600 attend Men's Fellowship Conference

'Answering the Call' was this crowd of 600 at Men's Conference at Hoban High

An estimated 600 attended the :"Answer the Call" conference of the Men's Fellowship of Northeast Ohio at Hoban High School on Saturday,. It was probably the best-attended conference of the fellowship so far.

They listened to a half dozen speakers, sang at least that many hymns, prayed the Rosary, stood in many long confession lines to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, had a box lunch, renewed acquaintances and met new friends.

Each of the speakers said they hoped the 600 would remember the day and go out and join with others in what several speakers called a battle for morality. Former Notre Dame coach Jerry Faust brought the 300 men to their feet when he urged them to talk to legislators to stop the evil of abortion. Faust stood in one of the confession lines and went to the 7 a,.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church on Grant Street before coming to the conference. Faust talked about the need for prayer and love and dwelt on a favorite theme that making good men is more important than making good ballplayers.

Danny Abramavoich, former NFL wide receiver and host of the new “Crossing the Goal Show” on EWTN, bounded back and forth on the stage to pound home his message that secularism is replacing God. Then he rattled off statistics on the $55 billion annual pornography business, co-ed living in college dorms, the 60 percent who believe abortion should be legal and on and on. “When God is not in the equation, look out,” he warned,

“This is spiritual warfare out there,” he said. “We have to change.” Three things are needed, he said; 1, :Prayer 2. The Eucharist 3. Confession.

A similar message was given earlier by Bishop George Murry of the Youngstown Diocese, who is secretary of the U.S. Bishops Conference. “We must be about the business of transforming our world,” he said. The bishop talked about the meaning of words but said that more powerful than any are “Words from the altar that change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.”

Fr. Philip Chavez told the men “You are called to be leaders.” Every man should lead and the older man need to encourage younger men, he said. A verse from the Bible summed up his message: “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Fr, Michael Gurnick, vocations director of the Cleveland Diocese, spoke on Reconciliation and Fr. Leo Wherlin, vocations director of the Youngstown Diocese, spoke about “answering the call” of vocations like the call to Samuel in the Bible who said “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

The Most Rev. Richard J. Lennon, Bishop of the Cleveland Diocese, was celebrant for the closing Mass.

The next conference will be March 20, 2010 at Hoban High and will be held jointly with the new Men’s Fellowship of the Youngstown Diocese.

There were 25 parishioners from St. Paul. They were John Amedo, David Clute, Bob Considine, Eric Dadich, Michael Dadich, Adam Dadich, Joe Dadich, Rudy Didonato, Joe Eckman, Mickey Eritano, Joe Hefferan, David Kline, Ray Kline, Ken Krummel, Mickey L. Dadich, Harry Liggett, Russ Livigni, John Mastrojohn, Ron McAvoy, Hank Richard, George Roberts, John Turlik, John Wilson, John Withrow and Nick Zeno

Click on the headline to see an albunm of photos from the conference.

Spectacular / Reverse Raffle tickets on sale

Tickets are available now for the Spring Spectacular / Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction on Friday, April 24, at Guy’s Party Centre.

In addition to the $4,000 grand prize, other prizes include a 46-inch flat screen TV, a Wii game system with Rock Band, an iPod Touch and reserved pews in church for Christmas Eve 4 p.m. and Easter Sunday 2010 11 a.m.

Tickets are $125 for meal and reverse raffle.. For tickets, contact the school at 330-724-1253, see an usher after Mass, or call the Spring Spectacular Committee at 330-352-0651. To donate an item for the Silent Auction call the committee.

Williamson apology is not sufficient

ROME — The Vatican said Friday that an apology by a bishop who has denied the scope of the Holocaust was not sufficient to restore him to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, according to a story today in the New York Times..

In a statement published Thursday by Zenit, a Catholic news agency, Bishop Richard Williamson apologized to the pope, the church and “survivors and relatives of victims of injustice under the Third Reich.” But he did not address the substance of his views on the Holocaust or disavow the remarks he made in the interview.

In an informal statement to reporters on Friday, the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said that Bishop Williamson’s apology “does not seem to meet the expectations” set forth by the Vatican earlier this month. He referred to a statement the Vatican issued on Feb. 4 that called on the bishop to “absolutely” and publicly distance himself from his positions on the Holocaust, or he would not be allowed to serve as a Catholic bishop.

Pope Benedict has said he revoked the excommunication of the four bishops to heal a schism in the church. The four were members of the ultraconservative Society of St. Pius X, which was founded in 1970 in opposition to the liberalizing reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

The status of Bishop Williamson and the three other bishops remains uncertain. It hinges on internal discussions between the four and the Vatican committee that oversees relations with the society.

Bishop Williamson, a Briton, arrived in Britain earlier this week after being expelled from Argentina, where he headed a seminary near Buenos Aires until he was removed this month.

American Jewish groups on Friday praised the Vatican for its response to Bishop Williamson’s apology.
[Click on the headline to read the full story in the New York Times]

It's Happening at St. Paul

See the links at left for Lenten Schedule, Lenten Video and Reconciliation

SUNDAY, March 1 First Sunday of Lent
PSR classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Parish Activity Center.
Coffee and Donuts after Masses in the Parish Activity Center.

MONDAY, March 2
SOLACE bereavement group to meet at 7 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.
Cub Scout Pack 3081 will not meet this Monday
Girl Scout Troop 456 will meet at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria
Students will be taking Iowa basic tests this week.

TUESDAY, March 3
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. 7:30 a.m. to noon and 5 to 9 p.m.

(Mass at 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.)

Senior Prayer Hour at 1 p.m.
Adult Choir practice at 7 p.m. in the music room
Reconciliation 5 to 6 p.m.
RCIA at 7 p.m. in Room 111
Girl Scout Troop 1080 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

WEDNESDAY, March 4
Scripture study at 9 a.m. in Room 111
Market Day pickup 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall
Stations of the Cross at 2:10 p.m. in the church
Lenten Soup Supper at 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall
Reconciliation from 6 to 7 pm ·
St. Paul Mass and Novena at 7 p.m. in the church (no Stations of Cross)
Ushers will meet at 7 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center
Girl Scout Troop 360 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Chess Club will meet at 4 p.m. in Room 111

THURSDAY, March 5
Chuck E. Cheese Night from 3 to 9 p.m.. 2779 W. Market St. in Fairlawn
Parent-Teacher conferences from 3 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, March 6
No school because of Parent-Teacher conferences previous evening.

