Columban

Lent 2020 Loveland, Ohio

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Learning, Living, Loving ... our Catholic Faith

Praying is not about the gifts, but about giving of ourselves

My mom and dad both recently celebrated their birthdays. Whenever I consider what to give them, I rarely choose to buy them things. As an alternative, I give them the gift of being with me. This is not because I think I am a snappy dresser with a witty personality. No, I offer them my company and my attentiveness, because that is what I believe they genuinely want to receive.

Rather than tangible knickknacks or gadgets, my parents prefer more intangible offerings. They value an investment of my time. To them, strengthening our relationship by experiencing moments together, is the more appreciated gift.

Similar to our earthly parents, I believe our heavenly Father has the same desire. There is no created item we can give to our Creator, who made everything. But we can offer God our triumphs and failures, our joys and sorrows, and our dreams and fears. We can hand over to God the very gift of ourselves, and we have the opportunity to do this whenever we pray.

In the simplest of terms, prayer is simply being with the Lord. It is accepting his invitation to become a part of our lives. It is unlocking our hearts and allowing the One who loves us, to come in and stay awhile. It is expanding our minds and permitting the One who thought us into existence, to be included in our thinking.

We could pray any day, and really should pray every day. However, the sad reality is that many of us are too distracted and not disciplined enough with our prayer habits. Yet since prayer is one of the three pillars of Lent, this particular season is the perfect occasion to strengthen our practice of doing so. If we do not pray on a regular basis, we could challenge ourselves over these upcoming forty days to pray daily, and choosing a consistent time of day (for example first thing in the morning, or on the drive to work, or at night before going to bed) will greatly increase our likelihood of succeeding. If we already pray often, we could strive to extend the length and depth of our experiences. In fact, Jesus provides us with a model for our prayer life. On Palm Sunday this Lent, we will hear from chapter 26 of Matthew’s Gospel when Jesus is talking to Peter, James and John, and requests for them to remain and keep watch with him for one hour. Regrettably, the apostles are unable to keep focused enough to complete this task. But the blueprint of what prayer can be, is still revealed in this passage. Christ was asking them back then, to stay awake physically and spiritually. Prayer is our answer today, of us being conscious and alert to our Lord. It is us being completely in the moment to open up our lives to God. This is not something we have to overthink, because it is about merely feeling the spirit of the Almighty. Although it should be noted that communication is enhanced, when I remember not to monopolize the conversation. So even though I enjoy talking a lot, perhaps I ought to learn to listen more. Actually, listening in silence is equally important in any interaction. As Jesus asked of his followers, just sit here with me, which can sometimes be what is welcomed the most. Referencing back to my parents, I realize their choice of me over some object, is because they want to connect with me better. With God, this also holds true. Our Creator seeks to strengthen the bond between us. One method to achieve this is with prayer. For the focus of praying is not about the asking and receiving of things, but rather it is about the sharing of everything about our lives and just being with our God. ~ Scott Mussari, Director of Faith Formation

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Pope Francis has proclaimed there are 3 words that should be on the door of every household: Please, Thank You and Sorry. Using these is the key to living well and living in peace inside and

outside the home.

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VBS Save the date!

VBS 2020 will be the week of July 13-17. Preschoolers -5th graders and volunteers

can register beginning in March! Hope you will join us!

St. Columban Boosters Fish Fry

There is nothing like fried fish in a church or school cafeteria! The Fish Fry is back and the smells

are free! The St. Columban Boosters are once again sponsoring the St. Columban Fish Fry every Friday (February 28—April 3) during Lent from 5:00—8:00 p.m. in the St. Columban cafeteria. Fried fish dinners, shrimp wraps, fish tacos, pizza, gourmet salad, and our famous award-winning salmon dinners! Don’t forget about our delicious French fries! The drive-thru will be open should you want to pick up dinner on your way home. This fundraiser helps pay for many Booster projects such as the rental of outside gym time, the up keep of the football field, 8th grade Athletic scholarships, the installation of the new gym floor, and the new logo chairs for the gym. Willing to help out? The Boosters are always looking for volunteers at the Fish Fry. Check the bulletin for the volunteer sign-up link.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday has always been a day to indulge and party before Lent begins with

40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. This day is called Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras or even Fat Tuesday. The custom in the Catholic Church was to abstain from eggs, meat, and dairy products. Shrove Tuesday was spent using up these products that were in the kitchen. Many families would make treats such as pancakes and desserts to enjoy before they began their Lenten fast. This cleansing of the food pantry was often taken further and “Spring Cleaning” became a popular activity at this time. Often, too, people would also want to clean their souls and would go to Reconciliation. St. Columban will celebrate this special day with a pancake supper on February 25th from 5:00—7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Fr. Larry and the staff will be cooking up pancakes, bacon, sausage, and desserts. We will have special toppings of blueberries, strawberries, and chocolate chips. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children or bring the whole family for $20.00. Stop by and enjoy all the pancakes you can eat and pick up some Mardi Gras beads and resources before Lent begins on Wednesday!

