Greetings for the new year: 2012

Prayer for Families prayer card used at Mass today

Today is the feast day of the Holy Family. Here is a prayer card used at Mass.


PRAYER FOR FAMILIES
 
LOVING AND MERCIFUL God,
we pray for the many needs of
families: for abundant love, for
forgiveness and reconciliation, for a
living faith to face the challenges of
each day. Jesus, you were bom into
a human family and became our
brother. You know well what
families need to nourish both
children and parents in long-lasting
bonds of love and respect.
Help families of all shapes and sizes
turn to yo'u as their source of life.
May your Spirit encourage husbands
and wives, mothers and fathers, broth
ers and sisters. Give us all the eyes to
appreciate one another and to be grate
ful for the gift of families. Amen.

Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for January

 Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for January 2012 is: "That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives".

 

His mission intention is: "That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will".

Hoban High secretary Jean Lanshe dies

Please keep the family of Jean Lanshe, who died Dec. 28, in your prayers. Jean was a central office secretary for many years. She and her husband John received the Friend of Hoban award in 1997 and have been very active in the Assocaes of St. Joseph. Jean is the mother of John Lanshe '76, Kristen Habel '77, Laureen O'Donnell '78, and Janine Delagrange '81. She is the grandmother of Brianna Habel '07, Nolan Habel '11, Michael Delagrange '12, Elise Delagrange '13 and Marissa Delagrange '15. Calling hours are 4-8 p.m. on Jan. at Donovan Bagnoli Funeral Home, at 17 Southwest Ave., in Tallmadge. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church,. A Jean and John Lanshe Scholarship will be established at Hoban.

100,000th viewer signed on at 2:14 p. m.

Today at 2:14 p.m. our 100,000th viewer signed on to read Saint Paul TODAY. The viewer was from an Akron Public Schools domain 269.101.l178 using an Internet Explorer browser.

The blog was started on September. 23, 2007 with an announcement in the church bulletin. When the blog started, we got only about a dozen visits a day. We now average more than 100 a day. There have been 4,135 articles posted since then.

There  were 4,463 visits in November or an average 146 a day

Mass Intentions for January 1-8

MONDAY, January 2 Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops & doctors of the Church
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Intention of the Celebrant
TUESDAY, January 3 The Most Holy Name of Jesus
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Maxine DiDonato + & Joanne DiDonato Staats +
WEDNESDAY January 4 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Intention of the Celebrant
5:30pm Intention of the Celebrant
THURSDAY January 5 St. John Neumann, bishop
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Bert White +
FRIDAY, January 6 St. Andre Bessette, religious
7:00am Morning Prayer with Communion
8:30am Intention of the Celebrant
SATURDAY, January 7 St. Raymond of Penyafort, priest
8:00am William Weigand + (anniv.)
4:30pm Lucy Golding +
SUNDAY January 8 The Epiphany of the Lord
7:30am Intention of the Celebrant
9:00am Bette Nesline + (anniv.)
11:00am George Horn + and Family

Euchartistic Exposition is January 9 to February 4

Did you know that the practice of Solemn Annual Eucharistic Exposition has occurred in the Diocese of Cleveland since the mid 1940s? Did you know that every parish is assigned a week in which that exposition is to take place?

Exposition at St. Paul will be during the fourth week of ordinary time–from January 9 through February 4, 2012. Walsh Jesuit High School also will observe at the same time. Exposition will be February 5-11 at Archbishop Hoban High School.

There is regular Eucharistic Adoration at St. Paul on Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mass for Frances Smith is Wednesday

AKRON -- Frances Smith passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 16 at age 86.

Born in Rome, N.Y., she lived in the Rome area until moving to Akron eleven years ago. In Akron, Frances was an active member of the Firestone Park Prime Timers and St. Paul's Church. She resided in Green for the past two years.

She is survived by son, Robert Smith (Connie) of Green.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 28th. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St., Akron with Fr. Ralph Thomas officiating. Please no flowers. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church.
Billow’s FAIRLAWN Chapel, Fairlawn, OH 330-867-4141
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Monday, December 26, 2011, page B5, col. 4]

Christmas Day Mass at 11 a.m.

Above are Rita Jubin (left) with Julie and Jozsi Jalics and her grandchildren Marton, Monika and Kristina Jalics.









Karalyn Hugo and Kevin Bord with Casmir, 20 months old, and Sonja, age 6. as they admire the manger scene in the narthex.













