Please pray for our Confirmation candidates

Eighth Grade students are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, April 19, Confirmation candidates and their sponsors will attend a Retreat and Rehearsal at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

Members of St. Paul Parish are asked to support the Confirmation candidates through prayer to deepen their understanding and participation in their Catholic faith.

You can find a prayer card with a Confirmation candidate’s name from the baskets on tables in the back of the church.

Prayer for Confirmation Candidate

God the Father, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the Spirh'of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and reverence.

Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Catholics find issues morally acceptable

Despite the Catholic Church's official opposition to abortion and embryonic stem-cell research, a Gallup analysis finds almost no difference between rank-and-file American Catholics and American non-Catholics in terms of finding the two issues morally acceptable.

An analysis of Gallup surveys conducted in 2006, 2007, and 2008 has found that Catholics are more likely to believe that abortion, sexual relations between unmarried people, divorce, embryonic stem cell research, and homosexual relations are morally acceptable than are non-Catholics. Although practicing Catholics are more likely than the non-Catholic population as a whole to adhere to Catholic and traditional Christian teaching on these matters, they are less likely to believe these acts are immoral than are non-Catholics who attend church regularly. For example, 53% of Catholics who attend church regularly believe that sexual relations between unmarried people is morally acceptable-- compared to 30% of non-Catholics who attend church regularly.

The accompanying chart shows the percentage of Catholics and non-Catholics who find each of the moral issues morally acceptable. Catholics are at least slightly more liberal than non-Catholics on the issues of gambling (an issue to which the Catholic church is not totally opposed), sex between an unmarried man and woman, homosexual relations, and having a baby out of wedlock. Catholics are essentially tied with non-Catholics on the moral acceptability of abortion, divorce, and stem-cell research using human embryos. Only on the death penalty are Catholics slightly less likely than non-Catholics to find the issue morally acceptable.

Click on the headline to read the complete report.

Boosters present $5,000 check to Fr. Thomas

From left are Fr. Thomas (with check) Tony Bachmann, Jo Shoup, Jill Joyner,

Theresa Garey and John Garey. In back are Gerard Colant and Christy Breiding

St. Paul Booster Club presented a check for $5,000, profit from the Reverse Raffle, to Fr. Ralph Thomas to offset cost of utilities on John Jenkins Gym. The check was presented at the meeting of the club on Sunday evening in Boeke Hall.

The club discussed a plan to have back-to-back meetings of the PTO and Booster Club to make it more convenient for those who need to attend both. Meetings of both generally last about a half-hour so they could easly be held the same evening one after the other.

The club also is planning an outdoor social on June 7 along Greenlawn. The club will be one of the hosts for the third year for the LeBron James Classic on April 24-25. Volunteers are needed for concessions, ticket takers and scorers.

Volunteers also are needed to help with gym cleanup for all volleyball games and cleanup the week of April 13-17.

Signups for all 2009/2010 sports will be May 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and May 20 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Gerard Colant reported 146 numbers sold for 2009 and "300" Club numbers are still available.

Winners for March are:"

93 Pat DeShane

42 Tim &Teresa Lloyd

163 John Morrison

118 David & Susan Maple

143 Jeff & Mary Markowski

Grade 4 shows off Ohio barn display

The halls outside Grade 4 at St. Paul once again are filled with replicas of Bicentennial Barns from Ohio counties. Students crafted the barns as part of a social studies project. Each student also compiled a report providing information about the county. The Ohio Bicentennial Commission's barn painting program started as a unique means of getting free, highly visible advertising. It grew into a cultural phenomenon, with nearly 2,000 Ohio barn owners volunteering their barns for painting, and scores of people traveling across the state to visit as many of the barns as possible. By September 2002, artist Scott Hagan completed his five-year mission of painting the Bicentennial logo on at least one barn in each of the 88 counties. If you are interested in the Bicentennial barns, click on the headline to go to a website which shows barns in each of the counties.

Get your schedule of volleyball games

The Spring 2009 volleyball schedule is now available to download from our file storage area. Just click on the headline to go to the file and save it to your computer.

The St. Paul Booster Club is encouraging all parishioners–not just parents of players–to attend the games to ecourage our youth.

To encourage attendance at least at the games played in our own John Jenkins Gym we are listing the home games below. If you are unable for some reason to download the complete schedule, you will also find a copy posted on the kiosk in the narthex of the church after Friday this week.

Here are the home games:

Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. Grade 5 vs. Seton
Thursday, April 2 at 6 p.m. Grade 3 vs. St. Matthew
Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. Adults vs. St. Hilary
Thursday, April 2 at 8:30 p.m. Adults vs. Holy Family
Saturday, April 4 at 9:45 a.m. Grade 6 vs. St. Patrick
Saturday, April 4 at 10;30 a.m. Grade 6 vs. Sacred Heart
Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. Grade 5 vs. St. Anthony
Saturday, April 18, at 9 a.m. Grade 6 vs. Sacred Heart
Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m. Grade 6 vs. St. Matthew
Saturday April 18 at 11:15 a.m. Grade 6 vs. North Akron Catholic
Saturday, April 18 at 12:45 p.m. Grade 6 vs. St. Joseph
Saturday, April 18 at 1:30 p.m. Grade 5 vs. Canton St. Paul
Saturday, April 21 at 6 p.m. Grade 5 vs. St. Joseph

Talented cast wows Willy Wonka audience

[A similar story appears on the parish website. Click the link at left to the parish website.]

St. Paul Drama Club crowned assistant director Jud Hartmen as King of the Willy Wonka Jr. production for his work on choreography at Saturday night’s show in the Parish Activity Center. Mrs. Janet Hazlett is play director and Drama Club advisor.

At least 150 purchased tickets each of the first two nights of the play, not including complimentary ticket holders. The final performance will be at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The green-haired Oompa Loompa singers and dancers were evidence of Hartman’s efforts on the production. A special black light scene also provided a nice visual effect.

Brianna Motley’s singing of the “Candy Man” was outstanding.

Erin Liggett as Willy Wonka and Marco Colant as Charlie Bucket led the audience almost effortlessly through scenes with each of the golden ticket holders who all performed well. The four in addition to Charlie Bucket were:

✰ Angie Miller as overeater Augustus Gloop with Jacqueline Wammes as Mrs. Gloop,

✰ Hannah Horrigan as gum-chewing Violet Beauregard with Jamie Dean as Mrs. Beauregard.

✰ Noelle Colant as spoiled brat Veruca Salt with Abby Pilgrim as Mrs. Salt.

✰ Emily Roberts as Mike Teavee with Kendra Alexander as Ms. Teavee

Alyse Bachmann as reporter Phineas Trout introduced each of the ticket holders.

