Anointed fill 12 pews to receive sacrament

Fr. Berardi anoints parishioner, Deacon Lonteen lays on hands.

Fr. Thomas anoints parishioners, Terry Nesline lays on hands.

The Rev. Fr. James Berardi and Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas anointed 12 pews of the faitfhful after the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 31, 2009.

Laying hands on parishiners duriong the Sacramendt of Anointing were Deacon Frankl Lonteen and parish adult mininstires leader Terry Neslihe.

Many Catholics still think of anointing of the sick by its previous name, extreme unction, a Sacrament given to those who were at the point of death. While we have become accustomed to the sacrament's new name, many Catholics still think of it as a private sacrament, administered by a priest to those gravely ill.

More and more parishes today are scheduling celebrations of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as a communal sacrament celebrated to its fullest.

The laying on of hands on the person to be anointed recalls Jesus own manner of healing:

"At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them" (Luke 4:40).

Then the priest makes the Sign of the Cross with the blessed oil on the sick person's forehead, saying:

"Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit."

Then the priest anoints the palms of the sick one's hands with the Sign of the Cross:

" May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."

A few quick photos from the class trip

A few quick photos of the Eighth Grade class trip to Columbus and Cincinnati.

Teachers are Sean Collins, eighth grade teacher Sarah Mizak and Jud Hartman.

The trio is Jamie Dean, Maggi Fattica and Gabby Kapper.

The two friends
are Erin Liggett
and Alyse
Bacxhmann

Erin Liggett photos

It’s Happening at St. Paul

Sunday, May 31 Pentecost Sunday
Booster Club meeting at 7 p.m. in Boeke Hall

Monday, June 1
Volleyball: Faculty vs. Eighth Grade at 1 p.m. in Jenkins Gym
SOLACE support group will meet at 7 p.m. in Parish Activity Center
Girl Scout Troop 456 will meet at 6 p.m. in school cafeteria.

Tuesday, June 2
Academic Achievement Awards breakfast at 8 a.m. in school cafeteria for all students who achieved in all four quarters.
Last day of school for kindergarten.
Eucharistic Adoration after 7 a.m. Mass.
Senior Prayer Hour at 1 p.m. in the Eucharistic Chapel
Adult Choir practice at 7 p.m. in music room

Wednesday, June 3
Last day of school for eighth graders. .Walk through and dismissal at 11 a.m.
Bible study at 9:15 : a.m. in Room 111
School Uniform Exchange from 2 to 6 p.m. in Parish Activity Center. Final exchange thil year.
Eighth Grade Graduation at 7 p.m. in the church with PTO reception to follow in Boeke Hall.
Bible study at 7 p.m. in the rectory

Thursday, June 4
Student Mass at 8:30 a.m.. followed by Academic Achievement Awards.
Last day of school for grades 1-7. Dismissal at noon.
Stewardship Committee will meet at 7 p.m. in Room 111.

Friday, June 5
Ladies Guild Rummage Sale noon to 6 p.m. in Parish Activity Center

Saturday, May 30
Ladies Guild Rummage Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Parish Activity Center

Sunday, June 6 Trinity Sunday
“300" Club Social for Members noon to 4 p.m. in South Parking Lot.

Donations for Ladies Guild Rummage Sale may be dropped off at the Parish Activity Center on Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.

See Datebook for other area events

Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers for June

Lectors for June:
Saturday 4:30 p.m. Patty Rinella
Sunday 9 a,m, Bernie Factor
Sunday 11 a.m. Youth Lector

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for June:

Saturday 4:30 p.m.	Sunday 9 a.m.	Sunday 11 a.m.
Sandy Bojo	Joe Denholm	Renee Amedeo
Debbie Dodson	Sandi Denholm	Ann Cafarelli
Kelly Dodson	Frank Lancianese	Julia Gabelman
Joanne Heffernan	Nancy Lancianese	Susie Gatian
Nancy Leiby	Liz Muntean	Kelly Reed
Denis Randall	Elannye Shoup	Debbie Starosto
Nancy Randall	John Woofter	Lori Wammes
Rita Zellefrow	Marilyn Woofter	Tod Wammes

News and reminders from this weekend's bulletin

July / December 2009 calendar items due
Every parish ministry, organization or activity chairperson should have received a letter requesting dates, times and rooms required for July-December 2009 for the Parish Calendar. Information is needed to coordinate all events and make sure everyone has facilities they need. If not previously submitted, all information must be delivered to the rectory as soon as possible. Someone from each activity / organization / ministry is urged to be at the Calendaring Meeting on Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Activity Center to review the rough calendar and finalize it for distribution. If there are questions, please contact the rectory at 330-724-1263.

Jubilee Celebration for Fr. Berardi is June 13
Fr. James Berardi's 50th Anniversary of Ordination was Saturday, May 23, 2009. The parish will celebrate his Jubilee at 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 14, followed by a reception in Boeke Hall. Please join us wishing Fr. Berardi God's blessings.

We are in need of appetizers and snacks for the reception for Fr. Berardi on June 14.. Any parishioner who able to help out by preparing an appetizer may bring it Boeke Hall on Saturday, June 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. If you have any questions please call the rectory 330-724-1263.


Ozanam Center seeks trucks for delivery
The Ozanam Center is still in need of volunteers with any kind of truck to pick up furniture approximately once a month in their area. . The response to the previous announcement of the need for furniture was wonderful, but the center still needs pickup help. If you are able to help, please call Cathie or Jim Perusck at 330-467-5762.

Pope Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for June

General: That international attention towards the poorer countries may give rise to more concrete help, in particular to relieve them of the crushing burden of foreign debt.

Mission: That the particular Churches operating in regions marked by violence may be sustained by the love and concrete closeness of all the Catholics in the world.

Mass Intentions May 30 - June 7

SATURDAY, May 30 Easter Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Sonya Walch +

SUNDAY, May 31 Pentecost Sunday
9:00am Patsy Fatica +
11 :00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul

MONDAY, June 1 Justin, martyr
7:00am Ed Fogarty + ..
8:30am Dorothy McGough +

TUESDAY, June 2 Marcellinus & Peter, martyrs
7:00am Josephine Pittinger +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

,WEDNESDAY, June 3 Charles Lwanga, martyr and his companions, martyrs
7:00am Joseph Lukacik +
8:30am Richard Dieringer +
7:00pm St. Paul Mass and Novena

THURSDAY, June 4 Weekday
7:00am Agnes Ruth +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

FRIDAY, June 5 Boniface, bishop & martyr
7 00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am John & Paul Biller +

SATURDAY, June 6 Norbert, bishop
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
50th Wedding Anniv. Dick & Pat Rinella

SUNDAY, June 7 The Most Holy TrinitY
9:00am Rose Dadich +
11 :00am Paul & Mary Fanelly +

Eight graders leave for class trip

Erin Liggett and Alyse Bachmann ready to board bus after storing bags

Sunrise was at 5:57 .a.m. Friday morning–only a few minutes before St. Paul eighth graders began arriving at school for their class trip to Columbus and Cincinnati. A half-hour later, about 6;30 a,m. .the Lakefront Lines tour bus pulled out of the South Parking Lot.

