Dear Friends,

Resurrection, joy and new life have been celebrated at the Lord’s table here at Our Lady of Lourdes. May this same blessing be shared at your table in your own home. I share with you a blessing for your Easter table.

Lord God, the bounty of our Easter table is before our eyes.

We praise you as our hearts sing of the resurrection of your only Son.

Thank you for the resurrection of springtime, for the flowers and

 the song of birds after the long sleep of winter.

Thank you for new friendships and the new life brought about by your forgiveness.

Bless our loved ones and all those unable to join us at this banquet.

May we receive your grace by the memory of their presence

and may we be reunited one day with those who have gone before us.

Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive

from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen

Peace to you all,

Fr. Kevin Kavanagh

PARISH CALENDAR

For a printable PDF version of OLOL's April calendar, click HERE.

FIRST FRIDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Our First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament continues on Friday, April 5th, beginning with 8:00 a.m. Mass and concluding with Benediction at 8:00 p.m. Church is open and you can come for any length of time, but at least two adorers must be present at all times the Eucharist is exposed. We ask for volunteers to sign up for a Holy Hour shift at this link HERE.

I COME TO ADORATION/EXPOSITION BECAUSE...

"I feel comforted and at peace after spending an hour with Jesus in quiet prayer. My prayer may include Bible reading, rosary, gratitude, petitions and discussion with our Lord." - M.I.

"To have a closer relationship with the Lord." - P.J.F.

LECTOR & EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TRAINING

Father Kavanagh is bringing back the Precious Blood on June 1st and 2nd (Feast of Corpus Christi).

Current Eucharistic Ministers are REQUIRED to attend training either Sunday, April 28th at 10:15 a.m. (between Masses) or Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 a.m.  Pre-registration is not required.

Anyone interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister must be 18+ years of age, Confirmed, and attend either of these sessions. Persons should be comfortable distributing both Bread and Precious Blood. Pre-registration is requested.

Anyone wishing to become a Lector must be 18+ years old and attend the training on Saturday, May 4th at 9:00-10:00 am. Pre-registration is required. Current Lectors are NOT REQUIRED to attend the Lector Training.  

To pre-register (if needed) for either training, please contact Joni Palumbo at joni@olol.cc. If you have any further questions, please call the parish office (937-644-6020).

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

A warm welcome to our newest members who joined our Church and came into full communion at the Easter Vigil Mass!

Join us for our last few sessions on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the PLC to learn more about an aspect of our Catholic faith. April Topics Include:

April 2nd - Evangelization with Ernie Jones

April 9th - The Four Last Things with Jose Banaag

April 16th - The Ongoing Journey with Mike Bezusko

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic? Please call Deacon Dave at (937) 209-9258 or email dbezusko@columbuscatholic.org.

PARISH YOUTH CATECHESIS (PYC)

Please pray for our youth as they finish their preparations to receive Sacraments. 34 students will receive Confirmation with Bishop Fernandes on April 18th. 43 students will receive First Communion on April 27th. 

CHANGES COMING TO PYC

Changes are being made to next year's PYC class schedule. To read about the reasoning behind these changes, and to view the new class times, please click HERE. We anticipate beginning registration for the 2024-2025 year in late April.



VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Join us this summer as we go on Wilderness Adventure: Through the Sacraments! Vacation Bible School will be held June 24th-28th, 2024, from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. We need volunteers in a variety of roles to make this a great week for the youth participants. If you would like to volunteer, visit our website HERE to complete the volunteer registration form. Participant registration will begin in late April.

LIFE TEEN YOUTH GROUP



Calling ALL 8th-12th Graders! Want to know what the fun is all about at Life Teen? We continue to meet weekly, with a flexible schedule to allow more participation options. Come for the FOOD and FUN and learn what God has in store for you! 

Upcoming Calendar of Events for the month of April:

Tuesday, April 2nd: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Mass followed by Taco Tuesday and Small group

Sunday, April 7th: 12:30-2:00 p.m. – Look Mom No Hands - Sloppy Joes!

Sunday, April 14th: 12:30-2:00 p.m. – Go Fish - Pasta Party

Friday, April 19th: 6:30-8:00 p.m. – Bowling Party - Pizza Party

Sunday, April 28th: 12:30-2:00 p.m. – Coming Attractions - Ham and Cheese Sliders

For past weeks fun and materials, visit our website HERE.

