St. Paul students serve lunch at Maurin Center

Click on headline to see album of photos

Members of St. Paul Confirmation Class prepared and served a rigatoni with meatballs dinner to clients at the Peter Maurin Center on Sunday.

The project began at 9 a.m. in Boeke Hall, preparing the rigatoni and meatballs, mixing salads and getting everything together for delivery to the Maurin Center on S. Main Street at 12:30 p.m. Students and staff members began serving about 1 p.m.  Students and parishioners from several other parishes also were there for the day. In addition to the main course, there was salad, bread, coffee and cookies.

As at every gathering, however, before the meal was served the big crowd formed a large prayer circle to hear prayer petitions and repeat the Lord’s prayer before dining.

The center was filled with a large crowd of both students and clients.  “God bless you,” was a qutoe heard more than once during the afternoon. .Working quietly among the students  were old hands–stalwarts from several Akron area parishes who are there regularly.  Many have been serving at the Maurin Center for a long time.

St. Paul catechetical leader Shelly Hertzig and husband, Gene, were in charge of the project.

Letter from Chancery on death of Fr. Schleicher

 
Reverend and Dear Father,

The Reverend James R. Schleicher
Pastor Emeritus, Saint Francis de Sales Parish, Akron

died Tuesday, 23 February, at the parish rectory, after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments.

James R. Schleicher, the son of the late William and Viola (nee Dorsey) Schleicher, was born on 10 November 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. He was educated at Christ the King Elementary School, Chicago, Cathedral Seminary, Brooklyn, New York, Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, Michigan and Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland. On 18 December 1954, in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Archbishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Father Schleicher's first assignment was as an assistant at Saint Mary Parish, Akron. On 21 June 1960, he was transferred to Saint Bernard Parish, Akron where he served as an assistant until 10 June 1965. On that date, he was appointed assistant at Saint Bartholomew Parish, Middleburg Heights. On 29 June 1971, he began a new assignment at Saint .Sebastian Parish, Akron as Associate Pastor. On July 23, 1974, Father Schleicher was appointed pastor of Saint Francis de Sales Parish, Akron. He served there until 2 August 2008 when he retired and received the title Pastor Emeritus.

In .1975, Father Schleicher was appointed Spiritual Director of the Akron Particular Council of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society .. From 1980 through 1989, he served as a Diocesan Consultor and Dean of the Summit County South Deanery.

The wake will be held in Saint Francis de Sales Church, 4019 Manchester Road, Akron, on Sunday, 28 February from, 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. with Vespers being sung at 3 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, 1 March, at 11 a.m. Bishop Richard G. Lennon will be the principal celebrant and Father James Vesely will be the homilist. Burial will be in the family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In accord with the provisions of the Marian Pact, please try to attend and concelebrate the Funeral Liturgy, offer Mass for him as you are able and cause him to be remembered and prayed for in the appropriate public prayers of the Church. May Father James Schleicher and our priests, deacons, and bishop who have died, live forever in the joy of the Resurrection

Sincerely in Christ,

Sister Therese Geurin Sullivan S.P.  J.C.L.
Chancellor

Obituary: Priest led by his example

This is the obituary of Fr. James R. Schleicher which was published on the front of the Community Section of the Akron Beacon Journal today.  Two photos were used.

James Schleicher worked to encourage others to make commitment to God.


By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal staff writer

There was something spiritually charismatic about the Rev. James R. Schleicher.

Perhaps it was his ability to lead people to God with his real-life stories, or the courage and strength he showed while undergoing dialysis three times a week for nearly four years, or simply the way he practiced what he preached.

''He always taught us to put God first, others second and yourself third. And that's exactly what he did,'' said Marge Scott, a parishioner at St. Francis de Sales in Coventry Township. ''He always encouraged us to spend time in prayer with God. And every day, he devoted time to talking to God.''

Father Schleicher said his last prayer on Tuesday and died in his sleep at the parish rectory, where he continued to live after his retirement in 2008. The 80-year-old Chicago native served the parish as pastor for 34 years and continued as pastor emeritus after his retirement.

The Rev. G. David Bline, pastor at St. Francis, said Father Schleicher taught him what it meant to be committed to the priesthood and to be a faithful follower of Christ.

''He told me to love God first and the rest will come. He was madly in love with God. Every night I would hear his voice coming from the chapel — he would talk to God out loud and sing songs to him. He was a crooner. He had a great singing voice,'' Bline said. ''As sick as he was, he continued to do home visits. He would go and bless the homes of parishioners. He did it because he wanted to let them know that they mattered and to let them know the church is here for them. And he let them know that they needed to be there for the church.''

Twice a year, Father Schleicher would bring a group of 10 people into the church via a convert class. He taught his last class in December at the rectory because he was too weak to go to the church.

He delivered his last homily on Sunday.

''He had been pretty sick the last couple of months, but over the last week and a half, God gave him a great boost. He was driving himself around. He even took a drive over to Swensons near St. Sebastian's to get a burger and shake. Food was tasting good to him again,'' Bline said. ''He came to me and said, 'I think it's time I get up there and have a Mass again. I've got to say a few things to the people.' He took the 9 a.m. Mass and preached for 18 minutes. I thank God for giving me the instinct to record it.''

In his homily, Father Schleicher talked about temptation and shared with worshippers that no matter who they are or what they've done, God will forgive them. He echoed his belief that God is merciful and encouraged those listening to commit their lives to God.

Father Schleicher entered the seminary when he was 13 years old in Chicago. When he was a sophomore in high school, his family moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., and he continued at a seminary there. After his senior year in high school, his family moved to Cleveland. He attended a seminary in Detroit and at St. Mary's in Wickliffe.

He was ordained in December 1954 and served in the Akron area at St. Mary, St. Bernard and St. Sebastian. He also served at St. Bartholomew in Middleburg Heights and as spiritual director of the Akron particular council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Father Schleicher is survived by a sister, Vivian (Norman) Fox of Lakewood. He was preceded in death by parents William and Viola Schleicher and a brother, William.

Vigil and reception for Father Schleicher is 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Francis, 4019 Manchester Road, with vespers at 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Father Schleicher's favorite charities: St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Francis de Sales; the Father James Schleicher Seminarian Scholarship Fund; or Catholic Faith Formation at St. Francis.

''He was such a great example of how to live for God and how to be courageous in difficult times. His favorite scripture was 'I can do all things through him that gives me strength' and he certainly proved that,'' Scott said. ''He is really going to be missed. But the beauty of it all is he wanted to go out with his boots on and he did, so to speak, because he continued his vocation to the end. And he wanted to go out in his sleep, and he did.''
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.

There was something spiritually charismatic about the Rev. James R. Schleicher.

Perhaps it was his ability to lead people to God with his real-life stories, or the courage and strength he showed while undergoing dialysis three times a week for nearly four years, or simply the way he practiced what he preached.

''He always taught us to put God first, others second and yourself third. And that's exactly what he did,'' said Marge Scott, a parishioner at St. Francis de Sales in Coventry Township. ''He always encouraged us to spend time in prayer with God. And every day, he devoted time to talking to God.''

Father Schleicher said his last prayer on Tuesday and died in his sleep at the parish rectory, where he continued to live after his retirement in 2008. The 80-year-old Chicago native served the parish as pastor for 34 years and continued as pastor emeritus after his retirement.

The Rev. G. David Bline, pastor at St. Francis, said Father Schleicher taught him what it meant to be committed to the priesthood and to be a faithful follower of Christ.