As each student arrived, they first went into the Parish Activity Center where their bags were checked by principal Rosemary Capotosto and eigth grade teacher Sarah Mizak. On hand to assist were teachers Sean Collins and Jud Hartman who made the trip with students. A number of chaperones also went on the trip conducted by Nowak Tour and Travel of Valley City.

The students are expected to return about 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

Click on the headline to see other photos.

See our earlier post for an itinerary of the class trip and link to check statius of time of return on Satirday evening.

Wanted: photos from Aeros game

If you attended the Aeros game with St. Paul Grades 3-4-5 and took some photographs, we would like to use some or them on the blog.

Send inrfo to hliggett@sgcglobal.net

Theology professor named Vatican ambassador

Miguel H. Diaz, a Hispanic Roman Catholic theologian who was an adviser to Barack Obama's presidential campaign, will be nominated to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the White House announced Wednesday.

Diaz, 45, an associate professor of theology at St. John's University and the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota, would be the first Hispanic to serve as ambassador to the Vatican since the United States and the Holy See established full diplomatic ties in 1984. Diaz was born in Havana.

The announcement comes in the same week Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools, to the Supreme Court. She would be the high court's first Hispanic justice.

The selection of a Vatican ambassador rarely attracts scrutiny. But Diaz's nomination comes as tensions run high in the U.S. church over Catholics' voice in the public square and the politics of abortion.

Obama's recent commencement speech and acceptance of an honorary degree at the University of Notre Dame — Diaz's alma mater and the nation's flagship Catholic university — provoked controversy and criticism from dozens of Catholic bishops because Obama's abortion stance clashes with a core church teaching.

The previous ambassador to the Vatican was Mary Ann Glendon, a Harvard University professor and conservative Catholic scholar with longtime Vatican ties. Glendon turned down Notre Dame's top honor, the Laetere Medal, because of the school's decision to honor Obama.

In an interview with Catholic News Service at Obama's inauguration, Diaz said he was looking forward "to moving beyond the politics of fear to the politics of hope." He said Obama was "committed to working" with people who defend "life in the womb" and deeply respects people who hold positions he does not agree with.

"Wherever we can, we should advance life at all stages," Diaz said.

Reached at his home Wednesday, Diaz read a brief statement expressing gratitude for the opportunity and saying, "I wish to be a diplomatic bridge between our nation and the Holy See, and if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, I will continue the work of my predecessors and build on 25 years of excellent relations with the Holy See."

He declined to answer questions about his positions on issues, saying it would be inappropriate before his confirmation hearing.

One potential point of conflict is Diaz's support for the nomination of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, a Catholic whose abortion rights record angered conservative Catholics. Diaz was among 26 Catholic leaders and scholars who signed a statement hailing Sebelius as "a woman of deep faith" and citing her a record on immigration, education, health care and reducing abortion rates in Kansas.

The son of a waiter and a data-entry operator, Diaz was the first person in his family to attend college. He taught religious studies and theology at Barry University, the University of Dayton and Notre Dame. From 2001 to 2003, he was academic dean at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla.

Diaz is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. He is past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, and a father of four.

According to public records, Diaz donated $1,000 to the Obama Victory Fund, a joint committee of Obama and the Democratic National Committee. He served on the Obama campaign's Catholic advisory board.

Diaz was far from the most visible — or controversial — Catholic to campaign for Obama. Douglas Kmiec, a Catholic law professor and former Reagan administration lawyer, was targeted by conservative Catholics and denied Communion by one priest for his support for Obama.

Kmiec, who was mentioned as a possible Vatican envoy, applauded the choice of Diaz on Wednesday, calling him "a gifted theologian and a natural teacher. And his love for the faith is unquestioned."

Cathleen Kaveny, a Notre Dame law and theology professor who also served on the Obama campaign's Catholic advisory committee, said it was significant Obama chose a theologian and a representative of one of the fastest growing demographics in the U.S. church, Hispanics.

"He is not a big donor, he's not a big professor," she said. "He's someone very knowledgeable about the Catholic tradition and Catholic theology. What you see is President Obama taking seriously not just Catholicism as a political force but as an intellectual force."

The advocacy groups Catholics United and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good issued statements Wednesday night praising the choice of Diaz.

Obama is scheduled to travel to Italy in July, and the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican would likely play a role in arranging a possible meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. Other shared interests between the U.S. and the Vatican include Middle East peace and relations with the Muslim world.

St. Paul Grade 4 Volleyball Team

First row: Jenna Garey, Olivia Hutchison, Lindsey Maple and Abby Lewis
Second row: Maris Sarlouis, Alyssa Eckman, Michelle Bojo, Michaeola Dornacik and Daisha Hawkins.
Coaches Michelle McGraw and Stacy Deluca.

Click on photo for better view

Finishing up the school year at St. Paul

The June newsletter of St. Paul School includes a farewell from Mrs. Rosemary Capotosto, the principal, and discusse proper dress and then the final programs for the year.

From the principal:
Here we are again at the end of another school year. Time sometimes moves too quickly, and other times seems to stand still. As we all move onward, I wish all of our Saint Paul Families the best for many years to come. May you find the peace and happiness that you all so rightly deserve. You have all become such a big part of my heart and my life, and I will miss each and everyone of you greatly. May you have an angel at all times by your side to guard you and guide you along the way. Good-bye and God bless you all. Thanks for these many years of support.
Gratefully,
Mrs. Capotosto

What to Wear
June 1,2,3: Appropriate shorts - to the knee and t-shirts. NO tank tops or camisoles. NO flip-flops or sandals. Girls may wear capris. Jean may also be worn.
June 4: Dress clothes - we will be going to Mass. NO shorts, jeans, tank tops or camisoles, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

The final programs

VOLLEYBALL GAME Monday. June 1: The faculty -vs- eighth grade volleyball game will be at 1 p.m. in the gym. Please join us!

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Tuesday, , June 2: Those students who will have made AAA all four quarters will be invited to a breakfast sponsored by the PTO at 8 a.m.

