Students make cards for shut-ins, U. S. troops

Seventh grade students helped second graders make Valentine cards for shut-ins and for our U. S. troops on Tuesday. They worked in two classrooms for about an hour at the end of the school day.

See an album of photos of the students at work.

Student projects make a difference

A bulletin board just inside the St. Paul School enhance lists the many projects in which students were involved in making a difference by being "Christ for One Another."

+ Students made 200 teddy bears for patients at Akron Chidren's Hospital

+ A donation of $1,000 was made to the Community Pregnancy Center as the orgnization students voted to supporr with funds from a Walk-A-Thon.

+ Crayons were sent to Bosnia as part of a project to bring coloring books and crayons to stuents htere,

+ OPEN M benefitted from clothing items which students placed on a Christmas giving tree.

+ A check for $1,500 was given to tornado victims in Alabama. Students donaated loose change and sponsored a benefit concert to raise money for the victims

+ Students participated in the "Have A Heart, Do Your Part" program at Children's Hospital

+ Valentines were made and sent to U.S. troops.

Pre-K students listen to story

Pre-K students at St. Paul School listen as teacher Susan Rearden reads a story.

Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for February

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for February is: "That all peoples may have access to water and other resources needed for daily life".

  His mission intention is: "That the Lord may sustain the efforts of health workers assisting the sick and elderly in the world's poorest regions".

Great photo of St. Vincent Church

This great photo of St. Vincent Church was taken this past summer.  We noticed it on facebook and had to share with you,.

Bishops urge support for Right of Conscience

Ohio bishops are asking Catholics to oppose the health care regulations by
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will force Catholic employers to offer their employees' health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those "services" in the health policies they write, and almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.

Instead, the bishops urge yiou to write your congressmen and ask them to co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179). This measure ensures that the rights of conscience of all participants in our nation's health care system will be respected.  

Here's a sample of message to send to your congressmen:
“Please co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). This measure ensures that the rights of conscience of all participants in our nation’s health care system will be respected.”


For more information go to this page on the U. S. Bishops website.

Also see Bishop  Lennon's letter.

Here is information, including contact forms, for contacting your congressmen:

Sherrod Brown (D)
United States Senate
455 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
phone:             202-224-2315     
fax: 202-224-6510
Contact: http://brown.senate.gov/contact/
   
Senator Rob Portman (R)
United States Senate
338 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone:             202-224-3353     
Contact: http://portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact?p=contact-form


13th U.S. House District
Betty Sutton
1721 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone:             (202) 225-3401     
Toll-Free:             866-317-9980     
Contact: http://sutton.house.gov/about/contact.cfm

Parishioners attend St. Paul School open house

 Fr. Ralph Thomas watches as first grader Alex Walter checks out a Smart Board in the fourth grade classroom of Mrs. Janet Hazlett

 A nice crowd attended St. Paul School open house after the 11 A.M. Mass on Sunday.
Grandparents Day will be celebrated on Friday, February 3, from 7:15 to 9:30 a.m. Grandparents are invited for continental breakfast followed by morning announcements and Mass with their grandchildren. Activities for the week include students making Valentine cards for homebound parishioners and for U.S. troops. Wednesday is Teacher Appreciation Luncheon to honor the faculty. 
First grader Olivia Harvey (at right) enjoys the globes in the third grade classroom.
               
See more photos

CYO players sit together at Team Day Mass

Players from St. Paul's CYO teams sat together in the far right  pew at the 11 a.m.  Mass on  Sunday.  Sunday was designated as Team Mass Day in the Cleveland Diocese to recognize young athletes. Players. sat together as one large St. Paul team.

Bishop writes letter opposing health care requirements

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I write to you concerning a serious matter that will negatively impact the Catholic Church in the United States if it is allowed to take effect as planned by the U.S. Department of Healthand Human Services. The proposed action of the U.S. Department of Health and Human\Services strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees' health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those "services" in the health policies they write, and almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.
 
In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States denying to Catholics our Nation's first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless this rule is overturned, Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). The Administration's sole concession was to give our institutions one year to comply.

We cannot—we will not—comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our arents and grandparents did not come to these shores of America to help build America's cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, all the faithful have witnessed to the importance of the fundamental rights guaranteed by our country's founding documents. I trust that at this moment all of us will stand up for and work for the protection of those rights, especially the right to religious liberty for all America's citizens. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.

Therefore, I ask of you two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice prevail, and that religious liberty remain a fundamental right for all Americans! Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration's decision.

Thanking you for your understanding and cooperation on this very important request, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

 


Richard Lennon

Bishop of Cleveland

Reminder on how you can help St. Paul School

Catholics Schools Week might be a good time to remind you how you can help St. Paul School in a big way with a little effort.

