From: St. Paul TODAY

U.S. stamp to honor Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa and  legendary actress Katharine Hepburn,are among the subjects headlining the 2010 stamp program, the U.S. Postal Service announced today.

The stamp features a portrait of Mother Teresa painted by award-winning artist Thomas Blackshear II of
Colorado Springs, CO.

The U.S. Postal Service recognizes Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.  for her humanitarian work. Noted for her compassion toward the poor and suffering, Mother Teresa, an honorary U.S. citizen, served the sick and destitute of India and the world for nearly 50 years. Her humility and compassion, as well as her respect for the innate worth and dignity of humankind, inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to work on behalf of the world’s poorest populations.

Mother Teresa, an ethnic Albanian, was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on Aug. 26, 1910, in Skopje in what is now the Republic of Macedonia. Drawn to the religious life as a young girl, she left her home at the age of 18 to serve as a Roman Catholic missionary in India.

Following a divine inspiration and deeply moved by the poverty and suffering she saw in the streets of Calcutta, Mother Teresa left her teaching post at the convent in 1948 to devote herself completely to the city’s indigent residents. Two years later, she founded her own congregation, the Missionaries of Charity.

When Mother Teresa accepted the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize—one of her numerous honors and distinctions—she did so “in the name of the poor, the hungry, the sick and the lonely,” and convinced the organizers to donate to the needy the money normally used to fund the awards banquet. Well respected worldwide, she successfully urged many of the world’s business and political leaders to give their time and resources to help those in need. President Ronald Reagan presented Mother Teresa with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985, the same year she began work on behalf of AIDS sufferers in the U.S. and other countries. In 1997, Congress awarded Mother Teresa the Congressional Gold Medal for her “outstanding and enduring contributions through humanitarian and charitable activities.”

Mother Teresa died in Calcutta on September 5, 1997, and is buried there.   

Click on the headline to read about Katherine Hepcburn and other stamps.

Pope on Peace: Care for environment is key

“If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation,” writes Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the World Day of Peace.

The World Day of Peace is observed each year on January 1.

 “Our duties towards the environment flow from our duties towards the person,” the Pope writes. He explains that the degradation of the environment jeopardizes the welfare of the poor and especially of future generations. “A greater sense of inter-generational solidarity is urgently needed,” the Pope says. Warning that a lack of concern for the stewardship of creation is causing damage to the environment, the Holy Father points to “signs of a growing crisis which it would be irresponsible not to take seriously.” He writes:

    Prudence would thus dictate a profound, long-term review of our model of development, one which would take into consideration the meaning of the economy and its goals with an eye to correcting its malfunctions and misapplications. The ecological health of the planet calls for this, but it is also demanded by the cultural and moral crisis of humanity whose symptoms have for some time been evident in every part of the world.

The Pope cites several problems are evidence of a growing need to address environmental concerns: pollution and deforestation, the aggressive exploitation of natural resources found in impoverished countries, the conflict that have arisen over control of those resources, the spread of untrammeled consumerism, the appearance of “environmental refugees” who leave their homes to escape a degraded habitat. These problems, he said, are “ultimately also moral crises, and all of them are interrelated.”

     Click on the headline to see full text of Pope’s message.

The biggest Vatican stories of the decade

Read John Allen's article in the National Catholic Reporter.

The biggest Vatican stories of the decade | National Catholic Reporter

Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for January

Pope Benedict XVI's general prayer intention for January 2010 is: "That young people may learn to use modern means of social communication for their personal growth and to better prepare themselves to serve society".

 His mission intention is: "That every believer in Christ may be conscious that unity among all Christians is a condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel".

Mass for John Bird is Tuesday

"Big" John F. Bird, 67, was taken by the Lord suddenly on December 24, 2009.

He was a very avid fisherman, hunter, wood carver and lately flew model airplanes. He loved his hobbies as well as his dog Molly.

Preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Florence Bird; John is survived by his most loving wife,

Margaret R. (God's Angel); his brother, Joe (Mary) Bird; his sisters, Tari (Bob) Scharff and Denise (Vic) Capozzi; sister-in-law, Carol (Frank) Somodi; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends that he cherished so much, including special friends from Corsairs and Steinly's and the "Slovenian Princess." He was a stranger to no one.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Akron. Rev. Ralph Thomas celebrant. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Calling Hours Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church in Akron, St. Augustine Catholic Church in Barberton or the Charity of One's Choice.
    Silva-Hostetler Funeral Home 330-825-8700
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, December 27, 2009, page C4, col.3]

Renewing vows on Feast of Holy Family

Often throughout the year, couples at St. Paul renew their marriage vows. As a tribute to couples it is fitting to show one on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Family.  Renewing their vows  at the 4:30 p.m. Mass for their 35th anniversary were Ron and Rosemary Helon. St. Paul Deacon Frank Lonteen gave them a blessing. Ron is a lector and Rosemary distributed Communion for many years to patients at St. Thomas (Summa) Hospital.  They have three sons, Ryan of Columbus, Phillip of Copley and Matthew at home.  Rosemary Chini and Ron Helon were married December 21, 1974 in Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The Rev.  David  Kunkler  performed the ceremony.

New Year's holiday Masses

Thursday, December 31, 2009, New Year's Eve
6:00 p.m. Mass
Friday, January 1, 2010, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9:00 a.m. Mass
11:00 a.m. Mass

25,000 nuclear weapons on planet

When President Obama presided over the United Nations Security Council this fall to endorse a resolution to limit the spread of nuclear weapons, we saw a rare sight -- a sign of global leadership pointing humanity toward a new future of peace.  But while his words inspired hope, nothing has changed.  Nuclear weapons still abound -- we have 25,000 on the planet -- and the nuclear industry is

gathering its forces to keep the weapons in place.  If they get their way, they are guaranteed vast sums and we're consigned to being hostages to nuclear terrorism.  Obama called the next 12 months "pivotal," and he's right.  We have a small window of opportunity to push the agenda for peace.  Peace groups are calling us to flood the White House and Congress with letters urging that the vast sums spent on funding the nuclear industry be re-routed to help fund healthcare, education and environmental cleanup.  When we have leadership in the White House interested in nuclear disarmament, it's time for concerned citizens to step up their vocal support.  We need to educate ourselves and do whatever we can to pursue the vision of disarmament and nonviolence, and help the world move toward a harmonious day of peace.  For more information on this subject go to www.globalzero.org, www.nuclearrisister.org, www.paxchristiusa.org, www.ucsusa.org. and www.newamerica.net. Please pray daily to the God of Peace for the gift of a nuclear free world.

