Pope's prayer intentions for June

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for the month of June is: "That priests, united to the Heart of Christ, may always be true witnesses of the caring and merciful love of God".

His missionary intention is: "That the Holy Spirit may bring forth from our communities many missionaries who are ready to be fully consecrated to spreading the Kingdom of God. ".

Naragaons celebrate 57th anniversary

Barbara and Tom Naragon chat with the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas after Mass, The Naragons celebrated 57 years of marriage last week.

[Tony DiDonato Photo]

George Hodnichak marks 85th birthday

George with younger brother Michael Hodnichak at left. They are the last two of their siblings. At right, George and daughter Cheryl

George Hodnichak celebrated his 85th birthday after Mass with a reception in the Parish Activity Center. With George adt right are greatgranddaughter
D'asia Moore and granddaughter Sherrie Tennant. George joined St. Paul in 1958 when he married Mary. He has been active as a scoutsmaster for Boy Scouts at St. Paul and served in World War II.

[Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Matusickys rejoin St. Paul Church

Dan and Phyllis Matusicky have rejoined St. Paul Church after he retired as deacon at St. Bernard Church.

Dan served
there 32 years.


[Tony DiDonato photo]


Welcome back

400,000 registered for World Youth Day

MADRID, Spain (Zenit.org) - Young people have their whole lives before them, and World Youth Day is the chance to lay the foundations for those lives, says the archbishop of Madrid, where the youth event will be held this August.

Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela on Thursday gave a lecture titled "Three Months Away From World Youth Day." The international gathering with the Pope is scheduled for Aug. 16-21.

"Young people have 'a life ahead of them’ and World Youth Day is an opportunity for them to let the light of Christ into their lives," the 74-year-old cardinal said. "There, in their hearts and in their desires for commitment and solidarity, they can discover the foundation of their life."

The cardinal proposed that the fruits of World Youth Days are quickly evident in vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life and marriage.

"However, above all," he said, "in the long run they make a contribution to today’s society."

The 400,000 registered young people come from 182 countries.

World Youth Days "are a personal initiative of John Paul II, who opted for a new generation of youth, the youth of 2000. Now, Benedict XVI is carrying on this legacy," the cardinal stated. "It's the Pope who gathers and attracts the youth."

Cardinal Rouco Varela said the choice of Spain as the WYD venue points to "the spiritual contribution of this country to the history of the Church and to Western culture. This is evident in the spiritual legacy left by the patrons of World Youth Day: St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis Xavier."

He proposed that the youth gathering is not just a Church event, but one for "society and the city hosting it."

St. Paul grads take spotlight at Mass

St. Paul graduates sing the "Our Father"

St. Paul eighth grade graduates took the spotlight at the last student Mass of the year at 8:30 a.m. Friday. They were wearing graduation caps made by the first grade class of Mrs. Suzanne Inglis. They received Communion from Principal Robert Brodbeck.

Also  guests at the Mass were parents of pre-school students.

Eighth Grade grads receive Communion from Principal Brodbeck

Gleaned from the church bulletin

Market Day Pickup is Wednesday
It’s Market Day pickup this Wednesday, June 1, in Boeke Hall from 6:30 to 7 p.m. If you would like to help out even more, consider coming early (we show up at 5 p.m.) and volunteer to help out.  Don’t forget we have a summer sale date: Wednesday, July 13, so watch for your next order form and place an order. For more information, call Tom Cullison 330-724-3218.

K.of C. First Friday fish frys end
The Knights of Columbus will no longer have First Friday Fish Frys. They will still have Fish Frys during Lent.

Book and Music Sale is June 24-26 
Start saving books, magazines, CDs, DVDs for the St. Paul Used Book Sale. Prices are low and bargains are high. Book Sale dates are June 24-26. Call Ron McAvoy 330- 773-7389 if you have any questions.

Credit Union Summer hours set
New Summer hours for the St. Paul Credit Union will be Monday and Friday, 1. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. and Closed on Saturday.
 
Names of graduates sought for bulletin
Congratulations to our St. Paul 8th Grade Graduates and our High School and College Graduates. We would like to offer “Community Recognition” for these graduates in our parish bulletin. Family members of high school and college graduates may call the parish office 330-724-1263 to give us the graduate’s name and high school or college.

Block party scheduled for July 24

The second annual St. Paul Community Block Party will be  Sunday, July 24, from 1 to 6 p.m. Volunteer kitchen help is being sought  for 1 or 2 hours in Boeke Hall. There will a a cake walk and donation of cakes, cupcakes, breads, pies and other pastries will be appreciated.  New this year will be a talent show, ”St. Paul’s Got Talent!” with prizes awarded to first, second and third place. Signup begins the week of June 4. There will again be a 50/50 Raffle plus a  raffle of one boy’s and one girl’s  bike and helmet.  Volunteers are needs for a variet of poistios  Contact Renee Amedeo with any questions at 330-773-6641.

