Fr. Hanley information added to website

Information and a photo of Fr. James Hanley, first pastor of St. Paul, has been added to the "Find A Grave" nationwide website. Click on the headline if you would like to see the entry.

Two Christians killed in Baghdad bombings

BAGHDAD (AFP)— Two Iraqi Christians have been killed in a new wave of apparently coordinated bomb attacks in the capital just two months after militants massacred 46 Christians in a church in the city.

A total of 14 bombs were placed at different Christian homes late on Thursday, an interior ministry official said on Friday.

"Two Christians were killed and 16 wounded" by the 10 bombs that went off, while security forces were able to carry out controlled detonations of four other devices, the official said.

The only deadly attack was in the central district of Al-Ghadir, where a home-made bomb exploded at around 8:00 pm (1700 GMT), killing the two Christians and wounding three others.

Most of the 14 bombs, which targeted Christian homes in a total of seven different areas of the city, were in Karrada in central Baghdad, the official said.

Three devices wounded three Christians in that area, while all four of the controlled detonations were also in Karrada.

Another bomb targeted a house in Al-Ilam neighbourhood in southern Baghdad, wounding one person; two bombs wounded four people in Dora in the south of the city and one bomb in Saidiya, also in the south, wounded two people.

Another device targeted a Christian home in Yarmuk in western Baghdad, wounding one, and a house in Khadra, also in the west of the city, was targeted by a bomb that wounded two people.

The wave of attacks comes almost two months to the day after an October 31 attack by militants on Our Lady of Salvation church in central Baghdad, which left the 44 worshippers, two priests and seven security forces members dead.

G.I.F.T. Card program ends

The G.I.F.T. Card program at St. Paul ends January 1 “due to minimal sales support and lack of trained volunteers.” The program reportedly provided $18,000 in the five years of its existence, but it was requiring more and more effort. Because of governmental regulation of programs such as this, the diocese was requiring extensive reports which are time-consuming and troubling for volunteers. The G.I.F.T. Card Committee would like to thank the parish for its continued support.

Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for January

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for January 2011 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".

Scouts' spaghetti dinner is Jan. 15

Boy Scout Troop 81 will host a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, January 15, in Boeke Hall. Spaghetti, salad, drink and dessert will be served from 4 to 8 p.m. There also will be a raffle for a 46-inch big screen TV. Tickets will be available the weekend of January 8-9. For more information, call Bill Canan 330-785-1737 or Paul Hirsch 330-786-0575.

Family Game Nights are back

Family Game Nights are back. Join the fun Saturday, January 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring board games, card games or any other family game entertainment along with a snack to share if you would like. All parish families are welcome.

Ladies Guild to meet January 13

All women of the parish are invited to the next meeting of the St. Paul Ladies Guild on
Thursday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.

Life Line Screening scheduled Feb. 19

Are you, or have you ever been, a smoker? Are you a male over 55? St. Paul Parish will host a Life Line Screening preventive health event on February 19 to scan for risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Life Line Screening uses hospital quality ultrasound technology to detect an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Warning signs of AAA often go unidentified and if ruptured, abdominal aortic aneurysms are 80-95% fatal. Call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com. for more information or to pre-register.

First Friday lunch is January 14

The speaker for the January 14 luncheon of the First Friday Club of Akron will be the Rev. Scott Steinkerchner, OP, PhD., Professor, by Interreligious Theology, Aquinas Institute S. Louis, MO. Ire His topic will be "Catholic View of World Religious Since Vatican II." Luncheons are at noon at the Martin Center at the University of Akron, 107 Fir Hil. For reservations call 330-535-7668.

Ozanam Center needs volunteers

The next weekend for volunteers of St. Paul Parish at the Fr. John Hilkert Ozanam Center is Saturday, January 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is located at the Visitation of Mary Parish, 87 Broad St.. This is a great opportunity to be of service to people who are in great need. Students needing service hours are welcome. Help is needed with sorting, preparing and distribution items. us Questions, contact Joni Mills at 330-724-4055.

Mass for Barbara Pramuka is Thursday

On December 27th, 2010, Barbara Marie Pramuka (Danko), 80, found eternal peace as heaven's gate welcomed her after a sudden illness. All those who knew her will feel a void in their hearts because of the tremendous love she bestowed on all she knew. She was one of the most caring and loving individuals you could have the pleasure of knowing. Her smile and the twinkle in her eyes could make you feel as though you were the most important person in the world. A woman of great faith and strength, she was truly a gift from God.

