Catholic world news briefs

Relocation suggested for Pope John Paul II tomb
Vatican, Mar. 31, 2008 - The remains of Pope John Paul II (bio - news) could be moved from the grotto of St. Peter's basilica to a more prominent location if and when the Polish Pope is beatified, according to the archpriest of the Vatican basilica.

Cardinal Angelo Comastri told the Italian daily La Stampa that it was possible the body of John Paul II would be placed in a more prominent location on the main floor of the basilica. This would happen, he said, only after the beatification of the late Pontiff. When questioned how soon that could occur, Cardinal Comastri replied: “It is difficult to predict a date. It will certainly not be this year.”

John Paul II’s former personal secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, confirmed that the transfer of John Paul II’s tomb to the Vatican basilica is likely. Cardinal Dziwisz stated, “The Vatican wants to make it easier for people to visit John Paul II’s tomb.”

Muslims now outnumber Catholics
Rome, Mar. 31, 2008 - The world's Catholics are now outnumbered by Muslims, according to the editor of the Vatican's statistical yearbook.

Msgr. Vittorio Formenti, who supervises the compilation of demographic figures for the Annuaro Pontificio, told L'Osservatore Romano that the latest data-- from 2006-- show a worldwide population of 1.115 billion Catholics, but 1.322 billion Muslims.

"For the first time in history, we are not at the top," Msgr. Formenti told the Vatican newspaper. He noted that the Catholic proportion of the world's population has held steady in recent years, while the Muslim representation has grown because of the larger family sizes in the Islamic world. Catholic families are having fewer children, he observed.

While Muslims outnumber Catholics, Christianity-- taken as a whole, including Orthodox and Protestant faithful-- still represents the world's largest religious group, with well over 2 billion believers.

The Annuario Pontificio lists summary data for the Catholic Church, provided by diocesan officials. The figures for Muslim population are taken from census statistics provided by various national governments.

The Annuario Pontificio, which offers reports on each Catholic diocese in the world, may be available online beginning next year.
[Source: Catholic World News]

St. Paul 2008 Volleyball Schedule

Here’s a schedule for St. Paul Volleyball.

The St. Paul Booster Club wants to encourage parishioners to attend games for St. Paul youth and to support school and parish activities. Home games are highlighted in yellow.

TO READ:
Click on the graphic to enlarge the schedule for reading. You can then hit Ctrl P on your keyboard to print out the schedule.

If you want a PDF file to keep, send email to hliggett@sbcglolbal.net and a copy will be sent to you by email.

Boosters discuss gym rental, fund raising

Rental of John Jenkins Gym and fund-raising projects were discussed at the St. Paul Booster Club meeting Sunday afternoon in Boeke Hall.

Booster Club president Tony Bachmann reviewed minutes from the February 24 board meeting. He said gym codes and key lock box will be changed and gym rental fees and practices were discussed. Maintenance and utility costs must be determined to set a fair rate for gym rentals. The club wants to cover costs and make it slighly profitable without gouging. Tom Breiding will be contacted about expense of utilities and maintenance. There is a need, he said, to define “active” parishioner. Various fund-raising projects were discussed including a golf outing, Monte Carlos, Reverse Raffle, Night at the Races, shirt sales, concession stand and phone promotions. There is a need to get the 300 Club membership up to 300, he said.

A 300 Club report submitted by 300 treasurer Gerard Colant showed approximately 120 members paid to date with an accunt balance of $10,493.89.

Boosters treasurer Teresa Garey submitted a report showing $6,709.44 checking balance, $75.70 savings balance for a total $6,786.57 in the account.

New Business:

--Gym Rental fees will be submitted to Fr. Thomas for a set hourly rate. Gene Hertzig mentioned that a straight forward fee would make it easier to keep things fair from one organization to another and make it easier to keep records of use and amounts owed.

--Virtus needs to be updated by all coaches whp should sign the form and return to the rectory to Diane Clute.

--A St. Paul alumni list is available to us if we need further contacts.

--Bulletin notices should go out for CYO high school and adult sports.

--Hardship was discussed with Fr. Thomas. We will get some policy ideas together and submit them to Fr. Thomas. There will not be a scholarship/sponsorship program, but a payment program would be best. If the financial hardship is great Fr. Thomas will speak with the family.

The 300 Club numbers for March were drawn. Winners are

#103 Betty Capron
#314 Kathy Seminaroti
#241 Cheryl Ellis
#71 Jeffrey & Denise Weese
#167 Judi Adam

Attending the meeting were board members:Tony Bachmann, Theresa Garey, Jill Joyner and Jo Shoup and members Cherie Couglin, Gene Hertzig and Fr. Thomas. Absent were: Gary Chrostowski, Gerard Colant, John Testa & Alex Kuzmik.

The next Booster Club meeting will be Sunday, April 27, at 7 p.m. in Boeke Hall

Cardinal McCarrick: Sharing the Divine Mercy

"When we receive mercy, we can't keep it to ourselves. We find we want to share it. If more people open up to this, faith cannot help but follow."

~~Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, D.C., homily on Divine Mercy Sunday at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass.

Click on the headline to ready the homily in full.

Many at Queen of Heaven on Divine Mercy Sunday

The church was not filled to capacity, but there was a large attendance for Divine Mercy Sunday at Queen of Heaven Church in Green. And by a show of hands it seemed apparent that nearly half of those attending came from neighboring parishes.

The Catholic Church has been celebrating this feast ever since the Vatican made it official on April 30 in the Jubilee year 2000. Queen of Heaven, one of the four parishes in our Summit South 6 Cluster, provided the service again this year.

The service included reading of the Epistle and Gospel, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Benediction and Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image. There were long lines for the Veneration.

In his homily, the pastor asked worshipers to thnk of all the ways they themselves could show mercy like Christ. He then went through the list of corporal and spiritual works of mercy listing a number of ways each might be followed. The instruction to visit those in prison, for instance, might be widened to include those who are homebound of without visitors in nursing homes. He listed several examples for each:

The Corpoaral Works of Mercy:

• Feed the hungry
• Give drink to the thirsty
• Clothe the naked
• \helter the homeless
• Visit the sick
• Visit those in prison
• Bury the dead.
  

The Spritual Works of Mercy

• Counsel the doubtful
• Instruct the ignorant
• Admonish the sinner
• Comfort the afflicted
• Forgive offenses
• Bear wrongs patiently
• Pray for the living and the dead
  

Those who attended may gain a plenardy indulgence by going to Confession 20 days before or after, going to Communion and saying a prayer to the Holy Father. An Our Father and Apostle's Creed was said.

There were 15,000 attending the services at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, Massacusetts. It cost $200,000 to conduct those services.

Pope Benedict spoke about the significance of Divine Mercy Sunday. He also announced that he will preside over Mass in memory of John Paul II, who died three years ago on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. The Mass this Wednesday will open the first-ever World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Rome. Click on the headline to read Pope Benedict's remarks.

