Welcome to Our Parish

Parish News

We are Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish:

A welcoming community centered on the Eucharist and modeled after Mary, who strive to be faithful stewards of God's gifts through our commitment to worship, holiness, service, justice, and evangelization.

Our Mass Times

Weekend:

Saturday Vigil: 4:30 pm

Sunday: 11:00 am

Weekday Mass:

Monday: 9:00 am

Word Service with Communion and Divine Mercy Chaplet

Tuesday: 9:00 am

Mass with Exposition

Wednesday: 9:00 am

Word Service with Communion and Rosary

Thursday: 9:00 am

Mass

Friday: 9:00 am

Word Service with Communion

Reconciliation:

Saturday: 3:30-4:15 pm or by appointment.

Portage North Lenten Services

BECOME A MEMBER UPDATE REGISTRATION

Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Faith Formation, Meals, & Devotions
Friday Stations of the Cross - 12:00 pm

March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11

Soup Suppers - 5:30 pm (after 4:30 pm Mass)

March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5

No Greater Love Bible Study
Tues, March 11-April 8: 2 pm

Facilitated by Fr Brian Smith

Sun, March 9-April 13: 6-7 pm

Men's Small Group with Frank Dobnikar

Lenten Confession Schedule

Saturdays, 5:30 pm (regular schedule)
Wed, March 19: 6:30 pm -8:00 pm
Thurs, April 3: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
St Ambrose - Garrettsville
Faith Formation, Meals, and Devotion
Friday Stations of the Cross

"Eat, Pray, & Give"
6:00 pm Light, Meatless Meal
7:00 pm Stations of Divine Mercy
(charity collections taken each evening)

March 7, 21, April 4 - Stations of the Cross
March 14, 28, April 11 - Divine Mercy Chaplet

Lenten Confession Schedule

Mondays, 6:00 pm (regular schedule)
Mon, March 24: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
St Ambrose
St Joan of Arc - Streetsboro
Faith Formation, Meals, & Devotions
Friday Stations of the Cross - 7:00 pm

March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18

Saturday, March 29th - 10:00 am
"A Woman's Way of the Cross"

For women from Mary's perspective followed by light lunch and fellowship in Fr. Stenson Center

Lenten Retreat Day
Sat, March 22nd: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
"The Importance of Confession in our Life"

Focusing on the importance and significance of the healing Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, Michael C. Hasychak (author, musician, and Catholic radio host) will be the speaker at this free event that includes light morning snacks, lunch, confession, and Mass. RSVP: Mo Marsinek (330) 626-3424

Lenten Confession Schedule

Saturdays, 4:00 pm & Tuesdays, 6:00 pm (regular schedule)
Sat, March 22: 3:00 pm - 4:45 pm (Retreat Day)
Thurs, April 10: 7:00 pm (Communal Service)
St Joan of Arc
St Joseph - Mantua
Faith Formation, Meals, & Devotion
Sundays of Lent - Faith Programs
(after 9:00 am Mass in Hughes Hall)
March 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 6

March 9 - Lenten Series, "Where Are You?" with Pancake Breakfast (sponsored by Young Adult Min)
March 16 - Presentation by Terry Murphy, "Pentecost" with Continental Breakfast
March 23 - Lenten Series, "An Encounter Ministry" with Continental Breakfast
March 30 - Lenten Series, "The Paschal Mystery" with Continental Breakfast
April 6 - Presentation by Terry Murphy, "The End Times" with Continental Breakfast"

Tuesdays of Lent - 10:00 am
March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8

Bible Study with Mickee Murphy

"Light in the Darkness"
Holy Hour of Adoration

Wed, March 12: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

(following 6:00 pm Reconciliation/6:30 pm Mass)

Friday Stations of the Cross - 7:00 pm

March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18

Lenten Confession Schedule

Wednesdays, 6:00 pm (regular schedule)
March 19: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (6:00 pm Mass)
St Joseph
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper
April 17, 6:30 pm