Pope Benedict XVI says Merry Christmas to world

VATICAN CITY (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI directed a message to the faithful and bestowed his Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter’s on Christmas Day. The Holy Father invited the communion of believers in Jesus to join in solidarity to confront the challenges offered by the world today.
The following is Pope Benedict’s address:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world, and all men and women, whom the Lord loves!
"Lux fulgebit hodie super nos,
quia natus est nobis Dominus.
A light will shine on us this day,
the Lord is born for us"
(Roman Missal, Christmas, Entrance Antiphon for the Mass at Dawn)
The liturgy of the Mass at Dawn reminded us that the night is now past, the day has begun; the light radiating from the cave of Bethlehem shines upon us.
The Bible and the Liturgy do not, however, speak to us about a natural light, but a different, special light, which is somehow directed to and focused upon "us", the same "us" for whom the Child of Bethlehem "is born". This "us" is the Church, the great universal family of those who believe in Christ, who have awaited in hope the new birth of the Saviour, and who today celebrate in mystery the perennial significance of this event.

At first, beside the manger in Bethlehem, that "us" was almost imperceptible to human eyes. As the Gospel of Saint Luke recounts, it included, in addition to Mary and Joseph, a few lowly shepherds who came to the cave after hearing the message of the Angels. The light of that first Christmas was like a fire kindled in the night. All about there was darkness, while in the cave there shone the true light "that enlightens every man" (Jn 1:9). And yet all this took place in simplicity and hiddenness, in the way that God works in all of salvation history. God loves to light little lights, so as then to illuminate vast spaces. Truth, and Love, which are its content, are kindled wherever the light is welcomed; they then radiate in concentric circles, as if by contact, in the hearts and minds of all those who, by opening themselves freely to its splendour, themselves become sources of light. Such is the history of the Church: she began her journey in the lowly cave of Bethlehem, and down the centuries she has become a People and a source of light for humanity. Today too, in those who encounter that Child, God still kindles fires in the night of the world, calling men and women everywhere to acknowledge in Jesus the "sign" of his saving and liberating presence and to extend the "us" of those who believe in Christ to the whole of mankind.

Wherever there is an "us" which welcomes God’s love, there the light of Christ shines forth, even in the most difficult situations. The Church, like the Virgin Mary, offers the world Jesus, the Son, whom she herself has received as a gift, the One who came to set mankind free from the slavery of sin. Like Mary, the Church does not fear, for that Child is her strength. But she does not keep him for herself: she offers him to all those who seek him with a sincere heart, to the earth’s lowly and afflicted, to the victims of violence, and to all who yearn for peace. Today too, on behalf of a human family profoundly affected by a grave financial crisis, yet even more by a moral crisis, and by the painful wounds of wars and conflicts, the Church, in faithful solidarity with mankind, repeats with the shepherds: "Let us go to Bethlehem" (Lk 2:15), for there we shall find our hope.

The "us" of the Church is alive in the place where Jesus was born, in the Holy Land, inviting its people to abandon every logic of violence and vengeance, and to engage with renewed vigour and generosity in the process which leads to peaceful coexistence. The "us" of the Church is present in the other countries of the Middle East. How can we forget the troubled situation in Iraq and the "little flock" of Christians which lives in the region? At times it is subject to violence and injustice, but it remains determined to make its own contribution to the building of a society opposed to the logic of conflict and the rejection of one’s neighbour. The "us" of the Church is active in Sri Lanka, in the Korean peninsula and in the Philippines, as well as in the other countries of Asia, as a leaven of reconciliation and peace. On the continent of Africa she does not cease to lift her voice to God, imploring an end to every injustice in the Democratic Republic of Congo; she invites the citizens of Guinea and Niger to respect for the rights of every person and to dialogue; she begs those of Madagascar to overcome their internal divisions and to be mutually accepting; and she reminds all men and women that they are called to hope, despite the tragedies, trials and difficulties which still afflict them. In Europe and North America, the "us" of the Church urges people to leave behind the selfish and technicist mentality, to advance the common good and to show respect for the persons who are most defenceless, starting with the unborn. In Honduras she is assisting in process of rebuilding institutions; throughout Latin America, the "us" of the Church is a source of identity, a fullness of truth and of charity which no ideology can replace, a summons to respect for the inalienable rights of each person and his or her integral development, a proclamation of justice and fraternity, a source of unity.

In fidelity to the mandate of her Founder, the Church shows solidarity with the victims of natural disasters and poverty, even within opulent societies. In the face of the exodus of all those who migrate from their homelands and are driven away by hunger, intolerance or environmental degradation, the Church is a presence calling others to an attitude of acceptance and welcome. In a word, the Church everywhere proclaims the Gospel of Christ, despite persecutions, discriminations, attacks and at times hostile indifference.

These, in fact, enable her to share the lot of her Master and Lord.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, how great a gift it is to be part of a communion which is open to everyone! It is the communion of the Most Holy Trinity, from whose heart Emmanuel, Jesus, "God with us", came into the world. Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, let us contemplate, filled with wonder and gratitude, this mystery of love and light! Happy Christmas to all!

The Urbi et Orbi blessing followed this address.  In this blessing, the Pope wished a Merry Christmas and proclaimed the birth of Christ in 66 languages.

Stopping by the crib on Christmas Day

Brian and Laura Diloreti stop by the Nativity scene in the narthex with their son, Joseph,

19 months,  to see the Babe in the manger who arrived for Christmas. The family was 
attending the 9 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day.

Pope unhurt after being knocked down

VATICAN CITY (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is unhurt after he was knocked down tonight as he entered St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate the Christmas vigil Mass, reports a Vatican spokesman.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, told reporters that an "apparently unbalanced" woman jumped the barriers and ran toward the Pope and knocked him to the ground as he walked down the main aisle toward the altar.

The woman also collided with Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, 87, who also fell to the ground.

The Holy Father, 82, got back on his feet quickly. When seeing that the Pontiff recovered, the thousands who had gathered in the basilica for Mass cheered.

Cardinal Etchegaray, who is the former president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, was taken to the hospital for a check-up.

The woman was seized by bodyguards and was arrested by the police and taken in for questioning.

The Christmas vigil Mass was celebrated for the first time in recent memory at 10 p.m., instead of at midnight, in an effort to make Christmas "a little less tiring for the Pope."

Pope Benedict XVI Christmas message

VATICAN CITY  Dec 24, 2009 (CNA).- During the Christmas Eve’s Mass celebrated at the Vatican Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a moving homily in which he regretted the evils of selfishness and invited Christians around the world to pray that Our Lord “may come to us each day.”

Click on the headline to read the full text.

There was 'no room in the church'

 

There was "no room in the church" at the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.  Parking lots were filled and ushers struggled to find seating for those arriving late.  Late arrivals took seats in the choir area. It was typical for the first Christmas Eve Mass.

