Sunday, February 27, 2011

Choirs perform at Cluster Concert

St. Paul Choir singing at Cluster Concert\
Ann Yu violin solo, accompanied by father

Eight different choir groups provided music for the Summit South 6 Cluster Concert at Nativity parish on Sunday evening.

Soprano JoAnn Marcinkoski, accompanied by Heidi Guttermuth sang Ave Maria as one of Nativity Adult Choir pieces. 

The congregation joined choirs at the conclusion of the program to sing "How Great Thou Art."

A Gluck violin solo was performed by Ann Yu, accompanied by her father, St. Paul choir director Jin Yu, for the St. Paul program which also included choir selections of God So Loved the World, Sleep, Little Lamb, Sing to the Lord and I Will Live My Thanks.

Youth choirs from Nativity and St. Francis de Sales also performed along with the Legacy Band of Queen of Heaven and the High School/College Choir of St. Francis.

Pews at Nativity were filled for the concert.

St. Paul Choir singing at Cluster Concert

Sister M. Eileen Pentecost dies at 92

Sister M. Eileen Pentecost died at the age of 92 on Saturday, February 26, 2011at Regina Health Center, Richfield, Ohio.

Rosemary Pentecost was born on April 24, 1918 in Nashville, Tenn. to Frank and Helennd Helen Pentecost. Sister Eileen entered the Dominican Sisters of Akron, now the Dominican Sisters of Peace, from St. Paul Parish, Akron on Oct. 4, 1936 and made first profession on June 26, 1938.


Sister Eileen served in the educational field as teacher at Our Lady of the Elms Elementary School and Immaculate
Conception, Wooster; and as principal at St. Bernard, Akron and St. Augustine, Barberton; Diocesan Supervisor of schools of the greater Akron area. She obtained her BA from Mercyhurst College, Erie, Pa. and MA from St. John College, Cleveland.

Sister served her congregation as novice directress and to congregational leadership. In 1974, she moved to Youngstown for the next 15 years where she became Assistant Superintendent of schools for the diocese; then Mission Education Consultant and Director of the Evangelization Office. Living in Oak Park, Ill. and later in Cleveland, she volunteered her service in various organizations, often tutoring adults in reading. In 2003 she retired to the Elms Motherhouse. Because of failing health, she was moved to Regina Health Center in 2006.

Sister is survived by her sister, Dorothy Harvey of Tallmadge, several nieces, nephews and grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles; and her sister, Norine Harvey.

Visitation will take place at Our Lady of the Elms Convent, 1230 W. Market St. on Monday, February 28 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be in the Elms Chapel on Tuesday, March 1 at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in memory of Sister Eileen may be made to Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219-2098.

Please visit the online guest book to send condolences at www.hummelcares.com.

Hummel Funeral Homes 330-253-6126

[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, February 27, 2011, page B7, col. 1]

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Starring a cast of more than 50



Message from the pastor

Dear Parishioners,
AWAKEN YOUR FAITH/4.5 LENTEN SEASON

Traditionally, we enter into a time of spiritual renewal during the season of Lent.

This year our parish will engage in a special program focusing on “Christian Simplicity-4.5.” In addition to
the gracefilled opportunities of Mass, the Sacraments and Devotions, we will center our attention on various contemporary topics that are essential for anyone who wishes to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

My prayer and hope is that all of us, young and older, will become more aware of our place in caring for God’s creation and embracing Gospel justice. In doing so, we can nurture our spiritual selves through the practice of Christian simplicity. I urge all parishioners to give time to the topics that we will present each week.

The Earth & Spirit Center sponsored by the Passionist Order which is funded by various groups has arrived at some amazing and interesting facts. Imagine if the Earth were divided equally among all of us. Each person would receive 4.5 acres. Now imagine that everything you need—food, energy, home, clothing,gadgets—must come from those 4.5 acres. But it takes 22.3 acres to maintain the average American lifestyle. There is a new way of observing Lent that helps us care for God’s creation by taking steps toward using only our fair share of its resources.

There are three Lenten disciplines: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent 4.5 offers meaningful ways to fast and abstain from over-consuming or damaging God’s creation by our lifestyle. This seven week program of faith formation encourages us to care for God’s creation, embrace Gospel justice and nurture a spiritually fulfilling life through the practice of Christian simplicity. The basic program will consist of weekly handouts.Plus, you can also go online to find additional resources and a blog.

Lent is a 40-day retreat during which we prepare to renew our baptismal commitment so we can celebrate the paschal mystery with minds and hearts renewed. Along with the
disciples, we make the journey to Jerusalem to repent of our sinful, ways, to die to our selfish self and undergo a conversion. By walking in the footsteps of Jesus we hope to share in the grace of Easter, which restores peace and reconciliation to the world
and all its inhabitants.



 
Father Ralph Thomas

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Go to Lent 4.5 website

See Lent-4.5 facebook page
 

St. Matthew to present 'Living Stations'

St. Matthew Parish in Ellet will host the St. Ferdinand Youth Ministry as they present “Living Stations” on Sunday, March 13, at 7 p.m. in the church. This one-hour prayer service is a portrayal of Christ’s journey through his life,  death, and resurrection using music and narration. Plan to join  in prayer and meditation on  Christ’s journey to Calvary. It is an experience you will remember and carry in your heart as your journey through Lent and beyond. A free-will offering will be collected at the conclusion of the program.

Block Party planning session to be set

A meeting to plan for St. Paul Parish and Community Block Party is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. The location of the meeting has not been determined. Watch the bulletin for details.The Block party will be Sunday, July 24. Any questions, call Renee Amedeo, 330-644-3011

40 Days for Life begins on Ash Wednesday

The Spring Campaign for 40 Days for Life begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9, and ends on April 17. God has used the period of 40 days throughout history to bring about major transformation. Will you help transform our community this Lent? The mission of 40 Days for Life is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40-day campaign of prayer, fasting and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God's favor to help turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, ultimately bringing an end to abortion in America. All are invited to attend the 40 Days for Life Kick Off  Rally on Sunday, March 6, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Vincent-St Mary's Student Center, 23 N. Maple St. The Kick Off will include inspirational speakers, music and light refreshments. For more information,contact Judith Hoyt at 330-762-2785 or Judith@summitrtl.com. For more information about 40Days for Life go to www.40daysforlife.com or www.righttolifeofnortheastohio.com

Get your tickets for St. Pat Gala

Tickets are now available for the fourth annual St. Patrick's Fundraiser on Saturday,
March 5, at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will again include Green Blossom Special with
Pat Flynn, the McConmara Irish Step Dancers and the Hoban's Pride Bagpipe

Corps, as well as originals by guitarist Chuck Keiper.