The Giving Tree ~ 2019 It was another amazing year for the Giving Tree thanks to all of you, the parishioners, at St. Columban. As a result of your amazing generosity, St. Columban was able to provide 15 agencies with a variety of gifts including clothing, toys, household items, personal care items, gift cards and much more. There were 1,134 individual tags and 45 tags for families on the tree. In addition, St. Columban School supported 55 families bringing the total number of tags to 1,234! It should be noted that these numbers do not represent the actual number of gifts. Because of the family tags, the fact that many tags were returned with multiple gifts attached, and the extra gifts that were dropped off, it is estimated that about 2,000 gifts were donated this Christmas season!

Your overwhelming generosity does not go unnoticed by the agencies served. They are all very grateful to the parish and have made it clear just how much of an impact the gifts have on their agencies and their clients. Your donations bring much joy at Christmas to so many individuals, families and children! Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus and their families who donated their time to make deliveries during the busy weeks before Christmas. And thanks to everyone who contributed to make the 2019 Giving Tree a tremendous success!

Stay in touch with your parish! Visit www.stcolumban.org for links to current

and past bulletins and newsletters, as well as all the latest news!

Pope Francis has proclaimed there are 3 words that should be on the door of every household: Please, Thank You and Sorry. Using these is the key to living well and living in peace inside and

outside the home.

2

VBS Save the date!

VBS 2020 will be the week of July 13-17. Preschoolers -5th graders and volunteers

can register beginning in March! Hope you will join us!

St. Columban Boosters Fish Fry

There is nothing like fried fish in a church or school cafeteria! The Fish Fry is back and the smells

are free! The St. Columban Boosters are once again sponsoring the St. Columban Fish Fry every Friday (February 28—April 3) during Lent from 5:00—8:00 p.m. in the St. Columban cafeteria. Fried fish dinners, shrimp wraps, fish tacos, pizza, gourmet salad, and our famous award-winning salmon dinners! Don’t forget about our delicious French fries! The drive-thru will be open should you want to pick up dinner on your way home. This fundraiser helps pay for many Booster projects such as the rental of outside gym time, the up keep of the football field, 8th grade Athletic scholarships, the installation of the new gym floor, and the new logo chairs for the gym. Willing to help out? The Boosters are always looking for volunteers at the Fish Fry. Check the bulletin for the volunteer sign-up link.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday has always been a day to indulge and party before Lent begins with

40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. This day is called Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras or even Fat Tuesday. The custom in the Catholic Church was to abstain from eggs, meat, and dairy products. Shrove Tuesday was spent using up these products that were in the kitchen. Many families would make treats such as pancakes and desserts to enjoy before they began their Lenten fast. This cleansing of the food pantry was often taken further and “Spring Cleaning” became a popular activity at this time. Often, too, people would also want to clean their souls and would go to Reconciliation. St. Columban will celebrate this special day with a pancake supper on February 25th from 5:00—7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Fr. Larry and the staff will be cooking up pancakes, bacon, sausage, and desserts. We will have special toppings of blueberries, strawberries, and chocolate chips. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children or bring the whole family for $20.00. Stop by and enjoy all the pancakes you can eat and pick up some Mardi Gras beads and resources before Lent begins on Wednesday!

The Giving Tree ~ 2019 It was another amazing year for the Giving Tree thanks to all of you, the parishioners, at St. Columban. As a result of your amazing generosity, St. Columban was able to provide 15 agencies with a variety of gifts including clothing, toys, household items, personal care items, gift cards and much more. There were 1,134 individual tags and 45 tags for families on the tree. In addition, St. Columban School supported 55 families bringing the total number of tags to 1,234! It should be noted that these numbers do not represent the actual number of gifts. Because of the family tags, the fact that many tags were returned with multiple gifts attached, and the extra gifts that were dropped off, it is estimated that about 2,000 gifts were donated this Christmas season!