Here are a few ideas provided by the PTO:

Things to save in your shopping. 
Acme Receipts (School earns $2.50 for each $50 you spend)
Box Tops for Education (St. Paul earns 10 cents for each boxtop symbol)
Campbell Soup labels (UPC labels on Campbell’s redeemed for school equipment.)
Giant Eagle (assign St. Paul School to your Advantage Card)
Market Day (Purchase Market Day grocery items.)

Helping on special events.
Breakfast with Santa - donate a basket to raffle off
Spring Spectacular - donate a basket for the silent auction 

How you can volunteer your help 
Cafeteria substitute - someone to help the younger grades open items and clean up after lunch from 11:30-12:30 p.m. (Call the school for more details)
Computer Lab helper - Monday mornings for the kindergarten class (Call the school for more details)
Walking Club - adults needed from 7am-7:40 weekday mornings during the school year (Call the school for more details)

Supporting students, Scouts
Boy Scouts sell popcorn in the fall and our Girl Scouts sell cookies in the Winter
8th Grade Car Washes
8th Grade Bake Sales: One is scheduled February 11-12 in the narthex after all Masses. Proceeds will go toward the class trip to Washington, D.C.

Cell phones, ink cartridges
Did you also know, for instance, that cell phones you no longer use and ink car\tridges can be dropped off at the school to be recycled

You can notice welcome sign at open house

One of the first things you are apt to notice if you attend the St  Paul School open house on Sunday will be this banner just inside the school entrance.  Open house will be after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday. 

Funeral service for Catherine Vercuski is Saturday

Catherine J. Vercuski, 88, passed away on January 25, at Akron General Medical Center.

Born in Hallsboro, N.C. on August 15, 1923 to the late Henry and Bette (Needham) Young, Catherine married Joseph Vercuski and moved to Akron in 1945. She worked as a real estate agent for Slusser Realty. Catherine was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. She was an avid bridge player and baseball fan.

In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, as well as five sisters and one brother. She is survived by her children, Priscilla (Roger) Patterson and Daniel (Jenny Pudlik) Vercuski; grandchildren, Michelle Griggy and Brian (Cari) Patterson; great-grandchildren, Lauren Griggy and Alyssa and Zachary Patterson; one brother and two sisters; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron, where the family will also receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to The Briarwood Health Care Community of Stow, 3700 Englewood Drive, Stow, OH 44224.

Anthony Funeral Homes,  Akron, anthonyfh.com
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, page B5, col. 6]

Jungle Book is starting to take shape

Rapunzel's castle from last year's Drama Club play. "Into the Woods,"  is taking on a new look. It will become a huge coconut tree in this year's production of "Jungle Book." The top is already in shape. The trunk is not yet painted.  Ferns and other greenery on either side of the stage in  the Parish Activity Center will add to the jungle look.  If  you have any ferns you would like to loan for the performance, see a Drama Club member or call the school at 330-724-1253 

Open house to kick off Catholic Scbools Week

St. Paul School as usual will have an open house on Sunday to open Catholic Schools Week. The week begins with the open house from noon to 1 p.m. following the 11 a. m. Mass.

Grandparents Day will be celebrated on Friday, February 3, from 7:15 to 9:30 a.m. Grandparents are invited for continental breakfast followed by morning announcements and Mass with their grandchildren.

Activities for the week include students making Valentine cards for homebound parishioners and for U.S. troops. Wednesday is Teacher Appreciation Luncheon to honor the faculty

Theme of the Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools - Faith, Academics, Service.”

This is the 39th year Catholic Schools Week has been celebrated. The first celebration was in 1974

Upcoming events of interest

St. Patrick’s Day Party is at Queen of Heaven
There will be a St. Patrick’s Day Party Saturday, March 3,  at Queen of Heaven Parish in Green. The entertainment will include the Irish Step Dancers and Green Blossom Special with Pat Flynn.

Come and See: Life You Change Could Be Your Own
Come Father Andrew Turner, Parochial Vicar of St. John Neumann in Strongsville, will reflect on “The Life You Change Could be Your Own” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, at Blessed Trinity Church (formerly St. Martha) 300 E.Tallmadge Ave.. Following the presentation,there will be an opportunity for small group discussion,including time for individual conversations with Father Turner. These monthly gatherings are intended for those who have questions or concerns about the Catholic faith or for anyone who simply wants to grow in faith and be able to discuss Catholicism with others in a knowledgeable way. There is no cost and reservations are not required. A Tribunal representative is present each month to answer annulment and re-marriage questions. For more information or to obtain brochure, please contact Linda Herold at 330.376.5144 or LindaAHart@aol.com, or visitwww.dioceseofcleveland.org/summit.