Get your tables together now! Ticket includes hot catered appetizers and coffee. Beer,
wine, pop, and water will be available. There will again be a 50/50 raffle, Jameson raffle, and Chinese raffle. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door and available by calling Caryn at 330-815-6940 or the Rectory.


If you cannot attend but would still like to support this fundraiser to reduce our building debt, 50/50 tickets will be on sale after the Masses and the winner need not be present. Or you can consider purchasing a gift card for groceries, restaurants, or gasoline to donate towards baskets for the Chinese raffle. Attendees are kindly requested to bring a dessert to share - cookies, brownies, etc. IMPORTANT - THIS is NOT a B.Y.O.B. event.

Raffle prizes and donors for St. Pat Fundraiser

Here are raffle prizes and donors for the St. Patrick’s Fundraiser 2011:

Ace Hardware, Wedgewood Drive   $25 gift certificate                          
Acme Fresh Markets $25 gift certificate
Advance Auto Parts, Arlington Street
Akron Zoo 4 Admission tickets ($40 value)
Allusions by Design, Rita Zellefrow, Owner Joico Hair Care Products ($60 value)
Archwood Barbershop, Sonny Kelly, Owner 1 free haircut
Arnold's Candy Candy Basket ($10 value)
Canton Road Garden Center Finch Bird Feeder ($30 value)
Caryn Armbruster $25 Regal Cinema Gift Card, Popcorn, misc.
Cheryl Childress El Rincon Gift Certificate
Deb Stanzak $25 Mary Kay Cosmetics Gift Certificate
DiFeo and Sons Poultry $25 gift certificate
Doggie Do's & Kitty's Too  $35 gift certificate
Dorothy Christner Afghan, Wine Basket, misc.
Eagle Auto & Tire Service, Walt Cyc, Owner 2 Free Oil Changes
Ellet Massotherapy Clinic, Mary A. Snyder, Owner One-hour Massage ($60 value)
Heavenly Touch Maids One (1) Hour of Cleaning ($35 value)O
ldo Restaurant  $20 gift certificate
Jen Morris Candle/Scents Basket
Karen Merlo Easter Basket (70 value)
Kathy DiTurno Pyrex 11-piece Set ($35 value)
Kathy Diturno $25 Bob Evans gift certificate
Kevin O'Bryan's Pub $20 gift certificate
Klein's Seafood $20 gift certificate
Lottery Tree Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets ($30 value)
Lucas Plumbing, Jeff Lucas, Owner  $75 gift certificate
Lucky Shoes Vera Bradley Basket NS $25 Gift Certificate ($125 value)
Maplecrest Golf Course 18 Holes of Golf & Cart for 4 ($168 value)
Marcia Andrasik. Tupperware Sales Tupperware Gift Basket
Personal Touch Carwash 4 Free Car Washes ($40 value)
Rosi Novice Silk Floral Arrangement
Sallly Casenhiser Irish Basket
Sharon Amentini PartyLite Leader Partylite Basket ($100+ value)
Suzanne Mineard, Consultant Tastefully Simple Gift Basket ($50 value)
The Peanut Shoppe $25 gift certificate and 3# premium nuts
West Sick Bakery $25 gift certificate

We also would like to thank Amedeo’s Florist for donating the flowers for all the table arrangements, St. Paul Ladies Guild and the Ancient Order of Hibernians for their cash donations, Denny & Annette’s Kitchen for their donation of 3 sheet pizzas plus providing appetizers at their cost, and Ripper Owens Tap House for donating 500 chicken wings.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Cluster Choir concert is Sunday at Nativity

The 2011 concert of the Summit South 6 District parishes will be Sunday, February 27, at 7 p.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus.

The St. Paul adult choir will sing four songs. “God So Loved the World”, “Sleep, Little Lamb”, “Sing to the Lord” and “I Will Live My Thanks”.

Directions from St. Paul to Nativity:
North on Brown to Wilbeth, turn RIGHT.
Go 0.3 mi to 1-77 South.
Go 0.9 miles, exit LEFT onto 224.
Go 2.1 miles, turn RIGHT on George Washington Blvd./Massillon Rd.
Go 2.2 miles and turn LEFT on Killian Rd.
Go 1.3 miles to church on left.
TOTAL TRAVEL TIME 13 minutes - 7 miles

Schools closed Friday


Sr. Paul School closed.

Also Hoban, Walsh, Our Lady of Elms 
and Akron public schools. 

Snow Day No. 4

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Parish goal for Catholic Charities is $32,760

The goal of St. Paul Parish in the 2011 Catholic Charities Appeal is $32,760. The theme for the 2011 Appeal is “I will Never Forget You.”  This weekend (February 26 and 27) is Parish Apppeal Weekend. Goal of the diocese is $10,500.000  Every cent of your financial support stays in Northeast Ohio to help more than 300,000 people in our diocese each year overcome tragedy, poverty, unemployment and other life challenges. Over 150 services are offered at more than 60 sites and all are grounded in Catholic social teaching and dedicated to helping the poor and marginalized, just as Christ did.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Buckon named bishop for military

Pope Benedict XVI today named Father Neal Buckon, 57, as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and titular bishop of Vissalsa. Father Buckon is a priest of the Cleveland Diocese and has served as a chaplain in the Army since 1998.
           
The appointment was publicized in Washington, January 3, by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
           
Neal J. Buckon was born September 3, 1953 in Columbus.,\  He attended Catholic elementary and high schools in Ohio. From 1975 to 1982 he served in the U.S. Army. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cleveland, May 25, 1995.
           
Bishop-elect Buckon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from John Carroll University and a B.A. in history from Cleveland State University. He earned his B.A. in philosophy from Borromeo College in Wycliffe, Ohio and holds a master of divinity and a master of theology from St. Mary’s Seminary in Cleveland.
           
After being ordained he served as parochial vicar at St. Margaret Mary Parish in South Euclid, Ohio from 1995 to 1998. Since 1998, his priestly assignments as an Army chaplain have taken him around the world. He has served in Seoul, Korea, 2008-2010; Fort Sill, Oklahoma, 2006-2008; Heidelberg, Germany, 2004-2006; Baghdad, Iraq, 2003-2004; Fort Stewart, Georgia, 2002-2003; Saudi Arabia, 2001-2002; and Fort Stewart, 1998-2001. The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA was established on March 25, 1985. It serves U.S. Catholics in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Veteran Affairs and those in government service overseas. 