It's Happening at St. Paul

Sunday, March 30 Divine Mercy Sunday
PSR 9 to 10:20 a. m. in Parish Activity Center
Free coffeee and donuts after Masses

Monday, March 31
No classes because of waterline break.
Pancake Breakfast planning meeting by Men’s Fellowship for any men interested in helping with the third annual Pancake Breakfast on March 31.

Tuesday, April 1
Classes resume for St;. Paul students. (Note to students:: This is not an April Fool’s joke)
Senior Prayer Hour at 1 p.m. in the Eucharistic Chapel
Adult Choir at 7 p.m. in the Music Room
Venture Crew at 7 p. m. in the Youth Room
Gardeners planning meeting at 7 p.m. in Room 111

Wednesday, April 2
PTO will have an emergency meeting at 2:435 p.m. to vote for the approval of a proposal to pay the insurance deductible to the parish for waterline break damage at the school. Notices will be sent home with the students Tuesday.
Bible Study at 9:15 a.m. Room 111
Bible Study at 7 p.m. in the Rectory

Thursday, April 3
Senior Bingo at 11 a. m. in Boeke Hall

Friday, April 4
Student Mass at 8:30 a.m. planned by Mrs. Shelly Pixler's fifth grade class

Sunday, April 6
PSR 9 to 10:20 a. m. in Parish Activity Center
Free coffeee and donuts after Masses

Centennial features Fr. Berardi thespians

Fr. James Berardi, who says daily Mass regularly at St. Paul, has always had a flair for acting. A group called Akron Catholic Thespians of Renown (ACTOR) produced by Fr. Berardi and directed by Jerry Kelly will provide entertainment Sunday for the 100th anniversary dinner of Annunciation Catholic Church.

It naturally will be a sellout crowd. The parish has sold 330 tickets for a dinner at 2 p,.m. Sunday at St. George Antiochian Fellowship Center, 3204 Ridgewood Road. Fr. Berardi’s thespians, including former members of Annunciation, will provide skits and songs.

The afternoon centennial event, catered by Joe Catalano, will include door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.

“The Grand Celebration” of the 100h anniversary will begin with a 10:30 a.m. Liturgy at the church at 87 Broad St., Akron.

Fr. Berardi was assigned to Announcation from June 1982 to June 1984. He was appointed chaplain of Akron City Hospital on February 6, 1984. He as chaplain at the hospital for more than half of his years aa a priest–25 plus years. He gave up the job reluctantly on the strong advice of doctors. Because of a low-immune system doctors said he must leave the hospital. His last day at the hosptail was November 28, 2007. His retirement is listed by the Diocese as December 15, 2007. Fr. Berardi lived at Annunciation until moving to an apartment several years ago.

Fr. Berardi celebrates the 7 a.m. Mass at St. Paul on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and alternates the 9 and 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday.

Fr. Berardi was born March 16, 1933 at St. Thomas Hospital and grew up in Firestone Park on Glenmount. He was ordained May 23, 1959 and celebrated his first Mass on Trinity Sunday in 1959 in the old St. Paul Catholic Church which was raised in August 2000 and replaced by the new church dedicated by Bishop Pilla on October 26, 2003.

See an earlier post on a talk by Fr. Berardi to the Serra Club of Akron on January 22.

Datebook: What's Happening Elsewhere

QUEEN OF ANGELS BOOK & GIFT STORE HOURS
St. Joseph's Queen of Angels Book & Gift Store will be extending business hours to include Tuesday evenings from 6: to 8 p.m. during March and April. The shore is located in Nolan Hall (lower level of the church). at Second and Sackett streets in Cuyahoga Falls The extended hours are in addition to the regular store hours on Sunday fom 10 a.m. to l p.m.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CATHOLIC APRIL 1
Joyce Kelleher, former Secretary for Catechesis for the Diocese of Cleveland, will speak on "What It Means to Be Catholic," at the next gathering, Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. at St. Martha Parish, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave. At each monthly gathering, a representative from the Diocesan Tribunal is on hand to offer assistance with specific annulment and remarriage questions.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FISH FRY APRIL 4
K of C Hall Friday Fish Fry on April 4, 2055 Glenmount Ave. Servmg is from 5 to 7 p.m. and
features Baked Cod, Fried Walleye, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Tenders, and Macaroni and Cheese. Dinners are from $5 to $8.50. Carry-out is available. Call 330-773-3410.

YOUNG AT HEART GROUP TO HEAR SHERIFF SPOKESMAN APRIL 7
Queen of Heaven Parish has an organization for persons 55 and older called Young at Heart. Meetings are the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Parish Life Center . The group usually has a speaker or entertainment and refreshments. The group has taken trips to many places and best of all are the occasional covered dish lunches and games afterwards. They are hoping to increase membership by inviting those Young at Heart from cluster parishes. Dues are $2 per person per month. The next meeting is Monday, April 7, at 1 p.m. with a speaker from the Summit County Sheriff's Department. The Parish Life Center is the new building east of the Church.

CHRIST THE KING RUMMAGE SALE APRIL 10-11
Christ the King Church, 1584 Creighton Ave., Akron, (off Tallmadge Ave.) is having a rummage sale on April 10 and 11 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the church hall. There will be a bake sale and the kitchen will be open as well. For more info, call Denise 330-633-4619.

AKRON CYO GOLF OUTING MAY 2
CYO and Community Services is accepting registrations for the 2008 Golf Outing at Chippewa Golf Club in Doylestown on Friday, May 2. The $85 registration fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, a shotgun start at 9 a.m., continental breakfast, lunch at the turn, steak dinner and raffle. Please call 330~762~2961 ext. 220 or visit the website at www.akroncyo.org for further information.

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA, LOURDES NOVEMBER 3-13
A special pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes and Santiago deCampestella is planned for November 3-13 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions at Lourdes.
This exciting adventure will include touring Lisbon and Madrid as well and will be hosted by Fr. Rich Evans, a former associate at St. Paul now at Holy Family Parish in Parma (440-842-5533) and Fr. Ed Smith of St. Christine's Parish in Euclid (216-261-1410). Call soon for details and brochures. Make your reservation ASAP as space is limited.

Mass Intentions March 29 - April 6

SATURDAY, March 29 Easter Saturday
4:30 John Ferenczi + (anniv.)

SUNDAY, March 30 Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday
9:00 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
11 :00 Edward Heinrich +

MONDAY, March 31 Annunciation of the Lord
7:00 For the poor
8:30 Helen Doherty +

TUESDAY, April 1 Easter Weekday
7:00 Phillip Ferro +
8:30 Morning Prayer and Communion

WEDNESDAY, April 2 Francis of Paola, hermit
7:00 For an end to all war and violence
8:30 Deceased of Wooley & Genda Families

THURSDAY, April 3 Easter Weekday
7:00 Anna Bankas +
8:30 Morning Prayer and Communion

FRIDA Y, April 4 Isidore, bishop, doctor
7:00 Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30 Christine Abshire +

SATURDAY, April 5 Vincent Ferrer, priest 4
8:30 Carmen Salvatore +

SUNDAY, April 6 Third Sunday of Easter
9:00 For all men & women serving our country
11 :00 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul

One-third of those raised Catholic have been lost

Younger Catholics are less likely to remain active in the Church, while Hispanic immigrants replace many of the "cradle Catholics" who no longer practice the faith. That is a conclusion of a Pew Forum report on demographic changes in American Catholicism.