If you have any questions about the program – or would like to sign up – please contact Greg at greg@gertenfarm.com or Angelina Gerten at angelina@gertenfarm.com.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL

ENVELOPE MISHAP

Many of you have asked what happened to the St. Vincent de Paul donation envelopes in our bi-monthly packet of parish donation envelopes. Well…we don’t know but thankfully the problem has been addressed and the envelopes will again be in your packets starting in the June/July packet. If you wish to contribute before then, simply place your contribution in an envelope (with your name of course) and place the envelope in the collection basket. Thank you for all your past donations and for continuing to contribute to St. Vincent de Paul.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, April 14th - Bologna sandwich collection weekend. In March, you donated a total of 770 sandwiches. THANK YOU!

• Monday, April 15th - Monthly St. Vincent de Paul meeting, PLC room 16, 7:00 p.m.

• Thursday, April 18th - Fresh Produce Distribution in the parking lot in front of the Parish Life Center. Repackaging occurs from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Actual distribution is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed! In March, we served 69 households providing fresh produce and a few staple food items.

For further information about The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, please email kakirk56@outlook.com or call 380-235-1102.

MUSIC ON THE HILL LECTURE SERIES

Join us Sunday, April 21st at 3:00 p.m. in the PLC Commons for our next lecture series featuring the Bach Easter Oratorio.

The religious music of Johann Sebastian Bach was written to be performed during the Lutheran liturgy throughout the year. The Easter Oratorio is a joyous composition telling the Easter story from the perspectives of Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, and the “other Mary.” Join us as we discuss Bach’s sacred music and listen to this magnificent piece during the Easter season

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

The Pray for Priests initiative created by Our Lady of Peace Parish continues for April. This initiative is to encourage parishioners to pray for a different priest or seminarian of our Diocese every day. Please click HERE to view the full calendar for the month of April.

JESUS AND THE EUCHARIST

This 7-part study is being offered as part of the Year of the Parish Revival. Participants will be immersed in the Gospel’s Eucharistic proclamations and unveil God’s saving work in the Eucharist. You can access this study on the parish website at www.olol.cc. Please contact Theresa in the parish office with questions.

KAIROS COOKIE BAKERS NEEDED

The Kairos Prison Ministry is once again asking for chocolate chip cookie donations. Bags will be passed out the weekend of April 6th - 7th. Deadline to drop off cookies is April 24th at noon in the Bride’s Room. Feel free to use one of your own bags. Make sure cookies are cooled and not on a paper plate. No notes please.  Please keep cookie diameter around 3 inches so one dozen fits in a quart size bag. Kairos #20 will take place April 25th - 28th inside London Correctional Institution in London, Ohio. A Big Kairos Prison Ministry International (Thank You!!) to all Kairos cookie bakers!!  

NATIONAL EUCHARIST CONGRESS

WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS!

OLOL's Welcome Committee will host the next Pastries with Parishioners on Sunday, April 21st between the Masses to welcome all new parishioners and visit with current parishioners. We welcome ALL parishioners to attend, BOTH new and current, to meet fellow parish families, and learn more about our parish from each other. Everyone is invited to bring a homemade pastry to share. Gathering will feature baked goodies, coffee and water.  We hope to see you there!

KENTUCKY DERBY DINNER PARTY

BERNADETTES AND SQUIRES (OLOL YOUTH)

CIRCLE OF MARY BERNADETTES

The Bernadettes are happy to have assisted the Parish Life Committee with their preparations for the Parish Easter Egg Hunt that took place Saturday, March 23rd. Our girls also volunteered at the Parish Fish Fries each week and are excited to participate in the May Crowning and our annual Mother's Day Masses in the coming weeks. Our Spiritual, Social, and Civic Committees are busy with additional community service projects and activities as well. We will be holding our Officer Elections next month and will have our Installation of Officers and New Member Investiture in May. If you are interested in joining us, our next meeting will be held on April 21st at 1:00 p.m. in the PLC. Please see the Parish website for details or contact Lisa Melish at themelishfamily@gmail.com or Caroline Keiderling at cjkeiderling1@aol.com with any questions.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SQUIRES

SENIOR GROUP

Are you around 55 years of age or older and interested in socializing and meeting other parishioners? If so, we welcome you to join our group at one or more of these activities. To join our email distribution list, send your contact information to: seniorsolol@outlook.com.

