SACRED HEART WADSWORTH, OH

“FOR THE SAKE OF HIS SORROWFUL PASSION, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE

WORLD.” So we pray in the Chaplet of Divine Mercy because we and the whole world need to be more

aware of the mercy and love of God that is poured out on all of us.

Today is the Feast of Divine Mercy as proclaimed by Pope John Paul II when he canonized St. Faustina

several years ago. How fitting that the Church has given us so great a feast to celebrate a week after

Easter Sunday. This of course, was not just the idea of the Pope or any human being, but it is what Jesus

asked St. Faustina to pray for and to urge others to pray for; a Feast of Divine Mercy to be celebrated by the whole world.

It is very important that we celebrate this feast because the mercy of God is at the heart of the Gospel. This is why God became

man, suffered, died on the cross, and rose from the dead, so that we might know the great love and mercy of God. How sad that so

many in the world do not know of the mercy of God. If we believe in what we celebrated last Sunday, then we must believe in

God’s love and mercy. If we believe in His Divine Mercy, then we must seek that mercy and proclaim it to all we meet.

Mercy is not always easy for us to believe in nor is it always easy to give to one who has hurt us. Mercy may indeed come easily to

God because He loves us so much. So, if we love more, we too, can forgive more easily the hurts that we endure in our lives. None

of us deserves God’s mercy. He bestows it on us because He loves us so much, so much that He willingly died a horrible death so

that we might have life; eternal life. Read what Pope Francis said of the Divine Mercy.

“Jesus invites us to behold His wounds, to touch them as Thomas did, to heal our lack of belief. Above all, he invites us to

enter into the mystery of these wounds, which is the mystery of his merciful love.

Through these wounds, as in a light-filled opening, we can see the entire mystery of Christ and of God: his Passion, his earthly

life – filled with compassion for the weak and the sick – his incarnation in the womb of Mary. And we can retrace the whole

history of salvation: the prophecies – especially about the Servant of the Lord, the Psalms, the Law and the Covenant; to the

liberation from Egypt, to the first Passover and to the blood of the slaughtered lambs; and again from the Patriarchs to

Abraham, and then all the way back to Abel, whose blood cried out from the earth. All of this we can see in the wounds of

Jesus, crucified and risen; with Mary, in her Magnificat, we can perceive that, “His mercy extends from generation to

generation” (cf. Lk 1:50).

Faced with the tragic events of human history we can feel crushed at times, asking ourselves, “Why?” Humanity’s evil can

appear in the world like an abyss, a great void: empty of love, empty of goodness, empty of life. And so we ask: how can we fill

this abyss? For us it is impossible; only God can fill this emptiness that evil brings to our hearts and to human history. It is

Jesus, God made man, who died on the Cross and who fills the abyss of sin with the depth of his mercy.

Saint Bernard, in one of his commentaries on the Canticle of Canticles (Sermon 61, 3-5: Opera Omnia, 2, 150-151), reflects

precisely on the mystery of the Lord’s wounds, using forceful and even bold expressions which we do well to repeat today. He

says that “through these sacred wounds we can see the secret of [Christ’s] heart, the great mystery of love, the sincerity of his

mercy with which he visited us from on high.”

Brothers and sisters, behold the way which God has opened for us to finally go out from our slavery to sin and death, and thus

enter into the land of life and peace. Jesus, crucified and risen, is the way and his wounds are especially full of mercy.”

Let us then celebrate this Feast of Divine Mercy by praying that we may be more aware of His love and mercy and that we might

be instruments of His love and mercy to others. I hope that everyone will continue to have an Easter Season filled with the peace

and joy of the Risen Lord.

Again, I thank all who made our celebration of Holy Week and Easter such a prayerful and beautiful experience for all of us. Holy

Week is such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and share our faith and at the same time renew that faith within ourselves. It

takes extra time and effort to participate in these special liturgies, but it is truly worth all the effort and we are all blessed many

times over because we are willing to give a little more of our time to be with God and truly focus our lives on Him who loves us so

much. Often people are deterred from coming to these liturgies because they are somewhat lengthy, but we have no problem

spending a couple hours at the movies or a sporting event without thinking twice about it. Sporting events and movies are very

entertaining, but they provide no real lasting effects in our lives nor do they deepen our love for God and others. So whenever we

are given these opportunities to spend more time with God and the Church we should always strive to be a little more generous

with our time. It will no doubt come back to us a hundredfold.