Pope offers reflection for each Sunday of Lent

Pope Benedict XVI’s annual Lenten message was released today with a theme from Colossians: "You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him." The message offers a reflection for each of the Sunday Gospel readings of the liturgical season.

Click on the headline to read the full text.

Amedeo discusses Diaconate program for Serrans

From left are Serra president Rudy DiDonato, speaker John Amedeo, Fr. Ralph Thomas, Fr. Matt Ischay and school principal Robert Brodbeck

John Amedeo, who is a candidate for the Diaconate program from St. Paul, spoke to the Akron Serra Club at its noon luncheon on Monday. Amedeo explained the many requirements that he will have to fulfill in his quest to become a deacon of the Church. Amedeo, a florist, used a flower arrangement as a visual aid to explain the many parts that go together to form the beauty of the Catholic faith.
Members of Akron Serra Club at luncheon

PAC gets shades


There are now shades on the windows in the Parish Activity Center.  There also are shades on the rear door. This will make it possible to darken the room during daylight hours for special plays and programs.  Shades pull up and down with a chain.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Number of baptized Catholics grows by 15 million

VATICAN CITY (CNA/EWTN News).- Catholics in the world continue to increase in number by the millions, according to the latest official statistics from the Catholic Church. Although the number of baptized Catholics in on the rise, Church officials say that with the exception of Asia and Africa, the "crisis remains" in vocations to the religious life throughout the globe.

The 2011 Pontifical Yearbook, presented to Pope Benedict XVI on Feb. 19,
 contains information on all Church jurisdictions and organizations, religious and cultural institutes and structures worldwide. Some information was released about novelties in dioceses and other church jurisdictions created in 2010 yet the main focus is on statistics from 2008-2009.

In the 2,956 church jurisdictions in the world, the number of newly baptized Cathoics, jumped by 15 million from 2008. The total number of living baptized Catholics on the globe in 2009 reached 1,181,000,000.

North and South America account for a fraction under half of this number. European Catholics amount to 24 percent, Africa rings in at 15 percent and Asia at just over 10 percent. The remaining number, totaling less than one percentage point, live in Oceania.

The yearbook also showed that the number of bishops and priests grew in direct proportion to the number of Catholics worldwide. For the 1.3 percent more Catholics in the world, there were 1.3 percent more of both bishops and priests in the period from 2008 - 2009. In 2009, there were 5,065 bishops and 410,593 priests.

The numbers also show a net increase of priests on every continent except Europe, where both religious and diocesan numbers decreased over the two-year period examined. This increase was perhaps overshadowed, however, by what Church officials called a troubling statistic. Consecrated religious numbers decreased worldwide by nearly 10,000 to 729,371.

"So the crisis remains, notwithstanding Africa and Asia where they increased," read the Vatican statement.

Numbers also show that deacons worldwide increased by more than 1,000 men to a total of 38,155 and seminarians are on the increase led by significantly higher numbers again in Africa and Asia. Decreases were registered in Europe and in the combined total of North and South American

Resilent Life Mission March 27-29

St. Paul’s Lenten program,  “Resilient Life Mission” will be Sunday, March 27, through Tuesday, March 29. This season’s theme will be “Living the Virtues and Following the Way of Christ Jesus.”

The Rev. Fr. Norm Douglas who has inspired us before will conduct our Lenten Mission along with the Heart to Heart team.

Born in Los Angeles, Fr. Norm grew up in Akrona and graduated from North High School in 1965. He majored in English at The University of Akron, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969. He attended Borromeo Seminary College and transferred to St. Mary Seminary receiving a Master of Divinity degree.

He was ordained in 1974 and was assigned first to St. Barnabas Parish and then Holy Family Parish as Associate Pastor. In 1985, he became Pastor of St. Martha Parish and served there until 1999. Currently he is a part-time campus minister at The University of Akron. In 1990, he and Larry Vuillemin co-founded Heart to Heart Communications. Inc. In 1999, Fr. Norm was named Executive Director of Heart to Heart Communications, Inc., a spiritually-centered, inter-faith organization that brings individuals and organizations together to reflect, discuss and promote ways to strengthen the connection between people’s inner spirit, ethical values and daily work..

Spring Spectacular is April 29

The 24th annual Silent Auction and Reverse Raffle is Friday, April 29, at Guy’s Party Centre. Tickets are $125 per couple. Hors d’oeuvres, steak dinners, an open bar, an opportunity to bid on great items and cash prizes including the $4,000 grand prize are all included. 

For tickets,  call Fred Cafarelli 330-724-1946 or Tony DiDonato 330-603-9450. A 46-inch TV and an iPad are also going to be raffled for $5 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20. 

Call Dana Coffman 330-352-0651 or Kim Kuhn 330-714-3701. Anyone wanting to help or donate articles for the silent auction should contact Dana or Kim.

K. of C. spaghetti dinner is Feb. 27

The Knights of Columbus Council 3410 will have a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, February 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at the K. of C. Hall, 2055 Glenmount Ave. Pre-sale adult tickets are $6 and $7 at the door. Children’s tickets are $4. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread and butter, dessert and beverage. Carryout is available. For pre-sale tickets call the K of C Hall at 330-773-3410

Pre Cana Days scheduled at Loyola

Pre-Cana Days for couples anticipating the Sacrament of Marriage, are scheduled each month at Loyola Retreat House 700 Killinger Road, Clinton. The Sundays this year are
February 20, March 13, April 3, May 15, June 12, July 10, August 7, September 11 and
October 9

The day, from 1 to 7 p.m.,  will include celebration of Sunday Mass, prayer, presentations, quiet reflection time and opportunities for sharing with your fiancé.
The day will conclude with an elegant dinner. Refreshments will be available during the scheduled break periods.   Dress is casual.

Cost is  $75 per couple.  Register by phone with a Visa MasterCard or Discover at 330-896-2315 or visit the Loyola website.

http://www.loyolaretreathouse.com/loyola/events/pre-cana.shtml

Classes are taught by Paul and Kathy Weber, both secular Discalced Carmelites.  Both are certified spiritual directors and have been active with Cursillo.  They have five children, Mindi, Jason, Jared, Michelle and Rachel, and one grandson, Gabriel, and a granddaughter Annastasia.