Luncheon to honor Iwo Jima veterans
The  annual luncheon honoring  veterans of Iwo Jima will be Saturday,February 18 (the day before the actual invasion) at noon at the First Christian Church, 6900 Market Avenue N., North Canton. Cost of the luncheon is $15 and should be prepaid no later than February 10. Checks may be made payable to John Woofter and mailed to 607 N. Sheraton Circle, Akron, OH 44319. Donations toward door prizes are also gratefully accepted. For more information, call 330-644-9867 or email jwoofter1@
neo.rr.com.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje scheduled for June
Join Fr. Anthony Suso, from St. Francis de Sales on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje from June 22, 2012 and returning July 1, 2012. The group will meet up with David Parkes, recording artist from Ireland and tour guide in Medjugoje for the experience of a lifetime. The deadlines are approaching to save your seat for this trip.Contact Betty Schnitzlere 330-958-3903 or emaileschnitz@msn.com before February 1 to reserve your spot.

Friday, February 3, is Feast of St. Blaise

Friday, February 3, 2012 is the Feast of St. Blaise, patron saint of throat maladies. There will be throat blessing at the 7 a.m. Communion Service and the 8:30 a.m. Mass. In addition, there will be a Prayer Service with throat blessing at 6:30 p.m. in the evening.

About St. Blaise
Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise's feast day because of the Blessing of the Throats that took place on this day. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him. Very few facts are known about Saint Blaise. We believe he was a bishop of Sebastea in Armenia who was martyred under the reign of Licinius in the early fourth century. The legend of his life that sprang up in the eighth century tell us that he was born in to a rich and noble family who raised him as a Christian. After becoming a bishop, a new persecution of Christians began. He received a message from God to go into the hills to escape persecution. Men hunting in the mountains discovered a cave surrounded by wild animals who were sick. Among them Blaise walked unafraid, curing them of their illnesses. Recognizing Blaise as a bishop, they captured him to take him back for trial. On the way back, he talked a wolf into releasing a pig that belonged to a poor woman. When Blaise was sentenced to be starved to death, the woman, in gratitude, sneaked into the prison with food and candles. Finally Blaise was killed by the governor. Blaise is the patron saint of wild animals because of his care for them and of those with throat maladies. Prayer: Saint Blaise, pray for us that we may not suffer from illnesses of the throat and pray that all who are suffering be healed by God's love. Amen
Copyright 1996-2000 by Terry Matz. All Rights Reserved.

Mass intentions January 29 to February 5

SATURDAY, January 28 St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church
8:00am Intention of the Celebrant
4:30pm Helen Sutter +
SUNDAY, January 29 Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time
7:30am Teachers Staff & Students of St. Paul School and PSR
9:00am Teachers Staff & Students of St. Paul School and PSR
11:00am Teachers Staff & Students of St. Paul School and PSR
MONDAY, January 30 Weekday
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Kay Dorko
TUESDAY, January 31 St. John Bosco, Priest
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Intention of the Celebrant
WEDNESDAY February 1 Weekday
7:00am Helen Young +
8:30am Intention of the Celebrant
5:30pm Russell A. Livigni
THURSDAY February 2 The Presentation of the Lord
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Marjorie Schaaf +
FRIDAY, February 3 St. Blaise, Bishop & Martyr; St. Ansgar, Bishop
7:00am Communion Service with Communion
8:30am Gertrude McCormick +
6:30pm Prayer Service with Blessing of Throats
SATURDAY, February 4 Weekday
8:00am Intention of the Celebrant
4:30pm Bruce Rayburn +
SUNDAY February 5 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:30am Intention of the Celebrant
9:00am Living & Deceased Members of St. Paul Ladies Guild
11:00am Intention of the Celebrant

Refreshments in PAC after Conversion Masses

Display on Conversion of St. Paul in Parish Activity Center.  Fr. Ralph Thomas at right talks with Mary Factor and Nancy S. Leiby

Women gather around table after evening Mass

Ellen Newcomb with Mary Claire Walter picking up a pastry and visiting with Mom and music director Heidi Guttermuth after morning Mass.

St. Paul choir sings 'Holy God'

St. Paul Choir sings "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,." the opening hymn for the evening Mass on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The date on the title is incorrect. It should read Jan. 25, 2012

A peek at walkers in Jenkins Gym

 

This is a test video shot Wednesday morning on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. It shows parishioners walking in Jenkins Gymnasium.  The gym is open for walking on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7:40 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. and on Mondays,  Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m.  to noon.  We are experimenting with use of video.

Seventh Grade girls win over St. Francis 26-13

Seventh grade girls team won their first game of the season this past weekend. Jumping out to a 5-point lead after the first quarter, the team held on to a one-point lead at the half. The third quarter went back and forth and ended with St. Paul’s holding a 14-13 lead. The fourth quarter belonged to the St. Paul girls. Displaying a stifling defense, the St. Paul girls outscored St. Francis 12-0 and went on to 26-13 win to go to 1-7 on the season.. This was a great team effort with seven players scoring, according to coach John Garey. The Grade 3 squad has two games remaining. Grade 4 is looking for its first win. Grade 5 is now 2-4. And the Grade 6 and Grade 8 teams share identical 3-3 records. 

