Ministries Some information may be specific to Logan County Catholics. Pastoral Councils Pastoral Councils PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is a group of parishioners, nominated and voted in by members of the parish, to serve by assisting and advising the pastor, and providing feedback from the parish community. St. Mary of the Woods and St. Patrick have a unified parish council, with equal representation from both churches. FINANCE COMMISSION This commission, mandated by Canon Law, advises the pastor on financial planning and development. Members assist the pastor with planning and administering financial matters, and in setting policy and procedures that will bring about effective management. Term Name Parish 2029 Denny Miller St. Patrick 2029 Judy Weiser St. Patrick 2029 Erica Maze SMOW 2029 Barb Ternasky SMOW 2028 Ashley Jacque St. Patrick 2028 Becky Rutherford St. Patrick 2028 Bob Stroebel (Vice Pres.) SMOW 2028 Beth Codora SMOW 2027 Pat Tynan (Pres.) St. Patrick 2027 Adrienne Dearwester (Sec.) St. Patrick 2027 Jim Grider SMOW 2027 Jan Knight SMOW Name Parish Charity Thiel SMOW Theresa Reichert SMOW Jean Klinker SMOW Joan Shouse SMOW Susan Brunner SMOW Bob Barnwell St. Patrick Jeff Martin St. Patrick Jim Stein St. Patrick Kim Comer St. Patrick Mary Smith St. Patrick Liturgical Ministries Many gifts are needed to support a beautiful and reverent liturgy! Unless otherwise noted, please contact the parish office if you are interested in serving in any of these capacities. Music Ministry St. Patrick is blessed with an adult choir, and several cantors. Choir rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings, fall through spring. To join the choir, or offer other musical talents, please contact Morissa Sweeney, director of music, at 937-592-1656. Lectors Lectors are members of the faithful who proclaim the Word of God during the Mass. Lectors serve in rotation, and are scheduled in advance. A brief training is required. Altar Servers Children who have completed the third grade and older are invited to serve at the altar. New server training is typically held in the summer. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve either at weekend Masses, or by taking the Eucharist to the homebound and those in nursing homes. Training is provided. Also, to request Communion for someone who is homebound or in a care facility, please contact the office. Ushers Ushers assist at weekend Masses with seating, gathering the collection, distributing bulletins, obtaining Mass counts, and other logistical matters. Sacristans Sacristans prepare for Mass by seeing to the liturgical books, vessels, candles, and other concerns regarding the altar. They also assist with flowers and other decorations. Parish Related Organizations Knights of Columbus Visit kofc.org to learn more about the Knights of Columbus. Knights of Columbus Council #3800; Fourth Degree Meets the 4th Wednesday of odd-numbered months at 7:00 pm in Russells Point Knights of Columbus Council #1782; Bellefontaine Meets the 2nd Sunday of the month at 7:00 pm in Makley Hall Visit Knights of Columbus Council #1782 on Facebook. Knights of Columbus Council #4378; Russells Point Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 pm Charitable Ministries Funeral Meals Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve at funeral meals for both St. Mary of the Woods and St. Patrick. To volunteer, contact the parish office, and we will connect you with the appropriate team. Our Daily Bread St. Patrick serves dinner at Our Daily Bread on the first Wednesday of every other month. Our Daily Bread is held at the Lutheran Center, located at 820 W Sandusky Ave, Bellefontaine. Prayer Requests To be added to the prayer chain, please contact the parish office. Prayer intention books are located in the foyer at St. Mary of the Woods, and beside the Divine Mercy image at St. Patrick. St. Vincent de Paul Society St. Vincent de Paul provides a helping hand to those in need by way of a food pantry and financial assistance. Volunteers are always welcome. St. Patrick Michele Nichols, President Call 937-210-1280 for information. The Food Pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, and Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00 PM. St. Mary of the Woods Kay Adams, President Call 937-843-4792 for information. The Food Pantry is open the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The SVDP Thrift Store is open the 2nd and 4th Thursday and Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Thrift Store 2nd & 4th Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pregnancy and Family Resources For a listing of the many resources available for women in unexpected or crisis pregnancies in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, please go to https://catholicaoc.org/forlife . Option Line Option Line and its network of participating pregnancy centers offers peer counseling and accurate information about all pregnancy options. Call pregnancy helpline at 1-800-712-4357 Find a center near you at optionline.org/center-locator . Visit optionline.org to learn more. Catholic Resources The following links are to other Catholic sites online which may be of interest for various additional related information. Click on the name of the link to visit the site. Daily Readings Visit U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for Daily Bible Readings The Catholic Telegraph Visit thecatholictelegraph.com The official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The Roman Catholic Church The Holy See (The Vatican) Archdiocese of Cincinnati USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) Ohio Bishop Conference Catholics Come Home If you've been away for a while, please visit catholicscomehome.org Other Catholic Links Holy Rosary (How to Recite) Catholic Online Catechism of the Catholic Church (vatican.va) or Catechism of the Catholic Church (flipbooks at usccb.org) Code of Canon Law New American Bible Vocations - Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Encyclopedia A guide to the Sacrament of Confession SafeParish™ at aocsafeenvironment.org or visit Archdiocese of Cincinnati SafeParish™ Resources. Ready to volunteer? Are you interested in volunteering but unsure where you might fit in? This form is designed for you! Share a bit about yourself—your talents, interests, and availability. Remember, your unique skills can greatly benefit the parish, whether it's your finance background, teaching passion, culinary talents, or organizational skills. We want to know how you can contribute! First Name Last Name Email Subject Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting!