"No other major faith in the U.S. has experienced greater net losses over the last few decades as a result of changes in religious affiliation than the Catholic Church," the Pew report notes. Citing the extensive survey undertaken for the "Religious Landscape Survey" that was released earlier this month, the Pew Forum explains that "roughly one-third of those who were raised Catholic have left the church, and approximately one-in-ten American adults are former Catholics."

Only 41% of self-identified adult Catholics attend Mass each week, the Pew study found. That number is lowest among young adults, with just 30% of Catholics aged 18- 29 attending Mass weekly (by comparison, the figure is 63% among those over the age of 65)-- a figure that suggests still greater decline in the number of active Catholics in coming years.

Despite the wholesale exodus of "cradle Catholics," the Catholic proportion of America's overall population has remains constant, thanks to the large number of Catholic immigrants, primarily from Mexico. Hispanics now account for 29% of the Catholics in the US, and nearly half of those under the age of 40.

The Pew profile confirm that Catholics compose a crucial political constituency. But the survey also shows a sharp distinction between the Catholics who attend Mass regularly and those who are not active. Thus for example, among Catholics who attend Mass weekly, 60% say that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances; among those who do not go to Mass regularly the figure is 29%. Similarly, 42% of the regular Mass-goers oppose research that entails the destruction of human embryos; only 22% of the less active Catholics take that stand.

The Pew survey reports that in the 2004 presidential election, the Catholic vote broke in favor of President George W. Bush, with 52% favoring the White House incumbent while 47% chose his Catholic opponent, Senator John Kerry. Among weekly Mass attendees the split was much more pronounced: 60 to 39% in favor of Bush. But in what may be a signal of future voting patterns, Hispanic Catholics broke heavily in favor of Kerry, by 65 to 33%.

Saint Paul TODAY has gathered some of the findings in this chart. The entire profile can be found on the Pew Forum web site .

No classes Monday at St. Paul School

An email notice to parents from PTO chairperson Jo Shoup:

Dear Parents,

Due to the water line break on the third floor that caused water damage to the school, there will be no school on Monday, March 31, 2008.

Please tell as many other parents as you can.

It is a precautionary measure. The damage should be cleaned up by Sunday. However, in order to protect some of the children that have asthma and other breathing sensitivities, Fr. Thomas has asked that school be aired out and given one more day of inspection to make sure the school is in the best possible condition for the students and teachers.

Also, the PTO will have an emergency meeting on Wednesday, April 2, to vote for the approval of the proposal of paying the insurance deductible to the parish for the damages. Notices will be sent home with the students Tuesday, and emailed. If you are opposed to the payment of the deductible by the PTO please contact me immediately.

Thank you.
Jo Shoup
PTO Chairperson

It's time to start thinking about Spring planting

Anyone who is interested in helping this Spring and Summer with planting, weedng and other groundskeping duties around the church and school should attend a planning meeting on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. in Room 111. "We can use any help you are able to give us," said Ron McAvoy who coordinates the St. Paul's Gardeners.

Planning meeting for Pancake Breakfast

HELP WANTED:

The Men’s Fellowship will have a planning meeting on Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in Room 111 for men in the parish interested in helping out at the Pancake Breakfast.

Proceeds from this family event will be used to purchase plants and materials for beautification of the church property in the Spring.


Click on poster to enlarge
for better view.

SOLACE begins next series April 7

SOLACE will begin its next series of six sessions on Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.

One of the hardest tasks you will ever have to do is grieving a loss of a loved one because those around tyou seem unable to help S0LACE is the St. Paul support group to help you through this trying time.

SOLACE stands for “Surviving Our Losses After Caring Experiences.” The philosphy behind solace is that one finds consoling peace in conversation with those beset with similar grief. Those who share grief understand and have much to offer each other in the realm of healing.

“Feelings afe just feelings; they are not good or bad. They are part of who you are and you must be able to handle them,” says June Rietz who leads the group with Mrs. Terry Nesline, the pastoral director for Ministry to Adults.

The group meets every Monday for six weeks from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
.
Here are the meeting plans:
Meeting 1: Introduction to SOLACE
Meetings 2 & 3 are reserved for testimonals
Meering 4 Addresses tthree “biggies” of grieving: anger, guilt and depression.
Meeting 5 Dealing with special holiday, birthdays and anniversaries. Journal writing cheap psychiatry.
Meeting 6 answers question “What can I do to make myself feel better.”

U.S. poll shows strong support for Pope Benedict

Washington, Mar. 27, 2008 - Americans have a strongly positive view of Pope Benedict XVI, according to a new poll commissioned by the Knights of Columbus.

In a survey conducted by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, 58% of respondents said that they have a favorable opinion of the Holy Father; only 13% held a negative view.

Nearly two-thirds of those polled-- 65%-- held a favorable view of the Catholic Church in general, with 28% reporting a negative view.

Close to half of the American people (42%) and two-thirds of the Catholics would like to attend one of the public events that have been scheduled for Pope Benedict's April visit to the US.

The poll results show that most Americans (64%) would like to hear Pope Benedict's guidance on how to increase the spiritual strength of their society. Even higher proportions of the respondents wanted to hear the Pontiff talk about finding spiritual fulfillment and bringing God into their lives.
[Source: Catholic World News]

Flood cleanup begins at St. Paul School

Dozens of fans and dehumidifiers were scattered around rooms and hallways at St. Paul School today and workmen were busy with cleanup after the massive flooding discovered Wednesday morning. A water line to a water fountain in the Third Grade classroom area broke near the shutoff valve so it was necessary to locate the main shutoff valve.

The housekeeping staff was in Cleveland for a special meeting of custodians and it was Dave Nesline’s day off.

It was fortunate that Mrs. Janet Hazlett, the fourth grade teacher, decided to go into school in the morning to enter grades online. She discovered the flooding and called for help. (See earlier post)

Hopefully rooms will be dried out enough and cleanup will be far enough along to permit classes to resume on Monday after the Easter break.

You can easily help raise funds

The little things you can do to contribute to various St. Paul fund-raisers can make a big difference. A PTO report shows $45.413 was raised in 2006-07 compared with $36,677 the previous year. These totals include $20,000 raised by the Spring Spectacular in 2006-2007 and $15,000 the previous yeasr. It does not include funds from recyclying and other fund raisers.

