Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Newsletter — August 2022

August 2022

oncept Monthly

Newsletter

I m m a c u l a t e C o n c e p t i o n C a t h o l i c C h u rc h

Meet Patrick and Jesse Ebner

Sharing Family Life Rooted in Faith and Stewardship

J

esse Ebner has been part of Immaculate Conception Parish for as long as she can remember. She attended school at Immaculate Conception and grew up attending the parish with her family. Now married to Patrick and raising three children — with one more soon to arrive — she and her family are actively involved in our parish life.

“It really feels like home to me,” Jesse says. “My brothers and I made most of our sacraments here, so I really love seeing my own children receiving theirs in the same building.”

Patrick joined Immaculate Conception after marrying Jesse, because of Jesse’s family history in the parish.

“We were married at Immaculate Conception because it was my wife’s family church,” Patrick says. “When we were first married we lived in University Heights, but when we moved back to Lake County around 2012, we formally joined Immaculate Conception.”

The two met while Patrick was coaching Jesse’s younger brother’s high school basketball team.

“I was in law school, and Jesse was still in college at Villanova,” Patrick says. “Her brother, Sam, actually set us up. We were married in 2010, at Immaculate Conception. We have three kids — Will, Patrick, and Anna. Baby number four is due in September.” continued on page 2

37940 Euclid Avenue

Willoughby, OH 44094

Jesse and Patrick Ebner strive to raise their children in the same faith they were taught as kids, attending Sunday Mass and building prayer into daily family life.

440-942-4500

www.immaculate.net

Immaculate Conception CATHOLIC

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CHURCH

Meet Patrick and Jesse Ebner continued from front cover

Patrick first got involved in our parish through coaching back in the mid-2000s. He enjoys seeing at Mass the kids he used to coach, some of whom are now already graduated from college. He began his own law firm in downtown Willoughby last year and uses some of his professional expertise to serve the parish.

“I have always volunteered at Oktoberfest, and more recently have had the opportunity to serve on Parish Council and speak to the Senior Ministry group about estate planning,” Patrick says.

The parish community played an important role for him when he “took the plunge” and began the law firm.

“It was a scary decision with three kids and a wife who is a stay-at-home mom, but we placed our trust in God and felt like it was the right time,” Patrick says.

“My office is in downtown Willoughby and, so far, it has been going great!”

As for Jesse, she is a volunteer with the PSR program, First Communion catechism class, and Vacation Bible School.

“Having the opportunity to teach and learn with the young children has made me think about my Catholic faith in new, refreshing ways,” Jesse says.

Passing on their traditional Catholic faith to their children is very important to the Ebners. Their kids attend Catholic schools, they attend Mass every week, and they build prayer into their daily lives.

“More than anything, we try to lead by example, and the example that our parents set for us,” Jesse says.

“

It really feels like home to

The Ebners feel blessed to share a family life rooted in faith and stewardship.

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me. My brothers and I made most of our sacraments here, so I really love seeing my own children receiving theirs in the same building.” — Jesse Ebner

“More than anything, we try to lead by example, and the example that our parents set for us,” says Jesse Ebner.

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A Letter From Our Pastor

Much Will Be Required of the Person Entrusted With Much

Dear Parishioners,

N

o matter your situation in life, chances are there is someone out there who has more than you. Too often we may hesitate to follow stewardship as a way of life because we are waiting for someone more blessed than we are to show us the way.

You may be aware that the Scripture readings we hear at each Mass are part of a three-year cycle.

In general, the Gospel passages in Cycle A are from Matthew: Cycle B is principally Mark; and Cycle C, the year we are now in, is primarily from Luke. John is mixed in and especially used during Lent. We are in what might be called a “Luke year.”

As we hear the Gospels from Luke, we need to be acutely aware of the stewardship messages found there. In one recent Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus uses a parable to remind us of an important stewardship lesson. He precedes the parable by reminding us all, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions” (Luke 12:15). You and I both know that God does not judge us based upon what we may have accumulated during our lifetimes, but based upon how we lived those lives, and especially how we used those gifts — those possessions.

The parable focuses on a “rich man” who builds larger grain bins to store his abundant harvests. God calls the man a fool and reminds him that growing rich for himself is not as important as growing rich in the sight of God. The very next week (the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time), Luke again tells us how Jesus warns and cautions His disciples — “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Luke 12:34).

The Lord warns them that they do not know what day or what hour He will return and summarizes it all

with another important insight into what is expected of us — “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more” (Luke 12:48).

