St. Paul has contributed to religious community

Update of August 22 post to include more names

St. Paul has contributed a share of young people to the religious life. Here is a list of those who professed vows as consecrated religious. It was provided by one of them, Thomas Hull of Chicago. Hull is an associate Dominican with the Sinsinawa congregation. He graduated from St. Paul in 1959, Hoban in 1963, and Notre Dame in 1972. From 1958-1963, Hull worked with Sr. Richard in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as it grew from a tiny operation through being the liturgical center of the parish.

Hull began teaching in 1967 at the Gibault School for (delinquent) Boys in Terre Haute, Indiana, and was moved to Chicago where he taught high school and university studies for 41 years. Currently as a retired person, Hull is involved in street ministry, not preaching - but listening, as well as advocating for the voiceless creatures.

Here is the list:

Sister M, Paul (Mildred) NIeberding, OP
Sister M. Eileen (Rosemary)Pentecost, OP
Sister M. Ronald (Elaine) Eggert OP
Sister M. Camllle (Frances) Cuenin, OP
Sister M, Robert (Maryagnes) Slatlery, OP
Sister M. Roberta (Mary) Lorson, OP
Sister M. Marcella (Juanita) Henley. OP
Sister M. Rosalie (Rosemary) Henley, OP
Sister M. Martina Orton, OP
Sister M. Damlan (Mary Ellen) Paulus, OP
Sister M. Clement (Peggy) Peppemey, OP
Sister M. Judine (Margaret) Hager. OP
Sister M. de Lourdes (Claudia) Wisniewski, OP
Sister M. Ferrer (Annette) Roman, OP
Sister M. Rosina (Caroiyn) Stith, OP
Sister M. Verona Little, OP
Sister M. Thoma Martin. OP
Sister M. Esther (Jean) Royer, OP
Sister M. Royelene (Jeanne) Hemnan , HM
Sister M. Guadalupe Speltman. CSA

Sister M. Martina (Rosemary) Orton, OP
Sister M. Thoma (Joan) Martin, OP
Sister M. Ursula (Caroline) Hoefel, OP
Sister M. Agatha (Mary Barbara) Miller, OP
Sister M. Rosaire (Rose) Miller, OP
Sister M. Guadalupe (Betty) Spellman, CSA who is now
Sister Marguirite Marie, VHM (the only cloistered vocation, as far as I know)

Brother Michael John Guistino, CSC
Brother Thomas Patrick Hull, CSC
Brother Michael Robert Coudriet, CSC
Father Cecil V. Diethrich, OSB
Brother Edward Grinder, OSB
Brother Edmund Sullivan, SSP
Mr. James Leonard, SJ
Fr. Raymond Bauer
Brother Fidelis Baer, C. PP. S

Fr. Charles John Lees, SM
Fr. Daniel Fickes

The Angelus

The Angelus is a devotional practice commemorating the mystery of the Incarnation, the Son of God becoming the Son of Mary for our salvation. It is recited three times a day – morning, noon, evening – traditionally at the sound of a bell. The name "Angelus" comes from the first words of the prayer in Latin: "ANGELUS DOMINI 
[Note: You can call this up anytime by clicking on the "Angelus" label at left below]

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death.

V. And the Word was made Flesh.

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

R. Amen

Scouts get badges at Court of Honor

St. Paul Boy Scout Troop 81 at the Court of Honor ceremony on Sunday, August 28. receiving their ranks and badges. From left are Quinn Michalic, Steven Cook, Christopher Kuhn, Adam Bugaski, Ryan Canan, Marcus and Logan Bender. [Photos by Kim Kuhn]

Troop #81 is now selling popcorn for their annual fundraiser. (for the next few weeks only) Anyone interested please contact Kim Kuhn via email at Chrisnkim2@sbcglobal.net or 330-714-3701. Many varieties and pricing options available.

Scouts of Troop 81 (from left) are Quinn Michalic, Marcus Bender, Ryan Canan, Christopher Kuhn, Steven Cook and Logan Bender. Not pictured is Adam Bugaski.

Pope: Art is an open door to the infinite

Gathering to celebrate life of Richard Ruegg

The family of the late Richard Ruegg will celebrate his life at a gathering at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, in the Parish Activity Center. Richard, son of Beatrice and the late George Ruegg, died June 15 at dthe age of 65.

Here is the notice from the family:

This will be a time to celebrate the life of "one hell of a guy"! It will be a very informal gathering, with a party atmosphere. Richard expressed to many of us, that this is meant to be an uplifting and fun night.

Cake, coffee, water and some sort of punch will be provided. BYOB and an appetizer or snack item to share as well as any favorite stories or special pictures that will be sure to bring Richard right to the party.

Anyone wanting Brian, Richard’s youngest son, to try to include a certain picture, etc. in the DVD he is preparing should send them ASAP to bruegg75@insight.rr.com He will do his best to accommodate as much as possible into this tribute DVD that he has been working on for quite some time now.

(If you bring pictures, please have your name and address on the back so they can be returned.)



Here is the obituary published at the time of his death:

Richard Ruegg of West Chester. loving father of Brian (Alexandra) Ruegg, Jeffery (Tracy) Ruegg and Dale Ruegg. Proud grandfather of Collin, Julia and Daniel. Beloved son of Beatrice and the late George Ruegg. Dear brother of Diane (David) Zak, Michael (Colletta) Ruegg, Dennis Ruegg, Donald (Linda) Ruegg, David (Cheryl) Ruegg, Martin (Jeanne) Ruegg, Mark (Buffy) Ruegg and the late Dale Ruegg. Proud retiree of General Electric, serving as General Manager. Died June 15 at age 65. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday June 18, 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist, 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. West Chester, Ohio 45069 where family and friends will be received from 9:30 AM until the hour of Mass. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family suggests memorial donations be made to Kidney Cancer Association. www.tuftsschildmeyer.com

St. Paul blog viewed from all over

There is a little gadget on this blog that shows where our viewers are located. There is no way to know if any of the viewers are parishioners, but here are locations of a few of the widespread overnight viewers:

Melbourne, Australia
Dac Lac, Hanoi, Vietnam
Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Mountain View, California
Dahlonega, Georgia
Skokie, Illinois
Leasburg, Missouri
Sparks, Nevada
North Olmsted, Ohio
Westlake, Ohio
Grapeview, Washington

Today is memorial of St. John the Baptist

The life and ministry of St. John the Baptist is told in all four Gospels, but St. Luke is the most complete, giving as he does the wonderful circumstances accompanying the birth of the Precursor and items on his ministry and death..

