Hello my friends,

As we continue our Lenten journey in this month of March, there are two events that I would like to call to your attention. The first is that we will begin a practice of Communal Anointing of the Sick. It has been scheduled for March 19th at 10:15 a.m. Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. It is often spoken of as the most forgotten Sacrament. Those who are candidates to receive the anointing are people who have been fully initiated and are suffering with an infirmity. That includes people with a serious physical illness or those facing surgery. Also, anyone who carries the burden of mental illness or those who have a burden of life because of age. If you would like to be anointed or if one of your loved ones is a candidate, please contact the office either by e mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or by calling 937-644-6020 or sign up in the vestibule.  

Secondly, you may have noticed that St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday of Lent. Bishop Fernandes, taking into consideration both past practice and present circumstances, has granted to the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus, as well as to any visitors or travelers who may be physically present within the territory of the Diocese, a dispensation from the obligation of abstinence from meat on March 17th, 2023, provided that the member of the faithful taking advantage of this dispensation, undertakes one of the following works: 1) makes a pilgrimage or visit to any church in the Diocese of Columbus name in honor of St. Patrick (Columbus, London, Junction City); 2) assists at Mass at any church, chapel, or oratory on March 17th; 3) prays the “Breastplate of St. Patrick” attributed to St. Patrick; 4) engages in some pious devotion such as the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, or Eucharistic Adoration; or 5) performs an act of comparable penance (such as abstinence from meat) on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent.

Blessings to you all,

Fr. Kevin Kavanagh

PARISH CALENDAR

For a printable PDF version of OLOL's March calendar, click HERE.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

First Friday Eucharistic Adoration returns this FRIDAY, March 3rd. It begins with Exposition at the end of 8:00 a.m. Mass and continues through Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 6:00 p.m. Because two adorers must be present at all times the Eucharist is exposed, we need people to commit to a Holy Hour. Please click the link HERE to sign up for one. All others are welcome to stop by for as long as you are able to pray.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is included in the Diocese of Columbus' 40 Days of Adoration on Friday, March 3rd. For the full list of Lenten Adorations, please click HERE.

LENT

Mark your calendars for the Lenten Penance Service on Thursday, March 30th at 7pm. Please see the flyer below for important dates and information regarding Lent. For the full 2023 Lenten Calendar which includes Fish Fry, Easter Egg Hunt and RCIA reception information, please click HERE.

EASTER FLOWER DEADLINE

If you wish to remember loved ones, and/or contribute to the purchase of Easter altar flowers, please put your “Flower Envelope” in the collection by SUNDAY, March 26th.

TAX STATEMENTS

Parishioners who wish to receive a statement of parish contributions for the year 2022 for tax filing purposes must call the parish office. Only requested statements will be printed and can be picked up outside the sacristy during mass or during regular office hours.

RCIA - ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Continue to pray for our Elect and Candidates in our parish currently going through RCIA with the intention to become Catholic at the Easter Vigil. And consider coming to an upcoming class, should the topic be of interest to you. You don't have to be IN RCIA to COME to RCIA. Join us Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Life Center as we explore the basics of our rich, Catholic Faith. This month's topics include:

Tuesday, 3/7 - Life Issues with Mike Bezusko

Tuesday, 3/14 - About the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick with Father Kavanagh

Tuesday, 3/21 - The Nicene Creed with Tom Bardin

Tuesday, 3/28 - Resurrection with Deacon Dave

Please reach out to Deacon Dave for more information at (937) 209-9258 or via email at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

PSR

Thank you for continuing to make PSR attendance a priority for your families. We have less than 10 sessions left for this year and are already looking ahead and beginning work on the schedule for next year. Look for the 2023-2024 calendar and registration information at the end of April/beginning of May. If you feel called to volunteer as a Catechist or aide in the PSR program, please contact Anne in the parish office or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

YEAR 2 CONFIRMATION RETREAT

Students receiving Confirmation this April were joined by their sponsors for a day to share and grow in retreat last month. We thank the sponsors for taking time and traveling (one all the way from Knoxville, TN!) to spend the day with our Confirmandi. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing dinner for the 100 students, sponsors, and catechists. Thank you to Deacon Dave and all the catechists assisting for leading our youth closer to Christ!