Paul is a graduate of Brunnerdale Seminary High School, St. Joseph’s College, and Kent State University where he earned his master’s degree.  He has chaired the  Parish Council and on the RCIA Team at Our Lady of Peace Church in Canton.  Paul was on the Liturgy Committee which planned the new church renovation at St. Paul’s Parish in North Canton. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Paul has been self-employed, and recently retired to pursue more missionary and retreat endeavors.   

Kathy graduated from Walsh University, where she has taught theology classes. She was formerly a social worker at Timken Mercy Hospital in Canton.  Kathy earned her master’s degree in religious education from Loyola University and her doctoral degree in ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation.  For sixteen years, Kathy was the Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, first at St. Anthony Church in Canton, and then at St. Paul Church in North Canton.  As a writer, she has written freelance articles for The Catholic Exponent, the Youngstown Diocesan newspaper, and other publications.  She will soon have her first novel published, A Twist of the Heart, with a second book to follow. Prew

Paul and Kathy are certified to teach Natural Family Planning and have recently completed training and certification with Couple to Couple League.  They are active with Pro-Life activities and facilitate an Adult Bible Study in North Canton.

Call the Retreat House for a brochure at (330) 896-2315.

Pax Christi: Nonviolent alternative

In a world that settles differences by armed violence or the threat of it, Pax Christi offers a nonviolent alternative. In a world where countries invest more money in weapons than in the wellbeing of their people, Pax Christi calls individuals to disarm their hearts and work toward a world free of nuclear and conventional weapons. Pax Christi USA is the national Catholic peace movement whose members are committed to the gospel imperative of nonviolence. Pax Christi USA strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by exploring, articulating and witnessing to the call of Christian nonviolence. This work begins in personal life and extends to communities to transform structures of society. Pax Christi USA rejects war, preparations for war, and every form of violence and domination. It advocates primacy of conscience, economic and social justice, and respect for creation. Pax Christi commits itself to peace education and promotes a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. If you would like to find out more about the Pax Christi mission or join a local chapter, you can e-mail to info@paxchristiusa.org or visit their website www.paxchristiusa.org. 
"Like a cathedral, peace must be constructed patiently and with unshakable faith." -- Pope John Paul II

Hoban High open house is Feb. 27


Archbishop Hoban High School will have an open house on Sunday, February 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. Tour the school, meet the faculty, staff and coaches and learn more about a Holy Cross education.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Protestant denominations losing members

America’s mainline Protestant denominations are losing members, the new 2011 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches shows. 

Overall church membership in the US dropped by 1% last year, settling at 145.8 million. Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran, and Presbyterian congregations saw their memberships fall by more than 1%. The nation’s largest Protestant group, the Southern Baptists, experienced a 0.42% decline. 

The Catholic Church, which dwarfs the size of any American Protestant group, saw a slight increase in membership—0.57%-- attributable mostly to immigration. 

Among the 6 religious groups that claim more than 5 million members, only one saw growth of more than 1%. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, popularly known as the Mormons, grew by 1.42%.

Do you use the links listed at left?

Do you use the Links at left? They are designed to take you to other sites with useful information. Here is what you will find at each link:

Blog Tips: Tips for reading the blog
Calendar: Calendar page of the parish website–not updated
Cleveland Diocese: Website of Cleveland Diocese
Cluster pages: Facebook pages and websites for parishes in Summit South 6 Cluster
Keyboard practice: Aid in learning to keyboard properly.
Kindergarten Blog: The kingergarten blog: KinderCubs
Parish Facebook: The parish Facebook page
Parish website: The parish website.
Photo History: A photo history of the parish
Presentation Ministries: Teachings on the daily eucharistic readings,
Saint of the Day: Saint of the Day
Say the Rosary: Nice program for praying Rosary.
School: St. Paul School website
Scripture: Scripture readings for the day
St. Paul Alumni: Facebook page for St. Paul alumni

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Serrans pray for vocations

Members of Akron Serra Club have accepted a special commitment to pray daily for religious vocations. Thus, each Serran is assigned a specific "Day of Oblation" on which day, in every month, the Serran is expected to offer special prayers for the Serra Cause. Attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist is recommended but a set-aside time for prayer is the minimum expected.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Bishop Gries confirms 29 candidates

Faith Chrostowski (at left) with confirmation sponsor, Kaitlyn Chrostowski,
on crutches, confirmed by Bishop Gries. Shannon Lloyd at right with Bishop Gries

The Most Rev. Bishop Roger W. Gries, Auxiliary Bishop of the Cleveland Diocese, confirmed 29 students at a 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday in St. Paul Church.

After renewing their baptismal promises the candidates came forward with their sponsors standing behind them, placing their right hand on the shoulder of the candidate. The Bishop anointed each with chrism (an oil made form olive oil and balsam). The anointing means each is called and chosen by God in Baptism and now in Confirmation.

Each of the candidates wore a read satin sash with the sign of the Holy Spirit on it and the words "Come Holy Spirit Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love."


Bishop Gries met to talk with the students in the Parish Activity Center prior to Mass. He joined them for a class photo. There was a reception, sponsored by the St. Paul PTO, after the Mass.


Sydney Sloan with sponsor Lisa Lanham
Photos by Teresa Lloyd





Kindergarten Visit Day March 11


St. Paul
Kindergarten

Visit
Day




Friday, March 11
10 a.m.
(one hour)


Box Top$ earn $626

Jeannie Fausnight reports that St. Paul School earned $626.80 with Box Top$ for Education.

Have you been clipping those Box Top$ for Education coupons? St. Paul School earns
10 cents for each boxtop symbol you turn in. There is a red coffee container in the narthex where you can deposit the coupons. There is a big list of products that contain the boxtops.



Letter to kindergarten teacher

February 15, 2011

Ms. Ruth Deitzel
Saint Paul's School
1580 Brown Street
Akron, ON 44301

Dear Ruth:

Thank you so much for your warm hospitality during my visit to St. Paul's School. Your students, parents and staff were a great audience; the children were well behaved, attentive. and full of enthusiasm and creativity. I thought they produced terrific drawings, writing and comments, and I hope we inspired them to do some more creative writing as well.

Your school has a very special atmosphere--one of warmth and caring as well as academic inspiration. Thanks for allowing the dogs and me to be a part of it all. Thank you, too. for coordinating the schedule, the book sales, the delicious lunch. and for arranging the "Tak and Oliver MindersD• Please extend a special thank you to them.

Enclosed is a check for your PTO in the amount of $268.27. This represents a percentage of my sales during the programs.