Zachary, the father of John the Baptist, was a priest of the course of Abia. His mother, Elizabeth,, "was of the daughters of Aaron", according to St. Luke who calls her the "cousin" of Mary. A Persian text calls her "mother's sister."

The birth of John the Baptst was announced in a most striking manner. Zachary and Elizabeth, as we learn from St. Luke, "were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame; and they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren". Long they had prayed that their union might be blessed with offspring; but, now that "they were both advanced in years", the reproach of barrenness bore heavily upon them. "And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, according to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: and thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice in his nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord; and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias; that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people"

As Zachary was slow in believing this startling prediction, the angel, making himself known to him, announced that, in punishment of his incredulity, he should be stricken with dumbness until the promise was fulfilled. "And it came to pass, after the days of his office were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days, Elizabeth his wife conceived, and hid herself five months" (1:23-24).

As to the date of the birth of John the Baptist, nothing can be said with certainty. The Gospel suggests that he was born about six months before Christ; but the year of Christ's nativity has not so far been ascertained. Nor is there anything certain about the season of Christ's birth, for it is well known that the assignment of the feast of Christmas to the twenty-fifth of December is not grounded on historical evidence, but is possibly suggested by merely astronomical considerations.

Of John's early life St. Luke tell us only that "the child grew, and was strengthened in
spirit; and was in the deserts, until the day of his manifestation to Israel"

Read the entire article in the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Read also the Saint of the day.

Fr. Ralph Thomas at the 8:30 a.m. Mass today recalled the proud history of St. John the Baptist Church at 1034 Brown Street. Bishop Richard Lennon said the final Mass there on Saturday, Ocdober 31, 2009, at 4 p.m. Many of the parishioners there are now St. Paul parishioners

Stankards celebrating 55th anniversary

Jackie and Ray Stankard, who were married in St. Paul Church, are celebrating their 55th anniversary. This item appeared in the Celebrations section of the Akron Beacon Journal Sunday on page E5:

Congratulations Jackie and Ray on 55 years of love and family that began on September 1, 1956 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Akron. Your love has grown into a family of four sons and daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren. We appreciate the example of love and marriage that you show us all every day. Love always, Mark,
Laura and Connor; Mike, Karen, Ryan and Tom; Jeff, Gina, Shea and Jack; Jim, Tammy, Abby, Alex and Anna.

Mass in memory of Beatrice DiDonato

Descendants of Beatrice DiDonato attending Mass in her memory

More than 20 descendants of Beatrice DiDonato attended the 9 a.m. Mass in her memory on Sunday which would have been her 105th birthday. She had seven children, 11 grandchildern and 26 great-grandchildren. Among those attending the Mass were her surviving children: Daughter Mary and sons Tony (Jane), Rudy (Patti), Eugene (Bonnie) and Bob.

Beatrice died on June 29, 2000 at the age of 94 and is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Born in Rivisondoli, Italy, she had been a resident of Akron for 71 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leopold, and twin daughters, Maxine and Joanne (Staats).

Taking up the gifts were Brent Walton, Elizabeth Heimbaugh and Nick DiDonato, the three older children in the front row.

Students register for PSR classes

Jennifer Floyd signs up sons Michael, 9, a fourth grader, and Joshua, 6, a first grader, for Parish School of Religion classes. Registering the students are Daniele Hertzig ad Jennifer Teffner.

[Photo by Tony DiDonato

Exchanging greetings after 9 a.m. Mass

Parishioners (from left) Frances Lupica, Betty Taber and Claire Harbarger exchange greetings after the 9:am Mass on Sunday.



[Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Bishop Sheen exhibit opens September 10

An exhibit on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will open at 2 p.m. September. 10 at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 1051 Robinson Ave., Barberton.

The exhibit, A Voice Crying Out on the Airwaves: A Prophet for Our Time, highlights Sheen’s charismatic preaching ministry. It includes photographs, multimedia presentations and liturgical vesture and vessels.

Sheen, an Illinois native and Emmy Award winner, offered answers to everyday problems in his television ministry Life Is Worth Living. The series ran from 1952 to 1957 and reached as many as 10 million viewers.

Sheen died in 1979 and his cause for canonization for sainthood was opened in 2002.

The local exhibit, which runs through Oct. 2, is being opened in conjunction with the annual St. Nicholas Church Festival. The festival will feature ethnic foods, baked goods, games, raffles, live music and children’s activities.

Festival and exhibit hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 10. After the festival, exhibit hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Group appointments are available by calling 216-536-4475.

For information, visit http://www.stnickbyz.com.

[Source: Beacon Journal column of religion writer Colette M. Jenkins]

Market Basket helps provide 30 books

Due to the generous support of our parishioners through our St. Paul School Market Day Program, St. Paul School was awarded a gift card from Barnes and Noble Book Stores for $250 to purchase new books for the library. A total of 30 new books were purchased for the use and enjoyment of our students.

Schedule of 'Come and See' programs

Here is the schedule for Come and See programs at Blessed Trinity Parish (formerly St. Martha), 300 Tallmadge Ave.:

October 4, 2011
Tribunal First Step Program and the Annulment Process
Lynette Tait, judge of Diocesan Tribunal, Cleveland Diocese

November 8, 2011
Teach Us to Pray
Father Daniel Schlegel, pastor of Holy Angels, Chagrin Falls

December 6, 2011
The Lives of the Saints: Comfort in Difficult Times
Father Michael B. Smith, pastor of Immaculate Conception, Kenmore

January 3, 2012
In God’s Image: Created as Radical Events of God
Sister Mary Ann Wiesemann-Mills, OP

February 7, 2012
The Life You Change Could be Your Own
Father Andrew Turner, Parochial Vicar of St. John Neumann, Strongsville

March 6, 2012
How to Forgive When You Don’t Feel Like It
Victoria Gutbrod, M.A., PCC.-SUPV Emerge Ministries

April 10, 2012
Happy & Whole in a Hookup World: A Catholic Approach to Sexuality & Relationships
Bill Boomer, Director of Marriage & Family Office, Cleveland Diocese

May 1, 2012
Getting to the Heart of Our Catholic Identity
Father Norm Douglas, co-founder of Heart to Heart Communications

June 5, 2012
Why Does God Allow Pain & Suffering?
Mary Lou Beers, Sacramental Coordinator of St. Mary Magdalene, Willowick

For More Information:
www.dioceseofcleveland.org/summit
330-773-7621 or 330-376-5144
lindaahart@aol.com

When they skated in Boeke Hall

Recalling the days he served at St. Paul with Msgr. Clement Boeke, Fr. Lawrence J. Bayer writes:

“I remember when we used the lower social hall (now Boeke Hall) for Sunday roller skating. It was very popular. The architect told Msgr. Boeke the floor would be ruined. The monsignor replied: I would rather wear out the tiles than ruin the souls of our children.”

