St. Elizabeth Parish

March 26, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Since the onset of the pandemic just a year ago, the Bishops of Ohio have worked together during this unprecedented time with the assistance of government and health professionals to lead and protect all those entrusted to our pastoral care. By the grace of God and the painstaking efforts by so many to follow Covid19 protocols, coupled with the expanding availability of vaccines, we are making progress in our fight against this deadly scourge. What a blessing it will be for us to be in person in our churches this year to celebrate the Paschal Mystery, culminating in the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

In our shared hope of eradicating this virus and encouraging ongoing return of the faithful to Holy Mass and the Sacraments each week, you are invited to continue to follow all the essential protocols of hand sanitizing, wearing masks and social distancing. These efforts are working to the point that we are in a much more hopeful place than we were even a few months ago.

At the same time, you are encouraged to receive a vaccine. To reiterate the teaching of the Church with regard to the vaccine options: if you have the opportunity to choose a vaccine, you should choose Pfizer or Moderna. While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is made from cell lines originating from an aborted human fetus, it should be taken only if it is the only option available.

As we move toward herd immunity, notwithstanding a spike in the virus, it is our sincere hope that soon we can return to the regular celebration of Mass with full capacity in our churches, and thus lift the dispensation of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. We are advised that parish festivals likely can take place this summer, preferably outdoors, following the necessary protocols. Nevertheless, we all need to remain vigilant.

We look forward with eager longing to when we can all be together around the altar of the Lord without any restrictions. In the meantime, let us continue to do all that we need to do to overcome the virus, and rely upon the guidance of government and health officials so that we can return to some sense of normal. 

Have a blessed Holy Week!

Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Rev. Dennis M. Schnurr
Archdiocese of Cincinnati

The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar
Diocese of Youngstown

The Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan
Diocese of Columbus

The Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas
Diocese of Toledo

The Most Rev. Bohdan J. Danylo
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of
St. Josaphat in Parma

The Most Rev. Edward C. Malesic
Diocese of Cleveland

The Most Rev. Jeffrey M. Monforton
Diocese of Steubenville

The Most Rev. John Michael Botean
St. George Byzantine Catholic Diocese

Disciple Maker Index Survey

St. Elizabeth Parish will be participating in the diocesan-wide Real Presence Real Future .  The return of the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey ended March 22nd.  This nationally-recognized Survey has been administered at parishes around the United States and Canada since 2013.  The results from our parish in this Survey will not only be used for informtion and planning for our own parish, but will also be included in the national results which track trends, growth, and Church-related opportunities nationwide.

The DMI Survey was developed by the Catholic Leadership Institute in conjunction with advising U.S. Bishops and Catholic lay leaders in 2013.  The DMI Survey was created as a tool to help more Catholics to grow along their faith journey with Christ and to become more engaged in the community life of the parish.  The DMI Survey seeks to provide parishioners an opportunity to reflect on their own spiritual growth as well as provide parish leadership with invaluable insights regarding a parish's strengths and opportunities.

Thank you to all who participated in this Survey, the results will provide meaningful input about our parish as we begin our own planning process as part of Real Presence Real Future.  The information will give insight into our priorities, and into allocation and realignment of resources, over the next few years as our parish strives to more effectively help parishioners along their personal journey of faith.   

For more information: Bishop Brennan's Presentation  or campaign flyer Real Presence Real Future

With the Apostolic Letter "Patris Corde" (with a Father's Heart) Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church.  To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a "Year of St. Joseph" from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.   Click here to learn more!

Click here to view the St. Elizabeth Parish COVID-19 guidelines.