Sunday is Team Mass Day. St. Paul players to sit together  

The Diocese of Cleveland CYO has designated Sunday (Jan. 29) as Team Mass day. All players, parents and coaches are urged to attend the 11 a.m. Mass. Please wear your basketball jerseys. All players from each grade should sit together as one large St. Paul “team.” 
[Source: Girls Basketball weblog]

A quote from St. Francis de Sales

Today is the feast day of St. Francis de Sales  (August 21, 1567 – December 28, 1622) who  is known  for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly Introduction to the Devout Life, along with his Treatise on the Love of God.

Here is a favorite quote:

Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring.  The same loving God who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. God will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it.  Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thought and imaginations.

Thousands march to Supreme Court

Thousands proceed up Constitution Avenue at the March for Life


By Associated Press 

WASHINGTON — Thousands of abortion opponents marched to the Supreme Court on Monday to mark the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, and supportive lawmakers urged them to further their cause by working to defeat President Barack Obama in the fall.
 
The “March for Life” has been held every year since 1974, a year after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. It’s consistently one of the largest protests of the year in Washington, although soggy, chilly conditions likely kept this year’s numbers down a bit. 

House Speaker John Boehner addressed the group, reminding those gathered on the muddy National Mall that he’s one of 12 children

“I’m sure it wasn’t easy for our mother to have 12 of us, but I’m glad we’re all here,” the Republican lawmaker said. “I’ve never considered being pro-life a label or a political position. It’s just who I am.” 

Several dozen members of Congress addressed the rally and were cheered by participants, many of whom carried signs reading “I Vote Pro-Life First,” ‘’Defund Planned Parenthood” and “Face It ... Abortion Kills a Person.”

A Gallup poll last year showed that 49 percent of respondents identified themselves as “pro-choice,” while 45 percent called themselves “pro-life.” The same survey found that 50 percent of Americans believe abortion should be legal under some circumstances, 27 percent said it should be legal in all cases and 22 percent said it should always be illegal. 

Read more in National Catholic Register

ABC video on Pro Life march

Tom Liggett post on facebook

Tom Liggett / Community Pregnancy Center

Thank you to Saint Paul Parish in Akron. They took part in the Change a Life baby bottle change drive. Saint Paul parishioners took home nearly 200 baby bottles and will return them full of spare change the first weekend in March. Thank you Father Ralph and the people of Saint Paul.

Reminder: Masses for Conversion of St. Paul

There will be a Mass at 7 p.m. Wednesday for the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle  The Adult Choir will provide music for the liturgy and afterwards, there will be pie and refreshments in the Parish Activity Center. The feast also will be celebrated at the 8:30 a.m. morning Mass with a continental breakfast in the PAC.

Paul’s life is aptly illustrated by the metal art scultpure on the northeast wall of the church that commemorates the life of the patron saint of our parish.  The work was done by the late George Borisuk from a design by Sister Carol Joy.

Prayer to the Apostle Paul

Glorious St. Paul, Most zealous Apostle, Martyr for the love of Christ,
Give us a deep faith, A steadfast hope, A burning love for our Lord;
So that we can proclaim with you, "It is no longer I who Uve, but Christ
who lives in me." Help us to become apostles Serving the Church with a pure heart. Witnesses to her truth and beauty Amidst the darkness of our days. With you we praise God our Father: "To Him be the glory, ia the Church and in Christ, now and forever."     Amen.

Bottles distributed to help mothers and babies

[Updated to list number of bottles distributed] 

Jeannie Faushnight and son, Franklin, pick up a baby bottle to fill with coins for the Community Pregnancy Center of Barberton.  The center offered bottles at all weekend Masses, asking St. Paul parishioners to fill them  with coins to help give a mother and her baby a better start on life. The center provides counseling services and spiritual support to women when pregnancy is problematic in some way. Assisting in all issues supporting life as a gift of God. Bottles are to be returned to church the weekend of March 3-4.

Close to 200 were distributed. There are  still some left in the narthax for people who did not get one.  


If you failed to pick up one, please call the Pregnancy Center at 330-825-1900 or stop by the rectory.

Good job of clearing 5 inches of snow

Bill Parry is a blurry image as he shovels snow off the sidewalk at St. Paul Church. Parry had all the snow cleared off the parking lot, steps and sidewalks before the 8 a.m. Mass on Saturday. There was five inches of snow which created a nice Winter church scene.

New banners hung in Jenkins Gym

Bill Parry (top) and John Gless hang the new large banners in John Jenkins Gymnasium. The banners were provided by the St. Paul PTO. 