She worked as a nurse in labor and delivery at Akron City Hospital and retired after 25 years of service. A dedicated and hard working person, she never complained and faced each day with a smile on her face to the very end. Her pride and joy revolved around devoting each day to her husband Frank and her family.

She is survived by her husband, Frank, of 52 years; children, Mark (Marianne), Barb Von Gunten (Dave), Gary (Sharon), and John (Terese); grandchildren, Tiffany and Curt Von Gunten, Joe (Brigette), Jim, Matthew, Anna Rose, Lilly and Ella Pramuka; great- grandson Jaxon Pramuka; brothers, Robert (Rosalie) and Leonard Danko; and, over 50 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters, Ann Steiner and Martha Breiding.

The family will receive friends TODAY from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Ralph Thomas on Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church on Brown St. in Akron. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St., Akron, OH 44301.
Anthony Funeral Homes Akron, 330.724.1281 www.andthonyfh.com

[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Wednesday, December 29, 2010, page B5, col.3]

Sunday was Feast of Holy Family

Holy Family scene in front of altar at St. Paul on December 26, 2010

The Sunday 11:30 a.m. Mass

Mrs Angeline Alexander and her family were on hand for the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday in memory of Victor Alexander. They include Pat Fisher, Ann Fisher, Tom Fisher , Mary Fisher, Angeline Alexander, Abby Alexander, Becky Alexander, Tony Alexander, Victor Alexander, Vince Alexander , Anthony Alexander and Jon Alexander.

Mrs Frances Hazlett (in photo at left with walker) has been a St. Paul parishioner for more than 50 years. She and her family talk to the pastor, the Rev. Fr Ralph Thomas after the Mass. With her are Diana Hazlett, Mikhayla Hazlett, Josh Hazlett and Ryan Hazlett.

At right, exchanging greetings before Mass, are Ken and Penny Roush , Joann and Jim Heffernan and Glen Cox.

[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

The 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day

Four-month-old Alaina Wengart (in photo above) celebrates her first Christmas. Also in the group are Tony and Barbara Barone, parents Jacob and Natalie Wengart, and Tony Barone Sr.

Laurie and Jeff Kendro and son Michael (at right) gaze at the manger scene in the narthex.

Fr Ralph Thomas (photo at left) blesses parishioners with Incense just before the consecration. John Amedeo assisted. Standing in front of the manger in the narthex are Apollo Tron, Angelina Tron, Alexander Tron (first grader) , Nhu Nguyen, Kirg Nguyen, Chau Nguyen and Tommy Nguyen.

[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Cast announced for Into the Woods

Students sat in a circle in the Parish Actvity Center anxiously awaiting the casting results for "Into the Woods," this year's production of the St. Paul Drama Club.

Finally director Judson Hartman and producer Janet Hazlett handed out the sheet listing cast members and their roles. More than 50 Drama Club members will be involved in the production.

Play books also were distributed so students can get ready for practice to begin in earnest after the holiday vacation. Practices will be every Wednesday and Thursday starting January 5 and ending on March 17. On some occasions, some actors will need to come on Tuesdays. Practices will be from 2:45 to 5 p.m. All practices will be in the Parish Activity Center.

The cast includes:

Narrators: (1) Lindsey Maple (2) Meredith Wammes (3) Abbey Lewis
Baker: Marco Colant
Baker's Wife: Leanne Casserlie
Jack: Nick McInturff
Jack's Wife: Nadia Timofeev
Cinderella: Anna Liggett
Cinderella's Prince: Kemar Parmer
Rapunzel: Kaiti Thomas
Rapunzel's Prince: Blake Baldwin
Little Red Riding Hood: Ally Bachmann
Witch: Shannon Lloyd
Wolf: Isabelle Miller
Mysterious Man: Sydney Sloan
Granny: Helena Albert
Steward: Paige Harbarger
Cinderella's Mother: Amanda Wightman
Cinderella's Stepmother: Calista Sokolowski
Florinda: Erin Kelly
Lucinda: Rylee Adams
Stepsister's Maids: Kylie Walker and Amanda Schmidt
Cinderella's Father: Gabe Lidderdale
Carriage: Regina Neugebauer, Faith Chrostoski, and Brianna Jacobs
Rapunzel's Prince's Attendants: Michael Sartowski, J. J. Sloan and Liz Pressman
Cinderella's Prince's Attendants: Logan Bender, Ben Martin and Hanna Lidderdale
Milky White: Michael Roberts and Austin Leslie
Brown Cow: Maddie Peters
Trees: Allie Joyner, Maeve Cox, Amily Effler, Angel LaPresta Emma Leeser and Kimberly Maxwell.
Woodland People: Robby Miller, Eddy Rollins, Michele Bojo, Emma Izo, Olivia Hutchison and Patty Rollins.
Sprites: Haley Boatwright, Katherine Neugebauer, Julianna Perez , Maris Sarlouis , Rosalee Starks and Maddie Peters.