Ann West with friends. Brian West, Zachary West and David Sr at the 11 a.m. Mass


(Photos by Tony DiDonato)

Preparing for Christmas at Maurin Center

St. Paul volunteers were busy accepting food and toys for the Sunday Christmas dinner at the Peter Maurin center. Helping are Lannie shoup, Suzie Gatian, Selena Monzon and Andy Lopez.
(Photos by Tony DiDonato)

St. Paul volunteers load food and items for the Peter Maurin Center. Volunteers are Andi Greer, Paul Boncaldo, Laura Lazar, Paula Adam Selena Monzon, Barbara Naragon and Susie Gatian. They served 100 men, women and children. (Photos by Tony DiDonato)

Mass at 9 a.m. on Christmas Day

Jenna White, 12, a fourth grader at Manchesdter Middle School, looks at the crib in the narthex. She is the daughter of Dave and Denise White.

Fr. James Berardi, a St. Paul fixture, greets a parishioner after the 9 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day. Fr. Berardi, 77, grew up in Firestone Park on Glenmont, was ordained on May 23, 1959 and celebrated his first Mass on Trinity Sunday in 1959 in the old St. Paul Catholic Church. He celebrates the weekday 7 a.m. Mass

The sanctuary at the 9 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day

Christmas Mass at the Vatican

Mass for John and Vivarobb Ams is Friday

John G. Ams and Vivarobb ``Bobbie'”Ams

John G. Ams, 92, passed away on December 13, 2011 followed by his wife, Vivarobb Ams, 88, on December 19, 2011.

John was born on June 11, 1919 to the late Adam and Apulonia Ams. He is a Veteran of World War II and retired from Acme after many years as a butcher. Vivarobb was born on June 6, 1923 to the late James and Martharobb Hubbard. She is also a Veteran of World War II and was a Registered Nurse (RN) at St. Thomas Hospital and Akron City Hospital until her retirement.

John loved to tell stories and jokes to make people laugh. John and Vivarobb were both members of Primetimers and St. Paul's Parish. They were both very caring and generous individuals.

John and Vivarobb were preceded in death by their son, John J. Ams; and grand-daughter, Chrissy Falcon. Survived by their daughters, Marthann (Doug) Falcon, Loana (Greg) Vickery; and special daughter-in-law, Debi Boles; grandchildren, Samantha (Geoff) Lloyd, John (Yvonne) Ams, Jennifer (Xander) Mavrides, David (Bridget) Ams, Melissa Vickery; and nine great-grandchildren. Vivarobb is survived by her sister, Mary Louise Smith; brother, James Hubbard; many nieces and nephews and special caregiver, Sherry. Both John and Vivarobb have touched the lives of many friends and family, and will be remembered by all.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no calling hours, however there will be a Memorial Service on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the St. Paul's Parish, 1580 Brown Street Akron, Ohio.

In remembrance of John and Vivarobb the family has asked that you please say or do something nice for someone else in need.

(ADAMS MASON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 330-535-9186)

[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, December 25, 2011, page B4, col.

Christmas Vigil Mass at 6:30

Harp and piano provide music for the Mass

Taylor Broske, 9, a fourth grader in St.Paul School, checks out the crib in the narthex

Checking out the Christmas Crib

Madison Grayem, 10, a fourth grader at St. Paul School, checks out the crib before the 4 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass. The Christ Child has not yet arrived. Madison is the daughter of Nancy and R. D. Grayem.

A Child is born: Merry Christmas to all

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2: 1-14

So what are we celebrating?

From the blog of Fr. John Valenchek, pastor of St. Sebastian:

So what are we celebrating at Christmas?

The word “Christ” is easy to pick out. That is why we see so many people using the first part of this word to remind us to “keep CHRIST in Christmas.” The suffix “mas” may not be so simple. To some it simply means festival. So the word would mean “Christ’s Festival” referring either to the day or the season.

However that is not the origin of the word. Before 1150 Middle English the word would have been spelled in this fashion: cristmasse; in Old English Cristes masse. Literally this means “Christ’s Mass Day” or the day on which one celebrates Mass to commemorate the Nativity of Jesus. Other similar words survive to this day. Candlemas Day is the day we bring candles to church in order to have them blessed. Michaelmas Day is the day on which we celebrate Mass calling to mind Saint Michael.

The Catholicity of this word is ancient and few people realize that they are wishing people a happy day on which we celebrate at Mass the birth of Jesus.

Church decorated for Christmas

Decorating the church for Christmas is always a labor of love. The narthex was decorated Thursday and the church today after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

The usual poinsettias and figures of Mary and Joseph in front of the altar were enhanced by the Bethlehem scene backdrop in the window behind the altar. New this year, next to the pulpit, are a Christmas candle and wreath surrounced by poinsettias.

In the narthex is the crib and the usual trees, wreaths and flowers. One of the three wisemen (kings) was in the manger scence and the other two were in the halls on the north and south end. Dave Nesline climbed the large stepladder to hang the backdrop and star for the crib.