SATURDAY, March 7
Jesus Day program for those making their First Eucharist. Stations will be set up in the church to explain various parts of the church and there will be liturgy and music programs in the Parish Activity Center. Program begins at 9 a.m.
Reconciliation 3 to 4 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Party from 7 to 10 p.m. in Boeke Hall

SUNDAY, March 8 Second Sunday of Lent
PSR classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Parish Activity Center.
Pancake Breakfast of Men’s Fellowship from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.in Boeke Hall
Social Justice discussion at 12:15 p.m. in Room 111..
:

Bishop Pevec to present Lenten Mission

The Most Fev. A. Edward Pevec will present a Lenten Missaion at Mother of Sorrows Parish, 6034 S. Lucust St., Peninsula, beginning this Sunday, March 1, through Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 each evening. Mass will be celebrated each evening and there will be a Penance Service on Tuesday evening.

Click on the headline to see the Datebook of other events scheduled this month or click on the calendar link at left to see the parish calendar on our website.

Here are prizes you can win at St. Pat Party

The St. Patrick Party is next Saturday, March 7, from 7 to 10 p.m. in Boeke Hall -- so get those tickets now. They will be sold this weekend in the narthex or you can call Caryn at 330-815-6940 or the rectory 330-724-1263.

Merchants and friends have been generous in providing raffle gifts. Check out this list:


.................Donor...................................................................Raffle Prize
Ace Hardware, Wedgewood Dtive...............................$20 gift certificate
Acme Fresh Markets .....................................................$20 gift certificate
Aqvance Auto Parts, Arlington Street...........................40-piece socket set
Akron Zoo .......................................................................One-year Family Pass ($68 value)
Allusions Salon, Rita Zellafrow, Owner.........................Beauty Gift Bag ($30 value)
Bessay Salon, Cordell Slack, Owner ...........................L’Oreal Hair Care Products ($50+ value)
Bessay Salon, Cordell Slack, Owne..............................L’Oreal Hair Care Products ($50+ value)
Calnton Road Garden Center........................................$25 Gift Certificate
Cheryl Childress..............................................................$25 Carrabba’s Italian Grill Gift Certificate
Colonial Florist ...............................................................$25 Gift Certificate
Deb Stanzak....................................................................Mary Kay Gift Basket
DeChecco's Pizza .........................................................$15 Gfit Certificate
DiFeo and Sons Poultry.................................................$50 Gift Certificate
Doggie Do's & Kitty's Too..............................................Free Grooming Certicate ($30 value)
Donated by Caryn......................................................... .14K Gold Rope Earrings
Donated by Caryn...........................................................Opal/14K Gold Necklace ($60 value)
Eagle Auto & Tire Service ............................................Free Oil Change
Eagle Auto & Tire Service.............................................Free Oil Change
Ellet Massotherapy Clinic, Mary A. Snyder, Owner.....One-Hour Massage ($55 value)
Firestone Tire & Service, Parkway Store.....................Free Oil Change
Ido Cafe............................................................................Two (2) $10 gift Certificates
Janet Bauer, Represettative..........................................Avon Makeup Gift Bag ($75 value)
Lucas Plumbing, Jeff Lucas, Owner..............................Free Drain Cleaning ($75 value)
Marcia Andrasik..............................................................Tupperware Gift Basket
Mrs. Joanne Brookman, Friend of St. Paul..................$5 Borders Gift Certificate
Scorcher's Restaurant, Wattterloo Road......................$20 gift certificate
Scorcher's Restaurant, Watterloo Road.......................$20 gift certificate
Scorcher's Restaurant, Wtlterloo Road........................$20 gift certificate
Sharon Johnson, PartyLite Trainer................................PartyLite Candle Holder & Candles ($50 value)
St. Paul Credlt Union.....................................................$25 Giant Eagle Cift Certificate
Steinley's Restaurant.....................................................Dinner Certificate
Suzanne Mineard, Consultant ......................................Tastefully Simple Gift Basket ($25 value)
The Basement................................................................$10 Gift Certificate

Mass Intentions February 28 - March 8

SATURDAY, February 28 Lenten Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Anthony Coatter + (anniv.)

SUNDAY, March 1 First Sunday of Lent
9:00am Helen Slader +
11:00am Anne Evans +

MONDAY, March 2 Lenten Weekday
\7:00am Mary Lou Heidt +
8:30am Deceased of the Malachosky Family +

TUESDAY, March 3 Katharine Drexel, virgin
7:00am Fr. Joe Tuscan
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion
6:00pm Patrick Dunn +

WEDNESDAY, March 4 Casimir
7:00am Mary Pillitiere +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion
7:00pm St. Paul Mass & Novena

THURSDAY, March 5 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion
6:00pm For an end to abortion

FRIDAY, March 6 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Stan Adam +

SATURDAY, March 7 Perpetua & Felicity, martyrs
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Pa

SUNDA Y, March 8 Second Sunday of Lent
9:00am Stokes Fuller +
11:00am Deceased of the Daniele Family +

Lenten programs on water scheduled

Two special Lenten programs on water have been scheduled as events for families (including children), neighbors and the Firestone Park community.

The move “Flow,” an award-winniung documentary on the world water crisis, will be shown at 7 p.m. March 13 in the Parish Activity Center. The documentary is an investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century – The World Water Crisis ( “Can anyone really own water?”)

This is the movie trailer.

This will be a 90-minute movie with popcorn and a followup discussion.

The second program at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 15, in the church will feature “Lost Boys of Sudan: Isaac’s Wells Water Project”

Isaac Malong is one of the Sudanese Lost Boy and Girl refugees living in the US ; He is amont 28 Lost Boys who have settled in the Cleveland area. At the request of the people from his village, Aweil, Isaac has formed a project to have four wells drilled in Aweil before spring 2009 so the villagers can get clean water. Come, hear their story and see how we can help!

You can 'nail' your burdens to the cross

Once again during Lent, the parishioners of St. Paul are encouraged to "nail" any burden, problem, illness or struggle in your faith life to the wooden cross that is on display in the Narthex

Our pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, 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.”

After Good Friday the cross with petitions nailed to it is usuallhy brought in procession to the side of the altar. The papers nailed to the cross are then burned..

Number of US Catholics declines by 398,000

Between the beginning and the end of 2007, the number of Catholics in the United States declined by nearly 400,000 to 67.1 million, according to the newly published 2009 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. The Catholic Church remains the largest ecclesial community in the United States. The number of Southern Baptists-- the nation’s second largest, with 16.3 million members-- declined by 40,000. Rounding out the top ten are the United Methodist Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church of God in Christ, the National Baptist Convention USA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the National Baptist Convention of America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Assemblies of God. Of those ten, only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Assemblies of God reported increases.