UNIFORM EXCHANGE Wednesday, June 3: Final uniform exchange of the school year from 2:to 6: p.m.. in the Parish Activity Center. If you would like to volunteer to set up or help, call Teresa Lloyd at 330724-0997.

GRADUATION Wednesday, June 3: Eighth Grade Graduation at 7 p.m, in the church. A reception will be given by the PTO in Boeke Hall after the ceremony.

Last Day of School
Kindergarten: Tuesday, June 2: Last day of school for students in Kindergarten
Eighth Grade: Wednesday, June 3: Last day of school for Eighth Graders Walk through and dismissal at 11 a.m..
Grades 1-7: Thursday, June 4: Last day of school for Grades 1 to 7. Dismissal at noon.
Mass at 8:30 a.m. Thursday . followed by Academic Achievement Awards.
Dismissal at Noon.

Elaine M. Barnes Mass is Thursday

Elaine M. Barnes (Peteya), 63, went home to be with the Lord on May 25, 2009 at the Hospice Care Center in Copley.

Born in Akron on November 25, 1945, Elaine had been a lifetime area resident. She was a graduate of Garfield High School and had worked for Isaly's Children's Hospital, Press Works, Chapman Printing, and Easter Seals. Elaine loved helping and spending time with family and friends, putting together jigsaw puzzles, watching movies, boat rides at Presque Isle, reading, and visiting London, England.

Elaine has touched, changed, and helped so many lives that she was an angel here on Earth and is now headed to become a true angel in heaven.

Elaine was preceded in death by her father, Vincent E. Peteya and companion, Buck Hartman. She is survived by her devoted mother, Mildred L. Peteya (Zupunsky); loving daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Bill Platten and son and daughter-in-law, John and Ruth Barnes; grandchildren, Lauren, Johnny, and Katrina; siblings, Edward (Edna) Peteya, Christine Deock, Vince J. (Deb) Peteya, and Paul (Teri) Peteya.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at The Hospice of VNS for making the last months of Elaine's life comfortable.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass celebrating Elaine's life will be offered Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church on Brown Street in Akron, where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in Elaine's memory may be made to the Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Copley, OH 44333. Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 330-724-1281, anthonyfh.com. ANTHONY FUNERAL HOMES
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Wednesday, May 27, 2009, page E6, col. 2 ]

Power of Holy Spirit to come down on us

Next Sunday is Pentecost (Whitsunday) which ranks with Christmas and Eastet among the great feasts of Christianity. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and Disciples. The Descent of the Holy Ghost came 50 days after the Resurrection on the ancient Jewish festvail called the "feast of weeks" or Pentecost. Pentecost is the Greek for "the fiftieth" (day after Easter)). Whitsunday is so-caled from the white garments which were worn by those who were baptized during the vigil.

After Jesus had ascended to heaven from Mt. Olivet, the apostles and disciples returned to the Holy City. They remained together in the Upper Room or Cenacle, the place where Jesus had appeared to them and which may well be called the first Christian church. About a hundred and twenty persons were assembled there. They chose Matthias as an apostle in place of the unhappy Judas; they prayed and waited for the Paraclete.

Ten days had passed, it was Sunday, the seventh Sunday after the resurrection. At about nine o'clock in the morning, as they were together praying fervently, the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Note how all the great theophanies in Christ's life occurred during the course of prayer. After His baptism, for instance, when Jesus was praying the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove; likewise, it was during prayer at night that the transfiguration took place on Tabor. Surely too it was while Mary was praying that Gabriel delivered his message, and the Holy Spirit overshadowed her. Pentecost followed precedent. The small community of Christians had prepared themselves through prayer for the coming of the Paraclete. The same is true at Mass today, every day; through prayer we ready our souls for the advent of the Spirit.

The descent upon the apostles was internal and invisible in nature although accompanied by certain visible phenomena. There came a mighty roar, like the onrush of a violent wind. It came suddenly, from heaven; but unlike storms that strike a structure from without, this one penetrated and filled the room where the disciples were gathered. Therefore it was not a natural wind, it was a miracle peculiar to the occasion. A second visible sign consisted in tongues of fire that descended upon each one present. These fiery tongues gave visible evidence that the Holy Spirit had descended upon them.

Sunday at Mass, particularly at holy Communion, the power of the Holy Spirit will come down upon us; fiery tongues will not be seen, but invisible tongues of fire will not be absent. There was still another external manifestation of the Holy Spirit; the apostles and disciples were enabled to speak various languages.

Large assembly attends Memorial Day Mass

Assembly for Memorial Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery

There was a large assembly for the Memorial Day Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard J. Lennon at Holy Cross Cemetery at 10 a,m, Monday, Tracing the origin or Memoria Day, Bishop Lennon noted that appreciaton of the day has enlarged to inclucd not only veterans but "for all our loved ones."

Bishop Lennon distributes Communion

Social for 300 Club members is June 7

There will be a social for members of the 300 Club on Sunday, Jun4 7, in the South Parking Lot.

Click on the graphic to read the flyer.

Akron Serra Club plans busy Summer

A Mass and dionner for newly-ordained preists, a talk by a newly-ordained deacon, a presentation on R.C.I.A., a proposal on liturgical dance and their annual picnic will keep members of the Akron Serra Club busy this Summer.

Here is the schedule:

Tuesday, May 26
Joe Ruby, St. Eugene Parish. will discuss that R.C.I.A. program

Monday, June 8
Five newly ordained priests and their families willl be honoroed at a Mass and Dinner on Monday, June 8, at the Center for Patoral Leadership in Wickliffer. Call Bob Rossley of Serra Lake/Geauga for info .440-352-2823.:

See earlier post on ordination which included Matt Pfeiffer of Holy Family Parish in Stow and Chris Trenta of St. Hilary of Fairlawn.

There will be no Akron Serra Club meeting that week.

Tuesday, June 23
Deacon Carl Winterich of St. Mary Parish in Hudson. Mr. . Winterich is one of nine ordained to the Permanent Diaconate by the Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon, Bishop of the Cleveland Diocese, on May 2 at St. John Cathedral..

Tuesday, July 14
Kathy Mihelick of Holy Family Parish in Stow. Her topic will be : “My Interaction with the National Conference of Catholic Bishops Regarding Liturgical Dance.” Mihelick would like to see dance incorporated in the liturgy..

Saturday, August 22
Annaul picnic at St. Parish Parish in Hudson stating with 5:30 p.m. Mass followed by potluck supper in the church hall.

