Fr. Joe's Weekly Video Nurtures the Spirit!

The taping of the first weekly video in progress. 

With Fr. Joe at the Table of the Word

Our Lady of the Lake, like other parishes in Ohio, heeded the order of the Ohio Bishops in response to the Corona Virus to cancel all Masses and prayer gatherings to align with the Governor's directive.  However, Fr. Joe found a way to reach the faithful via a weekly video to nurture the spirit.

"With Fr. Joe at the Table of the Word" is a weekly video that includes a reading of the upcoming Sunday gospel, a homiletic commentary, prayers of the faithful and any pertinent announcements.  Slated for a weekly 4pm Saturday time slot on the parish website, olleuclid.org, the new video is distributed through several media platforms with links to the site that are easily accessible.

In his first video, Fr. Joe talked about the table where the word is read and reflected upon.  "This table belongs to my family and was given to me to use here in the rectory dining room."  Next to him sat his family portrait and he shared that his family had many a happy gathering at that table, including his late father.  He spoke about the fact that since the table has been in the rectory, staff and parishioners alike have gathered around that table for many fun and meaningful meetings. So he thought it was appropriate to reach out to his "family", his parishioners, from that family table.  

The first video aired on Saturday, March 21st and celebrated the Fourth Sunday of Lent with a focus on the gospel of the blind man who encounters Je“sus.  "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The second video aired on Saturday, March 28th and celebrated the Fifth Sunday of Lent and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”  Fr. Joe provided inciteful homiletic responses to both gospels with compassionate subtle references to the current situation during this time of isolation.

Response to the videos has been inspiring.  With times so bleak, people just needed a spiritual pick me up and the videos provide just that.

"We watched your video (at the table) this Sunday morning.  We really enjoyed it and found it very comforting.  We miss our church community but this really helps."

 "Hi Fr. Joe,  Just wanted to say that you will never know how much it meant to me to hear and see your homily today!  Not going to get" mushy" but it made me feel much more at ease. Thanks for the GOOD NEWS!! Oh and tell Melissa it was great to hear her voice too!"

 "Thank you for your insight and interpretation of today’s gospel.  In its own way the virus is helping people communicate more often. My brothers and I have a daily texting now…  The world is smaller than we think. As someone I know  said 'the virus is like gods way of telling us to stop fighting like children, go to our rooms and work for a common cause in unity.'  Enjoy the sunshine today."

"I just wanted to thank you for the video gospel and homily. It is very helpful to see you and hear your thoughts in these troubling times. I find your hopefulness and honesty refreshing."

This was wonderful! Looking forward to this each week - stay well


Thank you..... It’s good to be home


Thank you Father Joe for uniting us in scripture and prayer. We really need this right now

  Thoughtful and encouraging.  Thanks Fr. Joe!    

Grateful, he is a wonderful human being  

Thank you! I love this idea — it helps fill the gap in my weekend created by not being able to go to Mass.   This is a great idea for meeting the needs of parishioners who cannot attend mass. Hope it can continue     Thank you Father Joe. Peace and health be with you.    

Thanks for all you have done to make this happen.  It was quite a true support and blessing!      Thank you, for those of us (like me) who do not have a Facebook account.

Thank you so much for the gospel and stations of the cross videos.  These are very much appreciated at this time.

 Thanks for putting these videos on the website. They are very uplifting and prayerful for me. Hope you are all well. God bless,     Thanks for sharing..      Thank you so much.    Thank you for this.  I am grateful to receive this.    

Our Lady of the Lake Parish is celebrating it's 10 year anniversary this year and embraces the phrase "All Are Welcome" which reflects the philosophy of the parish that is known for reaching out to the community and embracing all who come through its doors.