Fr. Bayer, now retired and living in Strongsville, concludes: “Very typical of him, don’t you think.

Fr. Bayer is among those in the 1958 photo (below) of the 22 nuns who were on the faculty at the time of dedication of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel which is now the Parish Activity Center.

Fr. Bayer, now 79, was ordained on May 24, 1958 and his first assignment was at St. Paul. He remained at St. Paul until June 1963 when he was assigned to Assumption Parish in Broadview. He also served at University Hospital and St. Charles Borromeo before he was named pastor of St. Bridget of Kildare in Parma. He served there from February, 1976 until his retirement in January, 2005.

An update on photo of 22 nuns

This photo of the 1958-1959 faculty of St. Paul School was published on October 6, 1958 in the Akron Beacon Journal in a full-page feature to commemorate the blessing of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel-- and the beginning of the parkish celebration of 39 years as a faith community in Firestone Parl. Auxiliary Bishop John J. Krol presided at the October 19 dedication of the chapel which is now the Parish Activity Center.

The photo shows 22 Dominican Sisters who where on the faculty of St. Paul School outside the south entrance of the Chapel.

The Beacon Journal in an October 5 story headlined “St. Paul’s: A Success Story on Huge Scale” reported that “the 750-seat chapel included seven classrooms above and a beautiful social hall in the basement below.” A large photo of Msgr. Clement Boeke, who was pastor, was published with the story.

The school had grown from 157 pupils when it opened in 1926 to 1,550 and was the largest in the Akron area and third largest in the Cleveland Diocese

Saint Paul TODAY is posting the photo again to add an updated identification photo below. Any information would be appreciated

Priests for Life Director to talk on abortion

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, will lead a Day of Reflection at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wooster entitled "Building a Culture of Life: Ending Abortion in Our Lifetime," beginning with Mass at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Seotember 17. The event will conclude at 2 p.m. Admission at the half-day event is free but you must reserve a spot either by picking up a ticket at the St. Mary church office or calling to reserve one (330-264-8824). Box lunches for $5 will be available. For more information: www.stmarywooster.org

Pregnancy Center needs formula

The Community Pregnancy Center in Barberton is running low on formula for “our” babies and is in need of Similac Advance 12.4 ounce cans of powder formula
(blue can). The center typically goes through 55-60 cans of this formula each month. Thank you in advance for your generosity and God bless you for your love and support of the tiny ones who need our help. Drop them off at the rectory or call the center at 330-825-1900. The center is at 1058 Wooster Rd. West between the West Theater and 22nd St. The center is on the corner of Wooster Rd. and Lindbergh Dr.

Spiral of violence

We are all complicit in and benefit from what Dorothy Day called “the dirty rotten system.” That’s not condemning anybody; it’s condemning everybody because we are
all complicit and enjoying the fruits of domination and injustice. (Where were your shirts and underwear made?) Usually the only way to be really non-complicit in the
system is to choose to live a very simple life. That’s the only way out! Thus most of the great wisdom teachers like Gandhi, Saints Francis and Clare, Simone Weil, Dorothy Day, Jesus and Buddha—lived voluntarily simple lives. That’s almost the only way to stop bending the knee before the system. This is a truly transfigured life in cultures which are always based on climbing, consumption, and competition
(1 John 2:15-17). Once we idealize social climbing, domination of others, status symbols, power, prestige, and possessions, we are part of a never-ending game that is almost impossible to escape. It has its own inner logic that is self-maintaining,
self-perpetuating, and self-congratulating, as well as elitist and exclusionary. It will never create a just or happy world, yet most Christians never call it into question. Jesus came to free us from this lie, which will never make us happy anyway, because it’s never enough, and we never completely win. Transfiguration is just another
word for utter transformation.
[Adapted from Spiral of Violence: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil]

Bulletin notices needed early

Due to the Labor Day holiday and vacation, if you have any bulletin announcements for the weeks of September 4 or September 11, please submit them to the rectory as soon
as possible, either through email, fax or drop off. Thank you for your cooperation

Email: stpaulakr@sbcglobal.net

FAX 330-724-7680

Catholic Schools collection this weekend

As our children return for another school year, we are reminded of the wonderful opportunity for a Catholic Education that is available at St. Paul. Through our Day School and PSR we have the privilege of passing on the faith to our youth and to continue “Educating in the Light of Christ.” This weekend is the Collection for
Catholic Schools. As always we ask that you be as generous as possible and we thank you sincerely for your donations.

Banns of Marriage

II Alan Boggs and Nellie Kremer
I Jason Bowling and Julie Johnson

Mass intentions for August 27 - September 4

SATURDAY, August 27 St. Monica
8:00am Intention of the Celebrant
4:30pm Ralph & Betty Tawney +
SUNDAY, August 28 Twenty-second Sunday Ordinary Time
7:30am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
9:00am Beatrice DiDonato +
11:00am Rhonda Zeno + (anniv.)
MONDAY, August 29 The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Cyril, Rose, & Charles Gersna +
TUESDAY, August 30 Weekday
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Sandra Cook & John Craven +
WEDNESDAY, August 31 Weekday
7:00am Ralph C. Young +
8:30am Intention of the Celebrant
5:30pm Harry Price Family
THURSDAY, September 1 Weekday
7:00am Kent Brodbeck +
8:30am Joseph J. Dettorre +
FRIDAY, September 2 Weekday
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Rose & Jack Schiavone +
SATURDAY, September 3 St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
8:00am Intention of the Celebrant
4:30pm Lisa Foster +
SUNDAY, September 4 Twenty-third Sunday Ordinary Time
7:30am Anna Karl +
9:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
11:00am Millie Borisuk +

Staff introduced at student Mass

Principal Robert Brodbeck introduced members of the faculty and staff of St. Paul School at the first student Mass of the year at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Student masses are held on Fridays during the school year.

Fr. Ralph Thomas also talked to the teachers and students. He urged students to remember the importance of attending Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning each week.

PTO to elect president in October.

Final nominations for president of St. Paul PTO will be at the September meeting with a vote in October, it was decided at the first PTO meeting of the year Thursday evening in Boeke Hall..

Principal Robert Brodbeck reported school enrollment is down 1o 199 which includes 19 in pre-kindergarten. Last year there were approximately 200, not including pre-kindergarten. He encourages families to spread the word about “our jewel” in Firestone Park known as St, Paul School. He said he would like to find someone in the parish with a marketing background to help spread the word and increase enrollment.

