Father Sweany reflects on the Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent: John 11:1-45, the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

In today's message, Father Sweany gives ideas on how we can pray the Stations of the Cross at home, offers suggestions for other prayer resources and some updates on other topics of interest.

On Friday at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, Pope Francis stood in St. Peter's Square to pray and to deliver an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi: a message to the world. The event was streamed on the website of Vatican News. The Holy Father granted to all participants the Plenary Indulgence before imparting the Urbi et Orbi Blessing. We encourage you to join with us to pray with the Holy Father and be inspired by his message to the world. The service is the first one hour of this video.

Father Sweany answers some questions that he has received while we all "stay home" because of the coronavirus pandemic and suggests some ways we can pray during this time. Click to see the video

Click to see Father Sweany speak to St. Anselm Catholic School and School of Religion Students who are at home because of the Coronavirus.

Father Sweany talks about the new "normal" he is experiencing while we all stay home because of the coronavirus. Click to view.

Father Sweany is celebrating a private Daily Mass in the chapel in the St. Anselm parish office throughout this time when public Masses are suspended. He is praying for the daily Mass intentions and for all of your intentions as well. St. Anselm pray for us. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us.

Here is what is changing at St. Anselm Parish going forward.

As I am sure you have been, I, too, have been following the progress and the reports about the COVID-19 Virus. Governor Mike DeWine issued an order preventing gatherings of over 100 people to help curtail the spread of the virus. Mass and other religious services, such as funerals and weddings, were excluded from this order and are still permitted. As such, the Diocese has encouraged all parishes to maintain as regular a Mass schedule as possible for those who wish to gather for prayer. However, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass has been dispensed for the weekends of March 14/15, March 21/22, and March 28/29. It is possible that this may be extended as conditions warrant. Click for more.

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland shared information with all parishes on March 10 regarding public health concerns in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19. The statement outlined additional preventative steps that should be taken in preparing liturgical celebrations. Click for the full statement.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 our parish and all of the parishes in the Diocese will offer “An Evening of Confession” from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Parishioners are asked to invite family or friends who are away from the Church to join in this special Lenten practice. Priests at all parishes will be present for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. More information is available at welcomecatholics.com.