WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2026-02-22
“You have heard it said that to err is human, to forgive is divine. There are actually some Catholics who take their faith very seriously that claim that we as a Church do not preach about sin and its destructive nature enough, and that might be true because there is more sin happening in the world as I speak. But if we simply focus on the sin but not look at Jesus who actually has the ability to fight against sin, which we just saw and heard in the readings, Jesus can teach us how to overcome our temptations . . .”
Pray for Us!
Please pray for our St. Raphael catechumens seeking initiation into our Catholic faith and candidates seeking full communion with the Church as Easter approaches.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is for unbaptized adults and children of catechetical age who have heard the mystery of Christ proclaimed, who consciously and freely seek the living God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, and who enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.
Lenten Fish Fry
Our Lenten Fish Fry is underway every Friday (5:00pm - 7:30pm) in the PAC, with live entertainment. Dinner entrees include baked Fish (haddock), Fried Fish (perch fillets), Fried Shrimp, Combo (perch fillets & shrimp), and Pierogi. 50/50 Raffle Tickets will be sold every evening of the Fish Fry, with a new winner pulled at the end of each night. (You need not be present to win!) Proceeds from the raffle benefit our partner parish, St Aloysius-St Agatha in Cleveland.
Stations of the Cross
follow in the footsteps of Jesus
Feb 20, 27; Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
7:00 pm in the church
Good Friday, Apr 3, 12:00 pm
Evening of Confession
Wednesday, March 4th, 5 - 8 PM
at St. Raphael Church
The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland invites all Catholics to the Evening of Confession this Lenten season. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, most of the Catholic churches in the diocese will be open for confession from 5pm until 8pm.
LENT with C.S. Lewis
Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Mar 16, and Mar 23
10:00-11:30am in the Community Room
5-part series with Bill Toler
Join us for Lenten nourishment with C.S. Lewis and his writings. Whether you're a longtime fan of Lewis or a newcomer to his work, this journey will lead us both daily and weekly on our journey to Holy Week and Easter.
SOCIAL CONCERNS COLLECTION
This Lent, we are collecting items for the Neighbors Who Care Program. The program provides food & household items, along with children's Easter baskets, to those in need for St. Raphael neighbors, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Aolysius, Malachi Center, Blessing House, Holy Name Elem Sch. and St. Elizabeth Hunger Center. Needs are listed HERE and can also be found on the magnetic boards in Good Shepherd Square & the Gathering Area. Donations can be dropped off to the bins in Good Shepherd Square through March 18th.
Thank you for your generosity. It is so very much appreciated!
St. Vincent de Paul Conference Anniversary
Our St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference is approaching our first anniversary here at St. Raphael. The Conference is dedicated to serving the needs of the poor by providing beds, mattresses and bedding, emergency food supplies, temporary rent and utility assistance and sharing resources for additional longer-term basic needs such as furniture, food assistance and employment opportunities.
Fr. Dan is on the Radio!
Fr. Dan Schlegel will be featured on “God Calling” a local program from The Rock. Listen to Fr. Dan share about his vocational journey, from serving as a vicar at various parishes to pastoring the same community he grew up in. Tune in to hear Fr. Dan on Sunday, March 1st, at 4:30 PM on “God Calling” with Paul Orlousky.
To hear previously aired vocation stories from other local men and women from all walks of life, visit
rockcatholicradio.com , select “On Demand” from the "Programs" pull-down menu, and scroll to “God Calling”.
First Saturday Dinners
St. Anthony of Padua parish has resumed offering First Saturday Spaghetti Dinners from 4:45 - 6:30 pm in the St. Anthony Social Hall, 1305 E. Erie Ave., Lorain. Adult and children portions are available for dine-in or carry-out.
Franciscan Sisters, TOR Lenten Retreat
The Franciscan Sisters, TOR invite you to our Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 14 at our Motherhouse in Toronto OH, beginning at 8:30 am (registration starts at 8:00). Dr. John Bergsma, Vice President for Biblical Theology and Mission Effectiveness at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville will lead the morning’s talk reflection. The day will include Mass celebrated with Fr. David Dodd, T.O.R., refreshments, adoration with guided meditation, and an option for prayer ministry. The retreat will also be live streamed. more info & registration
Mother-Daughter Retreat
The Behold Retreat is a mother-daughter retreat (any mother-daughter-like relationship) designed specifically for adult and teen women in the spirit of Mary’s fiat. The retreat will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine on Saturday, March 21 from 10am to 4pm. The theme for 2026 is “Behold Friendship” with keynote speaker, Maggie Craig, author of Friendship Reset. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Damian Ference. More information can be found HERE. Scholarships available. Please reach out to Maria Wancata at mwancata@tobcle.org with any questions.
The Answer
The Answer is a contemporary rock musical that integrates the multi media technology of today to provide a totally engaging entertainment experience. This heart-warming presentation represents the time of Jesus Christ, taking you on a journey through creation, the crucifixion and glorious resurrection. The Answer will be presented at Saint Angela Merici in Fairview Park on March 27th and 28th starting at 7:30. Admission is complimentary and a free will offering is accepted. Let this experience open your heart as we prepare to celebrate Easter.
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Attention All Men!
You are cordially invited to attend the Diocese of Cleveland Annual Men's Conference on March 7th, at the Holiday Inn on Rockside Road. Join other men from around the Diocese and Northeast Ohio for a day of Faith, Food and Brotherhood. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. This year's speakers are Pete Burak, columnist & podcaster; Fr. Damian Ference, Vicar for Evangelization; and Bishop Edward C. Malesic, who will also celebrate a Vigil Mass at the end of the day.
Chosen Extras Presentation
RESCHEDULED for April 30th, 11:00am-2:30pm
Deacon Will and Liz Yoho will share their experiences (in costume) of being extras on the set of “The Chosen”, a quality series about the life of Christ.
They have traveled 3 times, (so far) to Texas and Utah to be extras on “The Chosen” sets and are happy and grateful to be able to share their experiences with others. The presentation will be held in the Community rooms A & B at St. Raphael Parish.
2026 Annual Appeal
This Appeal seeks $15.3 million to support vital ministries serving those in need across the eight counties of the Diocese. Join Bishop Malesic and thousands of faithful in extending God’s love through acts of mercy.
Calling All Men
Men, if you’re tired of being held back by the comforts and distractions of our time and desire to grow closer to God, Exodus 90 is the path you’ve been searching for.
Join more than 250,000 men from all around the world who have experienced true freedom.
The challenge begins January 5 and ends Easter Sunday.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION MINISTRY
Do you need:
- Assistance in discerning God's will in your life?
- Help identifying the movements of good and evil spirits in making wise decisions?
- Help in growing deeper in your relationship with God?
Contact parishioner Mike Manco for spiritual direction: mikemanco63@gmail.com or 216-496-4001
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Edward C. Malesic
"The goal of this letter is to provide you with a resource for reflection, that you might be drawn more deeply into prayer and a more intimate relationship with Jesus."