Concerns about fracking listed

Lately we've all heard about the pros and cons of Fracking: a new method of drilling for gas that has hundreds of thousands of environmentally-conscience people outraged. These are not your grandfather's gas wells that provided free gas to the home, and a little extra money with low environmental impact. These new wells combine four technologies that make it possible to reach natural gas reserves that underlie much of the state of Ohio. The environmental and health impacts from high-volume hydraulic fracturing in other states are shocking and well documented, with a significant number of spills, blowouts, leaking wells, and other accidents and releases of contaminants. The greatest concern is the depletion of water: each gas well takes 2-5 million gallons of fresh drinking water out of the drinking water supply FOREVER! By 2014 this will equate to 8 billion gallons of valuable drinking water lost each year in Ohio. It's not just about the water. Air quality in similar shale well fields in Wyoming is regularly worse than Los Angeles for smog. Gas company representatives are approaching every acre of land in the shale zones to negotiate gas leases. The Kasich administration is trying to push through leases to all the State-owned lands in the name of improving Ohio's economy. The concern for long-term damage to our state and planet far exceeds the benefits gained by this short-term money-making proposal. As Catholics, we are called to protect the planet and be stewards of the earth -- one of God's greatest gifts to us. We have a responsibility to nurture and sustain our resources for the common good. To learn more about this issue and find out how to become involved visit www.sierraclub.org or www.theoec.org.

Pet peeve: It isn't the Center Center

It's a tiny pet peeve--but too many people making announcements are sounding redundant.

When you say  "PAC Center" you should realize you are saying "Parish Activitiy Center Center."

Say either the PAC or the Parish Activity Center.

Holy Cross Memorial Day Mass is at 10 a.m.

Memorial Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery will be at 10 a.m. Monday. Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joseph H. Kraker, pastor of St. Vincent Parish.

Bishop authorizes disaster relief

In wake of the recent tornado, flooding, and other weather-related disasters which have affected so many people here in the United States, the Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon, Bishop, Diocese of Cleveland has granted his permission to take a second collection either this weekend (May 28-29, 2011) or the following one (June 4-5, 2011).

The donations will be sent to Catholic Charities U.S.A. which will be directed to distribute these funds to the affected local dioceses.  Please send a single check made out to the Diocese of Cleveland and write “weather-related disasters” in the memo line to:

The Chancery Office

Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

1404 East 9th Steet - 6th Floor

Cleveland, Ohio  44114

The funds will be sent to Catholic Charities U.S.A. with the stipulation that they be channeled to the affected Dioceses.

‘Mea culpa’ returns with New Roman Missal

As most everyone knows by now, the Mass translation we have used since 2002 will change in Advent 2011. This week, don't miss the EWTN special, "A New Translation for a New Roman Missal." It ill air at  10 p.m. ET, Wednesday, June 1; 1 p.m. ET, Friday, June 3; and 5 a.m. ET, Saturday, June 4.

Older Catholics and Latin Mass devotees will be surprised and delighted to find that they're more comfortable with these changes than many younger Catholics. That's because the upcoming changes are simply a more faithful English translation of the Latin Mass, with which older adults are familiar.

For example, whether you know the name of the prayer or not, all Mass-going Catholics know the Confiteor. It's the prayer in the Mass that begins, "I confess to Almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters" In the Latin Mass, that prayer included the phrase: "mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa," which means "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault." Years ago, as people said these words, they struck their breasts. Guess what? In the New Translation, that's back.

In fact, most of us will find that we recognize all the prayers. They are just slightly altered to be more faithful to the Latin translation. Hopefully, this will result in all of us paying more attention to what we are saying at Mass. Take the prayer, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you." Now we will say, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed." The new phrase reminds us of Matthew 8:8, which is where this prayer comes from. It's the Gospel story about the Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant by speaking these faith-filled words: "Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed."

You will also be happy to learn that the Roman Missal now includes prayers for recently canonized saints, including such favorites as St. Padre Pio and St. Katherine Drexel, new prayers to the Blessed Mother, and some beautiful new prayers for Lent.

It was our beloved Blessed John Paul II who announced in the year 2000 that the Vatican would begin working on a new translation. After almost 10 years of work, the new translation is ready to be unveiled. "A New Translation for a New Roman Missal" with Msgr. James P. Moroney is a wonderful introduction to the missal. Hopefully, the new words will inspire all of us to look a little more deeply at our faith, at the Church fathers, at the Holy Eucharist, our highest act of divine worship and “the source and summit” of our Faith.

The Strangely Familiar plays benefit

The Strangely Familiar on stage

The popular The Strange Familiar took to the stage Wednesday evening in the Parish Activity Center in a benefit concert to aid dtornado victims, All proceeds from the concert will go to Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which was hard hit by the recent tornadoes that swept through the South. St. Paul students also are doing other projects and sending items to Holy Spirit. Watch the blog for other benefit activities.

Singing a love song and selling T-shirts

Crowd in Parish Activity Center for concert

"Thank You" from Garden Sale crew

THANK YOU for continuing to supporting our annual St. Paul Flower and Garden Sale. Our sale just ended yesterday and we are still tabulating the sales figures to
share with you as soon as possible. Some have asked what happens to the plants and flowers not sold. The answer is that a majority are used to beautify the grounds of St. Paul and the rest are donated to the Peter Maurin Center to be planted in their garden beside the center or given to those at the center who otherwise might not be able to afford plants and flowers where they live. As an extension to our committee's interest in the beauty of Firestone Park, we are formulating a w:alkmg garden tour the middle of July. If you are interested in having your garden or that of someone you know (need not be a parishioner) on the tour, please contact Maggie Walker at (330) 808-3045 or Vi Pappano (330) 724-7414.
AGAIN, THANK YOU to all who worked the sale,
donated plants and/or purchased from us.