One banner hangs on the west side of the north wall and the other at the entrance on the south side. Cost of the two banners was rougly $325.  Each banner is 4 feet high and 8 feet long. They say ‘Saint Paul’ on the top line with an image of a tiger head in the middle of the two words. The bottom line reads ‘Home of the Tigers’ in script. The banners are orange and black.

This banner hangs on the south wall inside the entrance

This banner hangs on the west side of the north wall

Meeting planned to discuss break-in problem

In light of the recent break-ins  in the neighborhood, there will be a meeting of all the churches in the area to discuss what can be done to protect the facilities and safety for employees and parishioners.  Councilman Donnie Kammer will attend along with Fr. Ralph Thomas and pastors and representatives from area churches.

Walking resumes at Jenkins Gymnasium

Just a reminder that the Jenkins Gymnasium on Greenlawn is open for parishioners to use for walking exercise Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7:40 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from  7:40 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.

Culled from the bulletin

Life Line screening scheduled for February 18
Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure or a family history of cardiovascular disease? Ultrasound technology is used to view the plaque buildup in your carotid arteries and offers other, similar tests that check for related vascular disease. Life Line Screening is offering a $10 discount on a variety of test packages. Call 1-888-286-7452 or 330-575 -1291 or email folivera@lisa.com to take advantage of the discount. The screenings will be at St. Paul on Saturday, February 18, in the Parish Activity Center.

‘Caring and Sharing’ session set for Monday at IHM
A "Caring and Sharing" session for those who are divorced, separated or widowed will be held on Monday (January 23) from 7:30-9:00 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. This event is open at no charge to people of all faiths. For information call Frank 330.801.0527 or Sharon 330.612.3635.

Biblical Lands Plgrimage planned

Join Deacon Dennis Smith of Nativity of the Lord Jesus for  a St. Paul & Biblical Lands Mediterranean Cruise & Pilgrimage led by Dr. Scott & Kimberly Hahn, Steve Ray and Mike Aquilina, October 25 – November 4, 2012 (with optional Tour to Rome November 4 – 7). For further information email Deacon Dennis at nativityhdeacon@ neohioi.twcbc.com or call Corporate Travel Service, Inc. 313-565-888 Extension 158 or 161.

Stephanie Castongia to give flute recital

Stephanie Castongia, who plays flute at St. Paul’s weekend liturgies,  will be presenting a graduate level flute recital at the University of Akron in Guzetta Hall. at 1 p. m. Sunday, February 19. Admission is free.Stephanie earned a BM in Flute Performance from Bradley University in Peoria, IL,  studying with Dr. Kyle Dzapo, and is pursuing a MM in Flute Performancel at the University of Akron. She has won concerto competitions in Illinois and Arkansas and has participated in numerous master classes, including Walter Auer and Karin Reda in Vienna. Stephanie was a member of several chamber ensembles, principal flutist of the Bradley Symphony Orchestra and Bradley Symphonic Winds, and has performed in the Peoria Bach Festival.

She has been teaching privately for many years, both in-person and via Skype, an internet person-to-person platform which has been a great resource for teaching students in different locales.

Students to speak at First Friday Club

Students from Archbishop Hoban, Our Lady of the Elms, St. Vincent-St. Mary and Walsh Jesuit high schools will speak at the First Friday Club Luncheon at noon on Friday, February 3,  at the Martin Center on the University of Akron campus, 105 Fir Hill.. Their topic will be “Encountering God: Reflections trom Catholic High School Students.”  They will share some of their experiences of encountering God while attending Catholic high schools. The cost of the luncheon is $15 with doors opening at 11:15 a.m. Prepaid reservations can be made by sending a check to the First Friday Club of Greater Akron, 795 Russell Ave., Akron, OH 44307. For more information,  call 330-535-7668.

Form for obtaining contributions statement

If you would like a copy of your financial statement of contributions to St. Paul Parish for income tax purposes, please fill out this form and either place it in the offertory basket or mail it to the rectory.

Mass intentions January 21-29

SATURDAY, January 21 St. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr
8:00am Intention of the Celebrant
4:30pm Marilyn Mudd +
SUNDAY January 22 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:30am Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. Paul
9:00am Andrew Pachipka + (anniv.)
11:00am John & Bobbi Ams +
MONDAY, January 23 Day of Penance
7:00am Andrew & Margaret Livigni +
8:30am Frank Joseph Livigni +
TUESDAY, January 24 St. Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor
of the Church
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Sam & Josephine Lupica +
WEDNESDAY January 25 The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
7:00am Members of St. Paul Parish
8:30am Members of St. Paul Parish
7:00pm Members of St. Paul Parish
THURSDAY January 26 SS. Timothy & Titus, Bishops
7:00am Intention of the Celebrant
8:30am Helen Liggett +
FRIDAY, January 27 St. Angela Merici, virgin
7:00am Morning Prayer with Communion
8:30am Teachers Staff & Students of St. Paul School
SATURDAY, January 28 St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church
8:00am Intention of the Celebrant
4:30pm Helen Sutter +
SUNDAY January 29 Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time
7:30am Intention of the Celebrant
9:00am Teachers Staff & Students of St. Paul PSR
11:00am Intention of the Celebrant

Mass to commemorate Conversion of St. Paul

Metal art work on northeast wall commemorates life of St. Paul

The feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle on Wednesday (January 25) will be celebrated with a Mass at 7 p.m. in St. Paul Church.  The Adult Choir will provide music for the liturgy and afterwards, there will be pie and refreshments in the Parish Activity Center. There also will be a continental breakfast in the PAC after the 8:30 Mass in the morning.

