From the Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

As the Autumn Season becomes more noticeable with leaves and temperatures falling, I am reminded of the cycle of life. And, so is the Church this week, as we remember the Saints and Souls who have gone on before us. Part of their life stories are enshrined on our church walls, windows, and statues. Join us for a tour of the church this Sunday at 12:30pm. It’s an opportunity to ask some questions about their faith and ours. Let’s let the Saints inspire and instruct us.

Thanks to all those who helped cleanup our Cemetery on Maple Street, and then power-washed the front of our buildings. Your generosity of time and energy to your parish is greatly appreciated. May you be blessed!

Welcome to our visitors who are interested in the Alaskan Pilgrimage this coming June 19-26. Meet in the Hall.

We’re making progress on the sound system, and moving forward with the needed roof repairs to stop the leaks. Folks attending “Biblical Walk through the Mass” on Wednesdays have found it helpful. RCIA has begun with 3 people seeking Baptism. There are 5 Candidates (baptized in other denominations) seeking Full-Communion in the Church. More next time. Til then, kindly remember the sick of our parish in your prayers, especially those being Anointed this weekend…let us pray for one another that we may attain the glory of the Saints! May our Patrons pray for us. Fr. Dan

Dear Parishioners,

You may have noticed that Paladin Sound System and Bose has begun the installation of our new sound system. Please be careful around any of their equipment in the church proper. The installation should take two to three weeks.

You may have noticed also that there are some leaks in our church roof. Because of them, rain falls to the pews in some places; plaster is falling from the walls and ceiling in other places. This cannot wait. I hope we can do a complete repair by year’s end, including downspouts and the netting in the bell towers for $80-$90,000. We can draw half of the funds from the balance in the Memorial Trust – designated for projects such as this. Let’s pray that when it does rain, it rains pennies from heaven!!! We cannot delay much longer.

This weekend John Fritsch, son of Tom and Rose, married in Buffalo, NY. Many of you remember John, who until recently, served faithfully at the altar whenever needed Sunday after Sunday for years. Prayers and Best Wishes to John & Caitlin!

November 1st, All Saints Day, falls on a Tuesday this year and is a Holy Day of Obligation. At our recent Parish Council, an idea was offered to have a later evening Mass on the Vigil or the Day itself. What do you think? Please let new Council members know your thoughts; they are: Cheryl Custer, Jim Dyer, Gary Geis, Tom Fritsch, John Hornacek, Dave Klein, Sue Kramer, Dennis Siwik, Helen Trares, and Richard Williams.

Wednesday, Nov. 2nd is All Souls Day. As we remember our beloved dead in prayer, we will make available the Mass Intention Book for 2012 that day in the Parish Office.

This year the Bethlehem Giving Tree will be dedicated to our SB-SM School Children and the children in Projecto Raices (Project Roots). Ornaments will request donations for each child grades K-8.

The Hot Meal’s Christmas Eve Breakfast with Santa will not be part of the Giving Tree this year. In order to provide a gift to everyone, not just a few select families, they ask your generous assistance with the following: Socks, gloves (heavy, warm ones), stocking caps, blankets, sweatshirts, and sweatshirts with hoods (all sizes). This way every Guest receives something. These gifts can be dropped off any time at the Parish Offices until December 18th.

Whatever happened to the Contemporary Mass that was held in the Social Hall? Some of the folks now sing at the 11:30 Sunday Mass. But, a good number of folks have continued to meet, pray, socialize, discuss current topics, and share personal events.

They are known as the “Wilderness Group” and I had a chance to join them last Sunday in the wilderness of the Cascade Valley along the Cuyahoga River. If you like nature, a stronger Community experience, or just a fun time – I encourage you to make a connection with this group. They welcome parishioners – young and old, single or families. Contact Bryan or Margaret Williams at the 11:30 Mass. They meet monthly and it’s worth it.

A Women’s Book Study will meet Oct. 25 from 6-7:45 at Beth Pirie’s Home (330-253-4813). All are invited to read and discuss: “How to Profit from your Faults” by Joseph Tissot. Call Beth for more info.

Some folks requested the music to the new words of the Gloria and Holy-Holy-Holy. See the following page. The new misalette in November will have all the music settings. It gets easier! Peace, Fr. Dan

Two weeks ago we began the new wording for the Gloria, the Holy-Holy-Holy, and a Memorial Acclamation. If you have a minute before Mass read over the texts found on the back cover of the missalette.

Why are we making all these changes now? I can say that many people, including priests, have asked the same question. Since May of 2010 I have attended a national workshop, 3-4 diocesan presentations, and read materials on the U.S. Catholic Bishop’s website about the changes in the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal.