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Aurora
St Joseph - Mantua

Good Friday - Passion of the Lord
April 18, 3:00 pm

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Aurora
St Joseph - Mantua

April 18, 6:30 pm

St Ambrose - Garrettsville
St Joan of Arc - Streetsboro

Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil
April 19, 8:00 pm

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Aurora
St Joseph - Mantua

Easter Sunday
April 20, 8:30 am

St Joan of Arc - Streetsboro

April 20, 9:00 am

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Aurora
St Joseph - Garrettsville

April 20, 11:00 am

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Aurora
St Ambrose - Garrettsville
St Joan of Arc - Streetsboro
Diocesan/County Penance Services
Diocesan Wide Evening of Reconciliation
Wed, March 19: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Aurora
St Joseph - Mantua (6:00 pm Mass followed by Adoration)

Portage County Communal Penance Services
Wed, March 26 -7:00 pm

St Patrick - Kent (7 priests)

Thurs, April 10 - 7:00 pm

St Joan of Arc - Streetsboro (7 priests)
Pancake Breakfasts
Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Aurora
Sun, April 6 - 12:00 pm - Church Hall

Pancake Breakfast, hosted by K of C Council #14186
Followed by Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Parish & Family Life

Blessing of Food - 12:00 pm
Sat, April 19

St Ambrose - Garrettsville
Sat, April 5 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Church Hall (benefits Youth Group)

Pancake Breakfast, hosted by K of C Council #11801
Followed by Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 am

Blessing of Food - 1:00 pm
Sat, April 19

St Joan of Arc - Streetsboro
Sat, April 19 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Fr. Stenson Center

Parish Easter Family Fun Day, hosted by Community Builders
Walking todders - age 12 will enjoy egg hut, crafts, prize baskets, chance auction, and Easter Bunny appearance!

Blessing of Food
Sat, April 19 - 12:00 pm

St Joseph - Mantua
Sun, April 13 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am - Hughes Hall

Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Sisterhood of St Joseph

Easter Egg Hunt
Sat, April 19 - 12:15 pm
Hosted by FFP-Mantua Confirmation Class

Blessing of Food
Sat, April 19 - 12:00 pm

Welcome Home!

Do you have a passion to serve others? Have you heard the calling to teach? Are you seeking a deeper understanding of your Catholic faith? We're here for you! Check out our committees and groups, learn more about our programs, and become a member of our church. We're ready to welcome you home!

I'm in!

@ourladyauroraoh

As Giving Tuesday winds down, we want to let you know the giving doesn't have to stop! You can always give to our teens through Online Giving, Mass collections, and dropping off at the parish office. Our teens are the future of our church - let's help them to continue the vibrancy and energy they bring to us today!

Many organizations offer this great incentive for their employees to donate. Check with yours today, and click the link in our bio to donate to LifeTeen!

Today is the day! Giving Tuesday is here, and your generous donations will help our LifeTeen students grow their Catholic community. We are currently at $6,560 (22% of our goal). Help us exceed this goal—check out our link in the bio to get started! #GivingTuesday #igivecatholic #lifeteen

If you missed it this weekend, there is still time to donate! Find these in the pews (especially at Tuesday morning Mass) or go to our website at www.olphaurora.org to click the link for our LifeTeen program. @ourladyyouthministry

Advanced giving has begun! Please consider contributing to help our teens. Go to www.olphaurora.org and click the link to donate! @ourladyyouthministry #lifeteen #igivecatholic #auroraohio #ourladyofperpetualhelp

ThanksGIVING is just around the corner. We are filled with gratitude for the support of our new LIFETEEN program at Our Lady. We are excited to partner with you on GIVING TUESDAY to grow this ministry. @ourladyyouthministry

