St. Mary Catholic Church

05/27/2026

In today’s Wednesday Reflection, Fr. Denis teaches the difference between ambition and aspiration through Mark 10:32–45. We are not called to serve ourselves, seek status, or chase recognition — we are called to serve others with humility, love, and compassion.

Jesus reminds us that true greatness is found not in power, but in selfless service. When we live only for ourselves, we miss the deeper vocation Christ calls each of us to.

What kind of person is God calling you to become through the way you serve others?

05/24/2026

Happy Pentecost Sunday! In his homily today, Fr Denis reflects on Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit to us.

If you struggle relating to the Holy Spirit (images of a bird/dove), reflect on today's second reading (1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13) when St. Paul says, "No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit."

What brings you to Mass? What helps you in your relationships? What helps you do what God called you to do? The Holy Spirit.

When you struggle to do good or to do the right thing, the Holy Spirit within you tells you to love, to be faithful, to do good, etc. - this is the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)

The nine effects or fruits of the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us are: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control". (Galatians 5:22-23)

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to help us display these fruits to others every day.

Bonus...Mass teaching: The Epiclesis is when the priest calls down the Holy Spirit during the Eucharistic prayers to consecrate the gifts (bread and wine) to become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we come to the end of the Easter season, may you all have a blessed week! 🙏

05/24/2026

Sunday Mass I St. Mary, Delaware, OH

05/22/2026

Today, we celebrate Saint Rita of Cascia — patron saint of impossible causes, difficult marriages, healing, and perseverance through suffering.

St. Rita’s life was marked by hardship. Though she desired religious life from a young age, she was instead married to an abusive husband in 14th century Italy. After years of prayer and patience, her husband eventually changed before being tragically murdered. Rita then endured the loss of her two sons before finally entering the Augustinian convent she had long dreamed of joining. Through every stage of suffering, she became known for radical forgiveness, deep prayer, and unwavering faith in God.

Many paintings of St. Rita show a wound or thorn in her forehead. This comes from a tradition that while meditating on Christ’s Passion, Rita received a wound from a thorn of Jesus’ crown of thorns — a visible sign of sharing spiritually in Christ’s suffering. Artists often depict light, blood, or a thorn coming from her forehead to symbolize this mystical experience and her closeness to Christ.

St. Rita reminds us that holiness is not reserved for easy lives. She is a saint for those carrying grief, disappointment, strained relationships, unanswered prayers, or seasons that feel impossible.

How to celebrate St. Rita’s feast day today:
🌹 Bring or plant roses — roses are closely tied to St. Rita because of the miracle of a rose blooming in winter near the end of her life.
🍝 Share an Italian meal with loved ones — homemade pasta, bread, olive oil, and a simple dessert are a beautiful nod to her Italian roots.
🍷 Enjoy a glass of wine or sparkling water with family and intentionally pray for reconciliation, healing, or peace.
🕯️ Light a candle and pray for someone facing an “impossible” situation.
📖 Read about forgiveness in Scripture, especially Matthew 5 or Luke 23.
🤝 Support Catholic organizations serving families, women, and those in crisis, such as Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Birthright International, Walking with Moms in Need, or your local parish outreach ministry.

St. Rita’s story is proof that God can still bring grace, healing, and even beauty from lives marked by suffering and loss.

05/22/2026

In this week’s reflection, Fr. Denis reflects on the call to remain open to the Holy Spirit — allowing God’s love, strength, and truth to unite us as one community in Christ.

As the readings from Acts and the Gospel of John remind us, the world will tempt us toward division, isolation, and turning against one another. But through the Spirit, God calls us to remain rooted in Him and in each other.

No matter what we face, we are never alone. God continues to strengthen, guide, and unify His people.

05/21/2026

As we begin the 2026 Annual Appeal, we’re not only supporting ministries across the Diocese of Columbus...we’re also caring for the future of our parish home through the replacement of our church roof and continued preservation of our sacred space.

Read Fr. Denis’ message and see how your generosity is helping St. Mary continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

Read the full story below:

As we prepare to launch the 2026 Annual Appeal, “Rooted in Christ, Growing in Mission,” I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your faithful support of both our parish and the Diocese of Columbus. Because of your generosity, we successfully surpassed our goal last year, and I am deeply tha...

05/20/2026

Here is Fr Denis Kigozi's Sunday homily for the Ascension.

In our Gospel today at the end of Matthew (Matthew 28:16-20) which is referred to the Great Commission (the most quoted text in the Catechism of the Catholic Church), Jesus says to His Apostles,
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

The Apostles were obedient to that mission and we, too, are asked to continue that mission.

Every May we hear about the annual Appeal from our bishop. This year it is called The Appeal: Rooted in Christ - Growing in Mission. This appeal focuses on evangelization, vocations (such as Zachary Utt from our parish), Catholic education and formation, and Social Outreach - all within our diocese.

Our parish goal is $184, 201 - however, our church is in need of repairs and upgrades, so Fr Denis is asking that we try to achieve a goal of $300,000, so these things (roof, floor, kneelers/pews, etc.) can be done over the next few years.

Every gift really does matter - nothing is too big or too small! Fr Denis requests that you complete an envelope even if you cannot give so we know you are still keeping this Appeal and our church in your prayers.
Online link: https://columbuscatholicgiving.org/appeal-make-a-gift-now

May God richly bless you always! 🙏

05/20/2026

Here’s what’s coming up at St. Mary for the rest of May ✨

From game nights and community gatherings to blessings and service opportunities — there are so many ways to get involved over the next couple of weeks.

Join us for events like SMARTS Game Night, Coffee & Donuts with Springs of Love, our Expectant Mother Blessing, the Memorial Day Service, and our High School Senior Recognition Mass.

🔗 See the full bulletin online or grab one after Mass for even more upcoming events and opportunities to get involved: www.delawarestmary.org/bulletin

We hope to see you there!

05/19/2026

Teaching Mass I St. Mary, Delaware, OH

05/18/2026

Have you signed up to donate baked goods for the festival yet? :) You can do so here: https://stmaryparish.ivolunteer.com/bake_sale_2026

Speaking of World Baking Day...One thing we're especially excited about at the festival is our Bake Sale! We always have an incredible homemade spread, all available at great prices!