Here are just a few of the fund raisers to which you can contribute:

BOX TOP$ FOR EDUCATION
Since 2002 the school has earned money from box tops. It’s easy. Just clip the Box Top$ for Education symbol shown here. Earn cash for our school every time you shop. The school earns 10 cents for each boxtop symbol you send in. A flyer is available which lists products which carry the symbol. The Box Tops for Education must have an unexpired date on the cut out. Deposit the boxtops in the can marked for them in the narthex. Box Top chairperson is Jeannie Fausnight.

www.goodsearch.com
Search the web with www.goodsearch.com and money from Yahoo advertisers will go to St. Paul School without you spending a dime. With each search you launch on goodsearch.com, about 1 cent goes to St. Paul. You simply use www.goodsearch.com for your internet searches. You type St. Paul School - Akron in the block that says "enter your charity here." If 1,000 people from St. Paul searched twice a day for a year, the school would earn $7,300. This is a new program this year.

ALUMINUM AND PAPER RECYCLING
Did you know there are big bins at the edge of the parking lot near the school gym where you can dispose of your cans and papers and help the environment too? There are separate bins for scrap paper and aluminum cans. For more information, call Ron McAvoy at 330-773-7389. The parish received a certificate of achievement from Abitibi for recycling 10.14 tons in 2007.

MARKET DAY
The Market Day program provides a delicious selection of food from appetizers to desserts. Each month you will notice a Market Day flyer listing special food products you can order and special promotions. The flyer lists the deadline for ordering and the pickup date and time. Products are picked up in Boeke Hall. Visit www.marketday.com or pick up an order form in the Narthex. For more information, call Tom Cullison 330-724-3218. Earned $5,513 in 2006-07

G.I.F.T. CARD
GIFT cards are available for groceries, pharmacies, gas and oil stations, fast food outlets, restaurants, family entertainment and home improvement, electronic and general retail stores. Pick up an order form listing more than 75 firms with varying amounts starting at $10. You can order .GIFT cards in the Narthex after all the Masses or from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul School. GIFT Card orders are collected on Monday morning and will be in on Friday. You may pick up your order at the school on Friday, or after all the Masses on the weekend. Each card reimburses the school for a percentage of the value of the card. You pay only the monetary value and the business pays the PTO. For more information, call Mary Bachmann at 330-773-7938 Earned $7,905

SALLY FOSTER
Online shopping provides funds. Choose St. Paul for your contsribution.

FAMILY DINNER NIGHTS
Monthly family dinner nights have raised nice funds for the school. You just turn in your receipts from the Family Night at Chuck E Cheese on the Strip or CeCi’s on Waterloo.
Road and the school gets a percentage of your bill. Family Night dates are announced in the bulletin and on Saint Paul TODAY. Earned $276

CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS
The PTO is still collecting Campbell’s Soup Labels which are redeemed for school equipment. The labels must have the UPC label included or Campbell’s will not give us the value of the label. Campbell Soup chairpersons are Sandi Baldwin and Marianne Georges.

Other fund raiser earnings include PTO memberships $252, Breakfast with Santa $1,451, bake sale $286, spring and summer dances $390, Santa Shop $327, Computer Clinic $385,. Entertrainment books $5,727, Sally Foster $1,563, Spring Spectacular $20,000 and Fun Fest $1,070

Mass to mark 3rd anniverrsary of John Paul II death

VATICAN CITY,- The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has announced that at 10.30 a .m. on Wednesday, April 2, Benedict XVI will preside at Mass in the Vatican Basilica to mark the third anniversary of the death of Servant of God John Paul II.

Flooding causes heavy damage at school

School secretary Mary Ann DeKemper stands in flooded hallway

Mrs. Janet Hazlett, fourth grade teacher at St. Paul School, just came into school Wednesday morning to grade some papers–entering through the glass doors near the Gym

“I smelled the wet plaster,” she said. “It was very humid.” She looked and saw water on the floor near the school office. She went up the stairs, noticing more water and then she found water gushing from the drinking fountain near the third grade area.

“It was like Niagara Falls,” she said.

Water was pouring out about 30 gallons a minute. A line ruptured near the shutoff valve of the fountain so the water could not be shut off. There was a frantic search for the main shutoff valve. The flood of water ran down all three floors through the walls and vents all the way to Room 25 and the back of the library. Ceiling tile were pushed off by the force of the water and floated in the hallways.. Carpeting was water-logged

Ron McAvoy was coming to help put up a sign for the Pancake Breakfast just before 10 a.m. when Mrs. Hazlett came out of the school looking for help. Mrs. Hazlett was trying to catch water in trash cans, but the flow was too great.

John Gless from the housekeeping staff and others were away at a meeting and Dave Nesline was on his delivery job for Acme. Office business manager Marilyn Woofter came over with keys.

Joe Agosta of Agosta Plumbing was called and the Fire Department also was called in case it was necessary to shut off the water valve at the street. Nesline, Agosta and others all arrived about the same time and shut off the main valve in back of the old gym.

The damage will run in the thousands of dollars, hopefully covered by insurance.

Click on the headline to see photos of the damage shot by Ron McAvoy.

Sunday is last day for Spectacular donations

Sunday is the deadline for donations for the Spring Soectacular. If you still have an item or a service to donate, call Mary Markowski at 330.773.5759, as soon as possible!

The date for the Endowment Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction is Friday, April 25. It will once again be held at Guy’s Party Centre. Tickets are the same price as last year, $125 per couple. This includes dinner and an open bar, and a chance at the reverse raffle prize. Each year, this event has been a sell out. Buy your tickets early. Coordinate with friends/family and reserve a full table for 10. Ticket Information: Tony DiDonato 330.603.9450. , Fred Caferelli 330.724.1246, Chris Uhl 330.645.9017

Also available: raffle tickets for a 42 inch flat screen hdTV (pink tickets) and tickets for a Nintendo Wii gaming system (green tickets). These tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. You do not have to attend the Spring Spectacular to win. These tickets are available at the school office, at the St. Paul Credit Union, at Market Day pickup, from Spring Spectacular committee members, or you may call Julie Factor at 330.724.1892.

The Spring Spectacular Committee:
Chris Uhl 330.645.9017 or 330.472.3939
Dana Coffman 330.352.0651
Kim Kuhn 330.699.3014 or 330.714.3701
Mary Markowski 330.773.5759 or mmarkowski@neo.rr.com

Cluster Sharing: Chaplet at Queen of Heaven

The Second Sunday of Easter is now celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the Catholic Church. Queen of Heaven, one of the parishes in the Summit South 6 Cluster, will celebxrate Divine Mery Sunday (March 30) at 2:30 p.m. in the church. The service will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Benediction and Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image.

The Catholic Church has been celebrating this feast ever since the Vatican made it official on April 30 in the Jubilee year 2000.

Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska was born in Poland. When she was twenty years old, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. On the 22nd of February, 1931, she had a vision of Jesus while she was in Plock, Poland. Jesus appeared to her and said, "paint an image according to the pattern you see with the signature: JESUS I TRUST IN YOU. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over (its) enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory"

He asked her to remind the world of His unfathomable Divine Mercy and He taught her a very special devotion to the Divine Mercy based on trust in Him.

Sister Faustina died on October 5, 1938, at a convent in Krakow. She was buried in the convent chapel beneath the image of the Divine Mercy.