NEW MARY’S GARDENS AVAILABLE! Next week the order forms for the beautiful new Mary’s Garden will be in the bulletin. The new Mary’s Garden will feature a choice of a silk arrangement for a lovely indoor display or a Madonna planter with a live rosemary plant in a built-in container. Orders must be placed no later that May 8 with pick-up May 11, 12, 13. Please call Rona Veney, 330-416-5309 with questions.

Saturday, April 22 5:00 p.m. .............................................................. Elias Braidy ....................... [Jeff & Elianna Witschey & Family] Sunday, April 23, DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. .................................. Tom Palecek [Bob & Debbie] 9:30 a.m. ................................................................ Poor Souls 12:00 Noon .......................................................... For Our Parish Monday, April 24, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen 8:00 a.m. ......................... Ann Merzweiler [Hawkins Family] Tuesday, April 25, St. Mark, Evangelist 8:00 a.m. ................................. Vivian Brey [Hlavaty Family] Wednesday, April 26 8:00 a.m. ...................................... Walt Szeligo [Zito Family] 5:30 p.m. ............................. Freda Ogella [Family & Friends] Thursday, April 27 8:00 a.m. ................................... Kim Steward [Caroline Zito] 9:30 a.m. ................... William Adams [SHS Faculty & Staff] Friday, April 28, St. Peter Chanel; ........................................... ............................ St. Louis Grignion de Montfort 8:00 a.m. .................... Intentions of Bob Mlazovsky [Family] Saturday, April 29, St. Catherine of Siena 8:00 a.m. ..................................................... Special Intentions 5:00 p.m. .......................................................... For Our Parish Sunday, April 30, Third Sunday of Easter 8:00 a.m. ............... Ernest & Catherine Severson [Carol Ann] 9:30 a.m. .......................................... Joseph R. Holy [Family] 12:00 Noon .............................. Dale Boling [M/M David Houk]

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2017

SCRIPTURE READING REFLECTIONS OF THE WEEK

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

[WEEK OF APRIL 23, 2017]

Question for Adults: What could you do this week to help

strengthen the faith of someone who is faltering?

Question for Children: What could you do this week to encour-

age someone who is sad or discouraged?

“Prayer is the best armor we have, it is the key

which opens the heart of God.” -Padre Pio

WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT -- APRIL 16

Envelope Offertory (436 Envelopes) ................... $42,675

Online Giving Offertory (268 Givers)

Budget Offertory ...................................................... 34,000

Weekly Difference ................................................... $8,675

Actual YTD Offertory .......................................... $763,344

Budget YTD Offertory ........................................... 750,000

YTD Difference ..................................................... $13,344

SPECIALS Capital Improvement .................................................... $85

St. Vincent de Paul ...................................................... $408

Support Our School..................................................... $299

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of Community Pregnancy Center is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Executive Director. This servant-leader

believes in and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church and possesses both proven managerial experience and a ministerial heart. Organizational and problem-solving skills are essential, along with strength in public speaking, oral and written interpersonal communications, and computer proficiency. Interested applicants may email their letter of application, résumé and contact information for 3 references to info@communitypregnancycenter.org.

ATTENTION, LECTORS & THOSE WHO WOULD

LIKE TO BE LECTORS: An Evening

of Reflection for Lectors will be held on

Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the

church. There will be some time for re-

flection on the ministry of the lector, tips

for best practices, and an opportunity for

questions and answers. If you are current-

ly serving as a lector, or would like to

begin to do so, please plan on attend-

ing. For more information, contact Keith

Johnson at 330-336-7594 or keithljohnson21@gmail.com.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAY-

ERS the family and friends of Irene

Arnold, who died recently. May our

Lord grant her eternal rest in His

heavenly kingdom.

