Reflection: On this Sunday, the Word of God invites us to go beyond the exterior and to honestly look at the heart. Jesus, in the Gospel according to St. Matthew, makes it clear that He did not come to abolish the law but to bring it to its fullness. And that fullness does not remain in merely following the law, but in truly loving. Jesus confronts us with a demanding
truth: it is not enough to refrain from killing if there is hatred in the heart; it is not enough to avoid adultery if we let desire control us; it is not enough to swear oaths if our words do not come from the truth. He calls us to a deeper
righteousness, one that arises from within and is reflected in our daily actions.
The book of the Ecclesiastic reminds us of something fundamental: God has given us freedom, not libertinism. He places before us life and death, good and evil. He does not force us, but He does invite us to choose wisely. This
freedom is a gift but also a great responsibility; that is why all our decisions lead us to build or destroy our present and future, hence the need to act more with wisdom than with intelligence. What do you think?
Homework: What do I like most in life, freedom or libertinism, and what do they do to my soul? Which law will I fulfill more in life, the law of God or the law of man?

Ash Wednesday and Lent: This coming February 18, with the celebration of Ash Wednesday, we will begin the season of Lent, a very important time for Christians and especially for our Catholic Church. On that day, the faithful come to church to receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of humility and repentance. While imposing them, the priest or suitable minister may say “Repent, and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” reminding us that life on earth is fleeting and that it is always time to return to God. Lent lasts forty days and represents the time that Jesus spent in the desert in prayer and fasting before beginning his
public life. During this period, Christians are invited to reflect on our lives, acknowledge our mistakes, and seek a sincere conversion of the heart. It is a time of spiritual preparation, to experience Holy Week and Easter more deeply. During this time, the vestments are purple, symbolizing penance, preparation, waiting, conversion, and humility; just like pink on the fourth Sunday of Lent represents joy, gladness, and hope. Which color will you see me wearing on the fourth Sunday of Lent? Traditionally, Lent is observed by practicing three main actions: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer strengthens the relationship with God; fasting helps to control desires and to remember those who have less; and almsgiving invites sharing with others, especially with the neediest. In this way, Ash Wednesday and Lent encourage us to be better people, more compassionate, humble, and full of love. Let us remember, no flowers in the church during this time.

Tuesday, February 17th is the Feast of the Holy Face. Tuesday we will have adoration from 11 to 12:15. Mass at 12:15.

Holy Face of Jesus images, prayer cards, medals, crosses and chaplets will be available after the  5pm, 8am and 10pm Masses this weekend Feb. 14th and 15th and on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 17th. 

For More information contact Susan Hage 770-656-9970.

February 18, 2026

Ash Wednesday Masses/ Misas de miercoles de cenizas
12:15pm English
5:30pm English
7pm Español
Family Faith Formation is sponsoring Stations of the Cross from Mary’s perspective
following the 5:30pm Mass.
El programa de Formación de la Fe Familiar está organizando el Vía Crucis desde la
perspectiva de María, después de la misa de las 5:30 p.m.

Please Join Us for the Stations of the Cross starting February 20 through March 22. The Stations will be in the church starting at 6:00pm. Fish Fry supper will be in the Parish Hall after the conclusion of the Stations.

Join the Knights of Columbus and the Hispanic Food Ministry for a tasty Lenten Fish Fry.

Fridays during Lent: February 20th and 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th

Located in the Parish Hall immediately after the 6pm Stations of the Cross

Fried fish, grilled fish, shrimp, grits, sides, and desserts.

Age 13+ = $12 per person includes beverage and dessert!

Age 5-12 = $5 person includes beverage and dessert!

Age 4 and under FREE

Don’t forget some extra cash for the 50/50 Drawing

All proceeds support our Parish needs including the Our Lady of Grace Education Center renovations

All women of the parish are invited to join us for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 24^th at 1pm in the Parish Hall.  Bring your own bagged lunch.  Beverages and desserts are provided.  We will host a speaker from the Cleveland Care Pregnancy Center.  If you are able, please bring a baby item to donate to the center.  They love to receive diapers in sizes 3-6.  This is a wonderful opportunity to share friendship and spirituality with other Catholic ladies.  If you have any questions, please call Jacqueline Watkins at 941-524-9436.

Our parish community is starting a trout fishing club. This informal group will meet every 1st Thursday of the month at 7PM in the parish hall. The group’s emphasis will be on beginner and intermediate fly fishers, focusing on instructional practice and regular fishing outings. Interested? Contact Deacon Rich at 770-910-3339 or richthibs@gmail.com.

There are many changes coming for sacramental preparation in SOR, which have been decided by the Archdiocese of Atlanta. To see how these changes in schedule and program affect you and your family, please click on the link: https://stpaulcleveland.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SOR-Changes-2026.docx

For information on getting your photos taken, please check the bulletin insert for the flyer. Click on Weekly Bulletin; then click on Bulletin Insert 2/15/26 for details for online registration for family sittings.

Help Us Fill the Playpen in the Narthex!
The Knights of Columbus and the Respect for Life Ministry is asking for
donations of baby items to support local needy parents in providing for
their babies. Diapers, pull ups, wipes, shampoos, toys, towels, wash clothes, and blankets are always needed. Due to the bad weather, we are extending
this event through February 22nd to give everyone time to donate. Thank you.

For information contact: Antonella Skinner 954-330-8821