Sister Faustina was beatified on April 18, 1993, her canonization took place on April 30, 2000 the first Sunday after Easter, on Divine Mercy Sunday.

She was honored by becoming the first saint of this millenium, giving thus great emphasis to the Divine Mercy Devotion.

Directions from St. Paul to Queen of Heaven:
North on Brown to Wilbeth, turn RIGHT.
Go 0.3 miles to 1-77 South.
Go S.5 miles and exit at Massillon Road, turn RIGHT.
Go 1 mile and turn RIGHT on Steese Rd.
Go 0.2 miles to church on left.
TOTAL TRAVEL TIME 10 minutes-7.5 miles

How to pray Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

Click on headline to access PDF file you can download and print

1. The Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Opening Prayers (optional): You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. a Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You! (three times)

3. The Our Father: Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temtation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

4. The Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

5. The Apostles' Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the VIrgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

6. On the "Our Father" bead before each decade: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world

7. On the "Hail Mary" beads of each decade:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

8. Repeat "Eternal Father" and "For the Sake of His sorrowful Passion":
(Number 6 & 7) Prayers for four more decades.

9. After 5 decades. the concluding doxology (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

10. Closing Prayer (optional): Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen.

Booster Club meeting time changed

The St. Paul Booster Club will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday (March 30) in Boeke Hall instead of the usual 7 p.m. time.

The 300 Club drawing for March will be conducted. .If you purchase a $60 number, you are eligible for 52 drawings of $100 throughout the year. 300 Club numbers are available through the St. Paul Booster Club or contact Gerard Colant at 330-7739555 Numbers may also be purchased after Mass at the GIFT Card table in the Narthex. Proceeds support CYO youth athletic programs.

Thanks, but now that Lent is over--what?

Special Thanks to all who spent some time in Eucharist Adoration at St. Paul on each Tuesday during Lent when the church was open all day for Adoration.

So now that Lent is over, what?

Here are three suggestions:

Mass for Peace and Justice

There will be a special Mass at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul for Justice and Peace in the World. The Beacon Journal reported on Page 1 today that 4,000 Americans have been killed in the five years of the war. About 15 are wounded for each person killed. Pope Benedict has pleaded for an end to the war. See our earlier posts.

Divine Mercy Sunday

The Second Sunday of Easter is now celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the Catholic Church. Queen of Heaven, one of the parishes in the Summit South 6 Cluster, will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday (March 30} at 2:30 p.m. in the church. The service will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Benediction and Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image.

Assist at a Hunger Meal

Continue the Easter spirit by assisting in the preparation, serving and cleanup of the St.
Bernard’s Hunger Meal on Wednesday, March 26. Volunteers are still needed to assist in all aspects ofthe meal. If you can cook, please plan to get to the St. Bernard’s kitchen around 4 p.m. . Servers and cleaners need to be there by 5 p m. For more information, call Judi Christy 330 529-2029.

Continue Adoration

You do not need to spend an hour in Eucharistic Adoration. There are a number of parishes which offer Eucharistic Adoration. Pick a time and a day when you will be passing by or near one of the parishes and just stop in for a few minutes

This is what Pope Benedict XVI says about Eucharistic Adoration:

"In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering."


Three parishes offering Perpetual Adoration are:
Holy Family, 3450 Sycamore Dr., Stow 330-688-6411
Queen of Heaven, 1800 Steese Rd., Uniontown 330-896-2345
St. Augustine , 204 Sixth St. NW, Barberton 330-745-0011

Regular Eucharistic Adoration is offered at these parishes and times::.
(Telephone to confirm hours since they can change.)

Christ the King, 1584 Creigton Ave., Akron 330-633-8418
Tuesday 9 a. m. tol10 p.m.

Immaculate Conception, 2101 17h St. NW, Akron 330-753-8429
Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-8361
Wednesday after the 8 a.m. Mass until 5 p.m.

Nativity of the Lord Jesus, 2425 Myersville Rd., Green 330-699-5086
Thursday after the 8 a.m. Mass until 8 p.m.

St. Andrew the Apostle, 4022 Johnson Rd., Norton 330-825-2617
Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight

St. Hilary, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn 330-867-1055
Wednesday 10 a, m. to 8 p.m.

St. Joseph, 215 Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-2173
Last Friday of montyh 7 a,m. To 5:30 p.m. in Rectory Chapel

St. Mary, 750 S. Main St., Akron 330-762-9247
Second Wednesday of the month after the 8 a.m. Mass to 5:30 p.m.

St. Matthew, 2603 Benton St., Akron 330-733-9944
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Sebastian, 476 Mull Ave., Akron 330-836-2233
Tuesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

St. Vincent, 160 W. Market St., Akron 330-535-3135
Wednesday 7 to 8 p.m.

Caravan to Hinckley planned to hear Mallett

A group from St. Paul will caravan to Our Lady of Grace Parish in Hinckley on March 31, the Monday after Divine Mercy Sunday, to attend a program by Canadian singer/songwriter and Catholic missionary Mark Mallett. Mark's most recent album is The Divine Mercy Chaplet, recorded with Father Don Calloway and released on Divine Mercy Sunday 2007.

Since leaving his career as a successful television journalist over six years ago, Mallet has been touring extensively throughout North America and abroad giving concerts and speaking and ministering at retreats, conferences and Catholic schools. He recently had the privilege of singing at the Vatican and presenting his music to Pope Benedict XVI, as well as appearing on EWTN''s Life on the Rock.

"Music has always been my first love," says Mark who has been singing and playing the guitar since the age of nine.. "When I was going to university, the highlight of my week was sitting in the echoey stairwell of our historic residence, and playing my songs into the evening - instead of doing homework. Music has been a distraction my whole life! When I should be working, I'm singing. When I should be sleeping, I'm writing. The music pursues me, and it's hard not to respond..."

Mark and his wife Lea have seven children and make their home in Western Canada.

Tony Bachmann is coordinating plans for the St. Paul group. There is a scheduled potluck for Mallett and his wife before his program. There is a free will offering so any little bit to help him, his ministry and his family will be greatly appreciated, Bachmann said. . Anyone interested in joining may contact Bachmann at 330.724.7938 or 330-926-7001

Also see Mallett’s website at http://www.markmallett.com.
or check out his web log at http://www.markmallett.com/blog/

Mark Mallett Appearance
March 31, 2008
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm
Our Lady of Grace Parish
1088 Ridge Road
Hinckley, Ohio 44233 (330) 278-4121

Ridge Road is Route 3 north of Route 303

Easter Message from the Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Let us put aside the "blahs" and sing an "Alleluia".

If the cold and gray days of winter have proven to be a burden, we can take consolation because we have reached the official beginning of spring. More importantly we can take heart in so far as these trying days have perhaps been an opportunity for some worthy Lenten penance. Our Lenten practices hopefully have helped us to be a little more patient with ourselves and others. Spiritually renewed with prayer and works of kindness, bearing our crosses and uniting them with the suffering of Christ Jesus, we are now ready to sing out with hope in our hearts. Alleluia!

