OF THE EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES
OF THE U.S.A. and CANADA
“TOGETHER IN CHRIST”
Clergy and Laity in the vineyard of Christ….
“DIVERSITY IN MINISTRY; UNITY IN MISSION”

Theme:
SPIRITUALITY OF DISCIPLESHIP:
A CALL TO HOLINESS

Purpose:
EASTERN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES FOR THE
PEOPLE OF GOD LIVING THE GOSPEL.
“All you who have been baptized into Christ,
have put on Christ. Alleluia”

ONE CONFERENCE IN THREE LOCATIONS!
ONE THEME! ONE PURPOSE! ONE VOICE!

Please visit the Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education of the Eastern Catholic Associates’ webpage (www.eced-eca.org) for more information!

Father Pavlo held the second priestly forums giving us a state of the parish address after Liturgy last Sunday. At the well-attended event, he went over the financial committee’s report and then discussed where the parish is headed. Here is a summary for those who were unable to attend:

1. Lent/the Great Fast starts on Clean Monday, Feb. 20th. (Or, one could say, it starts the evening before following Sunday vespers on the 19th.) We will have the Rite of Forgiveness service during the Liturgy on Sunday the 19th.

2. Our full parish catechetical program will start on February 26th following the Divine Liturgy (starting around 11:30/11:45). Father Pavlo will discuss the who, what, when, where, why and how of the Great Fast in our Byzantine/Kyivan tradition. He will focus on adult catechesis and all are welcome, including interested guests. Parishioners are especially encouraged to attend.

3. Our catechetical program, Generations of Faith, will be held around every 1.5 – 2 months with a new topic at each event. Watch the bulletin for more info!

4. Childrens’ catechesis will begin in full swing in the Fall and will be held weekly once it starts.

5. Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be held Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7PM throughout the Great Fast. The first and fifth week of Lent are different in structure, so follow the announcements.

6. After Pascha/Easter, we will introduce more liturgical services such as Vespers and liturgy outside of Sunday. Please pray for our parish as we grow and please support Father Pavlo as he prays with and for our community!

7. We placed the property on the side of the church for sale. If you know anyone who is looking, please let them know about this fantastic location right off the tollway. We are also trying to rent the parish hall and its adjoining 2 classrooms (about 1900 square feet) for use during the week. Please spread the word!

8. Please remember to show appreciation to those who volunteer. Don’t wait until you’re asked to help. There is so much that needs to be done that you need only offer!

The parish website is starting to take form! There’s still a lot of work to do, but we’re pleased with what’s we’ve accomplished so far!

What we’ve already done:
-Welcome message from Father in English and Ukrainian
-Up-to-date announcements in English and Ukrainian (thanks to the great help of Iryna in making that happen!)
-Driving directions (thanks to the tip by John, they are now working, too!)
-A large list of relevant links on the resources page
-Information on our patron saint (one of the top searches bringing people to our site)
-Information on our pierogies (which is our most visited page)
-An email distribution list for parishioners
-Social network buttons for easy access
-Integration of worldwide UGCC news on the front page
-Integration of Eastern Catholic catechetical radio on the front page
-Flickr account with a church tour already available on it
(If you have a Flickr account, please “Friend” us!)
-YouTube account with a welcome video already available on it
(If you have a YouTube account, please “Friend” and “Subscribe” to us!)
-Facebook account where you can like and follow parish happenings
(If you have a Facebook account, please “Like” us!)

Some of the things we have in the works:
-Meet the clergy info
-Picture galleries
-Video church tour
-More information for visitors and newcomers including explanations of the way we worship God
-List of ministries and ways to be involved at the church
-An email newsletter for those who want to be informed of major events like festivals
-Links to other UGCC parishes
-Updated blog format which allows questions and comments for interaction
-Facebook “Like” and Google “+1″ integration on blog posts
-Secure online giving
-Online forms such as parish registration
-Improved usability and aesthetics

We are so excited about the information that will be on this page in the coming weeks and months! This Autumn you’ll see:

• Meet the Clergy 
• Parish History & Picture Tour
• Parish Ministries
• Ways You Can Get Involved
• Pictures from Parish Events
• Reflections from the Pastor

Parishioners and visitors are encouraged to send pictures or information to the webmaster for inclusion in this parish blog. Please enjoy the videos and the rest of our website then check back often to see our progress here!