October is the Month of the Rosary -join us before every weekend Mass this month for the Rosary, prayed by our Legion of Mary. 4:00 pm (before 4:30 pm Saturday Vigil) 10:40 am (before 11:00 am Sunday Mass Also prayed every Wednesday (after 9:00 am Word Service with Communion) ɪᴍᴀɢᴇ ᴠɪᴀ ᴡɪᴋɪᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴏɴꜱ ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ-ᴀᴅᴏʟᴘʜᴇ ʙᴏᴜɢᴜᴇʀᴇᴀᴜ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒊𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍𝒔

Rocktember 2024 is here! Join us this Saturday for an incredible event with great music, delicious food, and more. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and even those who have fallen away from the Catholic Church to COME HOME! -Free (limited quantity) shirts for the first 300 visitors -Inflatables for the kids -Music from The Frantics! -And more! Our Lady of Perpetual Help 5:30-9:00 9/14/2024 That All May Rock As One!

We're two weeks until the 4th Annual Rocktember and we can't wait for you to COME HOME and see what the Catholics are bringing to the Aurora community. Food trucks, live music (The Frantics!), Kids Zone, photo mirror with FREE commemorative picture, limited edition/quantity FREE T-shirts, and more! Saturday, September 14th 5:30-9:00 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help OPEN TO THE WORLD

Day 4 & 5 - This is My Body...To the Ends of the Earth Go forth and be missionaries, spreading the Gospel and setting fire to the world. #eucharisticrevival #eucharisticcongress #eucharisticpilgrimage #mattmaher #jonathanroumie #bishopbarron @eucharistic_revival @dioceseofyoungstown

Day 3 - 7/19/2024 Into Gethsemane Healing, forgiveness, hunger, and getting lost in the Lord. Everything you could ask for and more. #eucharisticpilgrimage #srjosephinegarrett #adoration #nationaleucharisticcongress #hillbillythomists @eucharistic_revival @dioceseofyoungstown

Day 2 @ the National Eucharistic Revival. The Greatest Love Story. 7/18/2024 #nationaleucharisticcongress #motherolga #frmikeschmitz @eucharistic_revival @dioceseofyoungstown

Power of the youth. 🙌🙏

10th National Eucharistic Congress - 3 years in the making for 5 days, 50,000+ people celebrating the Eucharist and our devotion to Jesus. Day 1: July 17th, 2024 #nationaleucharisticcongress #dioceseofyoungstown #montsealvarado #frjoshjohnson @eucharistic_revival @dioceseofyoungstown

Follow along with Our Lady as we experience the National Eucharistic Congress this week in Indianapolis. Posted @withregram • @eucharistic_revival In 2 days. . Volume up for this one. . #eucharisticcongress #eucharisticrevival #eucharisticpilgrimage

Embracing the faith, youth ministry style. XLT @ St Mary's Seminary

We can hardly wait!

High Schoolers: Join us tonight at St Mary's Seminary in Wickliffe for XLT: Modern Praise and Worship with Adoration and Reconciliation. Jeff and the band will play, and food will be served afterward. Need a ride or more info? Contact Carol and/or Jeff. Bring a friend or two! OPEN TO ALL PORTAGE NORTH PARISHES.

Bring your well-loved, no longer needed items to Our Lady for our Annual Rummage Sale. Last day to drop off is TODAY until 1 pm. Sale Days: Thursday 6/13 - 9:30 am until 6pm Friday 6/14 - 9:30 am-3pm Saturday 6/15 - 9:00 am-12pm ($5.00 Bag Day) Interested in volunteering for this event (sorting, taking items to cars, etc)? Call Our Lady at (330) 562-8519 x 0 for more information!

#Repost @ourladyyouthministry with @get.repost ・・・ YM Cedar Point 2024!!!🎢✨

Thank you to those joining us last night at our Holy Saturday Easter vigil. We look forward to seeing you at our 9 am and 11 am Masses today, and at all the Portage North parishes. Brothers and sisters: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. Romans 6 3:4

Thank you to all who joined us last night for Good Friday of the Lord's Passion service. "Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name." Phil 2:8-9

Let the splendor of holiness shine on the world from every place and thing signed with this oil. Please join us at St Columba Cathedral for the Chrism Mass. You can watch the livestream at www.catholicecho.org/live and scroll to the link.