''He told me to love God first and the rest will come. He was madly in love with God. Every night I would hear his voice coming from the chapel — he would talk to God out loud and sing songs to him. He was a crooner. He had a great singing voice,'' Bline said. ''As sick as he was, he continued to do home visits. He would go and bless the homes of parishioners. He did it because he wanted to let them know that they mattered and to let them know the church is here for them. And he let them know that they needed to be there for the church.''

Twice a year, Father Schleicher would bring a group of 10 people into the church via a convert class. He taught his last class in December at the rectory because he was too weak to go to the church.

He delivered his last homily on Sunday.

''He had been pretty sick the last couple of months, but over the last week and a half, God gave him a great boost. He was driving himself around. He even took a drive over to Swensons near St. Sebastian's to get a burger and shake. Food was tasting good to him again,'' Bline said. ''He came to me and said, 'I think it's time I get up there and have a Mass again. I've got to say a few things to the people.' He took the 9 a.m. Mass and preached for 18 minutes. I thank God for giving me the instinct to record it.''

In his homily, Father Schleicher talked about temptation and shared with worshippers that no matter who they are or what they've done, God will forgive them. He echoed his belief that God is merciful and encouraged those listening to commit their lives to God.

Father Schleicher entered the seminary when he was 13 years old in Chicago. When he was a sophomore in high school, his family moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., and he continued at a seminary there. After his senior year in high school, his family moved to Cleveland. He attended a seminary in Detroit and at St. Mary's in Wickliffe.

He was ordained in December 1954 and served in the Akron area at St. Mary, St. Bernard and St. Sebastian. He also served at St. Bartholomew in Middleburg Heights and as spiritual director of the Akron particular council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Father Schleicher is survived by a sister, Vivian (Norman) Fox of Lakewood. He was preceded in death by parents William and Viola Schleicher and a brother, William.

Vigil and reception for Father Schleicher is 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Francis, 4019 Manchester Road, with vespers at 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Father Schleicher's favorite charities: St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Francis de Sales; the Father James Schleicher Seminarian Scholarship Fund; or Catholic Faith Formation at St. Francis.

''He was such a great example of how to live for God and how to be courageous in difficult times. His favorite scripture was 'I can do all things through him that gives me strength' and he certainly proved that,'' Scott said. ''He is really going to be missed. But the beauty of it all is he wanted to go out with his boots on and he did, so to speak, because he continued his vocation to the end. And he wanted to go out in his sleep, and he did.''

Hello, Is God there?

French Bishops Warn Against Phone Confessions

PARIS, (Zenit.org).- The bishops of France are warning the faithful that a private initiative to offer confessions over the phone is not sponsored by the Catholic Church.

Msgr. Bernard Podvin, spokesman of the French bishops' conference, released a statement last week in which he noted that "With the Lord's Line, Confess Over the Phone" is "not backed in any way by the Catholic Church in France."

The initiative was launched in conjunction with the beginning of Lent, and notes on its Web site that the team is "for the most part Catholic," and that the service is "in agreement with the principles of the Catholic Church."

Two telephone numbers are given for the public to call, with the last four digits of the first one spelling "Dieu", which in French means God.

The calls cost 12 eurocents (16 cents) a minute, or 34 eurocents (46 cents) a minute if you call the first line. The Web site says 40% of the proceeds from the more expensive line will go to charity, without offering more specifics.

In his statement, Msgr. Podvin explained that while a phone service is "necessary and beneficial" -- in particular to alleviate "the loneliness of elderly and people with handicaps" -- the sacrament of confession requires the physical presence of a priest.

He added that the initiative introduces "confusion on the notion of confession."

"For the faithful Catholic," the spokesman clarified, "[confession] has a sacramental meaning which requires the effective presence of a priest."

"The coincidence of the launching of this line with the beginning of Lent has done no more than increase confusion," Msgr. Podvin lamented.

"Parishes, shrines and chaplaincies have established numerous places for the sacrament of confession," he continued. "Obviously, all of us want, in this Year for Priests, to have more priests to be close and available to listen to people."

Website to help prepare for liturgy text changes

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared a website to help parishes prepare to receive the revised translation of the Roman Missal.

The site is found at: http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/

Additionally, the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions and the Bishops. Committee on Divine Worship are preparing 20 regional workshops to begin this coming December. This workshop will be held in Cincinnati April 15-16.

The Missale Romanum (the Roman Missal), the ritual text for the celebration of the Mass, was first promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as the definitive text of the reformed liturgy of the Second Vatican Council. A second edition followed in 1975.

Pope John Paul II issued a revised version of the Missale Romanum during the Jubilee Year 2000. The English translation of the revised Roman Missal has been completed, and the Bishops of the United States approved the final sections of the text in November 2009. Among other things, the revised edition of the Missale Romanum contains prayers for the observances of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Votive Masses and Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Intentions, and some updated and revised rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass. The English translation of the Roman Missal will also include updated translations of existing prayers, including some of the well–known responses and acclamations of the people.

This website has been prepared to help Cadtholics prepare for the transition. As this site continues to be expanded, you will find helpful resources for the faithful, for the clergy, and for parish and diocesan leaders.

Stark, Portage to lose six priests in mergers

Parishes in the Youngstown Diocese, including Stark and Portage counties, will be downsized like those in Cleveland Diocese.  Six priests would be lost in Stark and Portage under a proposed reconfiguration.

News of the reconfiguration was reported today by Beacon Journal religion writer Collette Jenkins in a story in today’s newspaper.

Stark County would lose four priests (23 instead of 27) and 15 of the 27 parishes would consolidate for form seven. That would leave the county with 19 parishes — two of them would have two worship sites.

Portage County would see no reduction in its 10 parishes, but  would lose two priests--. leaving the county with eight priests. St. Joseph in Randolph Township and St. Peter of the Fields in Rootstown Township would share a priest. Also sharing a priest would be St. Ambrose in Garrettsville and St. Michael in Windham

Churches in Stark County that would merge to form a new parish are

St. Joseph and Regina Coeli, both of Alliance, and St. Ann in Sebring would combine with  two worship sites.

St. Theresa in Brewster and St. Clement in Navarre with two worship sites.

Our Lady of Peace and St. Paul in Canton.

St. Peter and St. Benedict in Canton.

All Saints and St. Anthony in Canton (will serve Latino community.)

St. Mary and St. John of Canton.

Sacred Heart of Mary in Harrisburg and St. Joseph of Maximo

In addition to Portage and Stark, the six-county diocese includes Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties. The diocese is made up of 112 parishes and two missions, and serves nearly 202,000 registered Catholics.

There are 97 active priests in the Youngstown diocese. Thirty-six of those priests are eligible to retire in the next five years and only 14 seminarians are studying for the priesthood in the diocese.

The Catholic population, as in other parts of the country, has shifted from the cities to the suburbs. And the number of registered Catholics in the diocese has dropped from 256,071 in 2000 to 201,857 in 2009.

The proposed plan does not include any parish closings. but some buildings will be closed with he mergers.

'Once reconfiguration is implemented, officials expect registered Catholics to be able to find a parish within 15 miles or 25 minutes of their home.

The proposed plan for the reconfiguration of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is on the table, and parishes have until March 15 to voice any objections.

Click on the headline to see the Beacon Journal story.

Schools closed today

St. Paul and other Akron schools are closed today because of  weather conditions.

Saint Patrick's Party sign is on the door

Click sign to enlarge for better view.

The sign for the St. Patrick's Party on Saturday, March 6, is on the door at Boeke Hall.