Completing the decorating were Linda Bruce, Sandi Denholm, Millie Hilton, Ellen McAvoy, Rosemary Mileski and Dottie Thoerig,Dora Weigand and Frank Solinski.

See more photos of the church decorating.

Blessings and Greetings from the pastor

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Paul Parish,

Blessings and greetings to you and your dear family members in this season of Hope and Promise! With faith in our hearts we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. We commemorate the Savior’s birth in Bethlehem and we believe we are called to be “watchful.” for His daily presence as we go about life. The Holy Gospels urge us to be expectant of Christ’s Second Coming. The Church prays throughout the year that we may be prepared to meet the Lord at any hour. Let us ready our hearts and homes to receive him whenever and wherever He chooses to make Himself known to us. May your Christmas be bright in faith, hope, and love as
only He can inspire it. Merry Christmas and a most blessed season,





Father Ralph, Pastor

Bishop Lennon's reflections on Christmas

Bishop Lennon to celebrate Christmas TV Mass

The Christmas Day Mass on WJW-TV Fox 8 on Sunday will be celebrated hy the Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Bishop, Diocese of Cleveland.

The half-hour Mass on Sundays is at 6:30 a.m.

The weekly "TV Mass" is broadcast for persons who can't attend Mass at their Catholic parish because of short-term or long-term health reasons. It is not intended to be a substitute for healthy persons who are able to attend Mass at their Catholic parish.

If you know of a homebound person who might like to receive a "Sunday TV Mass" missal to follow along with the "TV Mass," and a "TV Mass Bulletin" the every two-month newsletter for the "TV Mass," please have that person call 216-696-6525, ext. 4540 or in Ohio at 800-869-6525, ext. 4540.

Camp Christopher history now available

This Camp’s A Crackerjack: Camp Christopher 's First 50 Summers (1924-1973) is a history of the first 50 seasons of the camp.

The authors are Tim Lilley and Patti Longville, Akron residents for the 36 years of their marriage and former counselors of Camp Christopher. The book is 250-plus pages printed on glossy paper with more than 260 black and white and color photos. It is a tribute in word and images of a camp which has touched the lives of many.

The book is available from the couple’s Big Trail Publishing Co. for $46 in hard cover and $36 in soft cover. In addition, there is a 28-minute Christopher Spirit DVD which contains more than 200 photos and music for $4.

Camp Christopher Campership Program will receive $2 from the sale of each book.

Members of the St. Paul Parish community can contact Tim or Patti at 330-724-9225 or at bigtrailak@aol.com for information on obtaining a copy. The address of Big Trail Publishing Co. Is 540 Stanton Ave., Akron, OH 44301-1554

School uniform exchange is January 10

here will be a school uniform exchange in the Parish Activity Center on Tuesday, January 10, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Bring any used uniforms and exchange them for a different size. Uniforms may also be purchased if you do not have a trade.

Rectory needs info on your ministry

If you are the leader of any of the organizations or ministries at St. Paul, please submit to the rectory as soon as possible either in person or through email, a list of meeting dates, times, and meeting locations for your group, from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012, so we can get them on the calendar and avoid any scheduling
conflicts. We would need the name, phone number and email address of the contact person for your group as we are updating our information. Questions, please call the rectory 330-724-1263.

Blogger Note: We also would appreciate it if you can send a copy of this information to SaintPaulToday@gmail.com Send your into to the rectory first, then a copy to us.

Music ministry needs cantors

Do you love the Lord? Do you love to sing? We are going to be learning more new music for the Mass in the adaption of the New Roman Missal text in our worship. In order to expand our adult cantor ministry, Music director Heidi Guttrmuth is inviting any singers adult age, 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.

CANTOR PRACTICE
The next Cantor practice will be Monday, January 2, at 7 p.m. in the church.

Ohio's record on death penalty

At year's end it is good to take a look at the progress that has been made in Ohio regarding the Death Penalty. While Ohio continues to be one of our country's top
executing states and executions are currently scheduled into 2013, we did see a drop in the number of executions this year (5) compared with 2010 (8) due to challenges to Ohio's execution protocol. Governor Kasich also granted clemency to two individuals this year -- Shawn Hawkins and Joey Murphy -- and granted temporary reprieves to several others who were scheduled for execution while Ohio's execution protocol was being reviewed. The year was jumpstarted in January with statements from Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer, who helped write Ohio's current death penalty law three decades ago while serving in the Senate, and Terry Collins, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, both calling for an end to Ohio's death penalty. God has declared that ALL life is sacred. Let's continue pushing and praying for an end to Ohio's death penalty -- maybe 2012 will be the year.

