~ Community Pregnancy Center is ready to launch into an exciting phase of growth and is looking to add a part-time Manager of Community Relations to their staff to help them meet the opportunities ahead. If you’re a pro-life person with proven skills in the areas of development and communications and are looking to work in a ministry centered in prayer and on the front line of pro-life ministry, please call Diane at 330-825-1900.

~ First Friday Club of Greater Akron will present “Living Deeply in a Shallow World” at July 13th by Deacon John Green is the Director of Catholic Charities Community Services/Summit County and Deacon at Holy Family Parish. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00; the doors open at 11:15am. For additional information or for reservations call 330-535-7668.

~ Single & Parenting is a series of video seminars that teach effective parenting strategies, encouragement and insights on how to find hope as you parent alone. It meets the first Friday of each month, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Church, 12700 Pearl Road, Strongsville, Ohio 44136. The cost is $25 for 13 weeks, and the next session is Friday, July 13, 2012 & August 3, 2012. For registration contact Jane at 216-334-2978. New attendees are welcome!

~ 52nd Annual Salad Smorgasbord Card Party will be held Wednesday July 18th at 9 am with lunch at 12noon at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Doylestown. Cost $6 per person and includes lunch. Contact Janet at 330-658-3057 for information.

~ The 30th Cleveland Charismatic Conference sponsored by Catholic Renewal Ministries will be held July 20th & 21st at Magnificent High School in Rocky River. Guest speakers will be Fr. John Gordon, David Mangan and Deacon Dave Pecot. The theme is “Let the Fire Fall”. The conference opens on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Contact Sue or Joe Palmieri at (440)774-1191 for registration information or visit www.crmweb.org.

~ Faith & Family Festival at Walsh University’s Hoover Park in North Canton on Saturday, July 21st form 9:30am-5pm. The day includes talks by Catholic evangelist Jesse Romero, Fr. Damian Ference, the music Martin Doman, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and activities for kids of all ages. Bishop Murry will join us for the Eucharistic procession and closing Mass at 4pm. Please register in advance at 330-744-8451.

~ The Visitation of Mary Parish invites all in the Presque Isle Downs & Casino Day Trip on Tuesday, July 24 from 8am-6pm. $33.00 per person with a ($25 casino bonus). Games, Prizes, & Refreshments on the bus! RSVP now at (330) 535-4141, ext. 12 or email kmstiller@aol.com.

~ Come and See! If you have a passion for helping people and are looking to become involved with a pro-life agency, Community Pregnancy Center, in Barberton, needs your help. Join us July 25 from 10:30-11:30am our Come and See Day. At the meeting, you can enjoy refreshments while you learn about the ministry and where you may fit in as a volunteer. Call Julie at 330-825-1900 for more information.

~ Would you like an opportunity to come together as a family and remember the life of your deceased loved one? Memorial Service at one of your Catholic Cemetery locations. To discuss this new service or schedule a Memorial Service contact Melissa Malone at 1-216-570-6668.

~ The Catholic Family Festival, The FEST, is an annual JOY-FILLED celebration of faith and music that will gather over 35,000 youth and families for a one day celebration on Sunday, August 5 We are in need the hands and feet of your Troop. This is a unique opportunity for service hours and building teamwork around the largest one day free Catholic family festival in the country. Come for the day or just for a few hours; all materials and training will be provided. Call 1-216-533-1661.

If all roads lead to Wickliffe, then on August 5th, there will be a super highway to the Center for Pastoral Leadership. The FEST returns to Wickliffe for our 12th annual Catholic Family FESTival. This year, it features nationally recognized Christian recording artists, Switchfoot, Peter Furler, & Mandisa! Mindy Callahan & the Rubyz will also be performing, along with a full compliment of other bands and presentations. In addition to the music, the FEST always includes wonderful games, crafts and activities for children of all ages.

Marc’s Adventure Zone will host Rise Above Entertainment. They will thrill onlookers with their amazing BMX show, along with inflatable games and activities. Lake Life Teen, based in Wickliffe, is bringing Life Teen International to The FEST with a wide variety of teen activities and parent resources. Come ready to be inspired! At 8 pm, FEST grounds shut down to host an inspiring outdoor Mass. Come and hear the incredible choir, and thousands giving praise and thanks to God. The night caps off with an amazing fireworks display by American Fireworks.

“Come on out” to the Center for Pastoral Leadership on August 5th. This Family FESTival is FREE and open to ALL. It’s the perfect family event this summer. Grounds open at 12 Noon and there’s plenty of free parking and shuttles. Join 35,000 of your closest friends…for the FEST!

Ministry of Consolation Training Course – Caring for the dying, praying for the dead and comforting those who mourn are all elements of a ministry of consolation. The Church calls each member of Christ’s Body – priest, deacon, religious, layperson – to this ministry (Order of Christian Funerals, #8). This course is for those who are ministering to the bereaved in a parish setting. It will explore ways to begin a Ministry of Consolation in your parish or enhance your present bereavement ministry programs. It is our hope that you will gain new knowledge and ideas, find new materials and resources, and make new friends while you renew old friendships. We want you to come away with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. Come, learn, and share how the Christian faithful comfort mourners with words of faith and support and acts of kindness (OCF, #13). The Course Objectives- Promoting an awareness of grief and the needs of grieving people. Preparing comforters with the tools and education needed to minister to the bereaved. Developing parish-based comfort programs tailored to local needs and to use the gifts and talents of parish staff and members Supporting on-going parish grief care programs through continuing education and resources. Topics- Overview of the Ministry of Consolation, The Grief Process, Comforting Those Who Mourn, Order of Christian Funerals, Setting Up Your Bereavement Ministry Programs, Facilitating Support Groups and Caring for the Minister. Course Fee of $125 includes: Light refreshments and snacks plus resources, participant manual from the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved, and various handouts and media. The Course will be held Tuesday, July 31, August 7, August 21, and August 28th from 6-9pm at Our lady of Victory on Tallmadge Ave. For more information or to register call 1-216-334-2976.