Charlie Bucket’s family included Matt Kannel and Gabrielle Kapper as Mr.and Mrs. Bucket, Kristin Walker as Grandma Josephina, Lexi Krim as Grandma Georgina, Nick McInturff as Grandpa George, and Trevor Ellis as Grandpa Joe.

Other roles include Sean Horrigan as James, Sierra Robisnon as Matilda, Jaclynn Wood as Sophie; Lexi Chisholm as Danny, Faith Chrostoski as Alfie and Ally Bachman as Billie, Sara Broadbent as Candyman Kid; Lexi Chisholm as cook. Squirrels were Claire Fatica, Sam Giffins, Cameron Krim, Regina Neugebauer, Maddie Peters , Michael Sartoski and Kaiti Thomas.

Oompa Loompa dancers included Sami Woodill, Shannon Lloyd, Isabelle Miller, Cynthia Preston, Haley Boatwright, Ryan Canan, Allie Joyner, Sam Smith, Calista Sokolowsi and Kyle Walker.

The crew include Mrs. Hazlett, director, Hartman, assistant director, assistants Sean Collins, Mrs. Teresa Lloyd and Mrs. Ann Wright; musical and technical directors Tim Longfellow and Tom Liggett; set coordinators Mrs. Jeanette Michel and Ms. Maggie Walker, set designers Aaron Abernathy, Michael Riegger, Miss Shannon Hite and Miss Erica Hathaway and volunteer coordinators Betsy Roberts and Rikki Hoirrigan.

Cameras and camcorders were discouraged at the show but Mrs. Julie Gabelman shot many dress rehearsal photos which will be given to each of the 50 some cast members on a CD.

It's Happening at St. Paul

SUNDAY, March 29 Fifth Sunday of Lent
PSR classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Parish Activity Center.
No Coffee and Donuts.
Drama Club presentation of Wily Wonka Jr. at 2 p.m.. in Parish Activity Center. This is final performance.
Booster Club will meet at 7 p.m. in Boeke Hall

TUESDAY, March 31
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.
Girl Scout Troop 1080 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Reconciliation 5 to 6 p.m.
Adult Choir practice at 7 p.m. in the music room
RCIA at 7 p.m. in Room 111

WEDNESDAY, April 1
Stations of Cross by Men’s Catholic Fellowship at 7 p.m.
Scripture study at 9 a.m. in Room 111
Stations of Cross at 2 p.m.
Lenten Soup Supper at 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall
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
Market Day Pickup at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall
Bible study in rectory at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Ladies Guild Silver Tea honoring past presidents and sacristans. All women of the parish are welcome.
Stewardship Committee will meet at 7 p.m. in Room 111
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Ladies Guild Bake Sale in narthex after Mass.

SUNDAY, April 5 Palm Sunday
PSR classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Parish Activity Center.
Ladies Guild Bake Sale in narthex after both Masses
Social Justice meeting at 12;15 p.m. in Room 111.
Confirmation Retreat at 12;30 p.m.in church.
Traveling Rosary for World Peace will be at 2:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 2100 Sixteenth St., Kenmore.

Grieving provides sad story of parish closings

Some churchgoers are grieving so much at the closing of their parish that they are writing personal protest letters to Bishop Richard Lennon and returning their offertory envelopes. One man even said he is on the verge of leaving the church.

Comments of a few of them were enough to provide a 29-paragraph story by Beacon Journal religion writer Colette M. Jenkins in today’s newspaper which included a photo of one member of St. John the Baptist.

He is the individual who said he has not set foot inside his church since the closing announcement and wrote “refused” on his offertory enevelopes and turned them in. He said “96 per cent of me wants to leave the church, but the other 4 percent is keeping me at Sacred Heart “ where he has been going since the closing announcement. Sacred Heart also will be closing.

A woman from St. John said she and others plan to just put a penny in their envelopes.
Also quoted in the story are three other parishioners, one each from St. Martha, Christ the Kng and St. Mary.

Click on the headline to read the full story.

128 rolls prepared for holiday bake sale.

Twenty women from St. Paul Ladies Guild brought their baking pans and nut-roll making skills to Boeke Hall on Saturday to prepare for a bake sale in the narhex after all Masses on Palm Sunday weekend.

The ladies brought all the ingredients together to turn out 128 rolls. Baking nut rolls for the holidays is a Ladies Guild tradition that is 15 to 20 years old.


Dough is rolled out, walnuts added and the rolls rise and then are placed in the oven in baking pans. Each woman brought baking pans from home. After they are taken from the oven, the rolls are then placed on plates to be refrigerated until ready for sale.

Kindergarten student Jessie Matusicky shows how you roll out the dough. Jessie joined her mother, Karen, and grandmother, Sandi Denholm, to help with the roll making.

It takes a little bit of ingredients for 128 rolls. Terry Nesline, who coordinates the baking for the Guild, listed the ingredients used Saturday:

✿ 30 pounds of walnuts
✿ 4 pounds of flour
✿ 15 pounds of white sugar
✿ 10 pounds of brown sugar
✿ 12 pounds of margarine
✿ 5 dozen eggs
✿ 2 gallons of milk
✿ Vanilla

Click on the headline to see the women at work

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday
Mass 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Monday
Mass 7:00 a.m. & 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday
Mass 7:00 a.m.
Communion Service 8:30 a.m.
Mass 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday
Mass 7:00 a.m.
Communion Service 8:30 a.m.
Stations of the Cross 7:00 p.m.

Holy Thursday
Mass of the Lord's Supper 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday
Morning Prayer-Divine Office 9:00 a.m.
Prayer Service-Seven Last Words 12 noon
Reconciliation 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Stations of the Cross and Litany 3:00 p.m.
Veneration of the Cross 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Sacred Liturgy with Communion 7:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday
Blessing of Easter Food 12 noon
Vigil Mass of the Lord's Resurrection 9:00pm

Easter Sunday
Mass 7:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Please note that the Vigil Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection on Holy Saturday is changed to 9:00 p.m.

Mass Intentions March 28 - April 5

SATURDAY, March 28 Lenten Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Cleo Furry +

SUNDAY, March 29 Fifth Sunday of Lent
9:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
11:00am John Ferenczi + (anniv.)