Paul’s life is aptly illustrated by the metal art scultpure on the northeast wall of the church that commemorates the life of the patron saint of our parish.  The work was done by the late George Borisuk from a design by Sister Carol Joy.
 
Paul’s entire life can be explained in terms of one experience—his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In an instant, he saw that all the zeal of his dynamic personality was being wasted, like the strength of a boxer swinging wildly. Perhaps he had never seen Jesus, who was only a few years older. But he had acquired a zealot’s hatred of all Jesus stood for, as he began to harass the Church: “...entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment” (Acts 8:3b). Now he himself was “entered,” possessed, all his energy harnessed to one goal—being a slave of Christ in the ministry

100 years of Maryknoll Sisters: Sister Aquinas McKenna

Since this is the 100th  year of Maryknoll women as a community, we post this note on one who lived at St. Paul. It indcates how  St. Paul was open to new ideas and underscores the value of mission..

Sister Aquinas McKenna MM, a Maryknoll sister who resided at St. Paul in the 1950s was a sister on “promotion.” The  Sisters on Promotion means that the promoter speaks to the people of his/her experiences in mission and of the importance of mission and of their call to be part of mission story, as well of the need to support the missioners in the field. As part of that work the Sisters often went into the classrooms. The Sisers even wrote geography textbooks to acquaint the children with the world, peoples and cultures far from their own homes and endeavored to interest the children in the meaning of mission for them.

Sister Betty Ann Maheu of Maryknoll in New York said, “:I do not believe the work in Ohio was ever linked directly to vocation work, except as a possible by-product, but I doubt very much that it was directly connected with vocation work. It seems from the write-up that it was purely Promotion work.

There is an interesting little section in Sr. Aquinas' death appreciation letter that reads:

"Her storytelling gifts and Irish wit were ever present whether Sister Aquinas was taking up a collection, speaking to school children about missionary life or with other Sisters on the long drives throughout the United States. Her devotion to this work [promotion] was present even in later years and changing times.

Seminary retreat is set for April 20-22

 February 10-12, 2012        April 20-22, 2012 

7pm Friday - 1pm Sunday 

What:

Overnight retreat for men between 17 and 40 years
of age,offering the opportunity to experience life at the seminary.

Where:

Center for Pastoral Leadership  

28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe OH     

Contact:

Father Michael P. McCandless 

            440-943-7660      

mmccandless@dioceseofcleveland.org

St. Paul School starts food-scrap recycling

St. Paul School received recognition in the Beacon Journal today for a new lunchtime food-scrap recycling program. The story and photo by religion writer Colette M. Jenkins was published on the Community section front.

The program — B the 1: Recycling that works — is a food-scrap recycling effort that turns lunchroom waste into compost for growing berries..

“We believe that our creator, God, has left the world in our hands to pass on to generation after generation.” said Fr. Ralph Thomas. “It is our job to preserve it, protect it and take care of it so that it continues to serve all of God’s people. How we dispose of our refuse is important because we don’t want to destroy God’s creation. It’s really about good stewardship.”

Shelly Kadilak, education and promotion specialist for the Summit-Akron Solid Waste Management Authority, talked to the 200 students in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade about composting Tuesday. She instructed them to throw away plastic — straws, sandwich bags, juice boxes, etc. — in regular trash cans. Organic waste (anything that comes from a living thing), she said, should be placed in the large green composting receptacle.

“Food scraps and even the new [compostable] lunch trays that you are seeing for the first time today can go into the container,” Kadilak said. “Juice boxes can be a little tricky because if you tear them, you can see the fuzzy fibers that tell you they are paper that comes from a tree. But if you look closely, there is a thin layer of plastic or foil; that means it’s not compostable and should be thrown in the trash.”

As part of the program, the polystyrene foam lunch trays have been replaced by compartmentalized compostable trays.

The program adt St. Paul will serve as a pilot for parish schools throughout the   Cleveland Diocese.

Robert Brodbeck, principal at St. Paul, said the composting program is a welcome addition to the school’s commitment to good stewardship.