Social Justice promotes Kiva program

June Reitz, Kathleen Deger and Robin Daley at the Social Justice table in the narthex. June Reitz spoke at the Masses regarding the Kiva program that offers small loans to help people get started. [Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Crew for Plant and Flower Sale

Here's the crew for St. Paul's Plant and Flower Sale. From Left are Ron and Ellen McAvoy, Maggie Walker, Vi Pappano, Jim Sapak and Penny Roush.

[Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Collecting for Knights of Columbus

Harry Vezzani accepts a contribution from Rob Rachel for the "Measure Up Campaign" for the Knights of Columbus. Proceeds go to the Association for Retarded Citizens. In the photo at right is Brooks Sweeny with his mother Jo Sweeny. They have been parishioners or 45 years. [Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Mass times to change in June

Changes in the Mass schedule were announced at weekend Masses. Beginning in June, the Masses will be at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Mass for August Varca is Tuesday

Note: The correct time for the wake is 4 to 5 p.m. Friday.

August (Augie) Varca passed away Friday, May 20, 2011 surrounded by his devoted family.

Born March 24, 1920 in Lumberport, West Virginia to Frank and Theresa Varca, he was one of six children including brother, Pat, and sisters, Mary (Dadisman), Rose (Kremer), Jenny (Marziale), and Eva (Tilenni).

The family left West Virginia and came to Akron in the 1920s, answering the call for workers in the rubber factories. Shortly after graduation from East High School, Augie went to work at Firestone Tire & Rubber. Augie was a talented amateur baseball player. While working at Firestone, Augie was a catcher for the United Rubber Workers 1939 team who compiled an outstanding 61-27 record. One of his teammates and a life-long friend, Gene Woodling, went on to play for the New York Yankees. After the outbreak of war, Augie enlisted in the army in 1942. As a medic, he achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant in the Army's 155th Station Hospital. He served with valor in the Pacific Theatre while stationed in Australia, New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, Morotai and the Halmahera Group of Islands. He was awarded The Bronze Star for meritorious service.

Upon his 1945 honorable discharge from active service, Augie returned to Akron. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Josephine (Jo) Arcuri. They married October 5, 1946. For nearly 60 years, their union was one of love and devotion; an inspiration to all those around them. Sadly, Jo passed away in 2006.

Working full time at Firestone, providing for his growing family, Augie also began part time at the family hardware business his parents opened in 1948: Varca Hardware. As the business grew into what was to become an Akron institution, Augie left Firestone and joined his father and brother in 1954 on a full time basis. To those that knew him, he truly enjoyed each and every day working at ``The Hardware'. After 58 years in business, he retired and closed the business in 2006.

A devout Catholic, August attended St. Paul Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was elevated to 3rd Degree Knight. As a Knight of Columbus, Augie also carried on another life-long pastime: league bowling, which he did well into later life. He also belonged to the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) in Akron.

He is survived by his five children, daughters, Patty Evans (Randy), Marlene Hall (Jim), and Maria Varca; sons, Jim (Janice) and Rick (Dodie); eleven grandchildren, Dena (Jim), Joey, Jamie (Brian), Matt, Angel (Jerry), Bill (Haidee), Jillian, Derek, Angela, Brett and Brandon; and ten great-grandchildren, Tyler, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Nikolas, McKensey, Alexis, Aidan, Ricky, Carmen, and August as well as many other relatives and dear friends.

Special thanks to Summa Hospice Care and caregiver Pam for the love and care they gave.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron, where the Knights of Columbus Council #3410 will recite a rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church 1580 Brown St. in Akron. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, where VFW Post 3383 will provide military honors.
Anthony Funeral Homes Akron, 330.724.1281 anthonyfh.com
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, May 22, 2011, page B7, col. 5]

Sacred Heart building sold for $181,000

The former Sacred Heart of Jesus building at 734 Grant St. is now a site for Bethel Church Cleveland. The nondenominational church, based in Middleburg Heights, this week purchased the church, valued at nearly $284,000, for $181,000.

The sale was reported today in an Akron Beacon Journal story by religion writer Colette M. Jenkins.

Sacred Heart closed in January 2010 as part of a plan that leaders in the Cleveland diocese implemented to more equitably distribute resources across its eight counties., Sacred Heart was founded in 1915 by Hungarian Catholics. The building was dedicated in 1925.

Fr. Robert Clancy, who served as administrator of Sacred Heart since August 1992 and chaplain at Akron General since June 1989, was appointed as a parochal vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cleveland on January 23, 2010.

Steve Witt, senior pastor at Bethel, said his congregation had been contemplating expanding into the Akron area but didn't think it would happen until next year. In addition to its main campus, at 16670 E. Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights, the church has two satellite campuses in Brunswick and Madison. Witt describes the church as evangelical in belief and charismatic in practice.

The former Sacred Heart is one of two Akron buildings placed on the market by the diocese. The other building, the former St. Hedwig's on East Glenwood Avenue, was purchased last year by Oriana House Services Inc. The chemical dependency treatment and community corrections agency is using the building for offices, training, specialty courts and treatment programs.

Three other diocesan properties in Akron — Christ the King, St. John the Baptist and St. Mary's — were closed as part of mergers and are the responsibility of the new parishes that were formed from the mergers.