MONDAY, March 30 Lenten Weekday
7:00am James Pillitiere + (anniv.)
8:30am Family of John Adams

TUESDAY, March 31 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Agnes Ruth +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion
6:00pm For Peace in the World

WEDNESDAY, April 1 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Josephine Pittinger +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

THURSDAY, April 2 Francis of Paola, hermit
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion
6:00pm For all the ill and homebound

FRIDAY, April 3 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Deceased of Grus & Vavro Families +

SATURDAY, April 4 Isidore, bishop, doctor
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Ken & Lorease Starcher +

SUNDAY, April 5 Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
9:00am Living & Deceased of St. Paul Parish
11:00am John & Stella Helon +

Willy Wonka Jr. ready for first performance

Willy Wonka Jr. cast on stage at final dress rehearsal (photo by Julie Gabelman)

Dress rehearsals can be grueling, but St. Paul Drama Club got through the final one for Willy Wonka Jr. after school Wednesday, posed for this cast photo and was ready to present its 2009 production for students on Thursday..

The three regular performances in the Parish Activity Center will be Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and are available at the door.

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.

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.

Click on the headline to see a few off-stage photos from Wednesday’s rehearsal. Click on the cast photo above for an enlarged view.

See our earlier post for information on the cast

Hi! I’m Veruca Salt

My famly has money. Whenever I want something, I want it NOW.

I really want you to come and see Willy Wonka Jr.

In real life I am Noelle Colant, member of the class of 2009.

I WILL see you at

Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory

Also known as the
Parish Activity Center

Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m
and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12 at the door

Mass for Mary Ann Gabelman is Friday

[She is the mother of Susan (Tom) Liggett, grandmother of Erin and Anna Liggett and aunt of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Gabelman of St. Paul Parish.]

Mary Ann Gabelman, 76, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 23, 2009 after a long illness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and one grandchild.

Mary Ann was a homemaker for 57 years. Also, she was a talented seamstress and a dedicated volunteer. Her clothing designs ranged from simple summer shorts, to exquisite prom dresses for her daughters, to a family baptismal gown that has been worn by many of her grandchildren. Each grandchild received a homemade quilt from Grandma on the day of their birth. She also helped design and sew costumes for many Hoban High School musical productions in the early 1980's. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church and belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society. Additionally, she was a long time volunteer at the Interval Brotherhood Home.

She leaves her children, Donald (Mary Alice), Robert (Kathleen), Patricia (Russ) Wilson, Mary Ellen (Rocky) Dysart, Catherine (Gil) Shepherd, and Susan (Tom) Liggett. She also leaves 15 grandchildren, Jared, Shiloh, Nathan, Angela, Hannah, Nicole, David, Kristina, Joshua, Jeremiah, Justin, Jonathan, Jordan, Erin, and Anna; and three great-grandchildren, Sabrea, Davis, and Daniel.

Also surviving is her faithful cat, Chloe, and many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church (2101 17th St. SW) followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.) prior to the Mass.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Chambrel at Montrose (especially the wonderful nurses and aides in Heatherwood Hall), and Hospice of Summa for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Mary Ann's memory with a donation to your favorite charity.

``May the Lord's face shine upon you, Mom, and give you peace forever."
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Wednesday, March 25, 2009, page B6. col.. 3 ]

Altar Servers for April

Saturday, April 4, 4:30
Jeremy Swords
Henry Riegger

Sunday, April 5, 9:00
Marco Colant
Sam Wilson

Sunday, April 5, 11:00
Isabelle Miller
Maddie Peters

Saturday, April 11, 8:00 Easter Vigil

Sunday, April 12, 9:00
Josh Garey
Sam Wilson

Sunday, April 12, 11:00
Jacqueline Wammes
Maddie Peters

Saturday, April 18, 4:30
Trevor Ellis
Henry Riegger

Sunday, April 19, 9:00
Marco Colant
Anna Liggett

Sunday, April 19, 11:00
Sierra Robinson
Jordan Johnson

Saturday, April 25, 4:30
Alyse Bachmann
Adam Bugajski

Sunday, April 26, 9:00
Erin Liggett
Anna Liggett

Sunday, April 26, 11:00
Emily Roberts
Jordan Johnson

If you are unable to serve at your scheduled Mass, please arrange for a substitute. Use your phone list to contact another server to ask them to substitute for you.

Hi! I’m Mike Teavee

Some people say I’m just a TV junky, but I also love video games, the Internet and any other mind-numbing technological device.

I’ll expect to see you at the St. Paul Drama Club production of Willy Wonka Jr. I do not know the word “no."

In real life I am Emily Roberts, member of the class of 2010

I will see you at

Willy Wonka's
Chocolate Factory

Also known as the
Parish Activity Center

Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m
and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12 at the door

Pope Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for April

General: That the Lord may bless the farmers with an abundant harvest and sensitise the richer populations to the drama of hunger in the world

Mission: That the Christians who work in areas where the conditions of the poor, the weak and the women and children are most tragic, may be signs of hope, thanks to their courageous testimony to the Gospel of solidarity and love.

Hi! I'm Violet Beauregard,
gum chewer extraordinaire from Snellville, Georgia. Mom is a geography teacher.

Look for me at the St. Paul Drama Club production of Willy Wonka Jr. I will probably be wearing a violet dress,

Blogger Note: Violet in real life is Hannah Horrigan, a member of the Class of 2009. You may remember her in a starring role as Annie in the 2007 Drama Club production.

Hope to see you at

Willy Wonka's
Chocolate Factory

Also known as the
Parish Activity Center

Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m
and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12 at the door

Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers for April

Lectors for April

Saturday 4:30 p.m. Darlene Musgrave
Sunday 9:00 a.m. Pat Rogaca
Sunday 11:00 a..m. Youth Lector

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for April

Saturday 4:30 p.m.
Robin DeFago
Carol Eich
Debbie Dodson
Kelly Dodson
Bob Kerr
Heather Lott
Denis Randall
Nancy Randall

Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Julia Gableman
Kathy Hausch
Nellie Kremer
Art Mileski
Rosemary Mileski
Suzanne Stanik ngie Roosa
Bob Roosa

Sunday 11:00 a.m.
John Amedeo
Ashley Barta
Brittany Barta
Karen Matusicky
Jeannette Michel
David Ruegg
Lori Wammes
Tod Wammes

A musical first for Summit South 6 cluster

St. Paul Adult Choir performs at Laetare Sunday program

Voices from four parishes joined together for a Laetare Sunday concert at St. Francis de Sales Church. It was the first joint program of the Summit South 6 Cluster.

The 50-voice combined choir, directed by Cleveland Orchestra Chorus veteran Michael J. Seredick, performed the Gloria by Vivaldi.

Ann Yu, 12-year-old violinist stole the show with an impeccable violin solo of Ave Maria by Bach-Gounod which received a standing ovation. The award-winning violinist is the daughter of St. Paul Adult Choir director Jin Yu and his wife, Ping.