Purchase your tickets NOW to ensure a seat. Reserve a table (for 8) NOW.  Tickets are $15 in advance.  Coffee and appetizers are included and beer and pop will be available.

Call Caryn at 330-815-6940 

or the Rectory at 220-724-1263.

If you are Irish (or wish you were or pretend you are) you cannot affort to miss this date. Come and have fun -- dance -- sing along.

The party begins at 6:30 p.m. Here is the starring entertainment lineup:

Green Blossom Special with Pat Flynn, Chuck Keiper, Danny Christy and Big Jay Ray

MacConmara Academy Irish Step Dancers

Hoban Pipers Pride (Bagpipe Corps)

Hibernian Ceili Band

Chuck E. Cheese Night is Thursday, March 4

St. Paul School is going to Chuck E. Cheese! in Fairlawn at 2779 West Market Street from 3 to 9 p.m.. Thursday, March 4.  

Purchase food and tickets at the counter and mention that you are from St. Paul School and Chuck E. Cheese will give 15 per cent back to the PTO.  

Chuck E. Cheese  is near Lucjky Shoes Store.

Parishioners enjoy first of Soup Suppers

Diners in Boeke Hall at first 2010 Lenten Soup Supper

A couple of dozen diners enjoyed the first of the 2010 Lenten soup suppers in Boeke Hall on Wednesday evening. Three different soups were served.

The suppers will continue each Wednesday through Marcgh 13 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. in Boeke Hall followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the church.

Fr. James Schleicher, retired St. Francis de Sales pastor, dies

The Rev. Fr. James R. Schleicher, Pastor Emeritus of St. Francis de Sales Parish, died Tuesday.  Fr. Schleicher, 80, had been pastor of St. Francis for 34 years before his retirement in August, 2008.

Born November 10, 1929, the son of  Viola and William Schleicher, Fr. Schleicher was the middle child.  He had two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister. He was blessed to have his widowed grandmother (Isabelle Dorsey) live with his family. His grandmother attended daily Mass and he went along. Soon he became a server. His faith continued to grow while he attended Christ the King in Chicago where he was nurtured by the Sisters of Mercy. His family moved to Long Island, New York where he entered the high school seminary, Immaculate Conception Preparatory in the Diocese of Brooklyn.  After he completed high school, the family moved to the Cleveland area, but to attend the minor seminary he had to attend Sacred Heart in Detroit. Later he attended St. Mary's Major Seminary in Wickliffe.

Fr. Schleicher  was ordained December 18, 1954 by Archbishop Edward F. Hoban. His first assignment was as an assistant (parochial vicar) at Akron St. Mary where he served from January 7, 1955 to June 21, 1960. He served as assistant at St. Bartholomew in Middleburg Heights from June 21, 1960 to June 10, 1965, at St. Sebastian from June 10, 1965 to June 29, 1971 and was named pastor at St. Francis June 25, 1974.

Fr. Schleiher, who was pastor of St. Francis for more than half of its 60 years, celebrated his retirement Mass on July 27, 2009, but remained at the parish. The Rev. Fr. G. David Bline was appointed as administrator on August 2, 2008 and pastor on November 23, 2009.

On his retirement, Fr. Schelicher said has had probably officiated at 300 or more weddings at the church and possibly 3,000 baptisms since he became pastor in June, 1974

Vigil and Reception will be held at the parish, Sunday February 28, from 2 to 7 p.m. with vespers celebrated at 3 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday March 1, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Parish, 4019 Manchester Rd. Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery, Cleveland following the Mass.

There will be no school on Monday, March 1, due to Fr. Schleicher's funeral.

[A brief announcement of his death and arrangements was published on page B5, col. 3, in the Akron Beacon Journal on Thursday with the notation: Please view full obituary in Saturday or Sunday's paper or visit www.hummelcares.com]

Coach still needed for girls’ volleyball.

A coach is still needed for the Sixth Grade girls’ volleyball team, Practce will begin March 1 for Grades 3, 5, 6 and 8  For questions or to volunteer, call Jill Joyner at 330.730.6104 or email jillakron@yahoo.com.

The Booster Club still needs a presidendt to replace Tony Bachmann who resigned.

Board members attending the February 18 meeting were Jill Joyner, Theresa Garey, John Garey, Christy Breiding, Julie Pack and Jo Shoup.

Christy Breiding is vice president; Theresa Garey, treasurer; Julie Pack, secretatry; John Garey, boys’ athletic director; Jill Joyner, girls’ athletic director 

Booster Club decals are $5,

The next Booster Club meeting will be  March 18 at 7 p.m.

Mass for Kathleen Burrell is Saturday

Kathleen M. Burrell, 87, of Akron, passed away Feb. 19, 2010.

She was born in Upper Sandusky on Feb. 13, 1923 to Harry and Emma (nee Siefert) Zachardy and lived in Firestone Park, where she was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church for 75 years.

Katie graduated from St. Paul's grade school and Garfield High School. Later in life, she was active in

the St. Paul's Ladies Guild, St. Paul's Study Club, Hoban Mother's Club and Firestone Park Primetimers. At St. Paul's she cared for the alter linens and was a Eucharistic Minister.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death husband, Jack; daughter, Jean Craig; sons, John, Jim, Jeff and Dan; sister, Betty Tawney; brothers, Pat and Bob Zachardy. She is survived by sons, Mike of Stow, Pat (Annette) of Cameron Park, Calif., David (Helen) of Carey, N.C.; daughter, Mary (Tom) Dolis of Cuyahoga Falls; 20 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ciriello and Carr Falls Chapel (810 Portage Tr.), where the Ladies Guild will pray the rosary at 4:15. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

A special thanks to Briarwood Nursing Home for their care. The family suggests donations be made to the Interval Brotherhood Home.
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Wednesday, February 24, 2010, page B4, col. 4]

Pope Benedict XVI appoints two new U. S. bishops

Pope Benedict XVI appointed  two new U. S. bishops today.

Msg. Jposeph C. Bambera will become the tenth bishop of Scranton, PA, replacing Bishop Joseph Martino who resigned unexpectedly last August at the age of 63.

Terry LaValley was appointed the 14th bishop Terry LaValley of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, N.Y.. Fr. LaValley has served as the diocesan administrator since the see was vacated by Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, when he was assigned to lead the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y.. Fr. LaValley has served

as the diocesan administrator since the see was vacated by Bishop Cunningham.

Bambera  is currently the pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas parish at Archbald and of St. Mary of Czestochowa parish at Eynon. With the Diocese of Scranton vacant, Msgr. Bambera served as a delegate to Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philidelpia and helped run the daily operations of the diocese.

Bishop Martino retired at the age of 63 last year following what some called a contentious tenure at the helm of the Scranton diocese.

Though the bishop cited “crippling physical fatigue” as his primary reason for stepping down, he also stated in a press conference last Aug. 31 that disunity and a lack of “clear consensus” among the clergy about his “way of governance” were also to blame for his resignation. Bishop Martino was known as a staunch pro-life advocate and for his critiques of Sen. Bob Casey Jr., whom he urged to be more outspoken against abortion.

The new bishop-elect, Msgr. Bambera, was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania and, according to the Scranton Times-Tribune, grew up attending Catholic schools in the area. Msgr. Bambera was ordained a priest in 1983 and was made a Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II in 1997.

The date of Msgr. Bambera's ordination Mass has yet to be announced.

Bishop-elect LaValley grew up and was educated in New York state, though he left to serve a six-year tour of duty with the United States Navy before entering the seminary in 1983. Just five years later, Bishop-elect LaValley had earned a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained a priest. In 1994, he graduated from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with degrees in canon law.