The Christ the King property is part of the Blessed Trinity Parish on North Hill, St. John's is part of Visitation of Mary Parish in East Akron and St. Mary's is part of St. Bernard-St. Mary Parish in downtown Akron. Leadership at those parishes will decide whether to sell the churches. However, no action can be taken at either St. John's or St. Mary's until the Vatican rules on appeals, asking that the decision to close the buildings be overturned.

Proceeds from the sale of the Sacred Heart building will go into the reconfiguration plan fund to pay for expenses, including maintaining and securing closed properties, moving costs and storage of sacred and religious goods.

For information about Bethel Church, go to http://www.bethelcleveland.com.

Read the Beacon Journal story.

CYO Co-ed Adult softball forming

Teams are forming now for CYO Co-ed Adult Softball. Team entry deadline is May 24.. Cost is $420 per team. Season begins June 5. Games are played on Sunday afternoon/evening. If interested, contact CYO at 330-379-3636 ext. 11 for info.

Booster Club looking for officers

The St. Paul Booster Club is looking for new officers. Come support St. Paul sports and make a difference. Anyone interested please contact Theresa Garey at 330-724-2643, or Gerard Colant at 330-773-9555.

Get rid of old inkjet cartridges, PDAs, cell phones

There’s nothing to buy! Girl Scouts Daisy Troop 14 members are simply asking you to donate your used cell phones, PDAs and inkjet cartridges. Your donation will help protect the environment. If improperly disposed of, one cell phone can pollute up to 35, 000 gallons of water. The cell phones, PDAs and inkjet cartridges will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations or refurbished and sold. Some donations may be tax deductible depending on the value of the items. All proceeds from the items collected will help fund St. Paul School. Items may be dropped off in a box inside the school entrance. Any questions, call 330-990-0490.

Special notices from this week's bulletin

Special anointing for the sick is scheduled June 5
If you are burdened with any physical, mental or spiritual challenges or if you will be going in the hospital for any reason in the near future, please consider receiving the Sacrament of the Sick. On Sunday, June 5, between the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses (approximately 10:10 a.m.) we will offer this sacrament to the parishioners of St. Paul. Please sit in every other pew, to allow easy access to those being anointed.

Summer schedules for extraordinary ministers available
The Eucharistic Minister schedules for June, July and August are in the room next to the organ. Please make sure to pick one up. The Revised Mass schedule is included. If you are on the schedule but unable to serve, please arrange for a substitute. Questions, Eucharistic Ministers call Dora Weigand 330-773-7250.

Parish School of Religion needs help
Please consider sharing your faith with the children of St. Paul Parish. Requirements: A love of Jesus and the willingness to share that love of the Catholic Faith with others. You bring the enthusiasm and the Parish School of Religion will provide the information you need to pass on to our St. Paul community. There are a variety of opportunities for you as a Catechist or Catechist Assistant with elementary students. Please call the Religious Education Office 330-724-9311. Thanks, Shelly Hertzig.

Still time to get your Market Day order in

There is still time to get your Market Day order in for our Wednesday, June 1, pickup date. Grilling season is here, so stock up for summer with burgers, steaks, seafood and chops….even hotdogs. There also are great desserts and lots of quick and simple items for summer lunch and snacking. REMEMBER, each month that our sale reaches $3,500 or more, Market Day increases our profit to 1 per cent. In May we hit that mark and our profit was almost $600. Return your order to the narthex or back to school by Friday, May 27, or online at marketday.com where the cut-off is Friday, May 27 at 11 p.m. For more information, call Tom Cullison 330-724-3218.

It's happening around town

Fr. Suso to speak at Blessed Trinity June 7
Fr. Anthony Suso, Parochial Vicar of St. Francis de Sales Parish, will speak on the topic, “Catholic Spirituality and the Superhero: Living the Catholic Spiritual Themes of Blockbuster Movies” at the next gathering, Tuesday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at Blessed Trinity Church (formerly St. Martha) 300 E. Tallmadge Ave. These presentations are intended for anyone who may have questions or concerns about the Catholic faith or anyone who simply wants to grow in faith and be able to discuss Catholicism with others in a knowledgeable way. For more information contact Pat Flaherty 330-773-7621 or pfhaherty@dioceseofcleveland.org.

"Caring and Sharing" session is Monday (May 23)
A "Caring and Sharing" session for those who are divorced, separated or widowed will be held on Monday, May 23 from 7:30-9:00 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary's Convent Building, 1945 Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls. Marlene Maruna, a Licensed Independent Social Worker, will facilitate this session. This event is open at no charge to people of all faiths. For information call Frank 330-801-0527 or Sharon 330-612-3635.

Hungarian-American Club luncheons offered
All St. Paul parishioners, friends and families are invited to the Hungarian-American Club, 694 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Saturday Luncheon featuring a traditional Hungarian dish. All food is available for dine in or take out and drinks are available for purchase. Visit www.akronhungarianamericanclub.com for special upcoming events throughout the year.

