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The rhythm of the liturgical seasons
reflects the rhythm of life with
its celebrations of anniversaries and
its seasons of quiet growth and maturing. -
Photo Albums
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Ordinary Time
Ordinary Time is celebrated in two segments: from the Monday following the Baptism of Our Lord up to Ash Wednesday; and from Pentecost Monday to the First Sunday of Advent. This makes it the largest season of the Liturgical Year. This first installment of Ordinary Time has anywhere from four to nine Sundays, depending on how early or late Easter falls in a given year. Its season's focus is Jesus' manifestation of Himself as God during His public ministry.
How is the Date of Easter Determined?
Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full Moon that falls on or after March 21 (not, as commonly believed, the first Sunday after the first full Moon in Spring). The earliest possible date for Easter is March 22, and the latest possible date for it is April 25. Future dates for Easter are March 31, 2024, April 20, 2025, April 5, 2026, March 28, 2027, April 16, 2028, April 1, 2029, April 21, 2030. -
world Day for Consecrated LifeFebruary 2, 2024
In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God's gift of their vocation.
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Feast of St. Blaise - February 3Blessing of Throats
St. Blaise (also spelled Blase and Blasius) was a 3rd century physician who became Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. This was the time of persecution under Licinius, so St. Blaise hid out in a cave on Mt. Argeus. He was captured and imprisoned, and from prison cured a boy who was choking to death on a fish bone. St. Blaise was beaten, had his flesh torn by wool combs, and was beheaded, martyred along with seven women. Because of the cure of the boy's throat when the boy was choking, St. Blaise is patron against troubles of the throat, and today our throats are blessed at Mass. St. Blaise is also the patron of veterinarians and against attacks of wild animals. He is represented in art as a Bishop holding two crossed candles, with wool combs, or in a cave surrounded by wild animals. Prayer & Blessing of Throats typically takes place as we pray through the intercession of St. Blaise that God delivers us from throat ailments and from every other evil. Blessing of ThroatsAll Portage North parishes will
have a General Blessing
at the end of Mass on February 2nd
(Trained Eucharistic Ministers will bless with candles after Mass) -
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Lent
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This season, also called "Quadraegesima," meaning "Forty," is a somber, penitential Season lasting from Ash Wednesday to the Thursday before Easter. It recalls Christ's 40 days in the desert, and the Israelites' wandering in the desert for 40 years. Per the everyday calendar, Lent lasts 40 days plus the six Sundays, but the Sundays aren't counted as "Lent" because Sundays are always about the Resurrection and are joyous.The annual Lenten season is the fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter. The Lenten season has a double character, namely to prepare both catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, both with the rite of election and scrutinies, and by catechesis, are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation; the faithful, ever more attentive to the word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises. This season prepares all of us for the celebration of Easter, the most important feast of the Church year. St. Joseph Parish and St. Ambrose Parish have a number of different and unique opportunities planned this year to make our season of Lent a holy and spiritual time of renewal for all of us.
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Ash Wednesday - March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey towards Easter and eternal life. Now truly is our time to be healed and reconciled to God and to one another. The mark of ashes on our foreheads reminds us of our sinfulness and our turning back to God for forgiveness, healing and mercy. The ashes are made by the burning of palms from last year's Palm Sunday -- palms that were waved in victory and praise. After the priest sprinkles the ashes with holy water and incenses them, they are then placed on our foreheads in the shape of a Cross to remind us of our hope, and as he does so, he says the words "Remember, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return" or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel". We make no response to these words; we simply return to our pews. After we leave the church, we leave the ashes on our foreheads until they wear off naturally from the course of the day's activities. They are a public witness to those things our society does not wish to embrace: the reality of death, and the hope of resurrection in Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Palms to Ashes - As we approach the season of Lent we traditionally clear our homes of the old palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. Each Ash Wednesday we sign ourselves with the ashes of our palms form the previous year. If you would like to recycle your palms for the burning of the palms, please drop them off in the designated basket in the Narthex.Portage North Region ~ Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025
To Be Announced -
Reconciliation
Several opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter are offered throughout Lent. Click here for a downloadable flyer on How To Make a Good Confession.