Officers of the Serra Club of Akron are Ron McAvoy, president, St. Paul; John Pohlin, treasurer, St. Mary; Vic Dandrea, secretary, Holy Family; vice presidents: David Nesline, programs, St. Paul; Vocations, Ed Griffith, Hudson St. Mary; Membership, John Mihelick, Holiy Family, and Communications, Tom Giffels. Tr\ustees are Rudy DiDonato, St. Paul; Kathryn Mihelik, Holy Family, and Robert Maher, Hudson St. Mary.
The Rev. Fr, Ralph V. Coletta, retired pastor of St. John the Baptist, is chqplain.

The roster of 26 includes 9 from Holy Family, 4 from St. Sebastian, 3 each from Hudson St. Mary, St. Paul and St. Vincent, 2 from St. Euene and one each from St. Francis de Sales and Akron St. Mary. The members are:

Holy Family: Douglas Auckland, Albert A. Buehrle, Vic Dandrea, David Fetyko, Mary Ann Kolosi, John L. Mihelick, Kathryn Mihelick, Donald Sulak and Catherine Sulak
St. Eugene: Steve Dishauzi, Dennis Dunn
St. Francis de Sales: Dennis Murphy
St. Mary, Akron: John Ohlin
St. Mary, Hudson: Sam D. Bartlo, Edward Griffith, Robert J. Maher
St. Paul: Rudy DiDonato, Ronald McAvoy, David Nesline
St. Sebastian: Frank Flanagan, David Hilkert, Gerald Stitz and Ray Thomas
St. Vincent: Thomas E. Giffels, James T. Johnson, Philip S. Kaufmann

Senior prayer hour returns to 1 p.m. Tuesday

The Senior Prayer Hour is returning to its old time on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the church. The group has been meetingt at 11 a.m. during the morning Eucharistic Adoration,

Altar servers for June and July

Sunday, May 31 , 9:00	Michael Casalinuovo and Christopher Caslinuovo
Sunday, May 31, 11:00	Emily Roberts andf Jesse Bobbitt
Saturday, June 6, 4:30	Lindsey Maple and Ally Bachmann
Sunday, June 7, 9:00	Marco Colant and Ryan Canan
Sunday, June 7, 11:00	Sierra Robinson and Marcus Bender
Saturday, June 13, 4:30	Jeremy Swords and Sam Smith
Sunday, June 14, 9:00	Noelle Colant and Anna Liggett
Sunday, June 14, 11:00	Mikey Altomare and Paige Harbarger
Saturday, June 20, 4:30	Haley Boatwright and Adam Bugajski
Sunday, June 21, 9:00	Sam Wilson and Marco Colant
Sunday, June 21, 11:00	Maddie Peters and Yuri Henderson
Saturday, June 27, 4:30	Christopher Casalinuovo and Michael Casalinuovo
Sunday, June 28, 9:00	Ryan Canan and Ryan Testa
Sunday, June 28, 11:00	Scott Johnson and Isabelle Miller
Saturday, July 4, 4:30	Ally Bachmann and Lindsey Maple
Sunday, July 5, 9:00	Josh Garey and Sam Wilson
Sunday, July 5, 11:00	Jacqueline Wammes and Jesse Bobbitt
Saturday, July 11, 4:30	Jeremy Swords and Sam Smith
Sunday, July 12, 9:00	Anna Liggett and Marco Colant
Sunday, July 12, 11:00	Sierra Robinson\ and Paige Harbarger
Saturday, July 18, 4:30	Haley Boatwrigh and Adam Bugajski
Sunday, July 19, 9:00	Ryan Testa and Ryan Canan
Sunday, July 19, 11:00	Mikey Altomare and Marcus Bender
Saturday, July 25, 4:30	Lindsey Maple and Ally Bachmann
Sunday, July 26, 9:00	Sam Wilson and Marco Colant
Sunday, July 26, 11:00	Maddie Peters and Yuri Henderson

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 substitute for you

It's Happening at St. Paul

Monday, May 25 Memorial Day
No School
Memorial Day Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery with Bishop Richard Lennon as celebrant

Tuesday, May 26
Eucharistic Adoration
Senior Prayer Hour at 1 p.m. in the church (please note time change)
Girl Scout Troop 1080 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria
Adult Choir practice at 7 p.m. in music room

Wednesday, May 27
Bible study at 9:15 : a.m. in Room 111
Bible study at 7 p.m. in the rectory
Girl Scout Troop 360 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria

Thursday, May 28
Aeros Game field trip for grades 3-4-5 at 9 a.m.

Friday, May 29
Eight Grade leaves at 6:30 a.m. on class trip to Columbus and Cincinnati

Saturday, May 30
New Parishioner Registration after all Masses in the Narthex
Eighth Grade returns about 10;30 p.m. from class trip.

Sunday, May 31
Sacrament of Anointing at 10:10 a.m. after the 9 a.m. Mass. Please sit in every other pew in center sections.
New Parishioner Registration after all Masses in the Narthex
Booster Club meeting at 7:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall

Donations for Ladies Guild Rummage Sale may be dropped off at the Parish Activity Center on Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

See Datebook for other area events

News from this weekend's bulletin

Jubilee Celebration for Fr. Berardi
Fr. James Berardi’s 50th Anniversary of Ordination was Saturday, May 23, but the parish will celebrate his Golden Jubilee at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 14, followed by a reception in the Parish Activity Center. Please join us in wishing Fr. Berardi God’s blessings on this happy occasion.

Volunteers needed for School Cleanup
Volunteers are needed to help with cleaning classrooms and halls. in the school during the summer. Work involves moving desks, cleaning floors, repairs and other work necessary to prepare the school for next fall. If you able to lend us a hand or two, please call John Gless at the school 330-724-1263.

Hospitality Committee needs volunteers
Volunteers for St. Paul’s Hospitality Committee. If you can help with set-up, take-down, baking or any other talent that may be needed for parish events, please contact Marilyn Spiros at 330-773-2470 or the rectory at 330-724-1263. A list of volunteers is being compiled.

Take a chance on celebrating October 10
Our parish will be celebrating its 90th anniversary in October, 2009. Raffle tickets are on sale now for the drawing to take place on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at our celebration dinner. First prize is $1,000.00! Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. For tickets call Ron McAvoy 330-773-7389 or the rectory 330-724-1263.

New Parishioner Registration scheduled
There will be a new parishioner registration in the narthex after all Masses next weekend and on June 27 & 28, July 25 & 26, and August 29 & 30. Any adult 18 years and older may register at this time. Also, if you are not sure if you are registered we will be able to check your status on the roster at that time.

