2

616 Reading RoadMason, Ohio 45040

Parish Office HoursMonday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm

1st Sunday of the Month: 8:15am - 12:30pm

Phone: 513-398-3821Parish Office: ext. 3100School Office: ext. 3108After Hours Emergency: ext. 3200Fax: 513-398-2254

Bulletin DeadlineThe deadline for all articles for the Sunday bulletin is Friday afternoon, (9) days before the article appears in the bulletin. Please send items, along with the dates they should run, to bulletin@stsusanna.org for submission.

HAVE MERCY ON ME, O GOD, IN YOUR GOODNESS! IN YOUR COMPASSION WIPE OUT MY OFFENSE!

There you have it… the whole season of Lent summed up in these simple words. The goodness of God… the compassion of God… are extended to us in this Holy Season. Throughout the season we will be reminded of our story of sin, the covenant we have with God and how our good and compassionate God does not abandon or forget us but restores us to life through Jesus. Sin is not merely the breaking of a law or failure to do what God calls us to do… it is a breach in a loving relationship.

God created us as a potter forms a piece of art, breathed life into us and invites us into an eternal circle of love. Lent is a time to acknowledge our sinfulness, but not to dwell on it. We need to desire a change of heart and direction in our lives while we acknowledge the goodness of God… the grace of God… the mercy of God!

St. Paul reminds us that as grievous as our sin may be, the grace of God and the gracious gift of Jesus overflows for the many. This season, take to heart Paul’s honesty but utter trust in God. There is no comparison; grace and mercy far surpasses sin. Jesus shows us and all humanity, that sin and temptation can be overcome. He successfully resisted temptation and remained focused on the will of His Father and because of Him, so can we. Jesus shows us that we can and must be faithful to God’s will for us and not our own will.

We enter Lent this year sobered by world events. The horrors of terrorism, the war of embittered spirits, natural disasters, confusion with newly elected officials… force us to face our human failings and vulnerabilities. Despite it all, the graciousness of God is offered to us. The unselfishness of which we are all capable is seen in the willingness of so many to step forward to make our world, our homes, our parish a better place. This unselfishness is really the face of our

gracious God, encouraging all of us to put differences aside, to repent and to work for a loving and caring world. We can do it if we worship God rather than power or possessions or self-fulfillment. We can do it if we trust in the goodness and compassion of God!

MARCH 5, 2017FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

REFLECTING WITH THE PASTOR

3

MASS INTENTIONS & WEEKEND PRESIDERS

Monday, March 66:00pm Helen Topel

Tuesday, March 78:15am Robert Satzger

Wednesday, March 88:15am Kristen English

Thursday, March 98:15am Jerry Wiesenhahn, Sr.

Friday, March 108:15am John C. Ingraham

Saturday, March 118:15am Mary Kay Wong5:00pm (Fr. Roush) William Weigel

Sunday, March 127:30am (Fr. Roush) Tom Decker9:00am (Fr. Roush) Jane Brinkmann11:15am (Fr. Farrell) Patricia Penrod4:00pm (Spanish Mass) Maria Luisa Ortiz Ruiz6:00pm (Fr. Farrell) Patti Pugh

Holy Days of Obligation6:30am, 8:15am, 7:00pm

ReconciliationMonday at 6:45pmSaturday at 9:00am

Eucharistic ExpositionMonday, 6:45 - 9:00pm

First FridayAfter 8:15am Mass Friday to beginningof 8:15am Mass Saturday

Rosary/DevotionsTuesday through Saturday at 7:30am

Nursery AvailableThe nursery is available for 9:00 and 11:15am Masses. It is located in the undercroft. Call ext. 3126 or email nursery@stsusanna.org for details.

Spanish MassA Mass in Spanish will be held at 4:00pm on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of every month. For details, contact Karla Eysoldt, ext. 3202 or keysoldt@catholiccincinnati.org.

Misa en español es el segundo y cuarto domingo del mes a las 4:00pm.

Parish MembershipWe joyfully welcome new members of our parish community. Information packets are available at the desk in the Gathering Space.

Please register by calling the Parish Office (513-398-3821), online (www.stsusanna.org), or after Mass on the first Sunday of the month in the Parish Office.