You see, we are not “off the hook” if someone else has more gifts but fails to use them well. Stewardship demands that each of us use our gifts, and each of us is gifted whether we want to admit it or not, to serve God and others. Luke’s implied stewardship messages come full circle in the Gospel reading on Aug. 21 — “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last” (Luke 13:30).

That admonition from the Lord has always seemed a bit confusing. It more or less says that to be first, we need to be last, and if we are first, we may be last.

I think perhaps all of these messages, including the first and last one, are cautions to us that we cannot be complacent and we cannot take salvation and holiness for granted. We need to work on them. We are not measured by our possessions; God indeed does expect a lot of us, no matter how small or extensive our gifts may be. Regardless of how holy we may strive to be, it is God who will judge; it is by His grace that we will be saved.

Amid all these magnificent stewardship messages, we celebrate the Assumption of our Blessed Mother on Aug. 15 — “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant” (Luke 1:46-48).

God bless you all!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Michael Troha

Immaculate Conception CATHOLIC

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Parish School of Religion: M

Forming and Engaging

any saints have spoken extensively about the importance of teaching our children about God and raising them in the Catholic faith. From the moment of Baptism, the Church gives parents the responsibility of training their child in the faith. Parents are asked if they clearly understand this command before the child is baptized. One very important tool for parents as they strive to raise their children in the faith is the Parish School of Religion (PSR).

Children of the parish attend PSR on Monday evenings. These classes are taught by dedicated volunteer teachers under the watchful instruction of Sister Josephine Rasoamampionona. From kindergarten to eighth grade, children come to learn more about their faith and grow in community with other children of the parish.

Rees Erickson, a sixth-grade student, shares what important things she and her classmates learn during their time at PSR. “We read a lot about God and the Bible stories,” Rees says. “It is important to go to religion classes so I can learn more about our religion and how to grow stronger in our faith.”

Rees’s mom, Marites Erickson, has also gained perspective on how parents can raise their children in the faith.

“We receive regular communication from the PSR director, informing us of weekly events and the church calendar,” she says. “It is especially helpful for special religious observances to follow.”

Marites has also found that the sacramental preparation has been especially great for her daughter.

“I have seen how Rees has taken the Sacrament of Penance seriously,” she says. “She tells me when she needs to go to confession and I see her preparing to receive the sacrament before we go.”

The children in PSR not only learn in a classroom setting, but they also have many interactive and hands-on activities that engage and teach them in a practical way.

“Father does a tour of the church with them,” says Rhema Pizem, who teaches kindergarten and First Communion preparation. “We also try to get them into the Adoration Chapel so they learn these different aspects of their faith. We teach them church etiquette and the importance of being quiet and respectful. The

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Our Children in the Catholic Faith small children are just in awe that they can come in quietly and just talk to Jesus.”

For Jackson and Hunter Chase, two brothers that attend PSR, favorite activities include the May Crowning at the end of the year, holiday celebrations, Stations of the Cross, and the Living Rosary.

“My classes have helped me to learn my prayers,” Jackson says. “I know that Jesus is always there for us and we can pray to Him anytime.”

“It is important to go to these classes so we can learn more about God, Jesus, and Mary,” Hunter adds.

“Sr. Josephine always reminds the parents to take an active approach in the growth of our children’s faith,” says Kate Chase, Hunter and Jackson’s mom. “During Advent, they provide us with Advent wreaths, calendars, reading materials, and other activities for families to use to pray at home together. It is so apparent that making sure the family grows in faith together is so important to her and she is always offering different activities to make it easier for us busy parents to incorporate our faith into our daily lives at home.”

Involvement in the parish community is an important part of a child’s life and attending PSR is an essential way for them to grow in their faith community outside of Mass. Given that many children attend public schools where they don’t learn about God or their faith, this is one of the best opportunities that they have to learn and to pray and deepen their relationship with God. They grow and can apply and live

their faith whether they are in school, sports, or other activities.

“Here is where they get the nourishment of their faith, and then they can apply and live their faith as a witness to others,” Sr. Josephine says.

“We are spiritual and physical beings. We have to put those together and make sure that these children are growing as whole persons, being formed as God’s children.”

With the new school year coming up, PSR needs more teachers, aides, and volunteers to help organize activities.

“My favorite part about teaching is working with the children and seeing the progress that they make,” says Rachel Aho, fourth-grade teacher. “It is very rewarding to see how proud the students feel about themselves when they truly understand something and feel a sense of accomplishment. I really enjoy sharing my faith and teaching the children about our Catholic faith.”

If you feel called to assist with this vital ministry for the children of the parish, please contact Sister Josephine Rasoamampionona at the parish office at 440-942-4500.