Over the years, Bishop-elect LaValley has held numerous positions in the diocese, such as Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Episcopal Vicar for Diocesan Services and Chancellor of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, pastor of St. Raphael’s Church, and rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral, culminating in his recent tenure as diocesan administrator.

He will continue to function as the diocese's administrator until his installation as bishop.

Bishop-elect LaValley will be ordained a bishop at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, April 30.

Catholics give $198 million Haiti aid

Catholic relief agencies in 40 nations have received $198 million in donations from individuals and $36 million pledges from governments and other institutions to assist Haitian earthquake victims, according to Caritas Internationalis, the international consortium of Catholic relief agencies. Within Haiti, Caritas has fed 500,000 people and given shelter kits to 43,000.

Statistics on Malta where St. Paul ship wrecked

VATICAN CITY (VIS) - For the occasion of Benedict XVI's apostolic trip to Malta,  to commemorate the 1950th anniversary of St. Paul's shipwreck on the island, statistics have been published concerning the Catholic Church in that country. The information, updated to  December 31,  2008, comes from the Central Statistical Office of the Church.

  

Malta , the capital city of which is Valletta , has a population of 443,000 of whom 418,000 (94.4 percent) are Catholic. There are 2 ecclesiastical circumscriptions and 85 parishes. Currently there are 9 bishops, 853 priests, 1,143 religious, 43 lay members of secular institutes and 1,231 catechists. Minor seminarians number 269 and major seminarians 91.

 

A total of 17,786 students attend 80 centres of Catholic education, from kindergartens to universities. Other institutions belonging to the Church or run by priests or religious in Malta include 24 homes for the elderly or disabled, 26 orphanages and nurseries, 9 family counselling centres and other pro-life centres, 24 centres for education and social rehabilitation, and 4 institutions of other kinds.

Eucharistic Adoration hours extended

There are extended hours for Eucharistic Adoratiion during Lent. 

There are funeral Masses at 10 a.m. and noon this Tuesday, but you can make an adoration visit at other times from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after the 5:30 p.m. Mass until 9 p.m.

Lenten Soup Supper on Wednesdays

The first Lenten Soup Supper will be from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in Boeke Hall.  

Stations of the Cross will be at 7 p.m. 

The suppers will continue each Wednesday through March l3.

Number of Catholics increased

The number of Caholics has increased, accordng to two yearbooks just out.

The Catholic Church’s membership in the United States grew at the “robust” rate of about 1.5 percent in 2008, according to National Council of Churches’ (NCC) new 2010 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches.

A slight loss in Catholic membership in the U.S. was reported in last year’s yearbook, but the NCC said the latest figure shows “robust growth.” The figures come from 2008 statistics. The growth outpaces the estimated U.S. population growth rate in 2008, listed as 0.9 percent, according to the CIA World Factbook.

There are now an estimated 68.1 million Catholics in the United States.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, whose members are known as Mormons, grew 1.7 percent to almost 5.9 million members. The Assemblies of God grew 1.3 percent to about 2.9 million.

Other denominations lost membership. The Presbyterian Church (USA) shrank 3.3 percent and now has about 2.9 million members. American Baptist Churches in the USA decreased two percent to 1.4 million, while the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America lost 1.9 percent of its membership, which now stands at 4.7 million.

The Southern Baptist C.nvention, the largest denomination after Catholics, lost 0.24 percent of its membership and now stands at 16.2 million. It also declined in membership in the year prior.

The Pontifical Yearxbook presented Saturday to Pope Benedict XVI reports the number of Catholics, including the number of priests and seminarians, is increasing worldwide, especially in Asia and Africa.

In 2008 there were 1.166 billion baptized Catholics worldwide, an increase of 19 million (up 1.7%). Taking into account the increase in the world’s population to 6.7 billion, there is a slight growth in the percentage of Catholics who make up the global population (from 17.33% to 17.40%).

There was also an increase in the number of bishops, from 4,946 in 2007 to 5,002 in 2008 (up 1.13%). The growth in Africa (up 1.83%) and the Americas (up 1.57%) was significant, while in Asia (up 1.09%) and in Europe (up 0.70%) the values are below the overall average. In Oceania during the same period there was a 3% decrease in the number of bishops.

There was also a slight increase (around 1% between 2000 and 2008) for diocesan and religious priests, whose numbers grew from 405,178 in 2000 to 409,166 in 2008.

The number of clergy by continent has Europe on top, with almost half of the world's priests still residing there (47.1%), followed by the Americas (30%), then Asia (13.2%) and Africa (8.7%) and finally Oceania (1.2%).

The distribution of priests has grown in Africa, Asia and the Americas, while it has visibly declined in Europe, from 51.5% to 47.1%.

The number of professed women religious dropped markedly: They numbered 801,185 in 2000 and decreased to 739,067 in 2008 (a 7.8% drop).

The largest numbers of professed women religious are in Europe (40.9%) and America (27.5%) but the most notable declines are also in Europe (down 17.6%) and America (down 12.9%), while there are noteworthy increases in Africa (up 21.2%) and Asia (up 16.4%). This growth in Africa and Asia counterbalances the decrease in Europe and America somewhat, but does not stop it.

At the global level the number of candidates for the priesthood is up, rising from 115,919 in 2007 to 117,024 in 2008, which is an increase of about 1%.

The increase in these numbers over this period has come especially from Africa (up 3.6%), Asia (up 4.4%) and Oceania (up 6.5%). In Europe, however, there was a 4.3% drop and the numbers in America have remained more or less stable

Last five split the Reverse Raffle winnings

The last five decided to split the winnings in the St. Paul Booster Club’s Reverse Raffle on Saturday evening.  The payout was $2,000 with 156 of the 200 tickets sold.

Splitting the winnings were Shaun Wightman,  Mike Martin,  Tom and Mary Lou Goodhart,
Bernie Factor and Sean and Laura Grubb. The 50/50 wnner was Bill Canan

Top ticket sellers were John and Theresa Garey, Scott and Julie Wightman, Jackie Pressman, Sean and Laura Grubb, Jill Joyner and Susie Riegger

Gerard Colant was the emcee. Theresa Garey, Mary Bachmann, Jill Joyner and John Garey were the helpers during the drawing.  Santangelo's was the caterer.  Tony Bachmann was bartender and  Mary Bachmann was barmaid.  Julie Pack was the 50/50 ticket taker. Tom Breiding ran the Poker games and  Scott Riegger the LCR games.  Bill Canan donated his DJ services for the evening.

Thanks to the set up crew of Jacob Swords, Jeremy Swords, Christy Breiding, Jill Joyner, Abby Joyner, Marco Colant, Noelle Colant, Gerard Colant, Julie Pack, Theresa Garey, & Jonh Garey.

Thank to the South Akron Knights of Columbus #3410 for the use of their raffle boards.    and to Bill Canan of Beach Boyz for his DJ service.

Click on the headlne to see a few candid photos by Jo Shoup.

Winnere of the “300" Club:
 
January
#  328               Debbie Brown
#  002               Bob Factor
#  072               Carol Coughlin
#  111               Karen Vargo
#  311               Mike Merle Jr

February
#  270               Steve and Laurie Gray
#  157               Chris and  Kim Kuhn
#  241               Cheryl Ellis
#  089               Tim and  Michelle Harvey

Mass for Ann Deskovitch at noon Tuesday

Ann Deskovich, 88, passed away on February 19, 2010.