Immigration is again hot topic

Immigration is once again a hot topic in the country.President Obama is finally moving forward to promote immigration reform. Catholic Social Teaching requires that we always act in ways that protect the dignity of every person and that every human life is sacred. We are called to stand in solidarity with people throughout the world showing preferential treatment to the poor and vulnerable. As the debate heats up it is important to know the Church's position on immigration reform. The USCCB's The Migration Review states "we support comprehensive immigration reform to fix what has become a broken system. Such reform would include: an earned legalization program for foreign nationals of good moral character; the reform of the family-based immigration system; a revamped temporary worker regime that protects both workers who would come to the United States and U. S. citizen workers; the restoration of immigrants' due process rights; and an effort to meaningfully address the root causes of migration, such as under-development and poverty in sending countries. Moreover, such reform would include the targeted, proportional, and humane enforcement of immigration laws." Now is the time to contact your representatives in Washington to urge them to support legislation that meets these requirements.

Special staging set for Strange Familiar

Raised platform for drums and special lighting

Drum risers with special lighting have been set up on the stage in the Parish Activity Center for the benefit concert by the popular The Strange Familiar on Wednesday, May 25. The concert will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

There will be seating in the back or east end of the PAC with an open standing area nearer the stage. Members of the group are all from area Catholic schools.

All proceeds from the concert will go to Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School in Tuscaloosa,Alabama, which was hard hit by the recent tornadoes that swept through the South. Cost for the concert is $8 per person or $25 for a family of 4 or more.

St. Paul students also are doing other projects and sending items to Holy Spirit. Watch the blog for other benefit activities.

Plant and flower sale opens

Jim Sapak shows flowers to Dorothy Murdock at the St. Paul plant and flower sale on the rectory grounds at the South Parking Lot. She attended St. Paul School as a child.

The sale opened at noon today. It continues Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fr. Ralph V. Coletta: An honor for 50 years

Expressions of a priest of 50 years: Fr. Coletta in talk to Serrans

Rev. Fr. Ralph V. Coletta, retired pastor of the former St. John the Baptist parish on Brown Street and chaplain of the Akron Serra Club for 21 years, was honored for his Golden Jubilee as a priest at a Serra Club dinner Thursday evening at Guy’s Party Center.

Fr. Coletta’s service as chaplain has been the longest in the 56-year history of the club.

Fr. Coletta brought with him to the dinner an enlarged photo of his ordination which he used to describe the day he became a priest. The enlarged photo was a gift from his nephew.

The 75-year-old priest was ordained on the eve of Pentecost, May, 20, 1961 by Bishop Floyd L. Begin who was at the time serving as an auxiliary bishop under Archbishop Edward F. Hoban. Bishop Begin in 1962 became the bishop of Oakland, California. Also in the photo were Msgr. John Gallagher (St. Paul pastor 1961-1965) and Msgr. John Murphy, an auxiliary bishop of the Cleveland Diocese.. Next in line to Fr, Coletta for ordination was Fr. William O’Neill who is now pastor of Our Lady of Grace parish in Hinckley.

Pete Mihelick gave the toast to Fr. Coletta and Serra vice president Tom Giffels presented the priest with a gift card. Serrans Donald and Catherine Sulak presented Fr. Coletta with a photo of him standing next to statues of SS Cyril and Methodius at a church they visited on a tour of Slovakia. The two saints were patrons of St. John the Baptist parish. The photo was used on the program cover.

Fr. Coletta will celebrate his 50th year of Ordination to the Priesthood on Sunday, May 29, with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Bernard-St. Mary Parish in downtown Akron–the church where he was baptized and said his first Mass.

Fr. Coletta’s first asignment was as a parochial vicar of St. Clement (1961-1966). He then served in that capacity at St. Martin of Tours in Maple Heights (1966-68) and Conversion of St. Paul (March to June 1968). He was administrator of the Diocesan Deaf Apostolate from June 1968 to May, 1972 and pastor of St. Augustine in Cleveland from September 1969 to May 1972. He was a parochial vicar at St. Ambrose from May 1972 to December 1975 and St. Francis Xavier December 1975 to August 1978. He then was pastor of Immaculate Conception in Wooster from December 1987 to February 24, 1987 when he was named pastor of St. John the Baptist. He retired July 5, 2005 and the church was closed as part of the parish reconfiguration program. November 1, 2009 Bishop Richard Lennon celebrated the closing Mass on Saturday, November 1, 2009 at 4 p.m.

Fr. Coletta presided at the installation of officers and trustees for 2011-12. They are pictured in the photo below. See other photos

Akron Serra Club officers: Seated (from left) are Rudy DiDonato, president; Ron McAvoy, vice president programs; Tom Giffels, vice president communications; Maggie Walker, vice president membership; and John Amedeo, vice president vocations, Standing (from left) are treasurer John Olin, secretary Kathryn Mihelick, and trustees David Fetyko, Vic Dandrea and John Mihelick, and Fr. Coletta.

Eighth graders off on class trip

Packed and ready to go are Claire Fatica, Sydney Sloan and Shannon Lloyd. Standing in back are Marco Colant and Faith Chrostowski

It was way too early for Sara Broadbent as eighth graders arrived at school at 6 a.m. to leave for their trip to Gettysburg and Washington DC. The bus departed at 6:30 p.m. The first stop was Gettysburg where they had a great time before dinner. Their next stop was a night tour of some of DC’s monuments. On Friday they will visit monuments and museums, including Smithsonian. On Saturday Arlington, and more DC then to arrive at St. Paul around 10-11 pm. Saturday.