Homily 2017

Homily 2021

Talks Lenten Talk 2026 - The Cardinal Virtues Lenten Talk 2025 - Acts of the Apostles Lenten Talk 2025 - Acts of the Apostles - Part 2 of 2 Lenten Talk 2025 - Acts of the Apostles - Part 1 of 2

Seminarians Meet the Seminarians Meet the Seminarians Our Parishes have been immensely blessed over the past several years to have many seminarians come through our doors and spend time with us at both Saint Mary of the Woods and Saint Patrick. Join us in praying for these wonderful men as they continue their formation to the priesthood. May we continue to be blessed with wonderful men entering the seminary. If you would like to send any cards or care packages, the address for the men is as follows: 6616 Beechmont Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45230 Mount St. Mary's of the West Seminary in Cincinnati. Meet current seminarians of Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Thomas Wheeler Seminarian Intern 2025-2026 Hello, my name is Thomas Wheeler. I am a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, and I am spending my internship year here at Mary, Queen of Angels family of parishes. Having completed four years of study in seminary, I am thrilled to spend the year serving in your parishes. After this year, I will only have two years of formation remaining before, God-willing, I am ordained a priest. I have greatly enjoyed my first few weeks here, and I look forward to continuing to get to know you all as I serve you. A few fun facts about me: I am a cellist (plays the cello), an avid reader, and a martial artist. Before becoming a seminarian, I used to be a teacher, though some fellow teachers say I still am one. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to practice preaching sooner or later... Benjamin Packer Seminarian Intern 2023-2024 My name is Benjamin Packer. I will be spending the next year in your parishes as a seminarian intern with Fr. Landenwitch. I have completed six years of seminary - four years in college seminary and two in Theology in Cincinnati. I grew up in a homeschooling family with my five younger brothers and two younger sisters. I entered college seminary at Bishop Simon Bruté in Indianapolis after graduating high school and have continued for two years at Mt. St. Mary's in Cincinnati for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. God willing, I will be ordained in just under three years from now. I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, and occasional casual sports whether it is disc golf or a casual game Of ultimate frisbee. Hopefully, I will have the pleasure of meeting many of you in the coming weeks. Update: Benjamin Packer was ordained as t ransitional deacon on April 26th , 2025 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Daniel Jasek Summer 2020 Meet Daniel Jasek!! He is from Our Lady of Good Hope parish in Miamisburg, OH and is the oldest of five children. He studied Computer Science at the University of Notre Dame, worked for one year as a web-developer in Columbus, and started seminary studies at Mount St. Mary's of the West Seminary in Cincinnati in the Fall of 2019. Update: Daniel Jasek was ordained as transitional deacon on April 26th, 2025 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Matthew Montag Summer 2020 Matt Montag is going into Theology II at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary and School of Theology. Matt was born 30 minutes Northeast of Cincinnati in Loveland, Ohio, and comes from a family of four. Prior to seminary he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a business degree and worked for two years in sales. In his free time he enjoys the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, as well as camping and hiking. Matt's favorite Saint other than the Blessed Mother is St. Maximillian Kolbe. Update: Father Matthew Montag was ordained into the priesthood on May 18th, 2024 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Robert Hale Seminarian Intern 2019-2020 "Hello, I am Robert Hale and I am studying for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary's of the West Seminary. I am excited to spend the next year on internship with you all at St. Patrick's and St. Mary's of the Woods. I am the oldest of four children; I have two sisters and a brother. I was raised just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. I moved to Cincinnati when I entered the seminary, and I am still trying to learn more about the Archdiocese. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you over the next year. Please pray for me as I continue my formation to the priesthood, and I will be praying for all of you as well!" Update: Father Robert Hale was ordained into the priesthood on May 21st, 2022 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Adam Berning Summer 2019 Have you met our newest seminarian?? Adam Berning is here for the summer at both Saint Mary of the Woods and Saint Patrick's! He graduated from Anna High School and his home parish is Sacred Heart of Jesus in McCartyville. After graduating high school he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis. This August he will be entering Mt. St. Mary's Seminary in Cincinnati to begin his studies in Theology. We are so excited to have him here with us this summer! Update: Father Adam Berning was ordained into the priesthood on May 18th, 2024 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Alex Dugas Summer 2019 Meet Alex Dugas! "I am originally from Huber Heights and am one of three children. I graduated from Wright State with a degree in history, and it was during my time at WSU that I decided to pursue a call to the priesthood-this was something that I had thought of since I was at least 7 years old. I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, so please do introduce yourselves to me." Update: Father Alex Dugas was ordained into the priesthood on May 20th, 2023 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Anthony Marcelli Seminarian Intern 2018-2019 "Hello! My name is Anthony Marcelli, I am a seminarian for the Archdiocese and I will be doing a yearlong internship with Father Shawn. My hometown is Amelia Ohio which is about a half hour from downtown Cincinnati. I am one of 7 kids: 5 girls and two boys. I attended public high school and during that time I wanted to become a coast Guard rescue diver but seeing how I have very little experience swimming in the ocean (being from Ohio and all) I decided to sign up for paramedic schooling instead. A couple of months before my high school graduation I saw a video of a priest anointing a woman who was dying in the hospital; in that moment I felt that God was calling me to serve the kingdom in this way. I decided to drop paramedic schooling and sought out studies for the priesthood. I then received my degree from Franciscan university and entered seminary after graduating college. This is my third year in seminary and I have a little less than 3 years to go. I am very excited to be here with all of you and I look forward to a great year to join you in serving our Lord. God Bless!" Update: Father Anthony Marcelli was ordained into the priesthood on May 15th, 2021 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Patrick Blenman Summer 2017, 2018 Patrick Blenman, Seminarian... "I am a seminarian going into my fourth year of college seminary for for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. I study at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am so blessed to be here and I cannot wait to become more involved and get to know all of you here in the parish. I grew up just across the county line in Sidney, Ohio. I come from a family of 6 with my parents, a twin brother, older brother, and older sister. I graduated from Lehman Catholic High School in Sidney in 2014 and entered college seminary right after graduation. Some things I enjoy doing are hanging out with friends, meeting new people, watching movies, riding my bike, and being able to be present to the needs of God people. If you see me around the parish or around town, please do not hesitate to come over and say hello, ask for prayers, or just want to talk. I will be giving two talks here over the summer. Thank you all so much and I cannot wait to get a chance to serve you this summer." Update: Father Patrick Blenman was ordained into the priesthood on May 20th, 2023 at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH.

Education Below information is for Logan County Catholics. Faith Formation for Children & Youth Parish Faith Formation The parish faith formation program (PFF/PSR) entails learning the truths of the Faith through interaction with Sacred Scripture and Tradition, fostering familiarity with the Church’s devotional practices, and nurturing a close personal union with Christ through the Sacraments of his Church. Our faith formation program uses the "Walking with Jesus" curriculum from Sophia Press. Registration occurs in late summer. Currently, we are able to offer weekly classes for those in Kindergarten through the eighth grade. FIRST COMMUNION: First Communion is typically held in the second grade at our parishes, but older children are most welcome. There is an attendance requirement for this class. CONFIRMATION: Confirmation is held every other year for those in the seventh and eighth grade. There is an attendance requirement for this class. SCHEDULE: PSR classes meet on Sundays at St. Mary of the Woods from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. PFF classes meet on Sundays at St. Patricks from 11:00 AM to12:00 PM. CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations due to inclement weather or other circumstances will be communicated via One Call. If you are not currently signed up for One Call, please contact the parish office. VOLUNTEERS: Catechists, aids, substitutes, and other volunteers are always needed and appreciated. A background check and compliance with the child protection policies is required. To obtain registration forms, to volunteer, or for more information, please contact Ashley Roberts at ashleyroberts.dre@gmail.com or 937-592-1656. Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) OCIA is the Church’s process of initiating adult members into the Catholic Faith. It involves the teaching of the Sacred Scriptures, prayer, catechesis on Catholic doctrine, growth in community, and an emphasis on developing one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ. OCIA is required for all non-baptized individuals as well as baptized non-Catholic Christians who seek full communion into the Catholic Church. Classes alternate locations every between St. Patrick and St. Mary of the Woods. The process takes between one and two years, depending on each individual's faith history and personal circumstances. In the first phase, called Inquiry, the basics of the Creed, the Catholic Church, and morality are discussed. This phase provides those who participate with a good opportunity to become familiar with Catholicism, foster a life of prayer, and decide if they would like to learn more. The second phase consists of a more thorough catechesis, assumes a deepening commitment to the life of faith, and is appropriate for those who have made the decision to become members of the Church. We will work with interested individuals to ensure they begin the process in the most helpful place! OCIA reaches its culmination with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (if not already baptized), Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist. For more information, please contact Ashley Roberts at ashleyroberts.dre@gmail.com or 937-592-1656. RCIA Sign Up Interested in the Catholic Church? First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Which best describes you?* I'm not Catholic, but interested in learning more. (Please continue with the survey.) I'm already Catholic, and am looking for a refresher. (Please submit--no need to complete further questions.) Have you ever been baptized, in any faith tradition? Yes No I'm not sure Are you married? No No, but I live with my fiancée/boyfriend or girlfriend I am engaged to be married Yes; and this is the first marriage for both me and my spouse Yes, and either my spouse or I have been married before Do you have questions or concerns you'd like to discuss before class begins? Yes No Submit

GIVE St. Patrick | St. Mary of the Woods | St. Mary Thank you for your generosity To support our church’s needs and expansion projects, we invite you to join us in our mission. Your contributions play a role in enhancing our community services and outreach programs, as well as improving and maintaining our buildings. Together, we can create a welcoming space for everyone and foster spiritual growth. Thank you for being a part of our journey towards Christ! St. Mary (Urbana) St. Patrick (Bellefontaine) St. Mary of the Woods (Russells Point) ST. PATRICK CHURCH ADDITION PROJECT The St. Patrick Church Addition Project aims to enhance our church space by adding two new bathrooms and a covered handicap ramp. This improvement will not only provide essential facilities for our congregation but also ensure accessibility for all members of our community. Join us in supporting this important initiative! Browse the images and videos below, or give to the project by clicking the box below. Update May 2026: Temporary Handicapped Ramp Construction of the new addition will be starting soon. Please use the wooden ramp across from the Rectory to enter the church. Enter through the Sacristy door and proceed to your right through the Sacristy to tenter the church. Give to the Addition Project

Photo Gallery Take a tour of Saint Patrick Church Saint Patrick Photo Gallery Take a tour of Saint Mary of the Woods Church Saint Mary of the Woods Photo Gallery Visit Saint Patrick Church Facebook Albums Saint Patrick Albums Visit Champaign County Catholics Facebook Albums Champaign Catholics Albums Visit Saint Mary of the Woods Church Facebook Albums Saint Mary of the Woods Albums

Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church? The Catholic Church has over 2,000 years of tradition, history, beauty, and faith. For centuries, the Church has raised up saints, cared for the needy, brought the Gospel to thirsting souls far and near, and poured out the grace of Christ through the sacraments. There is a home for everyone in the Catholic Church. We would love to welcome you to our parishes, answer your questions, and walk with you. You are most welcome to join us anytime at Mass. Click here for the weekly Mass schedule. Our Inquiry Classes are for people who would like to learn more about Catholicism, but haven't had much experience of church in general, or the Catholic Church in particular. The basics of the story of salvation, the Creed, Church structure, and the Sacraments are covered. No commitment to joining the Catholic Church is required. It's a great place to ask questions and find out what the Church really believes. For anyone who is considering joining OCIA, this is an excellent foundation, and will finish in time to begin OCIA in the fall! If you would like more information about our offerings for those who are exploring Catholicism, or are interested in becoming Catholic, please contact Ashley Roberts at ashleyroberts.dre@gmail.com or 937-592-1656 or fill out the form below. We will be in touch! In the meantime, check out the videos below for a few answers to some commonly asked questions! Sign Up for the next Inquiry Class First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Classes will start on May 5 at St. Patrick in Bellefontaine, and will begin at 6:30 PM. If you need a daytime offering due to your schedule, please designate below.* Choose an option Do you have any questions or concerns you'd like to discuss before classes begin? Submit