“The Light Is On For You”
Diocesan Wide Evening of Reconciliation
To Be Announced
Communal Penance Service for all of Portage County
To Be Announced
Portage North Schedule
To Be Announced -
Saint Joseph Feast Day - March 19th
The principal feast day of Saint Joseph is March 19, Saint Joseph's Day (for Joseph the Husband of Mary). On this day we ask for the strength to serve Christ as Joseph did. Saint Joseph's Day always falls during Lent, and Saint Joseph's Day altars and feasts have no meat. However, since the feast day is classed as a solemnity, the requirement of abstinence from meat is technically abrogated, according to Canon Law, even if it falls on a Friday. If the feast day falls on a Sunday, the previous Saturday (March 18) is observed instead or the Monday following (March 20), and if it falls during Holy Week or Easter week, it is moved to the Monday after Low Sunday, or eight days after Easter (prior to 1970 the Tuesday after Low Sunday was used as the alternate date).To celebrate our patron saint, there will be a
6:30 p.m. Mass on Wednesday, March 19, 2025
In honor of our Patron Saint, there’s an envelope in the St. Joseph Parish March/April packet to
offer a donation. If you’re an online give, there’s a St. Joseph Feast Day fund to choose from there.
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Links
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A Reminder of the “Rules” of Lent
Abstinence is avoiding all meat and all foods prepared with meat (sauces, gravies, soups made from meat stock, etc.). All Catholics age 14 and older are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent, and on Good Friday.
Fasting is minimally defined as eating only one full meal and two lighter meals (which together do not equal the one full meal) a day, and nothing between meals. The Church requires all Catholics 18 to 60 years old to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (Additionally, the Good Friday fast day may be extended until the Easter Vigil as “a fast of anticipation” observed by the parish in union with the Catechumens preparing for Baptism.) Fasting on additional days of Lent is encouraged, but not required.The Church considers these traditions of fast and abstinence as positive disciplines. Our motivation is not to deny the goodness of creation or to “punish” the body. Through this discipline of self-sacrifice, we strive to be united in the sacrificial love of Christ, to be freed from self-centeredness, and to develop a deeper prayer life and a greater sense of charity.
Prayer and Almsgiving are also traditional Lenten practices. While there are no “rules” for these, the Church encourages all people to spend additional time in private and public prayer as part of their preparation for Easter. Acts of charity (almsgiving) also help us express the self-sacrifice of Lent by our generosity to the less fortunate.
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Lenten
Bible Study 2025
Come join us as we study the Bible. St. Joseph Parish Center, Mantua on Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1 & 8 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Center, facilitated by Michalene “Mickee” Murphy. The fee is $8.00 for the book. To register for Bible Study, please contact Kathi at the Parish Office ([email protected] or 330-274-2253).
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Stations ofthe Cross
The Way of the Cross follows Jesus on his way to Calvary. We pray the stations remembering the passion and death of Jesus at each of 14 stops along the route. Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays of Lent for Stations of the Cross, Soup Supper at 6 p.m. followed by OCIA talks. All are welcome. -
Passiontide
This is the last two weeks of Lent, from Passion Sunday (the 5th Sunday of Lent) to the day before Palm Sunday. The second week of Passiontide is called "Holy Week." The last three days of Holy Week -- i.e., Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday -- are called the Sacred Triduum.
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Holy Week & Easter
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e are invited to participate with our whole being: mind, heart, and body. During Holy Week, Christians commemorate the Passion of Christ, Who died on Good Friday in reparation for the sins of mankind, and rose on Easter Sunday to give new life to all who believe. Thus, while Holy Week is solemn and sorrowful, it also anticipates the joy of Easter through the recognition of God's goodness in sending His Son to die for our salvation. -
Palm Sunday of thePassion of the Lord
April 13, 2025
This day commemorates the triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-9), when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. Mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast ~ April 13, 2025
St. Joseph Parish and The Sisterhood of St. Joseph cordially invite you to our Annual Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast on April 2, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in Hughes Hall. The event features "All You Can Eat" Buttermilk Pancakes served with sausage patties & syrup, fruit toppings, and your choice of coffee, tea, o.j. or milk. Great Family Prices: Adults $10.00 • Seniors & Children (6-12) $5.00 • Children 5 & Under FREE. Plus, each child in attendance gets a chance for a FREE drawing for two Easter baskets filled with goodies! Theme Basket Raffles are also part of the fun! -
Chrism Mass
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
10:30 a.m. Chrism Mass at St. Columba Cathedral
Once edited, the Chrism Mass will be available on Facebook page, YouTube channel, and www.catholicecho.org/live/During Holy Week bishops bless sacred oils in the diocesan cathedral at a special liturgy know as the Chrism Mass where priests and parish representatives gather to celebrate.
