Dear Parishioners,

So, what’s a little rain! We had a good time nonetheless at the Parish Aero’s Game last Friday. We saw the Aero’s lose, and have another chance at it since the second game was rained out. Thanks to Ruth and Dick Reinhart and the Knights of Columbus for arranging the Dinner and Game. See you next year!

Now playing at your Canton Movies 10 Cinema on Dressler Road…”For Greater Glory” a film about Mexico’s fight for religious freedom in the 1920’s, offers lessons in history and catechesis. Unlike many relatively big budget films about the Church, this one approaches the Catholic faith with seriousness, respect and sensitivity. Almost all the characters are based on real persons, and the storyline strives to be faithful to actual events. I recommend this movie for a deeper understanding of what some here in our parish experienced. While studying in Mexico in 1994, I lived with a priest who at age 72 was able to vote for the first time in his life. The clergy and laity suffered greatly but their faith, practiced mostly in the home, endured.

Tuesday at 7pm our book club will meet to discuss the Rites of Justice – first two chapters. Meet in the Office Conference Room. Come and join the discussion on how the Sacraments we receive call us to live a particular way in the world as Catholics. Yep, all those service hours for Confirmation preparation weren’t just to jump through hoops. Get involved in your Church as a confirmed Catholic.

I commend the young men and women who were confirmed this year and have – with the support of their parents – become servers at the altar of their parish or involved in their school. That’s what it’s all about!

The University of Akron Newman Center is already meeting to plan this year’s activities. School returns in just a few weeks. We are fortunate to provide a great service to these students: a place to meet, a late Sunday evening Mass, good music, and even our lovable Fr. Norm as chaplain. I always encourage their involvement in our ministries during the academic years. Please reach out and introduce yourself, let them know St. Bernard Church, and not just the building, when they arrive as freshmen with their parents or return this fall.

This Wednesday there is a meeting at the University Student Union Rm. 339 at 10 am. They are making plans to landscape down University Avenue which entails our property. Wanna hear the plan? I do!

The past two years we have presented programs to enrich the knowledge and faith life of the Catholic adults in our parish. We’ve studied the Bible and its timeline, Catholicism with Fr. Barrons, the changes in the Mass language and its history. There have been various book clubs and the Holy Name Society offered spiritual input. Now a Catholic Men’s group has started. And still more, we will start a Book of the Month Club with an interactive blog on our website for those who can’t get together in person. The variety is good; the participation is even better.

Beginning the first Wednesday of September we will offer another Adult Faith Enrichment Program. I’m looking at a specific book of the Bible, unless someone has some other suggestions.

The Adult Faith program will be at St. Mary School at 6:30pm on Wednesdays. I am looking to have a Daily Mass at 5:30pm before each session. Mass, Bag Dinner, Faith Enrichment Program, and some evenings Confessions will be available – what do you think?

Keep in mind these upcoming events at St. Mary: August 15 – 7pm Mass for the Re-established Parish

August 19 – 9am Sunday Masses Begin

August 20-26 Registration Begins

August 27 Classes resume at St. Mary School

Sept. 5 – 5:30pm Mass and Adult Faith Enrichment

Sept. 9 – 12:15pm Installation of Pastor; No 9am Mass

And finally, I’m grateful for Fr. Norm sharing his time and skills with parishioners who are discerning their future church home. I hope this was helpful. Soon we will need to revisit registrations in both parishes to formulate an accurate picture of our parish family households and Akron friends. Peace to all, Fr. Dan