Let's try to stay in touch, and we'll keep you informed of all the Tak and Oliver doings. Remember, you can visit our website (maxandannie.com) or find us on Facebook (Max n' Annie) to find the latest news on the Philipson canine familyl

Best wishes,




Monday, February 14, 2011

Priests numbers grow worldwide, drop in N. America

A rise in the number of priests serving in Latin America is easing the shortage there, at the same time that the number of priests in North America is falling, L’Osservatore Romano reports.

The Vatican newspaper, citing figures from the Statistical Yearbook of the Church, which will be released later this month, observed that the Latin America’s portion of the world’s Catholic population has held relatively steady over the past decade, at slightly above 42%. But the percentage of Catholic clergy in Latin America has risen from 15 to 17.3% during the same period, hus easing a severe shortage of priests.

During the same period, the number of diocesan priests in North America dropped by 7%, and the number of religious clergy by 21%. However, L’Osservatore Romano noted that North America and Europe had enjoyed a “relative superabundance” of priests before that decline, whereas in Latin American the clergy shortage had been acute.

The Statistical Yearbook is based on the last accurate worldwide compilation of figures regarding Catholic population, which date from the end of 2009.

Quotes frm the Pope: Sickness & Suffering

"THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING"
Every year on ... the memorial of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes, which is celebrated on February 11, the Church proposes the World Day of the Sick. This event ... becomes a propitious occasion to reflect on the mystery of suffering and above all to make our communities and civil society more sensitive to our sick brothers and sisters.

"AT THE CENTER OF ATTENTION"
If every man is our brother, much more must the sick, the suffering and those in need of care be, at the center of our attention, so that none of them feels forgotten or
emarginated.

"TRUE MEASURE"
..."The true measure of humanity is essentially determined in relationship to suffering and to the sufferer. This holds true both for the individual and for society. A society unable to accept its suffering members and incapable of helping to share their suffering and to bear it inwardly through 'com-passion' is a cruel and inhuman society" (Encyclical letter Spe salvi, n. 38)

"CHARGED WITH MYSTERY"
Suffering is always charged with mystery, difficult to accept and to bear.

"EYES OF HOPE"
... It is precisely through the wounds of Christ that we are able to see, with eyes of hope, all the evils that afflict humanity. In rising again, the Lord did not remove suffering and evil from the world, but He defeated them at their root. He opposed the arrogance of Evil with the omnipotence of His Love.

"MESSENGERS OF JOY"
\Let us follow our Master in readiness to spend our lives for our brothers and sisters..., becoming messengers of a joy that does not fear pain, the joy of the Resurrection.

TURN TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
\When contemplating the wounds of Jesus our gaze turns to His most sacred Heart, in which God's love manifests itself in a supreme way ... Dear sick people, feel the nearness of this Heart full of love and draw with faith and joy from this source, praying "Water of the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear my prayers. In Your wounds, hide me" (Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola).

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Chef Matt and server Ralph to provide dinner

A special silent auction item for this year's St. Patrick's Fundraiser could provide your family with a "Dinner at the Rectory." The winner will receive dinner served in the rectory by Chef Matt (Ischay) and server Ralph (Thomas).

See the poster below for other details on the fundraiser and get your tickets now.
Click on poster to enlarge for better view








Mass attendance with blog notes (corrected)

Dear Parishioners:
The results of our October Mass Count for 2010 for the weekends of October 9 & 10 and 16 & 17, indicate the following: the 9:30 a.m. Mass was the most attended Mass overall, with a total attendance of 661 parishioners—438 adults and 223 children. The lowest attendance was at the 8:00 a.m. Mass with a total attendance of 238 parishioners—225 adults and 13 children. The grand total of attendance at all Masses for both weekends was 1,652 parishioners—1,381 adults and 271 children.

It also appears that the total number of parishioners attending each Mass on both weekends stayed relatively close.
For the 4:30 p.m. Mass October 9 & 10—224 —-October 16 & 17—227
8:00 a.m. Mass October 9 & 10—112 —-October 16 & 17—126
9:30 a.m. Mass October 9 & 10—320 —-October 16 & 17—341
11:30 a.m. Mass October 9 & 10—161 —-October 16 & 17—141

Variables such as weather, weekend travel and work schedules can result in higher or lower attendance.

There is a strong faith and religious sense among St. Paul Parishioners and we should all be proud and encouraged to be part of our faith community. Christ is at the center of all we do and strive for here. It is his grace that leads us, heals us, brings us home to all that is good and life-giving. It is his grace that leads one day home to heaven. Let’s get ready to have a spiritually uplifting Lenten season this spring.

Father Ralph, Pastor


Blog Notes: These notes are corrected from an earlier post. It is difficult to compare Mass attendance each year because the count was reported slightly different each year.

2010 Total on 2 weekends 1652, weekend average 826, children 271 total, 125 average.

2009 Total on 3 weekends 1977, weekend average 659, children 226 total, 75 average.

2007 Total on 3 weekends 2508, weekend average 832, chilldren under 12 averaged between 19 and 52 and teenagers avaraged 46 and 68. Count of children reported differently.

The figures show a small decline in Mass attendance, but the number of children increased this year to an average 135. The increase in the number of children is probably due to the change in the Mass schedule which brings more to the 9:30 a.m. Mass which is followed by PSR. St. Paul is an aging parish and many have moved to the suburbs. Persons who participated in a 2007 parish survey indicated that 24 per cent were 80 years or older.

Come and spend some time with Our Lord

What a wonderful way to bring peace and order into your life! Come and spend some of your time with Our Lord. Every Tuesday, the Blessed Sacrament, remains in view on the altar in the Eucharistic Chapel of our church, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Over the past 6 months, 42 parishioners have regularly come to pray and have received many blessings in doing so. Consider what blessings and peace the Lord wants to share with you in prayer and quiet reflection. If you are interested in evening times for prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, please sign your name in the narthex or call the rectory at 330-724-1263.

40 Days for Life banquet is Feb. 23

There will be a free benefit banquet presented by 40 Days for Life on Wednesday, February 23, at the Renaissance Hotel, 24 Public Square, Cleveland. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event includes dinner, music and more. There is no charge for the event, however donations will be accepted. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.clevelandcoalitionfor life.org, by
email at events@clevelandcoalitionforlife.org or by phone at 216-236-5186.
The 40 Days for Life begins with life prayers on March 9 until April 17.