The Diocesan Appeal "continues to provide resources for Catholic Charities outreach within the diocese and to support the faith of all parishioners through our many diocesan ministries." Our Lady is committed to those who need our help and provide resources to those who do without. Please prayerfully consider donating. Every little bit helps! 🤲: www.doy.org/appeal 💻: www.youtube.com/@OneinHopeOneinMission

Join us tonight at 6 pm for Evening Vespers, one of 5 holy hours of the Divine Office, during Soup Supper. Pray, eat, and spend some time with your friends! 📸: Adobe Stock

Lenten Soup Suppers have begun! Join us next Wednesday, March 6th at 6:00 pm for another evening of prayer and great food.

- High School Youth Ministry Teens - Check out the amazing retreat from this past weekend! Come hear about it this Monday 3/4 @ 7pm at Our Lady. We can't wait to see you!

God is so good! Prayers to our youth ministry students and chaperones for their retreat this weekend. ❤️🙏 Posted @withregram • @ourladyyouthministry

Have you seen the new light up rosary at Our Lady? Check it out next time you visit and pray a Hail Mary for the parishioners of the Portage North Parishes this holiday season 🙏🏼✨

Please keep our youth and chaperones in your prayers as they attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) @ncycofficial this week. Your generous donations have helped them to attend for the first year ever. We look forward to updates and hearing about their adventure upon their return!

Was so great to spend one last Mass with @frjoeruggieri this morning at St. Joan of Arc Parish. We will miss you! Good luck and God Bless you on your new assignment! 🙏🏼✝️

Farewell reception for @frjoeruggieri at Our Lady. We are so thankful for your guidance and insight while here with us. We wish you best wishes at St Paul and St Patrick!

Our Blessed Mother Celebration was a huge hit for Our Lady parishioners. A beautiful turnout and rosary shared by all. Thank you to the Legion of Mary for overseeing this great birthday party for our Mother Mary!

What a great turnout for the first Family Faith Night of the year! Thank you to the 6th-8th grade families who attended and we'll see you again in November.

Are you ready to rock as one?!! The RockTember banners are now up at Our Lady! Rocktember is an exciting, outdoor, fall event that offers food trucks, live music, and fun activities for all ages. The purpose of the event is to build fellowship for our parishioners and the greater community at large. It is an invitation. We can't wait to see you all Friday the 15th!

MASS SCHEDULE FOR THE HOLY DAY - a day of obligation Portage North Mass schedule is as follows: August 14 Vigil Mass: 6:30pm at OUR LADY August 14 Vigil Mass: 6:30pm at St. Ambrose August 15 Assumption Mass 9am at OUR LADY August 15 Assumption Mass 6:30pm at St. Joan of Arc August 15 Assumption Mass 6:30pm at St. Joseph

SAVE THE DATE - TO HONOR OUR BLESSED MOTHER - Saturday – September 16, 2023 – 2:00pm A Birthday Party for Our Blessed Mother. Be part of our Living Rosary in our church parking lot (weather permitting) Enjoy music, crafts, games, snacks, drinks and birthday cupcakes at the party. All Parishioners and especially FFP families are invited to attend.

