The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
This coming week, on Wednesday, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church of the United States has declared this feast to be a holy day of obligation. That means as Catholics we are obligated to come to Mass to celebrate this feast.

The holy day Mass times in the region:
St. Anthony: Tues. vigil at 7:00 PM
St. Cecilia: Weds. 6:45 AM, 9 AM, 12:10 PM & 5:30 PM
St. Margaret-St. John: Weds. 11:45 AM

Just like Mary, as we celebrate the feast of the Assumption, we, too, are united to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. What an amazing reality we celebrate every time we come to worship our Savior, Jesus Christ. But most of all we celebrate— not only in every celebration of the Eucharist in which we partake but on this feast in particular, as we celebrate Mary’s Assumption—the other joyous reality that comes to those who are faithful to the Lord as Mary was. That reality is that upon our end, we, too, will be able to be assumed into heaven and united once again to the Lord. Beyond the gift of being with our Lord through the Eucharist that has been our privilege to share, we will be able to be with Him eternally.

What a remarkable prize we can win that takes away the sting of death for all who love Him. Indeed, what an awesome God we have who never ever leaves and comes not just to the living
but also to the dead. Indeed, this reality is worth us being obligated to celebrate it.

Amen? Amen!
Fr. Jamie
 

“Be not afraid; my immaculate heart will be your refuge and your safe path to God.” – Our Lady of Fatima to Saint Lucia
 

Pastor's Ramblings
ANNUAL ST. CECILIA SERVER/SACRISTAN PARTY: I want to thank the DiMuzios for hosting the annual pool party to thank our sacristans and servers. It is always a fun time! Thanks also to Cody Egner, Barb Browarsky and Ron Case for helping train and work with the children.

ST. ANTHONY FEAST DAY CELEBRATION: We had a special Mass and celebration on July 29 to celebrate St. Anthony’s feast day.

BENGALS TRAINING CAMP: I got to stop by the Bengals training camp last week. It was fun to see all of the fans gathered around the field and to watch the players go through some plays. I’m hoping to go down again soon. The parking was easy, and it was free to walk onto the field. Next time I’ll wear my fan gear!

POPE FRANCIS AT THE FESTIVAL: Did you get to see Pope Francis at the festival this year? Fr. Jacob walked around with him and got to meet a lot of the parishioners and guests that came to the St. Cecilia festival this year.

REST IN PEACE: John “Jack” Rehling (photo 5), age 87, passed away July 27 at his home in Oakley. He was a longtime parishioner. His Mass of Christian Burial was on Aug. 1 at St. Cecilia. Jean Hord, beloved sister of parishioner Helen Davis, passed away last week. The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Aug. 1 at St. Margaret-St. John. Please keep their families in your prayers.

MY DEAR FRIEND HACK: For the past 8 years I have had a cabin and some property in
Ripley, Ohio. If you have not figured it out, my dog was named after the town I have grown to love. Hack, one of my first neighbors that I meet, was one of the main reasons I loved going to my place on my “day off.” Hack was truly an original person, with a million colorful stories, who was known around town to be a person who could fix anything. Hack always had his garage door open for anybody who wanted to come and sit a spell and banter. I came to be a regular on Tuesdays, along with Ripley, whom he loved to pet and spoil with treats. Just a couple Tuesdays ago, I went up to see him—his wife had passed 10 days prior. When I arrived, his daughters were waiting for me to tell me my good friend Hack had passed. It was a jolt to say the least. He was one of the most Christian men I have ever meet, without claiming to be one, and certainly made my life richer because of our friendship. His funeral was held at St. Michael Church in Ripley. Rest in peace, Hack. I will miss you.