Do not believe there is nothing we can do

If we want to lead this world through bad times to good, we must be truth-tellers. There will be those among the powerful who try to make us say what we know is clearly not true because, if everyone agrees to believe the lie, the lie can go on forever. The lie that there is: nothing we
can do about AIDS; nothing we can do about world poverty; nothing we can do about fair trade; nothing we can do to end war; nothing we can do about equality and justice; nothing we can do to provide education and health care, and housing and food, and roads and water and just wages for everyone in the world. If we want to lead this world to something better, we, too, must refuse to tell the old lies. We must learn to say with certainty and clarity: the emperor has no clothes! We must, like the child in the story, see what we're looking at and say what we see. Only then can real change begin. 

(Taken from writings of Joan Chittister, OSB in Network Connection.)

Ozanam Center needs volunteers

The next weekend for volunteers of St. Paul Parish at the Fr. John Hilkert Ozanam Center is
Saturday, February 19,  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is located at Visitation of Mary Parish, 87 Broad St., Akron. 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. Questions, contact Joni Mills at 330-724-4055.

St. Paul to provide Valentine dinner at Maurin Center

St. Paul Volunteers will provide a Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Peter Maurin Center on Sunday, February 27, from 1 to 4:00 p.m. Sign-up for donations will be February 19 and 20 in the narthex. Drop-off will be in Boeke Hall, Saturday, February 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m Volunteers are always needed. It is a great opportunity for school service hours. If you have questions, call Susie Gatian 330-819-5771

No PSR on Feb 20; time to be expanded

There will be no Parish School of Religion classes on Sunday February 20, in observance of Presidents' Day. The next meeting will be Sunday,  February 27, after the 9:30 Mass. Starting February 27, the Parish School of Religion Program will expand the session time to 11:35 a.m. Any questions please call the Religious Education Office at 330-724-9311.

Friday, February 11, 2011

22 million ex-Catholics in U.S.

A “Religious Landscape Survey” conducted by the Pew Forum found that there are 22 million ex-Catholics in the US. If not for Hispanic immigration, the American Catholic population would be shrinking. 

However, a Pew Forum analyst points out that other denominations are also losing believers, at roughly the same pace as the Catholic Church. The special problem for Catholicism, he says, is that so few new believers are coming into the Church. 

In a revealing column for the National Catholic Reporter, John Allen discusses the statistics with Luis Lugo of the Pew Forum, and shines the light directly on the need for greater efforts to evangelize. 

'Thank you' from PTO

The PTO is sending out a "thank you" to all parents for the support and help they have offered for the confirmation reception this weekend. "We have wonderful parents that are so quick to respond when we need them," wrote PTO sccretary Karen DuVall.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Lighting, sound improved on PAC stage

Overhead lights on bar at front of stage direct light onto the stage

Tom Liggett adjusts fog machine
New equipment provides much-needed improvement in lighting and sound for the stage in the Parish Activity Center which is used for school plays, music programs and other events.

There is a stage monitor system so student actors can hear the same sounds the audience hears, There is a 16-channel sound-mixing board, 1200 watt power amplifier and stereo equipment. There are six wireless microphones for actors, six haning microphones and two stand microphones. There are 10 overhead lights on a bar in front of the stage including two LED lights plus two racks of colored lights on stage.

There also will be a fog machine for the Drama Club's production of "Into the Woods."

The stage itself also has been enlarged and improved.






Colored lights on stage

Girls volleyball practice to begin

Volleyball practice can begin on February 28. St. Paul will have teams for girls in grades 3-8. Any girl interested should contact Jill Joyner at jillakron@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Volunteers needed for Confirmation reception

PTO president Carly LaPresta is making a plea for volunteers to help at the Confirmation reception following Mass at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 4.

Here is her email:

There is to be a reception following Sat. Feb 12th 4:30 mass for the 8th grade confirmation. We need some volunteers to make coffee and to serve cake and Juice and to clean up after the reception. I will be working and am unable to help on the day of the event, but I will take care of set-up the night before and will have everything that you need there for you. If we are unable to get enough volunteers, then unfortantly the reception will not happen--I do not want to see this happen. Please help out if you can and feel free to forward this e-mail to anyone that you think will help out. Any questions, I can be reached at
klapresta@neo.rr.com or at 330-773-7489.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Carly LaPresta

New wall banner at school

New wall banner at St. Paul School

Team represents St. Paul at Acme-Zip game

Here are members of the Fifth and Fourth Grade baskeball team that represented St. Paul at the Acme-Zip game on Sunday, January 30.

Serra Club gets 'thank you' from Poor Clares

Members of the Akron Serra Club received a nice “thank you” letter from the Poor Clare Sisters of Troyes, France, for a gift of 54 pair of new garden gloves and a pair of new tennis shoes. Club members heard about the need for the gloves and shipped a care package to the sisters.

Here’s the January 3 letter from the Poor Clares to Maggie Walker and member of the Serra Club:

God so loved the world that He gave His only Son ... (Jn 3, 16) For us, God
has become a gift. He has given Himself. At Christmas, gifts are given in imitation
of God who has given himself to us. Among the many gifts that we buy and
receive, let us not forget the true gift to give each other something of ourselves, to
give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way joy is.
born, and the feast is created and celebrated wholeheartedly.

This gift of yourself, your time and sacrifices made for the good of our Community is very much appreciated Our hearts are continually filled with thanksgiving to God . We thank you, in particular, for the "care package" you sent to us, filled with garden gloves. and a pair of tennis shoes. The Sisters were truly touched by your thoughtfulness and your desire to support our. contemplative life.

For our part, we wish to assure you and your loved ones of our prayers during this Christmas season and throughout the year. May it be a time of hope and joy in Christ, who has loved us from all eternity and now dwells in our midst, giving us His eternal love in time today.

In the Light of Christ Our Savior,

Mother M. Emmanuel
Your Poor Clare Sisters of Troyes

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

New app could bring Catholics back to Confession

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (CNS) -- Can modern technology help strengthen our faith? Some techno-savvy Catholics from South Bend think so.

In his message for the 2011 World Communications Day, Pope Benedict XVI said it's not enough to just "proclaim the Gospel through the new media," but one must also "witness consistently." The developers of "Confession: A Roman Catholic App" for Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch think their product helps people do both.

Brothers Patrick and Chip Leinen and their friend Ryan Kreager said feedback has been positive. The app, reportedly the only one with an imprimatur, is designed to help people make a better confession.

Given in this case by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, an imprimatur is an official declaration by a church authority that a book or other printed work may be published. It declares the published work contains nothing offensive to Catholic teaching on faith and morals.

"The app is really built for two kinds of people," Kreager explained. "For Catholics who go to confession regularly, it gives the user information. They enter their name, age, their sex, their vocation and their last confession date, and it generates an examination of conscience based on that information."