🚨New name contest for the Conoboyz! We are the Conoboyz! Well, we were and are in need of a new name! Inspire us with your creativity! Winner will receive a $25.00 gift card as well as bragging rights. It’s your time to shine! Please comment below or email jporemba@olphaurora.org. Good luck! Come check out the band at our Rocktember party🤘🎸🎶🥁 on Friday, September 15! Or better yet…come to 11am Mass on Sundays! 🙏

Immaculate Heart of Mary Devotion of the Month The Church dedicates the month of August to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is a dogma of the Catholic faith that Mary is the Immaculate Conception; that is, in preparation for the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity in her womb, she was conceived without the corruption of sin through the foreseen and infinite merits of her Son, Jesus Christ. Over the centuries, as saints and theologians reflected on how Mary pondered and treasured the sacred events from the life of Christ in her holy heart, as attested in Scripture, her pure heart was recognized as something to be imitated. Devotion to Our Lady’s purity of heart began to flower—so much so that in the 17th century, St. John Eudes promoted it alongside the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The devotion rose to a new level after the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, when Mary revealed an image of her Immaculate Heart to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco

PORTAGE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY CANOE OUTING - a hearty group of young people and a few crazy adults went to Camp Hi in Hiram and floated down the Cuyahoga River. It was a bit of a rainy day but a few rain drops didn't hamper the fun that they had!

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY - will meet tonight to continue discussing the book "This is My Body" at 7pm. Bring a friend and join in! All are invited!

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR AGES 18-39 - Summer Festival at St. Robert in Cortland. Scan the QR Code to register. EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT by July 19. Bring your friends.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL for Our Lady, St. Joan of Arc, St. Joseph, and St. Ambrose got off to a great start. Fr. Joe Ruggieri welcomed the young campers with his knowledge of Star Trek and this year's theme "Stellar: Shine Jesus' Light". He offered a blessing for a great week.

Such a wonderful celebration of Our Lady of Perpetual Help's Feast Day with 11am Mass and lunch in the Parish Hall provided by our Knights of Columbus and additional special entertainment. The newly ordained Deacon Kevin Bertleff, who was our pastoral year seminarian, was also here for the celebration!

Have a blessed Father's Day today! ♥️

GOT STUFF? LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME FOR IT? Bring it to the backdoor of Our Lady Parish Hall, Monday or Tuesday from 10am – 6pm or Wednesday, 10am – 3pm. NEED STUFF? RUMMAGE SALE June 15 – 17. Early Bird Sale Thursday, 10 -12pm $10 at the door. Thursday 12 - 6pm Friday 10am-4pm Saturday 9am-12pm $5 Bag Day

IT'S KETTLE CORN WEDNESDAY! - Sweet treats for the middle of the week from the Knights of Columbus! You can find their drive thru booth from 2 - 7pm in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help parking lot! Cash or card, various sizes and flavors. Your patronage turns their proceeds into charitable actions around our community. THANKS for your support!!

Service Day 2023 was a success! THANK YOU to the over 200 volunteers who helped us complete our 36 projects. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and we look forward to year 10!

We are SO excited to announce our 2023 "Stellar" Vacation Bible School for the Portage North Parishes! Mark your calendar for the week of June 26-30 ~ 9am to Noon here at Our Lady parish hall. Registration forms available in the Narthex! Check this weekend's bulletin for more detailed information ~ Your kids are guaranteed to have a "far out" time! #vacationbibleschool

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Mass this weekend 🙏

Reposted from @dioceseofyoungstown At Villa Maria yesterday, parish ministers from all around the diocese gathered for a meeting and prayer. Please keep them in your prayers as they wrap up this academic year, begin summer programming, and then prepare for the fall season. We are so blessed in the Diocese of Youngstown with such dedicated ministers! (Photos by Roberta Muoio.)

KETTLE CORN WEDNESDAYS ARE BACK - beginning today from 2 - 7pm at the corner of 342 S. Chillicothe Rd., and Aurora Hudson Rd., Aurora. You've been waiting all winter for this day. It is here! Lots of flavors and sizes. Cash or card are accepted.

MAY CROWNING – May is the Month of Mary. One of the ways that we honor our Blessed Mother is to do a May Crowning. This year after each of our First Communicants celebrated their First Communions they participated in the crowning of Our Blessed Mother.