UPCOMING RETREATS

Students receiving Confirmation in Spring 2024 will have their first retreat here on Saturday, March 25th beginning at 1:00 p.m. Deacon Dave will facilitate an afternoon of prayer and reflection and we will conclude the retreat by attending Mass together at 4:30 p.m. Students receiving their First Communion in April will participate in their retreat on Sunday, March 26th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please pray for all our youth as they prepare to receive these sacraments initiating them into the life of our Church.

CALENDAR

As a reminder: We will be taking a break from PSR classes April 2-10 to celebrate Holy Week and Easter. Please refer to the parish schedule for dates and times of the various liturgies being celebrated those weeks and join as many as your family is able.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Mark your calendars for Vacation Bible School June 19th through the 22nd, 2023. Our VBS will have an Advent/Christmas theme. We will gladly accept donations of remaining wrapping paper, wrapping paper tubes, leftover bows/ribbons, and any nativity pieces - especially baby Jesus. If you are interested in helping plan the week, contact Anne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More details and registration information will be coming this spring.

YOUTH GROUP

Calling ALL 8th-12th Graders! Want to know what the fun is all about at Life Teen? We continue to meet in the Parish Life Center on Sundays (except for the third Sunday), from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Come for the FUN and learn what God has in store for you! 

For past weeks fun and materials, visit our website HERE.

March 5th – @ PLC

March 12th – @ PLC

March 19th - NO Life Teen 

March 26th – @ PLC

If you have any questions about the program – or would like to sign up – please contact Greg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Angelina Gerten at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

SVdP ACTIVITIES

Our volunteers made and delivered over 900 sandwiches and distributed over one hundred food boxes in February. Many thanks to those who braved the cold, rainy weather to help others. 

On April 3rd, Union County will be opening a shelter for those with no place to call home. Gwyn Stetler, one of the women instrumental in running this shelter, will be speaking at our next SVdP meeting on Monday, March 13th at 7 p.m. Please feel free to join this meeting if you'd like more information.

Thanks to our go-to vendor of the month: Copy Source – always there to help us with any size task.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

The next food distribution will be Thursday, March 16th, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in front of the Parish Life Center.

SANDWICHES FOR THE POOR

The deadline for the bologna sandwich program for those in need is the 2nd weekend of each month. For this month, sandwiches will need to be turned in the weekend of March 11/12th at Mass. Remember to place your sandwiches in the Falvey Hall refrigerators prior to any of the weekend Masses. 

BUDGET CLASS

It is easy to fall into financial insecurity but very difficult to recover from it. To prayerfully attempt to help others understand the basics, SVdP will be hosting a free budgeting/financial management seminar on Saturday, March 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the PLC room 22. The goal of this seminar, geared to those 15 years of age and older, is to help others learn how to avoid financial pitfalls and how to recover if needed. Please encourage anyone that may benefit from this class to attend. Contact Mike Myers with questions or to register at (614) 582-8204.

We are grateful to our city for allowing us to use the Pavilion at Partner's Park to stay dry during the food distribution on February 16th.

INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

All parents who would like to have a child baptized must have attended a Baptism preparation class within the last five years. Classes are being scheduled quarterly. So if you are expecting or would like to have your child baptized this coming spring, please make plans to attend the next class, which is scheduled for SATURDAY, March 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the Parish Life Center. Register by calling the Parish Office at (937) 644-6020.  

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Our Lady of Lourdes is offering two (2) $1,000.00 scholarships this year to graduating high school seniors. If you are interested, please stop by the parish office to pick up your application. Applications must be returned by FRIDAY, March 24th. All children of actively participating parishioners are welcome to apply. Winners of the scholarships will be notified in May. For more information please call the parish office at (937) 644-6020.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

The Pray for Priests initiative created by Our Lady of Peace Parish continues for March. This initiative is to encourage parishioners to pray for a different priest or seminarian of our Diocese every day. The prayer day for Bishop Earl Fernandes is Tuesday, March 7th. Please click HERE to view the full calendar for the month of March.

WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS!

OLOL's Welcome Committee hosted the first Pastries with Parishioners post-Covid on February 19th to welcome all new parishioners. This event will be held the 3rd Sunday of each month, with the exception of the summer months. Please join us this month on Sunday, March 19th, between the masses for baked goodies and fellowship!

SENIOR GROUP MEETING

Are you around 55 years of age or older and interested in socializing and meeting other parishioners? If so, join this newly formed group at one or more of these activities. To join our email distribution list, send your contact information to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The next monthly meeting and potluck will take place Wednesday, April 19th at 11:30 a.m. in the PLC.

BOOK CLUB

This group will meet the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 14th, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the PLC room 16/18. The book discussion will be about "Beneath A Scarlet Sky" by Mark Sullivan.

On April 11th, the group will discuss "The Boys In The Boat" by Daniel James Brown and on May 9th, the group will discuss "Pierced By A Sword" by Bud Macfarlane. Attend as your schedule allows or based on your interest in the book.

BREAKFAST AFTER MASS

Attend the 8 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, March 15th, and Wednesday, April 12th. Afterwards, we will meet up at Boston's Restaurant in Marysville for coffee, breakfast and to socialize.

NATURE HIKE

Parishioner Mark Prinster will lead us on a nature hike on Tuesday, March 14th. Meet at 9 a.m. at McCarthy Park. It is a 10-acre city park located at 301 N. Cherry St. in Marysville. There is a parking lot and public restroom facilities. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them!

BIBLE STUDY

This eight-session study is titled "Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible" and continues Thursdays, March 3rd through April 13th, 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the PLC room 16/18.

GAME DAY

Spend an afternoon playing games, socializing and enjoying a light snack/dessert. Our next game days are Wednesday, March 22nd and Friday, April 28th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the PLC room 16/18.

LINE DANCING

Join us Mondays, March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the PLC Commons for line dancing. You don't need a partner and all 55 and over gals and guys are welcome!

PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE

PARISH CHILI COOK-OFF

Thank you to all those who attended the Parish Chili Cook-Off and Family Fun Night at the Parish Life Center on February 11th. Special thanks to the 10 parishioners who participated in the chili cook-off. The attendees selected Rick Jeric (father of the parish's Director of Music, Richard Jeric) as having the best chili this year. Rick will have bragging rights over his son, who came in second in the selection. This year, the Parish Life Committee also randomly selected one of the tickets from those who voted for the winning chili. Receiving the "consolation prize" is Maria Jeric (daughter of Rick and sister of Richard).

EASTER EGG HUNT

The Parish Life Committee will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Parish Life Center on Saturday, April 1st. While we realize this is a weekend when Marysville and Fairbanks schools (and probably other schools in the area) will be on spring break, we welcome all parish families with young children to participate. There will be sign-up sheets in the church vestibule and the PLC lobby. Alternatively, parishioners can also sign up by taking a photo of the QR code which opens up a Google Forms document that can be completed and submitted.

RCIA RECEPTION

Mark your calendars as we welcome this year's parishioners who will be officially in full communion with the Catholic Church during the sacraments celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 8th. To celebrate this joyous occasion, the Parish Life Committee will hold a reception for the RCIA neophytes at the Parish Life Center after the Easter Vigil Mass. We will continue with last year's theme for this reception - "Late Night Breakfast". We welcome all parishioners to attend.

THAT MAN IS YOU - SATURDAY MORNINGS 

7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Life Center

(March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th)

For six years, men of the parish have been participating in That Man Is You every Saturday morning. If you haven't been a part of it, come and join us! Independent research by a Faith Advisor from the Gallup Poll reveals That Man is You! to be one of the most life-transforming programs ever studied. Research indicates that men entering the program in the bottom quartile on the Gallup Poll Spirit Commitment Index frequently finish the program 26 weeks later “well into the top quartile.” True to its stated goals, this transformation is most profoundly seen in marriage and family life, men’s issues including pornography and balancing work demands, and a greater participation in parish life.