PRAY FOR THOSE SERVING OVERSEAS!

Alex BackBrandon FloreaJoseph Patrick FuscoThomas PrieveDavid RodriguezJustin SchuhChristian SorfnsenJames WernkeRachelle WernkeRyan WhitakerJim WykoffMichael Zeller

PRAYERS FORTHOSE IN NEED

Maya Collins Ron DearthJames EdmundJessica FosterJohn GavinDick GardnerMarilyn GomezScott GreislSmiley JungkunzDianne KunkleLucas McCreaRay MeibersMichael MurphyGabriel OrickAlonso OrtizDiego OrtizBarbie QuintoKathy RohdeDoreen SchowalterMarie SueberlingAnnette UhrickMike Webber

Prayer RequestsIf you have people to be prayed for and would like to have them in the bulletin, please email bulletin@stsusanna.org and we will begin publishing them weekly.

Parish LibraryThe Library is located in the undercroft of the church. Media can be checked out at any time. Stop by the Parish Office for help.

Children’s Liturgy of the WordFor children in grades K-2, September through May, 9:00 and 11:15am Masses. For details, contact Susan Gravely, ext. 3110 or gravelys@stsusanna.org.

The first of our two Lenten Reconciliation services will be held this Tuesday, March 7th at 7:00pm in Church.

PLEASE NOTE:There will not be morning Mass on March 14th and 16th due to Father Bob, Father Eric, and several staff members attending the Amazing Parish Conference. There will be Communion services on those two mornings.

4

Marriage PreparationPlease contact the Parish Office no later than six months prior to the date of intended marriage.

Baptism PreparationPlease find more information on our website: www.stsusanna.org/baptism.

Upon your completion of the required forms found on the site, a member of the Parish Staff will contact you.

Our Catholic FaithAre you interested in learning more about our beautiful Catholic Faith and perhaps becoming Catholic?

Are you an Adult Catholic seeking Confirmation?

Then please contact Susan Hack,ext. 3169 or hacks@stsusanna.org.

STEWARDSHIP

Year to Date ACTUAL

Year to Date BUDGET

Over / (Under) Budget

$1,532,000 $1,507,771 ($24,229)

February 19, 2017

ACTUALFebruary 19, 2017

BUDGETOver / (Under)

Budget

$38,000 $37,662 ($338)

THIS WEEK, FROM THE ST. SUSANNA VINCENTIANS...

Lent is a call to “give alms for the poor.” Wherever you live in the parish, there are poor families within walking distance of your home. When in need, they call our parish St Vincent de Paul hotline. Is there a family you know who needs assistance? Please tell them to call our parish Society of St.Vincent de Paul hotline so that together we can help the suffering and poor.

Year to Date ACTUAL

Year to Date BUDGET

Over / (Under) Budget

$1,575,000 $1,546,663 ($28,337)

February 26, 2017

ACTUALFebruary 26, 2017

BUDGETOver / (Under)

Budget

$43,000 $38,891 ($4,109)

WORSHIP

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TRAINING

Come and be trained for the beautiful ministry of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion! Anyone who is interested in ministering in our Masses, helping take Communion to many area nursing homes,

to those in Westchester hospital and homebound parishioners is invited. Teresa & Tim Geiger will lead the training.

The next training session is Saturday, April 1, at 9:00am (following the 8:15am Mass) in the Church. Register for this or future training sessions online:www.stsusanna.org/eucharisticministers.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Are you looking for a Lenten prayer for yourself and your family? Walk with the Lord each Friday of Lent at 7:00pm in Church. We will pray the Stations of the Cross, walking with Jesus to Calvary and opening our hearts to His love and mercy.

Tuesday, March 7th at 7:00pmWednesday, March 29th at 7:00pm

St. Susanna Catholic Church

5

ADULT FAITH FORMATIONADULT FAITH FORMATION

Sunday Cafe is an opportunity to explore a variety of topics. The group meets Sunday mornings at 10:15am in the St. Susanna Room. Coffee and light refreshments are served. All are welcome! For more information, visit: www.stsusanna.org/sundaycafe.