New signs to promote the school have been placed on the building wall next to the north parking lot and on the Parish Activity Center next to the south parking lot.

Brodbeck said work is being done to update the school website to make it more enticing to parents. Edline.net has become a large expense and an alternative at a lower cost has been found. Grades will be posted to Grade Line this year. Christine Ehasz will be sending home information to parents. The principal reported that Heidi Guttermuth is back as music director and will be teaching youth cantors and a handbell choir along with Tim Longfellow.

Only 16 people responded to a survey on meeting attendance. Respondents said reminders sent home in book bags are timely and that published agendas would encourage more attendance. All said they were aware when the meetings take place, but there was a mixed response on whether the meeting time was convenient.

The PTO decided not to have a candy sale this year. The candy sale, which generated $9,000 for the school last year, will be replaced by a Walk-a-thon on Thursday afternoon, October 6. The PTO will sell T-shirts to be worn on the walk. All students, faculty and parent volunteers will walk for about one mile around Firestone Park wearing the orange T-shirts. About 200 students plus adults in orange T-shirts will be walking together to make the school’s presence known in the neighborhood. The PTO will promote the event with signage. A Walk-a-thon committee meetng is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wedneday, August 31, in the Parish Activity Center.

Here is the PTO fund-raising events schedule:

August : Uniform Exchange
September : Candle Sale and Save Around coupon book
October : WALK-A-THON
November : Fall Family Dance
December : Breakfast with Santa and Santa Shop
January : Uniform Exchange
February : Taste of the Parish
March : St. Patrick’s Day Family Dance
May : Uniform Exchange

A report of treasurer Celeste Shaffer showed a balance of $15,350. There were a few deposits in August totaling $1,159 (uniform exchange, Market Day and cookbook sale from St. Paul Credit Union). Expenses over the Summer totaled $1,3282 for receptions, awards, luncheon and graduation.

The meeting was opened with prayer by vice president Mary Johnson.
[Source: Karen DuVall, PTO secretary]

Second collection is for communication

The second collection this weekend is for the Catholic Communication Campaign.
Half of the collection stays in the diocese to support its communication needs.

The web site of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website, www.usccb.org, is designed, maintained and supported by the campaign. Catholic News Service, whose articles are posted on the parish facebook page, also is supported.

You should find envelopes (see above) in the narthex for your donation.

Blog Note: The Saint Paul TODAY blog is completely free and receives no funds from any source.

Booklet explains new Mass texts fpr teens

One of the nice new publications to aid in preparing for changes in the liturgy which are coming the first Sunday of Advent (November 26) is this new 47-page booklet from Liturgy Training Publications.

"What's New About the Mass for Teens" includes the new prayers and responses, the reason for the new translation, explanation of words we say at Mass, the parts of the Mass and their meaning and a brief history of the Mass.

It is available online for $1.50

See Liturgy Publications

Sign promotes St. Paul School

This is a new sign on the building wall of St. Paul School photographed from the north parking lot.

Dr Scott Hahn to speak at St. Hilary

Dr. Scott Hahn will speak at St. Hilary Parish in Fairlawn on Wednesday, October 9, from 7 to 8:30 PM. An exceptionally popular speaker, teacher and author, Dr. Hahn has delivered numerous talks nationally and internationally and written many books on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. These talks and books have been effective in helping thousands of Protestants and fallen-away Catholics to (re)embrace the Catholic faith. Currently a Professor of Theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and founder and director of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Dr. Hahn has personal and professional experience in both the Protestant and Catholic faiths.

In his presentation at St. Hilary Parish, Dr. Hahn will discuss the relationship between the Bible and the Mass and how the upcoming changes to the liturgy will deepen the worship experience. The public is invited to attend this event.

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased by sending a check payable to St. Hilary Parish and self-addressed stamped envelope to “St. Hilary Catholic Parish” at 2750 West Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333. For more information, please contact Marita Gore at 330.204.4308 or maritagore@roadrunner.com.

Cantors begin practicing new music

From left are Don Howe (back to camera) Cheryl Hodnichak, Jesse Bobbit and music director Heidi Guttermuth

Cantors got together in the church Wednesday evening to practice new music to be used with the new Roman Missal introduction.

Changes in the liturgy and music with the new Roman Missal are scheduled for the first Sunday of Advent, November 26, but the bishops have given permission to start introduction of the new music texts.

Music director Heidi Guttermuth said she would like to have six or seven cantors. She would like to listen to singers of junior high age (for junior cantor ministry) and adult age (for adult cantor ministry) who do not mind rehearsing to learn new music and can commit to one or two Masses a month. Please contact Heidi via email at hguttermuth@sbcglobal.net or call 330-733-0478.

The next practice for cantors is Wednesday, September 21, at 7 p.m. in the church.

Mass for Frank Szilagyi is Saturday

Frank Szilagyi, 86, passed away on August 23, at the Chapel Hill Community in Canal Fulton.

Born in Akron on November 30, 1924 to the late John and Katie Szilagyi, Frank had been a lifetime area resident. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Glenmount Council #3410. Frank retired from the Galat Packing Co., where he had worked as a meat cutter. He was an avid golfer and bowler.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Connie in 2006. He is survived by his children, Randy of Canal Fulton, Darlene Cross of Las Vegas, Nev., and Rickard Szilagyi of Florida; devoted caregiver and daughter-in-law, Lynn Szilagyi and daughter-in-law, Shirley Szilagyi; devoted grandsons, Ryan and Adam, as well as grandchildren, Emily, Lisa, Jason, and Brandon; and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the caregivers and nurses from both the Chapel Hill Care Center and the Mercy Hospice for all of the wonderful care given to Frank.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, where VFW Post 3383 will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Mercy Hospice 7568 Whipple Ave. NW, N. Canton, OH 44720.
Anthony Funeral Homes Akron, anthonyfh.com 330.724.1281
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Wednesday, August 24, 2011, page B5, col. 6]

Mass for 'Judy' (Colant) Hafler is Thursday

Julia "Judy" Hafler (Colant), 74, passed away peacefully Friday, August 19, 2011 at Akron City Hospital with her husband at her side. Judy was born November 15, 1936 to Mario and Providenza (Bonde) Colant and was an Akron resident her entire life.

She was a 1955 graduate of St. Vincent High School and a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She humbly ministered at the church food pantry for many years and was a bingo caller at church bingo.