Shannon Lloyd and Sydney Sloan pose for one last picture before boarding the bus

Michael Roberts, Jeremy Swords, Cameron Krim, Mikey Altomare and Orion Belmont getting ready for trip

[Photos by Jo Shoup]

Crew prepares for plant and flower sale

Table of flowers ready for sale

Maggie Walker marks price on plant

Workers were busy Thursday afternoon getting ready for the annual plant and flower sale which opens at noon Friday in the South parking lot.
 

Hours are Friday noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lady Tigers win Division I, AAA volleyball

The St. Paul School 8th Grade Girls CYO Volleyball Team won the Division 1, AAA Minor Tournament Championship on May 4.  The team was also named the League Percentage Champions with the record of 9 wins and 1 loss. 

 

Members of the team are: Helena Albert, Sara Broadbent, Faith Chrostowski, Claire Fatica, Lauren Leeser, Shannon Lloyd, Isabelle Miller, Patty Rollins, Sydney Sloan, Lindsey Smith, Rachel Triola, and Amanda Wightman.

 

The coach is Charlotte Miller.

 

[Photos by Teresa Lloyd]

Service for Darnell Smith is Saturday

Darnell ``Stan' Smith, 86, passed away May 18, 2011.

He was born in Akron to the late Claude and Julia (Sutton) Smith and was a lifelong resident. He was an Army veteran of World War II and retired from Tasty Bread. He later worked in the Summit County Weights and Measures Department, was a member of the Firestone Park Prime Timers and belonged to St. Paul Catholic Church.

Preceded in death by his first wife, June, and second wife, Gertrude, he is survived by his son, Dr. David (Candy); daughters, Becky (Edward) Brown, Kathy (Rev. John) Ballinger and Julie (Jim) Shives; stepsons, Thomas (Judith) Brooker and Robert (Susan) Brooker; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grand-children.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Rockynol for their wonderful care of Stan.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St., with Fr. Matthew Ischay officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for ONE HOUR prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rockynol Life Care Fund or the Senior Independence Hospice. Please share your thoughts and condolences online at our website:  www.eckardbaldwin.com.
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Thursday, May 19, 2011, page B5, col. 5]

Students graduated from D.A.R.E. program

Mrs. Shelley Pixler's Fifth Grade Class graduated from their 10-week D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program Tuesday night.

Deputy Dave Andrews of the Summit County Sheriff's Department came to the classroom each week to talk to the children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and violence.
The graduation was  at Our Lady of the Elms High School Auditorium.  St. Paul School, along with several other Catholic grade schools were honored. Each child received a certificate of participation and a T-shirt.  After the graduation they had a cookies and punch reception for the children.

Two children from each of the schools received an additional award for the D.A.R.E. essay contest.  The two student winners from St. Paul's were Maeve Cox and Erin Kelly.

[Photos by Teresa Lloyd]

Finn named Interval Brotherhood Home director

Beacon Journal staff report
COVENTRY TWP.: A new executive director has been named for the Interval Brotherhood Home, the alcohol and drug addiction residential treatment facility.

Donald P. Finn will begin in his new role July 1, according to a statement from the facility late Wednesday.

Finn was executive director of CYO in Akron for 18 years until CYO dissolved in January and became part of Catholic Charities Community Services. He currently is director of that group's Summit County operation.

He will replace the popular Rev. Samuel Ciccolini, who pleaded guilty to tax- and bank-related crimes last year. ''Father Sam'' also admitted taking money from the nonprofit foundation that raised funds for IBH.

''IBH has a rich history and a magnetic mission of service,'' Finn said in the statement from IBH. ''It is highly respected in the community, and I am both excited and honored to be associated with it.''

Finn called it a challenging time for service organizations.

''When you look at the looming state budget cuts and the deficit at the federal level, it is clear that any entity dependent upon government funding will have to deal with reductions at some level.''

In federal court, Ciccolini was sentenced to one day in jail and told to pay $3.5 million in restitution to IBH. The sentence also included $350,000 in fines.

Both the prosecution and the defense are appealing aspects of the sentence.

A subsequent independent audit of IBH's books found no misappropriation of public money or fraud at the Coventry Township facility.

Ed Stanford, assistant executive director at IBH, has been serving as interim executive director since Ciccolini stepped down in December with his retirement. He will continue in that role until Finn takes over, then will return to his previous duties.

Finn was among 150 applicants for the job with IBH.

While at CYO, he implemented an administrative and policy structure to safeguard assets and attract and engage high-achieving trustees, the statement said.

As manager for that organization, Finn quadrupled the annual budget and sustained clean, independent audits for 17 consecutive years.

[Source: Akron Beacon Journa]

Reminder: Plant sale is this weekend

REMINDER:

Plant Sale

opens Friday

at noon

Mass for Mary Dadisman is Thursday

Mary Dadisman, 86, passed away May 15, 2011 surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Theresa Varca, and her brother, Pat. She is survived by her children, Judy, Mike, Pat, and Tim; brothers and sisters, Rose, Augie, Eva, and Jenny; 24 nieces and nephews; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Adams Mason Memorial Chapel (791 E. Market Street, Akron). The family will also receive friends from 10 to11 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at St. Paul's Catholic Church (1580 Brown Street, Akron), with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Father Ralph Thomas officiating. Procession to Holy Cross Cemetery will form at the church.
(ADAMS MASON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 330-535-9186)
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Tuesday, May 17, 2011, page B7, col 2 ]

Mass for Mary Halleck is Wednesday

Mary A. (Allio) Halleck, 93, died Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Barberton Hospital Hospice Center.