BOOK COLLECTION

For the month of March, we invite you to donate new or gently used biography books. All books this month will be donated to the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Please place your donations in the marked box in the Bride’s Room. Thank you for helping OLOL minister through literature!

SACRED HEART PRAYER GROUP

All are welcome to join The Sacred Heart Prayer Group the First Friday of each month. We will be praying in the church Friday, March 3rd, after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Our prayer will be the Stations of the Cross. The prayer intention is for relief from mental, physical and spiritual illness. Our Saint of the month is St. Turibius of Mogrovejo (Bishop).

PRAYER SHAWL

The Prayer Shawl group continues to meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the PLC, room 22. The next meeting date is Tuesday, March 7th. All are welcome regardless of skill level.

Shawls are available in the church, the parish office or from Pam Gibson (937-578-3139).

BABY BOTTLE DRIVE

Continue to focus your Lenten almsgiving on the Respect Life Ministry Bottles for Babies Drive!  If you have not already, pick up an empty baby bottle in the vestibule. Fill it up with change and bills and bring it back on Easter to give to under-resourced moms and babies. The first $1,000 collected will be donated to Columbus area hospitals to purchase preemie onesies for moms in need. The balance of the collected funds will go to the Women’s Care Center on E. Broad St. Be the driving force for supporting and respecting life in Columbus!

SEND A SMILE

Would you like to write a card to our catechumens and RCIA candidates who will be entering the Church this Easter? Or, do you have an interest in writing cards for our young people making their First Holy Communion and Confirmation? If so, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text Phyllis at (937) 707-0902. 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MARYSVILLE COUNCIL 5534

SUPER BOWL SUB SALE

The Knights wish to thank our fellow parishioners for their support of the first-ever Super Bowl Sunday Sub Sale - both in terms of placing orders for the subs and in terms of actually making the subs. In collaboration with the Parish Respect Life Ministry, this successful activity resulted in the sale of 260 subs, which generated a profit of $762.80. The proceeds from this sub sale were donated to the Women's Care Center to help support the center's efforts in encouraging expectant women to respect the dignity of life, in protecting women's health during and after pregnancy, and in providing assistance to mothers after pregnancy. We look forward to the continued support of our fellow parishioners during similar future events.

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRYS

The Knights wish to thank all parishioners who supported the first of our six Lenten Fish Fry Dinners this year. We hope for your continued support during the next five Fridays during this month of March. Proceeds from these Lenten Fish Fry Dinners are donated back to the parish and various parish-affiliated groups such as the Columbian Squires, Circle of Mary/Bernadettes, Scouts, etc.

COLUMBUS CATHOLIC WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

Parishioners Maggie Beightler, Kelly Kirk and Shirley France volunteered to promote Kindway at the Columbus Catholic Women's Conference in February. Kindway invests in the lives of men and women impacted by incarceration. They featured one of a kind polymer clay jewelry and other items for purchase made by the incarcerated women at ORW. One of the handmade items available for purchase was Rosary Bowls. They gifted one to Bishop Fernandes, who was the celebrant at Mass, and he said he would be using it! Numerous OLOL parishioners were at the conference and it was a spirit-filled day. The conference will return next year on February 17th. For more information on Kindway, visit their website HERE.

Stay tuned for the next edition of the Grotto, in your inbox Friday, March 31st!

EASTER FLOWER DEADLINE

If you wish to remember loved ones, and/or contribute to the purchase of Easter altar flowers, please put your “Flower Envelope” in the collection by SUNDAY, March 26th.

TAX STATEMENTS

Parishioners who wish to receive a statement of parish contributions for the year 2022 for tax filing purposes must call the parish office. Only requested statements will be printed and can be picked up outside the sacristy during mass or during regular office hours.