Here the bishop blesses three oils — the oil of catechumens used at the Easter Vigil, the oil of the sick used to anoint people during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and the oil of holy chrism used during baptisms, confirmation, ordination, and the consecration of altars. The oils are then distributed to the parishes for sacramental celebrations throughout the year. As part of the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, the renewal of priestly promises was incorporated into the Chrism Mass.
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Twelve Ways To Make Holy Week More MeaningfulTHINK PRAYER.
If you have to work or go to school during Holy Week, think about how you can incorporate prayer breaks into each day.
MAKE AN ADDITIONAL SACRIFICE
by fasting and abstaining from meat on Holy Thursday
and Holy Saturday in addition to Good Friday.
DON’T WATCH TELEVISION from sundown
on Holy Thursday until Easter morning.
GO to confession.
SET ASIDE 10 minutes every day to
read Passion accounts in the Gospels.
Make it a point to FORGIVE someone on Good Friday.
PRAY the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.
OFFER UP any pain or difficulties you experience
during Holy Week and unite your
sufferings with the pain of Christ.
PRAY the Stations of the Cross.
ATTEND all of the Triduum liturgies.
INVITE family members, friends and neighbors –
especially people who have strayed from
the church – to come to church with you.
VOLUNTEER to help decorate your
parish on Holy Saturday for Easter.
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Holy Week Customs
Palm Crosses: From medieval times, people have believed that blessed palms formed into the shape of a cross would protect them from danger. Click here to view an instruction video.
Housecleaning: In many cultures the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week are designated as days for vigorous housecleaning in preparation for Easter. This custom probably evolved from the Jewish custom of ritual cleaning before Passover.
Coloring Eggs: Decorating eggs was a pagan symbol of rebirth at springtime for the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, and even the Chinese. Christians adopted the colored eggs as a symbol of new life which comes with the Resurrection.
Blessing of Easter Baskets: In many cultures, families bring food that will be eaten on Easter Sunday to church in a basket for a special blessing on Holy Saturday.
Easter Lilies: The tradition of buying Easter lilies during Holy Week for use as decorations in homes and churches came into practice in the 1800s. The white flower is a symbol of purity and new life that heralds the Resurrection of Jesus.
Sweet Breads: In many cultures, Holy Week was traditionally a time for baking sweet breads, cakes, and pastries that would be served on Easter Sunday.
New Clothes: From the time of the early Christians, the newly baptized wore white garments made from new linen. In medieval times, it became a tradition for people to wear new clothes on Easter Sunday symbolizing the "new life" that comes with the Resurrection.
Holy Water Blessings: Some families bring holy water containers to Mass on Easter so they can bring home some Easter water, which is blessed during the Easter Vigil, to bless their homes. -
Holy Week Triduum(trid-yoo-um, meaning 3 days)
The Triduum encompasses the three most sacred days in the Church year. It begins on sundown on Holy Thursday, reaches a high point at the Easter Vigil, and concludes with evening prayer at sundown on Easter Sunday.
The liturgical celebrations during the Triduum on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday are rich with symbolism and flow from one to another in a seamless way. While it may appear as if these liturgies are separate and distinct, they are actually intended to be one continuous celebration that commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For this reason, Catholics are encouraged to observe the entire Triduum by attending all of the liturgies.Portage North 2025
The Sacred Paschal Triduum and Easter Sunday
TO BE ANNOUNCED
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Tenebrae ServiceHoly Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Combined Portage North Region Holy Week Service
This service of darkness commemorates the sufferings and death of Christ. Like the “lessons and carols” services familiar at Christmas, Tenebrae consists of hymns, readings and prayers for the season. Please join us for this beautiful service of dark and light.Tenebrae Service @ 8:00 p.m.
