Mass for Beverly Matthews is Saturday

Beverly T. Matthews, 76, passed away on March 29, 2011.

Beverly was born on February 4, 1935 in Wayland, Mass. to the late John and Teresa Moran. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Akron. She loved gardening and had won a beautification award from the City of Akron for her flowers. Beverly also enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her delicious pies. She was an avid card player and traveler and treasured her time with her family and grandchildren, and so loved her dog, Daisy Mae. She also valued her close relationship with her brothers, Ken and Bob Moran.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, John T. O'Neil. Survivors include her husband, Jerry, of 22 years; daughter, Bev (Ric) Haury; son, John (Judy) O'Neil; brothers, Ken and Bob Moran; grandchildren, John Thomas (Maria), Jim, Ryan, and David O'Neil, and Meghan Haury; special friends, Susie and Butch McCutcheon, Dottie and Donna Haugh, Cheryl Hafer, and Dr. Milton N. Cooper, DDS.

Calling hours will be Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd. Funeral Mass Saturday, 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 433 Mission Dr., Akron. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society .

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com. (NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 330-784-3334)
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Thursday, March 31, 2011, page B4, col. 6]

Family Game Night photos

Josh Kuhn plays Connect 4 at the St. Paul PTO Family Game Night last Saturday (March 26) in Boeke Hall. Families brought board games, card games and other items to play

See an album of other photos from the event.

Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for April

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for April is: "That through its compelling preaching of the Gospel, the Church may give young people new reasons for life and hope".

His mission intention is: "That by proclamation of the Gospel and the witness of their lives, missionaries may bring Christ to those who do not yet know Him".

Mid-Lent snow decorates church

It's the middle of Lent and snow again decorates St. Paul Church. This photo was taken at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30. A couple of snowflakes hit the camera lens.

Spanish / English Stations of Cross

Stations of the Cross were in Spanish and then English at St. Paul on Wednesday evening. Brenda Sandovel and Susie Gatians read the Station prayers from the pulpit. Singers from St. Bernard / St, Mary were (from left) Letty DeLong, Ana Dean and Ramon Rivera. With the cross were Edgar Rosales, Paige Harbarger, Jimmy Munoz and Scott Johnson with Nensy Velasgues.

Students say Stations of the Cross

Sydney Sloan and Michael Roberts read for the Stations of the Cross while Adam Bugajski and Ryan Canan go with the cross around the Stations. Students say the Stations each Wednesday just before class dismissal. Parents there to pick up students are urged to attend.

Examen of Consciousness: Mission handout

There was a handout following the Resilient Life Mission on Tuesday called “Examen of Consciouness” which is a prayer in five steps to reflect on your day.

Click here to see the full handout if you did not get a copy.  Here is a summary:

Before you start: Try to be in a place where you are least likely to be disturbed, and where there Is the least amount of  external noise. Perhaps you might light a candle or change the lighting when you pray to symbolise the start of this  activity.

1. Recall that you are in the presence of God.

2. Spend a moment looking over your day with gratitude for this day's gifts.
Recall the smell of your morning coffee, the taste of something good that you  ate, the laugh of a child, the fragrance of a flower, the smile brought forth by a kind word, a lesson that you learned.  Take stock of what you received and what you gave. Give thanks to God for favors received.

3. Ask God to send you His Holy Spirit to help you look at your actions and attitudes and motives with  honesty and patience.  Ask that you will learn and grow  as you reflect.

4. Now review your day. This is the longest of the steps. Recall the events of your day; Ask what you  were involved in and who you were with, and review your hopes and hesitations.
 

5. The final step is our heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Here you speak with Jesus about your day. You share  your thoughts on your actions, attitudes, feelings and interactions. Perhaps during this time you may feel led to seek  forgiveness, ask for direction, share a concern, express gratitude, etc. Having reviewed this day of your life, look upon  yourself with compassion and see your need for God and try to realize God's manifestations of concern for you.

Once you've done the Examen a few times, you will find your own rhythm and method. Cover all five points daily with  freedom to dwell more on one than another, as the Spirit moves you. You might also like to add some music, candles  or images to help you pray.

A candlelight conclusion to Resilent Life Mission

Parishioers with lighted candles form a circle in closing ceremony

Don Smith was a baptized cradle Catholic, but as a teenager in high school he did not attend Mass. Teenagers were like that back then, he said. Then, he said, someone gave him a Bible. He took it but was going to just toss it. Then he read a couple of chapters and then a

Keri and Don Smith with pastor

couple more. Then he started going to Mass.

“Never stop growing in your faith,” he told the congregation attending the final night of the Resilent Life Mission presented by the Rev. Norm Douglas and attorney Larry Vuillemin.

Smith’s wife, Keri, sat behind him as he spoke. Their children, Sam in Grade 7 and Mary Claire in Grade 2, attend St Paul School.

Smith’s witness was a highlight of the final evening at which Fr. Douglas and Vullemin stressed the need to maintain faith values–in a resilent life.

Those attending ringed the church with lighted candles in an impressive closing ceremony.

See an album of photos

Visit the Grade 3 blog: See volcanoes erupt

We have added a link for the Grade 3 blog of teacher Jessica Davis. There is instructional material plus a lot of fun stuff. Currently, you can see Halloween photos or watch a video showing students with volcanoes eruprting. The blog is updated weekly.

Any time you want to visit, just click on the Grade 3 blog under the Links at left.

Have you noticed the 40-Day Club?

Here's something you probably have not noticed:

If you go to the 7:30 a.m. Mass during Lent you will notice a very nice group of St. Paul students in the pews. Students who want to may attend the Mass and there are usually quite a few.

It's called the 40-Day Club.

St. Paul collects $3,352 for Japan

St. Paul Parish collected $3,352 the last two weekends to benefit the people of Japan following the massive earthquake and 33-foot tsunami which struck their nation

The funds will be sent to Catholic Relief Services which will transmit these donations to CARITAS JAPAN, the humanitarian organization of the Japanese Catholic Conference

Hoban Sound of Music April 14-16 $8 at door

Men's Conference is Saturday

"Answer the Call," the annual conference of the Catholic Men's Fellowship, is Saturday at Rhodes Arena on the University of Akron campus.