COMMITTEE MEETING - MEMBERS NEEDED

The senior group is looking to form a committee to plan future events. Anyone interested in helping grow this ministry is asked to attend a one hour meeting on Tuesday, April 16th. The meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. immediately following the potluck/speaker event in the PLC. 

POTLUCK & MEETING

The next senior group meeting and potluck is Tuesday, April 16th from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the PLC Commons. The guest speaker is from the Marysville Fire Department. They will cover topics such as home fire escape planning, repository units (also known as "Knox boxes"), file of life, fire extinguisher use, recommendations on number of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors needed in the home and where to place them, cooking or camp fires in backyard, open burning on your property and general fire safety. Reservations are not required. Bring a potluck dish to share.

BOOK CLUB

Book club meets the second Tuesday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the PLC, room 16/18.

On April 9th, the group will watch the movie "The Boys in the Boat". The book with the same title was read by the group during a previous month. To join the watch party, email seniorsolol@outlook.com for more details. 

On May 14th, our book is "He Leadeth Me" by Walter J. Ciszek, S. J. 

BREAKFAST AFTER MASS

Breakfast at Boston's is the first Wednesday of the month following the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Meet in the back of the church to see how many are attending or just meet at Boston's in Marysville. This month we will meet on April 3rd. Next month we will meet on May 1st.

GAME DAY

Game day is the last Wednesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the PLC, room 16/18. Upcoming dates are April 24th And May 29th. Please bring your favorite game and a snack to share.

WALKING ROSARY

Walking Rosary is every Thursday after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Bring your walking shoes and pray the Rosary as we get some exercise.

LINE DANCING

Line dancing is every Monday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the PLC commons.

BIBLE STUDY

Thank you to Sharon Walls for leading the five week Bible study during lent. The group looks forward to offering more opportunities to share God's word. 

PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE

EASTER EGG HUNT

The Parish Life Committee and Hospitality Crew hosted the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Parish Life Center on March 23rd. We had 39 parish families with 93 children 10 years and below participate in this event. The committee gave out stuffed toys and baby crackers for those who were less than a year old. There were egg hunts for three age groups (1-3 years old, 4-7 years old and 8-10 years old, plus a special egg hunt for older children and adults. There were Easter-themed coloring and sticker activities for the kids prior to the actual egg hunt, and an opportunity to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. Light refreshments were also served. It looks like everyone had a fun time at this annual Parish Easter Egg Hunt. More importantly, the committee also gained a new member as one of the attendees agreed to volunteer for this committee. We welcome other parish families to join our committee as well. Please contact the parish office if you have an interest. 

PARISH GOLF OUTING - NEW COORDINATOR NEEDED

The Parish Life Committee and Hospitality Crew wishes to thank Tiffany Wood for her years of leadership in coordinating the annual Parish Golf Outing. Due to a new endeavor, she had to step down from this role. Hence, the committee is looking for another parishioner to help lead this event - usually held towards the latter part of summer (August through early September). The primary responsibility entails coordinating with local golf courses to see who can accommodate our parish golfers and their guests. If you have experience in this type of activity or if you wish to try out something new to help our parish, please contact the parish office. Thank you!

THAT MAN IS YOU

Saturday mornings from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. OR Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the PLC

MEN! JOIN US THIS LENT FOR THAT MAN IS YOU! That Man is You! honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive!

Please reach out to Deacon Dave for more information at (937) 209-9258 or via email at  dbezusko@columbuscatholic.org. 

SAINT MARTHA'S MEALS

The Women’s Ministry is pleased to announce that we are ready for our official launch of St. Martha’s Meals. We have a wonderful group of parishioners who are able to deliver meals to your family as you welcome a new baby into your home.

If you are expecting, please contact Becky Elchert or Jennifer Schafer at ololmeals@gmail.com.  We would love to hear from you a month or so before the baby is due. This will allow us to send a questionnaire about your food preferences in advance. We will wait until you let us know that the baby has arrived before we schedule the meal deliveries.  