Mary was born September 12, 1917 to Joseph and Angelina Allio in Akron and had been an Akron resident her entire life. She began her career as a cook for Nick Yanko and retired only recently as the cook at the Jednota Club. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1975; sons, John and Edward; and grandsons, Bill Lonteen and David Halleck; and is survived by her children, William (Mary Margaret) Halleck of Texas, Joe (Cindy) Halleck of Tallmadge and Jean (Rev. Frank) Lonteen of Canal Fulton; daughter-in-law, Diane Taylor; grandchildren, Beth, Phillip, Tom, Christopher, Patrick, John and Angela Halleck, Michael (Vicki) Lonteen, Daniel Lonteen and Sheryl (Brian) Jones; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Rose Struharik and Tom (Carol) Allio.

Special thanks to her friends Clyde and Frieda Doutt, Diane Lynch and Rose Berube, the staffs of Barberton Citizens Hospital and Barberton Hospital Hospice Care Center and her friends and neighbors at Autumn Meadow in Canal Fulton.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. and 12 p.m. (Noon) at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St., Akron, 44301. Private interment will take place. The family will receive friends TONIGHT from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made to St. Paul Church building fund or Barberton Hospital Hospice, 527 West Tuscarawas Avenue, Barberton, OH 44203.
Anthony Funeral Homes 330.724.1281 www.anthonyfh.co[
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Tuesday, May 17, 2011, page B7, col. 5 ]

Serra Club to honor Fr. Coletta

The Rev. Fr. Ralph V. Coletta will be honored on his 50th anniversary as a priest by the Akron Serra Club at a dinner Thursday evening at Guy's Party Center on Waterloo Road.

Fr. Coletta, retired pastor of the former St. John the Baptist parish on Brown Street, has been chaplain of the Serra Club for 21 years--the longest in the 56-year history of the club.
The social hour begins at 6 p.m.with dinner at 6:30 p.m. with installation of officers and trustees.
Tickets at $15 are still available.

In other Serra news:

FATHER’S DAY CARDS FOR PRIESTS:
There is a list of 87 priests to send cards to, and club members have picked up 45 of those so there are only 42 to go. Cards will be available at the annual dinners Thursday and again at the June 14 meeting. Father’s Day is June 19..

MEMBERSHIP PICNIC:
The Serra picnic is Tuesday, June 28, at Queen of Heaven Picnic Pavilion. Maggie Walker has 20 prospective names to invite and is seeking more. .

SERRA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION:
The convention was scheduled to be held in the Holy Land but lack of reservations due to uneasy Mideast conditions brings about a relocation to Ottawa City, Ottawa, Canada. July 7-10. Convention Hotel: Westin Hotel. Convention to be held in Ottawa City Convention Center and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. F

Mass for Clarence Coleman is Wednesday

Clarence (Dewey) Coleman, 69, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011 after a short illness.

He was born in Akron and was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was employed by Sharon Manufacturing Company and was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Mr. Coleman was an avid golfer and was known in his golf league as ``The Rake.' He also enjoyed working in his yard and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by sister, Geraldine; and brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Paulette; daughter and son-in-law, Victoria L. and Jeffrey Bode; brother, James (Sheila) Coleman of Missouri; sister, Dorthajean (Edward) Meckler of South Carolina; sister-in-law, Helen Dorton; brother-in-law, James Dorton; and nieces and nephews and their children.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
(Anthony Funeral Homes, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com)
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Monday, May 16, 2011, page B5, col. 4]

Spectacular nets $21,153--in 24 years $327,159

The St. Paul Spring Spectacular raffle and auction on April 29 netted $21,153 for the
St Paul School endowment funds. The total for the 24 years of the event is $327,159. This has been a vital part of the endowment funds. A special thanks to Dana Coffman, and Kim Kuhn for their effort. As reported earlier, they are retiring. Fred Cafarelli has been the chair for all 24 years of the reverse raffle. Next year’s event will mark 25 years.

Thanks to all who helped in any way.

Celebrating at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass

Standing in front of the adorned cross are Matt and Sarah Hutchison with triplets Nathan, Marianne, Katelyn and brother Ben. The triplets celebrated their first birthdays at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Heidi Guttermuth and Jesse Bobbit (at right) provided the music for the Mass. Jesse is a sixth grader at St. Paul.

[Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Sharing moments with a shepherd

Ann West, Chris West and Gene Centore share a moment after the Good Shepherd Mass with Fr James Berardi. Fr. Berardi, in his homily, spoke of the shepherds that led St Paul while he attended the school.

Chris , Tracy, Laiyla and Robert Bernard exchange greetings with Fr. James Berardi. [Photos by Tony DiDonato]

Peter Maurin volunteers keep busy

The Peter Maurin crew was busy with the Cinco de Mayo food of tacos and enchilladas.From left are Michael Sartoski, Lisa Mueller, coordinatorSusie Gatian, Steve Duarte, Norma Duarte, and Barbara Naragon. A special “thank you” to the
Azetca restaurant on E. Market Streedt for donation of the secialty items served.

[Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Mass to celebrate Catholic Women's Council

A Mass at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Matthew Church will celebrate the end of 88 years of service of the Summit County Council of Catholic Women. The Mass will feature the Summit Regional Council's Cmbined Womenh's Choir which will be singing for the last time. The Summit Council and also the Diocesan Council will disband May 31.

A feature on the group by Beacon Journal religion writer Colette M. Jenkins was published on the community section front of newspaper on, Sunday. Pat Rinella of St Paul is pictured in one of the photos with the story showing the group rehearsing. Rinella is director of St Paul Spirit Singers.

See the Beacon Journal story.

Mass for Anne Andres is Monday

Anne M. Andres; Sunrise: May 29, 1919 - Sunset: May 11, 2011.

Her worthy life began as Anne Marie Harrigal (Haragal) in Beaverdale, Pa. the eighth of eleven children of parents Michael and Theresa (Rock). After moving to Akron, their family belonged to St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church and she attended West High School. She married William Richard Andres on July 29, 1939 and was the sweet mother to six children, the loving grandmother of 12, and the doting great-grandmother of 13.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, William; daughters, Karen Theresa Breiding, Monica Christine Andres-Feinstein, and Gretchen Sue Andres. She is survived by sons, Thomas Brian (Martha) Andres of N. Palm Beach, Fla. and Christopher Kevin (Kathleen) Andres; daughter, Bernadette Kaye Andres of Cleveland Hgts. and sister Helen H. Smith of Palm Beach; nieces, nephews and too many friends to count.

Anne was a long time member of St. Paul's Catholic Church where she was a member of the Ladies Guild, the Choir, the K of C Wives and the Christ Child Organizations. She also volunteered much time with the Catholic Social Service of Summit County.

Our family would like to publicly praise and thank the Nurses, Therapists and the entire supporting staffs of the Village of St. Edward's, Edwin Shaw Rehab Center, and the Copley Health Center for their fine work and positive attitudes in there last seven months.

Funeral service will be held Monday, 9:30 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Donatons may be made in Anne's name to any of the above mentioned organizations.
(Anthony Funeral Homes, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, May 15, 2011, page B5, col. 5]

Pray for vocations, send a card

The Vatican has called for the 48th World Day of Prayer for Vocations to be observed May 15, the fourth Sunday of Easter, commonly known as Good Shepherd Sunday.

Pope Benedict XVI set the theme for the occasion, “Proposing Vocations in the Local Church,” in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The theme underscores the responsibility of all in the local Church to foster vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. The message notes that parish priests, families, catechists and youth ministers are invited to take advantage of “every moment in the life of the Church community” for prayer and pastoral activity that give children and young people a sense of “belonging to the Church and of responsibility for answering the call to priesthood and religious life by a free and informed decision.”

“We all have a responsibility to invite young people to consider if God is calling them to the priesthood or consecrated life,” said Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “Such a call challenges our deepest convictions and leads to the discovery of the deepest truth about ourselves.Those who are being called by God deserve our prayers and encouragement to respond generously and without reservation.”

Also it might be a good time to send a card or note to our favorite priest as a “thank you” for their contiued prayerful service.

Click here to download a list of addresses for priests

More than 300 vote at Invention Convention

First place winners Brady Baldwin, Austin Leslie, Michael Roberts, Matt Bisesi and Marco Colant celebrate.

More than 300 ballots were submitted to choose the winning projects of St. Paul Scnool Invention convention on Friday evening in the Parish Activity Center.

Coming in first for the third year in a row were a group of eighth graders who call themselves “BAMMM” for the first initiial of their names: "B"rady Baldwin, "A"ustin Leslie, "M"ichael Roberts, "M"att Bisesi and "M"arco Colant. BAMMM's first place invention was "The CAR-bine" The Car-bine enabled you to convert your car into a wind energy powered vehicle.

Second place went to CGT Industries - Chris Kuhn, Gabe Lidderdale and Tyler Broske. These sixth graders invented "The Solar Powered A.L.M. (automatic lawn mower). This would mow your lawn automatically while you attended to other chores or activities.

Third place winner was Hydration Corporation - Mickey Altomare, Jeremy Swords, Cannon Morgan, Faith Chrostowski and Leanne Casserlie. These eighth graders invented the "Tempo-Cup." The Tempo-Cup would turn any beverage placed in the cup hot or cold depending on your desired temperature.

Jud Hartman, along with the other staff members of St. Paul - Mrs. Janet Hazlett, Mr. Sean Collins, Mrs. Shelly Pixler, Mrs. Ann Wright, Mrs. Ruth Dietzel, Mrs. Erin Bennett,and principal Robert Brodbeck, enlightened the St. Paul community of the talents and creativity of fourth through eighth grade science students.

Market Day sale makes $593; Gift card won for sales

The most recent St. Paul Market Day sale on May 4 was a great success;St Paul PTO made $593.25.Our January sales figures also were up over last year and as a “reward” Market Day awarded St. Paul a $250 Barnes and Noble gift card, which was presented to principal Robert Brodbeck to be used as the school sees fit. Our total profit for this school year so far is $4,093.11. Please look for your flier for our next sale, June 1, in the church narthex, in your child’s school papers/back pack or go online to marketday.com to place your next order. There are great sale items and it's getting close to grillin' time...great for Father's Day! Cut-off for getting your order in on line is Friday May 27 at 11 pm.
[Info from Tom Cullison – 330 724 3218]