Pope urges prayer and sacrifice during Lent

VATICAN CITY (CNA).- Pope Benedict began Lent yesterday by presiding over Mass at the Church of Saint Sabina and calling on Catholics to enter the period of conversion through frequent contact with the Word of God, more intense prayer and a penitential lifestyle. Let these be “a stimulus to convert and to love our brothers and sisters, especially the poor and needy," he said.

In his homily the Pope highlighted that "the call to conversion emerges as the dominant theme" in the Ash Wednesday liturgy.

Recalling that the Church is celebrating the 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul’s birth, he pointed out that through his conversion the Apostle was "aware of having been chosen as an example.” Because of this awareness, "St. Paul recognized that everything in him was the work of divine grace, yet he did not forget the need to accept freely the gift of new life received at Baptism."

"How can we fulfill our baptismal vocation?" the Holy Father asked. "How can we emerge victorious from the battle between the flesh and the spirit, between good and evil, the battle that characterizes our lives? Today's Gospel reading shows us three useful means to this end: prayer, alms and fasting.

Ways to live out these three practices can be found in “the life and writings of St. Paul," the Pope said. The Apostle exhorts us to "persevere" in prayer, and to "pray without ceasing." On the subject of almsgiving, he speaks of "the great collection in favor of our poor brethren" and underlines how "charity is the apex of a believer's life. ... He does not expressly mention fasting, but he often calls for sobriety as a characteristic of people called to live in vigilant expectation of the Lord," Benedict XVI explained.

Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for March

General: That the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world.

Mission: That in the light of the letter addressed to them by Pope Benedict XVI, the Bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the Popular Republic of China may commit themselves to being the sign and instrument of unity, communion and peace.

Drama Club to present Willy Wonka Jr.

The St. Paul Drama Club is in full rehearsal now for its production of Willy Wonka Jr. There are about 50 students involved in the production.

Willy Wonka is a fictional character in the children’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Ronald Dahl. . This story involves the adventures of young Charlie Bucket inside the chocolate factory of eccentric candymaker Willy Wonka who is trying to find an heir for his enterprise.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first published in the United States by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. in 1964. The book was adapted into two major motion pictures:

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, a musical film adaptation of Dahl's book starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, was released in 1971. Another film version of the tale was released in 2005, titled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.

Favorite characters from the movie and songs including “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination” will be featured in the St. Paul production.

The play will be staged in the Parish Activity Center on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Janet Hazlett, the club adviser, will direct the play. Drama leaders from the faculty: are Mrs. Hazlett, Jud Hartman, Sean Collins, Anne Wright and Tim Longfellow and parent leaders are Tom Liggett and Teresa Lloyd.

Tickets will be $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and will be available at the door.

March events listed on website calendar

St. Paul events for March are now posted on the calendar on the parish website. Just click on the calendar link at left to go straight to the calendar or click on the website link at left and then click on the calendar button on the website. It is easiest to view the calendar by the month.

If you click on a calendar item, a window will pop up with information about the event that you can then print out.

Please check the calendar for dates and events of your organization. Send any additions or corrections to hliggett@sbcglobal.net

Lenten season begins at St. Paul

The Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas and Deacon Frank Lonteen mark the foreheads of students with a cross for Ash Wednesday at the 8;30 a.m. Mass in St. Paul Church. The student body, which normally attends Mass on Friday, attended today’s Mass for the beginning of the Lenten season in our parish.

Pope Benedict XVI in his Lenten message said the faithful should restore the true meaning of fasting from caring for one's body to caring for one's brethren like the Good Samaritan.

:”I wish to focus my reflections especially on the value and meaning of fasting,” he said.. “Lent recalls the forty days of our Lord's fasting in the desert, which He undertook before entering into His public ministry.’

Bishop Richard Lennon's Lenten Message notes that this Lenten season stands at the heart of a Holy Year celebrating the 2000th anniversary of the great apostle and preacher, Saint Paul who reminds us in the second reading for Ash Wednesday that "We are ambassadors for Christ."

Please notice the new links we have added (at left) for Lent:

Lenten Schedule calls up the St. Paul Lenten Schedule for 2009.

Lenten Video calls up a section on the U.S. Confernce of Catholic Bishops where you can view a video reflection for each day of Lent.

Reconciliation calls up a listing of hours for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the parishes in the North and South Summit districts.

Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers for March

Lectors for March

Saturday 4:30 p.m. June Rietz
Sunday 9:00 a.m. Anne Riegler
Sunday 11:00 a..m. Youth Lectors:
March 1.........Laura Christner...............Jacqueline Wammes
March 8,,,,,,,..Laura Christner...............Laura Christner
March 15,,,,, .Emily Roberts..................Marco Colant
March 22.......Jamie Dean.....................Noelle Colant
March 29.......Yuri Henderson................Erin Liggett

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for March

Saturday 4:30 p.m.
Carol Couglin
Nancy Leiby
Hank Richard
Judy Richard
Kenneth Roush
Penny Roush
Ellannye Shoup
Rita Zellefrow

Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Joe Denholm
Sandi Denholm
Frank Lancianese
Nancy Lancianese
Liz Muntean
Dora Weigand
John Woofter
Marilyn Woofter

Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Renee Amedeo
Ann Cafarelli
Julia Gableman
Susie Gatian
John Mastrojohn
George Roberts
Betsy Roberts
Debbie Starosto

Bishops offer primer on Lent

In addition to the video meditations for each day of Lent. (Click the Lenten Video link at left), the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops today unveiled a special page of its website to offer more Lenten reflections in four sections. You can click on the headline above to see the page. Here are the sections:

What We Believe
In this section, we invite you to discover the beauty of the Catholic faith that is articulated in our Catechism and the writings of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict VXI.
go to celebrate page

What We Celebrate
Catholics celebrate the Christian mystery through our liturgy and the seven sacraments of the Church. Learn more about the sacraments, especially the sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation (Confession) during Lent.
go to live page

How We Live
Christian living means following the teaching and example of Christ, the Ten Commandments, the precepts of the Catholic Church and its principles of moral life. In this section, learn more about Christian morality and the special emphasis on fasting and charity during Lent.

How We Pray
Through prayer, we raise our hearts and minds to God in thanksgiving and praise. Learn about the types of Christian prayer and the special prayers and devotions of Lent.

Two events to help parish inside and out

Check out these posters on the kiosk and other locations

Two big parish events will be providing funds for the church inside and out. All proceeds from the St. Patrick’s Party on Saturday, March 7, will benefit the St. Paul Church/Gym building debt. The fourth annual Men’s Fellowship Pancake Breakfast the next day will provide funds to purchase plants and materials for the beautification of parish grounds.