BOOK COLLECTION

In observance of the Easter season, there is no book collection for the month of April. Have a Blessed Easter!

SACRED HEART PRAYER GROUP

All are welcome to join The Sacred Heart Prayer Group the First Friday of each month. Our next meeting will be Friday, April 5th after the 8:00 a.m. Mass.

Our prayer is The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes. The prayer intention is for members of the parish. Our saint of the month is St. Ignatius Loyola.

PRAYER SHAWL

Whether you know how to crochet or knit or want to learn, we encourage you to join us on the first Tuesday of each month. We make shawls, have them blessed, and package them with a prayer card for the recipient. Please contact Pam at (937) 578-3139 or Linda at (614) 352-7826 with any questions.

MONTHLY MEETING

The Prayer Shawl group will meet Tuesday, April 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. in the PLC, room 22. All are welcome regardless of skill level.  

CARDS FOR SACRAMENTS

The card ministry is in need of assistance with cards for two upcoming sacraments. OLOL has 33 young people being confirmed on April 18th and 42 additional young people receiving their First Holy Communion on April 27th. Would you like to help by writing cards to them? Or perhaps you would just like to donate confirmation and First Communion cards? Cards for these two sacraments can be dropped off anytime to the card ministry drop off box located on the literature counter in the gathering space at church. If you want to write cards, email cardsolol@outlook.com.

We are a group of volunteers who share the love of Christ through caring cards. We are all bombarded with emails these days, so how about sending someone a handwritten card that they can get the good ol’ fashioned way: in the mailbox! To submit a card request, simply email cardsolol@outlook.com or call/text Phyllis at (937) 707-0902. It’s that easy! 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MARYSVILLE COUNCIL #5534

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SUB SALE CHECK PRESENTATION

The Knights again thank all our fellow parishioners who supported the Super Bowl Sunday Sub Sale back in February. As indicated, all proceeds were given to seminarian Deacon David Johnstone as he finishes his studies prior to being ordained a priest this coming May. The council had the opportunity to present a check for the amount of $1,400 to Deacon Johnstone during the last Lenten Fish Fry of the year. We invite everyone to continue to pray for him and to pray for more young men to discern God's call for priestly vocations.

LENTEN FISH FRY DINNERS & HONOREES OF THE YEAR

The Knights would like to again thank all our fellow parishioners, their family members and guests as well as members of the community who supported the annual Lenten Fish Fry Dinners during the first six Fridays of Lent. We hope that everyone enjoyed the good food and the even more amazing opportunity for fellowship. 

The last Lenten Fish Fry Dinner of the season also provides the council the opportunity to honor a couple of our Brother Knights along with some of their family members for their exemplary demonstration of Columbianism as they support not only our council and our Order, but also our parish and our Church as well as our community in general. This year's award recipients include Deacon Charles Knight as Clergy of the Year, Dale Proshek as Knight of the Year, Steve and Gina Veigel as Family of the Year and Penny Yunker as Lady of the Year. The council will also be presenting one of the young parishioners with the Youth of the Year award. Given that the local schools started spring break during this last Lenten Fish Fry Dinner, the council's recipient for Youth of the Year was unable to attend. Hence, we will present this parish youth with this award at an upcoming council function. Congratulations to the council's honorees for the recognition well deserved.

Clergy of the Year

Dcn. Charles Knight

Knight of the Year

Dale Proshek

Family of the Year

Steve and Gina Veigel

Lady of the Year

Penny Yunker

JOIN US

The Knights of Columbus Marysville Council invites all practicing male Catholics, 18 years or older, to prayerfully consider joining the Order. You can join by clicking on this URL link HERE or by scanning the QR code on the graphic below. Please enter "5534" as the council you wish to join and "JCUMMONS" as the agent referral code to obtain free membership.  

BLOOD DRIVE

OLOL will be hosting a Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, April 11th, from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center, Commons Room #2. Walk-ins are welcome, however, appointments are recommended.

Please call 1-800-733-2767 for an appointment or schedule online HERE, sponsor code LourdesCC.

The staff at Our Lady of Lourdes wishes everyone a blessed Easter season.

Stay tuned for the next edition of The Grotto, in your inbox Wednesday, May 1st!