This week Deacon Ray DiMascio began a five-part series on the Biblical roots of the Mass down at our school. His presentations will also cover these changes. Bishop Gries will speak at the First Friday Club on October 7 about the changes. And Scott Hahn, well-known author on things Catholic, will speak about the Missal’s changes on Oct. 19 at St. Hilary’s in Fairlawn.

If you can’t make it to any of these informative presentations, allow me a minute to share some things I’ve gleaned from all my workshop notes and handouts.

The big red book the priest uses for Mass that contains the prescribed prayers and rituals is called the Roman Missal. It first came out in Latin in April, 1969 and it took five years to translate it into English. The translators had two ways of translating: either a formal or literal translation of words, or, a dynamic translation that allowed for cultural or colloquial expression. The English-speaking linguists and bishops chose the dynamic style with the expectation that it would need to be reviewed and revised as time went on. Other languages, such as Spanish, German, and Italian preferred the formal style of translation. (Only one or two slight changes will occur at our 6pm Spanish Mass.)

In 1985, the Bishops of the United States sought and received a revised 2nd edition of the Roman Missal. It contained prayers for newly canonized U.S. saints, the Eucharistic Prayers for Children and for Reconciliation. But little changed in the words for the priest or people.

In 2000 Pope John Paul II called for a 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal, and in 2002 the English translators began their work, but this time they used the formal translation as their style. Why? Was the dynamic translation wrong? No, but it was lacking. How so?

Here’s an example. Four times the priest greets the people at Mass with: The Lord be with you. We rarely speak of one another’s spirit when greeting each other. So, we responded: And also with you (dynamic). However, the priest greets the people at significant points in the Mass 1) as we begin the Mass, 2) before speaking Jesus’ words in the Gospel, 3) before the Eucharistic Prayer of Thanksgiving when the priest calls down the Holy Spirit on the bread and wine, and 4) before he blesses the people at the dismissal. Since the priest is called to stand “in Persona Christi”, in the Person of Christ, the response of the people that the Lord be indeed with the priest’s spirit is not only a greeting but a prayer. We are asking for the Lord to be with and act through the priest at those moments when Christ leads, speaks, consecrates, and blesses us. “And with your spirit” then is a fuller expression of our desire for the Lord to be present in His ordained representative as well as within us, his people, as we together offer our prayer to the Father in union with the Holy Spirit.

Another reason for the formal translation in this 3rd edition of the Missal is that many of the priest’s prayers are ancient. The authors of some of the Opening Prayers or Collects were written by saintly popes, centuries ago. The use of a dynamic translation lost much of the sentiment contained in their expression.

Yet, I think one of the most important reasons for formal, more literal translation to English, comes from Bl. John Paul II’s travelling experiences. He found on his pastoral visits that many Mass books had been translated into Bulu (Cameroon) or ici-Bemba (Zambia) from our dynamic, general meaning English Missals, not Latin. As a result, when JPII celebrated Mass in these languages, he found that the rich theological meaning had been watered down even further. As someone described it; these Missals were like ‘hot dog’ water. You got a smidgen of the actual taste or meaning of the words. So now for those countries where there are no Latin translators, the English translation will be more precise for translating into yet another language.

Finally, the revised Missal will contain new Vigil Masses, prayers for newly canonized saints, and more word-for-word bible citations.

I hope this helps to explain some of the WHY for these changes. Remember: Only 10% of this affects you in the pew. 90% will affect the priest as he leads us in prayer. Let us pray that it brings us closer to Christ and one another when we pray together. Peace, Fr. Dan

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we welcome Mrs. Cathy Sivec, the Cluster Youth Minister, who will provide information on the Youth Program for our teens and High Schoolers. Cathy will be in the Social Hall after the 9:30 Mass.

In the front of the church by the Baptistery is a table to sign-up to support the 40 Days for Life efforts in the Akron area. This is a worthwhile time of prayer and action that Catholics are encouraged to join. Please stop by the table and speak to Patty Dyer, our Northeast OH Right to Life Representative, and to Joan Crookston who is our youth representative in this effort.

Also this weekend, with permission from Bishop Lennon, all the parishes in the Diocese will begin to learn the music for the Mass of St. Paul the Apostle. You will find the words for the Gloria, Holy-Holy-Holy, and the Memorial Acclamation on the inside of your missalette. We are beginning to use the new translations so we will know them in time for Christmas.

This weekend is the final week to Register for PSR Classes. Your child can register for our Monday program or one of the two Sunday programs at our cluster parishes. Registration will be held in the Upper Room to the right of the Sanctuary of the church. Cost is $25 for the year and our first class is Sept. 26 at 6:30pm.