Christmas greetings 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 fill your heart and home this Christmas season and bless you in the New Year.

In the Peace of Christ,

Safe water importance stressed

Respect for life and the dignity of the human person must be the ultimate guiding norm for all development policy, especially water policy. Powerful international interests, public and private, must adapt to serve human needs rather than dominate them. Catholic Social Teaching dictates that the first priority of every country and the international community for sustainable water policy should be to provide access to safe water to those who are deprived of such access. The earth and all. that it contains are for the use of every human being and all peoples. This is the hasis for cooperation toward a water policy that gives priority to persons living in poverty and those living in areas endowed with fewer resources. Those with the means to control water must not destroy or exhaust the resource of water, which is destined for the use of all. We must all stand in solidarity with the poor when it comes to water
concerns and commit ourselves to advocating for the common good. While the water issue is global in scope, it is at the local level where decisive actions can best be taken. We must stand up together against efforts to "privitize water." Among the important social characters of water is its role in human nourishment, health and sanitation as well as peace and conflict avoidance. You can learn more about this very important issue at www.educationforjustice.org.

Nativity Museum featured in Beacon Journal

The Bethlehem Cave at the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Church in Spri\ingfield Township is featured in a story on page B2 of the Christmas Day issue of the Akron Beacon Journal by religion writer Collette M. Jenkins.

In the basement of the church is the Bethlehem Cave, a replica of the cave where it is said Jesus was born, as it appears in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It includes the altar of the Nativity, the altar of the Magi and the manger of the baby Jesus. It serves as a chapel and as a place for pilgrimage and is one of only two such replicas in the nation. The other is in Washington, D.C.

Next to the chapel is the Nativity Museum, which includes Nativity sets from around the world, including Bethlehem, Brazil, China, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Jerusalem, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Slovakia, Tanzania, Uruguay and Vietnam.

The parish, located at· the comer of Killian and Myersville Roads in Springfield Township, gives guided tours of its unique Bethlehem Cave shrine and Creche Museum. The tours will be at 2 p.m. December 26-30. The parish has an extensive collection of Nativity and Creche scenes from throughout the world representing several cultures and nationalities.

Click on the headline to see 20 photos of the Saint Paul TODAY December 2009 tour.

See the Beacon Journal story by Jenkins.

Pope Benedict's Christmas message

Dear brothers and sisters listening to me here in Rome and throughout the world, I joyfully proclaim the message of Christmas: God became man; he came to dwell among us. God is not distant: he is “Emmanuel”, God-with-us. He is no stranger: he has a face, the face of Jesus.

This message is ever new, ever surprising, for it surpasses even our most daring hope. First of all, because it is not merely a proclamation: it is an event, a happening, which credible witnesses saw, heard and touched in the person of Jesus of Nazareth! Being in his presence, observing his works and hearing his words, they recognized in Jesus the Messiah; and seeing him risen, after his crucifixion, they were certain that he was true man and true God, the only-begotten Son come from the Father, full of grace and truth

Read the full Urbi et Orbi message (To the City and the World)

Unto us a Savior is born

Merry
Christmas

God rest ye merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Was born upon this day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray:

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Israel,

This blessèd Babe was born,

And laid within a manger
Upon this blessèd morn







St. Paul sanctuary with Bethlehem scene backdrop

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Christmas Eve Mass at 4 was jammed

There was standing room only at the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass at St. Paul.

Maria Moniz, Delia Richmond, Cory and Sky Richmond and Celine Linhares are among those standing for the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass

Fr. Matt Ischay and Fr. Ralph Thomas lead the procession for the opening of the 4 p. m. Christmas Eve Mass

[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Christmas scenes in the narthex

Brooke Wightman, a fourth grader, and father Scot Wightman observe one of the three wisemen placed at either end of the narthex approaching the crib.

See our earlier photos of the Maji and crib.


[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

NY Times puts Marian shrine on page 1

The December 24 issue of the New York Times gives front-page coverage to the news that Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay has confirmed the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at a shrine in Champion, Wisconsin.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin—described accurately by the Times as “a little chapel among the diary farms”— has now joined the company of famous Marian shrines in Lourdes, Fatima, and elsewhere, the Times notes. Since Bishop Rickens issued his December 8 statement to “declare with moral certainty” that the apparitions reported there in 1859 were “of supernatural character,” the Champion shrine has become the first in the US, and one of only a handful in the world, certified by the Church as the site of a Marian appearance.