Social Justice Thought for January 1: Time for change
If we want to lead this world through bad times to good, we must be truth-tellers. There will be those among the powerful who try to make us say what we know is clearly not true because, if everyone agrees to believe the lie, the lie can go on forever. The lie that there is nothing we can do about AIDS; nothing we can do about world poverty; nothing we can do about fair trade; nothing we can do to end war; nothing we can do about equality and justice; nothing we can do to provide education and health care, and housing and food, and roads and water and just wages for everyone in the world. If we want to lead this world to something better, we, too, must refuse to tell the old lies. We must learn to say with certainty and clarity: the emperor has no clothes! We must, like the child in the story, see what we're looking at and say what we see. Only then can real change begin. (Taken from writings of Joan Chittister, OSB in Network Connection.)

Bethlehem Nativity Museum tours Dec. 26-30

Visit a replication of the cave where Jesus was born as it appears today in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and see a large display of Nativity sets from around the world. The Bethlehem Cave and Nativity Museum at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church will be open December 26-30 at 2 p.m. daily. Tbe church is at the corner of Killian and Myersville roads in Springfield Township. For more information, call 330-699-5086 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Mass intentions for December 24 - January 1

SATURDAY, December 24 Vigil of Christmas
4:00pm Peace in the world and in our families
6:30pm Peace in the world and in our families
10:00pm Peace in the world and in our families
SUNDAY, December 25 The Nativity of the Lord
9:00am Peace in the world and in our families
11:00am Peace in the world and in our families
MONDAY, December 26 St. Stephen, first martyr
7:00am Helen Liggett +
8:30am James Pillitiere +
TUESDAY, December 27 St. John, apostle & evangelist
7:00am Intention of the Donor
8:30am Ronald Fuchs +
WEDNESDAY December 28 The Holy Innocents, martyrs
7:00am Frank & Barbara Pramuka +
8:30am Ron Trzcinski and Family
5:30pm Anne Andres +
THURSDAY December 29 St. Thomas Becket, bishop & martyr
7:00am Eugenia & Jimmy Mitravitch +
8:30am Victor Alexander +
FRIDAY, December 30 The Holy Family, Jesus, Mary & Joseph
7:00am Morning Prayer with Communion
8:30am Bruce Rayburn +
SATURDAY, December 31 St. Sylvester I, pope
4:30pm Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
SUNDAY January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God
7:30am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
9:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
11:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul

Service for Katharine Dorko is Friday

Katherine ``Kay' Dorko, age 88, of Akron, passed away Thursday at Select Specialty Hospital. Kay was born September 26, 1923 in Akron. She retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber after 13 years as a Secretary and Accounting Clerk.

Kay was a former member of St. John's Church and was a member of St. Paul's Parish. Kay was a life long learner, an accomplished seamstress and knitter, an eclectic reader and an avid gardener.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cyril; sisters, Rose Moledor, Eva Hengle, and Helen Beale. She is survived by her daughters, Pat Doyle of Doylestown, and Francine (John) Hasbrouck of Centerville, Ohio; a granddaughter, Lindsey Hasbrouck of Centerville; a sister, Ann Miller of Orrville; and special friends, Judy and Louie Zuzak, Sr. Monica Boles, and Ann Lipari.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.) in Akron. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay's memory may be made to the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Way, Akron, Ohio 44307.
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Wednesday, December 21, 2011 page B4,col. 3 ]

Merry Christmas from Santa and Reindeer

Gather the family around the computer and then click on the headline to let Santa and his Reindeer wish you a Merry Christmas. Be certain to click on each of the reindeer.

A Prayer for Christmas

ETERNAL GOD and Father, with joy we celebrate the coming of your Son to redeem us. As Mary and Joseph welcomed Jesus into their family, may we also welcome him in our hearts. Help us to cherish his pres ence in our lives, especially in the poor and those who need the help of others to survive. As we marvel at the humanity of the infinite God in Jesus, may we realize more deeply that through our baptism, we share in the life of Christ and its promise of eternal life. Amen.

Donnie Kammer sworn in as Ward 7 councilman

St. Paul parishioner Donnie Kammer (center in black suit) was among 10 Akron City Council members sworn in Monday night by Summit County Common Pleas Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer. Kammer replaces Tina Merletti who also is a St. Paul parishioner.

The newest council members are Bob Hoch of Ward 6; Kammer, Ward 7; Marilyn Keith, Ward 8; and Garry Moneypenny, Ward 10, who had been on council for six years when he chose not to run in 2007. The re-elected council members are James Hurley III of Ward 1; Bruce Kilby of Ward 2; Marco Sommerville of Ward 3; Russel Neal of Ward 4; Ken Jones of Ward 5; and Mike Freeman of Ward 9.

Mass for Fr. Richard J. Ondreyka is Friday

BARBERTON -- Rev. Fr. Richard J. Ondreyka, 82, passed away December 17, 2011 after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments.