The photo by Beacon Journal photographer Karen Scheily shows Linda McClure (left) an assistant at St. Paul Catholic School and Shelly Kadilak, an education promotion specialist for the Summit Akron Solid Waste Management Authority helping  kindergarten pupils dispense compostable waste after lunch during the first day of the school's composting program Tuesday.

Read the full story.

Snow is a blessing, bulletin board declares

The bulletin board just inside the entrance to St. Paul School proclaims "Snow is a blessing." Students provided individual comments like this one by Alaina Bachmann.  She wrote:  "Snow Is a blessing because it is a way for kids to be active and have fun . Snow is a blessing because it melts and makes water for plants."

Fill bottle with coins for Mom and baby

 This bookmark will be inside each bottle

 

Community Pregnancy Center of Barberton is asking St. Paul parishioners to fill up a baby bottle with coins to help give a mother and her baby a better start on life. The center provides counseling services and spiritual support to women when pregnancy is problematic in some way. Assisting in all issues supporting life as a gift of God.

Please take a baby bottle home this weekend, January 21-22,  and fill it with your loose spare change (coins) and return it to church on March 3-4.  Bottles will be available after all Masses on January 21-22.  For more information call the CPC at 330-825-1900.             

St. Paul School gets 'thank you' from OPEN M

St. Paul principal Robert Brodbeck and students have received a “thank you” letter from OPEN M for the collection of winter items for the needy.

In a handwritten note added to the letter, OPEN M chief executive editor Dottie Achmoody wrote:

“We were excited to see how full your Christmas tree was with all the Winter items. Thanks for partnering with us again.”

The thank you letter said:

“We are grateful for your generosity and caring spirit by putting God's words into action with your good deed of collecting winter items for those in need. Please thank all your students for their thoughtful Christmas donation of new winter hats, gloves and scarves that we distributed during our "Christmas for the Love of Childreri' program. We received a very positive response from the parents to receive the much needed winter items that they had not originally requested. Many parents were thrilled to be able to give their children an additional gift. OPEN M is very fortunate that you share God's love with those we serve.

“On behalf of our Board of Trustees, clients and the entire community of OPEN M, we would Iike you to know that we cherish you and His blessings.”

Two receive St. Vincent-St. Mary scholarships

St.  Paul students Michelle Chang and Regina Neugebauer  have been selected to receive Irish Opportunity scholarships to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.  The scholarship is awarded in the amount of $4,000  ($1,000 per year, renewable for four years).  Students are selected on the basis of academics, character, leadership and personal recmmendatuon of the principal.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity opens

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity opens tomorrow under the theme "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ." The Week is promoted by the World Council of Churches (WCC), a worldwide fellowship of 349 churches seeking unity, common witness and Christian service. The Catholic Church participates in this ecumenical initiative, despite not being a member of the WCC.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally celebrated from January 18 to 25. It brings together Christian parishes and congregations from different confessional families all over the world, who meet and pray together in special ecumenical celebrations.

This year's theme comes from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians which promises the transformation of human life - with all its apparent dimensions of 'triumph' and 'defeat' - through the victory of Christ's resurrection.
 

Following the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Benedict XVI invited the faithful, "as individuals and in communities, to participate spiritually, and where possible practically in the Week of Prayer, to ask God for the gift of full unity among the disciples of Christ."

 

Mass for Marilyn Plazo is Thursday at St. Francis

Marilyn Plazo, 74, went home to be with the Lord on January 14, 2012.

Marilyn was born in Akron on August 20, 1937 to the late Ray and Iris Wolf. She was a graduate of Garfield High School and the Hammel Business College. She retired from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. after 39 years. She very proudly volunteered much of her time to the Friend's of Children's Hospital for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; daughter, Anita Nowac; granddaughter, Ali; many other extended family members from the Plazo and Wolf families, and a host of friends from Goodyear, Children's Hospital, and the Hills of Pleasant Valley Garden Club.

Cremation will take place and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Anthony Susso on Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church on Manchester Rd. A private inurnment of ashes will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Akron's Children's Hospital 1 Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308.

Anthony Funeral Homes, Akron, anthonyfh.com    330.724.1281
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Monday, January 16, 2012, page B5, col. 4]   

175 attend Scout Troop 81 spaghetti dinner

Barnett family enjoying spaghetti dinner

Approximately  175 attended the annual spaghetti dinner  fund raiser of Boy Scout Troop  81 on Saturday evening in Boeke Hall.  Mary Starheim won the 46-inch HD TV. The 50/50 raffle winners of $122 were Vince and Steven Cook.
   
Leaders  estimate that the Boy Scouts earned more than  $2,100 including spaghetti dinner, TV ticket sales and 50/50 earnings, but this is not confirmed.  Funds raised help buy much-needed equipment, pay for camp fees and otherm expenses for the ever-growing Scout troop.  Much of our success was due to the fact that almost all items needed for the spaghetti dinner were donated and the tireless work of our volunteers.