Our Risen Savior lives and reigns. He invites us to new life and blesses us with a share in His glorious Resurrection.

In Lent we have been tilling the soil of our hearts and souls to make ready for the grace of Easter. We die that we might live anew. In Christ we are continually and annually being called to die to sin and to all that is anger, hatred, greed, injustice and unfaithfulness. We are called to be "people of the Light." Through the power of Christ's Resurrection all that becomes possible.

May the joy and everlasting love of the Risen Savior be yours in abundance! Happy Easter to you and yours.

Let us celebrate in the days to come the wonder and beauty of this holy feast.

Sincerely,

Blessing of Easter food baskets

Fr, Thomas blesses Easter food baskets with Holy Water

Parishioners gathered in the church at noon on Holty Saturday for the traditional blessing of food.

Baskets were placed on the steps of the altar for the blessing by the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas.

It's Happening at St. Paul

Monday, March 24, 2008.
Rectory office closed
Men’s Fellowship: Bible Study at 7 p.m. in Room 111. The Bible Study passage will be John 8:21-30 You Cannot Go Where I Am Going and John 8:31-47 Free Man and Slave

Tuesday, March 25
Senior Prayer Hour at 1 p.m. for Eucharistic Adoration
PTO Ways and Means committee at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall
Adult Choir at 7 p.m. in the Music Room
Venture Crew at 7 p. m. in the Youth Room

Wednesday, March 26
Bible Study at 9:15 a.m. Room 111
Bible Study at 7 p.m. in the Rectory

Thursday, March 27
Senior Bingo at 11 a. m. in Boeke Hall

Sunday, March 30 Divine Mercy Sunday
PSR 9 to 10:20 a. m. in Parish Activity Center
Free coffeee and donuts after Masses
Divine Mercy Chaplet at 2:30 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Church will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, singing of the Chaplet, Benedication and Veneration.
Booster Club will meet at 1 p.m. instead of the ususal 7 p.m. time in Boeke Hll

News of note from the church bulletin

50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IS JULY 27
The 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration of the Cleveland Dioceses will be July 27 at 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with Bishop Lennon as the main celebrant. Reservations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1958). Couples who are celebrating other significant years 55 or over or who missed previous celebrations are welcome to register and attend. Please call the Rectory at 330-724-1263 for a registration form. or for more information.Ccompleted forms must be returned to the Rectory for submission to the Diocese. By June 15.

ST. PAUL BOOSTER CLUB TO MEET MARCH 30
The next St. Paul Booster Club meeting is Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m. (changed from the usual 7 p.m. time) in Boeke Hall. If you purchase a $60 number, you are eligible for 52 drawings of $100 throughout the year. We have sold just under 100 numbers. 300 Club numbers are available through the St. Paul Booster Club or contact Gerard Colant at 330-7739555 Numbers may also be purchased after Mass at the GIFT Card table in the Narthex. Proceeds support CYO youth athletic programs. GO TIGERS!

MENTORING MEN ON APRIL 15 AT HAVEN OF REST
What is it? Where is it? When is it? What is required of you? Who needs mentoring? Am I able to give some time to help a man or a boy to see a positive life? These are some of the questions that will be addressed on Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron. Maybe this is time to stretch a little. Be a blessing and God will give a blessing.
For more information, call Hank Richard, 330-644-4514 or cell 330-620-2304.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS APRIL 13
The Catholic Men's Fellowship will have their.third annual Pancake Breakfast after the Masses. On Sunday, April 13. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Mass Intentions March 22-30

SATURDAY, March 22 Holy Saturday / Easter Vigil
8:00 p.m. Vigil Mass of the Lord's Resurrection

SUNDAY, March 23 Easter Sunday-Resurrection of the Lord :
7:00 Mass of the Resurrection :
9:00 Mass of the Resurrection :
11:00 Mass of the Resurrection

MONDAY, March 24 Easter Monday
700 For an mcrease m vocatIOns 8:30 Mike Sample +

TUESDAY, March 25 Easter Tuesday
7:00 For the poor
8:30 Special Intention for Maggie
6:30 For justice and peace in the world

WEDNESDAY, March 26 Easter Wednesday
7:00 For the ill and homebound
8:30 Rita Pittinger +

THURSDAY, March 27 Easter Thursday
7:00 For all who struggle with addictions
8:30 Morning Prayer and Communion

FRIDAY, March 28 Easter Friday
7:00 Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30 Veronica Farley +

SATURDAY, March 29 Easter Saturday
4:30 John Ferenczi + (anniv.)

SUNDAY, March 30 Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday
9:00 Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
11:00 Edward Heinrich +

'Take it to the Cross' placed at side of altar

Once again during Lent, the parishioners of St. Paul were urged to "nail" any burden, problem, illness or struggle in their faith life to the wooden cross in a practice called "Take it to the Cross."

At the end of Good Friday services the cross with petitions nailed to it was brought in procession to the side of the altar. The papers nailed to the cross will be burned..

Our pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Tomas, says:

“Our hope is that by bringing our tribulations to Our Lord, He will bring about a transformation in our lives so that something good will result from our suffering.”

Statistics from 2007 Report to Diocese

Pick up the latest (March 21) issue of the Universe Bulletin to read Bishop Richard G. Lennon’s Easter Message and the fourth annual Report to the Community.

Some facts from the report:

Sacramental Services
766,065 Catholic population of diocese
28% Percentage of Catholics in the 8 counties
229 Number of Parishes
51 Number of Nationality Parises
7,718 Number of Infant/child Baptisms in 2007
1,486 Numver of RCIA candidates in 2007
9,699 Number of First Communions
9,989 Number of Confirmations
2,837 Number of Marriages
7,996 Number of Deathas

Enrollment in Parish Religious Education
53,872 total enrollment
2,949 Pre-K students
37,027 K-8 students
13,896 high school students

Catholic Schools
141 total schools
119 elementary schools
22 secondary schools
69 pre-school sites
12 Head Start sites

Ministry Personnel
266 Active Diocesan priests
93 retired priests
39 Special ministry priests
120 Religious order priests
56 Brothers
1,134 Women religious
202 Permanent Deacons
279 Certified Pastoral Ministers

Total collections totaled 2,376,100 in 2007 down from 2,240,700 in 2006

Reuters provides graphic view of Iraq War

A graphic story on the War in Iraq can be found in a documentary website created by the news organization Reuters.

It is called "Bearing Witness: Five Years of the War in Iraq."

The introduction states the website's mission is: "bearing witness that the story of Iraq is not lost." The website is a comprehensive documentation of the five years of the war, including video footage, images, interviews with journalists who have covered the conflict, a visual timeline of the war, and more. It also supplies viewers maps and statistics.

11 to be received into Church on Holy Saturday

Eleven RCIA candidates at St. Paul will be among tens of thousands of people from around the country will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, Holy Saturday.

