December 27, 2009

This is my final update for 2009, and when I look back, it's clear that this year has been a time of great change for many of us, both personally, and in the context of the Cleveland Lithuanian community. I hope you've come to the end of 2009 with a sense of accomplishment and growth. While tomorrow is not promised to anyone, we look forward to a new year with hope for new opportunities without quite so much turmoil. My best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year to you and your family.

This morning, you're invited to a special Christmas Coffee at St. Casimir after 10:00 mass in the lower hall. Please bring a plate of Christmas goodies, and your Christmas spirit to share with fellow parishioners.

Today is also the deadline to contact Dalia Armonas, Loretta Gudenas, or Ingrid Civinskas to volunteer to host an after-mass Coffee Hour at St. Casimir during 2010. Parish and community organizations as well as individual families are invited to host these coffee socials.

This coming Thursday evening is New Year's Eve, and it's not too late to make plans to ring in the New Year at Lithuanian Village. Say goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010 at a New Year's Eve celebration sponsored by the Lithuanian American Community of Cleveland. Doors open at 8:00 pm on December 31st, and the party starts at 9:00 pm.

You'll be treated to appetizers, dinner, desert, champagne at midnight, and dancing to the music of Arturas Blazukas from Chicago. Tickets are available after 10:00 mass at St. Casimir, or by calling Zita Mascinskas at 216-235-5212.

Friday, January 1st is the Feast of Mary the Mother of God. Masses at St. Casimir will be celebrated on Thursday, December 31st at 5:00 pm, and on Friday January 1st at 11:00 am.

Father Bacevice would like to thank all who helped decorate St. Casimir church for Christmas, as well as choir members and musicians who added so much to the Christmas masses at St. Casimir.

During the month of January, St. Casimir parish will form a Steering Committee to begin the formation of a Parish Council and a Parish Mission Statement. If you are interested in serving on the Steering Committee, please contact Father Bacevice by January 20th.

The LaSalle Theater on East 185th Street will be open for tours on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Full details available in the Collinwood Observer.

On January 30th, the Svyturys dancers will warm things up with a Beach Party-themed fundraiser. The party, which will be held at Lithuanian Village will feature burgers, hot dogs, dance contest, prizes and more. Mark your calendar also for the April 24th, which will include not only Svyturys, but also dancers from Toronto and Chicago.