LAST CALL: If you have not registered, get your tickets now. Call Ron McAvoy 330-773-7389. Registration fee for parish groups is $20. Student registration is $15 and there is no fee for religious.

Speakers this year will include Deacon Ralph Poyo and Doug Barry. The closing Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Roger W, Griess of the Cleveland Diocese or Bishop George Murry of the Youngstown Diocese.

Deacon Ralph Poyo was born to his Colombian mother, Connie, and his Cuban father, Jose, in Cali, Colombia. They came to the United States in 1965 and spent a few years in Atlanta, Georgia before settling in Miami, Florida. It was in high school in Miami that he met his future wife, Susan, and after five tears of dating, they married in 1984. They now have five beautiful daughters. After graduating from Taylor University with a B.A. in Scripture, Ralph first set out to work in the Lord’s vineyard by serving in Miami Youth for Christ as a trained evangelist. After serving the youth in Miami he spent eight years within the St. Louis community, he moved his young family to Raleigh, North Carolina where he took on the youth ministry position at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Seven years later, he became the Director of Faith Formation at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in North Raleigh, the position he held until his recent move to Steubenville, Ohio. Also during this time, Ralph was ordained to the permanent deaconate for the Diocese of Raleigh in November of 2005.

Doug Barry is the founder and director of the Catholic apostolate RADIX, as well as a husband and father. Since 1992 he has traveled throughout the United States along with journeying to several other countries, spreading and defending the Catholic faith. With a dynamic and explosive style Doug has spoken to thousands, young, old alike, through television, radio, and live appearances. He is best known for his powerful one-man performance of the Passion of Christ, seen regularly on EWTN and other Christian channels throughout the world. Pulling no punches in his presentations, Doug goes after the issues that we are all confronted with. There is a fight for souls at hand. We must be Christian soldiers of prayer and of action. Raised as a Catholic from birth, like many, Doug never really embraced his faith in his youth. It wasn’t until a powerful experience involving the Blessed Mother and Doug was finally awakened to reality.

Come & See Weekend at Seminary

COME AND SEE

Borromeo Seminary

Saint Mary Seminary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What

Overnight retreat for men

between 17 and 44 years of age,

offering the opportunity to

experience life at the seminary

When

April 15-17, 2011 (Palm Sunday weekend)O

7:00 p.m. Friday through

1:00 p.m. Sunday

For more information or to register contact:
mmccandless@dioceseofcleveland.org

440-943-7631

Photos after Sunday Mass

Parishioner John Dieringer (right) meets in Parish Activity Center with parish mission presenters, Fr. Norm Douglas and attorney Larry Vuillemin.
Fr. Ralph Thomas after Mass with his brother Andy Thomas and wife Cindy and their daughter Lauren who were visiting with the pastor.Dorothy Kalstrom writes petition she will nail to cross.

[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Lent 4.5: No session Monday

Because of the parish mission, there will not be a session on the Lent 4.5 program. There will be a double session next Monday, April 4.

The April 4 Lenten practices will cover:
Water: Conserving and Protecting it.
Energy: Choosing Efficient and Clean Sources.

The Lent 4.5 discussions are at 7 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center.

Lenten Mission: Download study guides

St Paul “Resilient Life Mission” opens Sunday at 7 p.m. in the church. This season’s theme will be “Living the Virtues and Following the Way of Christ Jesus.” This article is intended to help you prepare for the sessions on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The mission will provide reflections on virtues and values. You can download files in PDF format for the reflections each evening ot the mission. Just click on the day to download a file.

Sunday: Faith, Hope, Love

Monday: Temperance, Fortitude, Justice, Prudence

Tuesday: Gratitude, Joy, Humility


Reflection Questions:
Here are general reflection questions that can be used with any of the value/virtue reflections each night of the mission:
[To print a copy of questions, click Lenten Mission Questions under the Pages at left .]

1. What does applying this value/virtue in your daily life mean to you? What do you think it would mean to those with whom you live or work? How does its meaning change for your different places, for example, home, workplace, or where you volunteer?

2. Why is it important to gain an understanding of this virtue and how to apply that understanding in your daily life?

3. How do/could you apply this value/virtue in your daily life? 4. What would happen in your daily life if you took and actively applied this value/virtue in it?
. How would your daily life sound different? Look different? Feel different?

4. What first step are you willing to take this week toward strengthening the presence of this value/virtue in your daily life?

Some Faith Based Values/Virtues
Those in normal type have reflections with reflection questions available on the Living Faith at Work website www.livingfaithatwork.org
(Those in Italic type are under consideration for future reflections)

Copyright 2010, Living Faith at Work. Available for personal use at wwwlivingfaithatwork.org . Permission given to pastoral staffs to reproduce for use in their parishes.

First Communion students attend Jesus Day

Heidi Guttermuth with First Communion students in music room

School Secretary Mary Ann DeKemper, granddaughter Tara Lanham

Students preparing for First Communion, accompanied by their parents, toured stations set up in the church for Jesus Day on Saturday morning to learn about the special objects and places in the church.
They also learned about the Eucharist and church music and saw a puppet show and made their own special pew signs for First Communion.

Two special tables were set up in Room 111 for the Breaking of Bread and explanation of the Eucharist with readings from the Bible. The pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, and the Rev. Fr. Matthew Ischay presided at the tables.

Students gathered in the music room to learn more about church music from organist Heidi Guttermuth.

There were cards at each station in the church that students could take to read of the importance and uses for the sacristy, tabernacle, pulpit and lectionary, priest’s chair, the altar, the holy water fonts, the statues and the stations of the cross. One of the stations was the table holding the “ordinary” hosts and cruets for water and wine to be brought up to be blessed in the Mass.