 

Some stopped to view the traditional St. Paul Nativity scene which recalls the time when there was no room in the inn for the Holy Family. Lily Horton, 17 months old,  points to something she likes about it. She is with her mother Jen and father Rob Horton and her sister, Maddie Misanko, who is six years old.

Merry Christmas from Saint Paul TODAY

Christmas Prayer
Oh, God ...
help us rightly to remember
the birth of Jesus, that
we may share in the songs
of the angels, the gladness
of the shepherds, and the
worship of the wise men. 
 
May the Christmas morning
make us happy
to be your children.

            -Robert Louis Stevenson

TV Mass for shut-ins: Friday 6:30 a.m.

WJW-TV FOX8 will broadcast a special half-hour Christmas Day 'TV Mass' for the homebound members of the Catholic community in Northeast Ohio.  The Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon, Bishop, Diocese of Cleveland will be the 'TV Mass' celebrant.  This special 'TV Mass' will be broadcast at 6:30 a.m. on Friday.

Bishop Lennon: Merry Christmas for all

“Christmas and its message of Salvation will be truly merry when it is for everyone,” Bishop Richard G. Lennon said in his Christmas Message for 2009.

Touching on the Gospel passage for Christmas which describes how Jesus was born in a manger because there was “no room for them in the inn,” Bishop Lennon noted that in the new year “there will be extensive conversation about immigration reform.”

“Can anyone reading these words believe than an innkeeper who knew who was at his door looking for a room would deny such to the Savior, His Mother and foster father?” The bishop asked. “And yet today all too readily people who are looking for a better life for themselves and their families in new surroundings are finding signs of unwelcome, of ‘no room in the in’ confronthing them.”

The bishop concludes:

‘In light of our Lord’s teachings and the experience of our own country’s positive welcoming of the stranger through much of our history and ultimately the Message of Christmas which speaks of Salvation for our brothers and sisters looking to come to our country and for us, can we do nothing less than being involved in this work? Christmas and its message of Salvation will be truly merry when it is for everyone.”

Click on the headline to read the complete text.

A message from the pastor

Dear Parishioners and friends of our St. Paul Family,

As we celebrate the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, may his peace brighten your hearts and homes with many blessings. The Word Made Flesh calls us to become God's creation--we are called not only to give lovingly but also to be "love in deed and in truth."

May the love of God touch and bless you in this New Year.    

In the Peace of Christ,

NATIVITY OF THE LORD

It is Christmas and on a day as important as this one, God invites us to ponder the great, unfathomable mystery on which the whole world hinges: God will not settle for us being apart from him! In Jesus, we see God the Father extending his arm of salvation across the abyss of our sinfulness. And why? Just so that we might enter into a living relationship with him.

Jesus is the Word who tells us that our Father does not want eternity without us. His coming tells us of a Father's love that counts no cost too great for restoring us to himself. It tells us that we are valuable, that God loves us deeply, even that we brighten his day and give him joy.

It can be overwhelming-almost embarrassing-to consider how much the Father and the Son delight in you. But let this truth sink in. Don't shrug it off!  What God thinks about you is more important than what anybody else thinks. And incredible as it may seem, he loves you as his child and sees his own Son, "the light of the human race," dwelling in you (John 1:4). God is on your side He has planned that you should know him. He wants to surprise you with the knowledge that you belong to him, even if you feel you don't belong anywhere else in this world.

Today, let the Father tell you how much he loves you. If possible, spend time gazing at the Nativity scene. Ponder the greatness of God's design to unite you with himself. Welcome Jesus into the world and into your heart in a new way today, and thank him for being the Brother who delights in you.

New in this weekend's bulletin

Holy Cross to build new Mausoleum
Holy Cross Cemetery has announced plans to build the new Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum with many new entombment options. The new entombment opportunities at the proposed Holy Cross Mausoleum in Holy Cross Cemetery have just become available. A flyer outlining these new offerings is available by calling Holy Cross Cemetery at 330-724-1297.

Christmas concert at Blessed Trinity Church
There will be a Christmas concert by the North Hill Music Ministry at 3 p.m. Sunday (Decemer 27) at Blessed Trinity Church, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave. in  North Hill.  Blessed Trinity if the newly merged parishes of St. Martha, Christ the King and St. Hedwig.

A reminder if you are going into the hospital
There is a reminder from the rectory of the importance of  calling the rectory  when you or a family member will be in any hospital. Fr. Thomas can anoint and pray with you before you go into the hospital after Mass in the Church or by appointment in the rectory. The rectory phone number is 330-724-1263.

Thank you from Adult Ministry
THANK YOU to everyone who so generously donated to the Giving Tree this year. The response was wonderful. Thank you also to all the volunteers who helped to sort, organize, wrap and deliver all the gift bags and to June Riedtz fosr baking bread. The gifts are truly appreciated.                       Terry Nesline

Mass and Holy Hour for priests at Walsh
There is a Mass and Holy Hour for Priests every third Thursday at 7 p.m.at Walsh University's Chapel. The devotions are scheduled as part of the Year for Priests designated by Pope Benedict XVI.  Walsh Univeristy.  The university is in North Canton.  Click here for directions.

Church is decorated awaiting Christmas

It took women of the parish more than two hours Wednesday to complete the decoration of the church for Christmas.  It was decided, this year especially ,  that the decor should not be as elaborate as in past years--but it is just as beautiful. Nine adults and four youths worked to decorate the church and  narthex.

Decoration of the Church was completed Wednesday morning after a load of poinsettias was delivered by Donzell’s greenhouse. The workers Wednesday were  Sally Casenhiser, Millie Hilton, Rosemary Mileski and Dora Weigand. Beth Reining of the Physical Property and Maintenance staff was there to provide a final cleaning touch.

Volunteers working earlier on the narthex included Paula Adam, Sandi Denholm, Bernie Factor and Dottie Thoerig.  Youths who helped were Aaron Abernathy, Josh Garey, Hannah McGraw  and Angie and Isabelle Miller.

Dave Nesline of the maintenance staff was on hand for all the decorating and was busy also helping with changing bulbs in the light fixtures.  See the item below.

Click on the headline to see photos of the church decoration and photos or the Nativity scene and Magi in the  narthex. There was an earlier article on the decoration in the narthex.

Light is on the way

Light is on the way for Christmas. 

While ladies were decorating the church on Wednesday morning, Dave Nesline of the maintenance staff was helping Dave Dies of Dies Electric change burned out bulbs in  the light fixtures in the church. Smaller wattage bulbs are being used when bulbs are replaced. 

The photos show Dies high up on a ladder to change one of the bulbs. The photo at right shows how far he had to climb on the long ladder.