In 1859, the year after Mary is said to have appeared in Lourdes, a Belgian immigrant here named Adele Brise said she was visited three times by Mary, who hovered between two trees in a bright light, clothed in dazzling white with a yellow sash around her waist and a crown of stars above her flowing blond locks. As instructed, Ms. Brise devoted her life to teaching Catholic beliefs to children.

On Dec. 8, after a two-year investigation by theologians who found no evidence of fraud or heresy and a long history of shrine-related conversions, cures and other signs of divine intervention, Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay declared “with moral certainty” that Adele Brise did indeed have encounters “of a supernatural character” that are “worthy of belief.”

Here's how Bethlehem silhouette evolved

Everyone is talking about the Bethlehem backdrop in the window behind the altar. Where did it come from?

When Father Ralph Thomas said he wanted a Bethlehem scene for Christmas this year, Julie Factor told him that her cousin, Aaron Abernathy, was a good artist. Fr. Thomas then contacted Aaron to tell him what he wanted. That is all it took.

Those attending the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Thursday, December 16, got the first glimpse of the window hanging.

The silhouette is twelve feet wide and six feet tall. Aaron worked on it for a couple of hours in five different sessions. It took five or six pieces of 5-foot poster board. Aaron first painted the gray background and then added blue palm trees and buildings. He used razor blades and a box cutter like an Xacto knife to cut the silhouette. His father, Mark, who is also an artist, helped him gather the paint and materials and helped him to paint and install the backdrop.

Aaron, who is a studio art student at Archbishop Hoban High School, is a sophomore and second-year art student.

Aaron is the son of Maggie Reitenbach and grandson of Bernie and Mary Factor.

See our original item and photo of the backdrop or see the decorated sanctuary below.

The Christmas crib at Greccio

Church decorated for Christmas

Bethlehem backdrop complements altar decor for Christmas

Decorating the church for Christmas was a labor of love for seven women who gathered after the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Thursday to complete the task. The usual poinsettias and holy family figures were complemented by a new Bethlehem scence backdrop in the window behind the altar. In the narthex, were the crib, the wisemen coming from afar and the usual trees, wreaths and flowers.

Completing the decorating were Paula Adam, Chris Deock, Sandi Denholm, Mary Jane Dickey, Millie Hilton, Rosemary Mileski and Patty Rollins.

Click on the headline to see more of the church decorating.

Please check the Christmas Schedule

Please click on Christmas Schedule above for a list of Masses for Christmas and New Year's. There also is a schedule for Reconciliation.

Bishop writes about 'Silent Night'

About 200 years ago, the Christmas carol Silent Night was written and sung for the first time. Since then arguably it has become the best known and the most loved Christmas carol. The message is simple and tender and the tune is memorable, all of which makes for a winner.

Bishop Richard Lennon writes about Silent Night in his Christmas message on the bishop’s blog.

Click on the headline to read it.

Awaiting the birth of our Savior

Awaiting our Savior

Wisemen on their journey from afar

Christmas Midnight Mass canceled in Iraq

Due to the ongoing violence against Iraqi Christians, Christmas Eve midnight Mass has been canceled, and the Church has taken on an attitude of sobriety instead of festivity.

Chaldean Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk reported to AsiaNews that due to security concerns, the midnight Mass will not take place in Baghdad, Mosul and Kirkuk.

Also for security reasons, the churches will not be decorated, he noted, and Masses will be "somber" and held during the day.

"A sense of sadness and mourning prevails among Christians," the prelate reported, due to the Oct. 31 massacre in the Syrian Catholic cathedral of Baghdad and the ongoing violence.

"No one expects anything from the government as far as protecting Christians," he stated. "Political leaders are too caught up in setting up a new administration."

Despite this, Archbishop Sako said, "Christmas brings a message of hope."

"For us in Iraq," he added, "Christmas is a time of hope and joy as well as pain and martyrdom."

Phoenix hospital stripped of Catholic affiliation

The bishop of Phoenix Diocese has stripped Arizona's largest hospital of its Catholic affiliation after he ruled that a decision to save the life of a mother by terminating her 11-week pregnancy was morally wrong.

Bishop Thomas Olmsted announced yesterday that St Joseph's hospital can no longer be considered to be Catholic. The ruling breaks a relationship that stretches back to the hospital's founding by Catholic nuns 115 years ago.