Centered on the Ten Commandments, the examination would be different for a young mother than for a teenage boy, for example. The examinations were provided by two different priests, the app developers said.

In addition to helping Catholics who already make use of the sacrament of reconciliation, Kreager said the confession app is helping another group of people.

"It's also for people who've been away from the church and want the opportunity to go to confession," he told Today's Catholic, newspaper of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. "You go to the examination of conscience and it literally walks you through, step by step, your confessions as you're in the confessional."

Patrick Leinen said that during testing, a man who hadn't been to confession in 20 years used the app and made his way back to the sacrament.

"Just the fact that someone had used the app like that, even before it was released to Apple. ... That's the coolest thing in the world!" he said.

Serving as a kind of digital notebook designed to help people remember the various prayers as well as to list the sins they want to confess, the confession app provides several versions of the act of contrition, including one in Latin.

Melanie Williams, a 17-year-old junior at Marian High School in Mishawaka, said going to confession is an important part of her life. A fan of technology, she appreciates the customized examination of conscience.

"It makes me evaluate my personal situation in life," she said, noting how easy it is for her to understand and remember the sins she wants to confess. "My favorite part is definitely the inspirational quote that pops up after you have gone to confession. Each time I feel like it really tells me what I really need to hear at that moment. It is a great motivational tool after a good confession!"

In addition to customizing each user's list, everything is password-protected for privacy.

"Once you go to confession, all that information is wiped out," said Kreager. "All it's going to remember is personal data like your name, age and date of last confession."

The three developers of the confession app named their company Littleiapps. Little "i" as in "I must decrease and he must increase," explained Chip Leinen. They say they hope to create more Catholic apps in the future.

"I think it has the potential to bring many teens back to the faith and confession," said Williams, adding that she knows kids who haven't been to confession in years for various reasons. "I think this app will be a wonderful helper for teens to encourage them to go to confession. They won't have the excuse that they don't know how to go to confession anymore!"


Editor's Note: For information on downloading the confession app, click on the headline.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Pew cards planned with new Mass text

The Magnificat publishing house is teaming with the U.S. bishops' conference to supply "pew cards" with the new translation of the Roman Missal, which will begin to be used this Advent.

Magnificat announced a wide range of publications in anticipation of the November implementation of this Third Edition of the Roman Missal.

The pew cards will be sturdy and conveniently sized, and contain the complete revised Order of Mass. They are scheduled to be available already in the spring.

"This Magnificat Pew Card will give parishioners a quick and easy way to learn the revised responses and to become acclimated to the new way of praying the Mass," Pierre Marie Dumont, publisher of Magnificat, told ZENIT.

The publishing house will also be releasing its own version of the missal (the Sacramentary) in a variety of sizes.

"Our missals [...] are meant to help priests rejoice at the coming of this new Roman Missal as well as contemplate and pray each part of it," Dumont said.


Additionally, Magnificat is producing a catechetical resource: The Magnificat Roman Missal Companion.

Set for a September release date, this booklet will lead people through each change in the Order of Mass, answer frequently asked questions, and offer an overall explanation emphasizing the spiritual renewal this transition will mean for the Church.

The companion will feature an introduction by Archbishop Augustine DiNoia, secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

"And we must not forget our children," added Dumont, a father of 12. “We must never think they are too small to 'live' the Mass."

"With Magnifikid and the support of the newly created Magnificat Foundation," the publisher noted, "we will be able to provide, probably free of charge, a weekly missalette that will also help our children embrace the new changes in the Roman Missal."

Peace Together Choir to release CD

 Peace Together Choir that sings at the Nurses Mass at St. Paul's every year is getting ready to release its fourth CD at a kick off concert at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Uniontown on April 3.

Priest in Argentina applauded for defending faith

BUENOS ARIES, Argentina (CNA).- An organization in Argentina has launched a campaign in support of Fr. Jorge Daniel Gomez, a priest  being attacked by the media for stopping an anti-Catholic performance.

The organization, ArgentinosAlerta.org, said it decided to start the online campaign because priests should be supported when they stand up for the truth, and not just criticized for their failings.

A video posted on YouTube shows a clip from a Jan. 13 event known as the Chivo National Festival. After Fr. Gomez, a priest from the Diocese of San Rafael, and his folklore band performed, a group called The Lutherieces took the stage to perform a number from “Les Luthiers.”

The Lutherieces were dressed as friars and performed a number mocking priests, saints and Catholic devotions, especially chastity. 

Fr. Gomez, who was in the audience, bypassed security, came on stage and took one of the microphones. He addressed the group in a firm but calm voice. “Could we please ask the group to continue with a different number because we are all Catholic here, I am a priest and I won’t allow my chastity to be tarnished.”

“I know you are excited to be here, but could you do something else?” The crowd of more than 8,000 broke out in applause, and the group went on to perform a different song.

The next day, members of the media and social networking groups began attacking the priest.

ArgentinosAlerta.org then stepped in to defend Fr. Gomez.

Fr. Gomez is a “courageous priest who did not hesitate to publicly stand up for the faith of his people which was being attacked on stage,” the organization said.

“Fr. Jorge teaches us that we need to be courageous when defending the faith, that when our pastors speak out, the people will follow them, that it is possible to be respectful and firm at the same time.”

The video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrIFa_C2X78

Ohio bishops call for end to death penalty

Catholic Bishops of Ohio are calling upon Governor Kasich and legislative leaders to end the death penalty.

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio agree with recent comments made by both Ohio Supreme
Court Justice Paul Pfeifer and former Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and
Corrections Director Terry Collins that Ohio’s elected legislative leaders ought to debate
and ultimately abolish the death penalty.

Murder rightly evokes moral outrage and a call for justice. It also calls for spiritual
healing and caring support for all those impacted by such a tragedy. Just punishment--
punishment that reflects the seriousness of the offense, seeks restoration for the
offense, and protects society -- is a foundational moral principle within our justice
system.

Just punishment can occur without resorting to the death penalty. Our Church teachings
consider the death penalty to be wrong in almost all cases. Every human being is a
child of God, no matter what sins the person commits. Every human life has infinite
dignity because it is designed by God to be immortal.

Today, given the means available to the State for dealing with crime, cases where it is
absolutely necessary to use the death penalty are practically nonexistent. In other
states and countries, life imprisonment has shown itself to be an effective alternative.
Life imprisonment respects the moral view that all life, even that of the worst offender,\
has value and dignity.

