"OPEN WIDE YOUR HEART"     Ash Wednesday is this week, and God gives us another Lenten season to grow in faith, discipleship, and service as we prepare spiritually for Easter 2021. Even though it is still winter, Lent means that spring is not far away, as the very word “Lent” comes from an old English word for spring. So, this is a time for another new beginning, with trust in God’s ability to provide what we truly need. We continue to make adaptations to our rituals and practices in this time of the pandemic, including limited capacity in church, the wearing masks, and sanitizing in church after each use.  

The Mass of the Resurrection celebrating the life of Jean Ann Hoffman Waybright on Monday, January 18, 2021 was an opportunity for her family and friends to give thanks for her full and generous witness to living Gospel values.  Her life in Christ began with her baptism at St. Mary, where she also was welcomed into full communion with the church through the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

The life of Gerald Patrick Gallagher, a man with diverse talents and interests, was remembered when family and friends gathered for a Memorial Mass on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.  His wife, Joyce, chose to place his photo near a wreath, as a symbol of immortality; that, like the wreath, which has no beginning and no end, so too is our life with God. 

Catherine (Kit) Susan Maxwell began her life in Christ through baptism as an infant in St. Mary Church.  She completed her initiation through the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at St. Mary and later married her beloved husband, George Maxwell at St. Mary on August 18, 1956.

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A joyful celebration of the life of Michael James Yaeger took place on Saturday, December 12, 2020, as his family and friends gathered for the Mass of the Resurrection.  Many family members took an active role as lectors, pallbearers, and processional attendants. Family friend Fr. Brian Chabala concelebrated with Fr. David Burgard.

The family of Joyce Ann Eby gathered to celebrate her long and faith-filled life on Wednesday, November 16, 2020.  Her great-nephew and newly ordained priest, Fr. Mark Tibai presided at the Mass of the Resurrection celebrating God’s goodness and mercy made evident in her life. Along with her husband, Bill (d. May 17, 2020), and her brother, Ronald Yensch, Joyce enjoyed traveling to the Smokey Mountains, Toronto, and on the Algona Snow Train in Sault Ste. Marie.  Weekend jaunts saw the trio visiting Michigan festivals and fairs.

Family and friends from near and far gathered to celebrate the long and faith-filled life of Jeanne Catherine Byron.  Jeanne valued her Catholic education, and along with her husband (Albert d. 2003) ensured that each of their seven children would have the same opportunity and blessings afforded by Catholic education.  She was a frequent cheerleader at all events that her children and grandchildren participated in.

The immediate family of Gay Jean Criscio gathered on Friday, December 4, 2020, to celebrate God’s faithful love and her new and eternal life.   Baptized in the Lutheran faith, Gay entered the Catholic Church through the process of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).  She took seriously the command of Jesus: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. . . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 18:19-20).

Family and friends of Daniel George Toro gathered to celebrate the Mass of the Resurrection and entrust his soul to the love and mercy of God.          One of seven children, Dan enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the age of eighteen.  He served during the Vietnam conflict and was honorably discharged in 1967, earning the Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, as well as the National Defense Service Medal.  

Dear people of St. Mary's life You never leave my heart. These months away in quarantine Have kept us far apart. But every day, before our God Who keeps us safe in hand, I join in Eucharistic Thanks.

Shirley Edmonds spent forty years caring for others at Mercy Memorial Hospital. Nurturing both adults and children alike, her work which spanned forty years, fostered healing and peace.

Friends and family gathered with gratitude for the life and witness of Karl Mathe. Karl was a faithful usher, who along with his beloved wife, Carolyn, came to the 7:30 am Mass each Sunday to serve God and God’s people. Born in Andreasberg, Germany, Karl immigrated to the United States in 1951. Joining the Michigan National Guard the year after his arrival and he was then drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He received his U.S. Citizenship while stationed for eighteen months in France and continued to serve his country honorably into the 1960s.

​Donna Gertrude Haley achieved the distinction of being a versatile artist and winning recognition for her oil paintings, wood carvings, charcoal drawings, and hand-built pottery. After raising her family, she enrolled at Monroe County Community College majoring in art. Her artistic gifts were enhanced through the associations she made through the Toledo Artist Guild, Toledo Museum of Art, and Woodcarvers of Monroe.

Grateful for the gifts of his life the family and friends of William Louis Barron, gathered to celebrate his earthly, as well as his new life in Christ on September 23rd. Remembering all that he shared, and his impact upon his family, Bill was entrusted into the loving hands of the God who created him.

​A memorial Mass for Larry Joseph Bross was celebrated on Saturday, September 26 when his family and friends gathered to give thanks for his life and the blessings he brought to others. Larry worked hard and played hard.  He worked for more than 36 years at the GM Powertrain Plant in Toledo as a Heat Treat Specialist.  He also worked hard in operating the Palmyra Speedway for several years.

Patricia Anne Bandoni, a Monroe native was a devoted mother, avid gardener and loyal friend. A Fedex employee for more than 30 years, she also worked for five years as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. Patricia spent 30 years of her life in southern Florida, recently returning to Monroe, her hometown. In her youth she excelled in synchronized swimming and enjoyed playing the clarinet. To Patricia’s daughter, Alyssa, St. Mary Parish extends its prayerful support during this difficult time. May all of your memories of time shared with your mother fill you with peace and the hope that one day you will be reunited with her in the Kingdom of God.

Happy New Year to you, and Happy Epiphany! As we enter the year 2021, we look in hope to a year of many opportunities to experience the divine presence of Jesus among us. We pray that we may continue to make progress in fighting the pandemic, and try to be responsible and safe as we make daily life decisions. Let us also pray for our newly elected leaders, from the president on down, that they may be open to recognize the great dignity of the human person, beginning with life in the womb and extending to natural death. May our leaders humbly work together, open to the guidance of God’s wisdom and truth. May each of us carry out our civic duty to be faithful citizens, which includes giving courageous witness to our faith and values.