Some of the donors were  Sysco, Olive Garden, Starbuck’s, Sam’s club, Best Buy, Ideal Bakery, Target, Giant Eagle, Acme, and Laura Grubb. There were a couple of anonymous donors as well. 

Scouts watching TV

 
Trio selling 50/50 raffle tickets

[Photos by Kim Kuhn]

Women gather to 'Open the Door'

Women gather around the altar after Communion

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me."

The theme for this weekend’s Gathring of Women at St. Paul was “Open the Door,” based on a book by Joyce Rupp.

Sister Cheryl Rose, a Humility of Mary nun, opened the door with some beautiful images in an hour-long retreat which seemed to be too short-lived.

Women gathered Saturday morning in the Parish Activity for the presentation after coffee and donuts.

A door left over from a student play and an enlarged prayer card showing Christ at the door served as a perfect backdrop.

Sister Cheryl asked the women to notice there was no doorknob. “That," she said, “is because the door can only be opened from the inside."

“God will never force a door open,” she said.  “We allow God in.”   He only slips memos or love notes under the door. “We have to open the door and invite God in.”

Sister Cheryl then asked the women to close their eyes and meditate–think about what doors they have closed or kept off limits to God.  There was complete silence in the chapel for a couple of minutes.

Most of the women then went to the church where there was a candle procession to bring the gifts to the altar.  Father Ralph Thomas gave a thoughful homily and  invited the women to come up on the altar after Communion for a closing of the Gathering.

See photos of the covered dish dinner on Friday and the program on Saturday.

Dinner opens Women's Gathering

 Judy Richard (left) welcomes women to Gathering and Sister Cheryl Rose talks with Fr. Ralph Thomas

Women braved a heavy snow Friday evening to attend a covered dish dinner openig the two-day Women’s Gathering at St. Paul . Judy Richard, coordinator of the program, welcomed the women.  Sister Chery Rose, who will present a program Saturday, attended the dinner.

The theme of the gatherig is  “Open the Door,” based on a book by Joyce Rupp.  Sister Cheryl will again lead the annual gathering.  She will give a presentation after coffee and donuts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.  Sister Cheryl  is a Humility of Mary nun whose motherhouse is in VillaMarie, PA. She is currently working from the Resource Center in Rocky River. She has taught chemistry, physics and theology in several Humility of Mary high schools, including Magnificat High School in Rocky River. She also was employed at NASA for a time.

See more photos of dinner

Fill the bottle with coins for Mom and baby

A “little change” can make a “Big Change” in a “little life.”  Community Pregnancy Center of Barberton is asking St. Paul parishioners to fill up a baby bottle with coins to help give a mother and her baby a better start on life. The center provides counseling services and spiritual support to women when pregnancy is problematic in some way. Assisting in all issues supporting life as a gift of God.

Please take a baby bottle home next weekend, January 21-22,  and fill it with your loose spare change (coins) and return it to church on March 3-4.  Bottles will be available after all Masses on January 21-22.  For more information call the CPC at 330-825-1900.

Men’s conference is February 25

The  Answer the Call conference of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Northeast Ohio will be Saturday, February 24, at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, 1284912 Lakeshore Boulevard, Cleveland.

Speakers will be Fr. Timothy Kalista, parochial vicar of St. Mary in Chardon; Richard Lane, retired Highland Park School educator and  National Football  League Hall of Fame Cornerback, and Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame coach. Fr. Ken Sommer, co-founder of the Cincinnati Men’s Fellowship, will be a special guest.  Bishop Richard Lennon will celebrate the closing Mass. Gary Burling, a member of St. Mary Church in Chardon, will be master pf ceremonies.

Fr. John Valenchek, pastor of St. Sebastian, will give a talk on Reconciliation.

New this year will be breakout sessions for high school and college youth.

The conference opens at 8 a.m. with registration and coffee and donuts. The conference begins at 9 a.m.  Lunch is at noon.  More than 30 priests will hear confessions during the lunch period.  The closing Mass will be at 4 p.m.

Individual registration is $35 or $30 in a group of eight or more. The student rate is $15. All priests, deacons and seminarians are admitted free. Register online at www.cmfneo.com or call 877-208-5585 or mail payment to PO Box 21271, South  Euclid, OH 44121

Directions to Conference Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is at 18491 Lakeshore Boulevard in Cleveland,Take Interstate 271 North to Interstate 90 West. Follow Interstate 90     to the East 185th exit turn right( North) and follow East 185th to Lakeshore Blvd.(about 15 blocks) The school is at the intersection of East 185th  and Lakeshore.       Parking is on the school property as well as at the old retreat house next door,  Hospice of the Western Reserve, Euclid Hospital and the University Hospital wellness center. On arrival you will be directed to available parking. Shuttles will be available if needed.