7 retired priests attend Serra luncheon

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

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

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

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

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

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

An empty crib awaits His coming

An empty crib in the narthex awaits the arrival of the Christ Child.  The St. Paul creche is set up for
Christmas with the Magi  coming from the East bringing gifts of gold, francincense and myrrh.  Ladies of the parish have decorated the narthex and will decorate the Church with Christmas flowers and greenery on Wednesday.  You can expect a beautiful scene as you arrive to celebrate His coming.

Cincinnati receives new Archbishop

CINCINNATI (CNA).- The Archdiocese of Cincinnati welcomed the appointment of its new Archbishop on Monday. Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk and appointed the coadjutor archbishop of the same diocese, Monsignor Dennis M. Schnurr, to succeed him.

In a press release issued by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Schnurr said of the appointment, “One year ago, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed me coadjutor archbishop of Cincinnati, I was humbled and honored. Today, after having had the opportunity to visit so many of our parishes, schools, and other institutions over the past months, I feel even more grateful and privileged. The welcome has been overwhelming, and I look forward to working with our priests, deacons, religious and lay people in building upon the solid foundation of faith that is so evident in our communities.”

Archbishop Schnurr has held a number of distinguished positions within the Church, according to the archdiocesan website. Among other roles, he has served as an advisor to the papal nuncio to the United States in Washington D.C., as the National Executive Director of World Youth Day, organizing World Denver, and as the General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Schnurr is now the 10th presiding bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since it was founded in 1821. His predecessor had been the longest serving active bishop in the U.S., heading the archdiocese for the previous 27 years.

Archbishop Pilarczyk, referring to Schnurr's appointment stated that Cincinnati “is blessed to be getting such a skilled, dedicated and spiritual pastor.” "May he flourish," added the exiting Archbishop.

From the Principal's Desk

The following is  from principal Robert Brodbeck in the January, 2010 newsletter of St. Paul School. Items from the school calendar on the reverse side of the newsletter can be found on the parish website calendar.  Click on the calendar link at left to see the January calender.

From the Principal's Desk
Like many of the days that I have experienced as principal of St. Paul School, these days leading up to the Christmas Break have been very special. Watching and hearing the first, second, and third graders perform for the Ladies Guild was not only an enjoyable event but also a spiritual one. If you heard 3rd Grader, Holly Adam read the Nativitv Gospel and heard the students sing so beautifully the song "Prince of Peace," you certainly understand I what felt.

I was also fortunate to experience a little of the PreK students putting their shoes out in the hallway in anticipation of a visit by St. Nicholas, and to see the kindergarten and 4th     grade students working together on Polar ExpressactivIties with hot  chocolate being served and a special delivery of bells from the North Pole.

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception it was wonderful to watch the 8th Grade students assist the PreK children at Mass. Without the 8th graders, Mass attendance for these youngest of our students may not be possible. Thank you 8th grade students for your help and leadership.    
Happenings
Please, look over the January calendar for the school and possibly find a  school event you can attend. It is my hope that parents, parishioners and community members come and visit St. Paul.

The activities scheduled for January present an excellent oppotunity for those visits.

Please consider visiting the school for one of the following events:    

> 8:30 School Mass every Friday that school is in session.

> After Mass tours of the school are available, please call the office If you would like a tour of the school.

>Geography Bee: Jan. 12 at 1:00 P.M. in the PAC.

> Spelling Bee: Jan.20, 1:00 P.M. in the PAC.

> Confirmation: Mass at 4:30 P.M.

>Catholic Sctrools Week: Mass 11 :00 AM. on Sunday, Jan.31.

>School Open House following the Mass,.

> Lunchroom volunteers:
Mon.- Fri. 11 :40 -12:40 P.M. (Brings back great memories)

FYI: Snow Day School Closings:
Please watch the following TV  'stations: Fox 8, Channel 3, Channel 5, Channel 19, Channel 43, or  listen tp  the following radio stations: WAKR1590AM, WONE-97.5 FM, WQMX 94.9. WNIR-100.1 FM, WMJI 105.7 FM. WKDD-98.1 FM. All listings will follow Summit County. Watch or listen for St. Paul School or St. Paul Akron.

Please check Edline for your child's academic progress.

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

St. Paul featured in Maurin Center e-newsletter

The Peter Maurin Center email newsletter features these two photos and items on efforts of the parish to help. One photo shows the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas in the dining area and the other shows Susie Gatian of St. Paul and friend Cindy Kelly in the kitchen.

Here are the items:

Thanksgiving at the Peter Maurin Center

We had the priviledge of sharing a wonderful Thanksgiving feast and fellowship with our friends and guests at the Peter Maurin Center on Thanksgiving Day. All this was made possible with the efforts of

Suzie (Gatian)  and friends of St. Pau’ls Parish of Akron, along with all the volunteers who attended. Father Ralph led us in a very special, inspiring prayer of Thanksgiving with an added touch of his unique sense of humor. St. Paul’s has supported us since our humble beginnings. We are so very blessed to have them as part of our family and thank them for their hearts and all they do.
PMC will again be open to share with our guest Christmas Day from 12:00-4:00, All are Welcome!

Another Wonderful Blessing from St. Paul’s

Suzie recently presented us with a monetary gift for the Peter Maurin Center in the amount of $214.00. This money was raised by the efforts of the kindergarten and 4th grade children of St. Paul’s. They accomplished this by making a quilt (which had to be quite a task) then conducting a raffle to raise the money. There has been no monetary contribution in the three year history of the Peter Maurin Center that has touched our hearts as this beautiful project has! Our heart-felt "Thank You" and God's Blessings!

Booster Club still needs president

The St. Paul parish still needs a Booster Club President and a Gym Commissioner.The Booster Club at its December 17 meedting thanked president  Tony Bachman and secretary  Jo Shoup  for their two years of service as Booster Club board members.Special thanks also were given to the current Board Members for their service. They are:      
President    To be chosen
Vice President    Christy Breiding
Treasurer    Theresa Garey
Secretary    Julie Pack
Gym Commissioner    To be chosen
Boys' Athletic Director    John Garey
Girls' Athletic Director    Jill Joyner
"300" Treasurer    Gerard Colant
Trustee    Alex Kuzmik
Trustee    Jo Shoup

The club also thanked all supporters. Beciuse of parishioner support,  St. Paul youth
are able to participate in Cross Country, Track, Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Tackle Football, Flag Football and Chess.  Your "300" Club number helps to offset the rising costs of team fees.

As CYO has had to increase the sports team fees, the "300" Club members continue to support the CYO program for youth in St. Paul parish.

December winners were:
#169    Paul Firth
1#89    Milan Salchak
#143     Mary and Jeff Markowski
#004    Vi and Joe Pappano
$200     #071    Damian and Cherie Sedlock
$300     #107    Virginia Ferenczi
$1,000 #007    Angela Dawson                

Help is needed with Gym Clean up every Friday night during basketball and volleyball season.  If you need service hours or your group needs a project you can help.  C;leanup of floors begins at 9 p.m. after the last practice, but wosrk on bathrooms, bleachers, and the lobby can begin at 8 p.m.
   