He has also excommunicated the member of the hospital's ethics committee that permitted the abortion to go ahead.

The schism brings to a head a dispute that has been building for several months over the termination, performed in November 2009, at St Joseph's hospital and medical centre.

The case concerned an unidentified woman in her 20s, who had a history of abnormally high blood pressure that was under control before she became pregnant. But doctors were concerned on learning of the pregnancy about the extra burden that would be placed on her heart, and they monitored her closely.

Tests showed that in the early stages of pregnancy her condition deteriorated rapidly and that before long her pulmonary hypertension – which can impair the working of the heart and lungs – had begun to seriously threaten her life. Doctors informed her that the risk of death was close to 100% if she continued with the pregnancy.

Consultations were then held with the patient, her family, her doctors and the hospital's ethics team, and the decision to go ahead with an abortion taken in order to save the mother's life.

The hospital's president, Linda Hunt, said following the bishop's severing of relations that the operation had been "consistent with our values of dignity and justice. If we are presented with a situation in which a pregnancy threatens a woman's life, our first priority is to save both patients. If that is not possible we will always save the life we can save, and that is what we did in this case."

But Olmsted did not see it that way. He drew on the advice of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' doctrinal committee, which distinguishes between direct abortions that are never justifiable and indirect terminations that happen incidentally as a result of life-saving medical procedures that can be allowed on narrowly- defined grounds.

KIn this case, the operation was deemed to be a direct abortion because the pregnancy was ended to ease the mother's separate health problem.

"The baby was healthy and there was no problems with the pregnancy; rather, the mother had a disease that needed to be treated. But instead of treating the disease, St Joseph's decided that the healty, 11-week-old baby should be directly killed. This is contrary to the teaching of the church," Olmsted said.

St Joseph's has 697 beds and 5,000 staff and this year admitted 40,000 in-patients. It is world-renowned for its work on Parkinson's disease and neurosurgery, and is regularly voted among the top 10 hospitals in the US.

Hunt said that the hospital was "deeply saddened" by the church's decision but that "we will be steadfast in fulfilling our mission". In a statement, St Joseph's said it would perform the same treatment again were the life of a mother in danger.

It is not known how the church hierarchy found out about the termination, as the hospital abides by a strict privacy policy for all patients. The split will not affect the hospital's income as the church does not fund it. The only visible change that will be evident immediately is that the Blessed Sacrament will be removed from the hospital's chapel and Mass will no longer be held there.

But the name of St Joseph's will remain, and the management has vowed that the institution's Catholic heritage will still be at its core.

See video of press conference below

Press conference on phoenix hospital

News Conference at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Dec. 21, 2010 from Diocese of Phoenix on Vimeo.

Basilica of Immaculate Conception video

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington is the subject of a new profile by CNN’s senior photojournalist.

“Many people who traveled in Europe or traveled in other places are surprised when they come to our own country and see such a church of beauty and awe,” says Sister Miriam MacLean, the basilica’s director of visitor services.

Click on the headline to view the video. The presentation begins after a commercial.

What did Jesus sing?

Anthropologist Geoffrey Clarfield, writing in a leading Canadian newspaper, explores the relation between the synagogue music of Jesus’ time and Gregorian chant.

The Sacred Bridge, a CD recording that features Psalm 114, “oscillates between Latin and Hebrew, Gregorian chant and synagogue cantillation,” writes Clarfield. “The melodies are identical and despite the alteration between Hebrew and Latin you would think you were listening to the same song. In fact, you probably are, for no doubt this is a distant echo of what Jesus sang.”

47% to attend church for Christmas

Reprinted from USA Today

By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
Christmas 2010 is a whole lotta jingle and not so much Jesus.

Two new surveys find more than nine in 10 Americans celebrate the holiday — even if they're atheists, agnostics or believers in non-Christian faiths such as Judaism and Islam.

A closer look at Christmas activities reveals what may be the first measurement of an "alarming" gap between belief and behavior, says Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, a Nashville-based Christian research organization.

SURVEY: For many, Jesus isn't the reason for the season
FAITH & REASON: Do your cards star a savior or Santa?

The surveys — by LifeWay and USA TODAY/Gallup — indicate that while most call this a holy day that is primarily religious, their actions say otherwise. Many skip church, omit Jesus and zero in on the egg nog.

LifeWay's survey of 2,110 adults found 74% called Christmas "primarily" religious. And a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of 1,000 adults found 51% say, for them, it's "strongly religious," up from 40% in 1989.