This is Knights of Columbus ‘Measure Up’ Weekend
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Fraternal Men’s Organization. South Akron Council #3410 represents St. Paul and other local parishes. They are active in raising funds for needy charities and worthy causes. They are also strong supporters of religious vocations. Members from Council #3410 will be in the narthex after all of the Masses this weekend handing out rulers and accepting donations for the annual Measure Up Campaign which supports mentally challenged citizens of Summit County. They will be wearing yellow vests. YOU CAN JOIN: Any Catholic men 18 years or older interested in joining the Knights, can obtain information and applications from Harry Vezzani..

Mass Intentions May 23-31

SATURDAY, May 23 Easter Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Larry Kalgreen +

SUNDAY, May 24 Seventh Sunday of Easter / Ascension of the Lord (celebrated)
9:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
11:00am Leopold DiDonato +

MONDAY, May 25 Bede the Venerable, priest & doctor; Gregory VII, pope
10:00am Dorothy McGough +

TUESDAY, May 26 Philip Neri, priest
7:00am For caregivers of the ill and homebound
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

WEDNESDAY, May 27 Augustine of Canterbury,bishop
7:00am For all who serve our country
8:30am Mary Basalla + and Family

THURSDAY, May 28 Easter Weekday
7:00am For the poor
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

FRIDAY, May 29 Easter Weekday
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am Steven Holbein +

SATURDAY, May 30 Easter Weekday
4:30pm Sunday Vigil
Sonya Walch +

SUNDAY, May 31 Pentecost Sunday
9:00am Patsy Fatica +
11:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul

Year-end dates announced at PTO session

Information on a number of year-end programs was announced by principal Rosemary Capotosto at the last meeting of the school year for St. Paul PTO in Boeke Hall Thursday night.

The Academic Achievement Awards Breakfast is Tuesday, June 2, at 8 a,m, Help is still needed.

The Eighth Grade Graduation and Reception will be Wednesday, June 3, at 7 p.m.

Dismissal time for the eighth grade on Wednesday is 11 a.m.

The last day of school is Thursday, June 4, with dismissal at noon.

There is no School Open House in August.

The Eighth Grade vs the Staff volleyball Game is Monday, June 1, at 1 p.m.

Mrs. Capotosto also reported that St. Paul has received a grant from GAR for tuition assistance.

She thanked all who helped and supported her while she was at St. Paul. She received a planter from the PTO

The PTO was told that It is still possible that the Parish may need some help with the school's finance.

Nominations are still being taken for the treasurer’s position.

The PTO approved $350 for the Teacher & Staff end of year breakfast.

Uniform Exchange will be on Wednesday, June 3 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.


The PTO also heard;

✤ The Spring Spectacular & Silent Auction took in around $23,500.

✤ Fun was had by all at the Invention Convention

✤ Thanks was given to all who helped with the First Communion Reception

Lori Wammes submitted the Treasurer's report showing a balance of $23, 970.06 which was approved.

The $10.00 Market Day gift certificate was won by Jo Shoup

The first PTO meeting of the 2009/2010 school year will be Thursday, September 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall

Class of 2009 dons mortar boards for Mass

Eighth grade students of St. Paul's Class of 2009 wore the traditional square mortar board graduation caps at the 8:30 a.m. Stiudent Mass this morning.

The class will be taking a trip to Columbus and Cincinnati on May 28-39 and will graduate Wednesday, June 3.

The Mass this morning was planned by Mrs. Shelly Pixler’s Grade 5 and Miss Mary Means’ Grade 2.

Display board explains
both mission and
character of
St. Paul School


This nice display board at the entrance to S. Paul Sdhol provides visitors at once the mission of the school and the character found within.

The mission of St. Paul School is
to live the love of God and the love
of neighbor while challenging each
person to readh academic, social,
and spiritual potential

Be it known to all who enter here...that Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever-present teacher in its classes, the model of its faculty, and the inspiration of its students.

Click on the photo for a better view.

First Grade enjoys trip to Cleveland Zoo

Mrs. Suzanne Inglis' first grade visited the Cleveland Zoon on Wednesdqy.

"We had a great time and enjoyed seeing the wolf we adopted with the proceeds from our popcorn sale," said Mrs. Inglis.

Click on the photo to see more photos provided by Mrs. Inglis..

First grade at Zoo

Grade 8 class trip is May 29-30

The St. Paul Class of 2009 will visit Columbus and Cincinnati on their class trip May 29-30.

The trip begins early in the morning. The eighth graders will report to school at 6 a,m, and leave for Columbus at 6:30 a.m. There will be a stop at a McDonald’s in Mansfield and the bus is scheduled to arrive at 9 a.m. for a 75-minute tour of the Ohio Supreme Court. They will have lunch at noon at the Columbus Convention Center and then have a guided tour of the American Whistle Factory.

After ths tour, students will arrive about 4:30 p.m. at the Easton Towne Center followed by dinner and a full hour of unlimited games at the Game Works from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.

The class will check into the Hyatt Place Blue Ash Hotel in Blue Ash around 9:15 p.m. for a one-night stay.

On Saturday, the students will get a wake up call at 7:30 a.m. and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. They will leave the hotel for Kings Island at 9 a,m. and have lunch there. They will leave King’s Island for home at 6 p.m. with dinner en route at Sunbury, OH. They are scheduled to arrive back at the school about 10:309 p.m.

The tour is arranged by Nowak Tour and Travel of Valley City, OH. Parents can get a more definite time on home arrival times by checking the firm’s website at
www.nowaktours.com Then click on “Tour Return Info”

Four reach 100 miles on Mileage Club

The St, Paul Milelage Club, conducted by physicial education instructor Christine Ehasz, is featured in a page of the 2009 school yearbok just out this week.

When the program started last October there were 22 students. The number of walkers quickly grew off the chart which has room to list the records of 70 students.

Cones are set up in a perimeter along the Jenkins Gym walls.. Students walk around the gym, keeping count of the number of times.

This photo from the yearbook shows four students who have walked 100 miles or more. They are Natalie Wammes, Amily Effler, Meredith Wammes and Adam Bugajski.

Adults have joined the St. Paul Mileage Club. Making the yearboojk page were Vi and Joe Peppano and Ellen Herman.

Greetings from the Parish

Blessings to our pastor

Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas

on his special day

Fifth grade enjoys two days at CYO Camp

Fifth grade at CYO Camp Christopher

Mrs. Shelly Pixler’s fifth grade class went to CYO Camp Christopher on Monday and Tuesday, May 11-12. “We had a great time learning about the environment and working together,” the teacher said. “We were there with four other schools and enjoyed making new friends.”