St. Patrick’s Party is Saturday, March 7, from 7 to 10 p.m. in Boeke Hall

Caryn Lintner will be selling tickets again this coming weekend in the narthex after Masses. You also can pick up tickets at the rectory or by calling Caryn at 330-815-6940 or the rectory at 330-724-1263. Ticket prices will remain at $12 through and including Friday, March 6. They will be $15 at the door.

There are 30 raffle prizes from area businesses plus a 50/50 raffle. There will be a complete list of donors and prizes in a March 1 bulletin insert.

Nearly $1,600 was raised October 18 at the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day event which was attended by nearly 200.

An added entertainment attraction this year will be the Hoban Pipers Pride, a bagpipe corps from Hoban High. Two St. Paul lads, Chris Byers and Matt Hogue, are members of the Pipers Pride.

The Hibernian Cieli Band and the Green Blosssom gang will be here for a return engagemtns. Pat Flynn, who could not attend in October because of illness, will be here this time with the Green Blossom Special.

Pancake Breakfast is Sunday, March 8, from 8 a,m. to 1 p.m. in Boeke Hall

There is no charge for the fourth annual Pancake Breakfast, but a free-will offering witll be accepted at the door. Pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee will be served.

More than 500 attended the breakfast last year.

Bishop talks on camera about closing parishes

Bishop Richard G. Lennon gave a video interview on the reconfiguration of parishes in the Cleveland Diocese. to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.which can be seen on Cleveland.com

Bishop Lennon speaks on camera about his soon to be announced reconfiguration in the eight counties of the diocese.The bishop will be announcing details of the diocesan-wide parish reconfiguration in a March 2009 press conference on a yet to be determined date, time and location.

About 50 of the 224 parishes may be closed.

The interview was conducted on Thursday, February 19.

Click on the headline to go to the video

Family Nights provide funds for PTO

The first two weeks of March will include two Family Nights to help the St. Paul PTO earn money for the schools.

Chuck E. Cheese Night is Thursday, March 5
St. Paul School is going to Chuck E. Cheese! in Fairlawn at 2779 West Market Street from 3 to 9 p.m.. Thursday, March 5. There is no school Friday because of Parent-Teacher conferences. Purchase food and tickets at the counter and mention that you are from St. Paul School and Chuck E. Cheese will give 15 per cent back to the PTO. The night was previously at The Strip in North Cantpn, but will now be at the Fairlawn location which is near Lucjky Shoes Store.

Cici’s Family Dinner Night is Tuesday, March 10
The monthly Cici’s Family Dinner Night will be Tuesday, March 10, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Waterloo Road location. There will be early dismissal at 1:45 p.m. that day. These Cici family nights provide $70 to $80 per ,month. for the PTO. Turn in your receipt in the box by the registers for St. Paul to earn 10 percent back. The . PTO. provided the refreshments for Catholic Schools Week open house and Grandparents Day and also provided surprises for our teachers, student appreciation treats and funds needed for the Literacy Night. The PTO will aso need funds to host upcoming receptions for First Communion, Confirmation and Graduation.

'Thank You' Letter from Booster Club

A 'thank you' letter from Booster Club for help on Reverse Raffle:

The St. Paul Booster Club would like to THANK YOU!

All of you that attended, bought tickets, volunteered, and sent prayers our way…THANK YOU! Because of all of you the Reverse Raffle was successful.
· Thank you to Tom Breiding and Breiding Lawn Care for the generous contribution.
· Thank you to John Testa and Pronio Sporting Goods for the gift donations. Everyone enjoyed the idea of the gift table.
· Thank you to Agosta Plumbing, when you heard we needed your help you came through.
· To all of you that attended, you too stepped up when we asked for your help. We cannot thank you enough. Please pass our thanks to your family and friends that also made this a success.
· Thanks to our volunteers – your laughter and encouragement, not to mention your hard work, were blessings.

Reverse Raffle Volunteers (we hope we did not forget anyone’s name)
We would like to especially thank our volunteers:

All the basketball coaches – Scott Wightman, Mike Bisesi, Dave Hewitt, Dan and Maria Matusicky, Bill Fatica, John Testa, Odel Lyde and Mary Jo Foxpeck

Work Crew
John Gless.........................Dave Nesline................Tom Cullison
Mary Bachmann................Mike Joyner..................Julie Wightman
Julie Pack..........................Tom Breiding...............Jacob Swords
Christy Breiding................Cheryl Ellis....................Scott Riegger
Laurie Walker....................Rikki Horrigan..............Steve Gray
Denise Casalinuovo.........Randy Bender..............Kevin Williams
All Booster Board Members

Student Volunteers
Ally Bachmann.........Abby Joyner.....laina Bachmann......Noelle Colant..........Allie Joyner
Marco Colant...........Trevor Ellis .....Jeremy Swords....... Alyse Bachmann....Jenna Garey

Special thanks to
· Knights of Columbus for the use of the reverse raffle equipment
· Santangelo’s Catering

Yours truly,

Booster Club Board
President................................Tony Bachmann
Vice President.......................Christy Breiding
Treasurer................................Theresa Garey
Secretary...............................Jo Shoup
“300” Club Treasurer....... Gerard Colant
Girls’ Athletic Director..........Jill Joyner
Boys’ Athletic Director.........John Garey
Trustee..................................Alex Kuzmik

120 enjoy Booster Club Reverse Raffle

Crowd at Booster Club Reverse Raffle awaits dinner and raffle

They are still counting all the donations and expenses, but it appears the St. Paul Booster Club did well on Saturday night with more than 120 attending the Reverse Raffle.

Only 37 of he 200 tickets remained unsold before the dinner began and the remaining tickets were used as prizes in the card games.

The winner of the $2,000 raffle was Bill Peters. Peters actually won the winning ticket in one of the card games. His name and the name of his neighbor, Theresa Garey, were placed on the winning ticket so they shared the winnings.

Dinner was by Santangelo Catering. The fun, food and festivities were flowing. It was a successful
evening,.

Click on the headline to see more phmotos provided by Jo Shoup-Colant

News from St. Paul Booster Club

The St. Paul Booster Club would like to thank all who helped make the Reverse Raffle on Saturday night a success. There were more than 120 attending..

The February "300" Club winners are:

# 182 Lee & Jennifer Wilson

# 193 Tod & Lori Wammes

# 067 Mary Kalgreen

# 057 Mike Merle Sr.

Basketball Coaches and Players: Basketball team pictures and Uniform turn-in will be Wednesday, March 11,

Christy Breiding has been elected as Vice President of the Booster Club.

Teams Qualify: The 8th Grade Boys, 7th Grade Boys and the 7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball Teams have qualified for the next round in the playoffs.