She was an Akron resident, and long time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John Deskovich, Sr.; son and daughter-in-law, John Jr. and Sandy Deskovich; daughter, and son-in-law, Sophie and Gene Phillips. Her survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Mary Deskovich; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Ron Krosnick; nine grand children; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandson; and brother, Ted Rastok.

Calling hours will be on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.). Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 noon on Tuesday at St. Paul's Catholic Church followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Mass for Marie Pillitiere is Tuesday

(Sarah) Marie Pillitiere, 64, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 18, 2010 at her home.

Marie was born July 21, 1945 to Herman and Sarah (Stokes) Warner in Akron and had been an Akron resident her entire life. She was first and foremost a mother to Gina, Dan and Mike. She was a waitress at Tangier's restaurant from 1975 to 1985. She then co-founded, with her former husband Danny, Pillitiere's Restaurant in 1981. She went on her own in 1998 and bought a Blimpie's franchise in N. Canton, after which, she bought Akron Uniforms on E. Market St. with her business partner, Gary George. She retired in 2008.

Marie was a member of the Parish Council during the tenure of the Rev. Fr. Thomas Koegel (1973-1984).

Marie is survived by her children, Gina (Justin) Wooden of N. Canton, Daniel (Nicole) Pillitiere and Michael (Jennifer) Pillitiere all of Akron; grandchildren, Nate and Kayla Wooden and Gianna Pillitiere; siblings, Bud (Vicki) Warner of Las Vegas, Joanne Anzaldi of Munroe Falls, Janet Summers of Akron, Jim (Leslie) Warner of Akron and Dave Warner of Oregon. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Marie was a beloved fixture of Firestone Park and St. Paul's Parish on Brown Street. Active in her church and community, she touched many lives. She was selfless with her time and infinitely compassionate to others. A tireless worker and entrepreneur, she was a stickler for detail and sought perfection in all she did. A bold, courageous woman, Marie never shied away from a challenge and was never silent when she saw injustice. Her boundless generosity, hospitality and enthusiasm could always be counted on. And if you ever wanted an opinion on something, she had one for you. She will be deeply missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1580 Brown Street, Akron, Ohio 44301. A luncheon will follow the Mass in Boeke Hall, adjacent to the church. Final disposition will be held at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends Monday 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. Donations may be made to the St. Paul's School Endowment Fund. (Anthony Funeral Homes, 330.724.1281, www.anthonyfh.com)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, February 21, 2010, page B7, col. 2 ]

First Reconciliation is a family affair

Taylor Broske gives confession and receives absolution from Rev. Fr. Anthony Suso

It was a family affair for students at First Reconciliation on Saturday in St. Paul Church. Parents and even a few grandparentts were there for the big event.

Students and parents renewed their Baptismal vows and the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph W. Thomas, talked to the group.  Fr. Anthony Suso, parocial vicar at St. Francis deSales Church, joined Fr. Thomas in hearing confessions.

After receving absolution and saying a penance prayer,  each student picked up his/her Baptismal candle and lighted it.before proceeding to the narthex to pick up a Sacrament certificate..  The candles were arrranged on a table in front of the altar.

Among those making First Reconciliation at this time were Isabella Amedeo, Alaina Bachmann, Lily Botos, Taylor Broske, Luke Fielding, Michael Floyd, Madison Grayem, Jacob Harbarger, Thomas Harvey, Eden Leeser, Roxanna Slota, Alyss Smith, Taylor Smith, Grace Walter, Rylee Wieclaw and Ian Williams.

Click on the headline to see all seven photos

Alaina Bachmann says prayer (left) and receives certificate from teacher Mary Means

You can 'nail' your burdens to the cross

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

Our pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, says:

“Our hope is that by bringing our tribulations to Our Lord, He will bring about a transformation in our lives so that something good will result from our suffering.”

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

Get your Tools for Tolerance

More than 20 years ago the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a major pastoral letter on racism, Brothers and Sisters to Us.  It declared that "racism is a sin that divides the human family, blots out the image of God among specific members of that family and violates the fundamental human dignity of those called to be children of the same Father."  Today, despite important legislation to protect civil rights and promote greater racial equality, racism remains a very real and destructive force among us.  Hate can only be conquered by ordinary people willing to promote tolerance.  You may already be one of them.  If you are willing to help foster tolerance in your family, your schools, your workplace, your parish and your community, visit the Tools for Tolerance website at www.tolerance.org. You can take the Declaration of Tolerance and borrow ideas for promoting equity and celebrating diversity.  For all our differences, we share one world.  To be tolerant is to welcome the differences and delight in the sharing.

Church to canonize 6 saints October 17

VATICAN CITY,(Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI announced today that the Church will proclaim six saints on October 17..

The announcement of the canonizations was a particularly awaited moment in the Holy See, as demonstrated by the presence of 37 cardinals, archbishops and bishops.

Those to be canonized include:

-- Blessed Stanislaw Soltys, called Kazimierczyk, professed priest of the Canons Regular of the Lateran, born Sept. 27, 1433 in Kazimierz (Poland) and died in the same place May 3, 1489;

-- Blessed André Bessette (born Alfred), religious of the Congregation of the Holy Cross; born in Saint-Grégoire d'Iberville, Canada, Aug. 9, 1845, and died in Montreal, Canada, Jan. 6, 1937;

-- Blessed Candida Maria of Jesus, baptized Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola, founder of the Congregation of Daughters of Jesus, born in the hamlet of Berrospe, Andoain (Guipuzcoa), , on May 31, 1845 and died on August 9, 1912.

-- Blessed Mary of the Cross MacKillop (baptized Mary Helen), founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart; born on January 15, 1842 in Fitzroy, Australia, and died on August 8, 1909 in Sydney, Australia;

-- Blessed Giulia Salzano, founder of the Congregation of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart; born Oct. 13, 1846, in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy, and died May 17, 1929, in Casoria, Italy;

-- Blessed Camilla Battista da Varano, sister of the Poor Clares and founder of the monastery of St. Clare in Camerino; born April 0, 1458, in Camerino, Italy, and died in the same city May 31, 1524.

More than 125 items for Spectacular auction

Coordinators of the annual Spring Spectacular have a database of more than 125 items up for auction at the big gala at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 23, at Guy’s Party Centre.

There are packages from Northfield and Pimlico parks, a ferryboat ride, theater tickets to Weathervane, Porthouse, Chagrin Valley and Cleveland Theatre, photo offers, all kinds of sports items, 20 personal training sessions at a Fairlawn sports center, and tickets to Indians and Aeros

games. You also might buy the right to be principal for a day or librarian for a day at St, Paul School or have your own private parking spot in the north lot of the church.  A number of advertisers also have signed up to be in the program.

Tickets at $125 per couple include the Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction, Hors D'oeuvres, Steak Dinner and Open Bar,

The Reverse Raffle grand prize is $4,000 and there  are many silent auction items to bid on. There will be raffle for a 46-inch HD flat screen TV and a laptop computer with Intel Core 2 duo processor.  Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and you do not need to be present to win.

Any donation is welcome from money to products and services and advertising in the program.  Contact one of the Spring Spectacular committee members for information.
* Event tickets are prepaid only, LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE
* For Event tickets contact Fred Cafarelli 330-724-1946 or Tony DiDonato 330-603-9450
* For Prize raffle tickets contact one of the committee members below

Spring Spectacular committee members are
Dana Coffman / Bob Coffman     330-352-0651 / 330-352-0650
Kim Kuhn     330-699-3014

See the poster   published earlier on this blog or on the cback panel of the kiosk in the narthex.