"The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.” - St. Thérèse of Lisieux Happy Mother's Day to all moms - spiritual, biological, and adoptive. Your unconditional love, selflessness, and sacrifice radiate God's love and grace into our lives. We are grateful for the immeasurable ways in which you have shaped and nourished us.

HAVE YOU MET OUR NEW PASTOR YET? Fr. Francis Katrinak will be the presider at this weekend’s Masses (4:30pm & 11 am). He’s looking forward to meeting you!

CONGRATULATIONS GO OUT TO Our First Communicants, most of who celebrated at Masses this past weekend! May their weekly celebration of the Sacrament of Eucharist with their families bring them closer to Our Lord and continue to nourish them as they grow in faith!

PLEASE KEEP OUR FIRST COMMUNION CHILDREN IN PRAYER as they come to the Lord's table at all Masses this weekend.(4:30pm, 9am, 11am, 1pm) **Lord Jesus Christ, bless the children preparing to receive Holy Communion for the first time. May their First Communion Day be the step toward a life-long love of the Eucharist. Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to you for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship. Thank you for their innocence and goodness. May their hands, extended in anticipation of your body and blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament. Amen.

EAGLE OF THE CROSS CONGRATULATIONS to Maime Blados and Raul Gamez. They are two of Our Lady high school seniors who have received this high honor from the Diocese of Youngstown.

WELCOME FR. FRANCIS KATRINAK - our new pastor for the Portage North Region Parishes at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora; St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro; St. Joseph, Mantua; and St. Ambrose, Garrettsville. All of your parishioners look forward to meeting you! May God bless you as you enter this new journey in your priesthood! Rev. Frantisek Katrinak was born in Slovakia in 1971 and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Kosice, Slovakia in 1996. He served in a variety of ministries over the past 22 years. He came to the United States at the request of the Diocese of Youngstown to serve at St. Mary’s Parish. Father Francis started at St. Mary’s in August of 2018; his first time pastoring a church in the United States. He visited the United States several times before his placement at St. Mary's and is fluent in English. Fr. Katrinak first visited the United States in 1992, coming to Pennsylvania after studying in Poland. Since he was a boy, Fr. Katrinak said he always wanted to be a priest and started as an altar boy. “I am happy that I became a pastor. I will work to make this congregation stronger. I will help people here on their journey to do what God wants them to do. I want to make that journey successful and help people achieve their needs,” he said.

Good Shepherd Sunday The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because the Mass reading is taken from the Gospel of John, where Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd guiding and guarding his flock to describe His relationship with those He has redeemed: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn. 10:11). The communion antiphon for this Mass reads, “The Good Shepherd is risen! He who laid down his life for his sheep, who died for his flock, he is risen, alleluia.” Good Shepherd Sunday is also recognized as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, where the faithful pray that God will send them good and holy priests who, following the example of Christ, will lay down their lives for His sheep.

@frshawnconoboy farewell Mass and reception was lovely this evening. Very bittersweet for the Portage North region ❤️🙏 Godspeed Fr. Shawn! Thank you for being our priest.

FATHER'S FINAL FAREWELL - will be tomorrow, Saturday, April 29. Bishop Bonnar will be the celebrant at our 4:30pm Mass as Fr. Conoboy takes his new assignment at the Vatican as Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Following Mass a reception will be held in the Parish Hall from 5 - 7pm. Everyone is invited.

Incredible turn out at @ourladyauroraoh this afternoon celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation with 75 youth today. Huge win as we welcomed these new soldiers in Christ from around the Portage North region.

900+ came to see our Confirmation Candidates today at 2pm. We thank Bishop Bonnar and the @dioceseofyoungstown for celebrating this sacrament with us today at @ourladyauroraoh and the Portage North region.