The First Communion students are Conner Bender, Erin Coffman, Seth Finegan, Ian Forester, Jenna Gruic, Sydney Harrison, Aiden Harvey, Liam Harvey, Jack Hooper, Carolyn Inglis, Kalob Jordan, Tara Lanham, Matthew Limas, Jesse Matusicky, Jason McBryer, Hannah McGraw, Madelynn Misanko, Alyson Misenelter, Joseph Moran, , Matthew Naccari, Elora Nicholas, Joshua Niinisto, Matthew Pramuka, Benjamin Pepper, Edgar Rosales, Daysi Sandoval, Alexis Shaffer, Mary Claire Smitt and Jordan Teffner

Click here to see more photos

Click on the underlined words below to see pages in our file storage area that give a description of the stations and show how to receive Communion:

Jesus Day descriptions

Going to Communion

Fr. Berardi produces another musical comedy

St. Paul’s own Rev. Fr. James Berardi has written and produced another musical comedy. This one, called Godfather 4, will be presented in Dowed Hall at Visitation of Mary parish, 87 Broad Street, at 7:30 p.m. April 29, 30 and May 1,

He is featured in an article by religion writer Colette M. Jenkins on the front of the Community section of the Akron Beacon Journal today

Jerry Kelly, a parishioner at St. Vincent and the fundraising and event coordinator at Visitation of Mary, will be director as she has been for

Jerry Kelly and Fr. Berardi

[Beacon photo by Karen Schiely]

other productions by Fr. Berardi.

Fr Berardi, who comes from a musically talented family, started singing at an early age. His late father, Joe, sang, played the violin and led his own band in the early to mid-1920s. Fr. Berardi is known to be ready with a joke and to spontaneously break out in song during conversations.

Fr. Berardi celebrates the daily 7 a,m. Mass and some Sunday Masses at St. Paul.


Fr. Berardi was born March 16, 1933 at St. Thomas Hospital and grew up in Firestone Park on Glenmount. He was ordained May 23, 1959 and celebrated his first Mass on Trinity Sunday in 1959 in the old St. Paul Catholic Church which was razed in August 2000 and replaced by the newchurch dedicated by Bishop Pilla on October 26, 2003.

He was chaplain at Akron City Hospital for more than half his years as a priest–25 plus years. He was appointed chaplain on February 6, 1984 and gave up the job reluctantly on the strong advice of his doctors because of a low immune system. His last day at the hospital was November 26,2007. His retirement is listed by the Diocese as December 15, 2007. Fr. Berardi is known for his interests in drama and humor and has a wide knowledge of church history.

Fr.Berardi established the St. Vincent Parish drama guild in 1975 and the group performed eight shows in seven years. When he left St. Vincent for an assignment at Annunciation Parish (now Visitation of Mary Parish), the name of the guild was changed to A.C.T.O.R. (Akron Catholic Thespians of Renown).

Godfather 4, like the other 18 musical comedies presented by the drama guild, is written and produced by Berardi and directed by Kelly. It is the story of two rival clans — the Obeso family and the Bono family — vying for power in the city of Corleone, Sicily, in 1899.

The Bono family is headed by Godfather Antonio. The Obeso family is led by Godmother Italia. They send their children to law school at Napoli University. The Godfather sends Luigi and the Godmother sends Rosa.'' Berardi, whose character is Gpdfather Giovanni, accompanies Luigi to the university. Kelly, who plays G\odmother Florenzia, goes with Rosa.

Kelly is a parishioner at St. Vincent and the fundraising and event coordinator at Visitation of Mary. The Texas native has loved to act, sing and dance since she was a child. She studied speech and drama at Kilgore College in Texas, where she was selected best actress of the drama department in her second year.

In addition, Kelly has performed on the Ed Sullivan Show; at the annual Philadelphia Music Festival; and at the Uline Arena and the Capitol Theater, both in Washington, D.C. She has also performed at sporting events, including the Cotton Bowl and All-Star games at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Kelly volunteered for stage crew work at the old Weathervane Theater on Copley Road. She has performed in all of Berardi's parish drama guild productions.

Tickets for Godfather 4 are $8 for adults and $3 for children through 12 years old. They are available by calling Visitation of Mary Church at 330-535-4141, ext. 12.

Read the Beacon Journal story

Time for Spring cleaning

Bring your newspapers, magazines and recyclable paper and cardboard to our collection container in the corner of the gym parking lot. Your recycling efforts really do pay off  This month’s check was $101.65!

Catholic Worker Movement aided by St. Paul

The Catholic Worker Movement, founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933, is grounded in a firm belief  in the God-given dignity of every human person. The aim of the Catholic Worker is to live in accordance with the justice and charity of Jesus Christ. Today over 180 Catholic Worker communities, including the one here in Akron, remain committed to nonviolence, voluntary poverty, prayer, and hospitality for the homeless, exiled, hungry and forsaken. Catholic Workers protest against injustice, war, racism and violence. The Catholic Worker of Akron began in 1998 and currently consists of the House of Peace, which offers hospitality to homeless men, women and children; Casa Maria Jose, which offers outreach to the Hispanic Community; Dorothy Day House, which serves as a volunteer house; and The Peter Maurin Center, which is a drop-in center where neighborhood friends and the homeless can stop by, have a cup of coffee and a meal, and find Christian fellowship. It is at the Peter Maurin Center that many St. Paul parishioners have been active as visitors, volunteers and benefactors, and where we provide a sumptuous meal every month for the guests. Also connected to the Catholic Worker is the Matthew 8:20 project that originated with one of our parishioners and a friend seeking out the homeless in the downtown area and supplying them with blankets, sleeping bags, toiletries and other necessities. The "run" is done every Saturday afternoon and includes soup, sandwiches, and a hot drink. Our parishioners have generously donated blankets and sleeping bags for the last few years during the cold weather months. During Lent we traditionally focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Catholic Worker presence in Akron is a year-round reminder that these practices are needed every day throughout the year. To learn more about the Catholic Worker of Akron you can register to receive their newsletter by sending an email to akroncatholicworker@gmail.com or visiting their website www.akroncatholicwrker.org

Diocese now has facebook page

The Cleveland Diocese now has a page on facebook. The page titled Catholic Dioces of Cleveland provides a convenient and well-organized place to visit. You will find the history of the diocese, the recently issued Report to the Community and other information about the diocese. Best feature of the page are the many links to odther Catholic information including the video below.