Richard J. Ondreyka was born in Doylestown, Ohio on April 12, 1929 to the late Benjamin and Agnes Ondreyka. He was educated at SS. Cyril & Methodius School, Benedictine High School, St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio and St. Mary Seminary. On December 19, 1954, in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Bishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Father Ondreyka's first assignment was as a Parochial Vicar at SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Lakewood. On September 27, 1956 he was assigned as Parochial Vicar at Holy Trinity Parish in Lorain. Father Ondreyka was then assigned as Parochial Vicar at Holy Name Parish on June 8, 1961. His next assignment began on June 9, 1966 as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Parish (Rocky River Drive) in Cleveland. On October 16, 1968 he was assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. James Parish in Lakewood. Father Ondreyka was then named Pastor of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cleveland on June 27, 1971. On November 15, 1973 he was named Pastor at St. Wendelin Parish in Cleveland. Father Ondreyka's last assignment was Pastor of SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Lakewood where he served from April 20 1977 to April 12, 1999. Father Ondreyka resided in Barberton after he retired and provided assistance to many of the parishes in that area.

Preceded in death by his sisters, Ardella Ondreyka, Anna Klosterman, Margaret Darlak and Helen Slisik, and brothers, Milo, Tony and Benjamin, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Vespers will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 3 p.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 272 Broad St., Wadsworth, Ohio, Most Reverend A. James Quinn will be the celebrant. The wake will continue after Vespers in the Church until 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon will be the main celebrant; Reverend Edward J. Luca will serve as the homilist. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School.
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Tuesday, December 20, 2011, page B5, col. 2]

Fair Trade booth and altar servers

Kathleen Deger (above) helps Pat Bettle at the Fair Trade booth. Looking at items is Cheryl Hodnichak.


Servers Chante and Jared Lloyd carry the candles for the altar. This was Jared’s first time serving at Mass.

(Photos by Tony DiDonato)

Gatherings for the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass

Lena Vezzani (above) chats with Angie and Bob Roosa in the Parish Acivity Center while enjoying a coffee and roll.

Michael and Janet Wood with sons Jacob, 4, and Mackenzie, 6, took up the gifts at 11 a.m. Mass. Janet's parents Jim and Darlene Thomas are in the back row

(Photos by Tony DiDonato)

Frances Smith dies at 86

AKRON -- Frances Smith passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at age 86.

She was born in Rome, N.Y., where she lived until moving to Akron eleven years ago. In Akron, Frances was an active member of the Firestone Park Prime Timers and St. Paul's Church. She resided in Green for the past two years.

Her surviving son is Robert Smith (Connie) of Akron.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Service time to be announced. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church.
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Sunday, December 18, 2011, page B7, col. 1]

Vatican Christmas tree lit

Pilgrims and tourists gather around the 30 meters (98 feet) Christmas tree in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, that was lit for the first time Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. The tree was supplied by Ukraine. In background is the St. Peter's Basilica facade.

Ukrainian pilgrims sang folk songs and carols and recalled the late Pope John Paul II's visit as the Vatican lit its Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square, a 25-meter (82-foot) pine from the Carpathian mountains in their country.

The tree was decorated with 2,500 gold and silver balls and figures of animals and toys. The ceremony Friday evening included a folk choir with children carrying giant pinwheels, a Christmas tradition in Ukraine.

Polish-born John Paul began the tradition of erecting a tall Christmas tree in the square in 1982; the Bavarian-born Pope Benedict XVI has continued it.

Opportunities for Reconciliation

Saturdays during December--3 to 4 p.m.

Family (Adults and Children) Reconciliation Service
Tuesday, December 20, 2011--7:00 p.m. Multiple Confessors available for private Confession

Wednesday, December 21, 2011--6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Catholics Returning Home sessions at St. Francis de Sales

Do you know someone who was raised Catholic who no longer attends Mass? Or a family member or friend who feels alienated and separated from the Church? Do you know someone who has problems with the Church who would benefit from more information? Share with them this invitation to attend:Catholics Returning Home Thursdays 7:15 – 8:45pm Jan 12 – Feb 16, 2012 at St. Francis de Sales Parish Upper Room, 4019 Manchester Road
Attend any one or all the Thursda evening series:
January 12 Sharing our Stories
January 19 Sharing Stories of Faith
January 26 The Catholic Church Today
February 2 All About the Mass
February 8 Weds. Reconciliation… Why Bother?
February 16 The Creed: What Catholics Really Believe

Great O Antiphons: Chants leading to Christmas

This display on the Great O Antiphons was in the narthex in 2009

The Great O Antiphons are seven brief prayers that are traditionally chanted or sung on successive evenings starting on December 17. The precise origin of these texts is unknown. However, by the 8th and 9th centuries, they were being used at evening worship services during the season of Advent. These ancient supplications beautifully express the Christian church's profound yearning for her long expected Savior. The Great O Antiphons, so called because all begin with the interjection "O", form the basis of the popular Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by English hymnographer John Neale.