PRAY FOR OUR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES who will be confirmed tomorrow, Sunday, April 23, at 2pm. It will be live streamed. Lord, send out Your Spirit to touch the hearts of all the Confirmation Candidates so that they may believe in You and in Jesus whom You sent. Look kindly on them as they listen to Your voice. Open their hearts to Your Spirit and bring to fulfillment the good work that You have begun in them. Make each of them an instrument of Your love. Deepen their faith in the Gospel and help them to pass it on by their example. We pray that You will continue to guide and sustain them. Through Christ our Lord, Amen

FILL A BAG FEED A FAMILY - SATURAY MORNING, 9am volunteers will be picking up filled grocery bags from each house throughout our community. Everyone is asked to shop this week to fill your bag and place it on your front step. This collection will help those with food insecurities in Aurora, Mantua and greater local areas. THANKS for helping make this a success!

From ancient times the Easter octave, culminating on the 8th day, has been centered on the theme of God’s mercy and forgiveness. The final day of the octave celebration of Easter is meant to be a day of thanksgiving to God for his goodness to mankind through the Paschal mystery, that is, the Passion, death, and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Second Sunday of Easter was named Divine Mercy Sunday by Pope St. John Paul II following a request from Our Lord in his private revelations to St. Faustina Kowalska. On this day Jesus promised to open the floodgates of his inexhaustible mercy and shower abundant graces on those who participate in this feast day. A plenary indulgence is granted (under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father) to the faithful who, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus.

Reposted from @dioceseofyoungstown *** Breaking News*** The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, proudly announces that he has released Rev. Shawn Conoboy, Ph.D. for an assignment at the Vatican on the staff of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Father Conoboy remains a priest of the Diocese of Youngstown and has been released for this special assignment effective May 1, 2023, with his appointment at the Vatican beginning on June 1, 2023. The Dicastery helps to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ that “all may have life to the full” (Jn 10:10), through attending to the material needs of the poor and vulnerable. Read more about this exciting appointment at: https://doy.org/conoboy-vatican-appointment/ Congratulations and best wishes, Fr. Conoboy!

Happy Easter from the 9am Mass at Our Lady! He is risen!

Getting ready for 9am Easter Mass. He is risen!!

HOLY SATURDAY - PORTAGE NORTH EASTER VIGIL MASS - 8:30 pm AT ST. JOSEPH MANTUA

PORTAGE NORTH - GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - 7pm at Our Lady, Aurora 🙏

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - 7pm at ST. JOAN OF ARC, STREETSBORO - Presentation of the Holy Oils, Washing of the Feet. 🙏

Tenebrae, A Service of Darkness. The choir was fantastic this evening at St. Ambrose. Beautiful and solemn evening. It was wonderful to see so many from the Portage North parishes that came out in the rainy weather to pray and share in this special service.

PORTAGE NORTH TENEBRAE - SERVICE OF DARKNESS - TONIGHT, 8:30 p.m. at St. Ambrose, Garrettsville. This beautiful Service of Darkness is exceptionally moving. It consists of readings, music, and candles that are extinguished symbolizing the fading loyalty of the disciples and friends of Christ. The gradual darkening of the church portrays the diminishing light of the world as Christ was departing from it. Come pray with us.

Reposted from @dioceseofyoungstown 2023 Chrism Mass at St. Columba Cathedral Views from around the Church today. #DOYjoy #DioceseofYoungstown

Getting ready for the Chrism Mass this morning. Several members from the Portage North parishes are here!

Absolutely beautiful and moving Palm Sunday procession and Mass this morning with @frshawnconoboy at @ourladyauroraoh. We will be sharing updates all week as we pray and gather for Holy Week 2023 as the Portage North community of parishes.

Come support a great cause! We have several Our Lady parishioners volunteering outside Aurora Big Lots from 9-5pm today collecting items for Fill a Bag, Feed a Family. We hope to see you!