The next Family Fun Game Night will be Satruday, January 16,. St. Paul Booster Club Reverse Raffle is Saturday, February 20. Tickets are $40 each for a chance to win $2,000.

T Shirt orders are in.  See Christy Breidiing if you did not receive your order.  Orders will continue all year.  If you are interested, place your order with Christy Breiding at 330-724-2091. 

St. Paul Tiger window decals are available for $5.Contact Jo Shoup at 330-773-9555 if you are interested.

Numbers in the 300 Club are still available.  $60 enters you in drawings from July 2009 to June 2010.

Click here to see list of 2009 winners

Mass for Jean (Keith) Cooper is Monday

Jean (Keith) Cooper, 65, passed away Wednesday December 16, 2009.

Jean retired from Roadway Express with 42 years service. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Jean enjoyed spending time with her many friends, playing euchre and traveling.

Jean was preceded in death by parents, John and Anna Keith. She leaves her sister, Carol Gargus; brother and sister-in-law, John (Jack) and Bren Keith, Jr.; nieces and nephews, who were very special to her, Anna Keith of Columbus, Tamara Gargus of San Francisco, Calif., Michelle Gargus of Brooklyn, N.Y., Benjamin Gargus of Akron, Eric (Lisa) Fellows of Akron and Darren (Joelle) Fellows of Akron.

Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St., where the family will receive friends one hour prior to Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Paul Building Fund. (Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, December 20, 2009, page B5, col. 4]

PTO announces events for 2010

The St. Paul PTO has announced its calendar of events scheduled so far for 2010

Jan 16  Family Game Night
Jan 21  Uniform Exchange
Jan. 30  Confirmation
Jan.31 to Feb 6 is Catholic Schools week.  The theme is "Dividends for Life"
Jan 31 School Open House after the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass.:
Feb 2  Illusion Factory
Feb 3 Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
Feb 4 Grandparents’  Day
Feb 5 Student Appreciation Snack
Feb 6  Fun Fest
Feb 20  Booster Club Reverse Raffle
Feb 24-March 24 Wednesday  Soup Suppers
March 4  Chuck E. Cheese
March 12 St. Pat's Family Dance
April 23  Spring Spectacular & Reverse Raffle
May 27  Uniform Exchange
June 2  Graduation

There will be no  CiCi's nights for now, as CiCi's has closed.  The Arlington Rd. has a Tuesday .customer already so new ideas are being explored.

There will be a postcard mailing before Catholic Schools Week again this year.

Auxiliary funds  will be used to purchase a Smart Board for the school and the  PTO may be asked to purchase another Smart Board for the school. The Breiding Family donated a chest freezer to replace the old one.

Front of St. Paul 2010 calendar

Great O Antiphons on display in narthex

This display in the narthex is on the Great O Antiphons

The Great O Antiphons are seven brief prayers that are traditionally chanted or sung on successive evenings starting on December 17.  The precise origin of these texts is unknown.  However, by the 8th and 9th centuries, they were being used at evening worship services during the season of Advent.  These ancient supplications beautifully express the Christian church's profound yearning for her long expected Savior.   The Great O Antiphons, so called because all begin with the interjection "O",   form the basis of the popular Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by English hymnographer John Neale. 

The opening words are addressed to Christ under one or other of His Scriptural titles and  conclude with a distinct petition to the coming Lord.

Sapientia (Wisdom) December 17 O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.

Adonai (Lord of Israel) December 18 O Lord and Ruler of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen.

Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse) December 19 O Root of Jesse, which stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come, to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen.

Clavis David (Key of David) December 20 O Key of David, and Sceptre of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen

Oriens (Radiant Dawn, Dayspring) December 21 O Dawn of the East, brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice: Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

Rex Gentium (King of the Gentiles) December 22 O King of the Nations and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth. Amen.

Emmanuel (God with Us) December 23 O Emmanuel, God with us, Our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: Come to save us, O Lord our God. Amen.

Christmas Eve (December 24) falls on the day after the singing of the final antiphon.


There is a nice article explaining the O Antiphons by Fr. William Saunder on the Catholic Education Resource Center website. Go to the article

Pope says tree reminds us of 'The Light'

A view of St. Peter's Basilica during the tree lighting ceremony

 VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI on Friday triggered a remote switch to light hundreds of golden bulbs on the Vatican's Christmas tree, a 30-metre high spruce from the forests of the Ardennes in Wallonia, Belgium.

The Christmas tree, adorned with gold and silver mirror-glass baubles and strands of tinsel, stands  in the center of St Peter's Square and is part of a tradition begun by Pope John Paul II in 27 years ago.

Benedict followed the ceremony from his Apostolic Palace residence overlooking the square.

A gift from Wallonia's regional government, the tree is around 100-years-old.

Its use has been described as 'ecologically-friendly,' because, according to the Vatican, it was felled as part of a program to allow for the reintroduction and growth of other trees and plants that are more native to the Ardennes area.

Also, once Christmas celebrations have ended, wood from the tree, which measures some seven meters in diameter and weighs 14 tons, is to be used to make carved statues which will be sold, with the money going to the poor.

 The pope said the  tree -- with its journey from a dark forest to the brilliance of decorative lights -- represents every Christian, called to share the message that the Light of the world has become man.

"In the forest," the Holy Father said, "the trees are close together and each one of them contributes to making the forest a shadowy, sometimes dark, place."

"Leaving aside its dark garments for a brilliant explosion, it has been transfigured, becoming a beacon of light that is not its own, but rather gives testimony to the true Light that comes to this world," the Pope suggested.

He compared the tree's destiny with that of the shepherds, who "keeping watch in the darkness of the night, are illumined by the message of the angels."

"The luck of this tree is also comparable to our own, we who are called to give good fruits to manifest that the world has truly been visited and rescued by the Lord," the Pontiff continued.

Benedict XVI said the Christmas tree, in its spot beside the Nativity scene, "shows in its own way the presence of the great mystery present in the simple and poor site of Bethlehem."

"To the inhabitants of Rome, to all the pilgrims, to all who will go to St. Peter's Square by way of the televisions of the whole world, it proclaims the coming of the Son of God."

Cluster Sharing: Don't miss Bethlehem Cave

The Bethlehem Cave and Nativity Museum is a :”must-see” especially during the Christmas season.  The museum is on the lower level of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Road, Springfield Township. 

This season guided tours are offered daily from Saturday, December 26, through Wednesday, Decmeber 30.

