Parish Newsletter November 2024 | |
Message From Father Angi
As human beings, we have a tendency to avoid thinking, talking about, and planning for death. For many, death is their greatest fear. They fear much will be left behind not to mention the mysteriousness of death. We have so many amenities and conveniences and so much sheltering that we rarely encounter the natural phenomenon of death all around us, from the animal and plant kingdoms to the birth and death of galaxies and stars. Because of our anxieties and fears, we revert to avoidance and denial. It can be a tough and painful topic, especially if we’ve lost those close to us or faced grave illnesses ourselves or among loved ones. Conceptually, we know death is inevitable but that doesn’t make it easier to face. In ancient Rome, acknowledging death as an inescapable reality of human existence was seen as a means of promoting humility and wisdom. The Stoics of ancient Greece and Rome encouraged people to contemplate their mortality, because they believed that doing so would lead to a more virtuous and meaningful life.
The month of November in the Church seems to be a month of remembering the dead as All Souls Day is celebrated on November 2nd. Guardian Angels remembers the deceased over the past year at the 7 pm Mass on All Saints Day, St. John Fisher remembers on Sunday, November 3rd at the 11 am Mass, and Immaculate Heart of Mary remembers in a special Mass on Wednesday, November 6th as November 2nd in 2024 is a Saturday. We remember as a family of parishes all those who have gone before us this past year and pray for them and their family and friends who have been grieved by their passing.
Sincerely,
Fr. Steve
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Join Us In Funding Future Angels This Giving Tuesday
Guardian Angels is Family. We, as parishioners of Guardian Angels Parish, grow together through the community that is unique only to GA. This community is deeply committed to growing our legacy through the next generation of Catholics devoted to living their faith. One way we do this is through our parish’s largest ministry, Guardian Angels School.
Our school has provided our Angels a magnificent place to grow for more than 120 years. Students leave our school with a strong Catholic core and are ready to compete with the top learners in a competitive academic world. Every year, we strive to provide a top-notch education for all of our families.
Guardian Angels is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students to flourish. We are determined to continue Funding Future Angels. Our plan to accomplish this in the coming years includes enhancing our STEM makerspace and making improvements to our school campus and facilities.
We are asking for your help to make these projects happen. This will be our school’s single largest fundraiser for the year.
Consider supporting Guardian Angels School on Giving Tuesday!
Giving Tuesday is the week after Thanksgiving; it’s a movement to encourage people to give back to their own community. This year, we hope you give back to our Guardian Angels community as we participate in this Giving Tuesday Campaign on December 3rd.
Be on the lookout for an email on December 3rd with a specific link to donate to this one-day fundraising campaign. Donations made on December 3rd, through our online platform, will not be assessed by the Archdiocese, meaning your entire donation stays with Guardian Angels. Offline donations (cash or checks) or donations made on a different day are not included in this assessment waiver.
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Together Sunday is November 24th
This year, we as a family of parishes, are going to make a special effort to invite Catholics who do not attend church regularly to come back to Mass.
We have designated Sunday, November 24, the Solemnity of Our Lord
Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, as Together Sunday. Personally invite back to Mass, pray for that person, and then invite him or her to join us for Mass on Sunday, November 24th.
We will have donuts and coffee after certain Masses for Together Sunday. Carve a little extra time into your Mass schedule to mix and mingle with fellow parishioners!
- GA after the 8 am and 10 am Mass (moved from the Third Sunday of the month)
- IHM after the 9:30 am Mass
- SJF after the 9 am and 11 am Mass
Did you know?
A common reason many Catholic stop going to Mass is they felt like attending church did not matter. You probably have a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker who fits this description. He or she may live a busy life and other activities just take a higher priority. Share with one Catholic the reason you go to Mass every week and invite that person back to Mass on Sunday, November 24th, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Worship is better together, and a simple invitation could be life-changing.
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Cemetery Upgrades
In an effort to continue to improve our cemetery, we have added two new columbaria, which are now ready for purchase.
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Help Wanted for “Help Your Neighbor Day”
We need volunteers to help our neighbors who need our assistance for our annual “Help Your Neighbor Day”.
On Sunday afternoon on November 10th, members of St. Gregory the Great’s three churches will gather to be assigned the yard of an elderly or disabled neighbor who needs help with exterior clean-up before winter. Volunteers can be of all ages: adults, families, students, fathers, mothers, and grandparents.
Under the sponsorship of American Landscape and outreach teams from St. John Fisher, Guardian Angels, and Immaculate Heart of Mary, volunteers will spend the afternoon doing yard work for a neighbor in need. We need your help and don’t worry: the Bengals play on Thursday night that week!
Please email Lauri Zahumensky at mamazahu1@gmail.com to volunteer and/or recommend a neighbor’s yard.
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8th Grade Fundraiser Poinsettia Sale
Don't forget to order your holiday poinsettias! 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 10 inch poinsettias are available. Order here.
Orders are due Tuesday, November 21st.
Orders can be picked up Friday, December 6th, or delivery can be arranged for a donation.
Aubrey Badell at groveraubrey@hotmail.com with questions.
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Veterans Day Prayer Service | |
GA Angels for Life Nativity Scene Raffle
Keeping the tradition of Christ in Christmas, the Guardian Angels for Life will raffle a beautiful Fontanini Nativity scene valued at $327.00.
Fill out the form to make a secure donation and get your name in the pot for the raffle (your donation can be any amount). You can also stop by GA’s
Rectory and fill out a form.