Readings for the Week of April 23, 2017 Monday Acts 4:23-31; Jn 3:1-8 Tuesday 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Mk 16:15-20 Wednesday Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21 Thursday Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36 Friday Acts 5:34-42; Jn 6:1-15 Saturday Acts 6:1-7; Jn 6:16-21 Sunday Acts 2:14, 22-33; 1 Pt 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) On the evening of that first week, even though the disciples had locked the doors of the place where they were for the fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood before them. “Peace be with you,” he said. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. It happened that one of the Twelve, Thomas, was absent when Jesus came. The other disciples kept telling him: “We have seen the Lord!” His answer was, “I will never believe it without probing the nailprints in his hands, without putting my finger in the nailmarks and my hand into his side. A week later, the disciples were once more in the room, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood before them. “Peace be with you,” he said; then, to Thomas: “Take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe!” Jn 20:19-20, 24-27

MASS SERVERS SCHEDULE Week of April 24

8:00 a.m. - Monday - Wednesday

- Owen Hauenstein, Mario Pace

5:30 p.m. - Wednesday ONLY

- Carson Bernard, Vincent DiPietro

8:00 a.m. - Thursday - Saturday

- Barrett Croskey, Ky’Sonna Won

Saturday, April 29

5:00 p.m. - TBA

- TBA

Sunday, April 30

8:00 a.m. - Jacob Fahey, Cole McNeill

- Matthew Paydo, Jack Schnelzer

9:30 a.m. - Tate McNeill, Claire McNeill

- Tommy Witschey, Amanda Witschey

12:00 Noon - Matthew Cannon, Nick Erb

- Jonathan Erb, Sam Hanna

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 29

5:00 p.m. - TBA

- TBA

Sunday, April 30

8:00 a.m. - Alan & Pat Beery, Bill & Jan Elliott

- Mike Krietemeyer

9:30 a.m. - Tom & Pam Eaton, Helen Klaas

- Jeff & Elianna Witschey

12:00 Noon - Madonna DiPietro, Lowell Knight

- Lori Nicolanti, Beth Sobnosky

- Suzanne Turner Altercare - Josh Heskamp/Patti Hunt

Liberty Residence II - Robert & Andrea Lindner

Magnolia - Jim & Linda Venner

Wadsworth Pointe - Zen Porchowsky

Coal Ridge Inn - Chris & Tricia Easton

LECTOR SCHEDULE Saturday, April 29

5:00 p.m. - TBA

Sunday, April 30

8:00 a.m. - Robert & Marija Gadzinski

9:30 a.m. - Teri Johenning, Madeline Schwab

12:00 Noon - Bill & Pat Reynolds

SHARE A CAN IF YOU CAN REQUEST

for our Food Pantry is for BOXED OR

CANNED POTATOES.

Drop-off dates are April

22/23. Containers are at

the doors of the church.

Thank you for helping to

provide for the needy in

our community!

MOTHER & DAUGHTER TEA – given by

The Altar & Rosary Society

(all ages, 4 and up)

Hats and gloves optional!

DATE/TIME: Sunday, April 30, 2 p.m.

PLACE: McMahon Hall

SPEAKER: Evelyna Nightingale of

Hower House

TOPIC: The historical approach to

having a proper tea, so

please bring your own teacup!

CHILDREN: Ages 4 through 8 will

have story time and craft

during speaker.

COST: $5 per person, Paid in Advance

Light tea faire will be served

Raffle items available!

(Make checks payable to the Altar & Rosary Society,

enclose check in envelope along with reservation form

[WHICH ARE AT THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH]

and drop into Offertory Basket or deliver to the Parish

Office.)

DEADLINE for reservations is April 23.

LATE reservations CANNOT be accepted.

LAST CALL FOR BLOOMING ACRES GIFT CARDS. It is almost time to start planting your beautiful garden! Please considering helping the children of our parish GROW in faith by purchas-ing gift cards to Blooming Acres Nursery. All proceeds benefit the 2017 Vacation Bible School: Hero Central, which will be held at Sacred Heart June 19-23. Orders are due TOMOR-ROW and will be available for pick-up after all Masses next week. Order forms can be found online at www.shofjesus.com.