March 5th & 12th: Forgiven

Forgiven explores the grace and healing offered in Confession and shows how this sacrament of mercy reveals the depth and bounty of God’s love. By looking at God’s revelation of His mercy in Scripture and making a step-by-step examination of the Rite itself, Forgiven communicates God’s invitation to each one of us to come experience His indescribable love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

WOMEN’S DAY OF PRAYER

St. Susanna Women’s Association is sponsoring a “Day of Prayer” for all women of the parish on Saturday, March 11, 2017, beginning at Noon in the St. Susanna Room. The day will begin with a lunch of chili and sandwiches followed by a presentation by Father Eric Roush on his conversion. The day will conclude with a recitation of the Rosary.

Reservations are required. There is no charge for the day, but attendees are invited to bring a salad or dessert to share with others. For more information and/or to make a reservation, please contact Joan Peskin at peskin8@gmail.com or at 513-309-4023 or 513-459-0843.

MARCH BOOK CLUB

Next meeting: March 8th at 10:00amBook: The Poisonwood Bible (by Barbara Kingsolver)

The Poisonwood Bible is a story told by the wife and four daughters of Nathan Price, a fierce, evangelical Baptist who takes his family and mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. They carry with them everything they believe they will need from home, but soon find that all of it—from garden seeds

to Scripture—is calamitously transformed on African soil. What follows is a suspenseful epic of one family’s tragic undoing and remarkable reconstruction over the course of three decades in postcolonial Africa.

Is your small group or yourself personally or your family looking for some Lenten study ideas? Our subscription to FORMED provides many opportunities! Videos and materials are all free and some are available en Español! Go to www.formed.org and enter our parish code of f4e66a and create your own personal log-in. Here are some great ideas: Study Programs: (For accompanying study booklets, please contact Susan Hack at hacks@stsusanna.org.) Each program has a video clip and accompanying study guides available!• Forgiven (available in Spanish)• Symbolon: Knowing the Faith, Session 6: The Paschal

Mystery (available in Spanish)• Divine Mercy Lectio: Peter, Session 7: Discipleship at a

Distance• YDisciple Activity: Your Best Lent Yet (For Youth and Young

Adults)• The Wild Goose, Segment 10: The Spirit and the Desert• The Wild Goose, Segment 11: The Spirit Convicts Lectio:

Eucharist Movies:• Mary of Nazareth• Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?• Saint Peter (available in Spanish)• Prayer: A Surge of the Heart Audio:• The Passion of the Christ in Light of the Holy Shroud of Turin• This Changes Everything• The Fourth Cup• The Lamb’s Supper• The Christmas and Easter Story• Cristo en el Credo y Pasión• Comprendiendo la Eucharistía Books:• Awakening• Sacraments in Scripture• My Path to Heaven• The Year and Our Children• Read-Aloud Book of Bible Stories• Love Unveiled: The Catholic Faith Explained• Because God is Real• Open Wide the Doors to Christ

6

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

MONTH THEME ACTIVITY

• Heifer International Lenten Project

(March 4th – April 2nd)

• Fair Trade Sale (March 11th & 12th)

• Easter Basket Drive for the Schuh Center

(Feb 25th – March 19th)

• Assembling of Easter Baskest

(March 22, 12:00pm, Schuh Center)

SolidarityMarch

PEACE & JUSTICE CALENDAR

DISCIPLES IN ACTION

THE SCHUH CENTER IS GEARING UP FOR EASTER!

Donations are needed to help provide Easter baskets to families that are less fortunate. Items that are needed include: • Completed Easter Basket

that individual/family puts together

• Pre-made Easter Baskets that can be purchased at the store• Baskets• Individually Wrapped Candy – Peeps, Tootsie Rolls, Suckers,

Chocolate Bunnies, Chocolate Candy (i.e. – Hershey Kisses, assorted Mini Chocolate Bars, etc.)

• Assorted Small Toys – Jump Ropes, Bubbles, Kites, Sidewalk Chalk, Frisbees, Play Doh, Coloring Book and Crayons, Bouncy Balls, Miniature Stuffed Bunnies

If you are able to provide any of these items, please drop them off at the Peace and Justice Kiosk in the Gathering Space of church by March 19th.