RCIA - ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Continue to pray for our Elect and Candidates in our parish currently going through RCIA with the intention to become Catholic at the Easter Vigil. And consider coming to an upcoming class, should the topic be of interest to you. You don't have to be IN RCIA to COME to RCIA. Join us Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Life Center as we explore the basics of our rich, Catholic Faith. This month's topics include:

Tuesday, 3/7 - Life Issues with Mike Bezusko

Tuesday, 3/14 - About the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick with Father Kavanagh

Tuesday, 3/21 - The Nicene Creed with Tom Bardin

Tuesday, 3/28 - Resurrection with Deacon Dave

Please reach out to Deacon Dave for more information at (937) 209-9258 or via email at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

PSR

Thank you for continuing to make PSR attendance a priority for your families. We have less than 10 sessions left for this year and are already looking ahead and beginning work on the schedule for next year. Look for the 2023-2024 calendar and registration information at the end of April/beginning of May. If you feel called to volunteer as a Catechist or aide in the PSR program, please contact Anne in the parish office or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

YEAR 2 CONFIRMATION RETREAT

Students receiving Confirmation this April were joined by their sponsors for a day to share and grow in retreat last month. We thank the sponsors for taking time and traveling (one all the way from Knoxville, TN!) to spend the day with our Confirmandi. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing dinner for the 100 students, sponsors, and catechists. Thank you to Deacon Dave and all the catechists assisting for leading our youth closer to Christ!

UPCOMING RETREATS

Students receiving Confirmation in Spring 2024 will have their first retreat here on Saturday, March 25th beginning at 1:00 p.m. Deacon Dave will facilitate an afternoon of prayer and reflection and we will conclude the retreat by attending Mass together at 4:30 p.m. Students receiving their First Communion in April will participate in their retreat on Sunday, March 26th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please pray for all our youth as they prepare to receive these sacraments initiating them into the life of our Church.

CALENDAR

As a reminder: We will be taking a break from PSR classes April 2-10 to celebrate Holy Week and Easter. Please refer to the parish schedule for dates and times of the various liturgies being celebrated those weeks and join as many as your family is able.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Mark your calendars for Vacation Bible School June 19th through the 22nd, 2023. Our VBS will have an Advent/Christmas theme. We will gladly accept donations of remaining wrapping paper, wrapping paper tubes, leftover bows/ribbons, and any nativity pieces - especially baby Jesus. If you are interested in helping plan the week, contact Anne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More details and registration information will be coming this spring.

YOUTH GROUP

Calling ALL 8th-12th Graders! Want to know what the fun is all about at Life Teen? We continue to meet in the Parish Life Center on Sundays (except for the third Sunday), from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Come for the FUN and learn what God has in store for you! 

For past weeks fun and materials, visit our website HERE.

March 5th – @ PLC

March 12th – @ PLC

March 19th - NO Life Teen 

March 26th – @ PLC

If you have any questions about the program – or would like to sign up – please contact Greg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Angelina Gerten at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

SVdP ACTIVITIES

Our volunteers made and delivered over 900 sandwiches and distributed over one hundred food boxes in February. Many thanks to those who braved the cold, rainy weather to help others. 

On April 3rd, Union County will be opening a shelter for those with no place to call home. Gwyn Stetler, one of the women instrumental in running this shelter, will be speaking at our next SVdP meeting on Monday, March 13th at 7 p.m. Please feel free to join this meeting if you'd like more information.

Thanks to our go-to vendor of the month: Copy Source – always there to help us with any size task.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

The next food distribution will be Thursday, March 16th, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in front of the Parish Life Center.

SANDWICHES FOR THE POOR

The deadline for the bologna sandwich program for those in need is the 2nd weekend of each month. For this month, sandwiches will need to be turned in the weekend of March 11/12th at Mass. Remember to place your sandwiches in the Falvey Hall refrigerators prior to any of the weekend Masses. 

BUDGET CLASS

It is easy to fall into financial insecurity but very difficult to recover from it. To prayerfully attempt to help others understand the basics, SVdP will be hosting a free budgeting/financial management seminar on Saturday, March 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the PLC room 22. The goal of this seminar, geared to those 15 years of age and older, is to help others learn how to avoid financial pitfalls and how to recover if needed. Please encourage anyone that may benefit from this class to attend. Contact Mike Myers with questions or to register at (614) 582-8204.

We are grateful to our city for allowing us to use the Pavilion at Partner's Park to stay dry during the food distribution on February 16th.

INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

All parents who would like to have a child baptized must have attended a Baptism preparation class within the last five years. Classes are being scheduled quarterly. So if you are expecting or would like to have your child baptized this coming spring, please make plans to attend the next class, which is scheduled for SATURDAY, March 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the Parish Life Center. Register by calling the Parish Office at (937) 644-6020.  

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Our Lady of Lourdes is offering two (2) $1,000.00 scholarships this year to graduating high school seniors. If you are interested, please stop by the parish office to pick up your application. Applications must be returned by FRIDAY, March 24th. All children of actively participating parishioners are welcome to apply. Winners of the scholarships will be notified in May. For more information please call the parish office at (937) 644-6020.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

The Pray for Priests initiative created by Our Lady of Peace Parish continues for March. This initiative is to encourage parishioners to pray for a different priest or seminarian of our Diocese every day. The prayer day for Bishop Earl Fernandes is Tuesday, March 7th. Please click HERE to view the full calendar for the month of March.

WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS!

OLOL's Welcome Committee hosted the first Pastries with Parishioners post-Covid on February 19th to welcome all new parishioners. This event will be held the 3rd Sunday of each month, with the exception of the summer months. Please join us this month on Sunday, March 19th, between the masses for baked goodies and fellowship!

SENIOR GROUP MEETING

Are you around 55 years of age or older and interested in socializing and meeting other parishioners? If so, join this newly formed group at one or more of these activities. To join our email distribution list, send your contact information to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The next monthly meeting and potluck will take place Wednesday, April 19th at 11:30 a.m. in the PLC.

BOOK CLUB

This group will meet the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 14th, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the PLC room 16/18. The book discussion will be about "Beneath A Scarlet Sky" by Mark Sullivan.

On April 11th, the group will discuss "The Boys In The Boat" by Daniel James Brown and on May 9th, the group will discuss "Pierced By A Sword" by Bud Macfarlane. Attend as your schedule allows or based on your interest in the book.

BREAKFAST AFTER MASS

Attend the 8 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, March 15th, and Wednesday, April 12th. Afterwards, we will meet up at Boston's Restaurant in Marysville for coffee, breakfast and to socialize.

NATURE HIKE

Parishioner Mark Prinster will lead us on a nature hike on Tuesday, March 14th. Meet at 9 a.m. at McCarthy Park. It is a 10-acre city park located at 301 N. Cherry St. in Marysville. There is a parking lot and public restroom facilities. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them!

BIBLE STUDY

This eight-session study is titled "Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible" and continues Thursdays, March 3rd through April 13th, 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the PLC room 16/18.

GAME DAY

Spend an afternoon playing games, socializing and enjoying a light snack/dessert. Our next game days are Wednesday, March 22nd and Friday, April 28th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the PLC room 16/18.

LINE DANCING

Join us Mondays, March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the PLC Commons for line dancing. You don't need a partner and all 55 and over gals and guys are welcome!

PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE

PARISH CHILI COOK-OFF

Thank you to all those who attended the Parish Chili Cook-Off and Family Fun Night at the Parish Life Center on February 11th. Special thanks to the 10 parishioners who participated in the chili cook-off. The attendees selected Rick Jeric (father of the parish's Director of Music, Richard Jeric) as having the best chili this year. Rick will have bragging rights over his son, who came in second in the selection. This year, the Parish Life Committee also randomly selected one of the tickets from those who voted for the winning chili. Receiving the "consolation prize" is Maria Jeric (daughter of Rick and sister of Richard).

EASTER EGG HUNT

The Parish Life Committee will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Parish Life Center on Saturday, April 1st. While we realize this is a weekend when Marysville and Fairbanks schools (and probably other schools in the area) will be on spring break, we welcome all parish families with young children to participate. There will be sign-up sheets in the church vestibule and the PLC lobby. Alternatively, parishioners can also sign up by taking a photo of the QR code which opens up a Google Forms document that can be completed and submitted.

RCIA RECEPTION

Mark your calendars as we welcome this year's parishioners who will be officially in full communion with the Catholic Church during the sacraments celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 8th. To celebrate this joyous occasion, the Parish Life Committee will hold a reception for the RCIA neophytes at the Parish Life Center after the Easter Vigil Mass. We will continue with last year's theme for this reception - "Late Night Breakfast". We welcome all parishioners to attend.