Volleyball and track practices will begin in March. Contact Jill Joyner 330.785.0793 or John Garey 330.724.2643 if you have questions or want to sign up.

The next Booster Club meeting will be at 7 p.m.Sunday, March 29, in Boeke Hall.

Commentary: Can you not visit for 30 minutes?

Was it too good to be true when an article on Saint Paul TODAY on February 16 proclaimed that the one-year anniversary of Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays at St. Paul had been reached?

A partial answer to that question came unobtrusively in the weekend bulletin. A line in the weekly schedule for Lent under Tuesday read:

Eucharistic Adoration 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Adoration will thus be available after the 7:30 a.m. Mass until noon and from 5 to 9 in the evening or for an eight-hour day. It had been available for 12 hours from 8 to 8.

The added hour in the evening might make it possible for more working parishioners to attend, but. it is necessary to have at least two persons in adoration at all times.

The February 16 blog article noted:

The Parish should strive this coming Lent not only to renew the devotion, but to increase the number of those who visit on Tuesdays. There should be no time during the day without at least two worshipers with the Blessed Sacrament.

This blog has urged parents to drop in for a few minutes when they pick up students from school or when they are driving by to some other place on an errand.

Where are the leaders of this parish who cannot help to fill at least eight hours out of one day a week? It takes only 32 people or 16 couples to fill an eight-hour time slot with each visiting for just 30 minutes. . It would take only 48 people or 24 couples for the 12-hour day which has been available from last Lent until this one.

Check this blog and you will see that we are able to do this easily for social events

There are four parishes in the Akron area that have perpetual adoration and 11 others that have it one day each week.

Clik here to see what other parishes are contributing with Eucharistic adoration.

Pope Benedict XVI stresses the importance of 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."

Saint Alphonsus Liguori said:

"Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us.’ The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: by not only celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass we are enabled to make contact with the very wellspring of grace.”

Praying the 7 Penitential Psalms

One of our Lenten suggestions is to pray the Seven Penitential Psalms (Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143).

By order of Pope Innocent III (1198-1216), these prayers were to be prayed during the days of Lent. If they cannpt be said on each day, they can prayed on Lenten Fridays (or one could pray one psalm on each of the 7 Fridays of Lent). You begin each with a short antiiphon and recite a Gloria at the end.

Click on the headline to go to a page containing the psalms and keep it in your bookmarks or favorites so you can go to it each time.

Xt3 asks Does God have sense of humor?

Think you'll need a laugh this Lent? The social networking site Xt3, an outgrowth of World Youth Day 2008, is planning to offer some comedy relief as part of their Lenten program.

"Christ in the 3rd millennium," abbreviated Xt3, plans 40 days of podcasts (including 'Does God have a sense of humor?' featuring popular British comedians Ricky Tomlinson and Joe Pasquale, amongst others).

There will be daily readings, podcasts and music to give inspiration -- and some laughter -- during the 40 days of Lent. It will also broadcast Benedict XVI's handing over of the World Youth Day cross and icon in Rome on Palm Sunday.

The site was developed to help young people to connect with others interested in knowing more about the Catholic faith, to plug in to the Church and get to know what's going.on.

Check it out at Xt3.com

Abp. Dolan named Archbishop of New York

Abp.Timothy Dolan (left) with Cardinal Edward Egan in Manhattan on Monday

This post updated to add new photo and links to two New York Times stories:

For Cardinal Egan, a Focus on Taking Care of Basics

A Genial Conservative for New York’s Archdiocese


VATICAN CITY (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI today appointed Archbishop Timothy Dolan of Milwaukee to become the next Archbishop of New York, a see that the Vatican more than once has described as “the capital of the world.”

Timothy Michael Dolan was born February 6, 1950, the first of five children of Shirley Radcliffe Dolan and the late Robert Dolan. In 1964, he began his high school seminary education at St. Louis Preparatory Seminary South in Shrewsbury, Mo. After studying at Cardinal Glennon College and then at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Archbishop Dolan was ordained a priest on June 19, 1976.

Dolan then began his time in parish ministry serving as associate pastor at Immacolata Parish in Richmond Heights, Mo., until 1979 when he began studies for a doctorate in American Church History at the Catholic University of America.

Before completing his doctorate, he spent a year researching the late Archbishop Edwin O'Hara, a founder of the Catholic Biblical Association. Archbishop O'Hara's life and ministry was the subject of the archbishop's doctoral dissertation.

On his return to St. Louis, Dolan resumed parish ministry (1983-87) and simultaneously served as a liaison for the late Archbishop John L. May tasked with restructuring the college and theology programs of the archdiocesan seminary system.

In 1987, he was appointed to a five-year term as secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C.

When he returned to St. Louis in 1992, he was appointed vice rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, serving also as director of Spiritual Formation and a professor of Church History.

In 1994, he became rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome where he served until June 2001.

While in Rome, he also served as a visiting professor of Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University and as a faculty member in the Department of Ecumenical Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, his Alma Mater.

On June 19, 2001 –the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood- Fr. Dolan was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis by Pope John Paul II.Timothy Michael Dolan was named Archbishop of Milwaukee by Pope John Paul II on June 25, 2002.

He was installed as Milwaukee's 10th Archbishop on August 28, 2002.

The new Archbishop of New York, Dolan will be serving 2.5 million Catholics. It is he second largest in the U.S., next to Los Angeles.

Click on the headline to read the full story by CNA, the Catholic News Agency

Links added during Lent

Three new links have been added on the left:

Lenten Schedule calls up the St. Paul Lenten Schedule for 2009.

Lenten Video calls up a section on the U.S. Confernce of Catholic Bishops where you can view a video reflection for each day of Lent.

Reconciliation calls up a listing of hours for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the parishes in the North and South Summit districts.


Some suggestions for Lent:

✞ Begin each morning with the prayer: “Lord, I offer you this day, and all that I think, and do, and say.
✞ Attend Daily Mass as often as possible.
✞ Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.
✞ Make the Stations of the Cross at home or in a parish celebration.
✞ Read Scripture for 10 minutes every day.
✞ Pray the Seven Penitential Psalms
(Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143).
✞ Spend some time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament..
✞ Abstain from meat for an extra day or two each week.
✞ Listen to CDs of spiritual music or a spiritual speaker.
✞ Before you retire, say an act of contrition for all the failures of the day..
✞ Keep a Lenten journal with your spiritual insights, special intentions, people you want to pray for, hurts and disappointments that you want to offer up, and progress reports on your Lenten resolutions.
✞ Watch a video reflection on the day's scripture on the U.S. Conference of Bishops site.
Just click on the link at left "Lenten Video."
✞ If you have resolved to attend Mass daily during Lent, why not pay a Saturday visit to Sacred Heart Church, an ethnic Hungaran parish with an Irish pastor. The Rev. Fr. Robert Clancy, who is also chaplain of Akron General Medical Center, celebrates Mass each Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the church which is at 734 Grant St. just north of the West Expressway.

