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Help us Bring Home our Bell!

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, we will participate once again in #weGiveCatholic, our one-day giving event that provides Catholic parishes, schools, Catholic Charities programs, special ministries and nonprofits affiliated with the Diocese of Cleveland the opportunity to raise awareness and funds.

Over the years, you’ve very generously contributed to this exciting day of giving to pay for livestreaming equipment, replace water fountains, buy Clevertouch boards and more. Last year, your contributions made it possible to renovate Mary’s courtyard into a beautiful, prayerful space. We are so grateful!

What are we doing this year?

This year we are asking for your help in moving the 400-pound bronze bell from our old church at 416 W. Liberty St. to our current campus. After our “new” church was built in 1960, the bell that called Catholics to worship for more than 60 years was left behind.

Debbie and Stan Oda, the current owners of the building, are willing to donate the bell to the parish — but we have to get it out of there safely, which is no small feat! Engelke, a local contractor, has devised a plan for its removal — and #weGiveCatholic is the perfect opportunity for us to raise the necessary funds for this special tactical mission to bring our bell home.

Why is this important?

Returning the bell to our congregation is more than just a connection with our past. It is a tangible reminder that our parents and grandparents sacrificed to establish and build a strong foundation of Catholic faith for us here in Medina. Now we have an obligation to provide that legacy of faith for our children and grandchildren.

For almost 163 years, this legacy of faith has been leading people in Medina and the surrounding areas to find hope and purpose as they encounter the Lord and grow in their relationship with Him. This bell is a call to action for us to do our part to provide that solid foundation for years to come.

When should I give?

#weGiveCatholic is Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 12 midnight to 11:59 p.m. All donations must be made during these 24 hours, although “offline” donations may be brought to the parish office any time — and we’ll be glad to enter them for you!

Every year since 2016, St. Francis Xavier has won the $1,000 bonus prize for having the most donors of ANY organization between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. Help us claim the prize again by giving during these hours! The more donors we have throughout the day, the better our chance of winning more bonus prizes! To count as a “unique donor,” every member of your family can give using a separate, valid email address. The parish in our “large” size category with the most donors all day will win an extra $2,000 too!

Join us in the church basement after morning Mass on Tuesday, from about 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., to learn more about our bell, enjoy special bell-shaped treats and make your contribution, if you wish!
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