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Mass of the Lord's SupperHoly Thursday, April 17, 2025
The Mass of the Lord's Supper features the distinctive action of the Washing of the Feet, just as the Lord did for his disciples and we do for one another. Operation Rice Bowl Collection is taken. Portage North Schedule
Mass of the Lord's Supper
& Washing of the Feet
TO BE ANNOUNCED -
Friday Passion of the LordGood Friday, April 18, 2025
It is the longest, the most grim, and the starkest day of the Triduum. On this day, we confront the truth that the impassible God suffered, that the ever-living God died. We confront the dark fact that He did so for our sins. Collection for the Holy Land is taken.Church Open for Prayer
St. Joseph 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Portage North Schedule
Celebration of the Lord's Passion with
Liturgy of the Word, Adoration of the Cross,
Petitions, Scriptures & Communion Service
TO BE ANNOUNCED -
Blessing of Easter Baskets
Several ethnic groups have kept alive the tradition of blessing food on Holy Saturday. The staples for the Easter Sunday meal (or, in some cultures, the Saturday vigil meal) - bread, wine, the colored eggs, the ham - are all placed in a basket and brought to the church to be blessed. Everyone is invited to place your food items in a basket and gather in the church on Holy Saturday for the Blessing of Easter Baskets.Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025
12 Noon @ all four Portage North Parishes:
St. Joseph (Mantua), St. Ambrose (Garrettsville),
Our Lady of Perpetua Help (Aurora), St. Joan of Arc (Streetsboro)
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Parish Easter Egg Hunt 2025
St. Joseph Church’s Confirmation Class is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for all parish families and friends on Saturday, April 19, at 12:15 p.m. sharp. The hunt for kids ages 1 through 9 will follow the Blessing of the Food at Noon in the church. Please arrive early to allow time to park. This year, we will be gathering in the driveway/parking lot on the east side of the school building near the Pavilion. TO BE CONFIRMED -
Holy SaturdayApril 19, 2025
On this day, the Church waits at the Lord's tomb, and meditates on his passion and death, and descent to the dead. With prayer and fasting we await His glorious Easter resurrection.Easter Vigil Mass @ 8 p.m.
TO BE ANNOUNCEDThe high point of the liturgical year! This moving liturgy consists of The Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Baptism of new Christians and renewal of Baptismal vows, and the Eucharist takes place after nightfall on Holy Saturday. The third and consummating rite of the OCIA process, the Sacraments of Initiation, also takes place at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. The Elect culminate their long journey to initiation in the waters of Baptism -- then, with the candidates, the newly baptized are sealed with the oil of Confirmation and share the bread and wine of the Eucharist as full members of the Roman Catholic community.
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Resurrection of the LordEaster Sunday, April 20, 2024
Easter Sunday is a day all about seeking. The early Christian communities gathered around the Apostles, seeking more about the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus. Saint Paul told the baptized Colossians to "seek what is above." Mary of Magdala went to the tomb, seeking to find the Lord's body so that she could anoint it. We come to church on Easter Sunday, seeking many things. For some of us, this is a once-a-year journey, when we seek connection with the foundations of the Christian faith. For others, this day is the culmination of a long journey of Lenten repentance. For the newly baptized, this is the first day of a new life filled with promise and expectation. Whatever it is that we seek, let us be inspired by the disciple whom Jesus loved who, when he saw the wrappings of cloth inside the empty tomb, "saw and believed." Easter Sunday Masses in Portage North Region
TO BE ANNOUNCEDAs we continue this great Easter Season of joy and celebration, new life is all around us. Our world and lives are coming alive to Spring and so is our faith as we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord and the gift of eternal life! Below is an Easter blessing for your home. During the Easter Season you are welcomed to take some holy water from the Baptismal font home and bless your home with the Easter Home and Family Blessing Prayer. Small containers are available near the Baptismal font. Gather your family in each room and offer the following prayer of thanksgiving to God for your family and home. Move from room to room sprinkling the holy water in each room.
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50 Days of Easter
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Easter Day is certainly the most important day of the church year. The celebration of Easter begins during the Easter Vigil after nightfall on Holy Saturday, continues through Easter Sunday and into the Easter season, a full 50 days, until Pentecost (the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the Church).