For more information calll 330-699-5084 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

The Rev. Fr. David J. Halaiko, pastor at Nativity, was an associate at St. Paul from June 1976 to July 1977. He then became an associate at St. Matthew and administrator at Nativity until June 1980 when he was named pastor at Nativity.

See 20 photos from our tour of the museum.

Also read our December, 2007 article on the tour

Visit a live Natinity scene

Another way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas is a visit to a live Nativity scene. Beacon Journal religion writer Colette M. Jenkins descrbes a good one in a story in today’s newspaper.

This one is from 7 to 8:20 tonight at the Crossroads Bible Fellowship at 737 George Washington Blvd., near Triplett across from the Rubber Bowl.   

More than 50 costumed members of the congregation are involved. 
   
The congregation started presenting the live Nativity scene nine years ago. It The building, which used to be a horse stable, offers a nice setting. This year the former stabls has been dtransformed to look like the birthplace of Christ. Visitors are invited to stroll through the streets of Bethlehem and visit the manger where Jesus was born.

See Jenkins story.
                 

Popes Pius XII, John Paul II declared 'venerable'

In a series of decrees issued on December 19, the Vatican has approved miracles allowing for the canonization of five people and the beatification of five others.

The decrees, approved by Pope Benedict XVI during a private audience with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, also proclaimed that ten other candidates for sainthood had lived lives of heroic virtue. Those decrees make the candidates eligible for beatification if a miracle is attributed to their intercession.

The two decrees commanding the greatest public attention were those recognizing the heroic virtue of Pope Pius XII, who reigned from 1939 to 1958, and Pope John Paul II, who reigned from 1978 to 2005.
Five of the December 19 decrees testified to the authenticity of miracles attributed to candidates who have already been beatified, and are now qualified for canonization. They are:
+ Bl. Stanislaus Soltys (Kazimierczyk) (1433-89), whose liturgical cult was formally recognized by Pope John Paul in 1993
+ Bl. André Bessette (1845-1937), a Canadian renowned for his devotion to St. Joseph who developed a reputation as a miracle worker in his lifetime
+ Bl. Mary MacKillop (1842-1909), who founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and will become Australia’s first canonized saint
+ Bl. Giulia Salzano (1846-1929), foundress of the Congregation of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart
+ Bl. Camilla Battista da Varano (1458-1524), a Poor Clare nun

The Congregation also approved miracles for five other candidates who, like Father Popieluszko, will now be scheduled for beatification:
+ Father José Tous y Soler (1811-71), a Capuchin Franciscan
+ Brother Leopoldo de Alpandeire (1866-1956), a Capuchin Franciscan
+ Manuel Lozano Garrido (1920-71), a Spanish layman
+ Teresa Manganiello (1849-76), a Third Order Franciscan
+  Chiara Badano (1971-90), a laywoman of the Focolare Movement

In addition, the Congregation declared the heroic virtue of Bl. Giacomo Illirico da Bitetto, a Franciscan.

The Congregation also proclaimed the heroic virtue of nine others, who now qualify for the title "Venerable" and may be beatified with the approval of a miracle:
+ Pope Pius XII (Eugenio Pacelli) (1876-1958)
+ Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla) (1920-2005)
+ Father Louis Brisson (1817-1908), founder of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales
+ Father Giuseppe Quadrio (1921-63), a Salesian
+ Sister Mary Ward (1545-1615), an Englishwoman who founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters)
+ Sister Antonia Maria Verna (1773-1838), foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception of Ivrea
+ Sister Francesca Farolfi (Maria Chiara Serafina of Jesus) (1853-1917), foundress of the Missionary Franciscan Clarists of the Blessed Sacrament
+ Sister Enrichetta Alfieri (1891-1951)
+ Giunio Tinarelli (1912-56), a layman and member of the Silent Workers of the Cross

Purge PVC from your life

Most of us are familiar with that "new shower curtain smell" associated with the joy of replacing your old mildewy shower curtain with a new one. But many people may not realize that the smell is a telltale sign that toxic chemicals have just been offgassed into their home. One new plastic curtain can release up to 108

chemicals over a 28-day period. The culprit? PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is one of the most

common plastics in the world -- appearing in toys, food containers, building materials including vinyl flooring and carpet padding, and more--and is also one of the most toxic. The good news is that many organizations have called for global phase-outs of PVC, and many businesses have responded by restricting PVC usage in their products. This makes it easier than ever to replace many common PVC household items with PVC-free alternatives. Purging PVC from your life will not only decrease your loved ones' exposure to dangerous chemicals, but you will be supporting better, safer products. The problem with PVC is that during its lifecycle -- from production to incineration -- PVC emits highly toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and dioxin, which have been associated with birth defects, cancer and autism. The first step in avoiding PVC is learning how to spot it. Look for "PVC" or just the letter "V" (for vinyl) or the number 3 in the recycling symbol on plastics or packaging labels which denote the presence of PVC. Because PVC is unsafe thoughout its lifecycle, there is no completely safe way to dispose of PVC, which is why it's vital that shoppers use their economic power to choose PVC-free items and call on retailers and businesses to phase out the plastic poison for good.

How the Christmas Tree Evangelizes

Pope Reflects on Symbolic Significance of Decoration

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 18, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Christmas tree -- with its journey from a dark forest to the brilliance of decorative lights -- represents every Christian, called to share the message that the Light of the world has become man.

This was a comparison made by Benedict XVI today when he addressed a delegation from Belgium, which provided the Christmas tree for St. Peter's Square this year.

"In the forest," the Holy Father said, "the trees are close together and each one of them contributes to making the forest a shadowy, sometimes dark, place."

"But here," he continued, "chosen from among this multitude, the majestic tree that you offered us is today lit up and covered with brilliant decorations that are like so many marvelous fruits."

"Leaving aside its dark garments for a brilliant explosion, it has been transfigured, becoming a beacon of light that is not its own, but rather gives testimony to the true Light that comes to this world," the Pope suggested.

He compared the tree's destiny with that of the shepherds, who "keeping watch in the darkness of the night, are illumined by the message of the angels."

"The luck of this tree is also comparable to our own, we who are called to give good fruits to manifest that the world has truly been visited and rescued by the Lord," the Pontiff continued.

Child-God

Benedict XVI said the Christmas tree, in its spot beside the Nativity scene, "shows in its own way the presence of the great mystery present in the simple and poor site of Bethlehem."

"To the inhabitants of Rome, to all the pilgrims, to all who will go to St. Peter's Square by way of the televisions of the whole world, it proclaims the coming of the Son of God."

"Through it," he told the Belgian pilgrims, "the sun of your lands and the faith of the Christian communities of your region greet the Child-God, he who has come to make new all things and to call all creatures, from the smallest to the greatest, to enter into the mystery of Redemption and be united to it."