VBS REGISTRATION UNDERWAY! It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it is Captain Shield and his sidekick Flame! Mark your calendars for Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God, our parish’s Vacation Bible School which will run June 19-23, 2017. This VBS flight will take kids on five days of awesome missions alongside some of

their favorite Bible heroes. Kids will spend each day creating crafty crafts, participating in spectacular science demonstrations, playing a role in heroic recreations and fantastic Bible stories while discovering THEIR strength in God! Grab your cape and be ready to defend the Church because at VBS we are about “truth, justice and Jesus’ way!” Registration forms are available on our parish website and at all church doors. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Annette Bernard at 330-336-3049.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Donut Sunday after 9:30 & Noon Masses, McMahon Hall

10:40 a.m. - PSR, school

5:00 p.m. - Adoration for Vocations, church

6:30 p.m. - HS Youth Group, Youth Room

MONDAY, APRIL 24

9:30 a.m. - Mission follow-up, Andes Room

1:00 p.m. - Prayer Shawl Ministry, Conry Room

3:30 p.m. - Jr. Legion

3:30 p.m. - SHS String Practice, Conry Room

6;30 p.m. - Bible Study, Andes Room

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

1:45 p.m. - SHS practice, McMahon Hall

6:30 p.m. - Bible Study, Andes Room

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

9:00 a.m. - Women’s Bible Study, church lower level

11:30 a.m. - Wadsworth AA Meeting, Andes Room

6:30 p.m. - HS Youth Group, Youth Room

6:30 p.m. - Men’s Bible Study, IHM

7:00 p.m. - Legion of Mary, Library

7:00 p.m. - Evening of Reflection for lectors, church

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

6:00 p.m. - Cub Scouts, McMahon Hall

7:00 p.m. - Adult Choir, church

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

SHS 7th grade play @ 2 & 7:00 p.m., McMahon Hall

6:30 p.m. - 1st Communion Movie Night, Youth Room

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

7:00 a.m. - Men’s Prayer Group, Andes Room

11:00 a.m. - Confessions until Noon, church

3:30 p.m. - Confessions until 4:30 p.m., church

6:00 p.m. - Confirmation Reception, McMahon Hall

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

10:40 a.m. - PSR, school

Noon - Mother-Daughter Tea,

McMahon Hall/kitchen/Andes Room 5:00 p.m. - Adoration for Vocations, church

6:30 p.m. - HS Youth Group, Youth Room

THE WINNER OF THE A & R RAFFLE WEEK OF

4-17-17 IS

MARY LOU KURLICH

ALL LITURGICAL MINISTERS! The new schedule for

May 29-October 1, 2017 will be run soon.

Please email shojscheduler@gmail.com

if you need to make any changes in your

current information. After May 1, no

changes will be possible and you will

need to find subs if you are scheduled.

Thank you for your understanding and

commitment to your ministry!

ALTAR & ROSARY MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL DUES $10

Please check here if you use the Online site.__________

Either way, please fill out the following information:

Name_________________________________________

Address_______________________________________

Phone________________Email____________________

Please check your areas of interest:

1. ____Call me for meetings

2. ____Help with special events

3. ____Funeral Meal preparation

4. ____Funeral Meal kitchen help

5. ____Baked goods, special events

6. ____Living Rosary

Place this form with your dues in the collection basket or

drop off at the Parish Office.

ADULT CONFIRMATION If you are an uncon-

firmed Catholic adult and would like to receive this sacrament, April 29, 2017, please call Deacon Roger,

330-472-2848 no later than

Wednesday, April 26. Please pro-vide your baptismal certificate.

LIVING ROSARY - Please join the Altar

& Rosary Society as we pray the Living

Rosary on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 7:00

p.m., in the church. Everyone is welcome

and encouraged to participate as we demon-

strate our love for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

WHEN: Saturday, May 6, 2017, 6-8:00 p.m.

WHAT: Boy Scout Troop 406 – 3rd Annual All-You-

Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser

(Take-Out Available)

WHY: To help offset Summer Camp Expenses

COST: Adult, $5; Kids ages 5-12, $3, Kids 0-4, FREE!

To purchase tickets or to make any donation, please

contact Ron Paydo at 330-416-7927.

BOY SCOUT PARISH

SPAGHETTI DINNER!