The opening words are addressed to Christ under one or other of His Scriptural titles and conclude with a distinct petition to the coming Lord.

Sapientia (Wisdom) December 17 O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.

Adonai (Lord of Israel) December 18 O Lord and Ruler of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen.

Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse) December 19 O Root of Jesse, which stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come, to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen.

Clavis David (Key of David) December 20 O Key of David, and Sceptre of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen

Oriens (Radiant Dawn, Dayspring) December 21 O Dawn of the East, brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice: Come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

Rex Gentium (King of the Gentiles) December 22 O King of the Nations and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth. Amen.

Emmanuel (God with Us) December 23 O Emmanuel, God with us, Our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: Come to save us, O Lord our God. Amen.

Christmas Eve (December 24) falls on the day after the singing of the final antiphon.


There is a nice article explaining the O Antiphons by Fr. William Saunder on the Catholic Education Resource Center website. Go to the article

Christmas tree reminds us that life endures

VATICAN CITY (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received a delegation from Ukraine, the country which donated the Christmas tree decorating St. Peter's Square this year. The tree, a spruce from the Zakarpattia region 30.5 metres high and decorated with 2,500 silver- and gold-coloured baubles, will be lit this evening in the presence of Ukrainian bishops. Other smaller trees have also been donated, which will be set up at other places in Vatican City State.

This tree, said the Holy Father, is "a significant symbol of Christ's Nativity because, with its evergreen boughs, it reminds us of enduring life. The spruce is also a sign of popular religiosity in your country, and of the Christian roots of your culture. My hope is that these roots may increasingly reinforce your national unity, favouring the promotion of authentic shared values. Over the centuries your nation has been a crossroads of different cultures, a meeting point for the spiritual richness of East and West. By tenaciously adhering to the values of the faith, may it continue to response to this unique vocation".

The tree and nativity scene, Benedict XVI went on, "are elements of that typically Christmas atmosphere which is part our communities' spiritual heritage; a climate impregnated with religiosity and family intimacy which we must seek to conserve, even in modern societies where consumerism and the search for material goods sometimes seem to prevail. Christmas is a Christian feast and its symbols are important references to the great mystery of the incarnation and birth of Jesus, which the liturgy constantly re-evokes. The Creator of the universe, by becoming a child, came among us to share our journey; He became small to enter the heart of man and renew it with His love. Let us prepare ourselves to welcome Him with faith".

Mass for Robert Jurgens is Tuesday

Robert H. Jurgens, 96, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at his home.

Robert was born January 30, 1915 to Joseph J. and Mary (Dietz) Jurgens in Akron and had been an Akron resident for most of his life. He was employed by BF Goodrich Tire and Rubber Co. for over 37 years, retiring in 1977. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and was a veteran of the Army during World War II.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Hannah (Duffey) Jurgens in 1998 and siblings, Ralph Jurgens, Mary Mueller and Dorothy Perkins; and is survived by his children, Charles, Garry and Claudia Jurgens, Karen (Russ) Harter and Gloria Foxx; grandchildren, Christine (Brian) Hickok, Salvatore Midolo and Angel and Rahshai Foxx; great-grandchildren, Alayna, Caiden, Calie, Caleb and Malakai.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St., Akron, Ohio 44301. Interment immediately following at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Anthony Funeral Homes Akron, anthonyfh.com
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Friday, December 16, 2011, page B5, col. 2]

Grades 1-3 give Christmas performance

Firat, second and third graders at St. Paul staged their annual Christmas program Thursday evening in the Parish Activity Center.. A Christmas play with carols was presented with Tim Longfellow directing the singers. Teachers directing the performance were Suzanne Inglis, first grade; Mary Means, second grade, and Jessica Davis, third grade.

Students sang Glorie et excelsis Deo, Silent Night, Prince of Peace and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. They wore Shepherd and other costumes. The Holy Family created a nice scene in front of a lighted tree at the right side of the stage.

Fr. Ralph Thomas welcomed parents and extended family members attending and commended teachers and parents.

Below are videos of students singing the Gloria and Silent Night.

Click here to see more photos and find yourself in the crowd photo.