The tree is decorated in gold and white -- the colors of the Vatican.

It is a fir from the Ardennes forest of Belgium.  The 30-meter (about 100-foot) tree is 100 years old, has a 7-meter (22-foot) diameter and weighs 14 tons.

The tree was to be felled, along with others of the same forest, to allow for the growth of other nearby trees and plants.

Serra Club to host retired priests Dec. 22

Retired priests will be guests at the noon luncheon of the Serra Club on Tuesday, December 22, at the Martin Center on the University of Akron campus.

Deacon Roger Klaas of Sacred Heart Parish will speak on January 22 and the Rev. Fr. John M. Pfeiffer, newly-assigned parocial vicar of St. Sebastian parish will spek on February 9.

John Paul II: Record-breaking pontiff

Pope John Paul II will be declared “venerable” on Saturday, December 19, according to an Italian magazine story. The report—which appears likely to be accurate—would mean that the late Pontiff could be beatified as soon as the Vatican approves a miracle attributed to his influence.

According to the Italian magazine Panorama, at a consistory on December 19, Pope Benedict XVI will approve a series of decrees prepared by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, including one that attests to the “heroic virtue” of Pope John Paul II. Such a finding would give the late Pontiff the title “venerable,” and the subsequent approval of a miracle would fulfill the only remaining requirement for his beatification.

EWTN offers full Christmas schedule

EWTN, the religious education channel, (Warner Channel 50) offers a variety of Christmas video. Here are hightlights:

We are Catholic” Christmas Special
The town of St. Claire is preparing to celebrate Christmas. The mayor wants to have a taller Christmas tree while Manuel and Phillip leave to find moss for the Nativity set. When the owner of the factory surprises everyone by shipping the largest Christmas tree in a helicopter, he is informed that Manuel and Phillip are lost in the forest. In a generous way, he uses the helicopter to rescue them. (Airs 5 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 10 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26; and 10 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

Hermie & Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas
Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar's long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. (Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 5:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Kingdom Under the Sea: The Gift
It's Christmas time in the Kingdom, but somewhere between the presents and decorations, everyone has forgotten what Christmas is really all about; that is, until the town's arch enemy, Professor Pinch, tries to destroy it. (Airs 5 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21; 9 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 6:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale, “The Story of the Selfish Giant,” to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. As the selfish giant learns in this story of love and sacrifice, God's unselfish gift of His Son fills us with joy. This charming story and its strong Christian message is bound to be a great holiday favorite. (Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; 6 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 9:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

The Legend of the Christmas Flower
This Yuletide tale traces the holiday tradition of the poinsettia plant to its roots in the heart of Mexico, where it is known as “la Flor de Navidad,” the Christmas Eve flower. Watch as young Juanito's cherished dream of a sombrero to call his own blossoms into understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. (Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 9 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26; and 4 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Path of the Messiah, Part One
An EWTN original documentary follows Raymond Arroyo and Jeff Cavins as they travel to the Holy Land to retrace the footsteps of Our Lord. Part One begins this dramatic and beautiful journey into Christ's homeland, fittingly accompanied by Jeff and Raymond's reflections on the Messiah's mission and ministry. (Airs 1 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22. and 2 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)

Music specials
Catholic University of America's Christmas Concert (2009)
The Catholic University of America presents their annual Christmas concert from the magnificent Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. (Airs 1:30 p.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; and 6 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25.)

Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; and 5 a.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

San Juan Children's Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad
The San Juan Children's Choir celebrates Christmas with music from around the world; a unique concert expressing the joyful spirit of the holidays in Puerto Rico. (Airs 11 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 4:30 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 1 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24.)

The Word is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites performed in historic Saint Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Ky. (Airs 9 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 11 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 4 a.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Candles and Carols
Anderson University presents their annual candle lighting ceremony with sacred music and scriptural meditations. The program features more than 200 participants performing a wide variety of choral and instrumental pieces. (Airs 3:30 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)

Fowler Sisters: Christmas Gift
The Fowler Sisters usher in the Christmas season with moving renditions of favorite Christmas classics including "Carol of the Bells," "Mary Did You Know," and "O Holy Night." (Airs 2:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; 10:30 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 10:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Cousins in Christ: Family Christmas
Let the “Cousins in Christ” fill your home with songs celebrating the birth of our Savior, as they share with you a collection of favorite Christmas songs, including “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “O Holy Night,” “Joy to the World,” and many others. (Airs 2 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 24; and 4 p.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26.)

School play: Shoppers find real Christmas

Music director Tim Longfellow conducts play.  Playing roles were Lily Gray as the Blessed 
Virgin, Graham Evans as Joseph, Holly Adam as the Angel and  Wyatt Markovich as Santa

Click on the headline for more photos

St. Paul students in the first, second and third grades presented their Christmas play in the Parish Activity Center to the usual standing-room-only crowd on Thursday night (December 17, 2009) A "Welcome to the Mall" banner set the stage for the play which noted that shopping is not the real meaning of Christmas. More than a dozen Christmas carols were sung with a finale singing of "You are holy (Prince of Peace}"

Principal Robert Brodbeck in his welcome to those attending noted that we are fortunate at St. Paul to speak of Christmas because in some places you can speak only of a Winter holiday.

Music director Tim Longfellow conducted another beautiful program and received a thank you card signed by all the students. Playing the roles of shoppers to narrate the play theme were Natalie Wammes, Vanessa Sales, Brooke Wightman and Nathan Dort.

Third graders were cast for the speking roles. Lily Gray was the Virgin Mary, Graham Evans was Joseph, Holly Adam was the Angel and Wyatt Markovich was Santa.

Teachers who played guiding roles were Mrs. Suzanne Inglis, first grade; Miss Mary Means, second grade, and Mrs. Jessica Davis, third grade.

Preparing the Vatican Christmas tree

Here's a video especially for youth of St. Paul

Mass for Charles Ruth is Friday

Charles Leroy Ruth, 83, of Akron, passed away on Dec. 14, 2009. He was the husband of the late Agnes (nee Howard) Ruth. Charlie was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend who was devoted to his family. He will be sadly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

Born in Vandergrift, Pa. on March 9, 1926, he was the son of William J. and Bertha (Reed) Ruth. During

World War II he served his country in the United States Navy. He was retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. after 38 years of service. An active member or St. Paul's Catholic Parish, he had volunteered many hours in his field of accounting to St. Paul's, Annunciation, and Loyola of the Lakes Retreat House.

He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca (Glen) Swearingen of Toronto, Ohio and Carolyn (Charles) Justice of  Tallmadge; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grand-children. Other survivors include sister, Gayle Woods of Kent, Wash.; brother, Thomas F. Ruth (and his wife Ann) of Sarasota, Fla.; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Martha Howard of Akron.