Judy was preceded in death by an infant son; and her brother, Anthony Colant; and leaves behind her loving husband and dance partner of 51 years, Thomas; son, Eugene (DeeDee), Raymond (Kelly), Fritz (Michelle) and Peter; siblings, Joan (Jim) Ballway, Joe (Margaret) Colant and Vincent (Shirley) Colant; sister-in-law, Anita Colant; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (John) Mullahy, Helen (Russell) Brownlee, Grace (Henry) Dobersztyn; grandchildren, Anthony (Ashley), Samantha, Leslie, Brianna, Brenden, Cassidy and Alexia; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Judy was an amazing homemaker and all around pro at playing cards often hosting or attending card parties with friends. She enjoyed teaching her grandkids the many ways of playing solitaire and dominoes. She loved having the family over for holidays, going to breakfast after Sunday Mass and an occasional trip to local wineries. Judy will be remembered for her generosity, big heart, beautiful smile and indisputable love for God and his people. She will be missed beyond measure.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy's memory may be made to the charity of your choice. (Anthony Funeral Home 330.724.1281. www.anthonyfh.com)
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Tuesday, August 23, 2011]

Memories of St. Paul 1957-63

In 1957, Pius XII was pope, Edward F. Hoban was bishop, Dwight Eisenhower was president, the Soviet Union put Sputnik in space, a loaf of bread was 20 cents, a gallon of milk was 95 cents, a Hershey bar was 5 cents and a stamp was 3 cents.

Tom Hull of Chicago, a former parishioner, writes his memories of St. Paul School back in 1957-63 when it was the largest Catholic school in the area.. There were 22 Dominican sisters on the faculty which taught 1,550 students.

(See our earlier article with a photo of the faculy in 1958.)

Read Hull's story

Kids Fun Run scheduled for September 24.

The Akron Marathon Kids Fun Run, a one-mile fun run for children 14 years old and younger, is scheduled for Saturday, September 24. The race is noncompetitive and is intended to teach children that exercise and running can be healthy and fun. Each child will receive a free T-shirt, medallion and goodie bag.

Race day registration is available on Saturday, September 24, beginning at 7:45 a.m. at Spaghetti Warehouse located at 510 S. Main Street. Registration and check-in is at 8 a.m. with pre-race activities at 8:15. The race starts at 9 a.m. and will finish a Lock 3.

Register online at www.akronmarathon.org, Click on Kids Fun Run.

For more information go to www.akronmarathon.org

Birmingham Bishop sends thanks to St. Paul

St. Paul School has received a "thank y ou" letter from the Bishop of Birmingham, AL, for the gift of $1,500 and supplies which were delivered on June 18 by principal Robert Brodbeck and Fr. Ralph Thomas on a trip to Birmingham. Here is the letter:

Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
212 Third Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Mr. Robert A. Brodbeck
St. Paul School
1580 Brown St
Akron OH 44301

Dear Mr. Brodbeck and St. Paul School,

Many thanks for your kind and wonderfully generous gift of $1,445.00 to the "Bishop's Disaster Relief Fund." Your compassion and generosity will go a long way to help people in distress as a result of the recent devastating tornadoes that hit the State of Alabama.

Please know that you are in my prayers, and I ask your prayers for all who lost loved ones, experienced personal injury, or suffered the loss of homes, businesses and livelihood.

God bless you all for your thoughtfulness and your prayers!

Very gratefully yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Robert J. Baker, S.T.D.
Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama

RJB/wzs

World Youth Day 2013 will be in Rio

Madrid, Spain (CNA/EWTN News).- Rio de Janeiro in Brazil will host World Youth Day in 2013, Pope Benedict XVI told a million young pilgrims after celebrating Mass at Mardrid’s Cuarto Vientos airbase on August 21.

“Even now, let us ask the Lord to assist all those who will organize it and to ease the journey there of young people from all over the world, so that they will be able to join me in that beautiful city of Brazil,” the Pope said in comments following his midday Angelus prayer.

Brazilians who had come to Spain for World Youth Day 2011 felt overjoyed after hearing the morning announcement.

“We are very happy because the Papa has announced this,” said 18-year-old Felipe Vilvert of Parana, Brazil, to CNA.

“This is more important than the World Cup, Rock in Rio or the Olympics. So we Brazilians are all very happy, very happy today.”

Rio will host the soccer World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games two years later.

The World Youth Day cross – a fixture at the events since 1984 – changed hands after the announcement, as Spanish young people gave it to a group from Brazil.

“I hope to see you again in two years’ time at the next World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,” said the Pope, bidding farewell in Brazil's native Portuguese language.

“Till then, let us pray for each other, witnessing to the joy that brings forth life, rooted in and built upon Christ. Until we meet again, my dear young people! God bless you all!”

Talking with the pastor

Dave and Diane Clute talk with Fr Ralph Thomas . Both were extraordinary ministers at the 11 a.m. Mass. [Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Selling fair trade coffee, teas

Joe Pappano looks over the coffees and teas that are available at the trade fair counter. Kathleen Deger is in charge.
[Tony DiDonato photo]

Greetings after the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass

Jack Willamson (right) greets Jason Samulak and his children Jason & Sarah after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday. Jason is grandson of Len Samulak, a deceased parishoner. [Photo by Tony DiDonato]

Mass for Margaret Hamric is Tuesday

Margaret Hamric, 92, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Margaret was born July 6, 1919 to John and Angela (Stefaniak) Ringkor in Stow and had been a resident in Firestone Park most of her life. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and the St. Paul Ladies Guild. She and her late husband Clarence were active Square and Round Dancers and Margaret seldom passed up an opportunity to play Bingo.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence and daughter, JoAnn Young, and is survived by her children, Judith (Robert) Cooper, Paul (Linda) Hamric, Mark (Marian) Hamric, Linda Johnson, Richard Hamric and Teresa (Lindsay) Blume; son-in-law, Jim Young; grandchildren, Paul Malagrida II, Michelle Conley, Michael and Justin Hamric, Nikki Smith, Tony Hamric, Melanie Lautenschlager, Daniel and Steve Carter and Janet James; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Gianna Malagrida, Blake, Sadie and Serena Marsh and Mrina and Tony Dennis; and sister-in-law, Julia Ringkor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. Donations may be made to St. Paul School.
Anthony Funeral Homes 330.724.1281 www.anthonyfh.com
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, August 21, 2011, page B6, col. 1]

Pope has lunch with young people at WYD

Pope declares new doctor of church

CNA Daily News

Madrid, Spain -- Pope Benedict XVI has honored the 16th century Spanish priest St. John of Avila by naming him the 34th Doctor of the Catholic Church.