The Diocese already was on Twitter

You will want to add it to your bookmarks or favorites. If not, we have added a link at left to take you there.

Take a look right now.

Cleveland women in El Salvador video

There is a mention of the Cleveland women who were killed in El Salvador in this video (at about the 1:15 mark) Bishop John R. Manz of the Archdiocese of Chicago vists the Garden of Remembrance where six Jesuits were massacred in 1989 at the Central American University in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Thursday was the 21st anniversary of the assassination of the legendary Archbishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero, on 24 March 1980.

Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel and three other Catholic missionaries was martyred on the night of December 2, 1980 in El Salvador. Sister Dorothy, lay missionary Jean Donovan, and Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford were abducted from the La Libertad airport, interrogated, physically and sexually abused, and shot by five National Guardsmen

Pope's book is No. 5 on Times best-seller list

UPDATE: Benedict XVI's newest book, released March 10, has moved up to the No. 5 spot on the April 3 New York Times bestseller list in the hardcover nonfiction category.

Pope Benedict XVI’s second volume on the life of Jesus Christ debuted in the number 10 slot on the March 27 New York Times Bestseller List in the hardcover nonfiction category.

“Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week” discusses the last week of Jesus’ earthly life, from his entrance into Jerusalem to his Resurrection and appearances to his disciples and other followers. It is the second volume in a planned three-book series.

Mark Brumley, president of the book’s publisher Ignatius Press, said Ignatius was delighted” the book became an instant bestseller.

“It means that many people across the country are discovering Pope Benedict’s insights into the life of Jesus Christ,” he said. “In this way, more and more people will encounter the real Jesus, which was the Holy Father’s goal in writing the book.”

[Source: Catholic News Agency]

Fr. Sam not suspended, says Tayek

The Cleveland Diocese is changing Father Sam Ciccolini's duties as a priest while he appeals a federal court's order to make $3.5 million in restitution to IBH Foundation after being convicted of charges connected to tax fraud and embezzlement last year.

Diocese spokesman Bob Tayek disputes published reports that Father Sam has been suspended. [A page 1 headline in the Akron Beacon Journal today read “Father Sam is suspended.”]

See 'For the Record' on the Cleveland Diocese website

"Father Sam, first and foremost was not suspended from priesthood or from the diocese. He remains a priest in good standing in the Diocese of Cleveland," Tayek said. "There were some changes and clarifications to his role made by the bishop."

Tayek says Father Sam has been asked by Bishop Richard Lennon not to celebrate Mass or the sacraments publicly, but can do so privately.

Ciccolini will remain in residence at Immaculate Conception in Kenmore and will still receive most of his benefits, but will not be paid, while he awaits re-assignment.

Click here to go to Akron News Now site where you can listen to an audio of Tayek.

More Boy Scout photos added

The March 21 article on Boy Scout Troop 81 has been updated to add an extra link fxo photos. There are now links to albums on Flickr and on the Kodak gallery.

See the updated article

Diocese suspends Fr. Sam

The Rev. Samuel R. Ciccolini has been suspended by the Cleveland Diocese, effective last Friday, and cannot publicly say Mass or hear confessions.

Parishioners at Immaculate Conception were read a letter from Richard G. Lennon during weekend Masses informing them of Fr. Sam’s suspension and that his salary, paid by the diocese, would be discontinued effective March 31.

Ciccolini's official status is now ''priest awaiting assignment,'' according to Robert Tayek, diocesan spokesman. He is allowed to say Mass ''privately,'' where only he is present; can continue to reside at Immaculate Conception and will continue to receive his benefits, which include health care and pension.

Ciccolini, 68, has assisted at Immaculate Conception in Kenmore neighborhood since 1980. He was an assistant (parochial vicar) at St. Paul from December 1974 to December 1975.

He was sentenced in October to one day in jail, fined $350,000 and ordered to pay $3.5 million in restitution to the Interval Brotherhood Foundation — the nonprofit's fundraising arm that he admitted taking money from by falsifying invoices and financial records. He voluntarily paid back $1.28 million to the foundation and was never charged with stealing the money. He also repaid more than $292,000 in back taxes.

Read the story on page 1 of the Akron Beacon Journal by religion writer Colette M. Jenkins.

Rosary for Dianne Reed is Friday

Dianne Rita Reed, 64, died Monday, March 21, 2011 at Altercare of Cuyahoga Falls.

She was born in Akron and retired from the City of Akron. She was a member of Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church and the 4 H Club. She was also a Crafts Mom.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Cziraki, and is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Matt) Fedak and Kimberly (Gene) Marchand; mother, Rita Cziraki; brother, Frank Cziraki; sister, Terri Lemon; two nieces; and one nephew.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, where friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m., Fr. David Halaiko celebrant. Interment of ashes will take place immediately following Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will also receive friends Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron, where a Rosary service will be held at 5:30 p.m. by the St. Paul Catholic Church Ladies Guild. (Anthony Funeral Home, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com)
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Thursday, March 24, 2011, page B7, col.2]

Loading up canned goods for Food Bank

St. Paul students load up the back of June Rietz's vehicle with canned goods she took to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. School students donated five boxes of canned goods to the Food Bank. June Rietz is in the background.

Boy Scout Troop 81: Summer fun photos

Here are only two of dozens of photos of Summer fun by Boy Scout Troop 81 that Kim Kuhn has put up in a Kodak photo gallery.