37 children celebrate First Reconcilation

Lily Gray receives a prayer card from Fr. Thomas at First Reconciliation

There were 37 children making their First Reconciliation at St. Paul Church on Saturday morning. Helping the pastor, Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, hear the students were the Rev. Fr. William D. Karg, pastor emeritus of St. Sebastian, and the Rev. Fr. G. David Bline, pastor of St. Francis de Sales.

It was a family affair with parents participating with their children in the celebration. After a greeting by Catechetical leader Shelly Hertzig and prayer and reading of the Gospel by Fr. Thomas, parents and students both renewed their Baptismal promises.

Students, one by one, then went to confession at one of the three stations and lit their candles from the Paschal Candle. Parents accompanied their children to the penance stations and then assisted them with reciting their penance prayer. Each student was given a prayer card to keep and a Sacramental Certificate..

Catechists for the students were Miiss Mary Means, Mrs. Cathy Hartsook, Mrs. Maggie Walker, Mrs. Diana Thanasiu, Mrs. Rosemary Capotosto and Mrs. Charlotte Hertzig. Mrs. Capotosto is the school principal and Miss Mary Means is the second grade teacher, Mrs. Hertzig is catechetical leader and the others are catechists in the Parish School of Religion.

The photo here is not an actual confession. This photo and four others were posed to include in an album of First Reconciliation photos to show what the celebration was like for the students, Click on the headline to go to the photo album.

It's Happening at St. Paul

SUNDAY, February 22
Eucharistic Adoration presentation with video after Mass in the Parish Activity Center.
PSR classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Parish Activity Center.
Coffee and Donuts after Masses in the Parish Activity Center.
St. Paul Booster Club will meet at 7 p.m. in Boeke Hall

MONDAY, February 23
SOLACE bereavement group to meet at 7 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.
Cub Scout Pack 3081 will meet at 6 p.m. in Boeke Hall
Men's Fellowship will meet at 7 p.m. in Room 111 for prayer and Bible study. The Bible study passage will be John 18: 38-40.

TUESDAY, February 24
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Church is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Senior Prayer Hour at 1 p.m. with Eucharistic Adoration
Adult Choir practice atg 7 p.m. in the music room
RCIA at 7 p.m. in Room 111
Girl Scout Troop 1080 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

WEDNESDAY, February 25 ASH WEDNESDAY
Masses at 7 am, 8:30 am and 7 pm
Reconciliation from 6 to 7 pm ·
Scripture study at 9 a.m. in Room 111
Girl Scout Troop 360 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Chess Club will meet at 4 p.m. in Room 111

SATURDAY, February 28
Reconciliation from 3 to 4 p.m.
Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Northeast Ohio “Answer the Call” conference at Hoban High School. Registration at 8 a.m. Conference starts at 9: am , Lunch and Reconciliation noon to 4 p.m. Closing Mass with Bishop Richard Lennon 5 p.m.
Cub Scout Pack 3081 Blue and Gold Banquet and Court of Honor at 6 p.m. in Boeke Hall. Reactivation of Boy Scout Troop 81 scheduled.

Scouts will be greeting worshipers during February

Lenten Schedule for St. Paul

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25. Masses will be at 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at all the Masses. Please plan to attend to begin our solemn celebration of Lent.

ABSTINENCE from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays during Lent by anyone 14 years old and older.

FASTING is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by anyone 18 years old to 59 years old. On these days, only one full meal should be taken. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. Eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available on Ash Wednesday from 6 to 7 pm · on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 4 pm

LENTEN SUPPERS
Starting Wednesday, March 4, and continuing through the next 4 Wednesdays of Lent, we will have a Lenten Supper, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the Church. All families, individuals and friends are welcome.

2009 LENTEN WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Monday Mass 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday
Mass 7:00 a.m.
Communion Service 8:30 a.m.
Reconciliation 5:to 6 p.m.
Mass 6 p.m.
Eucharistic Adoration 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday
Mass 7 a.m.
Communion Service 8:30 a.m.
Stations of the Cross 2:10 p.m.
Lenten Supper in Boeke Hall from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross 7 p.m.

Thursday Communion Service 7: a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Mass 6 p.m.

Friday Communion Service 7 a.m. Mass 8:30 a.m.

Saturday Reconciliation 3 to 4 p.m. Vigil Mass 4:30 p.m.

March 19
Feast of St. Joseph Mass 7:00 a.m.
Rosary 8 a.m.
Mass 8:30 a.m. followed by Litany and Devotions to St. Joseph
Mass 6 p.m.

St. Paul Mass and Novena will continue Wednesday, .March 5 and April 1, at 7 p.m. There will be no Stations of the Cross on these evenings.

A letter from the Pastor

February, 2009

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Paul,

This year the Principal of our parish school will mark ten years of leadership and dedicated service to the children and parents of our day school. Mrs. Rosemary Capotosto will conclude her responsibilities as principal as of June 30, 2009, fulfilling her current contract. Many students and families have benefitted from her heartfelt and loyal commitment to the Church and the principles and mission of Catholic Education here at St. Paul Parish. Mrs. Capotosto's endeavors as teacher and principal of our school are linked with and have contributed to a praiseworthy tradition of Catholic Education here since 1926.

We join in recognizing her dedicated service and the academic contributions she has made for our parish and school. We wish her every blessing in the future.

I have formed a Search Committee that is now working to have a new principal for St. Paul School. We have publicized our need for this position on the Diocesan Website as well as St. Paul website and our parish bulletin. Anyone interested should send their resume to the parish office before March 5, 2009. We are receptive to all qualified persons. Our hope is to have selected a new principal from applications received by mid-March, 2009 and to have the best applicant in place by July 1, 2009.

Our school year 2009-10 will begin August 25, 2009 (Pre-K through Grade 8). Registrations are being accepted and welcomed.

In 2006 our Parish Survey revealed that there was a strong commitment to continue and enhance our parish school. Parents and parishioners have voiced their belief in the value and importance of faith formation and academic excellence in a day school program.

We continue to recognize that St. Paul School is central to our faith-mission and is also key to our commitment to the community at large here in South Akron.

We intend to do all we can to continue the excellent tradition we have built in St. Paul School. We ask God to bless our efforts in educating our youth in the "Light of Christ." May we approach this mission with faith, love, and trust in His divine assistance.

