Thank you for your prayers. I mentioned to a few folks that I was away in the Akron/Canton area for the annual Diocese of Steubenville Priests Retreat this past week, Monday afternoon until Friday afternoon. We had an excellent retreat director and the time for quiet reflection was helpful.
I noticed in some news notices about the leak of the upcoming Supreme Court ruling about abortion. I also have seen some reports of threats against churches and church buildings in some of the larger cities. We will continue to display signs on the grounds of our parish properties that express our desire to respect and defend human life in all of its stages. Yes, there are many needs and issues in our world and in our local community as well. But, the promotion of a culture of life remains the fundamental reason we will continue to display those signs.
Thank you to our many, many parishioners who have made the work of our local pregnancy help center, Open Arms Pregnancy Center, vibrant and growing. Its role and the need for its services will likely grow more important in the months and years ahead. They will be expanding to include a mobile unit soon, which will be able to reach out to the more remote places in our county as well as to Noble County and western Belmont County. Thank you for your generosity that has purchased the ultrasound machine for the mobile unit and a new ultrasound machine for their offices to replace the well-used machine that was purchased in 2014.
Please support the Walk for Life and our many parishioners who are participants in that event; see other information elsewhere in the bulletin.
Likewise, see other information about plans for a Vacation Bible School in June as well as other events, like a used book sale. And, please spread the news of our first ever "Blessing of Bikes" (motorbikes, that is) on Sunday, May 22nd at 1:30 p.m. at the parking lot of Sts. Peter & Paul in Lore City. We will need a good weather committee for that event as well!
May Our Lord Jesus Christ help us to experience the transforming power of His mercy as He helps us to be always ready for the gift of eternal life in Heaven!