But what does "religious" mean? Not so much for a significant number of Americans, the data indicate. Most surveyed said they will give gifts (89%), dine with family or friends (86%), put up a Christmas tree (80%) and play holiday music (79%).

The percentages plummet when it comes to religious activities:

• 58% say they "encourage belief in Jesus Christ as savior."

• 47% attend church Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

• 34% watch "biblical Christmas movies."

• 28% read or tell the Christmas story from the Bible.

"It's alarming to me that while nine in 10 celebrate Christmas, only six in 10 encourage any belief in the source of Christmas and only three in 10 actually read the story of Christmas," Stetzer says.

John Lindell — lead pastor of James River Assembly in Ozark, Mo., where 12,000 are likely to attend Christmas worship this week — is not as alarmed by the gap. Instead, he sees an open path to outreach.

"We believers put Christ in Christmas by how we care for others and give people chances to change their lives," he says. "It isn't what we do in December, it's what we do the other 11 months of the year that matters."

Here's the TV Mass schedule for holidays

The TV Mass ministry of the Diocese of Cleveland is to provide a weekly Sunday liturgy for the homebound Catholic community who cannot attend their Catholic parish because of short-term or long-term health reasons. The TV Mass is not a substitute for healthy Catholics attending Mass at their Catholic parish.

Here’s the holiday schedule:

Christmas Eve - Friday, December 24, 2010
11:30 p.m. - WKYC-TV3, Cleveland
Celebrate Christmas Eve Mass with Pope Benedict XVI from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25, 2010
6:30 a.m. - WJW-TV8, Cleveland
8:30 a.m. - COX Cable, Channel 45 (Rebroadcast)
Join Bishop Richard G. Lennon in the celebration of the Christmas morning "TV Mass" from the television studios of FOX8.

Feast of the Holy Family - Sunday, December 26, 2010
6:30 a.m. - WJW-TV8, Cleveland
11:30 a.m. - COX Cable, Channel 45 (Rebroadcast)
Join Father Theodore Marszal in the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family "TV Mass" from the television studios of FOX8.

The Epiphany of the Lord - Sunday, January 2, 2011
6:30 a.m. - WJW-TV8, Cleveland
11:30 a.m. - COX Cable, Channel 45 (Rebroadcast)
Join Bishop Roger Gries, O.S.B. in the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord "TV Mass" from the television studios of FOX8.

Mass for George Horn is Wednesday

Dinners got a little brighter in Heaven yesterday when George came home after 78 years. His homemade sausage, jokes, and laughter are as big a hit now as when he shared them with us.

Born in Plavna, Yugoslavia, George lived the American dream since arriving from Austria in 1951. Fifty-six years ago he met and married the love of his life, Anna, who misses him more than anyone could imagine. He made a million and lost a million. He bought property and sold it. He sent his boys to college and taught them to be men. Not bad for a meat cutter with a fifth grade education.

Those he leaves for now, wife, Anna; sons, Frank (Judy) and Robert (Margie); grandchildren, Renee and Will; nephew, George; niece, Irene; and cousin, Rudi (Anni) will miss his wit and stories. So, remember George when you buy a penny stock or share a laugh with friends.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Ralph Thomas on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church on Brown St. in Akron. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Elementary School, 1580 Brown Street, Akron, Ohio 44301.
Anthony Funeral Homes, Akron,
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Monday, December 20, 2010. Page B5, col. 2]

Last PSR until after holiday break

Sunday was the last PSR session until after the Christmas break.

Steve and Laurice Ball with Avery at the Parish Activity Center after Parish School of Religion. Avery Is a fourth grader





Ingrid Wilson with daughters 3-year-old Gracee and third grader Elora.


[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Final candle on Advent Wreath lit

Fr Ralph Thomas and servers Christopher and Michael Casalinuovo lit the Advent tree Sunday for the last time this season.

[Photo by Tony DiDonato]

St. Paul parishioner
for 50 years

Anna West with grandsons Zak and Chris West. Anna has been a St. Paul parishioner 50 Years


[Photo by Tony DiDonato]

13th Year Mass for Harry Vezzani Sr.

Gathered for the 13-year Memorial Mass for Harry Vezzani Sr. at 11:30 a.m. Sunday were (from left) Harry Vezzani Jr., Father Ralph Thomas, Lena Vezzani , and Rose and Guido Margida.

[Photo by Tony DiDonato]

You can take up gifts at offertory

Just a reminder that if you have a Mass Intention being celebrated and would like to take up the gifts at the Offertory, please talk to the Ushers 15 minutes before Mass to let them know.