Fifth grade enjoying game at the net

Ascension to be celebrated Sunday

The Feast of the Ascension, the fortieth day after Easter Sunday, commemorates the Ascension of Christ into heaven. The feast falls on Thursday, but it will be celebrated on Sunday, May 24.

The Ascension is narrated in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

Although the place of the Ascension is not distinctly stated, it would appear from the Acts that it was Mount Olivet. Since after the Ascension the disciples are described as returning to Jerusalem from the mount that is called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, within a Sabbath day's journey. Tradition has consecrated this site as the Mount of Ascension

In the Eastern Church this feast was known as analepsis, the taking up, and also as the episozomene, the salvation, denoting that by ascending into His glory Christ completed the work of our redemption. The terms used in the West, ascensio and, occasionally, ascensa, signify that Christ was raised up by His own powers. Tradition designates Mount Olivet near Bethany as the place where Christ left the earth. The feast is one of the Ecumenical feasts ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter and of Pentecost among the most solemn in the calendar, has a vigil and, since the fifteenth century, an octave which is set apart for a novena of preparation for Pentecost, in accordance with the directions of Leo XIII.

The observance of this feast is of great antiquity. Although no documentary evidence of it exists prior to the beginning of the fifth century, St. Augustine says that it is of Apostolic origin, and he speaks of it in a way that shows it was the universal observance of the Church long before his time. Frequent mention of it is made in the writings of St. John Chrysostom, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and in the Constitution of the Apostles.\

[SourceL Catholic Encyclopedia]

Last PTO meeting of school year is Thursday

The last PTO meeting for the school year is Thursday, May 21st at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall.

Doll Lady's son speaks of Love

Deacon Raymond Herrick of St. Francis de Sales parish was a guest at the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Paul on Sunday, assisting the Rev. Fr. James Berardi.

Deacon Herrick gave a beautiful homily on “:Love” and recalled serving as an altar boy at St. Paul.

Pzrishioners should know that he is the son of the St. Paul “Doll Lady” fetured in an article on this blog on December 22, 2008. It’s a stpry of Emily Herrick, an amazing lady who has made more than 18,000 rag dolls she gives away to spread love with a year-round pasttime. Click on the headline if you want to recall the rest of her story.

Eighth Grade car wash makes over $700

Overall view of the car wash line

The St, Paul eighth grade made more than $700 on their car wash Sunday afternoon in the South Parking Lot. It was the last fund-raiser for the Class of 2009 before they leave for a class trip at the end of the month.

The promotion pitch was a freewill offering for the car wash with a free hotdog for customers.

All but three or four of the class members showed up for the work.

Click on the headline to see the nice job they were doing. The last four photos, including a group photo of the car wash gang, were provided by Jo Shoup.

Mothers were the guests at Sunday breakfast

The Mother-Daughter Breakfast of St. Paul Ladies Guild on Sunday was a hit as usual. Star of the breakfast in Boeke Hall again was Verna Fuller who at 98 was the oldest lady present. She was accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Barbara.




Fran Carver, age 90, was there with her family and showing off her two great-great grandchildren, Shianne Smith, 10, and Benjamin Criss, 7, brother and sister.

Elizabeth Ciborek was there with two daughters and there were several ladies with at least three grandchildren. While the ladies enjoyed breakfast, the men did the serving. There was a crew of 11. To see the crew and other photos from the breakfast, just click on this new photo of Verna.

It's Happening at St. Paul

Sunday, May 17
Ladies Guild Mother-Daughter Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Boeke Hal
Car Wash by Eighth Grade from 12:30 to 4 p.m. to raise funds for class trip.
Sale of free trade coffee, tea and cocoa after all Masses in the narthex.

Monday, May 18
SOLACE support group meets at 7 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.

Tuesday, May 19
Eucharistic Adoration 7:30 a.m. to noon
Senior Prayer Hour 11 a..m. in the church
Adult Choir practice at 7 p.m. in music room

Wednesday, May 20
First Grade trip to Cleveland Zoo
Bible study at 9:15 : a.m. in Room 111
Bible study at 7 p.m. in the rectory
Liturgy and Worship Committee at 7 p.m. in Room 111
Girl Scout Troop 360 will meet at 2:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Thursday, May 21
PTO meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall

Friday, May 22
Student Mass at 8:30 a.m. planned by Shelly Pixler’s Grade 5 and Miss Mary Means’ Grade 2.

Monday, May 25 Memorial Day
No school.

See Datebook for other area events

Gleaned from this weekend's bulletin

Help available on resumes, preparing for job interviews
For parishioners seeking assistance with preparing / revising your resume or in preparing for an interview, please call the rectory at 330-724-1263. Jason Ruegg, a parishioner, is available to meet with you to assist in preparing for or continuing your search for new employment. Jason has been involved in the Human Resources practices of interviewing and hiring for the past 10 years and works in resume preparation and interview coaching. He has offered his services as a volunteer, at no charge.

K. of C. Religious Appreciation Dinner is May 20
The third annual Religious Appreciation Dinner of the Knights of Columbus Council #3410 will be Wednesday, May 20, 2at the K of C Hall, 2055 Glenmount Ave. Tickets are $20. Cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Please call the office at 330-773-3410 or stop by, Monday hrough Friday between 10:a.m. and 2 p.m. for tickets or information.

Ladies Guild seeks rummage sale donations
Your trash can be someone else’s treasure! The St. Paul Ladies Guild will have a Rummage Sale in the Parish Activity Center on Friday, June 5, from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations for the rummage sale may be delivered to the Parish Activity Center on May 26, May 28 and June 2 from 4 to 7 p.m., May 30 and May 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and June 4 after 1 p.m. Questions, call Paula Adam 330-724-0351.

Wedding Anniversary Mass / Celebration is September 13
A Mass to honor couples married 25, 40, 50 years or more in the years 2006-2009 is set for
Sunday, September 13, at 2 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 1034 Brown St. . The Most Rev. Bishop Richard G. Lennon will be celebrant and Rev. Paul J. Rosing and Rev. Steven Brunovsky,spiritual director of Summit Regional Council of Catholic Women, will be concelebrants. There will be a cake and punch reception in the church hall afer Mass.. To request the form for an invitation to the celebration, contact Barb Schade, 303 N. Seneca St., Rittman, 330-925-9738

Anointing of the Sick scheduled after 9 a.m. Mass May 31
The Sacrament of Anointing will be administered at 10:10 a.m. following the 9 a.m. Mass Sunday, May 31. Anyone burdened with physical, mental or spiritual challenges is invited. Please sit in every other row, in the middle sections of the Church.