Sincerely yours in Christ,





Father Ralph W. Thomas, Pastor

Reminders on events to check on NOW

Men’s Fellowship conference is next Saturday at Hoban High
Need a spiritual jump start? Make plans to attend the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Northeast Ohio annual “Answer the Call” conference. Scheduled for Saturday, February 28t, at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, i. See the poster on the kiosk in the narthex,

Tickets for Saint Patrick’s Party available in narthex
Just two weeks away is the big St. Patrick’s Party on Saturday, March 7, from 7:to 10 p.m. in Boeke Hall. Tickets will be on sale this weekend after the Masses in the Narthex. Tickets are $12 now, $15 at the door and are also available through Caryn at 330-815- 6940 or at the rectory.. If you cannot attend but would still like to contribute to the fundraiser, please consider purchasing a GIFT card to donate to the raffle. .Every penny of profit will go towards reducing our church and gym building debt.
APPETIZERS NEEDED: Anyone who can help by making appetizers, please call Caryn Lintner at 330-815-6940.

Men’s Fellowship Pancake Breakfast is March 8
The St. Paul Catholic Men’s Fellowship will have its fourth annual Pancake Breakfast March 8 after the Masses from 8: a.m. to 1 p.m. in Boeke Hall. Pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee will be served. No cost but free will donations will be accepted. Proceeds go to beautification and planting on our church property this Spring.

Eucharistic Adoration Presentation after masses this weekend
If you missed the last presentations on Eucharistic Adoration, Dave Clute and John Amedeo will be hosting another presentation of the video with Fr. Mitch Pacwa and Fr. David Simonetti on the purpose and value of Eucharistic Adoration after each of the Masses this Sunday.

Click on the headline to see other ongoing reminders

Datebook: What's Happening Elsewhere

K OF C COUNCIL LENTEN FISH FRY EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH APRIL 10
Dinners served 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday from February 27 through April 10 at K of C Hall, 2055 Glenmount Ave.. Choice of seafood platter, baked cod, fried white, fried shrimp, chicken tenders or macaroni & cheese. Includes roll, coffee or tea and choice of two sides. Cost is $5 to $8.50. Carryout is available, call 330-773-3410.

CYO SEARCH RETREAT FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 1
Join the CYO Search Retreat #172 February 27—March 1, at Camp Christopher. This is a retreat led by high school students for high school students ages. For information contact Maureen Capellas at mcapellas@clevelandcatholiccharities.org or call 330-762-2961 ext. 230.

BISHOP PEVEC TO PRESENT LENTEN MISSION MARCH 1-3
The Most Fev. A. Edward Pevec will present a LeNten Missaion at Mother of Sorrows Parish, 6034 S. Lucust St., Peninsula, beginning this Sunday, March 1, through Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 each evening. Mass will be celebrated each evening and there will be a Penance Service on Tuesday evening.

‘CHRIST WALKS WITH US THROUGH SERIOUS ILLNESS’ TALK IS MARCH 3
Linda Herold, director of religious education and youth minister of St. Martha Parish, will speak on “How Christ Walks With Us Through Serious Illness” on Tuesday, March 3, at St. Martha Church, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave. There will be an opportunity for questions and small group sharing. Everyone is welcome.

WALSH JESUIT SALE OF USED BOOKS, CDs & DVDs MARCH 7
If your used books, CDs and DVDs are just collecting dust, please consider donating them to the Mothers’ Club at Walsh Jesuit. The sale will be at the school on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the public is welcome! Donations will be accepted at Walsh Jesuit through March 1. For more information, call Sue at 330-723-3315.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB OF GREATER AKRON MARCH 8
The First Friday Club of Greater Akron marks its tenth Anniversary on Friday, March 6, with Fr. Arthur Cavitt, Minister of Evangelization and Spiritual Advisor of St. Charles Lwanga Center of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Fr. Cavitt is an itinerant preacher who weaves Mo Town hits and more into his preaching. Luncheon is at Akron University Martin Center, 105 Fir Hill.. Cost of the luncheon is $14 with doors opening at 11:15 a.m. Prepaid reservations can be made by sending a check to the First Friday Club of Greater Akron, 795 Russell Ave., Akron, OH 44307.

WOMEN’S BOARD CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES MARCH 12
The annual luncheon and style show will be at Guy’s Party Centre, 500 E. Waterloo Rd., at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, ncludes a silent auction, style show and a raffle. The luncheon cost is $20 per person. Pre-paid reservations are required. Checks made payable to Women’s Board of CSSSC, should be sent by March 6 to Marty Meadows, 3479 River Rock Dr., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.


SHOW ON HILAIRE BELLOC AT ST. SEBASTIAN MARCH 15
Theater of the Word will be performing, "Old Thunder - An Evening with Hilaire Belloc" at Saint Sebastian parish on the Zwisler stage. Belloc, who lived from 1870 – 1953, was a Catholic historian and poet. .This one man-show is presented by actor Kevin O'Brien, the founder of the Theater of the Word. O’Brien will be hosting his own show on EWTN, which will premiere in 2009 and which will be an anthology series on Christian drama. O'Brien provides a stirring evening which includes Belloc's prophetic take on "The Great Heresies" and on the waste land of modern thought. Dale Ahlquist, host of EWTN's series "The Apostle of Common Sense" says, "Everyone in America needs to see this show." For more information, go to www.thewordinc.org

COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE MARCH 29
A Lenten Communal Penance Service will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, on March 29 at 7 p.m.

Mass Intentions February 21 - March 1

SATURDAY, February 21 Peter Damian, bishop & doctor
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Irene Hoover +

SUNDAY, February 22 Seventh Sunday Ordinary Time
9:00am Living & Deceased of the Ladies Guild
11:00am Alma Lewis +

MONDAY, February 23 Polycarp, bishop & martyr
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Joseph Antal +

TUESDAY, February 24 Weekday
7:00am Agnes Ruth +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

WEDNESDAY, February 25 ASH WEDNESDAY
7:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
8:30am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
7:00pm Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul

THURSDAY, February 26 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Nick Zeno + (anniv.)
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

FRIDAY, February 27 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am David Henry +

SATURDAY, February 28 Lenten Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Anthony Coatter +

SUNDAY, March 1 First Sunday of Lent
9:00am Helen Slader +
11:00am Anne Evans +

Principal tells PTO of upcoming events

School principal Rosemary Capotosto told the PTO that Literacy Night Night went very well and was attended by about 75 families.

She also told the PTO at Thursday evening’s meeting in Boeke Hall that students at St. Paul will take Iowa basic tests the week of March 2 and Spring photos will be taken on March 11. Students will tour Hoban High School on Monday, March 9.

Catholic Schools Week went well and the PTO received thank yous from the staff.