Because they are the promise of our future the large contingent of strong voices of the Youth Choir of St. Francis deSale deserved much praise for their rendition of “Above All” by Michel W. Smith and “Written in Red” by Gordon Jensen. The choir is directed by Colleen McVicker.

St. Paul’s Adult Choir, though small in numbers (nine women and two men) provided a remarkable performance of “Celebrate God’s :Love” by Don Besig and Nancy Price. The choir is directed by Jin Yu who also was concert organist along with St. Paul’s Hiedi Guttermuth. Earlier at the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Paul, Jin Yu received accolades for this 23 years as director when he was called up on the altar by the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas.

Nativity’s Legacy enticed the audience to join in singing and clapping, especially when they introduce the familiar “How Great Thy Our.” The group, directed by Michael Miller, opened the program with “Agnus Dei” and “You are Holy” and closed with “How Great is Our God,” ‘King of Glory,’ and “Spirit in the Sky.” Miller and Bill Darby are vocalists and play guitar. Others are vocalists Larissa Parson and Jeanne Heitzenger, Ben Pollack, bass; Dan McGuire, drums and Matt Andreski, keys.

Bill and Laura Darby sang Panis Angelicus and Amy Fraleigh of St. Francis provided an organ prelude.

St. Paul’s Heidi Guttermuth was alto soloist and Aleta Killian and Laura Darby were soprano soloist for the Gloria program.

JoAnn Marcinkoski, Nativity Adult Choir director, directed rehearsals of the combined adult choirs and was responsbile for much or the program planning.

The Rev. Fr. David Bline, pastor of St. Francis, provide the opening prayer and welcome, and the Rev. Fr. David Halaiko, pastor of Nativity, provided closing remarks and the Blessing. Fr. Halaiko remarked that the performers and their efforts were a blessing to the cluster.

A song, it is said, is a loving prayer to God.

To learn more about violinist Ann Yu and director Seredick who is director of music at St. Gregory the Great in South Euclid, see our earlier post on the concert.



Also, please click on the headline above to see an an album of photos of the Laetare Sunday program.

Michael Seredick directs the combined adult choirs

Hi! I'm Augustus Gloop

I have the biggest part of anyone in
St. Paul Drama Club's production
of Willy Wonka Jr.

I star as Augustus Gloop, the overachieving eater who represents the evil of eating too much. Come to the play and you'll see what I mean.

In real life I am Angie Miller, Class of 2009.


Hope to see you at

Willy Wonka's
Chocolate Factory

Also known as the Parish Activity Center

Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m
and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12 at the door

Men's Fellowship to say Stations of Cross

Again this Lent, the St. Paul Men's Fellowship wil make the Stations of the Cross. The Stations will be said at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in the church.

All men, along with their sons and grandsons, are being asked to participate.

If you can help with the devotions, please call Ron McAvoy at 330-773-7389..

There are booklets in the church so parishioners can participate.

Shown here is an ink sketch of the path Jesus took on the way to the cross.

You can find many sites on the Internet with dixfferent versions of prayers for the Stations.
Here's a video version.

It's Happening at St. Paul

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

SUNDAY, March 22 Laetare Sunday (Middle of Lent)
PSR classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Parish Activity Center.
Coffee and donuts after Masses in Parish Activity Center
Joint Choir Concert of four parishes in Summit South District at 4 pm..at St. Francis de Sales Church, 4019 Manchester Rd. Admission to the concert is free although a donation of a non-perishable food item is encouraged.

MONDAY, March 23
Question and Answer session on the reconfiguration of parishes at 6:30 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 for prayer and Bible study in Room 111. The Bible study passage will be John 21: 1-18 The Empty Tomb

TUESDAY, March 24
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.
Girl Scout Troop 1080 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Reconciliation 5 to 6 p.m.
Adult Choir practice at 7 p.m. in the music room
RCIA at 7 p.m. in Room 111

WEDNESDAY, March 25 Feast of the Annunciation
Scripture study at 9 a.m. in Room 111
Stations of Cross at 2 p.m.
Lenten Soup Supper at 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall
St. Paul Letters discussion at 7 p.m. in church
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
Bible study in rectory at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, March 27
Student Mass at 8:30 a.m. planned by Shelly Pixler’s fifth grade
Drama Club presentation of Wily Wonka Jr. at 7 p.m. in Parish Activity Center

SATURDAY, March 28
Ladies Guild will meet at 9 a.m. in Boeke Hall for nut roll preparation
Reconciliation 3 to 4 p.m.
Drama Club presentation of Wily Wonka Jr. at 7 p.m. in Parish Activity Center

SUNDAY, March 29 Fifth Sunday of Lent
PSR classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Parish Activity Center.
Drama Club presentation of Wily Wonka Jr. at 2 p.m.. in Parish Activity Center
Booster Club will meet at 7 p.m. in Boeke Hall

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.

SOUP SUPPER AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST MARCH 28
There will be a Lenten Soup Supper at St. John the Baptist Church from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Cost is $3 per person

VATICAN EXHIBIT OF EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES IN MARCH / APRIL
Photographs and historical accounts of 126 Church-approved Eucharistc miracles in which our Lord revealed His true presence in the Eucharist will be on exhibit in Nolan Hall (lower level) at St. Joseph Church, 1761 2nd St., Cuyahoga Falls, on several weekends in March and April.. Exhibit times are: Friday, March 27 at 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday. March 28 at-3-6:30 p.m., Sunday, March 29 at 8:30 a.m.-2: p.m., Tuesday, March 31 at-6-9 p.m., Wednesday, Apri;l 1 at 9-11 a.m. and 6-9 p.m., Friday,. April 3 at 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday. April 4 at noon-6:30 p.m. and Sunday. April 5 at 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

‘BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY’ MARCH 28
The Christ Child Society of Akron will present “Breakfast with the Bunny” from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28, at St. Sebastian Church Zwisler Hall, 500 Mull Ave. Bunny breakfast will feature pancakes, eggs and sausage. There will be games, face painting, and photos with the Bunny. Each child who brings a small, unwrapped baby item will

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.

SUMMIT REGIONAL COUNCIL-NCCW RENEWAL DAY IS MARCH 31
The Annual Lenten Day of Renewal of the Summit Regional County of NCCW will be Tuesday, March 31, at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 West Market St., Registration begins at 9: a.m. with Mass at 9:30 a.m. Sister Catherine Walsh, C.S.A. will be the speaker and director for the day. Bring a rosary to be prayed before the conclusion at 3 p.m. A prepaid box lunch of either ham and Havarti cheese or smoked turkey and Swiss cheese will be served at noon. Please send reservations by March 25 to Carolyn Baird 2260 E. Gilwood Dr., Stow, OH 44224 and include choice of sandwich. Donation is $15 per person with checks payable to Summit Regional Council NCCW.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB TO HEAR ‘HEALING POWER OF SPIRITUALITY’ APRIL 3
The speaker for its April 3 noon luncheon of the First Friday Club of Akron will be be Nancy Kehoe, RSCJ, Ph.D. Her topic will be “The Healing Power of Spirituality.” Luncheons are at the Martin Center at the University of Akron, 107 Fir Hill. Reservations may be made by calling 330-535-7668 or send a check for $14 to First Friday Club of Greater Akron, 795 Russell Ave., Akron,OH 44307.