Save those books, CDs for June 27-28 sale
Save your used books, tapes, CD’s, and DVD’s for St. Paul’sr Used Book and Music Sale the weekend of June 27-28 in the Parish Activity Center. Volunteers are needed. If you can help, call Ron McAvoy at 330-773-7389.

PLEASE SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE IN CHURCH

Mass schedule for Wednesday changed

PLEASE NOTE: Father Ralph will be out of town this week so the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, May 20, is changed to a Morning Prayer and Communion Service. There wlll be a 7 a.m. Mass on Wednesday and all other Masses remain the same.

Mass Intentions May 16-24

SATURDAY, May 16 Easter Weekday
Sunday Vigil
4:30pm Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul

SUNDAY, May 17 Sixth Sunday of Easter
9:00am Steve Vavro, Jr. +
11:00am Johanna Sue Knepp +

MONDAY, May 18 pope & martyr
7:00am Forest Starn +
8:30am Steve Modzeleski +

TUESDAY, May 19 Easter Weekday
7:00am Joseph Lucacik +
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

WEDNESDAY, May 20 Bernardine of Siena, priest
7:00am For all who are unemployed
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

THURSDAY, May 21 Ascension of the Lord
7:00am For the ill and homebound
8:30am Morning Prayer and Communion

FRIDAY, May 22 Rita Cascia, religious
7:00am Morning Prayer and Communion
8:30am James Ehasz + (anniv.)

SATURDAY, May 23 Easter Weekday
Sunday Vigil
4:30pm Larry Kalgreen +

SUNDAY, May 24 Seventh Sunday of Easter / Ascension of the Lord (celebrated)
9:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
11:00am Leopold DiDonato+

Grade 8 car wash changed to Sunday

The St. Paul School's Class of 2009 car wash has been changed to Sunday. from 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the South Parking Lot. This will be the last fund-raising effort by the eighth graders to raise money for their class trip before leaving at the end of the month.

Students are busy making signs and collecting buckets, soap, sponges, wash cloths, beach towels and other items to provide parishioners with the best service

Freewill offering for car wash

Ann Yu performing with Akron Youth Symphony

If you heard Ann Yu on the violin at the Laetare Sunday Cluster Choir Concert you will enjoy this You Tube video of her performance with the Akron ^Youth Symphony at E. J. Thomas Hall on May 3 performing Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1

Ann is the daughter of St. Paul Adult Choir Director Jin Yu and wife Ping.

Scrollijng type on the video tells more about Ann.

Ladies Guild meets for annual May crowning

St. Paul Ladies Guild met in the church Thursday evening for the annual May crowning and installation of officers.

The ceremony opened with the singing of Immaculate Pary and opening prayers by Deacon Frank Lonteen. Sandi Denholm, first vice president of the Guild led the Rosary. She placed a boquet at the statue of the Blessed Virgin to begin the Rosary.

Five ladies then each placed a blue carnation in the vase as each led a decade of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary:
1, Judi Stoerkel
2. Dottie Thoerig
3. Karen Cain
4. Tina Merlitti
5. Rosemary Mileski
Daecon Lonteen then led the Litany of Loreto

Crowning the statue were Lucy Raso (left) and Patty Pokey

The ceremony closed with the Lord's Prayer
and blessing by Deacon Lonteen.

Officers of St. Paul Ladies Guild

Officers of St. Paul Ladies Guild (from left) are Paula Adam, president;
Sandi Denholm, first vice president; Tina Merlitti, second vice president;
Patty Hogue, secretary, and Judi Stoerkel, treasurer.

Officers of the St. Paul Ladies Guild were installed by Deacon Frank Lonteen following the Guild's annual May crowning ceremony in St. Paul Church. Church secrerary Patty Hogue joins the Guild officers this year as secretary.

Taking the oath as officers of St. Paul Ladies Guild are (from left) Tina Merlitti,

second vice president; Judi Stoerkel, treasurer; Patty Hogue, secretary;
Sandi Denholm, first vice president; and Paula Adam, president.

Mass to celebrate Bishop Pilla's jubilee

With gratitude to God, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated to mark the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of ordination to the priesthood of Bishop Anthony M. Pilla on Monday, June 1, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Cleveland.

The Mass will be followed by a public reception at One Cleveland Center (one block north of the Cathedral on E.Ninth Street). Please join in giving thanks to God for the many years of priestly ministry of our friend and shepherd, Bishop Pilla. Free parking is available.

Summit Regional Council officers installed

Holding candles at instillation are (rom left) Claire Harbarger, president; Sandi Denholm, second vice president; Barbara Mesko, treasurer; Patricia Gerber, assistant treasurer; Maggie Colant, corresponding secretary, and Fran Sawaya, first vice president
Click on the headline to see more photos of the installation

Officers of the Summit Regional Council of the National Council of Catholic Women were installed at a Mass at St. John the Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The Rev. Fr. Steven Brunovsky of St. Hilary Parish, the spiritual director of Summit Regional Council, was celebrant of the Mass and presided at the installation.

Officers installed in a candlelight ceremony were Claire Harbarger, president; Fran Sawaya, first vice president; Sandi Denholm, second vice president; Marie Hammer, recording secretary; Maggie Colant, corresponding secretary; Barbara Mesko, treasurer; Patricia Gerber, assistant treasurer;; and area representatives Jeanne Brookins, inter parochial; Diane Batyko, west; Carolyn Baird, central; Kathy Biecker, southwest, and Fran Sawaya, southeast.

The NCCW Combined Choir sang at the Mass. The choir is comprised of men and women from a dozen parishes. Parishes are Annunciation, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Nativity, Our Lady of Victory, Queen of Heaven, St. Andrew, St. Eugene, St. John the Baptist, St. Martha, St. Matthew, St. Paul and St. Sebastian. Marlene Dunsford is choir director; Nancy Sommer, organist; Norene Jones, soloist, and Mary Murphy, cantor.

The luncheon program at Guy’s Party Centre following the Mass featured a talk by
Sister Joan Radar O.P., Parish Life Coordinator at St. Ann in Rittman. spoke on

Her topic was“Hello God! Are You There? Musings of a Parish Life Coordinator.– Pastoral Leader / Servant Woman– in the Church Today.”.

Sr. Joan has been parish life coordinator at St. Ann since 2004. In her 55 years as a Dominician Sister she has served in four dioceses and 14 parishes so she brings much experience to her position at St. Ann.