Gloria sung by St. Paul Grades 1-3

Silent Night sung by Grades 1-3

Noticed in the bulletin

Gym walkers take a break
To all the walkers in the Jenkins Gym: There will be no walking in the gym during Christmas vacation from December 22 through January 3. Walking resumes January 4. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.—Chris Ehasz

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

Tnank You from the principal
A big “Thank You” to the PTO members and parent volunteers who helped make the Santa Secret Shop and the Breakfast with Santa such big successes. We are so grateful for your time and hard work on these events.—Mr. Robert Brodbeck, Principal

Recycle that Christmas wrap, cards and boxes
Don’t forget! All the wrapping paper, greeting cards and boxes can be tecycled in our bn in the gym parking lot.

Ozanam Center volunteers needed Januarxy 7
The next weekend for volunteers of St. Paul Parish at the Fr. John Hilkert Ozanam Center is Saturday, January 7, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. The center is located at Visitation of Mary Parish, 87 Broad St. This is a great opportunity to be of service to people who are in great need. Help is needed with sorting, preparing and distributing items. Questions, contact Joni Mills at 330-724-4055.

U.N. Millenium Goals strive to reduce pverthy

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were created in 2000 to help end the most extreme poverty, improve health, create more opportunities for women, promote education, and promote partnershipsfor development in poor countries. The eight MGD goals provide a very challenging yet realistic way to reduce global poverty by half by 2015. Eleven years into the 15-year goal, the results are a mixed bag. Poverty continues to decline in many regions, but is expected to fall below15% - well under the 23% target. Education has made great strides, with sub-Saharan Africa showing the most improvement. Targeted interventions and immunizationshave reduced child mortality by 12,000 fewer deaths each day. Increased funding has cut deaths from malaria,AIDS/HIV and tuberculosis by 20% worldwide. Almost 2 billion people worldwide gained access to clean water in the last 20 years, but access in rural areas lags far behind that of cities and towns. Opportunities for education for girls and employment for women have slowed, especially since 2008. Advances in sanitation often bypass the poorliving in rural areas; over 2.6 billion people still lack access to flush toilets and other forms of improved sanitation.The MDG Project is coming to a close in 2015 and its legacy may be disputed. What has succeeded is initiatinga unique global coordinated effort to eradicate poverty.Let us hope this effort will be followed by others until all human beings can live in dignity with decent and just living conditions.

Mass intentions for December 17-25

SATURDAY, December 17 Late Advent Weekday
8:00am Intention of the Celebrant
4:30pm Mason Parvin +
SUNDAY, December 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent
7:30am Harry & Catherine Weigand + & Family
9:00am Mary Halleck +
11:00am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
MONDAY, December 19 Late Advent Weekday
7:00am Jack & Joseph Lupica +
8:30am Deceased of the Mileski Family
TUESDAY, December 20 Late Advent Weekday
7:00am George Horn +& Family
8:30am August Varca +
WEDNESDAY December 21 St. Peter Canisius, priest & doctor of the Church
7:00am Rose Kline +
8:30am Orie Damicone +
5:30pm Steven Cookro +
THURSDAY December 22 Late Advent Weekday
7:00am Frank & Barbara Pramuka +
8:30am Marie Pektor +
FRIDAY, December 23 St. John of Kanty, priest
7:00am Morning Prayer with Communion
8:30am Fritz Westenbarger +
SATURDAY, December 24 Vigil of Christmas
4:00pm Peace in the world and in our families
6:30pm Peace in the world and in our families
10:00pm Peace in the world and in our families
SUNDAY December 25 The Nativity of the Lord
9:00am Peace in the world and in our families
11:00am Peace in the world and in our families

Students attend play at Weathervane

St. Paul students in PreK, Kindergarten, first grade and second grade classes all attended Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Weathervane Theater. The photo shows Mackenzie Daley, Gabe Vance, Anna Lattimer, Alli Lanham, and James Hovan with Joseph, played by Brett Parr.

Students give gifts to Haven of Rest

Students at St. Paul collected gifs at the Breakfast with Santa to be given to the Kids Helping Kids program at the Haven of Rest. In the photo are Tommy, Destiny, LeAnna, Luke, and Brooke. The Haven of Rest mission provides shelter, food and clothing to homeless in the Akron area. The Haven of Rest ministries is a non-profit, tax exempt, non-denominational organization.

Items from Giving Tree will go to homebound

IItems from the Giving Tree that will go to the homebound

Vi Pappano and Rosemary Mileski packing gift bags

Members of the St. Paul Ladies Guild were busy Thursday morning in Room 211 of the school packing 80 gift bags that will be delivered to the homebound and those who come to church on Sundays in the parish van.

Each bag contains a calendar, lotion, soap, decoration, Kleenex, powder, cookie, shampoo, candy and trail mix. The items were placed under the Giving Tree by parishioners.