“In making this announcement here, I would hope that the word and the example of this outstanding pastor will enlighten all priests and those who look forward to the day of their priestly ordination,” said the Pope at the conclusion of a special World Youth Day Mass for seminarians at Madrid’s Cathedral of the Almudena on August 20.

St. John of Avila was born in 1500 in the town of Almodovar del Campo, 155 miles south of Madrid. A Christian of Jewish descent, he studied law at the University of Salamanca before being ordained a priest. He went on to become a great preacher, author and mystic, writing works that influenced St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Francis Borgia among others.

His best-known works include “Audi Fili,” a tract on Christian perfection, and his collected spiritual letters to his followers. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970, with his feast day falling on May 10.

The title of ‘Doctor of the Church’ is bestowed upon a saint whose writings are deemed to be of universal importance to the Church. The Pope must also declare the individual to be of “eminent learning” and “great sanctity.” Other Doctors of the Church include St. Augustine, St. John Chryosostom, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Catherine of Siena.

See biography

Download list of Doctors of Church from Saint Paul TODAY storage area.

Over $23,000 in scholarships awarded

Now in its 13th year, the Catholic Education Endowment Trust (CEET) has awarded more than $23,000 in scholarships to worthy elementary and high school students from across the Diocese of Cleveland.

The Trust (CEET) was established in 1976 by the Diocese of Cleveland to promote Catholic education, provide support for religious education programs, and to include tuition-aid scholarships to families with financial need who desire a Catholic education for their children.

The Bishops’ Scholarship for Excellence program awards six $2500 scholarships to current (at the time of application 10th and 11th graders applicable to their 11th and 12th grade years respectively and sixteen $800 scholarships to current (at time of application) 6th and 7th graders applicable to their 7th and 8th grade years, respectively. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria including an essay requirement.

News from the Unverse Bulletin

Check out the latest (August 19) edition of the Catholic Universe Bulletin:

Bishop announces collection for Africa on August 27-28
Bishop Richard Lennon announced a special collection August 27-28 to support emergency relief efforts for the Horn of Africa (Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia) which is suffering the worst drought in decades. The second collection will be channeled to Catholic Relief Services. A second collection this weekend is for Catholic Education.

St. Paul's Amedeo among deacon candidates
Bishop Lennon's column is headlined "Ministry of deacons touch us all." St. Paul's own John Amedeo was among 11 candidates who were admitted to Candidacy for Ordination in the Diaconate at the 5:30 p.m. Mass last Sunday at St. John Cathedral. This completed 10 months in the aspirancy program and candidates now will be preparing for many months for ordination. Names of the candidates were not listed in the column.

Football season opens
There are stories on the football teams from Archbishop Hoban, St. Vincent-St Mary and Walsh Jesuit in a preview of the new season. Here are the schedules:

Archbishop Hoban Knights
August 27 Gonzago, 7:30 p . m .
September 2 at Benedictine
September 9 Boardman
September 16 at Bishop Hartley
September 23 St Vincent -St Mary
September 30 Massilon, 7:30 p . m .
October 7 Walsh Jesuit
October 14 at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin
October 21 at Lake Catholic
October 28 Padua Franciscan

St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish
August 27 at Purcell Marian, 1 p.m.
September 2 at Walsh Jesuit
September 9 St. John’s
September 16 Euclid
September 23 at Archbishop Hoban
September 30 Garfield
October 7 at Marion Harding, 7:30 p.m.
October 14 Mooney
October 21 Buchtel
October 28 at Ursuline, 7:30 p.m.

Walsh Jesuit Warriors
August 26 at Louisville, 7:30 p.m.
September 2 St. Vincent-St. Mary
September 9 Columbus Bishop Watterson, 7:30 p.m.
September 24 at Lake Catholic
October 1 at Canisus, 2:30 p.m.
October 7 at Archbishop Hoban
October 14 Benedictine
October 21 at Padua Franciscan
October 28 Notre Dame Cathedral Latin

PTO to meet Thursday, August 25

St. Paul PTO will meet for the first time this school year on Thursday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall.

The PTO will be focusing on fund-raising olans and new events planned for this year.

The PTO is looking for a volunteer/nomination for PTO president. This office is currently open and is a two-year commitment.

Here is the agenda:

St Paul School PTO Meeting Agenda, August 25, 2010
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Boeke Hall

PTO Office Holders: Open, President; Mary Johnson, Vice-president; Celeste Shaffer, Treasurer; Karen DuVall, Secretary;

Welcome and Opening Prayer – Karen
Old business and approval of last meeting’s minutes- Karen
Nominations for new president - Karen
Discuss survey sent home at the end of last year regarding PTO Meeting attendance. -Karen
Treasurer’s Report - Celeste
Principal's Report - Mr. Brodbeck
New Business
A. Fundraiser Planning Meeting held in June – new initiatives
B. Walk-A-Thon
C. Taste of the Parish
D. Approval of yearly expenses (listed on Treasurer’s Report)
E. Miscellaneous. business
Adjournment and Closing Prayer

Historic photo is of 1958-1959 faculty

St. Paul School faculty 1958-1959

Thanks to Thomas Hull of Chicago, we now have a date for this photo of the Dominican Sisters outside the south entrance of the Parish Activity Center which was then the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. It was the 1958-1959 faculty of St. Paul. Below also are identifications of those in the photo which was put up on the Grade School facebook page by Mary Coffman Rodgers.

Here's the email from Thomas Hull:

Dear member of the world's finest parish, St. Paul, Akron:

The unidentified photo of the 1958-1959 faculty of St. Paul School was published in an early autumn issue of the ABJ to commemorate the blessing of the chapel, Blessed Sacrament Chapel of St. Paul Church -- presided over by Bishop John Krol -- and the beginning of the parochial celebration of forty years as a faith community in Firestone Park. Indeed, Msgr. Boeke was pastor. The short Sister standing next to him is Sister M. Rose Heller, superior and principal. One of the assigned Sisters in not in the shot, Sister M. Alice Kessler, housekeeper and cook for the large community.

If you would like I can identify each pictured faculty person, and grade taught. I am currently developing a history of the school at that time, particularly beginning in '57 before the move into the new wing. For instance, the sanctuary light as I see in the new church is the same that was first installed in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, but later refurbished under Fr. Koegel. Who was sacristan, when Masses were celebrated, etc. is part of the work in progress, if you don't mind my sharing the info.

For now, may we rejoice that a place has existed these many years, and been a huge source of grace for so many. My own tiny ascription is to the fact that adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament has been an elongated part of the parochial history, as well as community building in the name of the Gospel.