Parishioners who would like to help assemble the Easter Baskets can meet at the Schuh Center on Wednesday, March 22nd at 12:00pm.

Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity to provide Easter baskets to those in need in our community.

ST. SUSANNA PARISH WIDE LENTEN PROJECT KICK OFF WEEKEND – MARCH 4TH/5TH

Heifer International’s mission is to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer has helped more than 25 million families in more than 125 countries move toward greater self-reliance through gifts of livestock and training in environmentally sound agriculture. The impact of each initial gift is multiplied as recipients agree to pass on the gift of one or more of their animals’ offspring to another in need. The St. Susanna Parish Community will be collecting financial donations through the month of March (Lenten Season) for Heifer International.

Options for making a donation include:

School/Preschool/CFP/Early Childhood:Funds will be collected in the classroom.

Parish at Large*:1. Check made out to St. Susanna Parish with “Heifer International” on the memo line. Place the check in an envelope clearly marked Heifer International and drop off at the parish office or in the Mass offering basket2. Online donation through Heifer International Fundraising Site: www.stsusanna.org/heifer3. Cash/Check Donations dropped off in the Gathering Space on Collection Weekend of April 1st/2nd – this includes the “Fill the Ark” boxes

By bringing together the St. Susanna community, we will help others have a chance at a future free of poverty. For more information on Heifer International go to: www.heifer.org.

For questions regarding St. Susanna Heifer International Lenten Project, please contact Mary Jo Burns, burnsmj@stsusanna.org or 398-3821 ext. 3120.

*Parish at Large donations will be given to “Where Needed Most” gift option.

IT’S KAIROS COOKIE TIME!

If you were unable to deliver the homemade cookies you are baking for the LCI Retreat to church this weekend, March 5th/6th, please deliver them to the Parish Office by March

8th. Donations of cookies cannot be accepted after that date. There is still time to add your name to the prayer sign-up sheet at the Peace and Justice desk. You can offer an hour of prayer during the weekend of the retreat, which is March 9th-11th.

7

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

BAKERS NEEDED FOR PARISH FISH FRY!!

If you like to bake, then we can use your help in stocking our signature dessert table! Each week we go through 500-600 plates of desserts and we need all the help we can get to keep the table stocked with home-baked goodies!! The Fish Fry Events will be held in the Meyer Center from 5:00-8:00pm Fridays during Lent. We look forward to seeing you!

If you are interested in helping out, please visit:www.stsusanna.org/fishfry.

DISCIPLES IN ACTION

YOUNG AT HEART OUTING

Please join us for Sister Act at La Comedia on Friday, May 5th at the matinee performance (arrival time is 10:30 am). The cost is $38.00 per ticket. Please make the check payable to

“St. Susanna Parish” and put “La Comedia” on the memo line. Take or mail the check to the parish office. Deadline is March 31st. Need a ride or have questions? Please call Jim Valento at 513-379-3823.

NEXT WEEKEND, MARCH 11TH/12TH, IS THE SCOUTING FOR FOOD DRIVE

Next weekend, March 11th & 12th before and after all St. Susanna Masses, is the annual Scouting for Food Drive. The Food Drive is a community of good turn effort. All donations will be given to the Network of Care food pantry in support of our St. Susanna efforts. Please help support those less fortunate by donating food, money and other perishable items to the Scouting

for Food collection. All proceeds will help those in need and less fortunate.

YOUNG AT HEART MARCH MEETING

Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join us for the Young at Heart luncheon on Wednesday, March 15th at noon in the St. Susanna room. The cost of the luncheon is $12.00 and the deadline for a reservation is

Friday, March 10th. Call the parish office at 513-398-3921 with your reservation or your payment can be placed in the church collection basket on Sunday. Please make your check out to St. Susanna Parish. Mark your check and envelope for the YAH.

Our program this month will be the Mason Historical Society and they will be speaking about the Sears Kit Homes in Mason.Bring all food donations for the Schuh Center into the church and place in their kiosk or the basket at the top of the stairs. Please direct questions to Mary Cox at 513-917-7899.

Tom and Colleen O’Rourke will be starting another series of Natural Family Planning classes at St. Susanna, Mason, Ohio, in the St. Isidore Room in the Undercroft of the church from 1:00-3:30pm on Sunday, March 19th. We teach the symptom-thermal method of NFP. Engaged and married couples can go to: www.ccli.org to register for classes.

