Announcements

This fall, the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults RCIA will begin at the 9:30 am Mass on September 12 followed by an opening session in the Newman Center immediately following Mass. Please contact Deacon Ray if you are interested in joining us for this year’s RCIA journey.

St. Bernard-St. Mary Parish offers the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) starting in September and concluding at Pentecost the following year. Inquirers are invited to an introductory inquiry session on August 19, 7 pm at the Newman Center. This is a chance to ask questions, understand the process and continue your spiritual journey. Several members of last year’s RCIA group will be there to share their experiences as well as our dedicated group of catechists and team members who will be leading this year’s journey.

On August 14/15 the Little Sisters of the Poor will be accepting donation for their care to the elderly poor in Warrensville, OH. Your generosity will be deeply appreciated.

Soon school will be re-opening, but already you will find in your packet of monthly envelopes an envelope for the Fr. Hilkert Fund. It is related to our parish school. Mr. Ken Jonas, a Finance Councilman, offers this brief explanation of the fund for our consideration:

This fund was generated by Fr. Hilkert, former pastor of St. Mary Parish, due to his great belief in Catholic Education. The young must be trained preferably by both parents and family. Each generation has many things handed down to the next generation verbally and requires verification by doctrinal truths. This doctrine is taught in the Catholic School to all.

In order that the school is not limited by personnel, a lifetime trust fund was generated. This trust requires that 100% of funds be used for the operation and/or maintaining of the school. This includes all original funds provided by Fr. Hilkert, and any contributions by parishioners and other donors.

This trust is not large enough to fund the school totally. The parish funds have supplied any additional funds to keep the school solvent. Any donation we can make supports the school alone and benefit the children.

We will learn more about the excellent work the parish school will provide to Catholics and non-Catholics in the Akron area. We welcome your support to this trust fund.

Please join us at our next installment of Grounds for Faith on Friday, August 13, 2010. Linda Hart will present the topic: “The Christ Child Society: Challenging Poverty: One Child at a Time.” We will also be collecting monetary donations, new socks, and new underwear for the Christ Child Society. This event sponsored by CYO, and is an opportunity for young adults to come together to listen to a speaker, enjoy coffee and refreshments, discuss, and socialize. All single and married young adults are invited to attend. Events are held at Guardian Angels Parish 1676 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. Copley, Ohio 44321 . Doors open at 6:45 and the speaker begins at 7:00. Babysitting is available on-site during the event from 6:45-9:00 for children ages 0-12. If you need babysitting you must RSVP by the Monday before the event. A donation of $2.00 per child is appreciated but not required. Please e-mail us at groundsforfaith@yahoo.com with questions, babysitting RSVP’s, or if you would like to receive our e-mail newsletter.

The First Friday Club speaker for its August 6th luncheon at 12 noon at the Martin Center, will be Philip Maynard, Chairman, ASW Properties Ltd. His topic: “The Joy of Giving.” Reservations can be made by calling 330-535-7668.

Are you aware of this enrichment for married couples? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops remind us to “celebrate and reverence God’s vision of human sexuality”. Married couples who use NFP report many benefits to strengthen their relationship. More information is available at their website: www.usccb.org /prolife/nfp. For classes available in our area please call the parish office for locations.

Any items for the bulletin must be in the parish office by Tuesday Noon. Beth will try to include your notice or information in the upcoming week’s bulletin. All bulletin items are also posted on the website.

There will be training for all liturgical ministers in the near future: Servers, Lectors, Ushers/Greeters. Mr. Jim Kintz will be contacting Cantors. Please note the following gathering for Extraordinary Ministers.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: If you attended the Diocesan training sessions and received certification for St. Mary or St. Bernard Parishes, please attend one of the brief update sessions listed below:

If you can’t make it any time this week, there will be another opportunity later this summer.

Following the Wednesday 12:10 Mass, a group of parishioners gather to pray the rosary. Special prayer intentions are lifted up, including those for life. You are most welcome to come and pray.