We concur with Judge Pfeifer that today is an “opportune time in Ohio to seriously
debate and discuss whether or not we have the death penalty”. We urge Governor
Kasich, Attorney General DeWine, and our elected legislative leaders to pursue such
debate. Fair and effective punishment is possible without the death penalty.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Parents' ideas to be sought by principal

Principal Robert Brodbeck told the PTO at its January meeting that he plans to schedule a meeting this spring to ask the question: “What do you want St. Paul School to look like?”  He said he hopes to solicit ideas from parents  and form committees to accomplish them.  Ideas about academics such as science, reading, and math as well as fund-raising ideas will be discussed.
 
ELMO ptojectors will be coming soon to St. Paul classrooms. The ELMO uses a small video camera to display text and images. Teachers simply place any text  or display an object under the camera and it is displayed on the white board or wall or screen. The thought behind the Elmo™ projector is similar to that of the overhead projector, which came into widespread use during the 1980s. Such projectors were useful in making materials available to a wide audience in a classroom or group setting, but could only display documents put on transparency material.

Beginning Feb. 18 for six dates, the eighth  grade will be involved in the “Choose Life Program”.  This program is offered by LifeWorks Ohio with the goal of “teaching respect for all life, chastity and making good choices”.  The purpose  is to teach a consistent ethic of life and explain the dangers of abortion and other forms of violence against the human person. This program has reached over 24,000 students so far in the Cleveland area.  See the website.  


The treasurer’s report by Celeste Shaffer showed a balance of $13,939.70. The Breakfast with Santa/Happy Birthday, Jesus deposit was nearly $2,400.  The event was 100 per cent profit since all supplies were donated. The Santa Workshop netted $206.88
[Source: PTO minutes)

February 11 is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

February 11 is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
 
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in southern France is the most visited pilgrimage site in the world -- principally because of the apparent healing properties of the waters of the spring that appeared during the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a poor, fourteen-year-old girl, Bernadette Soubiroux.

The first apparition occurred February 11, 1858. There were eighteen in all; the last took place July 16, of the same year. Bernadette often fell into an ecstasy during these apparitions,
as was witnessed by the hundreds who attended the later visions, though no one except Bernadette ever saw or heard the apparition.

The mysterious vision Bernadette saw in the hollow of the rock Massabielle, where she and friends had gone to gather firewood, was that of a young and beautiful lady. "Lovelier than I have ever seen" said the child. She described the Lady as clothed in white, with a blue ribbon sash and a Rosary hanging from her right arm. Now and then the apparition spoke to Bernadette.

One day, the Lady told the girl to drink of a mysterious fountain within the grotto itself, the existence of which was unknown, and of which there was no sign. But Bernadette scratched at the ground, and a spring immediately bubbled up and soon gushed forth. On another occasion the apparition bade Bernadette go and tell the priests she wished a chapel to be built on the spot and processions to be made to the grotto. At first the clergy were incredulous. The priest said he would not believe it unless the apparition gave Bernadette her name. After another apparition, Bernadette reported that the Lady told her, "I am the Immaculate Conception". Though the girl was unfamiliar with the term, the Pope had declared the doctrine of the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary in 1854.

Four years after Bernadette's visions, in 1862, the bishop of the diocese declared the faithful "justified in believing the reality of the apparition" of Our Lady. A basilica was built upon the rock of Massabielle by M. Peyramale, the parish priest. In 1873 the great "national" French pilgrimages were inaugurated. Three years later the basilica was consecrated and the statue solemnly crowned. In 1883 the foundation stone of another church was laid, as the first was no longer large enough. It was built at the foot of the basilica and was consecrated in 1901 and called the Church of the Rosary. Pope Leo XIII authorized a special office and a Mass, in commemoration of the apparition, and in 1907 Pius X extended the observance of this feast to the entire Church; it is now observed on February 11.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Men's Fellowship Pancake Breakfast is April 10

The Catholic Men’s Fellowship fifth annual Pancake Breakfast will be Sunday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Boeke Hall.  Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice and  coffee at no cost except for a free will donation. Proceeds will be used to purchase plants and materials for the beautification of the church property in the spring.

St. Paul collects 77 signatures, $242 for Right to Life

St. Paul Parish  collected 77 signatures and $242 to protect the unborn and their mothers in the 2011 Voice for the Voiceless Signature and Media Campaign. This helps to build the Culture of Life in Northeastern Ohio and beyond and protect the unborn and their mothers.. If you were unable to participate at St. Paul and still wish to donate, you can send your donation to: Right to Life of Northeast Ohio, 572 W. Market St., Suite 2, Akron, OH 44303. You can contact the Right to Life office at 330-762-2785 or www.righttolifeofnortheastohio.com.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje leaves Sep. 23

Tour Director David Parkes will conduct  a week-long pilgrimage to Medjugorje. The experience will include daily Mass in the Church of St. James, Confessions, and tours including The Hill of Apparitions, The Mothers Village, The Blue Cross and many other amazing sights. All flights, housing and meals are included in the cost.  The pilgrimage is scheduled to leave Pittsburgh, PA on September 23, 2011 and arrive home on October 2, 2011. This schedule will include the 25th of September, day of the month on which our lady has continued to appear and on which she delivers a new message. For further information, including itinerary, costs, etc., contact Betty at eschnitz@msn.com or call 330-958-3903.

Desecrating our landscape

Place matters profoundly, whether it is a place we come from or one we travel to. Yet a single landscape can have wildly divergent meanings for different people. Energy companies eye the vast public lands of the western United States, with their rich reserves of natural gas, and push to erect towering drill rigs. To a conservationist, this is desecration of a landscape that is the spiritual equivalent of a cathedral. All of creation is a gift from God and should be  respected as such. As Catholics we are called to show respect by the way we care for the earth as stewards of all that has been entrusted to us. We need to examine how our excessive consumerism and poor environmental practices are exploiting the earth and take measures to correct our destructive patterns. We need to explore our physical, psychological, intellectual, and economic relationship with our planet. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. (Excerpts taken from a Douglas Barasch editorial in OnEarth)

You can bring in food for teachers

Since wintry weather ruined plans for the annual PTO luncheon for teachers, it has been decided to just bring in food to the teachers' lounge.

"We can just set up the food in the teachers' lounge and they can enjoy it when they can," PTO president  Carly LaPresta  wrote in an email meswsage. 

"If you still feel like sending in food for the teachers please do so, but we will not be needing anyone to watch the classrooms."

 For questions, contact LaPresta at klapresta@neo.rr.com or call at 330-773-7389.