Students pray Stations of the Cross

Mrs. Janet Hazlett and Angel Lapresta and Mrs. Suzanne Inglis and Logan Bender  

 St. :Paul students in grades 1 through 4 met in the church at 2:15 p.m. Friday for Stations of the Cross.

Grade 4 teacher Janet Hazlett led the prayers for the first seven stations while Angel Lapresta carried the cross.  Then first grade teacher Suzanna Inglis led  prayers for the last seven stations while fourth grader Logan Bender carried the cross.

Attending were Mrs. Hazlett's fourth grade students, Mrs. Inglis' first grade students and Miss Mary Means and her third grade students and Mrs. Jessica Davis and her third grade students.

Principal Robert Brodbeck and several parishiones joined the student devotions. 

Stations of the Cross booklets appropriate for those grade levels were used.  Stiudents in other grades will meet for stations on succeeding Fridays.

Students in grades 1 through 4 giving prayer response to Stations of the Cross

School families plan Simple Soup Suppers

St, Paul students took home invitations for  their families to take part in a “Simple Soup Supper” during Lent to benefit the parish.  The program incorporates the Lenten features of prayer, fasting and abstinence.  Instead of a regular meal, families are asked to have a Simple Soup Supper and to donate what the regular meal would have cost to the parish.  Envelopes will be sent home near the end of Lent for the collection.

The invitation, signed by principal Robert Brodbeck, says in part:

“St. Paul Church and School are an integral part of our community, a shining beacon of light upon a hill. Let us take this most Holy time of lent, a time of reflection and introspection, to give back to St.

Paul Church, from the hearts of St. Paul School.

“Times are tough. We have all felt the burden of the struggling economy. So how can we give back? It's simple. We all have to eat. During lent, each family at St. Paul School can commit to sharing a weekly Simple Soup Supper. Consider what a family of four spends on an average meal - $5, $10, $15 or perhaps more. A can of-Campbell'"s chicken noodle soup costs about $1. Some families may need three or more cans for a meal. The idea is to keep it simple. For your Simple Soup Supper, choose the night that best fits your family's schedule. The money that you save on your weekly Simple Soup Supper may be donated to our St. Paul School Lenten gift offering.

"Parents, kick back, and enjoy an easy, heart warming meal after a long day's work. Break out your family's favorite board game. Make it a family night of shared nourishment and togetherness. Make this your time of reflection. Please pray and consider making this commitment to sharing a Simple Soup Supper night with your family. Every dollar matters and can add up to a great collective sum. Let's give back to the Church that wholeheartedly supports our children's education. We all benefit from helping one another; we are one Church, one community.

"That's the St. Paul difference."

Snowed-out First Reconciliation is Saturday

First Reconciliation for students which was cancelled on February 6 because of inclement weather will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the church. Families are welcome.

Assisting the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, in hearing confessions will be the Rev. Fr. G. David Bline, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, and the Rev. Fr. Anthony Suso, parochial vicar at St. Francis.

Catechists who have prepared the students to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time are Cathy Hartsook, Diana Thanasiu, second grader teacher Mary Means and catechetical leader Charlotte Hertzig.

Parents and children will renew their baptismal vows.  After confession and completing a penance prayer, the student will pick up his/her  Baptismal candle and proceed to the back of the church to receive the Sacramental certificate.

Comparing statistics for 2009 and 2008

The 2009 Annual Financial "Report to the Community" mentioned in an earlier blog item is a four-page insert in the Febsruary 19 issue of the Universe Bulletin.  Below are some of the statistics from that report along with the statistics from the poreviouse year’s report which were on the blog last February. The figures for 2009 are in bold type compared with those from 2008 in regular type.

Size: 20th largest diocese in the United States.(formerly 17th largest) Founded: April 23, 1847
Area: 3,414 square miles. Includes eight counties: Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Summit (Akron), Lorain (Lorain-Elyria) Lake (Painesville), Geauga (Chardon), Medina (Medina),
Wayne (Wooster), and Ashland (Ashland)
Cathedral: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Established in 1848.

Catholic Schools:
Total schools 131 / 134
Elementary schools 109 / 112
Secondary schools 22 / 22
Preschool sites 64 / 69
Head Start sites 11 / 14

Enrollment in Parish Religious Education
Total enrollment 50,681 / 52,998
Pre-K students 2,862 / 2,852
K-8 students 33,389 / 35,147
High School students 13, 288 / 13,804

Parish Catechetical Programs
Students Served 44.537 / 47,016
Volunteer Catechists 3,272 / 3,381
Generations of Faith Programs 54 / 49

Ministry Personnel
Active Diocesan Priests 261 / 257
Special Ministry Priests 28 / 32
Retired priests 103 / 96
Religious Order Priests 99 / 119
Brothers 52 /53
Women Religious 1,070 / 1,109
Permanent Deacons 212 / 204
Certified Pastoral Ministers 271 / 263

Sacramental Services
Catholic Population Served in Diocese 744,000 / 753,255
Percentage of Catholics in the 8 counties 27% / 28%
Number of parishes 201 / 224
Number of nationality parishes 51 / 51
Number of infant/Child Baptisms in 2008 7,009 / in 2007 7,483
Number of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in 2008 1.072 / in 2007  1,289
Number of First Communions 9.139 / 9,734
Number of Confirmations 9,045 / 9,063
Number of Marriages 2.592 / 2,783
Number of Deaths 7.955 / 7,814

Catholic Charities
Individuals served by Catholic Charities Health and Human Services 326.414 / 299,861
Nights of Shelter provided 48.702 / 65,366
Meals served through Catholic Hunger and Shelter network 2,829,781 / 2,830,175
People treated for Chemical Dependency 4,143 / 2,321
Children participating in CYO athletics 32,072 / 29,559
Unemployed Persons Trained 1,626 / 1,310
Number of children placed in adoption 495 / none listed for  2008
Children with disabilities attending day camp 604 / 166

This year’s report notes that in the nine years since 2000, much has happened and there are fewer Cadtholics attending Mass. Nevertheless, parish offertory has grown 9.5 percent. In 2009, despite very difficult economy, parish offertory declined just 1.5 percent from 2008.
Fiscal years ending June 30:
2000 $100,100,000
2005 $104,700,000
2008 $111,200,000
2009 $109,600,000

Seminars to introduce revised Roman Missal

WASHINGTON—A series of workshops slated from April 15-16 to November 4-5 will be offered around the nation to prepare priests and diocesan leaders for implementation of the revised Roman Missal.   The closest for this area would be in Cincinnati.

The seminars are sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Divine Worship and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions as part of educational efforts for introducing the latest version of the Roman Missal, which incorporates the most significant changes in the Liturgy since 1974. Other associates in planning include the National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy (NOCERCC) and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM).

Seminar attendees will study the historical and theological context of the new Missal and will look at some of the new translations to deepen understanding of their depth and richness.  The workshops are for priests and diocesan leaders only.

Seminars also will highlight the role of the priest celebrant in both proclaiming and singing the next texts. In addition, speakers will discuss the impact of change on both priests and laity and suggest strategies for implementation of the Missal locally.

Primary staff for each seminar will be either Msgr. Anthony Sherman, executive director of the USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship, or Father Richard Hilgartner, associate director of the Divine Worship Secretariat. Msgr. Sherman holds a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of Innsbruck.  Father Hilgartner holds a licentiate degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontificio Ateneo Sant'Anselmo, Rome and is a doctoral student in liturgy at The Catholic University of America.  Both are members of the North American Academy of Liturgy and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy.