The set will be on display after the Sunday masses at GA the weekend of November 16th and 17th. Proceeds go to life-affirming groups: GA St. Vincent de Paul, GA Peanut Butter Ministry, Mater Filius, Cincinnati Right to Life, and Sacred Heart Radio.
Please submit your entry and donation by Sunday, December 1st. Father King will draw the winner on December 2nd.
Thank you and God bless you for your continued support of our respect life projects.
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Knights of Columbus Scholarship Application for 8th Graders
This Knights of Columbus Scholarship is for students currently in the 8th Grade and entering Grade 9 at a Catholic High School for the 2025-2026 school year. One scholarship recipient will receive a $500 check made payable to a Catholic High School on behalf of the student to be applied to the student’s high school tuition. This application must be completed by the student and represent the student’s qualities and accomplishments. All applications must be emailed to ram8607@yahoo.com, subject line: KofC High School Scholarship by November 22nd, or turned into the GA or IHM School Office. For more information, click here.
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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!
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Great news for anyone who pays Ohio income tax and supports Guardian Angels
We have many students at Guardian Angels who benefit from scholarships provided by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF). Ohio taxpayers who donate to the CEF may be able to claim a dollar-for-dollar, non-refundable tax credit on their state income tax return, up to $750 per donor. For more information, click here.
We hope you consider a donation before the end of the year and choose "Guardian Angels School (Cincinnati)(C00160)" from the drop-down when prompted.
Parishioner and tax expert, Brien Dulle, is donating. Here's what he had to say. "Supporting the CEF is a no-brainer for me for two reasons. As a graduate of GA that is also sending my daughters to the school, I want to invest in the education that our children receive. Secondly, there's no extra money out of pocket since I can claim a dollar-for-dollar Ohio tax credit."
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Help Us Communication with You!
The St. Gregory the Great Newsletter will begin in November and will include the Beacons of Light Annual Planning report for St. Gregory the Great along with each parish's financial report. Subscribe today through clicking this link!
The December newsletter will include a 25 days of Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar that you can do with your family.
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.
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GA Faith Formation Board is Seeking New Members
Our Faith Formation Board is seeking new members and also a new chairperson. The Faith Formation Board was formed in 2021 and helps plan and support parish events designed to form youth and adults in the Catholic faith more fully. The board also helps grow the parish community through outreach to former Catholics, non-Catholic Christians, and others interested in learning about life in the Catholic Church. We meet once a month throughout the year except in June and July. This is a great chance to get involved at Guardian Angels and meet other parishioners outside of Mass! If you’re interested in joining, have questions, or want more information, contact Lisa Myers at (513) 325-4571 or Kevin Carter at (703) 981-6591.
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Adult Help Wanted – for “Youthful” Volunteer Opportunities
Middle School Youth Ministry
We are re-launching the Middle School Youth Ministry programs with two groups: a 5th & 6th grade group and a 7th & 8th grade group. We need adults who have a passion for developing the faith and fellowship lives of these young people in a fun, supportive, and nurturing environment. We’re hoping to hold two meetings each month for each group.
High School Youth Ministry Leadership Team
We are looking to add to the current High School Youth Ministry leadership team. Alison Richert is the current Lead Coordinator for the HS Youth Ministry. For SafeParish reasons, and because the kids would benefit from a second “regular” minister, we’re looking for another “youthful” person who would enjoy partnering with her weekly. Ideally, we’re looking for a male so that any immediate personal issues can be handled appropriately. You can be someone who “just shows up ready to help” each week, or you can get involved in planning the weekly sessions.
Core Team Volunteers
If you’re looking for a more flexible option, we are also forming a Core Team for the Middle School and High School Youth Ministry groups. These teams will help advise on the structure of the program, as well as be available to assist from time to time with chaperoning events, leading activities, helping with marketing, etc.
If this sounds like something God may be calling you to, please reach out to Steve Von Hoene, the Associate Director of Youth Evangelization at stevevh@sggparish.org.
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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.
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St. Gregory the Great Youth Group Friendsgiving | |
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.
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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.
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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.
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Volunteer Healthcare Professionals Needed | |
High School Youth Group
When: Mondays from 6:30-8:30 pm.
What: "Question Everything"
Where: IHM Youth Room (7826 Beechmont Ave.)
Why: A chance for students in grades 9-12 to play games, discuss various topics, and grow in faith and fellowship.
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Young Men's Faith and Fellowship | |
Young Women's Faith and Fellowship
When: 2nd and 4th Wednesday every month from 8-9 pm.
from 8:00-9:00 pm. Upcoming dates are 11/13, and 12/11.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Upcoming Admissions Events
Guardian Angels school will offer multiple Informational Coffee Sessions with our principal, Corey Stoops. These small group sessions create the opportunity for those interested in Guardian Angels to meet our principal, have their questions answered on a personal level, and see the school in action! These are for anyone considering enrolling their child(ren) in kindergarten through eighth grade for the 2025-2026 school year. Please RSVP through the appropriate link below and share it with anyone who is interested in learning more about Guardian Angels School.
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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. | |
Preschool Open House
A Preschool Open House will be held Monday, November 11th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This event is specifically for anyone considering enrolling their child(ren) in the preschool and/or pre-k program for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP through the link below.
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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!
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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:
- click on sign-up
- Choose I belong to a Parish or Organization
- Search Guardian Angels Parish (make sure you select the one on Beechmont in Cincinnati)
- 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.
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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.
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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 Scott Franz or call/text her at 614-915-4118
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.
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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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