Called catechumens, they will be baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion on that day. In addition, others known as candidates and who already have a valid baptism will be admitted into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Being welcomed from St. Paul are Velynda Dort, Andrew Hackett, Joyce McIntyre, Brenda Montandon., Shelly Parker, Jennifer Schweitzer, April Vavro, Anita Vavro, Matthew Vavro, James Zuravel and David Zurzola.

Joyce McIntyre, Shelly Parker and April and Matthrew Vavro will be baptized and the others will be brought into full communion.

The Diocese of Cleveland will baptize 327 people and receive 526 candidates into full communion for a total of 853 people. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati will welcome during the Easter Vigil 437 catechumens and 541 candidates for a total of 978.

The numbers vary across dioceses and people joining are of every age and come from all walks of life. The Diocese of Orange, California, for example, will baptize more than 650 people and welcome more than 500 others into full communion at the Easter Vigil. ;

The Rite of Christian initiation of Adults is an ancient rite that was reinstated after the Second Vatican Council and is the regular way for adults to come into the Church.

According to the latest annual figures from the Official Catholic Directory, almost 64,500 adults were baptized in the church in the United States last year, and almost 93,000 came into full communion.

The Triduum (the Great Three Days) begins

Father Thomas washes feet of Parish Council

The Holy Thursday liturgy begins the Triduum, the great Three Days that celebrate the central mystery of our faith. Triduum rituals invite us all to baptismal renewal.

In the Washing of Feet: after the homily on Holy Thursday, we imitate our master in the washing of feet. This ritual reminds us that our baptismal commitment means we are to be servants of one another. In the time of St. Ambrose in Milan, those who were baptized also had their feet washed, because of Jesus' words to Peter: "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed" (Jn 13:10).

Good Friday devotions are:
Noon Prayer Service–Seven Last Words
Reconciliation 1 to 3 p.m.
Stations of the Cross at 3 p.m.
Veneration of Cross 4 to 7 p.m.
Sacred Liturgy with Holy Communion at 7 p.m.

As part of our observance of Good Friday, we venerate the cross on which Christ died. The veneration challenges us to be willing to accept the cross, too, for it is the only way to resurrection. Through Baptism, we shared in Christ's death that we might come to new life. Every year we are called to deepen our identification with his cross and resurrection.
[Information:American Catholic.org]

Brittany Barta washes feet of parishioner

Pope Benedict on TV for Holy Week

SOLEMN MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI LIVE 2 hrs.
Thu 3/20/2008 12:30 PM ET & 9:30 PM PT
Fri 3/21/08 12:00 AM ET & 9 PM (Thu) PT

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI LIVE  2 1/2 hrs.
Fri 3/21/2008 12:00 PM ET & 9:00 AM PT
Sat 3/22/08 12:00 AM ET & 9 PM (Fri) PT

WAY OF THE CROSS WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI 2 hrs.
Fri 3/21/2008 8:00 PM ET & 5:00 PM PT

EASTER VIGIL MASS WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI LIVE  3 hrs.
Sat 3/22/2008 4 PM ET & 1:00 PM PT
Sun 3/23/2008 12:00 AM ET & 9 PM

SOLEMN MASS OF EASTER SUNDAY WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI LIVE 90 mins
Sun 3/23/2008 5:30 AM ET & 2:30 AM PT
Sun 3/23/2008 12:00 PM ET & 9:00 AM PT

URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE AND BLESSING LIVE 1 hr
Sun 3/23/2008 7:00 AM ET &  4:00 AM PT 

Would you believe Spring is here?

Forget the wee bit of snow. Spring arrived at precisely 1:48 a.m. today when the Sun crossed directly over the Earth’s equator to provide an equal amount of sunlight and darkness known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

And if you look closely you will see the first crocus shooting up out of the ground just in time for Easter morn.

Unhappily today also is the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq

Click here to see our Monday post about the plea of Pope Benedict XVI for an end to the war which includes links to information on the war.

But today also t is a joyful occasion for St. Paul students. It is the last day of school before Easter or Spring break. Students return to class pn Monday, March 31.

125 attend Agape Meal in Boeke Hall

Parishioners gather for Agape Meal and St. Joseph Commemoration

Fr. Thomas goes through serving line

Serving line for the Agape Meal


About 125 parishioners gathered in Boeke Hall on Wednesday evening for the Agape Meal and Commemoration of the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Diners tasted two symbolic items: the bitter herb (of endive) to recall the Passion of Christ and the sweet taste (of honey) to remind of God's blessings and the joy and sweetness of life.

The diners said the Litany of St. Joseph and the Prayer of Blessing the Food commemorated St. Joseph.

The full chicken dinner was catered by DiFeo's. Diners also had wine and enjoyed the desserts provided by those attending.

Catholic Worker of Akron opens website

Catholic Worker of Akron now has a website and is posting its newsletters online.

You will find the website at http://www.catholicworkerakron.org

The website should help to spread the news of activities. It was made possible when the St. Vincent dePaul Society provided a computer. Kevin Z at the Dorothy Day House is handling the website and hopes to have past newsleters digitized and available. The new e-mail system for Catholic Worker is up and running so if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write to mail@catholicworkerakron.org or call 330-384-1430 Dorothy Day House.

David Conley, manger and Chef Extraordinare of the Peter Maurin Center on S. Main Street, has a comment in the March, 2008 newsletter. Members of St. Paul pairsh help out at the center on Thursday evenings.

Here is Conley’s comment:

As many of you know, Bill Young and I go out on Friday nights to seek out the homeless in need on the streets of Akron. We try to provide them with items of warm clothing, sleeping bags, hot soup, snacks and companionship. Father King from Walsh Jesuit School, along with students do the same on Monday nights.

The Holy Spirit has joined others with us in this concern we have for our marginalized and homeless. We have partnered with Hope Cafe, Choices and others who are interested in providing resources for these brothers and sisters in Christ. We are fortunate to be here at this time and to have a voice and an opportunity to help save lives. We see this as a chance to make a difference. If you wish to help or get involved, we encourage you to contact us. Please pray for us and encourage others to do so.

The foxes have their dens, the birds have their nests, but where hath the SON of MAN to lay his head?

Students travel along Via Dolorosa

Entire student body assembled in Parish Activity Center

St. Paul students traveled along the Via Dolorosa for their Holy Week Day of Relection on Wednesday. The entire student body assembled at 8:15 a.m, for devotions and a video presentation. Deacon Frank Lonteen read the Gospel and gave a short homily urging students to ask their parents to bring them to church for the final days of Holy Week.

Each class then traveled each of seven stations set up in classrooms and hallways for stations. At each station there was scripture, a reflection and prayer.

This brief introduction explained the journey:

“The Stations of the Cross are one of the most ancient Christian Lenten devotions. According to the tradition, Mary began the earliest form of this prayer by visiting the various sites in Jerusalem where Jesus suffered, died, and was buried. There she prayed and contemplated the meaning of those final hours. The street that Jesus walked through Jerusalem is named the "Via Dolorosa", the Way of Sorrow. Pilgrims/visitors, to this very day retrace Jesus' footsteps from Herod's palace to Calvary and then to his burial site at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Today, imagine you are in Jerusalem and traveling the "Via Dolorosa" along with Jesus and his friends.”