A second speaker at each seminar will be either Brian Reynolds, Ed.D, chancellor and chief administrator of the Archdiocese of Louisville; Dolly Sokol, Ph.D., director of development of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe or Peter Zografos, D.Min., director of campus ministry and adjunct faculty of Our Lady of the Lake University, in San Antonio.

Workshops will be offered in Cincinnati; Richmond, Virginia; Phoenix; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; Helena, Montana; St. Paul-Minneapolis; Denver; Orange, California; Louisville; Baltimore; Milwaukee; Trenton, New Jersey; San Francisco; Oklahoma City; Boston; Seattle; Alexandria, Louisiana; Albany, New York; Honolulu; San Antonio; and Orlando.

Further details on the seminars can be found at www.fdlc.org, and registration for the workshops (limited to priests and diocesan leaders) is at
www.usccb.org/romanmissal.www.usccb.org/romanmissal.

Other educational efforts include provision of a series of related articles to diocesan media outlets including diocesan newspapers, magazines and Websites.  In particular, USCCB Publishing is preparing several resources, including a Roman Missal Parish Implementation Guide, which will be available soon after the final text of the Missal is approved by the Holy See.

See an earlier Saint Paul TODAY post on the missal changes

Download a PDF file on the changes.

2009 financial report for diocese published

The 2009 Annual Financial "Report to the Community" and addidtional information is now available on the Cleveland Diocese  website along with additional information. 

This is the sixth consecutive year for publication of the diocesan 'Report to the Community.'

Clicking on the below link will direct you to an index page to review the fiscal accounting of the many programs and activities in the Diocese of Cleveland.

Index page for 'Diocesan Finances - 2008-2009'

Groundbreaking: The legacy of Firestone

Not his name, but the legacy of Harvey Firestone was remembered today. Firestone donated the land for St. Paul Church which celebrated its 90h anniversary last year. Almost 110 years ago,Firestone founded the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in Akron. Today, the Akron community celebrated a new chapter in the legendary Firestone legacy.

Bridgestone Americas broke ground on the company's $100 million state-of-the-art Technical Center. The investment will keep hundreds of jobs in the community.

"Everyone here today shares a common bond: we all care about this community and we all care about Akron. And today, we break ground on a first-class facility that will be home to the next generation of innovation," says Bob Handlos, vice president  of Bridgestone.

He says it's a start for a new beginning for our Akron team and I know all of our teammates are excited about moving forward with this project."

"Bridgestone Americas is an iconic Ohio company that helped shape Akron's history of innovation and manufacturing and will be a vital partner in strengthening Northeast Ohio's economic future," Governor Strickland said. "I believe in Ohio because of great companies like Bridgestone Americas that are innovating and creating jobs while demonstrating pride and passion for their work and their community."

In July 2008, the company announced it would build the center in Akron during a celebration of the 1988 alliance of The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company with Bridgestone Corporation that transformed the companies' combined operations into the world's largest tire and rubber company. The new facility is expected to be complete at the end of 2011.

"By breaking ground on its new technical center, Bridgestone Americas is again recommitting itself to Ohio - where businesses continue to find a preferred location for capital investment, a highly skilled workforce, and a perfect balance between business pursuits and quality of life," said Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher. "There is no doubt that the history of this legendary company in Ohio is impressive and now with the advent of this tremendous investment its future looks even brighter and I could not be more proud to be a part of this historic day."

In 2007 and 2008, Strickland and Fisher were committed to keeping Bridgestone in Akron and worked consistently with Bridgestone representatives in a year-long process to craft an agreement that addressed the company's specific business needs. The Strickland Administration collaborated closely with the City of Akron, Summit County and regional partners to create an incentives package for the company's transformational project.

St. Paul parishioners were among those who sent pleas to the company to remain in Akron.

"From the first non-skid tread to the Firestone balloon tire, some of the world's most creative, innovative concepts in the tire industry have come from behind these doors and down the street at our Technical Center," said Mark Emkes, Chairman, CEO and President, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. "There is no better place to continue our proud tradition of innovation than right here in Akron."

"Bridgestone's new, state-of-the-art Tire Tech Center will attract and keep employees right here in Akron," said Rep. Betty Sutton. "Today's groundbreaking will result in immediate and much-needed construction jobs, will allow Bridgestone to create and retain 1,000 jobs, and will position Northeast Ohio to continue to lead in innovation, and research and development for years to come."

"This exciting investment in the Bridgestone technical center will facilitate the good-paying jobs that will keep our kids in Northeast Ohio," noted Congressman Ryan. "Today's groundbreaking is the result of an unprecedented level of public and private cooperation on local, state, and federal levels. These many partners came together to support the continued investments of a company with historic ties to the city of Akron "“ all to ensure that Bridgestone is provided with the necessary resources to refine their product and continue to serve national and international markets."

"Today, we break ground on a first-class facility that will be home to the next generation of innovation. Around the world, people will ride on tires that were designed and engineered right here by our teammates in Akron," says Handlos.

[Source: AkronNewNow.com and press release]

6 Ash Wednesday photos on Ohio.com

Fr. Thomas makes sign of cross on forehead of sixth grader Maddie Peters

Six beautiful photos by Beacon Journal photographer Paul Tople can be viewed on Ohio.com, the Beacon Journal website.  Just click on the headline to go there. There you will see a photo and brief story.  Click on “view more photos” to see all the photos.

One of the photos was used on page B10 of today’s Beacon Journal. This is the photo you will see when you go on the website.  It shows the pastor, the Rev.  Fr. Ralph W. Thomas, making   the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of Maddie Peters, , during the 8:30 a.m student Mass on . Ash Wednesday.

For those unable to access Ohio.com, the other photos show:

+ Hali Bridges ,7, listening to the Ash Wednesday liturgy.

+ Samuel Neugebauer, 13, receiving ashes from 5th grade teacher, Shelly Pixler

+ Karionna Basone, 5, listening to liturgy.

+ Another photo of Fr. Thomas making  the sign of the cross with ashes on the foreheads of Lexi Chisholm,14, and Emma McGraw, 4..

+ Students standing  in front of the statue of Mary.

Improved lighting, sound to enhance Honk

Tom Liggett adjusts lighting on new light bar in front of stage

LED lamps (in center) can emit different color and output of lighting

Honk, the Ugly Duckling musical, will be enhanced by improved lighting and sound equipment for use on the stage in the Parish Activity Center.

Mrs. Janet Hazlett, Drama Club adviser, said $900 has been spent on new equipment. Funds come from receipts of previous performances and donations from friends including $200 this year alone

from the St. Paul Ladies Guild.                        

A metal bar hangs from the ceiling in front of the stage to hold lights that can be directed  onto the stage.  Previously lights had to be directed from the side or put on floor stands. The bar can be

removed when lighting is not being used.  Two LED lamps (light emitting diodes similar to those used in traffic lights or clocks) contain a number of different colors and adjustable light outputs

The sound equipment includes a lighting controller, a 16-channel mixing board and 450 watt sound amplifier.

Dress rehearsals for Honk will be March 10 and 16.  These are closed rehearsals.

The musical will be performed March 19, 20 and 21 in the Acdtivity Center.

Serra Club to hear hospital chaplains

The new hospital chaplains will speak at the next luncheon of the Akron Serra Club at noon Tuesday, February 23.  The Rev Fr. Disma Byarugaba, City Hospital chaplain, and Rev. Fr. Oscar Magyezi, Akron General Medical Center chaplain, will be guests at the noon luncheon at the Martin Center on the University of Akron campus.

Speaker for the March 9  meeting will be Robert Brodbeck, principal of St. Paul School.