The top photo shows Boy Scouts creating a tripod to make a gateway to fly colors on to camp

Carrying Troop 81 colors at right are Adam Bugaski and Steven Cook

See many more photos

Five more photos

Lent 4.5 group discusses how to handle stuff

Fr. Matt Ischay, June Rietz, Dora Weigand and others at discussion table

Debbie Young: How to handle stuff

There were two discussion tables at the Lent 4.5 discussion session Monday evening in the Parish Activity Center.

The Lenten practice discussion was on Consumption or what we do with stuff.
Participants told their personal stories about how we are goaded into buying stuff we really do not need.

Some points made by Kathleen Deger at the close of the session:

☹ Although we are 5 percent of the world’s population, we use 30 per cent of the world’s resources and create 30 percent of the world’s waste.

☹ For every one of our trash cans that we put on the curb, 70 trash cans of waste were made upstream to make the junk in the one can of trash. In the U.S. , each of us creates 4.5 pounds of garbage a day; that is two times what we made 30 years ago.

☹ In the U. S., 40 percent of our waterways have become undrinkable; less dtan4 percent of our forest is left. 80 per cent of our planet’s original forests are gone. In the amazon alone, 2,000 trees a minute are cut down.

☹ In the U. S., one percent of stuff purchased is not trashed within six months of purchase.

There will not be a session next Monday because of the parish mission. The following Monday, April 4, there will be a double session on Lenten practices of:
Water: Conserving and Protecting it.
Energy: Choosing Efficient and Clean Sources.

Mary Lukacik dies, parishioner 78 years

Mary M. Lukacik, 86, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011.

She was born in Akron and was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church for 78 years. Special Thank You to dear friends, Irene Polites and her daughter, Nikki Cannon for their friendship, love, support and help.

She was preceded in death by parents, William and Theresa (Miller) Poulton; husband, Carl; sister, Helen Poulton; and brother and sister-in-law, William and Katharine Poulton. She is survived by daughter, Maryanne Hagglund; nieces, Katharine S. (Kerry) Jones and Alexis (Mark) Fowler; nephews, William (Lois) and Richard (Bonnie) Poulton; three great-nieces; one great-great-nephew; one great-great-niece; and her pet dog, Joey - ``The Boss.'

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, TIME & PLACE TO BE ANNOUNCED. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Anthony Funeral Homes
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Monday, March 21, 2011, page B5, col. 1]

Hartman & Hazlett: 'Boffo performance'

As they say in show biz, teachers Jud Hartman and Janet Hazlett turned in a “boffo performance” as directors of the St. Paul Drama Club production of “Into the Woods.”

This was the second effort of the two who directed Honk! last year. Hartman started helping with choreography the previous year on Willy Wonka. The year before that was Seussical which was hit by a weekend snowstorm.

Sunday’s performance was the last of a grueling four days on stage, beginning with a show for students on Thursday and the evening performances on Friday and Saturday.

This plus countless hours of practice and coordinating the acting of more than 50 students made it a daunting test which they finished handily–at least as far as the audience was concerned. This year’s play may be the best-attended ever.

But when the play and thank you remarks were finished, Hazell said: “OK. That’s it. I’ve got papers to grade.”

“Into the Woods” was a great experience for students. The abundance of fairytale characters provided starring roles for many.

Their acting provided an enthralling time for youngsters who sat on the floor right up front on either side of the main aisle. Among them probably were one or two who will be starring in their own St. Paul Drama Club play–not too long from now.

See Sunday photos of the performance.


If you missed the play, St. Paul TODAY has a few links you can click:

Story on Friday night’s performance with a link to photos

Saturday night’s performance with links to photo album.

A photo essay on how the paper mache trees were made.

And if you just want to go to photo albums:

Opening Night

Saturday Night

Sunday night

Dress rehearsals March 8 and March 16

If you want to see all the blog posts about the play, you can click on the Drama Club label. There also is a search box at the top. Type in any words to search the blog. Does not find photos.

'Into The Woods' fills all 330 seats

Crowd fills Activity Center to see "Into The Woods"

There were 330 chairs set up for Saturday night’s performance of “Into The Woods” and all of them were filled for the St. Paul Drama Club musical.

It’s no surprise that they almost ran out of popcorn and at one point had to replenish the supply of program books that were available.

A performance can appear almost flawless as did the one Saturday night, but things happen that test the nerves of the best directors. For instance, did you hear that small crashing sound just before the opening? That was Rapunzel falling out of her tower. She left the tower because she got excited at the last minute about forgetting something. She fell when she started to get back in. A blog photo after the show showed no bruises, but those black and blue marks could still arrive.

The unaware audience, however, seemed thrilled with the play, especially the parts involving their offspring. The nice thing about “Into the Woods,” as mentioned in a review of Friday’s opening, was that there were so many fairytale stars and all 50 members of the cast were involved with them. It was a smart choice for a play.

And directors Janet Hazlett and Jud Hartman are to be complimented for pulling together a large and dedicated group of young actors. It may outshine their first effort together–last year’s Honk!.

The $60,000 remodeling of the Activity Center certainly helped. The stage is now improved. The lighting and sound system is now as good or almost better than you will find in most schools. The old platform which once was an altar was removed to provide a level seating area.

The Drama Club appreciates it. That is why at the end of the show they presented the pastor, the Rev. Fr,. Ralph Thomas, with a cross which will hang in the Activity Center. The cross was obtained from Don Drumm Studios in Akron.

The final performance of “Into The Woods” will be at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The pre-show dinner staged in Boeke Hall also apparently drew a nice crowd. Cooks told us they served 185 plates of spaghetti.

Dick Rinella won $100 in the 50/50 drawing at the 8th Grade pre-show spaghetti dinner in Boeke Hall. He gave part of the money back to the class. There were 185 plates of spaghetti served, according to the cooks.

Click here to see an album of 18 photos from Saturday night.

You also can view another album of photos from opening night.

The Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas looks at cross given to parish by Drama Club

Parish mission opens next Sunday

St. Paul “Resilient Life Mission” will be next Sunday (March 27) through Tuesday, March 29 at 7p.m. in the church. This season’s theme will be “Living the Virtues and Following the Way of Christ Jesus.”

The two primary presenters are Father Norman Douglas and attorney Larry Vuillemin, co-founders of Heart to Heart Communications. They have presented missions in more than 80 parishes in Northeast Ohio and around the country. The focus is reflecting upon the core values that Jesus lived and how we can follow his way more consistently and wholeheartedly.

A team of parishioners is assisting in making the mission an uplifting experience which strengthens our Catholic faith and our connections to one another. Each evening will include presentations, reflection, music and worship.

Materials for the mission will be made available on this blog where you can download a PDF for each night of the mission.

Come to all three evenings or whichever sessions you can. Encourage family members, neighbors, and friends to participate.

Cookie bakers needed
Cookie bakers are needed to bring cookies for us to serve on Tuesday evening after the last session of the mission. Refreshments will be served in the
narthex.

Market Day: It’s not too late for Easter

Hurry, it's not too late to order MARKET DAY for Easter. It's big Dessert Bonus Days and we are committed to ordering at least 100 bonus dessert items this month (Pick up an order form in the narthex for item details). Once we order at least 100 Bonus Day dessert items MARKET DAY will award St Paul's 35% profit. Great desserts for your Easter table and super profit for our school and our kids. If you would like to do something special, order an extra dessert item and donate it to the Peter Maurin Center. Just let us know when you pick up your order. Order deadline is Friday (March 25) with pick-up on Wednesday March 30..So place your MARKET DAY order today at marketday.com or call Tom Cullison 330-724-3218.

No coffee and donuts this week

There will NOT be coffee and donuts after the Masses Sunday because the Parish
Activity Center is set up for the school play.

Illinois abolishes death penalty

There is great news to share today: Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill abolishing the death penalty in the state of Illinois. He feels strongly that experience has shown that
there is no way to design a perfect death penalty system, free from the numerous flaws that can lead to wrongful convictions or discriminatory treatment and concluded that the proper course of action is to abolish it. He found no credible evidence that the death penalty has a deterrent effect on the crime of murder and that the enormous sums
expended by the state in maintaining a death penalty system would be better spent on preventing crime and assisting victims’ families in overcoming their pain and grief. The late Cardinal Joseph Bernadin observed, “In a complex, sophisticated democracy like ours, means other than the death penalty are available and can be used to protect society.” In our current criminal justice system, we can impose extremely harsh punishments when warranted. Judges can impose sentences of life imprisonment
without the possibility of parole. Where necessary and appropriate, the state can incarcerate convicted criminals in maximum security prisons. These means should be sufficient to satisfy our need for retribution, justice and protection. Let us all pray for and support OTSE's movement currently underway to abolish the death penalty in
Ohio and for our state legislators to accomplish what their counterparts in Illinois recently did. For more information about Ohioans to Stop Executions (OTSE), you can
visit their website www.otse.org.

Lent 4.5: Buying less, wasting less

The parish is offering a seven-week program called Lent 4.5 Christian Simplicity to discuss practical ways to abstain from habits and choices that harm the earth. The discussions are at 7 p.m. Mondays in the Parish Activity Center.

The ''4.5'' in the title refers to the number of acres each person on Earth would receive if it were divided equally among all people. Based on a measuring tool called Global Footprint, people in the United States use an average 22.3 acres to support their lifestyle.

This is the second of Lenten practices posted on the blog but you can find additional information on the Lent 4.5 website

You also should plan to attend our 4.5 session ad 7 p.m. Monday in the Parish Activity Center.

Lenten practice for the week is consumption

Everyday life is sustained by materials from the Earth - food, clothes, cell phones, appliances and even toilet paper. In the United Sates each of us daily consumes 120 pounds on average. But we live on a finite planet. There is only so much timber for paper, steel for cars, silica for computers and other materials to go around. The more we consume, the less is available for others. On average, one American consumes as much as 2 Japanese, II Indians, or 18 Haitians.

Christian simplicity doesn't mean giving up everything good. It does mean cutting back, reducing harm, choosing wisely, and acting on Gospel values whenever purchasing or disposing of anything.

If There is Only One Thing You Can Do ... Stop Junk Mail
Stop unwanted junk mail. The average adult receives 41 pounds annually. 19 billion catalogs are distributed, requiring 53 million trees and 56 billion gallons of water to produce. Visit www.41pounds.org to stop unwanted junk mail. Less mailbox clutter means less pollution and less waste going into landfills.

Check the box of the steps you can take this week.

Avoid Unnecessary Consumption.
☐ Shop less. Resist the urge to shop as entertainment. D Replace recreational shopping with Sabbath time.
☐ Ask: "Do I really need it?" - then set a 48-hour waiting period to eliminate impulse buying. Greed drives much of the consumption which depletes God's creation.
☐ Reuse stuff. Our disposable culture encourages tossing out what easily could be fixed or reused.
☐ Use paper responsibly. Conserve, print on both sides, set default margins wider, and use recycled paper.
☐ Clean closets. Discover what's forgotten. Donate anything not used for two years.

What to Buy? Where to Buy?
☐ Buy conscientiously. Understand the environmental and social impacts of products you purchase with the Better World Shopping Guide book.
☐ Buy in bulk. Reduce packaging waste that fills the planet with trash.
☐ Buy products from environmentally and socially responsible companies. Is the company a polluter or good steward of God's creation?
☐ Buy Fair Trade products to ensure a just wage for workers and artisans around the world.

Trash
☐ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 1st: reduce your consumption. 2nd: use reusables, forgo disposables like paper napkins and towels.3rd: recycle by returning waste naturally to the Earth. 75% of trash can be recycled.
☐ Pay bills online. This minimizes paper consumption, saves trees and
reduces fuel consumed by vehicles that transport paper checks.
☐ Join the Zero Waste movement, an anti-garbage strategy.

