Tuesday, December 22, 2009

7 retired priests attend Serra luncheon


Retired priests were honored at Akron Serra Club luncheon on Tuesday at the Martin Center on the University of Akron campus. First row (from left) are Fr. James Berardi of St. Paul, retired City Hospital chaplain; Fr. David McCafferty of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at Wickliffe; Fr. James Flood, St Edward chaplain; and Rev. Robert Pahler of Queen of Heaven. Back row (from left) are Fr Richard Ondreyka of Ss. Cyril and Methdius at Lakewood, Fr. Patrick Shields senior associate at Holy Family, and Fr.Thomas McGovern of St. Matthew.

Seven retired priests attended a Christmas luncheon of the Serra Club of Akron on Tuesday,to honor them. The luncheon was at the Martin Center on the University of Akron campus.

Attending were :Fr. James Berardi of St. Paul, retired City Hospital chaplain;; Rev.James Flood, St. Edward chaplain; Fr.. David McCafferty of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at Wickliffe; Fr. Thomas McGovern of St. Matthew; Fr  Richard Ondreyka of Ss. Cyril and Methdius at Lakewood; Fr.. Ronert  Pahler of Queen of Heaven, and Fr. Patrick Shields senior associate at Holy Family.
   
The retired priests were welcomed to the annual lunch by Club president     Ron McAvoy
of St. Paul Parish.

The priests earned their lunch by submitting to queries from club members on how hey can help to encourage vocatons to the religious life especially in this “Year for Priests” declared by Pope Benedict XVI.

Durin\g Advent the club started organizing Eucharistic Adpration for Vocations in area parishes.  Serrans also are seeking the assistance of local seminarians in promoting vocations. 

Robert McWilliams of Immaculate Conception Parish,  said the prayers at the Solemn Benediction which completed a two-day Eucharistic Adoration on November 22-23 at St. Paul Church with the Vocation Monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II.  .McWilliams is a sophomore at Borromeo Seminary.  Matthew Jordan, another sophomore at Borromeo and a member of St. Francis deSales Parish,  writes a column for Saint Paul TODAY, the parish news blog at St. Paul.  He also gave a talk to St. Paul students on vocations.
                                           
Click on the headline to see three more photos from the luncheon.

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