The Great 50 Days of Easter are a wonderful opportunity to explore and celebrate Easter more fully than we can possibly squeeze into a single day. These fifty days can be a time of learning to live the way of Easter in our everyday experience.
Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025
Celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of Easter, practices associated with this devotion are its novena, the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy (a series of prayers organized similarly to a rosary), the Hour of Great Mercy (a time of prayer traditionally celebrated at 3 p.m.), and the plenary indulgence granted to those who receive the Eucharist and celebrate reconciliation on Divine Mercy Sunday. This devotion is based on the Christological apparitions of Jesus reported by Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938). She was a Polish religious sister of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and canonized as a Catholic saint in 2000. Faustina stated that she received the prayer through visions and conversations with Jesus, who made specific promises regarding the recitation of the prayers.
The Ascension of the Lord (40 Days after Easter), June 1, 2025
This Holy day of Obligation, 40th day of Easter, commemorates Christ's Ascension into Heaven from Mount Olivet 40 days after He rose from the dead (Mark 16:14-20). After the Gospel is sung, the Paschal Candle, lit from the New Fire of the Easter Vigil, is extinguished to symbolize the departure of Christ. Many dioceses in the United States (including the Diocese of Youngstown) celebrate the Ascension on Sunday following rather than on Ascension Thursday.
Pentecost Sunday - June 8, 2025
Also known as "Whitsunday," Pentecost is the second greatest Feast of the liturgical year -- the first being Easter -- and takes place 50 days (7 weeks) after Easter. The fiftieth day after Easter, this day celebrates the coming of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples and Our Lady, and is regarded as the crowning close to the Easter season. This day is considered a sort of "birthday" for the Church.
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Ordinary Time
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The second part of Ordinary Time begins after the Easter Season, on the Monday after Pentecost, and ends on the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent and is devoted to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects. This Season's focus is the Holy Spirit in the Millennium, the Church Age that we now live in, and Christ's Reign as King of Kings -- the time between the Age of the Apostles and the Age to Come.
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Feast of the Most Holy TrinityMay 26, 2024
The first Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the three persons of God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Trinity Sunday also represents the beginning of the Church part of the liturgical year, continuing until Advent. -
Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of ChristJune 2, 2024
As on Maundy Thursday, we celebrate the Body of Christ -- but this time without the sense of impending doom of knowing what would come on Good Friday. This feast has an interesting history. Its inspiration is due to two things: the first is the Miracle of Bolsena, which happened in A.D. 1263. Peter of Prague, a German priest, during a pilgrimage to Rome, stopped at the Church of St. Christina there to offer Mass. While he was a holy and devout man, he harbored doubts about the Real Presence -- doubts which were completely resolved when the Host he consecrated during that Mass began to bleed. He rushed to meet Pope Urban IV in Orvieto, bringing the Host with him. The miracle was declared, and the Host is still on display at the Cathedral of Orvieto today. The second source of inspiration was an Augustinian nun, a Belgian named St. Juliana of Mont Cornillon (A.D. 1193-1258). She had a vision of the Moon that was full and beautiful, but marked by a black spot that signified that there was no joyous celebration of the Eucharist in the entire Church calendar. -
Feast of the Assumption of theBlessed Virgin MaryAugust 15th
On this day, a Holy Day of Obligation, we recall Our Lady's being assumed into Heaven and crowned Queen. The Assumption refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary being assumed — body and soul — into heaven at the end of her earthly life. “Assumption” is different than “ascension” because one is passive (i.e. one is assumed) and the other is active (i.e. one ascends). It is by the power of God Mary was assumed. Join us as we celebrate this Holy Day that we recall Our Lady's being assumed into Heaven and crowned Queen.Portage North Schedule:
Vigil Masses, Wednesday, August 14th
6:30 p.m. @ St. Joseph, Mantua
6:30 p.m. @ St. Ambrose, Garrettsville
Feast Day Masses, Thursday, August 15th
9 a.m. @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora
6:30 p.m. @ St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro
6:30 p.m. @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora -
Blessing of Backpacks
August 25, 2024
Whether they are carrying their first box of crayons to preschool or lugging a locker-full of textbooks from class to class, a backpack is the symbol of the student’s call to grow in wisdom. We’re sending our students and teachers back to school with our prayers and blessings. ALL STUDENTS (public, private or home schooled) and school staff are joyfully invited to bring their backpacks, briefcases, or tote bags for our “Blessing of the Backpacks" after all Masses on the weekend or two prior to the first day of school in the Crestwood District. As we celebrate God’s gift of learning, we will pray for His blessing on students and schools in the coming year. -
Fall Bible Study 2024
Come join us this Fall as we study the Healing Miracles of Jesus at St. Joseph Parish, Mantua, on Tuesdays, September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Center, facilitated by Michalene “Mickee” Murphy. The fee is $8.00 for the book. To register, please contact Kathi at the Office of St. Joseph & St. Ambrose Parishes (330-274-2253 or [email protected]) by September 12. -
Blessing of Pets 2024
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is October 4. Everyone is encouraged to bring their pets and/or farm animals for this special blessing in honor of our patron saint of animals. Portage North parishes will be holding their Blessing of Pets on Saturday, October 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc, and at Noon at St. Joseph and St. Ambrose. Our Lady of Perpetual Help will hold the event on Sunday, October 6, at 3 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring their pets and/or farm animals for this special blessing in honor of our patron saint of animals.