The Serra Club use of a monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II for Eucharistic adoration continues..  The Monstrance will be used March 21-28 at Sacred Heart in Wadsworth. The success of the local  Monstrance Program has received Serra USA notice.

There will be a Mass for vocations at 8 a.m. March 14 at St. Martin of Tours in Valley City. Akron Sedrran John Ohlin calls random parishes and seeks out Masses scheduled without intentions.  He then suggests that the Mass be dedicated to the furtherance of the Serra Mission

The Bishops Brunch to aid seminarians in their general daily needs is scheduled for Sunday, March 21. Serrans should contact Pete Mihelick for reservations.

Sign of the cross leads us to Easter

Principal Robert Brodbeck distributes ashes to fifth grade students

Have you ever asked for a sign from God?  Well, look around you everywhere in the world today and you will see the sign of the cross on the foreheads of your friends and neighbors.

At the 8:30 a.m. student Mass at St. Paul today, the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, was joined by school principal Robert Brodbeck, third grade teacher Janet Hazlett and fifth grade teacher Shelly Pixler in distributing ashes.

The Mass was planned by the Liturgy Commission.

“Today, Ash Wednesday, we begin the Lenten path that lasts forty days and which leads us to the joy of the Lord's Easter" said Pope Benedict XVI  at the beginning of his catechesis during today's general audience, celebrated in the Paul VI Audience Hall.

Recalling the formula, "Convert and Believe in the Gospel", the Holy Father affirmed that "conversion means changing the direction of the path of our lives. ...It is going against the current when the "current" is a superficial, incoherent, and illusory way of life that often drag us down, making us slaves of evil or prisoners of moral mediocrity. Nevertheless, through conversion we tend to the highest measure of Christian life, we trust in the living and personal Gospel who is Jesus Christ. He is the final goal and the profound path of conversion, the path that we are all called to travel in our lives, allowing ourselves to be illuminated with his light and sustained by his strength, which moves our steps".

 The Pope highlighted that the distribution of ashes "is an invitation to spend the time during Lent as a more aware and more intense immersion in the paschal mystery of Christ, in his death and resurrection, through participation in the Eucharist and a life of charity that is born of the Eucharist and which finds its fulfilment in it. "With the distribution of ashes", he concluded, "we renew our commitment to follow Jesus, letting ourselves be transformed by his paschal mystery so that we may conquer evil and do good, so that we can let our 'old selves', tied to sin, die and let the 'new person' be born, transformed by the grace of God".

70 of 200 Reverse Raffle tickets sold

The Booster Club has sold approximately 75 of the 200 Reverse Raffle tickets.  If you haven't purchased one yet, please call Jo Shoup @ 330-773-9555.  If the $40 is too much, split a ticket with a neighbor or friend.  The winner need not be present. Thank you.

The Booster Reverse Raffle is at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, in Boeke Hall

REMINDER; The St. Paul School PTO and Booster Club meetings are Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall.

Jim got his green paint out for this sign

St. Paul's man with the paint brush, Jim Vondemkamp, got his green paint out -- and a few

other colors -- to create this sign for the St. Patrick's Day party. You can see the sign this weekend in the narthex. 

The third annual St. Patrick's party will be Saturday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall.

Purchase your tickets NOW to ensure a seat. Reserve a table (for 8) NOW.

Tickets are $15 in advance.  Coffee and appetizers are included and beer and pop will be available.

Call Caryn at 330-815-6940 or the Rectory at 220-724-1263.

Thank You Note from teachers and staff

Thank you to all St. Paul Parishioners, Parents, and students who made our celebration of Catholic Schools Week so special. Your support  and best wishes made for an outstanding week for us all. Thanks for all you do!

From the Teachers and Staff at St. Paul School

Lent and Holy Week schedules

See Lenten messages of Pope Benedict XVI and Bishop Lennon

2010 Lenten Weekly Worship Schedule
Monday        
Mass  7 a.rn. and 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday        
Mass 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Reconciliation 6: 15 to 7 p.rn.
Eucharistic Adoration 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and  6:15 p.m. to 9p.m.
UPDATE: There will not be a 5:30 p.m. Mass on March 30 because Fr. Thomas must attend Chrism Mass at St. John Cathedral.  There will, however, be an  8:30 a.m. in addition to the 7 a,m, Mass and adoration as scheduled.

Wednesday
Mass     7 a.rn. and 8:30 a.m.
Lenten Supper-Boeke     5-6:30 p.rn.
Stations of the Cross     7 p.m.
Thursday
Mass     7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Friday
Mass     8:30 a.m.
Stations of the Cross 2: 1 0 p.rn.
Saturday
Reconciliation    3 to 4 p.m.
Vigil Mass  4:30p.m.
______________

Fridav. March 19. 2010 Feast of St. Joseph
Mass  8:30 a.rn. followed by Litany  and Devotions to St. Joseph

Thursdav. March 25. 2010 Feast of the Annunciation    
Mass     5:30 p.m. followed by Litany and  Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010 Holy Week Schedule    

Saturday    
Palm Sunday   Vigil Mass 4:30 p.m.
Palm Sunday 
Mass 9 a.rn. and 11 a.m.
Monday
Mass 7 a.rn. and 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday
Mass 7 a.rn. and 5:30 p.rn.
Wednesday
Mass     7 a.rn. and 8:30 a.m.
Commemoration Supper in Boeke Hall at 5:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross     7 p.m.
Holy Thursday
Mass of the Lord's Supper  7 p.m.
Good Friday
Morning Prayer-Divine Office 9 a.m.
Prayer Service-Seven Last Words  12 noon
Reconciliation and Private Prayer 1-3 p.rn.
Stations of the Cross and Litany 3 p.m
Veneration of the Cross . 4-7 p.m.
Sacred Liturgy with Communion 7 p.m.
Holy Saturday
Blessing of Easter Food 12 noon
Vigil Mass of the Lord's Resurrection 8 p.m.
Easter Sunday    
Mass     7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

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

FASTING is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by anyone 18 years old to 59 years old. On these days, only one full meal should be taken. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. Eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.  ABSTINENCE from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays during Lent by anyone 14 years old and older.

Noticed in this weekend's bulletin

Important meeting for Extraordinary Ministers
There will be an important meeting for all Eucharistic Ministers of St. Paul Parish about changes and procedures, on Sunday, February 21,at 10 p.m. in the church. Please make every effort to be present. Meeting time: one hour. Father Thomas will conduct this meeting.

'Holding Your Loved One’s Hand’
St. Paul Parish will present a workshop by Patti Kelleher from Hospice on the topic of  "Holding Your Loved One's Hand While Walking the Final Journey Together" on Tuesday, March 2, at 7 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center. Learn how to help your loved one in the transition from this life to the next and explore the fears, feelings and emotions both of you are experiencing. This is a free workshop, open to all and reservations are not necessary.

Confirmation Class to serve Maurin Center dinner
The 2010 Confumation Class will be providing this month's Rigatoni and Meatball dinner to the clients at Peter Mawing Center. There will not be a signup weekend this month, however, we need volunteers to help us with the cooking. If you are able to help us, please call Susie Gatian at 330-773-1204

St. Francis deSaes school play this Sunday
St.. Francis de Sales School Drama Club presents "After Hours" about mannequins coming to life and a bungled burglary this Sunday  Admission is free, donations gladly accepted.

Hoban High open house is next Sunday
Students and families interested in Archbishop Hoban High School are invited to attend an Open House on Sunday, February 21, from 1 to 30 p.m. Tour the school, meet the faculty, staff and coaches and learn more about a Holy Cross education.