Blessings,
TOM HULL, Chicago

Learning the new music begins at St. Paul

Do you love to sing? St. Paul Music Ministry is going to be learning new music for the Mass in preparation of the adaption of the New Roman Missal text in our worship. Music director Heidi Guttermuth would like to listen to singers of junior high age (for junior cantor ministry) and adult age (for adult cantor ministry) who do not mind rehearsing to learn new music and can commit to one or two Masses a month. Please contact Heidi via email at hguttermuth@sbcglobal.net or call 330-733-0478. The next Cantor practice will be Wednesday (August 24) at 7 p.m. in the church.

Changes in the liturgy and music with the new Roman Missal are scheduled for the first Sunday of Advent, November 26, but the bishops have given permission to start introduction of the new music texts. You can see changes in the people’s parts of the Mass, which will begin November 26, by clicking on the link at left:
Changes (People’s Parts)

Adult walking at gym resumes Aug. 29

Adult walking at Jenkins Gym resumes Monday, August 29. Doors open at 7 a.m. to Jenkins Gym on Greenlawn Ave. The gym is open for parishioners to use for walking during the following hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday from 7:40 a.m. to noon, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:40 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. To maintain the gym floor, please do not walk in street shoes.

Rectory needs your event dates to avoid conflicts

If you are the leader of any organization or ministry at St. Paul, please submit a list of meeting dates, times and meeting locations for your group to the rectory as soon as possible either in person or through email. List all activities through December 31, 2011, so they can be placed on the calendar and avoid any scheduling conflicts. The rectory also would also like to have the name, phone number and email address of the contact person for your group to update information. If you have any questions, please call the rectory 330-724-1263.
The email address is stpaulakr@sbcglobal.net

Eucharistic minister schedules are available

The schedules for extraordinary ministers of Communion for September, October and November are in the room next to the organ. Please make sure to pick one up. If you are on the schedule but unable to serve, please arrange for a substitute. Questions, call Dora Weigand 330-773-7250.

Here are card party winners

The winner of the Ladies Guild raffle from the “You Are Our Shining Star” Card Party was Pauline Broske $200. The 50/50 winner of $229 was Laureen Krizovski. DThe Ladies Guild would like to thank all area businesses who donated prizes and to Ladies who attended donated gifts.or worked.

Upcoming events

Divorced, separated and widowed Catholics meet Monday
A "Caring and Sharing" session for those who are divorced, separated or widowed will be held on Monday, August 22, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary's Convent Building, 1945 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls. Marlene Maruna, a licensed independent social worker, will facilitate this session which is open at no charge to people of all faiths. For information call Frank 330-801-0527 or Sharon 330-612-3635

Catholic Family Day for Cleveland Indians fans is September 25
Join the Cleveland Indians for Catholic Family Day at Progressive Field on September 25. Pre-game Mass at 10:15 a.m. Lower reserve tickets $15. Purchase online at www.indians.com/catholicfamilyday. Enter the password “Catholic” or call the rectory for an order form.

PSR signups, Confirmation meeting are next Sunday

Parish School of Religion registration forms are being mailed out to families. If you have relocated since last year. please call the Religious Education Office at 330-724-9311 in order to update your record.

Sign-up for the St. Paul Parish School of Religion will be after the 9 and 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, August 28, in the Parish Activity Center.

There will be a meeting for all Confirmation candidates and 9arents after the 9 a.m. Mass in the Pariswh Activity Center.. Confirmation candidates only meet at Stonehedge, 580 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., for Confirmation activity from 5:30 tp 8 p.m. Parents are tp provide transportation.

Millions caught up in human trafficing

Millions of victims are caught up in human trafficking -- an umbrella term that includes forced labor, sex trafficking, bonded labor, involuntary domestic servitude and child soldiering. It's an increasing scourge in many countries, including the United States. As it continues to grow, it's becoming ever more sophisticated, posing challenges to those working against its evil forces. The Catholic Church and U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have joined other faith groups, businesses and nongovernmental organizations to support efforts to eliminate the root causes and markets that permit traffickers to flourish; to make whole the survivors of the crime; and to ensure that one day the practice of trafficking in human persons vanishes from the face of the earth. Their approach includes the "four P's": prevention, protection of the victims, prosecution of the perpetrators and partnerships to combat the problem from the grassroots up to the highest levels of civil and political authority. If you would like to become involved in the fight on a local level, you can call Collaborative Initiative to End Human Trafficking at 440-356 -2254. More information on human trafficking can be found at www.ohiocathconf.org and www.usccb.org.

Pope arrives for World Youth Day

Madrid, Spain (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Madrid for World Youth Day 2011, to the delight of a massive throng of young people. Over the next four days, he will meet and pray with over a million young pilgrims.

“I come as the Successor of Peter, to confirm them all in the faith, with days of intense pastoral activity, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life,” he said upon his midday arrival at Madrid’s Barajas Airport.

Pope Benedict was formally welcomed by a King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain along with Cardinal Rouco Varela of Madrid.

As military bands played the Spanish and Vatican national anthems, an honor guard composed of Spain’s military and, uniquely, a group of schoolboys dressed as mini-Swiss Guards met the Pope. Also there to welcome the pontiff were two thousand enthusiastic young pilgrims waving Spanish and papal flags.

King Juan Carlos thanked Pope Benedict for his third visit to Spain in his six years as pontiff, adding ,“we interpret this as a very special distinction for our country.” In return, the Pope described Spain as a country “rich in history and in culture through the vitality of its faith, which has borne fruit in so many saints over the centuries.”

Pope Benedict said that the hundreds of thousands of World Youth Day pilgrims were seeking an alternative to “the prevailing superficiality, consumerism and hedonism, the widespread banalization of sexuality, the lack of solidarity, the corruption,” and that “they know that, without God, it would be hard to confront these challenges and to be truly happy.”

“But, with God beside them, they will possess light to walk by and reasons to hope, unrestrained before their highest ideals, which will motivate their generous commitment to build a society where human dignity and true brotherhood are respected.”

During his four-day visit, Pope Benedict will attend a total of nine World Youth Day events. This will include leading young people in the Way of the Cross tomorrow, hearing their confessions on Saturday, and offering Mass for over a million pilgrims at Madrid’s Cuatro Vientos airport on Sunday.

Of the young pilgrims, the Pope said it gives him “great joy to listen to them, pray with them and celebrate the Eucharist with them,” because “they really have a future before them and are not afraid of the decisive.”

Hence, he said, “World Youth Day brings us a message of hope like a pure and youthful breeze, with rejuvenating scents which fill us with confidence before the future of the Church and the world.”