The PTO received a request for $200 for helium tank replacement. Chuck E. Cheese Night at the Fairlawn location will be Thursday, March 5.

The PTO has no plans on a proposal discussed last month to require purchase of gift cards to bolster school income and there has been no further word on school finance needs

Treasurer Lori Wammes reported a balance $26,034.46 with several pending payments. The report was approved.

The Market Day $10. gift certificate won by Dana Coffman

The next PTO Meeting will be Thursday March 19 at 6:30 in Boeke Hall

Jim Tawney, treasurer of the St. Paul Parish Federal Credit Union, spoke to the group on "Protecting your Financial Security During these Difficult Economic Times"

[Source: PTO minutes of secretary Carly LaPresta]

Read the Universe Bulletin

The Universe Bulletin this week has information you will want to read.

✰ Bishop Richard Lennon's Lenten Message notes that this Lenten season stands at the heart of a Holy Year celebrating the 2000th asnniversary of the great apostle and preacher, Saint Paul who reminds us in the second reading for Ash Wednesday that "We are ambassadors for Christ."

✰ Young people share stories of encountering God in their lives in a nice article on four seniors from Akron high schools who spoke at the First Friday Club of Akron. There is a photo of the four accompanying the article. Stephanie Kettlinger, a Hoban senior and member of Nativity parish, says, "I do not talk much about my faith, but I try to live it out in my daily life."

✰ And finally there is the 2008 Cleveland Diocese Report to the Community, a pullout section, full of statistics and financial information. We list the pertinent information in four parts below. The financial report for parishes, including schools, shows income has dropped from $285,978 to $274,15 while expenses have risen from $270,114 to $278,177. The report for the diocese office shows income down from $20,644 to $15,536 while expenses are up from $14,497 to $15,226

Diocese Report 2008: Part 1 Statistics

This is one of four articles on the Cleveland Dioecase Report to the Community 2008. The full report is in this week's Universe Bulletin.

Size: 17th largest diocese in the United States. Founded: April 23, 1847
Area: 3,414 square miles. Includes eight counties: Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Summit (Akron), Lorain (Lorain-Elyria) Lake (Painesville), Geauga (Chardon), Medina (Medina),
Wayne (Wooster), and Ashland (Ashland)
Cathedral: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Established in 1848.

Catholic Schools:
Total schools 134
Elementary schools 112
Secondary schools 22
Preschool sites 69
Head Start sites 14

Enrollment in Parish Religious Education
Total enrollment 52,998
Pre-K students 2,852
K-8 students 35,147
High School students 13,804

Parish Catechetical Programs
Students Served 47,016
Volunteer Catechists 3,381
Generations of Faith Programs 49

Ministry Personnel
Active Diocesan Priests 257
Special Ministry Priests 32
Retired priests 96
Religious Order Priests 119
Brothers 53
Women Religious 1,109
Permanent Deacons 204
Certified Pastoral Ministers 263

Sacramental Services
Catholic Population Served in Diocese 753,255
Percentage of Catholics in the 8 counties 28%
Number of parishes 224
Number of nationality parishes 51
Number of infant/Child Baptisms in 2008 7,483
Number of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in 2008 1,289
Number of First Communions 9,734
Number of Confirmations 9,063
Number of Marriages 2,783
Number of Deaths 7,814

Catholic Charities
Individuals served by Catholic Charities Health and Human Services 299,861
Nights of Shelter provided 65,366
Meals served through Catholic Hunger and Shelter network 2,830,175
People treated for Chemical Dependency 2,321
Children participating in CYO athletics 29,559
Unemployed Persons Trained 1,310
Number of people whose emergency needs were met 32,525
Children with disabilities attending day camp 166

Diocese Report 2008: Part 2 Offertory

This is one of four articles on the Cleveland Dioecase Report to the Community 2008. The full report is in this week's Universe Bulletin.

Diocese of Cleveland Offertory Collections
Since 2000, parish offertory collections have grown a total of 11%. That is an annual growth rate of 1.4%. During these 8 years, parish expenses for utilities, maintenance, payroll, benefits, etc. have grown at a much faster average annual rate. For many parishes, the revenues are not keeping up with the growth in expenses. This modest growth in our parish offertory collections reflects the difficult economic times we continue to experience in Northeast Ohio. However, for 2008, parish offertory collections increased 2% over 2007, and almost 5% for the two years since 2006. Catholics are responding generously to the needs at many of our parishes.

Offertory Collections for fiscal years ended June 30
2000 $100,100,000
2001 $103,300,000
2002 $106,000,000
2003 $103,300,000
2004 $104,300,000
2005 $104,700,000
2006 $106,100,000
2007 $109,000,000
2008 $111,200,000
A few non-reporting parishes are estimated for this report.

Why Do We Have National and Designated Collections?
The Bishops of the United States and the Bishops of our Diocese have established national and designated collections to support the Church’s works of social justice, evangelization, and education, both domestically and around the globe. Through our parishes, every Catholic participates in a global community of faith. The national and designated collections are a powerful expression of this community. Our contributions help people across the street and around the world, people who struggle to practice the faith, people who live in great need. All these collections are worthy of support. Most of our parishes enthusiastically promote these national and designated collections with announcements, discussion and special envelopes. The Bishops of our Diocese and the Bishops of the entire global church are most grateful for this special generosity of the Diocese of Cleveland. [St. Paul collections added where known]

DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND NATIONAL AND DESIGNATED COLLECTIONS
Fiscal Years Ended June 30,................2008................... 2007,,,,,,,,,,St. Paul 2008
Holy Father........................................... .$109,800...............$114,600.............$626.50
Catholic Relief Services...................... $150,800...............$148,100.............$670
Newman Campus Ministry....... ...........$75,600................. $68,200...............$604
Catholic University............................... $65,500................. $61,400.............. .$359
Rice Bowl.............................................. $97,600..................$90,300
Holy Land/Good Friday....................... $203,300............... $170,100..............$977
Campaign for Human Development.. $153,800 ...............$163,700..............$1,108
Black & Native American Mission..... $87,900................. $84,500
Catholic Communications.................. $71,800................. $74,100.................$409
Retirement Fund for Religious........... $606,800 ,,,,,,,,,,,,..,$617,400...............$1,990
Church in Eastern Europe.................. $73,400 .................$77,600.................$442
Home Missions ...................................$106,400............... $87,900.................$622
Church in Latin America ....................$147,600............. ...$156,000...............$687
World Mission Sunday....................... $186,600 ...............$186,700................$787
Faith & Values Education Appeal ....$218,000.............. ..$275,500...............$897
TOTAL COLLECTIONS.................. $2,354,900........... ..$2,376,100