Dear Parishioners,

As Christians every Sunday is Memorial Day. We remember one like ourselves who made the supreme sacrifice of his life on our behalf, Jesus Christ. This Sunday, as Americans, we remember our own citizens who gave their life for our independence, unity, and defense against all enemies. Flags will be placed at the parish cemetery, and prayers offered at the altar

Fr Ralph Coletta will celebrate his 50th Anniversary of Ordination at the 11:30 Mass. In 1935, the Coletta family lived on Kling St. and young Ralph was baptized at St. Bernard Church that year. His spiritual life developed in the parish and his journey led to priestly ministry on May 20, 1961. After a few parish assignments, he served four years as the Director of the Deaf Apostolate, then nine years as pastor at St. Mary Parish in Wooster, and finally 18 years as pastor of the former St. John the Baptist Parish here in Akron until his retirement in 2005. We are happy to have Fr. Coletta back to where it all began in 1935. God bless you, Father!

Hey! Young families! You are one of the blessings of this new merged parish. There are more of you now. Over the months parishioners have told me how good it is to see so many young people and families at Mass and involved. Your presence and commitment – despite all the challenges of getting everything together on a Sunday – is noticed and appreciated.

One of the qualities of this merged parish is our ability to make room for one another. Your effort to reach out and create a welcoming environment will increase the vibrancy and future of our Church.

This includes the young children who are part of our parish family. Although there is a ‘cry room’ on the second level for parents who are uncomfortable when their child is tired, crying, or distracting, we make room for the children. Who knows there may be another Ralph Coletta in our midst preparing for ordination!!

Our Children’s Liturgy of the Word that occurs during the 9:30am Mass will resume in the fall. Our thanks go to the five catechists who helped the children to hear the story of Jesus, to pray, and to learn aspects of our Catholic faith. I encourage parents to continue their learning during the summer by discussing what you hear in the Mass with your child. The drive home could be an opportunity to ask questions, explain, or pray.

The contemporary 8 PM Mass Choir will continue Sunday nights in the summer.

We welcome back today, Fr. Paul Schindler, who is home for his sister’s Golden Religious Jubilee. Bienvenidos, Padre!

Pray for those in the Armed Forces and for our loved ones who have died in service. Let us pray for peace, His Peace, in our hearts and world. Fr. Dan