No PSR for next two Sundays

There will be no class for Parish School of Religion students on Sunday, December 26, and Sunday, January 2. Classes resume Sunday, January 9, following the 9:30 a.m. Mass.

How about a gift to Fr. Jenkins Scholarship?

Do you have someone on your Christmas list who has everything? Why not make a contribution in their name to the Fr. John Jenkins Scholarship Fund? Your gift may be made at the St. Paul Parish Credit Union or dropped in the offertory basket. Your gift will assist seminarians preparing for the priesthood

It's bitter cold for homeless in Akron

It is bitter cold for the homeless of Akron. You can help some by providing blankets and gloves, hats and mittens. The blanket donation box will remain in the narthex throughout the cold weather months. Or if you prefer, you can drop monetary donations in an envelope marked "Blanket Donation" in the collection basket. Checks should be made payable to Debbie Young. In addition to blankets, you can donate gloves, hats and mittens for men, women and children at the Peter Maurin Center. Please drop these items in the Blanket Box in the narthex and they will be distributed to those in need. Please keep the poor and homeless in your prayers. Thank you for your generosity.

Ozanam Center also needs furniture
In order to continue the work of providing free, used furniture to the needy of Summit County, the St. Vincent de Paul Fr. Hilkert Ozanam Center at Visitation of Mary Catholic Church is asking all parishioners to consider donating their used furniture to the Center. We are looking for couches, armchairs, dressers, tables/chairs and beds that are used but in good condition with no fabric tears or significant stains. Call Jim or Cathie 330-467-5762.

Ending death penalty could help budget

As we head into the new year, Ohio’s budget is looking bleak for many of our state agencies. The Columbus Dispatch reported last week, “Some state prisons would close and the rest would be dangerously overcrowded...” Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction DirectorErnie L. Moore expressed serious concerns that current and decreased levels of funding for corrections could “increase prison overcrowding to 151.4 percent of capacity by 2013, the largest percentage in state history and ‘higher than at the time of the Lucasville riot’ in 1993,” and could mean department layoffs in the thousands. “The cumulative effect of agency cuts would risk ‘threatening the safety of the public, staff and inmates,’ and the state would be ‘substantially more prone to litigation...’ Moore wrote.” One area of our budget that would be a welcome cut in this new year is the death penalty. More than a dozen states have found that the death penalty is up to 10 times more expensive than sentences of life or life without parole. Ending the death penalty would not sacrifice public safety, and instead, it could open up more resources for many of our state agencies that are in desperate need. You will recall that earlier in the year we partnered with OTSE (Ohio to Stop Executions) and concerned citizens throughout Ohio to advocate for a study of the current death penalty process. You can read more about how this campaign in progressing and
area events at www.otse.org.

Student Mass will move back to Fridays

The weekly St. Paul student Mass will be moved back to Fridays after the Christmas break, principal Robert Brodbeck told the PTO in a session Thursday. The student Mass had been moved to Wednesday when the a new Mass schedule took effect last September. A different class was in charge each Friday of preparing the Mass.

The PTO approved an Author and Illustrator Workshop proposal made by kindergarten teacher Ruth Dietzel and fourth grade teacher Janet Hazlett. Both a day and evening workshop will be during Catholic Schools Week.

Vatican Christmas tree lit

The Vatican has turned the lights on a towering fir tree for Christmas in St. Peter's Square.

The 30-meter-high (100-foot) tree comes from the woods on the slopes of a valley in the South Tyrol, Italy's German-Italian speaking region in the north.

Rows of gold and white lights drape the tree like elegant necklaces.

The square, usually busy with tourists, was largely deserted when the lights went on Friday evening.

Rome is experiencing unusually low temperatures, which plunged to -5 C (23 F). Rare snowfall hit the city a few hours before the tree lighting but melted when hitting the cobblestones. Water in some of Rome's monumental fountains froze.

The tree flanks a life-sized creche scene.

Grades 1-3 provide musical night

Here are singers in Grades 1-3 who staged a beautiful Christmas program in the Parish Activity Center for parents Thursday evening. Below is a video of one of the carols sung by students under the direction of Tim Longfellow, the school music director.

