WHAT'S HAPPENING
Bible Blessing This Weekend
January 24/25
At all Masses This Weekend
Bring your bible to any Mass this weekend and have it blessed! On this Word of God Sunday, we're encouraged to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures and of the risen Lord, who continues to speak his word and to break bread in the community of believers.
Homily 2026-01-18
“As we look at our first reading this morning, it deals with the prophecy of Isaiah the prophet. He talks about a servant who is called by God from his birth. And his responsibility, his mission, is two-fold: to bring back the people of Israel from foreign lands and to repatriate them to God, but his other mission is also to spread the word of God to the ends of the earth. This individual is endowed with gifts and is able to respond to the needs of people with his gifts.”
Parish Lenten Mission
February 22-24, 2026
7:00pm in the Church
Join us each evening at 7:00pm in the church for our Parish Mission! This year we are partnering with Holy Trinity, Avon to host Fr Leo Patalinghug, Catholic priest, award winning chef, speaker, and author!
Holy Hour for Life
January 24, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish
418 West 15th Street
Lorain, OH 44052
Eucharistic Adoration, prayers, songs, and silent reflection to pray for the protection of life in all stages, as well as for peace throughout the world.
To Love Our Sacred Earth
January 24, 2026
Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, PA will sponsor a special virtual series entitled To Love Our Sacred Earth with Maureen Wild, SC. Her first topic will be Thomas Berry’s ‘Great Work’ meets Joanna Macy’s ‘Great Turning’ on. (She will also have two more programs on February 7 and September 12.)
Chosen Extras Presentation
NEW DATE: January 29th from 11:00 – 2:00
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.
Ballroom Dance Lessons
The Marriage and Family Connections Ministry
January 30th – 7 PM-10:00PM
Join us for a night filled with dancing and laughter! $25pp admission includes heavy appetizers, non-alcoholic drinks and one drink ticket. Registration is required and closes Jan 25th.
Family Skate Night
Sunday, February 15, 4:30-6:30pm
Hamilton Ice Skating Rink
Sponsored by the Guild
Join us at a private party for St. Raphael families and guests. $8/person $30/family maximum.
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Children's After School Collection
January 12th – February 11th
The Social Concerns Ministry invites you to open your heart to the Centers who serve children to make a difference in their lives. Items needed are available on lists posted on the magnetic boards in the Gathering Area and in Good Shepherd Square. Donations can be placed in the marked bins in Good Shepherd Square until February 11th.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
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."