Your overwhelming generosity does not go unnoticed by the agencies served. They are all very grateful to the parish and have made it clear just how much of an impact the gifts have on their agencies and their clients. Your donations bring much joy at Christmas to so many individuals, families and children! Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus and their families who donated their time to make deliveries during the busy weeks before Christmas. And thanks to everyone who contributed to make the 2019 Giving Tree a tremendous success!

Stay in touch with your parish! Visit www.stcolumban.org for links to current

and past bulletins and newsletters, as well as all the latest news!

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Lenten Reconciliation Service Tuesday, March 10th

7:00 p.m.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a way to experience the gift of God's boundless mercy. Not only does it free us from our sins, but it also challenges us to offer the same compassion and forgiveness to those who have sinned against us. Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. In confession, we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment during which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).—from the USCCB

All are invited to experience this sacrament of God’s mercy.

New GriefShare session begins March 3rd The GriefShare ministry is staffed by volunteers from our parish who are

trained to provide support to those who have lost a loved one and are feeling the effects of sorrow and grief. This 14-week program will be held each Tuesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning March 3 until May 26 at Magnolia Springs Senior Living (Four Seasons room), 767 Loveland-Miamiville Rd., Loveland, OH 45140.We welcome parishioners and non-parishioners to join our group. To register, visit www.griefshare.org, click “find a group”, enter 45140 and select St. Columban under “future groups”. For more information, contact Tim Crowley at 513-340-4844.

Trivia Night

Come join the hundreds that come out for Trivia Night and have a little fun this winter! Our next event is Saturday, March 28th in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the

game begins at 7:30 p.m. Test your knowledge and have FUN in a fast-paced, competitive setting! A local trivia company, popular at restaurants and bars around town, will lead the questioning and scoring. Form your own team of 6-10 or meet up with fellow parishioners to make a team. Your team just might win a fabulous prize!

The cost is $5 per person plus a non-perishable food item or household cleaning item for St. Vincent de Paul. Light appetizers will be provided. Bring your own beverages and additional snacks if you wish. Please RSVP to Cathy at cnagy@stcolumban.org. Babysitting will be provided for $10 per child until the limit is reached.

The Light is ON for You

Tuesday, March 24th 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

Is there someone you love who has stopped coming to Mass or feels separated from the Church? Join the Lord in inviting him or her back to church to experience the peace of people gathered in prayer. Are you reluctant to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or just find it difficult to get to a regularly scheduled confession time or penance service? Now is your chance to experience the reconciling peace of Christ through the grace of the sacrament. Across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Catholic churches will be open for prayer and confession on Tuesday, March 24, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Members of our Stephen Ministry will be available that evening to offer support for those who feel a need to talk. Our Stephen Ministers are lay people who provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our community who may be experiencing difficulties or just need someone to listen to them. Direct questions to Mary Beth Meyer in the Parish Office at 683-0105 or mbmeyer@stcolumban.org.

Mardi Gras Prayer God of all creation, on this day of celebration we ask your blessing. Remind us again that we live by faith and that our greatest power is in loving one another, friend and stranger. Show us again your justice, where the lowly are lifted high, the beggar is clothed in jewels, the hungry are filled and the small and weak sit in the place of honor. Join us at our feast on this last day of carnival. Laugh, dance, and sing with us for we celebrate life. Be our companion now and in the coming days of Lent. Nourish and strengthen our bodies and spirits as we walk together on this pilgrimage of prayer. May this celebration show us a glimpse of the joy of Easter and the promise of resurrection, when we will again sing Alleluia! (Note: the Mardi Gras colors are green for faith, gold for power, and purple for justice.)

Soup is on! Living Peace & Justice will be hosting a simple soup supper before the Holy Thursday liturgy on April 9th. Various homemade soups, bread and cheese will be served in the Parish Hall from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. All are invited to attend! We are in need of volunteers to prepare and bring a favorite soup in a crockpot, with ladle and label, to share. In the past we have enjoyed a variety of delicious soups and we look forward tho this event again this year. Call Marianne Hoekzema at 683-4409 to sign up to bring soup. A freewill offering will be collected throughout the evening to benefit Catholic Relief Services.

