes

@SGGParish

Help Us Communicate with You!

The St. Gregory the Great Newsletter began in November. Subscribe today through clicking this link!

The GA monthly newsletter will remain for the time being. The St. Gregory the Great email will be focused on news from the family level.

Adult Help Wanted – for “Youthful” Volunteer Opportunities

We are looking for adults that are interested in volunteering with teenagers. We would love a core group of 3-4 adults that would be willing to join our high schoolers at their weekly youth group meeting. If you are interested, please email Alison Richert at alisonr@sggparish.org

St. Gregory the Great High School Youth Group

The High School Youth Group meets on Sundays in the IHM Youth Room (7826 Beechmont Ave.). For a full listing of activities, click here for the Youth Ministry March Newsletter.

General questions, email: youth@gaparish.org

Follow St. Gregory the Great Youth Group on Social Media

Stay up to date with the St. Gregory the Great Youth Group on social media and join the mailing list.

Click here to register to receive youth ministry text messages or text "SGGYOUTHGROUP" TO 84576

Angels on Call is Here to Help

Do you know of someone in our parish experiencing a loss or hardship? Fellow GA parishioners are ready to lend a hand year-round with acts of service, meals or material items. Simply reach out to the email below. Please note, we will use discretion in all matters brought to our attention. GA is Family.

If you're interested in helping with Angels on Call, we'd love to hear from you. You can email us at aoc@gaparish.org.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held on the third Sunday of every month during 10 am Mass. This program is for kids ages 3-7. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering to help, please email alisonr@sggparish.org.

Young Men's Faith and Fellowship

Men in their 20s – 40s are invited to join the Young Men’s Faith & Fellowship group. We meet from 8:30 – 9:30 pm in Room B at Guardian Angels on the dates listed below. No religious background/experience is necessary and there is no preparation required. Each session is a stand-alone topic.

If you are interested in being added to our email distribution list, please email mensfaith@gaparish.org.

3/3/25 - Strengthen Your Prayer Life: Is Prayer Your Superpower?

Start of Knights of Columbus The Mission of the Family series: 

3/10/25 - The Catholic Family in a Post-Christian World

3/17/25 - Marriage: The Foundation of the Family

3/24/25 - The Gift of Children

4/7/25 - Healing in the Family

4/14/25 - Creating a Legacy of Faith

Young Women's Faith and Fellowship

When: 2nd and 4th Wednesday every month from 8-9 pm.

Where: Guardian Angels Catholic Church in the Room B

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 womensfaith@gaparish.org for more information.  

Fathers Team

Every Friday, GA Fathers meet at 6:05 am to discuss various topics of interest and importance to our roles as dads, husbands, and “brothers”. Each week is a different topic, with outside speakers occasionally. All GA fathers are invited to join in person in Room B (downstairs) or via Zoom. Contact us at GAfathersteam@gmail.com for the Zoom link and for any other info on the group.

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!