Click on the headline to go to an album of photos showing each ot the stations:

Station I: The Last Supper is depicted with a row of 13 chairs for Jesus and the Apostles. The chair for Jesus is draped with a purple robe.

Station II: The Garden of Gethesemane. Jesus prays and is betrayed.
Reflection; How do you think Jesus felt?: If you were one of the apostles, what would you have done?

Station III: Jesus is arrested and unjustly condemned to death. A crown of thorns is at this station.

Station IV: Simon helps Jesus carry the cross. Students were asked to take a cutout paper hand and ask if their hands were helping hands. They then placed their paper hands on a cross in the hallway.

Station V: Jesus meets Mary, Veronica consoles Jesus and Jesus consoles the women and children. A white cloth at this station depicts the cloth Veronica used to wipe the face of Jesus.

Station VI: Jesus is nailed to the cross. Beneath the large wooden cross are nails and a hammer.
Relection: Think to yourself about how Jesus must have felt when they nailed Him to the Cross.

Station VII: Jesus is placed in the tomb. The burial of Jesus.
Reflection: Pick up a stone and hold it...think about the walk you just took with Jesus. What thoughts will you take with you on your journey to Easter? Keep your stone as a symbol of your journey on the "Via Dolorosa," the Way of Sorrow. Let it be a reminder of all that Jesus endured for us.

St. Patrick faces decorate the halls

Student faces brighten the bodies of these St. Patrick cutouts found adorning the hallway at St. Paul School.

Click on the image to enlarge and then scroll back and forth to see if you can identify any of the faces.

Doris V. DeShane funeral is Wednesday

Doris V DeShane, 82, danced her way to heaven on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2008.

She was born to Marie (Lossos) and Henry Gastorf on November 26, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri. She worked at the B.F. Goodrich Company for over 30 years. After retirement, she continued to work at various jobs mostly in the Floral Business. For the past 17 years she wintered in North Ft Myers, Florida. There she lit up the dance floors as part of a women's dance show troupe. She also belonged to the Red Hat Ladies Group. She was a long-time member of St. Paul's Parish in Akron.

Preceded in death by her parents; she is survived by her children, Patrick (Mary) DeShane and Kathleen Hodgkinson of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Michael (Laura) DeShane, David (Theresa) DeShane, Daniel DeShane and fiancée Tana Hoover, Allyson Hodgkinson, Kristina Hodgkinson; great- grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Matthew DeShane and Leslie and Katelyn DeShane. She also leaves to mourn her loss, brother, Donald Gastorf; and sisters, Marcy Bauer and Viola Hoffman of St. Louis, Missouri; and special friend, Gene Abdenour of Akron.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:30 am at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 South Main St. (PLEASE NOTE NEW ADDRESS) and 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends TODAY 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to St. Paul's Church.
(Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Tuesday, March 18, 2008. [age B6, col. 2]

Thomas V. Bradley funeral is Wednesday

Thomas V. Bradley, 82, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2008.

He was born in Vestaburg, Pennsylvania and was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Mr. Bradley retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1976 after 22-1/2 years of service and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving during World War II.

He is survived by wife of 56-1/2 years, Betty of Akron; son, Michael of Arizona; daughter, Vickie (Larry) Mackey of Green; sisters, Bernice McQuaid of California and Eleanor Daughtery of Cleveland; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. MAIN ST. (PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION) and at 12 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Fr. Ralph Thomas officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends TONIGHT, 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.
(ANTHONY FUNERAL HOME KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Tuesday, March 18, 2008, page B5, col. 4 ]

Pope pleads: Stop violence in Iraq

Vatican, Mar. 17, 2008 – "Stop the massacres! Stop the violence! Stop the hatred in Iraq!" That was the fervent appeal of Pope Benedict XVI, speaking to the faithful in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday.

The Holy Father said that during the reading of Christ's Passion, he was remembering Archbishop Paulos Faraj Raho of Mosul, who died in captivity after being kidnapped in February. The Chaldean prelate had shown a "beautiful witness to faithfulness to Christ, to his Church, and to his people," the Pope remarked, by remaining in Iraq and continuing his ministry despite threats against his life.

Voicing his anguish over the five years of violence that have "provoked the breakdown of civil and social life" in Iraq, the Pope issued a call to the people of that country: "Raise your heads, and become yourselves the primary forces in rebuilding your nation's life."

The reconstruction of civil society in Iraq, the Pope said, will require "reconciliation, forgiveness, justice, and respect for civil coexistence among tribes and ethnic and religious groups." He concluded his appeal by renewing his call for "peace, in God's name!"

[Source: Catholic World News]

Thursday, March 20, is the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq

One of the best sources for information is by the British Broadcasting Company

Headlines for topics on that site:

• Bleak picture of Iraq condition
• Funeral Mass for Iraqi archbishop
• 'National crisis' for Iraqi women
• Iraq road bomb 'kills 16 people'
• Poll suggests Iraqis 'optimistic'
• UK commitment to Iraq 'absolute'
• US troops clash with Iraq militia
  

Another site to check for a wrap of stories is CNN

Vatican releases schedule for Pope's U.S. visit

VATICAN CITY,--The Holy See Press Office today published the programme of Benedict XVI's trip to the United States, including his visit to the United Nations, April 15-21.

The Pope will depart from Rome 's Fiumicino airport at midday on Tuesday, April 15, and land at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington at 4 p.m. local time, where he will be greeted by President Bush and his wife.

The welcome ceremony will be at 10.30 a .m. on Wednesday, April 16, after which the Pope will make a courtesy visit to the president at the Whte House. That afternoon he will preside at the celebration of Vespers and hold a meeting with U.S. bishops at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington .

Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass at 10 a .m. on Thursday, April 17, in the Nationals Stadium in Washington . At 5 p.m. on the same day he will participate in a meeting with representatives from Catholic universities at the Catholic University of America, also in Washington , then meet with representatives of other religions in the city's Pope John Paul II Cultural Centre.

On Friday monring, April 18,, the Holy Father will travel from Washington to New York where, at 10.45 a .m., he is scheduled to address the General Assembly of the United Nations. That evening he is due to participate in an ecumenical meeting at the church of St. Joseph in New York .

At 9.15 a .m. on Saturday, April 19, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass with priests and religious in St. Patrick's Cathedral. He will then lunch with bishops of the archdiocese of New York and, at 4.30 p.m., preside at a meeting with young people and seminarians at the seminary of St. Joseph .

On Sunday 20 April, Benedict XVI is to visit "Ground zero" where he will pray for the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001. At 2.30 p.m. he will celebrate Mass at New York 's Yankee Stadium.

The departure ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. on the same day, at New York 's John Fitzgerald Kennedy international airport. The papal plane is due to land at the Roman airport of Ciampino at 10.45 a .m. local time on Monday, April 21..
[Source: Vatican Information Services]