For more details about the March Respect Life topics, please visit:www.stsusanna.org/respectlife

MONTH THEME ACTIVITY

• 40 Days for Life Begins (March 1st)

• Solemnity of St. Joseph: Novena

For those on the Path to Adoption

(March 20th)

• World Down Syndrome Day

(March 21st)

• Feast of the Annunciation:

Jesus’ Incarnation (March 25th)

Euthanasia and Assisted SuicideMarch

RESPECT LIFE CALENDAR

All the faithful are called to promote the sanctity of life in all its stages... from conception to natural death. The St. Susanna Respect Life Ministry is asking for your help in making your home a place of mercy and hope on behalf of the Lord during the 40 Days of Life event. Through April 9th, please pray, fast, and witness to the sanctity of life and make a special effort as individuals and families to pray for those making difficult decisions. To obtain more information about the 40 Days for Life, please visit www.40daysforlife.com.

THIS WEEK, FROM THE ST. SUSANNA RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY...

“It is important to remember that no matter what you have done, you retain your dignity as a son or daughter of God, loved by the Father. What sin has disintegrated, grace can reunite and make whole.”“Wash Me Thoroughly”: Healing from Pornography Use and Addiction Daniel Spadaro / USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth

8

CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION

CFP Grades 1-8 (2016-2017)Faith Formation for elementary students will be Summer Sessions and Sundays from 10:15 to 11:45am and Mondays 6:30 to 7:45pm. For more information, contact Susan Gravely, ext. 3110 or gravelys@stsusanna.org.

Early Childhood 2016-2017Faith formation for 3, 4, preK 5-year-olds and kindergartners meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. For more information, contact Jill Berning, ext. 3400 or berningj@stsusanna.org.

PreschoolWeekday Preschool is available for ages 2-5 in the undercroft of church. For more information, contact Joette Ewing, ext. 3131 or ewingj@stsusanna.org.

Saint Susanna SchoolThe parish school provides a Catholic education for Grades K-8. For more information, contact theSchool Office, ext. 3108 orcappellap@stsusanna.org.

Faith AliveGrades 6-8 (2016-2017)Sundays 4:00pm to 5:45pmin the St. John Bosco Youth Room.

LIFEGrades 9-12 (2016-2017)Sundays at 7:00pm in the St. John Bosco Youth Room. For more information, contact Judie Kuhlman at kuhlmanj@stsusanna.org.

JR. HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY, 6TH- 8TH GRADES

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 5thNo Meeting

March 12thMeeting from 4:00-5:45pm in the Youth Room

March 19th Meeting from 4:00-5:45pm in the Youth Room

April 2ndYouth Ministry Weekend - Faith Alive welcomes all incoming 6th graders to a fun filled meeting!

SR. HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY, 9TH-12TH GRADES

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 5thLIFE Mass (Stations)

March 12thPeace/Justice: Stuck in Traffick

March 18th-19thLIFE Spring Retreat: Service Immersion Retreat at St. Leo’s

April 2ndYouth Ministry Weekend - LIFE Group welcomes all incoming Freshman 2017 to experience what LIFE is really like!

For more information, contact Judie Kuhlman, kuhlmanj@stsusanna.org.

ATTENTION ALL MOMS!

Moms and their children ages 3 through 1st Grade are invited for a fun morning of fellowship with other parishioners. Please plan to join the fun on Saturday, March 18th from 10:00am-11:30am in the cafeteria. Muffins, fruit juice, and coffee will be provided. Please indicate at registration if your child has an allergy and an alternate will be made available.

Please register by March 11th to allow for the purchase of sufficient food and craft supplies. To register, visit: www.stsusanna.org/muffinswithmom

This event is sponsored by the Preschool and Early childhood programs. Please note that your child does NOT need to be enrolled in either of these programs to participate in this event. A suggested donation of $5.00 per family would help cover costs for this event. Please give your donation to staff members the morning of March 18th.