“All creatures are brothers and sisters under God.” —Saint Francis
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Feast of All Saints, November 1st
On this day, we honor the memory of all the Saints in heaven. May their prayers on our behalf, and their intercession before God, strengthen us to follow their example of holiness that we, too, may be looked upon as saints by our lives. All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics, carrying the same weight as Sunday Mass.
This Holy Day originated in the 4th century's Eastern feast of All Martyrs, and is attested to by St. Ephrem (c. 373 AD). Pope Gregory IV established this commemorating for all the Roman Church in 835. Originally celebrated on Easter Friday, it came to be held in Rome on May 13; later, in the 9th century, it was transferred to November 1, the date of its celebration in Ireland where it was established to counter the Celtic pagan feast of the Druids.Portage North Region All Saints 2024 Schedule:
Vigil Mass, Thursday, October 31
6:30 p.m. @ St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro
6:30 p.m. @ St. Ambrose, Garrettsville
Feast Day Masses, Friday, November 1
9 a.m. @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora
6:30 p.m. @ St. Joseph, Mantua
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The Commemoration of All the Faithful DepartedAll Souls' Day, November 2nd
All Souls Day, also known as “The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed” is observed on November 2. As we honor all of our beloved dead, we pray for their eternal rest in heaven and ask them to pray for us that we may be found worthy of the eternal gift of Heaven.The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed is also rooted in ancient Christian tradition, as attested to by the 2nd century Christian historian Tertullian. St. Odilo of Cluny established a memorial of all the faithful departed in 988 AD. This celebration was officially accepted for the whole Roman Church in the 13th century. All Souls Day is an especially rich cultural experience for Hispanic/Latino Catholics, who call it “Día de los Muertos” or “The Day of the Dead.”
The Church has a long tradition of remembering those who have died, to the love and mercy of God. We do this in a special way on the Feast of All Souls’ Day observances and throughout November. Our Book of Remembrance with the names of the dead is in the Narthex during October for you to add the names of loved ones who have passed away. The Mass of Remembrance is typically held in November. Many who are grieving have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support offered by the parish community at this liturgy. Please plan to attend and join your prayers with those of the entire parish community as we express our faith, our belief in the resurrection and offer support to the grieving. All are welcome!!
Portage North Region
All Souls' Day / Masses of Remembrance Schedule:
Saturday, November 2
4:30 p.m. @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora
5 p.m. @ St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro
Sunday, November 3
9 a.m. @ St. Joseph, Mantua
Monday, November 11
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Thanksgiving Day MassesNovember 28, 2024
Please join us as we give thanks for all our blessings.
Come celebrate this day with your family.
Portage North Liturgy Schedule:
9 a.m. @ St. Joseph, Mantua
9 a.m. @ St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro
9:30 a.m. @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora
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Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ,King of the UniverseNov. 24, 2024
On this day also known as Feast of Christ the King, we pray for the conversion of all to Christ, and for all governments to recognize Him as King and conform their laws to His teachings. This is the only way to peace!