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord MASS SCHEDULE 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m

Reposted from @dioceseofyoungstown PLAN NOW FOR THE 2023 CHRISM MASS The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral. Now open to the public (revised 3/31/23) or you can watch via livestream https://catholicecho.org/live/ It is an inspiring and faith-filled celebration. --- Check out all the Holy Week celebrations scheduled for St. Columba Cathedral here: https://doy.org/holy-week-events-scheduled-at-st-columba-cathedral/

We had a few deer friends join us for evening Mass and Adoration this evening at @ourladyauroraoh ❤️

The Annunciation FEAST DAY The Solemnity of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, honors the profound meeting between the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, as recorded in St. Luke's Gospel. On this day St. Gabriel announced to Mary Immaculate that she would miraculously conceive a Child by the Holy Spirit, the long-awaited Messiah who would save mankind from their sins. This is the moment of the Blessed Virgin Mary's great fiat of perfect submission to the Divine will. This day on which the Church celebrates the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in the womb of His Blessed Mother is exactly nine months before the Feast of the Nativity on December 25th.

Fifth Sunday of Lent MASS SCHEDULE 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

SOUP SUPPER TONIGHT - Evening Prayer at 6 pm, Soup at 6:15 pm and 7pm FAITH FORMATION Opportunity - all in the Parish Hall. Soup is provided but feel free to bring a pot of your favorite recipe or a loaf of bread to share. Following Soup at 7pm Terry Murphy will present an overview of what MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS offer to our Catholic traditions. Everyone is welcome!

WORLD RELIGION OVERVIEW – WHAT THEY OFFER TO OUR CATHOLIC TRADITIONS - TOMORROW, March 15, 7 p.m. following the Soup Supper! Terry Murphy, retired head of St. Thomas Aquinas's Religion Department will share what major religions of the world can offer and draw us closer to God this Lent in our Catholic tradition and practice. Come for prayer, soup, and stay for this engaging topic. Bring a friend!

STATIONS OF THE CROSS will be prayed at Our Lady each Friday of Lent at noon in the church. Come pray with us!

Second Sunday of Lent MASS SCHEDULE 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

We spy Kevin Bertleff, our former seminarian at Our Lady! May God guide these incredible men on their journey. Reposted from @doyvocations Good Morning Youngstown from the Eternal City! Your seminarians have made it safely to Rome. Know that we are praying for you and we ask for your prayers in return.

Lenten Soup Supper just started! Come join us!!

Day 2 of Crossing the Threshold, the Lenten Mission at Our Lady. Don't let the rain keep you away! 🙏

First Sunday in Lent And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, COMMAND THESE STONES TO BECOME LOAVES OF BREAD." MATTHEW 4:2-3 MASS SCHEDULE 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

PARISH LENTEN MISSION IS COMING - this Sunday, 1pm, Monday and Tuesday, 7pm. Start your Lenten journey by being inspired by the highly energetic Chavez Brothers. A freewill offering will be taken and refreshments will be served.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY RETREAT - March 4-5, Camp Butler, (SR-303) Peninsula, 800 W Streetsboro Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, Check out what teens are saying about Retreat: "Retreat is soooooo great!; "I really wish I went to the High School Retreat last year."; "There will be better Dances at the school at other times."; "We heard coyotes on the night hike!"; "We had food AND fire!";"That huge fire Jeff made last year is still burning."- Actual made-up quotes from teens. Sign up https://osvhub.com/olphaurora/giving/funds/youth-ministry-retreat We have a great time, great food, great fun, and most importantly, teens just like you lead the weekend toward an encounter with Christ. Reach out to Jeff Botos with any questions.

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS SCHEDULE - the Holy Season of Lent begins February 22. Our Lady's Mass schedule and distribution of ashes: 9 a.m., 12:10 p.m., & 6:30 p.m. Come pray with us.

PALM BURNING TODAY - in preparation for Ash Wednesday, our Monday After School FFP students will patriciate in the annual palm burning at 4:45 pm. The ashes from last year’s palms will be used as we are marked with the sign of the cross at our Ash Wednesday Masses on February 22. Everyone is invited. Please join us!