Dear Friends, On January 29, 2023 we observed “Safe Haven Sunday.” This is a national initiative of US Bishops meant to draw our attention as a community to the seriousness of the issues of pornography, and to recommit ourselves to take steps to ensure our homes are safe havens for all. In observance of Save Haven Sunday, Bishop Fernandes shared a special message discussing these concerns, and providing encouragement in our efforts to keep our families and children safe from the poison of pornography. Below you will find additional links to recourses shared by the Diocese of Columbus Bishop Fernandes’ Message   Additional Recourses for Parents and Individuals: Text Secure to 66866: Text SECURE to 66866 and you will be automatically enrolled into seven days of emailed digital tips about iPhone restrictions, Google Safe Search, managing social media apps, and more. Resources for Parents: Click here to access the page created by the Diocese of Columbus with resources for parents and families as well as all parishioners seeking to live lives which are pure of heart. Covenant Eyes: The Diocese of Columbus is partnering with Covenant Eyes in this important initiative. I encourage you to click here and check out their website which has resources for individuals, couples, and parents. They have a YouTube page with many informational videos.

Beginning on February 18, 2023, the IC Men’s Fellowship, in association with That Man Is You, will be showing a 7-part series called, “The Mysteries of the Rosary.” In this series, we will travel to the Holy Land to learn about Christ from the place where he walked and taught and died for our sins. Meetings will be held on Saturday mornings, beginning February 18. Doors will open at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast, with the video and discussion to start at 7:00 a.m. This will be a Lenten journey that you will not forget! Check out the series trailer HERE For additional information, contact Tom Rogers at tom4948@sbcglobal.net

We will be offering a program at our parish this Lent that will help you to experience Christ’s Passion and Death as you never have before. In No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, we are going to walk step-by-step with Jesus on his journey from his Agony in the Garden to his Crucifixion on Calvary. Along the way, we will unpack the biblical background to these events, the prophecies, and most especially, the ways Jesus is inviting us to walk more closely with him today.   This will be a six-week study. Each session will consist of a 30-minute video, followed by group discussion. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served! We will have two study sessions available to attend: Sundays from 9:45 – 10:45 am (starting Sunday, February 19) or Wednesdays from 10 – 11:30 am (starting Wednesday, March 1).   CLICK HERE to register!

Our Lenten Fish Fry is returning! The Knights of Columbus sponsor a Fish Fry every Friday during Lent, beginning Friday, February 24, 2023. We are in need of volunteers! Sign up to assist the Fish Fry event, or to donate a dessert. CLICK HERE to sign up as a Fish Fry volunteer CLICK HERE to sign up to donate a dessert

What is the Rescue Project? Simply put: an experience of the gospel surrounded by food, conversation and prayer. The Rescue Project seeks to proclaim the gospel in a compelling and attractive way over eight weeks in a small group format. This experience is imbued with beauty, authentic humanity, and accompaniment. The Rescue Project is for anyone and everyone! It appeals to those who have been walking with Jesus for years, as well as those for whom Jesus is only a figure in ancient history. Where? Immaculate Conception Parish in Marian Hall When? Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Beginning Tuesday, February 7 through March 28, along with a Retreat Day on Saturday, March 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   CLICK HERE to register to participate!   We are also in need volunteers! We invite you to be an essential part of the success of this movement! This requires an eight-week commitment, starting Tuesday, February 7 – March 28, in addition to the Saturday, March 25 retreat day. Thank you for your support, we appreciate your time and commitment! CLICK HERE to sign-up as a volunteer!

As part of this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign, our parish raised $9,866 for “Mommies Matter,” a faith-based, nonprofit organization in Columbus that provides group and one-on-one mentoring support, as well as housing, educational, employment, and financial assistance to brave, single, pregnant moms. Fr. Matt presented a check on December 28, 2022 to Mommies Matter’s Family Advocate, Kendra Utt and Volunteer, Kim Mazzon, who received the donation on behalf of the organization.