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Advent
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The Christian's version of "New Year's Day" is the First Sunday of Advent, when we begin again the entire cycle of the year. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Even as the secular culture around us blares its songs of reindeer and tinsel, as if Christmas were already here, the Christian calendar sets aside four weeks of quiet preparation. Advent has a two-fold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs our mind and heart to await Christ's second coming at the end of time. Advent thus is a period of devout and joyful expectation.
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Saint Nicholas Feast Day - Dec. 6
Saint Nicholas (280-343), the patron of children, was orphaned at an early age and raised by an uncle. Like his uncle, he later became a bishop. After entering the priesthood, he became renowned for his charity and good deeds. Tradition says that he secretly filled the stockings or shoes of a few young women with enough money to ensure a decent dowry and marriage. This is the origin of our custom of hanging stockings at Christmas. On the eve of his feast day children put their shoes outside the door for him too fill with small treats (especially in other countries). He is sometimes referred to as "Nicholas the Wonderworker," because he is believed to be the cause of many miracles. Saint Nicholas, pray for us! -
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feast Day
December 8th
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Holy Day of Obligation in the United States, this is the day on which we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother. This feast intensifies our preparation during Advent, remembering how God prepared for Christ's birth by creating Mary free from original sin at conception. What makes her conception immaculate is not that she was conceived by the Holy Ghost of a virgin, as was Christ Our Lord, but that from the very moment of her conception, she was filled with grace by God, Who knew, in His omniscience, that she would say "yes" to the Angel Gabriel and become the Mother of the Savior. Chosen by God, Mary reverses the sin of Eve. Because of her obedience, God's Salvation is made known to all the nations.Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2024
Monday, December 9
9 a.m. @ St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro
6:30 p.m. @ St. Joseph, Mantua
6:30 p.m. @ St. Ambrose, Garrettsville
6:30 p.m. @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help, AuroraThis year, December 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent,
so the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred to Monday, December 9.
It remains a holyday of obligation. -
Live Nativity - Not in 2024
St. Joseph Church will present a Live Nativity on Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Come out and enjoy a live reenactment that really makes the first Christmas come alive. Donations of cash or non-perishable items for the local food cupboard will be kindly accepted. Volunteers to serve as actors, greeters, carolers are needed. Live animals would also be a wonderful addition to our event. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Kathy Paroff (616-723-3091 or [email protected]).
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The use of the Advent wreath with four candles has been an Advent ritual for hundreds of years. The Advent wreath is a symbol of the four-week wait for Jesus’ birth. The green branches remind us of the new life we have in Jesus, the circle represents the eternity of God’s love for us (with no beginning and no end), and the candles represent the light and hope Jesus brings into a dark world. There are three violet (purple) and one rose (pink) candles, each representing 1,000 years. Added together, the four candles symbolize 4,000 years that humanity waited for the Savior. Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of penance, sacrifice, and prayer. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy. The second Advent candle, called the "Bethlehem candle", symbolizes faith, and reminds us of Mary and Joseph's difficult journey to Bethlehem. -
Annual Giving Tree
Our annual Advent tradition of the Giving Tree begins the weekend of November 24, 2024. Coordinated by the Sisterhood of St. Joseph, this community outreach provides those in need with a little brighter Christmas (this may be the only gifts they receive). As in the past the “wish lists” were obtained from Catholic Charities of Portage County. To participate, please select a tag (remember to sign the list), shop, and return your wrapped gifts to the Narthex with the tag securely attached and visible by Sunday, December 8. Assembling of the family gift bags will take place on Monday, December 9.
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Advent Reconciliation Opportunities 2024
Several opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the Christmas holidays will be available during December.
As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas we want to be ready to accept his love and be able to do whatever he asks of us. In order to do so, the Church encourages the parish community to come together to hear the Word of God, to pray and to sing in a formal liturgy called the Rite of Penance (Penance Service). Gathered together we recognize our individual sinfulness and the harm it does to the whole community, and so, pray for one another as well as for ourselves. With song, prayer and scripture we ready ourselves for the opportunity for private confession and absolution. "To celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation means
to be wrapped in a warm embrace." - Pope Francis
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Christmas Season
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After the yearly celebration of the paschal mystery, the church holds most sacred the memorial of Christ's birth and early manifestations. This is the purpose of the Christmas season which typically begins with a worship service or a Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve and ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on the Sunday after January 6.