Immaculate Conception CATHOLIC

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CHURCH

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Connecting Parishioners to Jesus

I

n our lives as Catholics, the Eucharist is front and center. Our faith and our liturgy constantly draw us into deeper relationship with Christ in the Eucharist. Whether you spend a Holy Hour in adoration or receive the Eucharist at a daily or weekend Mass, these intimate moments with Our Lord nourish our souls and give us the strength to live a life of faith and service to others. For those of us who are blessed to be able to receive Christ in the Eucharist weekly, or even daily, it’s especially important to remember those in our parish family who are unable to attend Mass. To meet the needs of these parishioners, we have Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who bring Christ out into our community.

Mike Kelley coordinates and schedules the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and sometimes takes Communion to the sick and homebound himself.

“It’s a way to connect them to Jesus,” Mike says. “When there aren’t enough ordained clergy to reach everybody, we are here to assist the priest.”

Extraordinary Ministers bring the Eucharist directly into the homes of men and women who often have to settle with watching Mass on television.

Mike remembers a time that he visited a parishioner and happened to walk in while she was watching the televised Mass from the National Shrine. Mike

visited with her for a few minutes and then was able to give her Communion as they were distributing Communion at the Mass.

At another visit, the parishioner Mike visited was brought to tears and said, “I cannot believe Jesus is in my house.” In some way, her feelings must have echoed those of Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke when he welcomed Jesus into his home.

Many of our parishioners are older and in need of Extraordinary Ministers to bring them Communion. The aftermath of COVID-19 means that our need for those who are willing to give an hour or two each week has increased. Bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound is a service and an act of charity, but it is also deeply impactful to those who do it.

Sue DeGirolamo has been an Extraordinary Minister for five years and still experiences awe when she serves.

“I receive the Real Presence of Christ, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity at Mass,” Sue says. “Then I become the hands that serve the Body of Christ to our parishioners of Immaculate Conception.”

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are trained through the Diocese of Cleveland after being recommended by Fr. Troha. They take Communion to the sick and homebound and are also scheduled to assist at Masses when there are not enough priests and deacons to distribute Communion.

If you are interested in being trained as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please call the parish office at 440-942-4500.

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Stewardship’s “Supreme Teacher” Following Christ’s Example

ormer President and Five-Star General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “You don’t lead by hitting people over the head — that’s assault, not leadership.” President Eisenhower’s words are both blunt and humorous, but he makes a great point. Almost any successful endeavor in life requires the benefit of strong leadership. And a truly effective leader does not lead by simply telling others what to do, but by providing a strong example of how to carry oneself on a daily basis.

This is no different for us in our lives as Catholic Christians. As individuals who face numerous difficult choices every day, we require a leader who, through word and example, can show us the path to living according to God’s will. For us, Jesus is the supreme teacher of every aspect of Christian life, and His life as documented in the Gospels is a model that we should strive to imitate in living as good Christians. And as we have learned, stewardship — the sharing of the gifts that God

has given to us — is a big part of Christian life, and one for which Jesus left many examples of successful living.

Jesus’ nature of selfless service, documented many times throughout the New Testament and culminating with His death for our sins, is an underlying aspect of living the stewardship way of life. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops points out in its pastoral document Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, “In Jesus’ teaching and life self-emptying is fundamental. Now, it might seem that self-emptying has little to do with stewardship, but in Jesus’ case that is not so.

His self-emptying is not sterile self-denial for its own sake; rather, in setting aside self, he is filled with the Father’s will, and he is fulfilled in just this way” (19).

Jesus points out to Peter in Mark’s Gospel that this “self-emptying” requires sacrifice, but ultimately leads to “eternal life in the age to come” continued on back cover

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Stewardship’s “Supreme Teacher” continued from page 7

(Mk 10:30). But the Christian steward’s ultimate reward is not his or her only benefit from living the stewardship way of life. By sharing of our time, talent and treasure, and living in imitation of Christ, we can relate more closely to Him in sharing, in a small way, in His sacrifice. “To be a Christian disciple is a rewarding way of life, a way of companionship with Jesus, and the practice of stewardship as a part of it is itself a source of deep joy. Those who

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live this way are happy people who have found the meaning and purpose of living” (Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, 21).

The next time you are frustrated or unsure of how to best respond to God’s gifts in stewardship, take a moment to open up the Bible. Jesus may not “hit us over the head” in His leadership, but He does provide numerous examples through His actions and teachings of how to live as one of His disciples.

Christ’s life as documented in the Gospels is a model that we should strive to imitate in living as good Christians. And as we have learned, stewardship — the sharing of the gifts that God has given to us — is a big part of Christian life, and one for which Jesus left many examples of successful living.

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