I hope this is a relaxing and peaceful weekend for all who labor. Let us also give thanks for the millions of men, women, and children who labored to build this great nation. Mass will be at St. Bernard at 9:30am for both parishes.

School started and many children returned to develop the 3 ‘R’s; likewise, Catholic faith development will be part of the curriculum. One never stops learning about their faith in Jesus Christ; we are life-time disciples, that is, learners of God’s commandments.

PSR (Religion Classes) will begin the week of September 16, Catechetical Sunday, and every child and teen must be registered. Even if you do not participate in a program at St. Bernard or St. Mary, your child must be registered to inform us where they are receiving religious instruction this coming year – even if that is Home School. Please register after any Mass or stop by the parish office for a form to fill out and return by September 9.

This week we discontinue the 5:10pm and the 7:00am Daily Masses at St. Bernard. For those who cannot attend our M-F 12:10 Daily Mass, an evening Mass is offered at Immaculate Conception in Kenmore, and

Wednesday we begin at Confessions and Mass at St. Mary, 4:45 and 5:30, respectively. It is in conjunction with our Adult Faith Enrichment Program: the Book of Revelation at 6:30. There is still time to register by calling the parish office. See the ad above.

Finally the first pew has been removed at St. Bernard. Thanks to the SB Men’s Prayer Group for their hefty work. Please give kind consideration to those with walkers, wheelchairs, etc., or need extra assistance. Communion Ministers will distribute the Body of Christ to those in the first pew, first.

As the parish is unmerged we are in need of people in both parishes to volunteer at Mass as: Readers, Servers (youth and adults), Ushers and Greeters, Environment (flowers and clean up), Coffee and Donut servers between the morning Masses. Thanks for giving of yourself to make our worship of God, fitting in both parish churches.

Next Saturday I will celebrate a Mass in Memory of a devoted priest of the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky. Msgr. Ralph W. Beiting, known by many here in Northeast Ohio, died on August 9. For over 62 years he preached the Gospel (literally in the streets) and lived the Gospel by works of charity on behalf of the poor in Appalachia in Eastern Kentucky.

He founded the Christian Appalachian Project and then the Fr. Beiting Appalachian Mission Center in some of the poorest counties of the U.S. Celebrating Mass, pastoring a number of small parishes, and operating a dozen re-sale shops he drew volunteers from all over the United States to serve the poor. It will be an honor to preside at the Eucharist for a man of God who definitely lived the 25th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. The Mass will be Saturday, September 8 at 10:00am at St. Mary, Akron. Well done, Fr. Beiting, share now the joy of the Father’s Kingdom!

Next Sunday the Most Rev. Richard G. Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland, will preside at a Mass of Installation at St. Mary. There will be NO 9:00 Mass there; it’ll be at 12:15pm only. All are invited to attend as I am installed as the pastor of St. Mary Parish and School. A small reception will follow in the school.

Newman Campus Ministry had their first meeting this past Wednesday. It was a wonderful turnout. We welcome the new UA students and those returning. Take note of the bulletin announcements for Newman and the parish. + Share your Spirit with us – be involved in the St. Bernard Mission. Peace, Fr. Dan