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Homily Listen to Homilies Select homily post, then select play button to listen to homily. If looking for a specific homily, use the search bar above. Homilies from November 2024 to present are shown below. If looking for homilies by year, please go here . 1 2 3 4 5 Watch on YouTube Mary, Queen of Angels family of parishes Play Video Play Video 01:09:48 The Cardinal Virtues Part 2 - 2026 Lenten Talks Join Fr. Shawn Landenwitch this lenten season Play Video Play Video 01:14:02 The Cardinal Virtues Part 1 - 2026 Lenten Talks Join Fr. Shawn Landenwitch this lenten season Lenten and Fall Talks See Talks Divine Mercy Chaplet/Novena See Divine Mercy Past Homilies Select year. 2026 2021 2025 2020 2024 2019 2016 2015 2023 2018 2022 2017

Saint Mary of the Woods, Catholic Church, Russells Point, Ohio Saint Mary of the Woods Catholic Church Russells Point, Ohio "Following in the footsteps of Our Lady, we will welcome and adore the abiding presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and bring Him with joy to those we encounter." Mass Times Latest Notice: St. Carlo Acutis Exhibit Communion Rail Q&A The following Q&A is meant to help us understand the devotional and theological reasons behind the Communion rail, and to answer some practical questions. When receiving Communion, must everyone kneel at the Communion rail? No. The U.S. bishops decided the norm in the U.S. in recent decades is to receive standing, but the Congregation of Divine Worship is clear that individuals have the right to receive kneeling. The universal practice of kneeling was standard for many centuries before the current practice. Anyone receiving communion is welcome to adopt the posture they prefer. Why does St. Mary of the Woods use a Communion rail? There has been a revival in the Church regarding Eucharistic devotion. As many Catholics rediscover the traditions of the Church, more and more of the faithful prefer to receive kneeling. We see this growing trend in our own parish. Some parishioners would like to kneel, but would have a hard time getting back up without a Communion rail. In addition to allowing Communion to proceed reverently, there is also the potential of great spiritual benefits. Instead of people being ‘in motion’ as they walk through Communion lines, parishioners get a few moments to pause before and after Communion as they kneel or stand by the rail. This enables them to cherish the moment and open themselves to grace in a way that is difficult to do when walking through a normal Communion line. Are communion rails barriers between the people and God? No. Communion rails were never intended to be barriers to prevent access to God. This is a false idea that, while circulated by some, has no basis in any Catholic teaching, belief or practice. Communion rails are sacred places where people are nourished by the Bread from Heaven. That is why they were designed with great beauty and care. The architectural style of Communion rails was often similar to the altar, because they were seen as extending from the altar: the Eucharist is consecrated on the altar, and then received at the rail. Heaven and earth meet at the Communion rail; it is a place of Communion, not a barrier. Bulletins Select to view bulletin. Logan County Catholics 5-3-26.pdf View Past Bulletins Lay Ministry Schedules Select to view schedule. Saint Mary of the Woods Church St. Mary of the Woods May Ministry.pdf Calendar of Events Saint Mary of the Woods Church Photo Gallery News Events Homily Pastoral Staff Rev. Shawn Landenwitch, Pastor Email: fatherLandenwitch@gmail.com Rev. Kevin LeMelle, Parochial Vicar Email: klemelle@catholicaoc.org Office Staff Amy Bihn, Office Manager Email: abihn.mqa@gmail.com Katie McCabe, Music Director Email: ktmccabe@hotmail.com Judy Wells, Organist Lee McCarty, Head Sacristan Joe Rizzo, Maintenance/Custodial Connie Wheeler, Assistant Custodial Jennifer Harford, Administrative Assistant Email: catholicbellefontaine@gmail.com Ashley Roberts, Director of Religious Education Email: ashleyroberts.dre@gmail.com Parish Email: abihn.mqa@gmail.com Phone: 937-843-3127 MAILING ADDRESS: Saint Mary of the Woods Church 464 Madison Avenue, PO Box 329 Russells Point, OH 43348 Office Hours: Monday and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Registration Form St. Mary of the Woods Church Please return by mail or drop in the collection basket. Registration Form Donate Visit W eShareOnline.org Directions Rachel Mourning Our Lady of Fatima Our Lady of Grace St. Therese, the Little Flower