Stars were shining 'Into the Woods'

Curtain Call: Granny (Faith Chrostoski) Little Red Ridinghood (Ally Bachmann). Cinderella (Anna Liggett) Baker (Marco Colant) Rapunzel's prince (Blake Baldwin) Baker's wife (Leanne Casserlie) and narrators Abbey Lewis, Lindsey Maple and Meredith Wammes

Opening night was a star-filled success for the Hazlett & Hartman production of “Into The Woods.”

The nice thing about this year’s musical was that it allowed a number of the St. Paul Drama Club members to have their starring moments. It also involved a large cast of more than 50 all on stage at some point.

Even Milky White, the cow, got a lot of stage time. The real trooper of the night might have been the back end of the cow. Hanna Lidderdale, filled in at the last minute for Michael Roberts who was ill. She got all the moves right.

The big improvements in the Activity Center in the seating and in the stage, sound and lighting made the job a little easier this year for directors Jud Hartman and Janet Hazlett.

Hazlett had praise for the improvements and for those listed in program who helped in the elaborate production. Bill Marras constructed Rapunzel’s tower, students spent hours making the paper mache trees and gowns were designed especially for the show by Susan Liggett. There were man others who got special thanks in the program book.

The curtain call with groups from different scenes taking bows brought the first night to an applause-filled conclusion.

Outside there was a full moon shining.

Other performances of “In the Woods” are 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5 at the door.

You can make an evening of it tonight by attending the 8th Grade-sponsored pre-show Spaghetti Dinner in Boeke Hall from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The cost for the dinner is $5 with children 3 and under free.

See a few opening night photos. Sorry our camera missed many of the 50 great performers.

Cinderella signs an autograph and Little Red Ridinghood gets hugs from sisters Alexa, Alaiana and Alyse

Big social event of year is April 29

Double click on poster for better view

Strudents make 200 bears for Children's Hospital

Pews filled with students holding up bears for Children's Hospital A closeup view to show students showing off the bears

Akron Children’s Hospital received 200 small stuffed bears made by students at St. Paul School.

Students carry out boxes of bears

Making the bears was a huge project which was part of Catholic Schools Week and involved all the classes from kindergarten through 8th grade. Students traced the patterns, cut them out, stuffed them and sewed them.

See our earlier report showing students at work on the bears.

There were so many bears that students had to assemble in the church to have room to show them off for a photo.

The act of giving the bears was particularly meaningful for students who have been hospitalized. Akron Beacon Journal columnist Jewell Cardwell talked to several of them for a story which was the top item in her column on Wednesday. A photo from the blog was used to illustrate the article. See the column.

Eighth-grader Sydney Sloan, 14, said the exercise underscores the importance of ''giving back to the community.''

Sydney knows from personal experience what it's like to be in the hospital — even in a friendly place like Akron Children's Hospital. ''I was there a couple of days in December. I had back and stomach pain,'' she said.


''I feel good the patients will have these little bears to comfort them,'' she said.

[Click on the photos  to enlarge it for a better view]

Statistics from annual diocesan report

The annual Cleveland Diocese “Report to the Communmity” for 2010 will be a two-sided single page in this weekend’s bulletin. Below are some of the statistics from that report along with figures from the previous year’s report which was four pages published in the Universe Bulletin.

In the list below, the first number is for 2010 and the figure for 2009 is at the end.

Report to the Community 2010 Statistics:

Size: 20th largest Diocese in the United States. (No change) Founded: April 23, 1847
Area: 3,414 square miles. Includes eight counties: Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Summit (Akron), Lorain (Lorain-Elyria) Lake (Painesville), Geauga (Chardon), Medina (Medina), Wayne (Wooster), and Ashland (Ashland)
Cathedral: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Established in 1848

Schools
124 Catholic Schools 131
102 Elementary Schools 109
22 Secondary Schools 22
47,479 Enrollments in Catholic Schools
47,397 Enrollments in PSR Programs 50,681

Religious
260 Active Diocesan Priests 261
131 Retired Priests 103
99 Religious Order Priests 99
57 Brothers 52
1,035 Women Religious 1070
215 Permanent Deacons 212

Sacramental Servces
710,351 Catholic Population in the Diocese 744,000
174 Parishes 201
6,266 Infant/Child Baptisms 7,009
8,628 First Communions 9,139
1,003 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 1,072
7,801 Confirmations 9,045
2,299 Marriages 2,592
6,947 Deaths 7,955
328,973 Individuals Served by Catholic Charities Health and Human Services 326,414
58,771 Nights of Shelter Provided 48,702
2,970 People Treated for Chemical Dependency 4,143
3,101,328 Meals Served through Catholic Hunger and Shelter Network 2,829,781
2,518 Unemployed Persons Trained 1,626
27,486 Children Participating in CYO Athletics 32,072
424 Children Placed in Adoption 485
458 Children with Disabilities in Day Camp 604

This year’s report did not have breakdowns on pre-school size or enrollment of pre-K, K-8 and high school students. There also was none for PSR students. Percentage of Catholics served in the 8-county diocese was not shown. It was 27 percent in the previous year.

The report notes there are 174 Catholic parishes in the eight-county diocese. An earlier report on the blog show the number of parishes has been reduced from 201 to 174 through reconfiguration. The ratio of parishes to parishioners is now:
One parish for every 2,500 Catholics in Cleveland
One parish for every 3,500 Catholics in Lorain/Elyria
One parish for every 3,600 Catholics in Akron
One parish for every 4,800 Catholics in the suburbs

Offertory collections
Collections for the fiscal years ended June 30 totaled:
2010 $105.8 million
2009 109.6
2008 111.2
2007 109.0
2006 106.1
2005 104.7
2004 104.3
2003 103.3
2002 106.0
2001 103.3
2000 100.1

In 2010, despite the economic challenges, parish offertory declined just 3.5% from 2009

The financial statement is in your bulletin insert, but not included here. Copies of the complete audited financial statements are available at the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland website home page: Finances, or at www.DioceseofCleveland.org/finance

Coming this weekend: Into the Woods

Hi. I”m Jack of Jack and the Beanstalk here with my mother inviting you see the St. Paul Drama Club’s production of Into the Woods this weekend. Actually, my real name is Nick, and this is Nadia who plays my mother.