CYO GOLF OUTING AT DOYLESTOWN MAY 15
The CYO golf outing at Chippewa Golf Club at Doylestown is 18 holes of golf witj a shotgun start at 9 a.m. May 15. There is a continental breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, a dinner between 1 and 2 p.m. with a wrapup around 3;30 p.m.
Cost is $85 per golfer or $340 per foursome There will be a $10,000 Hole-In-One, Putting Contest, Skins & Mulligans, Great Raffle Prizes, Foursome Picture, Plus Prizes for: Longest and Shortest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt, and more.

50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT CATHEDRAL JULY 26
The annual 50h annual wedding anniversary celebration is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2009 at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Mass will be at 2:30 p.m.. Principal celebrant will be Bishop Richard G. Lennon. Reservations are being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1959). Couples who are celebrating other significant years 55 or over or have missed previous celebrations are welcome to register and attend. Please contact the tectory at 330-724-1263 for registration form.

News roundup on reconfiguration

Here’s a roundup of news this weekend on reconfiguration of parishes:

St. Paul Parish to have Q. & A. session.
A notice in the St. Paul Church bulletin this weekend announced: ”There will be an open Question and Answer session in the Parish Activity Center at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2009 to address our Cluster and the closing and merging of Akron parishes.”
A copy of Bishop Lennon's letter to our pastor is inserted in this weekend's bulletin. It was made available in our file storage area last weekend. See the letter.


St. Bernard Church to keep its name, Beacon Journal reports
Beacon Journal religion reporter Colette M. Jenkins, in a page 1 story on Saturday, reported that St. Bernard Church will keep its name although the name of the parish formed by the merger of St. Mary and St. Bernard will be something else.

“If the city of Akron had a Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Bernard would be it,” the lead of her story said.

''No other physical church building in Akron has the emotional feel or power,'' said the Rev. Clyde Foster, administrator at the church.

The names of church buildings will not be changed, Jenkins reported, but merging parishes must choose a distinct new name.

So, as Jenkins notes, you might be referring to names like “Holy Spirit Parish at St. Timothy Church” as in the case of one merger in Cleveland.

See the full story by Jenkins

Hospital chaplain ministry could be decided in May
The Rev. Fr. Robert E. Clancy, pastor of Sacred Heart Church on Grant Street, still does not know what will happen to him, but he reported in his regular column in the parish bulletin that priests from diocesan personnel who met with him Wednesday told him that help will arrive soon for the hospital ministry at Akron General Medical Center and Summa hospitals.

Fr. Clancy is the current chaplain at Akron General. There has not been a chaplain at Summa since Fr. James A. Berardi was forced to retire in December, 2007 for health reasons.

“They believed that the new priests would start their ministry around May and then my ministry would come to an end,.” Fr. Clancy wrote. The parish would then be responsible for his salary since Catholic Charities would no longer pay.

Fr. Clancy probably will be assigned as an assistant somewhere. It had been reported that he was being considered for the chaplaincy of Lake County hospitals, but after receiving a letter from the pastor’s physician they believed he could not be able to assume that assignment.

See his column from the church bulletin. .

Ladies Guild News gleaned from church bulletin

Meeting scheduled April 2 because of Holy Week
Due to Holy Week, the St. Paul Ladies Guild meeting will be Thursday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center. There will be a Silver Tea honoring past presidents and sacristans. All women of the parish are welcome.

Nut roll makers needed for Palm Sunday bake sale
Are you interested in learning how to make nut rolls? If so, call Terry Nesline at the rectory, 330-724-1263. The Ladies Guild will be making them on Saturday, March 28, at 9 a.m. in Boeke Hall. All ingredients will be provided and will be pre-measured and packaged. All women of the parish are welcome. The Guild will have a bake sale in the narthex the weekend of April 4-5 after all the Masses for sale of nut rolls and home-baked goods. Donations of baked goods are sought for the sale and can be dropped off in the narthex on Saturday, April 4, between noon and 3:p.m.

Mass Intentions March 21 - 29

SATURDAY, March 21 Lenten Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
John Kozma +

SUNDAY, March 22 Fourth Sunday of Lent
9:00am Russ Musarra +
11:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul

MONDAY, March 23 Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop
7:00am Agnes Ruth +
8:30am The Price Family

TUESDAY, March 24 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Mary Fanelly +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion
6:00pm For St. Paul Parish

WEDNESDAY, March 25 Annunciation of the Lord
7:00am For an Increase in Vocations
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

THURSDAY, March 26 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion
6:00pm Ruth DeGeorge +

FRIDAY, March 27 Lenten Weekday
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Alma Lewis +

SATURDAY, March 28 Lenten Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Cleo Flurry +

SUNDAY, March 29 Fifth Sunday of Lent
9:00am Living & Deceased of the Ladies Guild
11:00am John Ferenczi + (anniv.)

Parish to join fight against FOCA

St. Paul parish will be joining efforts to oppose the enactment of the Freedom of Choice Act

Tables will be set up in the narthex the last weekend in March and the first week of April.to sign postcards addressed to members of Congress urging them to oppose any attempt to enact a Freedom of Choice Act.

The U. S,. Conference of Bishops started waging a campaign in January

A blog post on January 9 urged viewers to send letters, faxes or emails to members of Congress and llisted contact information for senators Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich and 13th District Represenative Betty Suuton (Click on the headline above to see that post.) Several of our viewers who sent letters or faxes said they got a reply only from Voinovich.

The contact information is also available in an article headlined Ways you can fight the Freedom of Choice Act. on the parish website. See information.

Earlier this month this blog quoted Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) who said that the Freedom of Choice Act is among his priorities and will be introduced “sooner rather than later.” .

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is intended to enshrine abortion rights into federal law, protecting abortion in the event the Supreme Court overturns its ban on restrictive state abortion laws. The proposal has drawn intense Catholic opposition, with Catholic bishops worried the bill could threaten Catholic hospitals’ freedom to refuse to cooperate with or perform abortions.