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.). Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery.
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Wednesday, December 16, 2009, page B5. col. 3]

Overnight retreat at Borromeo Feb 5-7

Bus ads aim to attract lapsed Catholics in Dallas

DALLAS, Texas(CNA).- As Christmas quickly approaches, the Diocese of Dallas has launched a campaign to bring lapsed Catholics back into the Church. One part of the outreach involves bus ads with the message: “Catholics come home for Christmas.”

“When I travel around the diocese, I have so many people tell me that their wife or husband or parents or kids have abandoned their church or faith,” Bishop Kevin Farrell explained to the Dallas Morning News on Sunday. “They're always asking me what we can do about it.”

The recent bus ads are part of the larger Catholics Come Home for Christmas campaign which “is an appeal from the Diocese of Dallas” to “welcome all inactive Catholics to return to the Faith,” the diocesan website says.

"No matter if you've been away from the Church for only a brief period of time or for many years, the important thing that I want you to know is that all of us are praying that during this special time of the year, this Christmas season, you will think about coming home to the Catholic Church,” Bishop Farrell said in a video message.

“I hope you will fondly remember the church you grew up in, the church you made your first communion in or confirmation,” continued Bishop Farrell. “Perhaps you will think of your friends and family members who attended the same Catholic school with you or maybe you just remember what it was like to be part of a parish community who praise God together and were strengthened in faith through the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass.”

"The Bishop of Dallas also acknowledged that people may have left the Church because they were hurt.  “ I hope that whatever the hurt, the anger or the disinterest you experienced in leaving the Church can be healed so that you can once again know the comfort, the joy, the sense of belonging that worshiping with your family, your friends and neighbors can bring,” the bishop said in his video.

“As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we invite you to join us at any one of more than 70 parishes to welcome the light of the world, Who has saved us,” Bishop Farrell concluded.

The bus advertisements in Dallas have been financially supported by the Knight of Columbus as well as private donors who have worked to put the ads on 13 Dallas Area Rapid Transit buses. The ads cost $359 each and will run through Dec. 27.

To view the Come Home for Christmas video, please visit, http://www.cathdal.org/default.asp?contentID=336.

6.1 million pilgrims visited Guadalupe Shrine

MEXICO CITY  (Zenit.org).- More than 6.1 million pilgrims visited the Basilica of Guadalupe on Friday and Saturday (Dec 11-12) to mark the 478th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac, according to the official figures made public Saturday night.

The figure breaks the historic attendance record set in 2008 when just over 6 million pilgrims visited the shrine last year on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, considered the most important day in the religious calendar for Mexicans.

A recent survey  showed that one out of every four Mexicans say they have received a favor or miracle through the intercession of the Virgin, who is patron of the Americas.

Pilgrimages from all corners of Mexico, some from Central America and others from the United States, joined the celebration that included native dances, pre-Hispanic rituals and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims approaching the basilica on their knees.

The shrine houses the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that appeared miraculously on the cloak of Juan Diego on Dec. 12, 1531. Pope John Paul II canonized St. Juan Diego on July 31, 2002.

Early Saturday morning more than a million people gathered in the basilica and courtyard of the shrine to sing the "Mananitas," the traditional Mexican song sung for birthdays or name days. The song was repeated in virtually all the churches of the country, as Dec. 12 is a holy day of obligation in Mexico.

Mexicans living in the United States gathered in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and to receive the Guadalupe Torch that left Tepeyac in October.

The celebration, which has taken place at the cathedral since 2002, gathers the Hispanic community in the United States. Each year, a torch travels north to the United States until it arrives in the heart of Manhattan, having been carried by 25,000 porters.

The objective of the Guadalupe Torch is to call attention to the need for an integral reform of the U.S. immigration system, as well as for the reinforcement of the bonds of friendship between Mexico and the United States.

This year's Guadalupe celebration at St. Patrick's was the first for Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York. He concelebrated the Mass with Auxiliary Bishop Josu Iriondo, vicar for Hispanic Affairs for the Archdiocese of New York.

Triple header events for Thursday

A triple-header evening is on tap Thursday at St. Paul.  An email reminder sent out by PTO president Tod Wammes lists the billing:

A Christmas celebration with the first second and third  grade students at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.

Following the School Christmas program  is the  PTO meeting starting    around 7:05

And then wrap up with the Booster Club meeting starting around 7:45

Nativity scenes are a school of life

VATICAN CITY, 13 DEC 2009 (VIS) - This morning, following his visit to Rome's Sacred Heart Hospice, the Holy Father appeared at the window of his private study to pray the Angelus with faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square and, following a Roman tradition on this third Sunday of Advent, blessed the statues of the Baby Jesus which will be placed in nativity scenes in homes and parishes.

 

  "It is a source of joy for me", said the Holy Father, "to know that your families still conserve the custom of making nativity scenes. Yet it is not enough to repeat the traditional gesture, however important it may be. We must seek to live what the nativity scene represents in the reality of our everyday lives: that is, the love of Christ, His humility and His poverty".

 

  "The blessing of the 'Bambinelli' - as they are called in Rome - reminds us that the nativity scene is a school of life where we can learn the secret of true joy. This does not consist in possessing many things but in feeling ourselves to be loved by the Lord, in making ourselves a gift for others, and in loving one another. Let us consider the nativity scene: the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph do not appear to be a very privileged family, they had their first child amidst great hardship, yet they are full of intimate joy because they love one another, they help one another and, above all, they are certain that God is at work in their story".

 

  "And the shepherds", the Pope asked, "what reason do they have to be happy? That newborn infant will certainly not alter their poverty and marginalisation. Yet faith helps them to recognise in the 'child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger', the 'sign' of the fulfilment of God's promises for all the men and women 'whom He favours', even for them!"

 

  For this reason, Benedict XVI explained, true joy consists in "feeling that our individual and community lives are touched by and filled with a great mystery, the mystery of the love of God. In order to be joyful we need ... love and truth, we need a God Who is near, Who warms our hearts and responds to our most profound expectations".

 

  After praying the Angelus, the Pope noted how Rome is today celebrating the "Day for new church buildings", because "in our city there are communities that do not have an adequate place of worship, ... or structures for formative activities". In this context, he called on everyone to help in creating the necessary pastoral centres.

 

  Finally the Pope mentioned the missionaries Fr. Daniel Cizimya, Fr. Louis Blondel, Fr. Gerry Roche, and Sr. Denise Kahambu, who were killed recently in Africa . "They were", he said, " faithful witnesses of the Gospel, which they announced with courage even at the risk of their own lives". He also expressed his closeness to the missionaries' relatives and religious communities, and asked everyone to join him in prayer that the Lord, with His coming, may bring "reconciliation and peace".