You have been seeing many of the other characters on the blog and all of them are hoping you will attend. There are 50 some members of the St. Paul Drama Club waiting to present you a story of fairy tales.

Oh, yes, we should not forget Abbey, Lindsey and Meredith. They are the narrators who will tell you the stories about the Baker and his wife, Little Red Ridinghood, Cinderella, Rapunzel and others.

To take a peek just CLICK HERE to see an album of photos from our final dress rehearsal Wednesday

Performances will be in St. Paul Parish Activity Center on Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. Adults $5 and children $3.

You can make an evening of it at the Saturday, March 19, performance by attending the 8th Grade-sponsored pre-show Spaghetti Dinner in Boeke Hall from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The cost for the dinner is $5 with children 3 and under free.

Blessing for St. Patrick's Day

May God give you:
for every storm, a rainbow,
for every tear, a smile,
for every care, a promise,
and a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
a faithful friend to share,
for every sigh, a sweet song,
and an answer for each prayer.

Mass for Helen Lamarr is Friday

AKRON -- Helen M. Lamarr, 81, passed away Monday, March 14, 2001 with her family at her side.

Helen was born May 2, 1929 to Andrew and Anna (Kurucz) Kmetz in Akron. She was an Akron resident for most of her life and lived in Ft. Lauderdale and Las Vegas before returning to Akron. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was currently a member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Joseph; her brother, Andrew Kmetz of Kent; uncle and aunt, Fred and Anna Kmetz of Akron; many cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Anthony Funeral Homes 330.724.1281 www.anthonyfh.com
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Thursday, March 17, 2011, page B4, col. 4]

Hi! We are the Baker and wife

Baker Marco and wife, Leanne, in scene from dress rehearsal Wednesday

Hi, we are the Baker and his wife in the St. Paul Drama Club’s production of "Into theWoods” which includes a lot of Grimm’s fairy tale characters like Little Red Ridinghood, the Witch, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk. Well, you won’t find us in Grimm’s tales. Our story line was made up especially for the play itself. It involves a baker and his wife who can't have children and a witch who sends them on a quest to find objects to feed to a cow to make a potion which she will drink to become beautiful again.

Actually in real life we are Marco and Leanna, but we are only two of more than 50 Drama Club members who are working hard to bring you an enjoyable production this weekend.

Performances will be in St. Paul Parish Activity Center on Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. Adults $5 and children $3.

You can make an evening of it at the Saturday, March 19, performance by attending the 8th Grade-sponsored pre-show Spaghetti Dinner in Boeke Hall from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The cost for the dinner is $5 with children 3 and under free.

Stations of the Cross at St. Paul

Parishioners gathered for the first Wednesday evening Stations of the Cross during Lent in St. Paul Church.

Stations were led by the Rev. Fr. Matthew Ischay. John Amedeo was the cross bearer and Scott Johnson the candle bearer. June Rietz read the introduction to the stations. Organist was Caryn Armbruster.

Stations are each Wednesday during Lent and also on Fridays at 2:10 p.m. for school children and adults.

World's largest Stations of Cross

Anyone making their way along Rome's Via della Conciliazione toward St. Peter's Basilica this Lent will be greeted by the world’s largest bronze representation of the stations of the cross. A total of 49 statues and 11 crosses form the 14 scenes that depict Christ's condemnation to death, the carrying of the cross, his crucifixion, death and burial.

The striking stations that now line the road leading to Catholicism's most famous church took five years of work and 10 tons of bronze to complete. The bronze figures were made for the city of Coquimbo, Chile, which will be their destination after their Lenten exhibition in Rome comes to a close on April 27.

Weekly Lenten soup suppers begin

Some of the diners (at left) and Dorothy Christner and Renee Amedeo working in the kitchen

The first of the weekly Lenten soup suppers attracted diners to Boeke Hall on Wednesday. The suppers will be held each Wednesay through April 13 from 6 tio 7 p.m. in Boeke Hall. After the supper each Wednesday there will be stations of the cross at 7:30 p.m. in the church.

'Into the Woods' gets plug in Suburbanite

The St. Paul Drama Club’s production of “Into the Woods” got a plug in the current issue of the Suburbanite, a newspaper which serves southern Summit County. It includes quotes from Marco Colant, who plays the Baker, and Leanne Casserlie who plays his wife and directors Janet Hazlett and Jud Hartman.

Unfortunately, the names of Colant and Hazlett are misspelled.

The story noted that Colant played the Mayor of Whoville in “Suessical the Musical” last summer at Weathervane Theater in Akron and Casserlie has acted on the Carousel Dinner Theater stage and attended Miller South School of the Arts.

“This is such a great group of kids,” Hazlett told the Suburbanite. “They all pitch in and come together. Some of these kids have had a lot of theater experiences. It is good to have dedicated kids that can take direction and know stage direction. They know what practice is like and how boring it can be at times. They know how to be ready and have their props. The older kids help coach the younger kids. They all work very hard.”

Colant said, “I spent Christmas break listening to all the songs over and over and I got them down. We all have to work together in this play for it to be good. Everybody does their part.”

“I pick up on things fast,” Casserlie stated. “But, I had to work on it because I did not want to mess anything up. I had my sister and brother help me with my lines. It is not a one person thing. You cannot depend on yourself. You have to help other people around you. Even if someone does not learn their lines, it messes everything up.”

“We have no backstage people,” Hartman said. “Everybody is a part. All the kids help with backstage stuff and have other roles. This allows all of them to be on stage at some point whether they have the biggest role or the smallest.”

Click on the headline to read the full story.