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Parenting Parables Promises to Keep: Are They Too Much for a Parent to Expect? In this wacky, uncertain, and haphazard world of parenting don’t you sometimes wish that our children’s lives could be more impacted by the sound parenting wisdom we wish they would heed. We learn early on, however, that no matter how good our inten-tions or persuasive powers, our children and teens frequently do “their own thing,” influ-

enced by peer pressure, social media, rapid-fire temptations, and the normal growth of an independent will. Understanding the many facets of child-teen development does not excuse a parent from exercising healthy mentoring, teaching, and discipline. At the risk of sounding too self-righteous and preachy, allow me to suggest ten promises I wish our children, teens, and grandchildren would keep. Promise you will seek to uncover your unique talents, and that you will share them generously with others. An undevel-oped talent is a wasted gift, and the greatest sin against humanity may be the selfish hoarding of a talent meant to be shared for the good and joy of others. As someone so aptly stated: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Promise you will always remember your roots. No matter where you journey or the acclaim you receive, your family, home, and community roots will always be a part of you. Today’s thoughts, words, and deeds were seeded by yesterday’s nour-ishing influences. Promise you will retain that greatest of all character traits – INTEGRITY. With integrity you can survive every possible ad-versity that befalls you. Without integrity no success can ever be fully satisfying. It should come as no surprise that you cannot have truly tested your integrity without the gift of COURAGE. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it so well: “Cowardice asks, ‘Is it safe?’ Experience asks, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks, ‘Is it popular?’ There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.” Promise that if you ever plan to marry you will look long and hard to find the right lifelong companion, lover, and friend. Few, if any, decisions or choices you will ever make are more important than this one. Finding the right partner will make your triumphs all the more exhilarating, and your disasters all the more bearable. Promise you will protect your body from the harmful effects of chemicals and behaviors that will damage it and place your life in harm’s way. You have been given only one body. Take good care of it. Promise you will choose your friends carefully. Their influence will greatly determine many of the ‘what,’ ‘why,’ ‘how,’ and ‘when’ decisions you will make with your life. A worthy, loyal, and virtuous friend will selflessly put your well-being first, even before their own. And remember, the same is expected of you in return. Promise you will remain tolerant of those persons different than yourself. Without tolerance the seeds of fear and distrust germinate like the cells of a cancer. George Bernard Shaw shared the belief of countless others when he stated: “All that is truly ill in society is founded on intolerance, while all of society’s improvements are founded on tolerance.” And even Anne Frank who was killed by intolerant fanatics could so forgivingly write in her diary, “I still believe that people are good at heart.” Promise you will preserve your sense of humor. In this oft times serious and sad world, there are people and circumstanc-es that will suck the joy right out of you. Humor remains the greatest weapon for self-preservation. Viktor Frankl, psychia-trist and World War II concentration camp survivor was fond of quoting the words of German philosopher, Friedrich Nie-tzsche: “He who has a why to live for can bear with any how.” Humor is the outgrowth of finding real meaning in our lives, or in Nietzsche’s words, “finding the ‘why.’ Promise you will always remain an active learner. No matter your age, status, wealth, or health, you can and must be a lifetime student. The daily search for knowledge is an invigorating exercise that will condition you to find truth and grow in wisdom. Your credibility will be tested often by the knowledge, truths, and wisdom you possess. Above all else, Promise you will always remember that there is and always will be a wiser, stronger, more powerful and infinitely loving Being responsible for giving you life, joy, and purpose. He knows and loves you better than you could ever possibly know or love yourself. He will remain your most trusted, faithful, and lifelong companion and friend. Always find comfort in knowing that “If God is for us (you), who can be against us (you)?” Romans 8:31

~ Dr. Jerry Sasson: educator, psychologist,

deacon, parent, grandparent, and friend.

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To Fast or to Feast Lenten Calendar ~ 2020 Each day, fast or feast to help grow in

God’s mercy and love! Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

25 February Shrove Tuesday 5:00-7:00 p.m. Feast on pancakes!

26 Ash Wednesday Fast all day AND from meat.

27 Feast on seeing the best in people.

28 1St Fish Fry 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross (7 p.m.)

Fast from meat!

29 Fast from judging others.

1 March 1st week of Lent Focus on: Giving thanks

2 Fast from condemning diversity and disrespect.

3 Feast on recognizing the sacred in all life.

4 Fast from thoughts of illness.

5 Feast on the healing power of God.

6 Fish Fry 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross (7 p.m.)

Fast from bad words that destroy and pollute.

7 1st Communion Parent/Child retreat 9:00 a.m. -Noon Feast on kind words.

8 2nd week of Lent Focus on: Abstinence

9 Fast from discontent or jealousy.

10 Reconciliation Service 7:00 p.m. Feast on gratitude.

11 Fast from misplaced and unchecked anger.

12 Passion Play 8:30 a.m. Feast on limitless patience.

13 Fish Fry 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross (7 p.m.)

Fast from worry.

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Confirmation for 8th graders Feast on trust.