Direct questions to Jill Berning, Early Childhood Program Coordinator, 398-3821 ext. 3400 or berningj@ststusanna.org or Joette Ewing, Preschool Director, at 398-3821 ext. 3131 or ewingj@stsusanna.org.

9

SCHOOL NEWS

• Standardized testing at Saint Susanna School continues this week for grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. School parents are advised to make sure your child/ren eat a good breakfast each morning and come to school well rested.

• Report cards will be distributed on Monday.• On Wednesday the School Community will attend the 8:15

Mass.• Our 8th graders have been chosen to represent private

schools across the nation by participating in the NAEP. The results are released as The Nation’s Report Card, which provides information about student achievement to educators, parents, policymakers, and the public. This assessment will occur on Friday.

• Parents… please note that all volunteers who work with children need to attend a VIRTUS Session and have a clear Background Check. For details, visit the Parish website, choose Parish Info tab, then Child Protection from its dropdown menu. Should you have any questions about whether or not your records are on file, please call the Parish Office 398-3821 ext. 3113 and ask to speak with Cathy.

• We have limited enrollment openings in a few of our grade levels. If you are interested in attending Saint Susanna School next school year, please call 398-3821 ext. 3108 and ask for Pam. She will be glad to give tours to interested families.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Those volunteering with children must fulfill the following requirements: must attend a Protecting God’s Children seminar provided by VIRTUS, have a cleared background check of no more than five years old, and must read monthly training bulletins online

The next open seminar at St. Susanna Parish is Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 9:30am. You must register online to attend - visit www.virtus.org to register!

If you have not yet attended a seminar, please contact the parish office before you visit www.virtus.org in order to register. We will provide you with a FASTRAX code that will cover the fee for you to complete the process for the background check.

CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION

ST. SUSANNA SCHOOL COMMISSION

The St. Susanna School Commission seeks several new members to serve three-year terms beginning this

Fall. The purpose of the School Commission is to advise and collaborate with school administrators and the pastor about issues related to the school. Current focuses include supporting the academic mission of St. Susanna School, identifying and addressing the needs of the school and parish community, maintaining and improving school facilities, and improving communication with current and prospective school families.

If you are interested in being considered for a position, you will need to provide a resumé and provide answers in writing to a set of questions by April 15th. Details of the application can be found online at: www.stsusanna.org/school.

Questions? Contact Laura Mueller at 513-315-7370 or lkm.mueller@gmail.com.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! June 26th-30th from 9am-NoonTheme: Mighty Fortress: In Jesus, the Victory is Won!

Participant and Volunteer Online Registration is NOW OPEN until April 1st. To register, visit: www.stsusanna.org/vbs

St. Susanna Preschool is now registering for the 2017-2018 school year! We have openings in our 2’s Monday Class as well as our 3’s, 4’s and Pre-K afternoon

classes. For additional information about our Creative Curriculum Program for your little one, please contact Joette Ewing, Preschool Director, at 513-398-3821 ext. 3131 or ewingj@stsusanna.org.

BOOSTERS NEWS

Seeking candidates for Boosters Treasurer, Spiritual Director, Girls Cheerleading Coordinator and Golf Coach. Please contact Mark Cravens (mcravens@apctowers.com / (859) 916-6161).

This program is for younger children (age 4 – 2nd grade) on Sunday mornings. Leaders take children into the Hospitality Room for 20 minutes to share adopted readings and to discuss the gospel reading with these very young children. Children return

to their parents during the intercessory prayers. Please contact Susan Gravely, ext. 3110 or gravelys@stsusanna.org, if you need more information.

10

Liguori Publications © 2017 • Liguori, MO 63057-9999

“But the snake said to the woman: ‘You certainly will not die! God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods,

who know good and evil ’” (Genesis 3:4–5).

March 5, 2017First Sunday of Lent (A)Gn 2:7–9; 3:1–7Rom 5:12–19Mt 4:1–11

Sin and Redemption

One thing today’s readings—and really all ofScripture—make abundantly clear is that the

devil exists. He is a liar and a deceiver, just as he was for our rst parents and for Jesus as well. This is good to keep in mind at the beginning of Lent. We need a conversion of heart because the devil tempts us. We are sinners. Sin is real. The story of original sin illuminates the failure of Adam and Eve, and the reading from Romans explains that that sin has reached us. In this fresco, Michelangelo paints the devil as a serpent with a human upper body to accent that the devil is a person. All humanity is wounded and weakened by sin.