Helping Adult Ministries leader Terry Nesline with the packing were Robin Daley, Sandi Denholm, Laura Grubb, Rosemary Mileski, Vi Pappano, Anna Perez and Dottie Thoerig,

THANK YOU FROM TERRY:
THANK YOU to everyone who sogenerously donated to the Giving Tree this year. The response was wonderful. Thank you also to all he volunteers who helped to sort, organize, wrap and deliver all the gift bags and to June Rietz for baking bread.The gifts are truly appreciated.—Terry Nesline

Robin Daley (left) and Terry Nesline packing gifts

This is a trial video to test a new Bloggie video device.

Lights to shine brightly to welcome His coming

Huge lift reaches up and out for workmen to change bulbs in light fixtures

Need to replace a few light bulbs? A little chore, perhaps, for most homeowners. But at St. Paul Church it is a huge task.

It took two nights to change all the lights in 38 fixtures in the church in time for Christmas.

First you have to bring in a big lift bucket to reach the fixtures. This huge lift has been busy Tuesday and Wednesday evenings to do the job. The huge lift just fills the center aisle and raises high enough to change the lights. As the lift moves into the church foot by foot, plywood boards have to be laid to protect the flooring. The lift also must maneuver around objects slowly and skillfully.

Lights in 38 fixtures were changed. Depending on where they are located, each fixture has a 750 watt or 500 watt bulb, a half dozen 60 watt bulbs and three or so 300 watt. Then there are the spotlights above the altar which not only must be replaced but must be adjusted so they provide light evenly with no shadows or distractions. Most of us in the pews would not notice, but getting the lighting just right is an arduous task. Maintenance supervispr John Gless was on hand to assist the workmen.

And that doesn't really explain adequately how you change a light bulb in St. Paul Church.

Students pack up clothing for OPEN M

St. Paul students pack up items from a a Christmas tree with gloves, hats, mittens, and scarves to be donated to OPEN M for children in the community who lack these needed items. OPEN M will disdtribute the items.


OPEN M is an acronym that stands for Opportunity for People Everywhere in Need Ministry. It is a comprehensive, faith-based ministry that helps people throughout the greater Akron area meet the spiritual and physical challenges of living with scarce resources.

Pregnancy Center commends students

This is a letter from the Community Pregnancy Center to St. Paul School

Bob Brodbeck
St. Paul's Catholic School
1580 Brown Street
Akron, OH 44301

Dear Mr. Brodbeck,

Please share with all of the students our most heartfelt gratitude for the $1,000
donation from their walk-a-thon. What a delightfully unexpected blessing! We are
humbled by the love and generosity your students have shown to those less
fortunate. It is a wonderful testament to their servant hearts and to their desire to
lead Christ-like lives.

This donation will be used to help the families and infants we serve. Just to
provide the basics of diapers and formula is a great financial burden to so many
families. We are blessed to be able to stand in the gap and help provide for these
littlest of our brothers and sisters. We could not do that without all of you. Thank
you for giving us the ability to act as the hands and heart of Christ - we surely do
that on your behalf.

Your students should all be proud of their efforts on such a successful fundraiser
- we congratulate each and every one of them. We are proud to consider ourselves
a friend of St. Paul's school and pray our Heavenly Father will pour out His richest
blessings upon each of you and the entire St. Paul s community.

Christmas Peace and Joy,
Diane L. O'Neill
Executive Director

PTO meeting is tonight at 6:30

The PTO meeting for December is tonight (Tuesday, December 13) at 6:30 p. m.in the Parish Activity Center. This is a date and location change from the usual PTO meetings.

Breakfast with Santa earns $1,797

The Breakfast with Santa on Saturday earned $1,797, coordinator Nicole Podobnik reports. Breakfast was served to 200 guests. There were 24 gift baskets raffled and a 50/50 prize of $185 was awarded.

Ladies Guild bake sale to net about $1,300

The Ladies Guild bake sale this weekend was a success as everything was gone after the 11 A.m. Mass.

Holding the last few items were Vickie Tritt, Lucy Raso, and Bernice Charmey.

The Ladies Guild wants to thank everyone who helped make it a success. The anticipated income will be about $1,300

(Photo by Tony DiDonato)

A question from Fr. Weigand

Mary Hurray and daughter Mary Churchill with Fr. Joseph Weigand after the 11 a.m. Mass. .

Fr. Weigand always has a question for his homily.

This week"s question is why everyone get presents when it's someone else's birthday.

{Photo by Tony DiDonato)

Mom with two girls after 11 a.m. Mass

Carrie Smith holding
5-year-old Caroline and first grader Addie after the 11 a. m. Mass on Sunday.

(Photo by Tony DiDonato)

Ladies Guild selling baked goods this weekend

Lucy Raso sets up the baked goods tables in the narthex for sale after all masses this evening and tomorrow's Masses.

The Ladies Guild will have a broad selection of cakes and cookies and nut rolls.

(Photo by Tony DiDonato)