There is a new radio show on WILB (AM 1060) in Canton called "Life Line" which is addressing life issues. The 30-minute show, produced by Living Bread Radio, airs on Saturdays at 11 a.m. Host of the show is Melinda Knight, director of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Ministry of the Youngstown Diocese.

Help needed for Confirmation, graduation

Help is needed for the Confirmation Reception and 8h grade graduation, PTO members were told Thursday night at the PTO meeting in Boeke Hall.

Confirmation will be Sunday, April 19. Graduation is June 3. Those wishing to help should contact Betsy Roberts.

The PTO approved spending of $200 for a helium tank refill. Members were told that the parish does not need help with school finances at this time.

Enrollment for next school year at St. Paul is about the same as this year, principal Rosemary Capotosto told the PTO.l.

Mrs. Capotosto also reported that Mrs. Jeanette Michel, third grade teacher, will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Report cards go home on Thursay, March 26. Spring Break begins on Friday, April 10. Classes resume on Monday April 20.

A report by treasuer Lori Wammes showing a balance of $24,313.61 was approved.

The Market Day $10 gift certificate was won by Tod Wammes. The next PTO meeting will be Xthursday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall

[Source: PTO minutes by secretary Carly LaPresta]

Mural proclaims Year of St. Paul

A black and white photo of the mural is on page 3

of the March 20 issue of the Universe Bulletin

A beautiful new “Year of St. Paul” mural is in place in the hallway opposite Room 111 in St. Paul School just in time for Lent.

Long-time parishioner Jim Vondemkamp came up with the design and spent more than 80 hours completing the mural. Curved lettering on the eight-foot wide mural proclaims “The Year of St. Paul.” . Below is a watercolor of St. Paul with scrolls on each side titled Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow and Forever. Scripture is contained in each scroll..

Our pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, wanted somethng to proclaim the year of St. Paul and asked catechetical leader Shelly Hertzig to work with Vondemkamp on the project. Vondempkamp came up with designs which were approved by Fr. Thomas and started to work.

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."

Here is the wording in each of the scrolls.

YESTERDAY So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away.. Behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

TODAY Romans - Let hope be sincere. . . love one another with mutual affection, anticipate one another in showing honor. (Romans 12: 9, 10)

TOMORROW For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were Baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves in Christ. (Galatians 3: 26-27)

FOREVER May the God of Peace who raised Jesus Our :Lord furnish you with all that is good through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever. (Hebrews 13: 20-22)

Spring arrives at 7:44 a.m.

Today at precisely 7:44 A.M. EDT , the sun will cross directly over the earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere or the beginning of Spring.

Spring is God's special time to renew His world.

Drama Club puts final touches on Willy Wonka

The St. Paul Drama Club put the final touches on their upcoming production of Willy Wonka Junior at a dress rehearsal Wednesday in the Parish Activity Center.

Erin Liggett will play Willy Wonka and Marco Colant will play Charlie Bucket. Erin starred as Annie in the club’s 2007 production of the little orphan classic and was Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical last year. Marco was the son of the Whoville mayor in Seussical.

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.

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.

Brianna Motley stars as the Candy Man in the St, Paul production.. The Oompa-Loompa Chorus features Sami Woodill, Shannon Lloyd, Isabelle Miller and Cindy Preston.

Others in the cast are:
Mrs. Bucket Gabby Kapper
Mr. Bucket Matt Kannel
Grandma Josephine Kristin Walker
Granma Georgina Lexi Krim
Grandpa George Nick McInturff
Grandpa Joe Trevor Ellis
James Sean Horrigan
Matilda Sierra Robinson
Phineas Trout Alyse Bachmann
Augustus Gloop Angie Miller
Mrs. Gloop Jacqueline Wammes
Veruca Salt Noelle Colant
Mr. Salt Abby Pilgram
Violet Beauregard Hannah Horrigan
Mrs. Beauregard Jamie Dean
Mike Teavee Emily Roberts
Ms. Teavee Kendra Alexander
Oompa-Loompas: Sam Smith, Allie Joyner, Ryan Canan, Calista Sokolowski,
Kylie Walker and Haley Boatwright
Additional Oompa's: Sean Horrigan, Sierra Robinson , Jaclynn Wood, Faith Chrostowski and Ally Bachmann
Candyman Kids
Sophie -- Jaclynn Wood
Danny--- Lexi Chisholm
Alfie---. Faith Chrostowski Billie--- Ally Bachmann Candyman Kid Chorus: Breanna S. J, Michael Sartowski, Kaiti Thomas, Cameron Krim, Maddie Peters, Regina Neugebauer, Samantha Gittins, Sara Broadbent and Claire Fatica,
Cooks: Breanna SJ, Kaiti Thomas, Lexi Chisholm, Maddie Peters, Claire Fatica and Regna Neubebauer.
Squirrels: Cameron Krim, Michael Sartowski, Samantha Giffins and Sara Broadbent.

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.

The play will be presented 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.

Click on the headline to see a photo album from the dress rehearsal.

Cardinal calls on Irish to rediscover their faith

ARMAGH, Ireland, Mar 17, 2009 (CNA).- The Archbishop of Armagh Cardinal Sean Brady has issued a St. Patrick’s Day message wishing a “happy and faith-filled” St. Patrick’s Day to celebrants. Noting the importance of the saint’s Christian faith, he expressed hopes that Irish people will rediscover the “joy and love” of faith.

“It is my very great pleasure on this our National Feastday to wish Irish people everywhere a very happy and faith-filled St. Patrick’s Day,” he wrote on Tuesday. “All over the world today, Irish men and women, and those who claim Irish descent, will gather to celebrate their identity and their heritage.”

Saying the feast unites Irish people all over the world, he commented that Patrick has become a symbol both of Irish history and of Irish heritage.

“But simply to reduce Patrick to a symbol of that kind, worthy as it may be, without any reference to his own Christian faith distorts the truth and in no way does justice to the real stature of the man,” Cardinal Brady said, warning celebrants not to lose the “real focus” amid the “music, parades and merriment.”

“We join together today not just to celebrate Irish culture and identity, but also to remember the man who described himself as an ambassador for God and who prayed that it might never happen that he, Patrick, should lose the people which God had won for himself at the end of the earth. Today we honor a man who nurtured and spread Christianity throughout our native land – setting down a strong foundation by building on the solid rock of steadfast faith.”

“My hope, on this St. Patrick’s Day, is that more and more Irish people, who have lost their connection with faith, will rediscover it and rediscover what St. Patrick called ‘the joy and love of faith’.”

St. Patrick founded the Archdiocese of Armagh around 445 A.D.