15 3rd week of Lent Focus on: Charity

16 Fast from complaining

17 Feast on appreciating.

18 Passion Play 7:00 p.m. Fast from negatives.

19 Feast on affirming others.

20 Fish Fry 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross (7 p.m.)

Fast from hostility.

21 Feast on kindness.

22 4th week of Lent Focus on: Prayer

23 Fast from selfishness.

24 “The Light is on for You” 7:00—9:00 p.m. Feast on compassion for others.

25 Fast from gossip that tears down.

26 Feast on praise that builds up.

27 Fish Fry 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross (7 p.m.)

Fast from bitterness that begrudges.

28 Feast on forgiveness that reconciles.

29 5th week of Lent Focus on: Forgiveness

30 Fast from problems that overwhelm.

31 Feast on prayer that enables.

1 April Fast from thoughts that weaken.

2 Feast on promises that inspire.

3 Fish Fry 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross (7 p.m.)

Fast from despair and discouragement

4 Feast on hope.

5 Palm Sunday Focus on: Faith

6 Feast on enthusiasm.

7 Fast from harboring hate.

8 Feast on living with love.

9 Holy Thursday liturgy 7 p.m.

Soup Supper 5:30-6:45 p.m

Attend one of the Triduum Services.

10 Good Friday

Stations of the Cross 12:00 & 7:00 p.m. Try to imagine yourself at the events of the passion.

11 Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 8:45 p.m. Pray for our newly baptized and the renewal of your own faith.

April 12th Happy Easter! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

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We warmly welcome the families who have recently joined the parish!

Ed Anton, III Ed Beaudoin

Jen, Brianna, & Jack Biele Chris, Shannon, Noel, & Jade Bradford

Rob, Jen, Ryan, & Kyle Brubaker Matt, Lindsey, Emily, & Dom Butkus

Mike, Christina, Gianna, & Michael Distefano Robert, Amy, Alyssa, Ashley, & Adam Hirsch

Kevin & Natalie Humbel Dale & Mary Magoteaux

Rich, Jenny, Naomi, Joey, & Savannah Mooney Leonard & Mary Phillips Eric & Katherine Prater

JoAnn Vandembrink Antonio, Shelby, Sophia, & Gio Verne

Tom, Emily, Lou, & Ce Wey Welcome to our newly baptized members! Sage Bloom, daughter of Nick & Kara Ann

Pierce Boecker, son of Matthew & Mary Niam Buening, son of Jeff & Priya

Ava Casto, daughter of Michael & Regan Haven Deitsch, daughter of Nickolas & Baylie Madelyn DiNardo, daughter of Brian & Caitlyn

Samuel Endres, son of Derek & Patti Henry Foley, son of Patrick & Denise

Lindsay Johnson, daughter of Greg & Erin Everly Nikles, daughter of Trevor & Sarah

Myles Overman, son of Joseph & Julie Charlotte, Emma, & Lily Peterson, daughters of

Daniel & Karoline Clara Roessner, daughter of John & Michelle

Remington Wermert, son of Randall & Kimberly

St. Columban Boosters Time Out!

Welcome to the home of the St. Columban Bobcats! Home of both girls and boys athletics here at St. Columban. Our winter sports season is just wrapping up with Girls and

Boys basketball teams playing in their respective GCCYS league tournaments. There are 15 boys teams and 6 girls teams. We will give you an update in the future bulletins! Currently, registration just ended and teams are being formed for Boys Volleyball, however, registration for SMAC Track for grades K-8th is still open and details can be found at stcolumbansports.com. The mission of St. Columban Athletic Boosters Club is to support St. Columban Parish in its mission of pastoral care for the family. The St. Columban Athletic Boosters Club seeks to contribute to the St. Columban community through the support of youth athletic activities. We recognize that the physical education of our children plays an important part in their overall education, development and quality of life. Through athletics, both boys and girls are afforded the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally, morally, and socially. Effective management and support of athletic activities is the goal of the Boosters - in a manner that will assist our children with their development of strong Christian values in athletic activities. Regular meetings are generally held on the second Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Adult volunteers are always welcome at Booster events and as participants as coordinators, coaches, assistants, board members or numerous other roles.

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St. Vincent de Paul 2019 Annual Conference Report

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St. Vincent de Paul 2019 Annual Conference Report 2019 St. Vincent de Paul Annual Report

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

Loveland, Ohio Permit No. 2

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St. Columban Parish 894 Oakland Road Loveland, Ohio 45140 513.683.0105—Fax 513.683.1389 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED