Downsizing of parishes revealed

The Akron Beacon Journal today reported that one South Summit cluster of parishes will be asked to go from six parishes to four and plan for one school to serve the area, beginning in August 2009.

The number of priests would be cut from five to four within the next three years and no later than July 1, 2010.

Bishop Richard Lennon sent letters to each parish to be read at weekday Masses to announce the downsizing, but unfortunately Catholics read about it first in the Beacon Journal. It was the play story on page A1 on Thursday.

The cluster announced in the Beacon Journal article involves Annunciation, Sacred Heart, St. Bernard, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and St. Matthew.

Diocesan projections indicate that 271 priests will be available in 2010, down from 299 in 2005.

Click on the headline to read the full story in the Beacon Journal.

The diocesan website has a story about the Bishop’s letter, but it does not provide any of the details reported by the Beacon Journal. There also is a link to a video of the Bishop making the announcement.

Click here to go to the website.

Former St. Paul principal Teresa Bica dies

Teresa A. Bica, who had an intense energy and spirit for life, passed away on Monday, May 28, 2007, after a short illness.

She was born in Ravenna, Ohio on August 26, 1935. She also lived in Kent, Ohio for the past 20 years. She was extremely passionate and caring about her family, her friends, her faith, her students and her travels.

She was a loving wife, to Michael G. Bica and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 4. Sshe has three children, Thomas Bica of Kent, Steven (Lisa) Bica of Ravenna and Ann (John) "Bica" Roush of Columbus; two granddaughters, Dana Roush and Katie Bica; Her siblings, are John (Karen) Dobrilovic of North Jackson, and Lynn (David) Duffy of Kent. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rosemary Dobrilovic.

Teresa was an elementary teacher at Crestwood Schools in Mantua, principal at St. Paul's Catholic School in Akron and was presently a supervisor of student teachers at Kent State University. She also was a member of the State Department of Education's Global Institute of Columbus, Ohio. She was the Scholarship Chairman and member of the Portage County Retired Teacher's Association. She was a lifetime member if Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna, a charter member of Our Lady's Guild, and a New Life Choir member. She was also a charter member of Ravenna Delta Sorosis for 45 years. She was a girl scout leader and publicity chairman for twenty years. As an avid traveler, she was a bus escort for Paskey Tours in Kent.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at the Shorts Funeral Homes 141 N. Meridian St. Ravenna, Ohio 44266. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Immaculate Conception Church 409 W Main St. Ravenna, Ohio. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery Ravenna, Ohio. Memorials may be made to the Portage County Retired Teacher's Association for scholarship recipients c/o Darlene Fetterhoff 2417 Duckpond Dr. Ravenna, Ohio 44266.
[The Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Wednesday, May 30, 2007, page B6, col. 3 ]

Recommended listening for Memorial Day

Listen to Beacon Journal reporter Jim Carney

Click on the headline

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Spirit of Wisdom to aspire only after the things that are eternal.

Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth.

Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God.

Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross.

Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself

Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet.

Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him.

27 families join St. Paul Parish Community

Twenty-seven families have joined our St. Paul Parish Community from September 2006 through March 2007.

September 2006: Lenny Bickett and Desiree Merring, James Burgoon and Karen Lampe, Charlynn Daniel, Ken and Susie Finegan, William and Mary Holler, Kathy Ilg Dee Perdue, Antoinette Reguieiro, Jason and Stephanie Ulery

October 2006; Kathleen Carr, Susan Casseday, Michael and Terry Daley, Michael and Jodi Del Ferraro, Candice Novak

November 2006: Melissa Sample, Heather Parker

Januarv 2007: Maria Lukinac, Greg and Judi Stoerkel, Johnathan Tran and Talia Vu

February 2007: Megan Kapper, Jerry and Beverly Matthews, Chuck and Gemma Ross

March 2007: Anthony Guarino, Kirk Morgan, Pamela Pihlblad, Juanita Rexrode, Rebecca Rosenstee.

A “New Parishioner Gathering” is being planned for September.

Photos show stark reality in Darfur

More than 3.4 million people have been affected by ethnic and political conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan.

UNICEF Representative in Sudan Ted Chaiban recently returned from that country's Darfur region, where he saw firsthand the realities in the camps for displaced children and families who cannot return to their homes because of the violent conflict that continues there.

Chaiban reported that he saw camps filled to capacity with between 50,000 and 100,000 people. The challenge now is to find other locations for additional displaced people who will need shelter, food and water, and basic medical treatment, he said.

"The solution is for the peace process to get back on track," noted Chaiban.

If you have not been convinced by recent parish discussions, please take a look at an album of 23 photos on the U.S, Holocaust Memorial Museum website.

Just click on the headline above to go there.

You also can find a two-page information sheet from Catholic Relief Services in the news section of the parish website which you can read or download.

Where are you going?

Ever wonder where your life is headed? Looking for meaning, purpose and fulfillment? If you are a single Catholic looking for direction in your life, join other men and women from across the Diocese of Cleveland for the "Where are You Going?" Retreat on Sunday, June 16, 2007 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. This day-long program, will help you come to a better understanding of God's vision and plan for your life. For more information or to register, call 1-800-869-6525 ext 3490 or www.churchvocations.com.

Fr. Hilinski to discuss other religions

Fr. Joseph Hilinski, director of the Diocesan Interfaith commission, will speak on the topic, "What is a Catholic to Think About Other Religions: Islam? Judaism? Buddhism? Hinduism?" at the next gathering Tuesday, June 5, 2007, 7:00 p..m. at St. Martha Parish, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave.. Fr. Hilinski will clarify the Church's view and entertain questions and comments. At each monthly gathering, a representative from the Diocesan Tribunal is on hand to offer assistance with specific annulment and remarriage questions. All are invited.

Traditional Latin Mass at St. Mary

St. Mary's Church, 750 S. Main St., Akron, celebrates an Ecclesiastically Approved Tridentine (Latin) Mass on the First and Third Sunday of the month at 1 p.m.

Legislative breakfast is June 1

The Catholic Commission Legislative Breakfast with the Summit County Delegation to the Ohio General Assembly will be Friday, June 1 at the First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E. Market St. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 8: a.m. Cost is $10. Register at 330-535-2787 by May 22, 2007. Mail checks payable to CCHHS, Catholic Commission, P.O. Box 434, Akron, OH 44309-0434.

Ladies Guild seeks treasurer

St. Paul Ladies Guild is in dire need of a treasurer for 2007-2008. The term will begin in September 2007 and end in May 2008. If you have some time and talent you would like to donate to the organization, please call Sandi Denholhm at 330-724-2214 or Mary Lou Goodhart at 330-622-2475

The American Red Cross will be at Boeke Hall on Monday, June 4, from 1 to 7 p.m. for a blood drive sponsored by the St. Paul Ladies Guild. If you have any questions, call Maggie at 330-724-9550

Anointing of Sick is May 27

Sacrament of Anointingwill follow the 9 a.m. Mass on Pentescot Sunday, May 27, 2007. Anyone burdened with physical, mental or spiritual challenges is invited. Please sit in every other row in the middle sections of the church.

Far fewer attending weekly Mass

Overall, the population of the eight-county Cleveland Catholic Diocese has remained steady, but far fewer are attending Sunday Mass. The marked decrease in attendance is shown in this graph by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Office, reprinted from the May 18 Universe bulletin.

Today only 29 percent of all registered Catholics, or 231,000 attend weekly Mass compared to 34 percent in 2000 and 56 percent in 1970. The number in 1970 was about 500,000 of the population then of 900,000.

This means that fewer than half of those attending Sunday Mass in 1970 are attending weekly Mass today.

Based on 2005 census estimates there are 2.84 million people living in the eight-county diocese compared with 2.75 million in 1960. An estimated 28 percent of the population in the diocese, or about 797,898, are Catholic.

Cuyahoga County is the only county to show a decline in population with nearly one-fifth fewer residents than 45 years ago. Population grew in other counties: 6.3 per cent in Summit, 155.3 per cent in Medina County and 99.8 per cent in Geauga County. These figures indicate the migration of people from the cities to the suburbs.

Summit South with 21 parishes had an average of 973 households per parish.

Click on chart to enlarge for a better view. Read the Universe Bulletin for more details and graphics.

Pope's trip to Brazil adds to awareness

The visit of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to Brazil provides us with a new awareness of our faith.

First, we do not often pause to realize that Brazil is the largest Catholic country in the world and contains more than half of the Catholic population of the world.

Then we are made more aware of Our Lady of Aparecida (called Nossa Senhora Aparecida in Portugese). She is the patroness of Brazil and her shrine is the second-largest Catholic place of worship in the world–second only to Saint Peter’s in Vatican Citiy. In 1980, still under construction, it was consecrated by Pope John Paul
II and received the title of Minor Basilica.

While in 1900 the number of visitors was calculated in 150,000, today that number is in the millions. According to the official site of the Basilica, in 1999 the number of pilgrims was 6,565,849.

Architect Benedito Calixto designed a building in the form of a Greek cross, 173 meters long and 168 meters wide; the naves have 40 meters and the dome is 70 meters high. It can hold 45,000 people. The 272,000 square meters of parking hold 4,000 buses and 6,000 cars.

The influence of Our Lady of Aparecida on Brazilian society is incalculable. In 1992 a study showed that 296 parishes were dedicated to Our Lady Aparecida while five cathedrals had the same title. In addition many towns are named after the Virgin who is also known as Our Lady Who Appeared.

Our Lady of Aparecida is also remembered by a national holiday on October 12.

Click on the headline to read more of this story on the St. Paul parish website

Koehlers mark 50th anniversary

H. Joseph Koehler and Donna CoIl exchanged vows at St Paul Church officiated by Monsignor Boeke on May 4, 1957.

Joe retired from Firestone with 45 years of service. They renewed their vows at St. Francis de Sales Church on May 5, 2007. They celebrated with their nine children and friends at Anthes Restaurant.

Anna Eriitano funeral mass is Tuesday

Anna Eritano (nee Palumbo), 92, went home to be with the Lord on May 11, 2007 while surrounded by her loving family and Margaret Ann.

She was born in Italy on November 10, 1914 before settling in Akron, Ohio with her family. A homemaker, she had also worked part time for O'Neil's Department Store, retiring in 1976. Ann was an avid nature lover, golfer, gardener, cook, and volunteer. She was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church where she belonged to the Ladies Guild, and was also a member of the Portage Lakes Chapter of AARP, serving and heading up many planning committees over the years. A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who made everyone feel as her favorite.

She is survived by son, Mickey (Jeanette) Eritano of Akron; daughters, Linda (Gary) Garcia, and Dolores (Tom) Ingersoll, all of Florida; and son, Tommy Eritano who cared for her at home. She also leaves her sisters, Dena Cocozzo, Hilda Ursetti, and Irene Cistone, as well as her grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, Joe and Kathy Grosse (Neil, Mike and Sam), Angela and Billy Catalano (Sophia), Maria and David Bailey (John Herman), Mike Eritano (Lena and Vincent), Rick and Sabrina Grosse (Tony and James), Nick and Lisa Grosse, (Anna Rebecca and Jack), Christine and Dave Pack (Cameryn and Carly), Denise and Mac Glinn (Kennedy), Joe Eritano (Josiah, Katie, Zac and Zoie), Pete Eritano (Maddie), and Thomas Joseph "T.J." Ingersoll. Her husband, Neil Eritano; brothers, Nick and Phil Palumbo; and sister, Lucy Mariola all preceded her in death.

Calling hours will be on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home (811 Grant St.). Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday at 12 p.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, interment, Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family wishes to acknowledge the staff at Pebble Creek as well as the home care givers for their outstanding service and loving care.

Memorial donations may be made to the Phil Palumbo Scholarship Fund at the University of Akron.

[Beacon Journal,, Akron, OH, Sunday, May 13, 2007, page B5, col. 3]

Mass is Monday for Norman Georges

Norman E. Georges sailed off to be with the Lord on May 10, at Akron City Hospital.

Born in Akron in 1930, Norm had been a lifetime area resident. He was employed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. as a tire builder, retiring in 1991 with 37 years of service. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Norman served his country as a member of the Air Force during the post-war occupation of Germany. Norm was an avid boater who dearly loved the ocean.

Norman is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, with whom he just celebrated his 52nd wedding anniversary on May 7; son, Mike (Meg) Georges; daughters, Gail (John) Barrick, Sandi (Lance) Baldwin, and Norma (John) Selegean; grandchildren, Jason Robison, Michael Sartoski, Brady and Blake Baldwin, and Carl Selegean; great-granddaughter, Layla Rose Robison.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff and nurses of Akron City Hospital 7th floor and the Pallative Care Unit.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 95 W. Waterloo Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Grade School in Norman's memory, 1580 Brown St. Akron, OH 44301. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 724-1281, www.kakfh.com) AN ANTHONY FUNERAL HOME
[Akron Beacon Journal, Saturday, May 12, 2007, page B7, col. 1]

Anna Eritano Mass is Tuesday

Anna Eritano, 92, passed away on May 11, 2007.

Calling hours will be on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home (811 Grant St.). Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday at 12 noon at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Additional information will appear on Sunday.

[Akron Beacon Journal, Saturday, May 12, 2007, page B6, col. 6]

Mandatory Parents Meeting

There will be a mandatory meeting for parents of St. Paul school students on Monday, May 14, in the Parish Activity Center. In order to try to accommodate a variety of schedules, we have three meeting times available: 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Please make every effort to attend one of the sessions.

St. Paul CYO sports signups

The Booster Club will be having sign-up for ALL CYO SPORTS on Thursday, May 24, and Friday, May 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Gym.

THIS WILL BE THE ONLY SIGN-UP WE HAVE FOR CYO SPORTS THIS YEAR.

Sports included are baseball, softball, T-Ball, basketball, boys & girls soccer, cross country track & field, boys & girls volleyball, chess and flag football.

Starting with 2007 signup you must have your 300 Club membership of $60 paid to Charlotte Miller or you will not be able to sign your child up for sports. We have instituted this policy in order not to have to go to pay –to-play for every sport. Charlotte will be at both signup sessions to answer any questions or you may call her at 330-634-1127 or 330-475-4906.

You MUST meet the following criteria to play CYO sports:
+A CYO registration form must be filled out with a signed physical from your doctor with a date after June 1, 2007.
+A $40 CYO fee/$90 per family MUST be paid.
+A registration fee of $20 per child/$30 per family must be paid.
+If you do not attend St. Paul School, you must be attending PSR classes at St. Paul.
+You MUST be a member of the “300 Club.” Membership dues are $60 and run from January to December.

Any questions, please call Cherie Coughlin at 330-773-1489 or Vince Woicehovich at 330-773-5296.

New cookbooks available at Credit Union

A new shipment of our l cookbooks has arrived at the St. Paul Parish Federal Credit Union, 1762 Brown St., Akron.. The cookbook has 550 recipes in a colorful three-ring binder with a book stand. They are available for purchase at a cost of $17 (please make checks payable to St. Paul PTO). It makes a great gift for yourself or afriend. Questions, call Marilyn at St. Paul Credit Union at 330-724-5183

Holy Ghost Ukrainain Byzantine gets new pastor

We would like to offer congratulations to our neighbors at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, 1866 Brown St., Akron on the appointment of a new pastor,Father Ignatius Joseph Kury.

May to speak at Men's Fellowship breakfast

Joe May, from the Catholic Worker Community of Akron, our speaker for the next monthly breakfast of the Catholic Men's Fellownship on Saturday, May 19, 2007. The topic will be “Manly Spirituality and the Catholic Worker.” The hours for the breakfast are 8 to 10 a.m. in Boeke Hall.

The regular meeting of prayer and Bible study of the Fellowship is on the second and fourth Monday of the month. The next regular meeting will be Monday, May 14, 2007. The Bible Study passage will be 2 Corinthians 13: 1-13 Final Warning and Greeting.

Social Justice Thought for Week

Join us next weekend for our special program on Darfur. This will take place after all the masses on May 19 and 20 in the Parish Activity Center. Darfur and its ongoing crisis. is in the news daily. Come learn what it’s all about and how you can help make a difference. Plan to attend next week after Mass with your family or bring a friend. Please continue to pray for an end to the plight of our brothers and sisters in the Darfur region of the Sudan. We are witnessing the destruction of human life. Let us join
hearts with the faith community throughout America—in prayer, in action, and in spirit, to let the Darfurian people know that they are not abandoned. We pray that peace, protection and mercy prevail in Sudan.

Thank You from Deacon Frank Lonteen

I wish to thank the Parishioners of St. Paul Parish for all the sympathy cards, prayers and hugs that my family and I received on the occasion of my mother’s death, and for all those who attended her memorial Mass on this past Wednesday.

Thank you for your love and care.

~ Deacon Frank Lonteen

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Sophia Phillips, St. John's member

Sophia Phillips (Nussen), 70, passed away Friday, May 11, 2007 at the Hospice Care Center.

She was born August 27, 1936 to John and Ann (Kukula) Deskovich in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and had been an Akron resident since 1954. She had retired from Akron General Medical Center as the billing supervisor after 40 years of service in 2001. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and served on the Parish Finance Council and was a Eucharistic Minister. With her late husband, Gene, she helped start and faithfully worked bingo for the parish as long as she was able. She was a member of the Saint John Ladies Guild and the Altar and Rosary Society. She loved to play bingo, crocheting, reading and travel, but most enjoyed the time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her husband, Gene in 1990, her father, John and brother, John (Sonny) Deskovich Jr., and is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Wayne Nussen of Stow and Keith and Dawn Nussen of Green; her mother, Ann Deskovich of Akron; grandchildren, Michelle, David, Matthew, Nicholas and Ashley Nussen; siblings, Robert (Mary) Deskovich and Carol (Ronald) Krosnick.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 95 W. Waterloo Rd., and 10 a.m. at ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH on Brown St. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made to VNS Hospice Care Center, St John the Baptist, or the American Cancer Society. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com)
[Akron Beacon Journal, Saturday, May 5, 2007, page B7, col. 5]

Rose Verko funeral mass is Friday

Rose M. Verko, 94, passed away on May 9, at Manor Care in Akron.

Born in Perth Amboy, N.J. in 1912, Rose had been a lifetime area resident. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church as well as its Ladies Guild, RCIA, and the Contemporary Choir. Rose was also a member of The Sons of Herman-Bertha Lodge, German-American and Hungarian-American Clubs, and The Firestone Park Senior Citizens Club.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen in 1991 as well as five siblings. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Rosemary and George Tarr of Omaha, Neb. and Carol and Larry Eich of Akron; grandchildren, Steve (Gabrielle) Tarr of Omaha, Neb., Julie (John) Andresen of Omaha, Neb., Rosemary (Greg) Hill of Willoughby, and Rick Eich of Akron; several great-grandchildren; nephew, Charles Zinder.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring nurses and staff at Manor Care for the loving and tender care that was given during her time there.

The family will receive friends Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 95 W. Waterloo Rd. Funeral services will begin Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home and will continue at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in Rose's memory may be made to The St. Paul Building Fund, 433 Mission Drive, Akron, OH 44301. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 724-1281, www.kakfh.com)
AN ANTHONY FUNERAL HOME
[Akron Beacon Journal, Thursday, May 10, 2007, page B7, col. 5]

Communion class gathers at Shrine.

Children of the First Communion Class of 2007 gathered at the Marian shrine following a May Crowning and Procession after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Children placed flowers at the shrine.

The class of 44 received First Eucharist in both forms at a 10 a.m. Mass on Saturday at the church. Fr. Ralph Thomas and Deacon Frank Lonteen distributed communion to the class.

Click on the photo to enlarge for a better view.

Fr. Burnovsky's installation is May 13

Fr. Steve Burnovsky, former asspociate at St. Paul Parish, will be installed as pastor of St. Hilaruy Parish at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 13, at St. Hilary Church, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn.

Fr. Brunovsky, 41, became the fourth pastor of St. Hilary with his appointment March 17 on the eve of the 50th anniversaray of the parish. Brunovsky comes to St. Hilary from St. Francis Xavier Parish in Medina.

Ordained a priest for service to the Diocese of Cleveland in 1992, Fr. Brunovsky is a native of the Cleveland area. Growing up in Seven Hills, he attended St. Columbkille School and Padua Franciscan High School. He is a graduate of Borromeo College of Ohio, the minor seminary of the Diocese of Cleveland, as well as of St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology.

Fr. Brunovsky began his service as a priest at St. Paul Parish, where he remained until his 1997 transfer to St. Mary Parish in Hudson. He has been an associate pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish since 2003.

One of four children born to Paul and Kathleen Brunovsky, Fr. Brunovsky’s older brother Michael is also a priest, and teaches at Benedictine High School. His twin sister Susan works as a nurse in Chicago, and younger brother John works for SummaCare in Akron.

Fr. Brunovksy says he is thrilled to be returning to Summit County and the Akron area. He adds that he is grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the nearly 50-year history of St. Hilary Parish.

Fr. Brunovsky will succeed Fr. Gordon Yahner, who retired as Pastor at St. Hilary on March 14, after 13 years of service to the Parish and nearly 44 years in the priesthood. St. Hilary Parish was established on August 1, 1958.

Congratulations to newly baptized

CONGRATULATIONS AND BLESSINGS TO THE NEWLY BAPTIZED

RCIA Class Baptized / Profession of Faith APRIL 7. 2007
James T. Burgoon
Charlynn Daniel (Profession of Faith)
Susie Finegan (Profession of Faith)
Steven Gray (Profession of Faith)
Kathy Ilg
Mary Johnson-Cox
Adam Lewis Madelyn
Nicole Lewis (RCIC) Regina Lews (RCIC)
Johnathan Tran
Jason Ulery (Profession of Faith)
Kristine Woicehovich (Profession of Faith)

Madison Brynn Dotson
Born June 1, 2003--Baptized April 15, 2007 Daughter of Matthew and Melissa Dotson

Aidan Xavier Keenan
Born September 28, 2006--Baptized April 15, 2007 Son of Erik and Christina Keenan

Drew Jordan Williams
Born September 13, 1999--Baptized April 15, 2007 Son of Curtis and Kerry Williams

Kayln Veronica Williams
Born February 6, 1997 --Baptized April 15, 2007 Daughter of Curtis and Kerry Williams

Hannah Louise Roush
Born February 6, 2007 --Baptized April 21, 2007 Daughter of Michael and Teresa Roush

Savannah Jordan McIntyre
Born September 18, 2006--Baptized April 28, 2007 Daughter of Richard and Joyce McIntyre

Shaianne Renee Smith
Born 11, April 1998--Baptized April 28, 2007 Daughter of Dana and Jaime Smith

Memorial Mass for Anna Lonteen is Wednesday

Anna Lonteen, 95, entered into eternal life on Thursday, April 26, 2007.

She was a body donor with the University of Michigan School of Medicine.

Mrs. Lonteen was preceded in death by husband, Abe; son, Michael; and daughter, Diane. She is survived by daughter, Yvette (Jack) Eddy; sons, Edward (Denise), Rev. Mr. Frank (Jean); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass will celebrate her life on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 6 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St., Akron. Donations can be made to St. Paul Catholic Church. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com) An Anthony Family Funeral Home

[Akron Beacon Journal, Sunday, May 6, 2007, page B8, col. 5]

Factors mark 60th wedding anniversary

Bernie and Mary (Plazo) Factor were married on May 3,1947 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Firestone Park.

Members of St Paul Parish for over 80 years they raised 10 children and will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary today with family. Helping to celebrate will be their 10 children, 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Bernie, a veteran of World War II, 2nd Armored Division, served from 1942 to 1945. While he was overseas, Mary worked for Goodyear and the Navy from 1941 to 1948.

[Akron Beacon Journal, Sunday, May 6, 2007, page E7,. col. 4]

(Photo from 1994 parish pictorial directory)

Statistical date on priests of 2007

The average age of men ordained in the UnitedStates to the Catholic priesthood in 2007 is 35, and one out of three of them is foreign born. In addition, most entered the seminary with a college diploma, some with advanced degrees in areas such as law, medicine, and education.

