This week is Catholic Schools Week. It comes annually the week before open enrollment. You may have seen in the Universe Bulletin (the Diocesan Newspaper) the listing of all the elementary and high schools in the 8 counties, our school was listed as well.

When it comes to Catholic Schools and Education, the Cleveland Diocese ranks 5th out of the nearly 200 dioceses in the United States. We’re doing a pretty good job! I’m proud that our St. Bernard-St. Mary School is part of this. Our students succeed because of the outstanding teachers and administrators involved in their lives.

And I’m proud and grateful that the parish wants to see this school continue for the benefit of Akron. It takes a lot of work and sacrifice. If you want a closer look – take advantage of our Open House this coming week, or simply join us for Mass on Tuesday mornings at 8:00am to see for yourself.

If you know of someone interested in a quality education in a Catholic environment, please spread the word about SB-SM School and call 330-253-5161.

We welcome Fr. Albért Haase, OFM, back to the parish for our first ever Day of Reflection for Liturgical Ministers. Fr. Albért was with us last Lent for our Parish Mission, and folks enjoyed him so much, we invited him to speak to us on this occasion.

This year our Parish Mission will be a cluster event. Please mark your calendars for February 13, 14, and 15 at 7:00PM at St. Vincent. Fr. Blaise Czaja, CP, a Passionist priest, who will share some words of wisdom. Due to his busy schedule Fr. Czaja will be give our Lenten Parish Mission about a week before Lent begins. Please plan on attending as many nights as possible.

Luckily, we haven’t had to use our new truck and snowplow very often this year. Nevertheless we still have to pay for them. This weekend tickets for our fund raiser go on sale at $40. The truck and snowplow will benefit our parish and school in many ways, but we can’t forget how the truck will benefit feeding the hungry. With a dependable truck we can serve people beyond our parish. The Night at the Races event “Race for Horsepower” we hope to pay off this expense. I want to express my thanks to the committee working on this event, and our thanks to the anonymous donors who have already begun to contribute to this goal.

We welcome to the 6:00 PM Mass in Spanish two of our Diocesan Permanent Deacons. Deacon Miguel Figueroa and Deacon Reinaldo Sanchez will be here to discuss ways they can assist those we serve in the parish who depend on English as a second language.

At a meeting with the Catholic Charities Director for Summit County, Deacon John Green; he and other Churches and organizations are recognizing an increase in Spanish-speaking families living in the North Hill and other neighborhoods. Although our parish remains an open door for new immigrants, those who have been in Akron for years are settling and integrating elsewhere.

We want to meet the needs of persons and families who are most vulnerable when they arrive. And we remain a ‘home base’ for many Spanish-speaking persons seeking a Catholic Church. When families are ready, we help them to connect with the parish in which they live for additional services.

I am also pleasantly surprised by the English-speaking parishioners who choose to attend the 6PM Mass. Although Mass is Mass in any language, their visible support is a blessing to the Hispanic Community.

Finally, the DVD series on “Catholicism” being shown on Wednesdays at 7PM in the school has been a great success. Each of the ten sessions stands on its own; consider joining 50 or so parishioners next week for “The Mystery of God”. There’s always room for one more person seeking a deeper understanding of God and His Church. May He Bless You this Week! Fr. Dan

~ Seeds of Literacy provides basic education and GED preparation to adults in Cuyahoga County free of Charge. Today they are in urgent need of tutors. In order to meet that need they have a couple of upcoming Tutor Training sessions scheduled: Feb. 25th and March 24th from 9AM-2PM. For more information call 1-216-661-7950.

~ Daffodil Days is an opportunity for everyone to join the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer and save more lives. Daffodil Days of Summit County will be March 19-25. Please pre-order by February 21. For more information contact Teri Incorvia at 1-888-227-6446 x2224 or visit the web http://daffodil.acsevents.org/ohsummitmedinacounty.

~ Help children who live in third world orphanages by donating your gently used electronics. Operation Hearts and Home is a registered 501-3C charity dedicated to improving the lives of orphans worldwide. You will receive a letter for tax purposes. For information go to www.operationheartsandhome.org.

~ Ozanam Center is in need of volunteers with trucks to help with furniture pickups. If you can help please call Cathie or Jim Perusek at 330-467-5762.

~ First Friday Club of Greater Akron Speakers for Feb. 3rd will be Student Representatives of the Four Catholic High Schools in Summit County. Their topic will be “Encountering God: Reflections from Catholic High School Students”. Tickets for Luncheon are $15. For information call 330-535-7668.

~ A 24 Hour Retreat Experience for Adults in their 20s and 30s who are looking to deepen their faith & create lasting connections. Fri., February 17 at 7:00pm thru Sat., February 18 at 7:00pm at Bethany Retreat House in Chardon. The cost of the retreat is $25. For more information visit www.CharisMinistries.org.

~ On Tuesday, February 7 at 7:30pm St. Olaf Choir will be making a stop on their Centennial Tour at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cleveland. There will be a video presentation, St. Olaf Choir Centennial Retrospective, at 6:30pm, in the Sanctuary. For tickets: email stolaftickets.com or call 1-800-363-5487.

~ Husband and Wives Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Give your loved one the most meaningful gift of all . . .the gift of your presence . . . your time. Start by attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend with your spouse on February 10-12 at the Cambria Suites in Green. For more information, please call 330-305-9963 or email WorldwideME@schglobal.net.

~ A 24 Hour Retreat Experience for Adults in Their 20s and 30s. Join us for a Charis Seekers’ Retreat from February 17 at 7:00pm thru February 18 at 7:00pm at Bethany Retreat House in Chardon. The cost of the retreat is $25 and includes meals and supplies. Visit www.CharisMinistries.org for more information.

~ There will be a group of local “pilgrims” and Fr. Anthony Suso, from St. Francis De Sales Church, leaving on June 22, 2012 and returning on July 1, 2012 to The Cathedral of St. James, and all the other special sites in Medjugorje. Please contact Betty Schnitzler at 330-958-3903 before February 1st to reserve your spot!

~ Pilgrimage to Shrines of Italy-Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome, with Fr. Michael K. Gurnick on November 5-15, 2012. For more information call 1-216-696-6526 ext. 2930.

~ The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County invites you to their Annual Luncheon, Style Show, Silent Auction, and Raffle on Thursday, March 8 at 11am at Guy’s Party Centre in Akron. Cost: $20 per person. Make checks payable to Women’s Board of CCCS/SC. Pre-paid reservations should be sent by March 4th to Mikey Stewart, 45 Bermont Ave., Munroe Falls, Ohio 44262. Include your name, address, and phone number.