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Feast of the Nativityof the LordDecember 25th
The Feast of the Nativity is a most joyous one that celebrates the incredible reality that the Second Person of the Trinity was born of a Virgin.The mood is summed up
by Luke 2:14,
"Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will."
Masses for Christmas Eve 2024:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora- 4 p.m.
St. Joan of Arc Church, Streetsboro - 4 p.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora - 6 p.m.
St. Joseph Church, Mantua - 6 p.m.
St. Ambrose, Garrettsville - 8 p.m.
St. Joan of Arc Church, Streetsboro - 12 a.m.
Masses for Christmas Day 2024:
St. Joseph Church, Mantua - 9 a.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora - 11 a.m.
St. Joan of Arc Church, Streetsboro - 11 a.m.
St. Ambrose Church, Garrettsville - 11 a.m.At St. Joseph Parish, the Prayers of the Faithful for all Christmas Masses will be for our Christmas Flower Fund Intentions (donations also support liturgical expenses throughout the year).
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Christmas Wafers (Oplatki)
The people of Central Europe have had oplatki as part of their Christmas Eve meal for many generations. The wafer bears an image from the Christmas story and the bread signifies the “Bread of Life”, Jesus, who is among us in the Eucharist and in our lives. Generally, the eldest member of the family will begin the ritual by breaking off a piece of the wafer and passing it to another family member with a blessing. This blessing can simply consist of what you desire for your loved one in the upcoming year – whether it be good health, success, or happiness. The purpose of this act is primarily to express one's unconditional love and forgiveness for each member of his or her family. Just as we share in the Eucharist as one family in Christ and receive Christ’s love through the Eucharist, the Oplatki allows for one’s immediate family to come together and share the love they have for one another. Oplatki is available in the Narthex beginning the second weekend of Advent for those who would like to celebrate this tradition of unity. Your donation to help defray the cost is appreciated.
(FYI - Leftover Oplatki from last year may be used for the current year. Each person receives a very small piece so the large wafer should be ample for many people).
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Feast of the Holy Familyof Jesus, Mary & Joseph
Formerly it was celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany, but since 1969 the feast falls on the Sunday after Christmas, or December 30 if Christmas falls on a Sunday. This Feast is celebrated after Christmas because in Old Testament Law, a child wasn't a son of Abraham or a true part of the family until his circumcision at 8 days of age, an event of Christ's life that we celebrated on January 1 (from December 25 to January 1 are 8 days). We ask for the grace that our families too may live as the holy family united in respect and love. -
the Solemnity of Mary,The Holy Mother of GodJanuary 1st
On this Holy Day of Obligation, we focus on the divine motherhood of Mary whom we proclaim to be the mother of Christ and the mother of the Church. We seek God's blessings as did Mary. Because of her Son, we can confidently call God, "Abba"!
Masses for New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora - 6:30 p.m.
St. Joan of Arc Church in Streetsboro - 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Church in Mantua - 6:30 p.m.
New Year Day January 1, 2024
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora - 11 a.m.
St. Ambrose Church, Garrettsville - 11 a.m. -
Feast of the Epiphanyof the Lord - January 7, 2025
This is a great and very important Feast remembering the journey of the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who followed the star that showed all nations and peoples that Jesus was sent by God for all. Epiphany has become the day we traditionally bless our homes and families. Chalk, small vials of holy water and handouts are available near the Baptismal font for you to take home for this blessing. Click here to download an Epiphany Household Blessing. -
Feast of the Baptism of the LordJanuary 12, 2025
The Christmas season comes to a conclusion as we remember the baptism of the Lord in the Jordan by John the Baptist. In submitting Himself humbly to the baptism of St. John the Baptist, Christ provided the example for the rest of us. If even He should be baptized, though He had no need of it, how much more should the rest of us be thankful for this sacrament, which frees us from the darkness of sin and incorporates us into the Church, the life of Christ on earth! His Baptism, therefore, was necessary--not for Him, but for us. A voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." -Matthew 3:17
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