Yet even if sin and the devil are realities, the good

news is that they are not the strongest realities. Jesus, as he shows us in the Gospel, is stronger than the enemy, and he shares that strength with us. We can be new creations through the salvation and forgiveness Jesus offers. His obedience can make us righteous.

During Lent, we try to purify our heart with God’s grace so that we freely choose righteousness.

Our actions reveal another reality of the good news: our choices make a difference. God trusts us so much that he gives us free will and allows us to play a part in our own salvation. Accepting his grace is the rst step toward victory over sin. That is why your Lenten fasts and promises are such game changers—they strengthen your will, purify your heart, and make you more like Jesus.

—Fr. Mark Haydu, LC

For ReflectionHave I prayed about what God wants me to give up or take on in Lent? What resolutions will help me love God more while distancing me from obstacles to his love?

Piece: Original Sin and Banishment From the Garden of Eden, circa 1511Artist: Michelangelo BuonarrotiLocation: Sistine Chapel ceiling

11

PARISH STAFF

Contact: 398-3821 Parish Office, ext 3100School Office, ext 3108

Fr. Robert Farrell (Pastor) ext 3101, farrellr@stsusanna.org

Fr. Eric Roush (Parochial Vicar) ext 3106, roushe@stsusanna.org

Lou Wong (Deacon) ext 3137, wongl@stsusanna.org

FORMATION

Jill Berning (Early Childhood) ext 3400, berningj@stsusanna.org

Kristen Tell (Sacraments - 2nd & 8th Grades) ext 3135, tellk@stsusanna.org

Susan Gravely (DRE: RCIA & CFP) ext 3110, gravelys@stsusanna.org

Susan Hack (DRE School/Adult Formation) ext 3169, hacks@stsusanna.org

Michele Carle-Bosch (Adult Formation) ext 3149, carleboschm@stsusanna.org

YOUTH MINISTRY

Judie Kuhlman (High School Youth) ext 3195, kuhlmanj@stsusanna.org

PEACE & JUSTICE

Mary Jo Burns (Peace & Justice) ext 3120, burnsmj@stsusanna.org

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Karla Eysoldt (Hispanic Ministry) ext 3202, keysoldt@catholiccincinnati.org

Joette Ewing (Preschool) ext 3131, ewingj@stsusanna.org

Megan Sheeran (Business Manager) ext 3121, sheeranm@stsusanna.org

Kevan Hartman (Principal) ext 3109, hartmank@stsusanna.org

Teresa Johns (Communications Director) ext 3104, johnst@stsusanna.org

Doug Popp (Facilities) ext 3154, poppd@stsusanna.org

Guy Vanasse (Music & Liturgy) ext 3105, vanasseg@stsusanna.org

ORGANIZATION

Boosters

Caregiver Support Group

Festival

Finance Commission

Fish Fry

Health & Wellness

Knights of Columbus

Men’s Prayer Group

Moms Group

Natural Family Planning

Prayer Network

PTO

Risen Life

School Commission

Schuh Center

St. Vincent de Paul

Women’s Association

Young at Heart

CONTACT

Mark Cravens, 770-4278

Sharon Kipfer, 509-3278

Parish Office, 398-3821

Megan Sheeran, 398-3821

Scott Kososki, 461-9098

Laura Barbetta, 847-1849

David Meyer, 262-0287

Bill Bross, 518-9594

Katie Fortener, (248) 515-8895

Tom & Colleen O’Rourke, 398-3116

Kathy Mussman, 777-5981

Libby Groskopf, 398-9735

Roberta Brunck, 777-1476

Laura Mueller, 315-7370

Teresa Bolte, 779-8965

Mary Jo Burns, 398-3821

Christine Phelan, 492-7265

Dottie Linton, 754-0114

2/192/202/212/222/232/242/25

$100$40$40$40$40$40$40

Jack EnglishNancy MysonhimerMary O’ConnellJoyce McClayDenise WidnerThom ParkerTricia Harting

PTO 365 DAY RAFFLE WINNERS