Cardinal Brady, his successor, then adopted as his own the prayer from St. Patrick’s Breastplate:

“Christ be in all hearts thinking about me
“Christ be on all tongues telling of me
“Christ be the vision in eyes that see me
“In ears that hear me
“Christ ever be.”

Top o' the morning to you

Wishing you the very best





And here's for you an Irish Blessing

May God give you:
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Click on the headline if you need to hear a lullaby


The 6 p.m. Mass today is in memory of Eliza Cotter who was born on St. Patrick's Day 1827 near Newry in County Armagh, Ireland.

Church to celebrate year for priests

VATICAN CITY (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI announced that the Church will celebrate a special year for priests beginning on June 19, 2009. The year will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean Vianney, Cure of Ars.

Tthe saintly 'Cure of Ars', Jean Marie Vianney, was a true example of a pastor at the service of Christ's flock," the pontiff said.

The Pope will inaugurate the Year on June 19 by presiding at Vespers in St. Peter's Basilica, where the relics of the 'Cure of Ars' will be brought for the occasion by Bishop Guy Bagnard of Belley-Ars, France.

During the course of the Year, Benedict XVI will proclaim St. Jean Marie Vianney as the patron saint of all the priests of the world. A "Directory for Confessors and Spiritual Directors" will also be published, as will a collection of texts by the Holy Father on essential aspects of the life and mission of priests in our time.

The year will close June 19, 2010, with Pope Benedict presiding at a "World Meeting of Priests" in St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father warned of the “dilution” of priestly ministry. He explained that the without priests, “there would be no Eucharist, no mission” or the Church. “It is necessary then, to ensure that 'new structures' or pastoral organizations are not planned for a time in which it will be possible to 'do without' ordained ministry, on the basis of an erroneous interpretation of the promotion of the laity, because this would lay the foundations for a further dilution in priestly ministry, and any supposed 'solutions' would, in fact, dramatically coincide with the real causes of the problems currently affecting the ministry."

Programs planned on coping with closings

Two one-day programs are scheduling on coping with parish closings and mergers.

Sr. Lynn Levo, CSJ, Director of Education at St. Luke’s Institute in Silver Springs, Maryland, will facilitate a one-day program on May 8 for those in ministry (priests, deacons, pastoral ministers, parish administrators) dealing with issues resulting from parish closings and mergers. This is the first of two special workshops. Sr. Levo comes with expertise in dealing with mergers of religious organizations. Sr. Levo will focus on the necessary transition that the priests, deacons, and
pastoral ministers must make for themselves in dealing with loss and entering the grieving process before they can help their parishioners.

Fr. Michael Weldon, OFM is Director of Spiritual Formation at Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wisconsin, will facilitate a one day program May 29 for those in ministry (priests, deacons, pastoral ministers, and parish administrators) to help provide strategies to help parishioners in consolidations and closings. Fr. Weldon comes with personal experience of having to merge parishes in San Francisco. Further information and flyers will be available on both programs at a later date.

Four Masses for St. Patrick in Firestone Park

Whether you are Irish or not, there will be .four Masses available in Firestone Park tomorrow.

The pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, announced today that an 8:30 a.m. Mass has been added at St. Paul for the feast day. There also will be Masses at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Originally there was to be a Communion Service at 8:30.

The Rev. Fr. Thomas McCann, pastor of Immaculate Hearth of Mary in Cuyahoga Falls, will be the celebrant for the St. Patrick’s Day Mass at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the Hibernian Club, 2000 Brown St. A corned beef and cabbage lunch will be available at noon. Food prices will be listed on the menu. Cost of admission to the club is $5 per person. A genuine Irish breakfast prepared by an Irish chef will be served at 7:30 a.m.

St. Paul also will have three Masses on Thursday for the feast day of St. Joseph. Masses will be at 7 a.m. , 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. St. Paul students will attend the 8:30 Mass. They ordinarily have a student Mass on Fridays.

Time to catch up with Roy Cain again

It has been more than a year since our last post on Roy Cain, who has been an active member of St. Paul Parish but can no longer attend Mass because of illness.

So it is way past time to stop by the Caring Bridge website which is in place to keep friends informed. By clicking on the headline above, you can go there now.

This is the photo of Roy from the website. A recent post to his site tells about an International Film Festival movie on Lyme disease. Roy and wife Karen and family are dutifully trying to pave the way on understanding and seeking treatment for Lyme disease.

By the way, you may have noticed a photo of son Bran R. Cain M.D. in an advertisement for Akron General Physician Netowrk family medicine physicians on the back page (page B8) of the Community section of Sunday’s Beacon Journal.

Bishop to meet with Summit pastors

Bishop Richard Lennon will meet with the pastors of closed parishes and two lay leaders on Wednesday, March 25, from 1 to 3 pm at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe. to discuss the implementation of the restructuring.

Here are excerpts from a letter to pastors of six Summit County parishes that will be closed or merged. Click on the headline to see the full letter or download a PDF copy from the diocesan website.

Having considered your proposed cluster plan and the consultation I received in the diocesan review process and from the Presbyteral Council, I now present my decisions
regarding consolidation as they affect Annunciation, St. Bernard, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, Sacred
Heart of Jesus and St. Matthew Parishes:
• St. Matthew Parish will continue.
• Annunciation and St. John the Baptist Parishes will merge, with the worship site at Annunciation.
• St. Bernard and St. Mary Parishes will merge, with the worship site at St. Bernard.
(See comment on schools below.)
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish will close.

[extraneous info omitted]

• I recognize how difficult it may be for the parishioners of Sacred Heart to leave their parish, and I respect how much this parish has meant to parishioners. As a diocese we are committed to assist parishioners from parishes that close or merge in being welcomed by the members of other parishes. It is my earnest hope that these parishioners will find and contribute to new life and vitality in their new parishes.

• I also recognize how difficult it may be for the parishioners of St. John the Baptist and St. Mary to leave their worship site. I believe the two parish mergers provide an opportunity for new life and revitalization that can bring together the experiences, resources and hopes of parishioners from each parish in creating a new community that fully embraces everyone. • The decisions support the ministry to the Hispanic community centered at St. Bernard, recognizing the need of their language and tradition to deepen their practice of the Catholic faith. The pastoral care of Hungarian and Slovak parishioners and their language needs will need to be considered.

Please know and make public that those who wish to appeal my decision may write to me giving reasons for their request that I revoke or emend the decision. In accord with Canon 1734.2, the petition must be made within the period of ten useful days from the legitimate notification of the decision, i.e. by 27 March.

