Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate a significant event in the life of our Risen Lord – His Ascension into Heaven. There at the right hand of the Father, Jesus prays for the Church. Think about it – our Lord is praying for you. So we make every effort to persevere in faith in God and hope in His promises, and to live out His command of charity to others.

This past week the Parish Council met for its monthly meeting. The members decided to have again an Outdoor Mass at the School Site for the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, June 10th. There will be a Procession with the Blessed Sacrament and then a Social with Breakfast pastries and coffee. Mass will begin at the School at 9:30 AM come rain or shine. THERE WILL BE NO 9:30 AM MASS HERE. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a breakfast pastry to share.

The Diocesan Capital Campaign begins in our parish in a few weeks. Through the Catholic Community Foundation we intend to reach a goal of $125 million. – Well, not our parish alone, whew! Since we are one of the last parishes to become involved in this Campaign, I can tell you that the work of pastors and generosity of parishioners throughout the diocese has already raised over $100 million.

The Campaign asks us – yes, priests too– to help five critical areas in the diocese with a pledge over a five year period. First – parish life. Once we reach our goal amount we will receive back 30% of the monies; then 70% on every dollar contributed beyond the goal. There are a number of things we can do with the monies given back. We could raze the old St. Bernard School, or remodel bathrooms, or separate the boilers under St. Mary Church. We could also use materials for renewing parish life, supporting marriages, our youth, etc. But, until we meet our goal those all remain a dream.

Second – an increase in the current tuition assistance for Catholic Education and to advance technology and education programs. Many of our SB-SM students who do not qualify for the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship benefit from this Catholic Education Endowment Trust. However, this Capital Campaign endowment increase would benefit over 2,000 more children across the diocese annually.

Third – assistance to those preparing for ministry in our seminaries, specifically for the diaconate and priesthood and their ongoing education – and – an increase to the current priest’s retirement fund. Forty years ago there were about ten priests paying into a retirement fund that benefitted every one priest retiring. Soon there will be one priest paying into the retirement fund for every two priests retiring. Outside of Social Security which every priest pays the full 15.3% on his own each year, this diocesan retirement fund is what remains to assist men once they are no longer serving in a parish. (Recently, due to fewer priests and longevity, retirement will begin at age 75 for most priests.)

Fourth – endowments that help to strengthen our evangelization efforts, our Catholic presence in struggling neighborhoods, and increase lay formation – for youth and adults. This critical area would benefit religious instruction and formation in our parishes.

And fifth – funds for Catholic Charities. The Catholic Charities Appeal is a great success each year. However, these monies are literally an in-and-out account. The bishop asks our help annually for the poor and every dollar generously donated goes out to the institutions and people in need for that year. This Capital Campaign will improve or expand services, like home health care which is currently out-sourced, could be provided at a lower cost under Catholic sponsorship.

In 2008, when I first learned of this Campaign I thought it was ludicrous to even think it. Since then I’ve come to see what will happen if we don’t do something now. The Diocese of Cleveland will be in worse condition with even fewer resources, and subsidies from parishes could skyrocket. I assure you all that I am in this with you as I consider what I financially can do to help. I hope you will join me. Peace, Fr. Dan

Queridos Hermanos:

Este domingo celebramos La Asención del Señor. Con la salida del Señor a la derecha de su Padre, tenemos la expectación de la venida del Espíritu Santo. El próximo domingo 27 de mayo es la Solemnidad de Pentecostés. El color del día es ROJO. Si quiere hacerlo, venga a la misa en una camisa roja o algo rojo. Ya tiene usted el Espíritu del Señor, vamos de expresar lo con color.

Marque su calendario – el 3 de junio vamos a Windsor, Ohio en peregrinación. Hay un autobús y carros que pueden seguir en fila. Lleva comida y bebidas para ti mismo y miembros de tu familia. Sera Misa a la 1:00pm en el capilla allá. No hay Misa en la iglesia ese domingo a las 6:00 pm.

El otro día a recordar es el 10 de junio a las 9:30am. Vamos a St. Mary Escuela (750 S. Main) donde celebraremos la Solemnidad del Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo con Misa en el campo con Procesión del Santísimo. Después habrá pasteles y café. No hay Misa en la iglesia ese domingo a las 9:30 am.

Tambien el 10 de junio habrá una clases del Bautismo para los padres que quieren bautizar a su hijo o hija. Las horas serán 4:00 de la tarde en el Salón de Historia a tras del Aula Social.

El equipo pastoral hispano tenía un meeting recientemente, y todavía queremos su opinión sobre cuál es la hora más agradable para celebrar la misa?

Recuerdan en sus oraciones, por favor, los niños en hospital y todos los enfermos de la parroquia. Gracias por su agradable y compasivo espíritu. Fr. Dan