Sr. Finds the work filled with challenge, change and enrichment. A pastoral coordinator looks after and tends to all that goes on in a parish. She is a shepherdess bringing the presence of God to the people, to the Church, and to the community. Her training and experience have empowered her to do God’s work for the building of the kingdom.

The luncheon committee was Darlene Allen, Carolyn Baird, Marlene Dunsford and Mary Ann Minrovic. The Rev. Fr. Paul Rosing, administrator at St. John and at Holy Family in Stow, gave the invocation and Fr, Brunovsky the benediction. The Rev. Fr,. Ralph Thomas, pastor of St. Paul, celebrated the Mass with Fr. Brunovsky.

Pope: Christians indispensable for Holy Land

NAZARETH, Israel, May 14, 2009 / 01:49 pm (CNA).- Wrapping up his time in Nazareth, Pope Benedict prayed in the grotto of the Basilica of the Annunciation and then met with bishops, priests and laity in the church. The Pope, reminding Christians of the power of the Annunciation despite its apparent insignificance, encouraged them to remain in the Holy Land, assuring them that they "have a part to play in God's plan for salvation."

"It is profoundly moving for me to be present with you today in the very place where the Word of God was made flesh and came to dwell among us," Benedict began, after having prayed Evening prayer with the faithful.

He noted that when the same Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation 'came upon Mary,' God permanently established a new relationship with us. But this narrative "illustrates God's extraordinary courtesy," since "He does not impose himself, he does not simply pre-determine the part that Mary will play in his plan for our salvation: he first seeks her consent."

Aware of the plight of the Christian community in the Holy Land, the Pope said, "when we reflect on this joyful mystery, it gives us hope, the sure hope that God will continue to reach into our history, to act with creative power so as to achieve goals which by human reckoning seem impossible."

"In the state of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Christians form a minority of the population. Perhaps at times you feel that your voice counts for little," the Holy Father surmised, while noting that their situation calls to mind the "young virgin Mary, who led a hidden life in Nazareth."

Christians in the Holy Land should draw strength from God as Mary did in her famous prayer the Magnificat, the Pope said.

"Have the confidence to be faithful to Christ and to remain here in the land that he sanctified with his own presence!" the Holy Father entreated his fellow Christians.

"Like Mary, you have a part to play in God's plan for salvation, by bringing Christ forth into the world, by bearing witness to him and spreading his message of peace and unity."

Benedict XVI finished his words to the crowd by calling on Christians to be unified in faith, hope and love and adding that he prays for them "constantly."

Catholic Charities to cut 55 jobs, merge CYO

Catholic Charities will trim 55 jobs, eliminate and scale back raises and merge two Summit County agencies in the coming months, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Included is the merger of CYO Community ;Services and Catholic Social Services in Summit County which could provide savings of: $400,000 in salaries -- ; more as services are combined.
.
These and other cost-cutting moves will help the nonprofit save about $4.5 million in a year.

"I'm pretty confident this will get us through Z009," said J. Thomas Mullen, Catholic Charities president and chief executive officer.

Mullen warned on Wednesday that "terrible choices" might loom for 20I0 and 2011 based on anticipated shortfalls in state and county budgets. , Catholic Charities receives about $65 million annually, or two-thirds of its budget, from governments. Mullen said the state's money woes could cause a domino effect that, for example, would reduce St. Augustine Health Campus' Medicald reimbursement by $1.3 million on July 1
.
Catholic Charities is an eight-county network of more than 160 health and human services programs. It employs about 1,550 people.

The organization will begin its reductions in June. They include:

✹ Not giving raises to management and administrative staff, and slashing hikes for
other employees from 3.5 to 2 percent. Savings $1.,2 million.

✹ Laying off 55 workers at its Parmadale treatment center for emotionally disturbed youth by September. Savings: $1.6 million. Parmadale opens a 36-bed facility this summer,, and·will close outdated buildings, eliminating utility and maintenance costs.
.
A.hiring freeze on all non-direct service employees will begin, saving. an. estimated $250,000. But the jobs of most staffers who provide direct services are protected. at least for now, in keeping with Catholic Charities' mission to ·serve society's most vulnerable people.

"You can’t freeze child care or nurses." Mullen said. ''You've got to take care of your clients."

Mullen acknowledged the organization might have a tough time. fulfilling Bishop Richard Lennon's promise that the diocese will try to replace: social service programs lost to parish closings.
. . . .
"The. bishop and' I will sit down and see· what we can and can't do. We can't do it all. I'll be honest about that," he.said.

Pope turns to Holy Family to inspire peace

NAZARETH, Israel, May 14, 2009 / 03:55 am (cna) - This morning in the town where Jesus was raised by Mary and Joseph, Pope Benedict XVI called upon Christians to learn from the virtues of the Holy Family and to heal divisions caused by tensions between Christians and Muslims.

The Holy Father was welcomed to Nazareth by Archbishop Elias Chacour, who told the Pope that the local church is “so encouraged” by his presence, and that they hope the late John Paul II will be canonized soon.

Pope Benedict noted that the local Church is celebrating the Year of the Family and prayed that the soon-to-be-built International Center for the Family will “promote strong family life in this region, offer support and assistance to families everywhere, and encourage them in their irreplaceable mission to society.”

Men and women of our time, the Pope said in his homily, need to follow the example of Joseph and Mary who, remained faithful for their whole lives, were “consecrated by the covenant of marriage” and were “accepting of God's gift of new life.”

“How much the men and women of our time need to reappropriate this fundamental truth, which stands at the foundation of society, and how important is the witness of married couples for the formation of sound consciences and the building of a civilization of love!” the Pope said.

Pope Benedict then reflected on the individual qualities of Mary, Jesus and Joseph.

“As we reflect on these realities here, in the town of the Annunciation, our thoughts naturally turn to Mary, 'full of grace,' the mother of the Holy Family and our Mother. Nazareth reminds us of our need to acknowledge and respect the God-given dignity and proper role of women, as well as their particular charisms and talents,” he said.

In particular, the Holy Father explained, “women have an indispensable role in creating that 'human ecology' which our world, and this land, so urgently needs: a milieu in which children learn to love and to cherish others, to be honest and respectful to all, to practice the virtues of mercy and forgiveness.”

St. Joseph's “strong and fatherly example” provides men with a model of the virtues of “manly piety, fidelity to one’s word, integrity and hard work,” said Benedict. In the carpenter of Nazareth, Jesus saw how “authority placed at the service of love is infinitely more fruitful than the power which seeks to dominate.