Regarding the other issues and challenges in my 28 May 2007 letter:
• St. Matthew and the two newly merged parishes will need to collaborate in the areas stated in the plan regarding evangelization, community services and food programs that serve the surrounding neighborhoods, ministry to the homebound and nursing homes, youth ministry, ministry to senior citizens, wellness programs, adult faith formation, and sharing personnel as well as practices to improve financial stability. I appreciate the commitment to sustain a strong Catholic presence in downtown Akron and to explore collaborative possibilities with Catholic Charities. • Consideration will also need to be given to the possibility of enhancing service to the wider community through a Church in the City partnership developed on a cluster-cluster basis.

• I encourage the parishes to do all that is possible to engage all of the faithful in regularly attending the Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy. The celebration of the Mass according to the Church's teaching must be the priority in inviting people to the community of faith.

• St. Mary School will continue along with St. Matthew School at this time. At the very least, a clear visible model of inter-parish collaboration will be essential to sustaining the long term presence of Catholic schools. Further school planning will need to carefully address enrollment and financial trends, regional needs and opportunities, and possible consolidation to assure strong, stable schools. [extraneous information omitted]

As a first step in follow-up to this letter, I have scheduled a special diocesan meeting for the pastors, administrators and parish life coordinators from each parish that will close or merge, and two lay leaders whom they see as crucial to leading an effective transition process. The purpose of this meeting will be to be present together in this very challenging time, and to introduce resources to support the work that needs to be done. I will be present with Deacon Jim Armstrong and members of my staff to present the new Consolidation Manual and review the steps for closing and merging parishes. This meeting will be held on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe. For parishes closing or merging, please confirm your attendance by faxing the enclosed RSVP form to Deacon James Armstrong at 216-696-5824 by 20 March with the names of those who will attend. Attendance is required even if someone is appealing my decision.

Bishop's comments in letter to St. Paul

Here are Bishop Lennon's comments on the cluster plan submitted for the Summit South Six Cluster. Click on the headline to see the full letter sent to St. Paul.

• I appreciate the thoughtful development of this plan and the positive spirit and commitment to collaborate in providing good pastoral care. I also recognize the challenges presented by the distances between parishes.

• I affirm the continuing collaboration regarding communications among the parishes and the cluster newsletter, the priest and deacon rotation program and how it has been received, and the cooperation among the music directors

• I encourage the proposed future collaboration regarding faith formation and sacramental preparation, evangelization and community outreach, enrichment for liturgical ministers, and the careful thought given to details for evangelization through home visitation. I believe there is much potential in this latter initiative.

• It will be important that the above efforts will lead to enhancing participation in the Sunday Eucharistic liturgy. The celebration of the Mass according to the Church's teaching must be the priority in inviting people to the community of faith.

• With regard to community outreach and care for the poor, I would like to see further plans developed, possibly in partnership with parishes in adjacent clusters.

• Given the school enrollment trends and the related financial challenges, it will be important to address areas for possible collaboration. At the very least, a clear visible model of inter-parish collaboration will be essential to sustaining Catholic schools in the future. The Office of Catholic Education is available to further address these issues.

Diocese list of parish closings in Summit County

Here is the official list of parish closings in Summit County:

City of Akron

Annunciation 55 Broad St. [Merge w/St. John the Baptist-worship site at Annunciation]

Christ the King 1584 Creighton Ave. [Merge w/St. Martha-worship site at St. Martha--North Akron Catholic School remains open at Christ the King site]

Sacred Heart of Jesus 734 Grant St.

St. Bernard Broadway and E. State Sts. [Merge w/ St. Mary-worship site at St. Bernard]

St. Hedwig 213 East Glenwood Ave.

St. John the Baptist 1044 Brown St. [Merge w/Annunciation-worship site at Annunciation]

St. Martha 300 E. Tallmadge Ave. [Merge w/Christ the King-worship site at St.Martha]

St. Mary 750 South Main St. [Merge w/St. Bernard-worship site at St.Bernard]

City of Barberton
SS. Cyril & Methodius 183 – 15th St. NW

29 Parishes will close
18 mergers will involve 42 parishes
52 fewer parishes

For the complete list of parish closings in the diocese, click on the headline to download a nine-page PDF file from our file storage site. This is the official list from the Diocese.

6 parishes provided 602 years of worship

Six Catholic parishes in Summit County that will close or merge with others have provided a combined 602 years of worship for Catholics.

The oldest, St. Mary, has provided 122 years since 1887. It will merge with St. Bernard
St, Cyril and Methodius in Barberton, a Slovak parish, has provided 106 years since 1903. It will close.
St, Hedwig, a Polish parish, has provided 104 years since 1905 and will close.
St. John the Baptist, a Slovak parish that will merge with Annunciation, has provided 102 years since 1907.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Hungarian parish that will close, has provided 94 years since 1915.
Christ the King, which will merge with St, Martha, has provided 74 years since 1935.

A news release from the Diocese late Saturday evenjng noted that there will be 52 fewer parishes by June 30, 2010. Twenty-nine of the Diocese's 224 parishes will close, while 41 parishes have been instructed to merge with one or more neighboring parishes, resulting in the creation of 18 new, combined parishes - for a total net reduction of 52 parishes.

There was a wake on Grant Street

Members of Sacred Heart of Jesus finally got the word at the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday that their parish will be closed. They now face another long wait to learn what will happen to their pastor.

Two members of the Diocesan Personnel office will visit the rectory Tuesday to talk to the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Robert E. Clancy, about his future. The parish, however, will probably have to wait for a while to learn the results. The pastor will not be able to discuss his new assignment until it is announced officially.

“I told you I would be here until they turn the lights out,” he told the parish Saturday. “I think they owe me that much.”

It was not mentioned, but reassignment of Fr. Clancy may not be good news for others outside the parish. Fr. Clancy has been chaplain at Akron General Medical Center since June, 1989. That could mean that neither Akron hospital will have a chaplain on duty. Fr. James Berardi was forced to retire for health reasons as chaplain of Akron City Hospital in December, 2007.

Fr. Clancy, in reflections in this weekend’s church bulletin, mentioned the difficult times of 145 hospital employees who lost their jobs.

The pastor said it was not certain just when the parish would close, but said he hoped he could be there to celebrate the 35th anniversary of his ordination on June 8. He has been administrator at Sacred Heart since August, 1992 or almost 17 years. The Hungarian parish was established in 1915. Despite some illness, the 61-year-old priest makes his rounds at Akron General and celebrates Mass seven days a week.

The parish long ago had planned a party for Saturday. When they knew the letter announcing the fate of the parish would arrive the same day, they decided they would still have a party one way or another. There was a St. Patrick’s parade in downtown Akron on Saturday. On Grant Street it turned into a wake for Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish conducted by an Irish priest and members of the Hungarian parish he loves.

Click on the headline to see an album of photos from Saturday.