THAT MAN IS YOU - SATURDAY MORNINGS 

7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Life Center

(March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th)

For six years, men of the parish have been participating in That Man Is You every Saturday morning. If you haven't been a part of it, come and join us! Independent research by a Faith Advisor from the Gallup Poll reveals That Man is You! to be one of the most life-transforming programs ever studied. Research indicates that men entering the program in the bottom quartile on the Gallup Poll Spirit Commitment Index frequently finish the program 26 weeks later “well into the top quartile.” True to its stated goals, this transformation is most profoundly seen in marriage and family life, men’s issues including pornography and balancing work demands, and a greater participation in parish life.

BOOK COLLECTION

For the month of March, we invite you to donate new or gently used biography books. All books this month will be donated to the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Please place your donations in the marked box in the Bride’s Room. Thank you for helping OLOL minister through literature!

SACRED HEART PRAYER GROUP

All are welcome to join The Sacred Heart Prayer Group the First Friday of each month. We will be praying in the church Friday, March 3rd, after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Our prayer will be the Stations of the Cross. The prayer intention is for relief from mental, physical and spiritual illness. Our Saint of the month is St. Turibius of Mogrovejo (Bishop).

PRAYER SHAWL

The Prayer Shawl group continues to meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the PLC, room 22. The next meeting date is Tuesday, March 7th. All are welcome regardless of skill level.

Shawls are available in the church, the parish office or from Pam Gibson (937-578-3139).

BABY BOTTLE DRIVE

Continue to focus your Lenten almsgiving on the Respect Life Ministry Bottles for Babies Drive!  If you have not already, pick up an empty baby bottle in the vestibule. Fill it up with change and bills and bring it back on Easter to give to under-resourced moms and babies. The first $1,000 collected will be donated to Columbus area hospitals to purchase preemie onesies for moms in need. The balance of the collected funds will go to the Women’s Care Center on E. Broad St. Be the driving force for supporting and respecting life in Columbus!

SEND A SMILE

Would you like to write a card to our catechumens and RCIA candidates who will be entering the Church this Easter? Or, do you have an interest in writing cards for our young people making their First Holy Communion and Confirmation? If so, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text Phyllis at (937) 707-0902. 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MARYSVILLE COUNCIL 5534

SUPER BOWL SUB SALE

The Knights wish to thank our fellow parishioners for their support of the first-ever Super Bowl Sunday Sub Sale - both in terms of placing orders for the subs and in terms of actually making the subs. In collaboration with the Parish Respect Life Ministry, this successful activity resulted in the sale of 260 subs, which generated a profit of $762.80. The proceeds from this sub sale were donated to the Women's Care Center to help support the center's efforts in encouraging expectant women to respect the dignity of life, in protecting women's health during and after pregnancy, and in providing assistance to mothers after pregnancy. We look forward to the continued support of our fellow parishioners during similar future events.

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRYS

The Knights wish to thank all parishioners who supported the first of our six Lenten Fish Fry Dinners this year. We hope for your continued support during the next five Fridays during this month of March. Proceeds from these Lenten Fish Fry Dinners are donated back to the parish and various parish-affiliated groups such as the Columbian Squires, Circle of Mary/Bernadettes, Scouts, etc.

COLUMBUS CATHOLIC WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

Parishioners Maggie Beightler, Kelly Kirk and Shirley France volunteered to promote Kindway at the Columbus Catholic Women's Conference in February. Kindway invests in the lives of men and women impacted by incarceration. They featured one of a kind polymer clay jewelry and other items for purchase made by the incarcerated women at ORW. One of the handmade items available for purchase was Rosary Bowls. They gifted one to Bishop Fernandes, who was the celebrant at Mass, and he said he would be using it! Numerous OLOL parishioners were at the conference and it was a spirit-filled day. The conference will return next year on February 17th. For more information on Kindway, visit their website HERE.

Stay tuned for the next edition of the Grotto, in your inbox Friday, March 31st!