The information was compiled by the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) for the Class of 2007: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood. CARA conducts the survey annually for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Researchers gathered information from 282 seminarians, estimated to be approximately 60 percent of the 475 potential ordinands. These 282 seminarians include 221 ordinands to the diocesan priesthood and 60 to the religious priesthood.

Major findings noted that
* The average age of ordinands for the Class of 2007 is 35. This is approximately the same as it was in 1998, the first year for which data are available.

* On average, diocesan ordinands lived in the diocese for which they will be ordained for 17 years before entering the seminary. Religious ordinands knew the members of their religious institute an average of six years before they entered the seminary.

* Seven in ten responding ordinands report their primary race or ethnicity as Caucasian, European American, or white.

* One in three ordinands was born outside the United States, with the largest numbers coming from Vietnam, Mexico, Poland, or the Philippines. Religious are more likely than diocesan ordinands to be foreign-born. The percentage that is foreign-born (31 percent) is nearly the same as it was in 2006 (30 percent), but has increased from the 24 percent reported in 1998. On average, responding ordinands who were born outside the United States have lived here ten years.

* Nearly all ordinands have been Catholic since birth, although 6 percent became Catholic later in life.

* More than six in ten ordinands completed college, and one in five had attained a graduate degree, before entering the seminary.

* Half of responding ordinands attended a Catholic elementary school, as have almost half of all U.S. Catholic adults. Ordinands are somewhat more likely than other U.S. Catholic adults to have attended a Catholic high school. They are much more likely than other U.S. Catholics to have attended a Catholic college.

The complete survey report can be found at www.usccb.org/vocations.

Four to be ordained priests on May 12

Four men will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 12, by Bishop Richard G. Lennon, the Catholic Universe Bulletin reported Friday.

Meeting for lunch (from left) were Deacon John M. Pfeifer Jr., assigned vicar of Sr. Garbriel Church, Concord Township, beginning June 5; Deacon Michael J. Denk, assigned vicar of St. Barnabas Church, Northfield, beginning June 5; Bishop Lennon; Deacon Hasang Paul Kim, assigned vicar of St,. Anthony of Padua Church, Parma, beginning July 10 and Deacon Joseph Previte, assigned vicar of St,. Columbkille Church, Parma, beginning June 5.

Read trhe Universe Bulletin to learn more about the new priests and about seven men who will join the permanent diaconate Saturday during ceremonies starting at 10 a.nm. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. They will join 207 other deacons in active ministry in the diocese. Among the new deacons is Rev. Mr. William J. Yoho Jr. of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Cuyahoga Falls.

Largest school in Akron in 1958

Saint Paul School in 1958 was the largest grade school in Akron and the fourth largest parochial school in the Cleveland Diocese The school had 33 classrooms for its 1,550 pupils, four rooms for each of eight grades and one for kindergarten.

A full page of photos and information for the 39th anniversary homecoming of the parish that year was published in the Akron Beacon Journal.

Construction of the first section of the school with 11 classrooms was started by Father Clarence J. Boeke in 1926, two years after his arrival as pastor, Two sisters and two lay teachers taught ill four classrooms. By 1946 the parish had grown from the pioneering 150 families to 1.000 families. That school was bulging with 600 pupils and 11 teachers in overcrowded classrooms. The north wing of the School completed in 1946 added 15 classrooms.

To provide adequate office and residence space for the pastor and three assistants the Rectory was built in 1949 and four years later in 1953 the sisters moved from an enlarged one-family home into their new convent.

The newest addition, the newspaper reported, was the south wing started in 1957 which included a Chapel seating 750, the spacious recreation hall in the basement (Boeke Hall) and seven classrooms on the second floor.

[Source: Akron Beacon Journal, Monday, October 6, 1958, a full page of photos and information for the 39th anniversary homecoming.]

Father visits Communion class

Father Ralph Thomas visited Miss Mary Means second grade classroom on Tuesday (May 1) to see the Faith Journals kept by students who will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday. This photo shows Fr. Thomas with students checking one of the journals. The students answered questions about their journals, sang a song and said prayers.

Click on the photo to enlarge for a better view.