He then made his way to the papal nuncio’s residence in the popemobile. Pope Benedict was accompanied along the entire route by the cheers of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who chanted “Benedicto! Benedicto!” while showering the popemobile with confetti and balloons. Home-made banners were also in great evidence, with one displaying the message “From Madrid to Heaven with the Pope.”

World Youth Day is on live webcast

World Youth Day 2011: LIVE on Xt3.com

Xt3 has been webcasting some of the major World Youth Day events live from Madrid.

Pope Bededict XVI will be arriving in Madrid today so visit www.xt3.com/wyd to make sure you don’t miss out on all the action. You can also catch the WYD Stations of the Cross, and the Vigil with Pope Benedict XVI live on Xt3.com. Click here for the full schedule of live webcasts.

And don’t miss out on the World Youth Day Final Mass, where the Pope will announce the location of the next WYD. The WYD11 Final Mass will be webcast live on Xt3 on Sunday, August 1, 2011:

It's back to classes at St. Paul School

Teachers at St. Paul School started back today and students will return on Tuesday.

Here is the school calendar for 2011-12:

August 17 t o 22 First days of school for teachers
August 23 First day of school for students Gr K-8
(Staggered cchedule for Kindergarten)
September 5 NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
September 6 First day of school for pre-K
September 23 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
October 7 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
October 21 End of first quarter
November 2 t\o 10 Grade 1 Cognitive Abilities Tests
November 3 Parent-Teacher conferences
November 4 NO SCHOOL
November 2 3 , 2 4 , 2 5 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving vacation
DECEMBER 22 to NO SCHOOL -
January 3 Christmas vacation
January 4 Classes resume
January 1 3 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
January 16 NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day
January 20 End of second quarter
January 29 to February 4 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
February 9 Parent-Teacher conferences
February 10 NO SCHOOL
February 20 NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day
February 27 to March 15 Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (Grades 1-7)
March 16 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
March 30 End of third quarter
April 3 Writing Proficiency Tests - Grades 3,,5,7
April 6 NO SCHOOL
April 13 Easter Vacation
April 16 Classes resume
May 11 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day
May 28 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
June 1 Last day of dchool for Pre-k
June 4 Eighth Grade graduation
June 6 Final day of school - Grades K-7
June 7 Last day of school for teachers
June 8, 11, 12,13,14 Weather Emergency Days

Heidi Guttermuth named music director

Heidi Guttermuth has been appointed music director of St. Paul, the pastor, Fr. Ralph Thomas, announced today.

She will be responsible for the music that will be used when the new Roman Missal changes are introduced on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27, and will train adult and junior cantors (junior high through high school age). She also will be responsible for coordinating parish musicians, a junior-high-age handbell choir, and providing organ and piano music for the 4:30 p.m.and 11 a.m. Mass.

“I feel very blessed, indeed, to be returning home to minister to the parish through the gift of music,” she said.

Heidi, a mezzosoprano, received her B.A. in voice from Baldwin-Wallace College and has done advanced studies in voice at the University of Akron. She earned her service playing certificate from the American Guild of Organists in 2005.

She is the wife of Mark Bobbitt. Their children are: Carys Bobbitt, age 17, who attended St. Paul, Matthew Bobbitt, age 6 (Seiberling Elementary first grade), Jesse Bobbitt, age 12 (St. Paul School seventh grade) and William Bobbitt, age 15. Heidi and Mark have been members of St. Paul Parish since 1991.

Remember when there were 22 at St. Paul?

This photo was posted on the St. Paul Grade School facebook page and is supposedly the St. Paul School faculty in 1966. If that is Msgr. Boeke in the photo it would have to be before 1961 because that is the last year he served as pastor. Msgr. Gallagher was pastor until 1965. Fr. Clark was pastor in 1966 and that does not look like him. Anyone know for certain when the photo was taken? I count 22 sisters in the photo and as I recall there were about that number at our convent in 1965. Also in the photo (to help in dating it) are Fr. Lawrence J. Bayer 1958-1963 and Fr. Joseph Horan 1955-1962.

Scout meetings at St. Paul

St Paul Cub Scout Pack 3801 will start meeting again on Monday, August 22, at 6:30 p.m. in Boeke Hall. Current Cub Scouts and new scouts are encouraged to attend. Cub Scouts are first graders through fifth grade. Information will be available and you can talk with Cubmaster Tommy Barnett at this time.

Boy Scouts are also meeting every Monday from 6 to 7:30 in the scout room at the north end of the building. Scouts are 11 years old to 18 years old and do many activities throughout the year. Talk with Scoutmaster Bill Canan for more information.

Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption

The feast of the Assumption on August 15 is a public holiday in many countries. The capital city of Paraguay is named Asunción in honor of the Assumption of Mary. It was founded on August 15, 1537, by Juan de Salazar y Espinoza.

It is a major feast day and usually a Holy Day of Obligation, but not this year in the U.S.

The US bishops in 1991 amended the Church calendar by removing the obligation to attend Mass whenever January 1, August 15, or November 1 fell on a Saturday or a Monday. Their action was approved by the Holy See in 1992.

According to the belief of Christians, Mary was bodily taken up into Heaven at the end of her life. The Catholic Church teaches as dogma that the Virgin Mary "having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory." This doctrine was dogmatically and infallibly defined by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950, in his Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus.

Read the doctrine.

Likewise, the Second Vatican Council taught in the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium that "the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when her earthly life was over, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things (n. 59)."

The idea of the assumption of Mary into heaven after her death is first expressed in narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries. Even though these were never official, they bear witness to the very early belief in a teaching of the Catholic Church which was not formally defined as a dogma (a teaching essential to the Catholic faith) until 1950.

This belief is known as the Dormition of the Theotokos by the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

St. Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, at the Council of Chalcedon (451), made known to the Emperor Marcian and Pulcheria, who wished to possess the body of the Mother of God, that Mary died in the presence of all the Apostles, but that her tomb, when opened, upon the request of St. Thomas, was found empty; wherefrom the Apostles concluded that the body was taken up to heaven.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

"Finally; the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and \an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.”

The prayer for the feast reads: "All-powerful and ever-living God: You raised the sinless Virgin Mary, mother of your Son, body and soul, to the glory of heaven. May we see heaven as our final goal and come to share her glory."

Mateo Cerezo: Assumption of Mary oil on canvas, 237 x 169 cm by Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain

Discusing homily after Mass

Jim and Mary Ann McGowan are with the George Hodnichak and son George after the Mass. They are discussing Fr. Matthew Ischay's homily. [Photo by Tony DiDonato]