Left side and right side of the choir

Center section of choir

Principal Robert Brodbeck introduces Christmas program of Grades 1-3

Cameras were flashing
and students were posing

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Free food distribution is Saturday

Click on poster to enlarge for better view

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is holding a Special Summit County Food
Distribution on Saturday, December 18. Distribution will begin at 10 a.m. and will continue as long as boxes are available. The pre-packaged box of food is
available to Summit County residents through a grant from the Summit County Department of Job & Family Services. Recipients can drive-thru and boxes will be loaded into recipients vehicles with the assistance of volunteers.
* You must be Summit County resident to receive this food box.
* A photo ID is required.
Each box weighs approximately 30 pounds. No proof of income is required, however, you will be asked to complete a
Self-Declaration of Need form based on incomes in the table.

Bethlehem backdrop now in place

Just in time for Christmas is this beautiful new backdrop behind the altar.

The town of Bethlehem is featured in the blue backdrop behind the window which separates the new and old church.

Those attending the 8:30 a.m. Mass today got their first glimpse of the window hanging.

Giving Tree gifts packed for delivery

Women of the parish were busy today in Room 111 preparing gift bags with items from the annual St. Paul Giving Tree.

Adult Ministries coordinator Terry Nesline (at right) looks over the huge amount of gifts given by parishioners while Judi Stoerkel and Vi Pappano stuff them into gift baqs.

Mrs. Nesline said 30 gift bags will go to nursing homes, another 25 to shut-ins who are visited each week to receive Communion and eight to those transported to Mass each Sunday in the parish van.

Each bag contains a parish calendar, Christmas decorations, lotion, Kleenex, powder, shampoo, cookies, candy, trail mix and stationery with postage stamps.
Also included are gift cards from Acme, Giant Eagle, Target and Walmart

Kindergarten builds gingerbread houses

Kindergarten teacher Ruth Dietzel helps student with his house

Kindergarten students at St. Paul School were busy this morning making gingerbread houses. Graham cracker walls were cemented together with frosting and adorned with gum drops.

Eighth grader Kaitlyn Thomas helps Zack with his house while London (at right) works on hers

Rita Vaughan celebrates 90th birthday

Rita Vaughan gets a hug from Dottie Thoerig at the 8:30 a.m. Mass today. Rita, who attends Mass daily and leads the Miraculous Medal novena on Mondays, was celebrating her 90th birthday.

Here's the parish calendar for 2011

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K. of C. Ladies enjoy lunch

Ladies gathered for the annuaL knights of Colubus Ladies Luncheon were treated to a delicious meal, beautiful decorations, a punch bowl before the luncheon and a piece of bananna-nut cake for dessert at Prime at Anthe's Resdtaurant on Manchester Road.

Paula Adam, Polly Herchek, Patti Rinella, Jean Barta and Diana Herhold

Rosemary Mileski, Sally Casenhiser and Dottie Thoerig. / Patty DiDonato and Jane DiDonato

Jane Ott, Donna White, Toni Longville, Jennie Marziale, Millie Speight. and Ruth Reidinger

Catherine Klingler, Irene Buehrle, Mary Catalano, Ellen McAvoy, Jo Santoferro and Mary Pisano

[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Friday is last day of school before holiday

After two snow days, St, Paul students have only two more days of school before the Christmas vacation. Friday, December 17, is the last day of school. Classes resume January 3

PTO meeting canceled

Note from PTO:

The December 2010 PTO meeting has been canceled tonight. There will be an emergency PTO Meeting immediately after school on Thursday December 16. Up for vote is the proposal made by Mrs. Dietzel and Mrs. Hazlett regarding the author and illustrator workshops.

If you have any questions, please contact PTO President Carly LaPresta at klapresta@neo.rr.com.

Thanks and be safe,

Karen DuVall,
PTO Secretary

Schools closed again today

St. Paul School,
Archbishop Hoban,
Our Lady of Elms,
St. Vincent-St Mary,
Walsh Jesuit and
Akron schools
are all closed.

PTO meeting date changed

This month's PTO meeting has been moved to Tuesday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall because of the Christmas program being presented by Grades 1-3 on Thursday, December 16, the normal meeting date of the PTO.

The school Christmas program will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.

St. Paul School closed today

St. Paul School,
Archbishop Hoban,
St. Vincent-St Mary,
Walsh Jesuit and
Akron schools
are all closed.

Gift wrapping with a message

St Paul School PTO did a gift wrapping fundraiser at Barnes & Noble in Montrose on Sunday. Volunteering were Laura Grubb, Adam Grubb (a seventh grader), Karen DuVall, and Mrs. Ruth Dietzel, the kindergarten teacher. In the photo at left are PTO secretary Karen DuVall and kindergarten teacher Ruth Dietzel. At right are Karen DuVall and Adam Grubb. Viewers will note that the volunteers took the opportunity to promote the school motto.