Adults interested in our Fall Study program “A Biblical Walk through the Mass” can also register this weekend in the Upper Room. The 5 classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 at the School. Cost is $25. It will include an explanation of the new translations. Please note that Bishop Gries will speak on this topic at

the October 7th First Friday Club at Noon. See the ad.

Thanks to the volunteers who lead us in song at Mass. All the choirs are seeking more voices and instruments. This church was built for a 30-voice choir. Interested? Please see the ad in this bulletin.

You will see the publication of our First Financial Report in this bulletin. Here are a few things to consider as you look it over:

• The parish (ie. YOU) met its financial obligations!!

• With the merging of parishes, personnel were cut and salaries alone dropped $107,000.

• The parish paid all salaries and benefits, including the school personnel. (Except for the last three faculty payrolls totaling $54,302 which was drawn from the School Alumni Fund).

• The parish paid for all utilities, including for the three Hunger Programs and Hispanic Activities; it enabled all donations or grants received to be applied to these charitable works.

• The parish paid all its Diocesan Assessments on-time and in-full, including those for the School; we did not incur any penalties.

• The parish was able to make needed repairs and improvements; e.g. the church doors, the cemetery fence, uninsured damages at St. Mary.

• The new sound system, which will be installed the weeks of Sept. 26 – Oct. 9, was purchased from the Memorial Trust Fund not our operating expenses; the Trust is a restricted fund for major renovations on the church building alone.

• The parish paid 2010 property assessments to the City of Akron, including those overdue from 2009.

• And, we are ahead $26,461; N.B. this amount includes an investment value figure.

With all that said, we owe a debt of gratitude to our Business Manager, Mrs. Cheri Colianni. She not only stayed on top of the books and bills, she made time to collect tuitions at our school with the help of our 8th Grade teacher, Peg Hill.

We are indebted also to the men and women of this parish who stepped forward to volunteer their time, talent, and resources so that we did not incur added expenses. My sincere thanks to you all, and especially to those who keep church and grounds clean, and Fr. Norm and I fed once a week. God bless all our benefactors!!

There’s still more to do. I want to raze the old SB School, repair the leaks in our church roof, purchase equipment for the Hunger Programs, create a SB-SM Choir, visit every parishioner, offer more Faith enrich-ment programs and socials, form a Tuition Foundation for our School, and hear from the Vatican about St. Mary church! God bless all of you for your financial support, prayers and sacrifices to create a new Parish. St. Mary and St. Bernard, pray for us. Peace, Fr. Dan

My Dear People,

This is a weekend of anniversaries. St. Vincent Church, the oldest Catholic Church in Akron, celebrates 175 years of faith and service. We are invited to join their festivities to commemorate this event. The roots of St. Bernard Church and St. Mary Church are located in the faith life of St. Vincent. A growing German-speaking population was growing in eastern Akron, and in 1861 they established their parish with the name of St. Bernard. In southern Akron St. Mary was a mission church to St. Vincent Parish. But with an increasing Irish population in that area of Akron they became its own parish in 1887. As the new St. Bernard-St. Mary Parish of 2010 we honor, congratulate, and pray for our Grandmother Parish in the Akron Catholic community.

From celebration to somber remembrance, our Nation marks the 10th Anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York. Where you were and what you were doing the morning of September 11, 2001 is likely etched into your memory. The images of That Day’s reality brought shock, horror, anger, and fear. But, it also brought us together in prayer, kindness, charity, courage, and overwhelming grief. Ten years later, I hope we can thank God we have moved beyond some of the former pain because of the latter virtues and values within us. For more reflections on this anniversary, I encourage you to visit our website: www.stbernardstmary.org for a video piece by Fr. James Martin, SJ, entitled “A Prayer at Ground Zero”. Also, you will find responses from our U.S. Bishops at their website: www.usccb.org . Let us pray for those who yet suffer from the losses of That Day, for our military and defense personnel, and for peace to people of good will.

This weekend the Children’s Liturgy returns to the 9:30am Mass. The teacher will stand in the front center aisle. Direct your child to WALK to the teacher. Children in 1st grade or younger are invited to attend. This does not replace religious education (PSR) for 1st graders. Second graders should remain in church to learn more about the entire Mass as they prepare for First Communion.

After all the Masses today and next weekend parents may register their child in PSR. As I described in last weekend’s bulletin, you can register for one of three PSR locations and times for the entire year:

School Day Time Starts

St. Sebastian Sunday 9:30-10:45am 9/18/11

St. Vincent Sunday 10:15-11:15am 9/25/11

St. B-St. M Monday 6:30-7:45pm 9/26/11

The textbook fee is $25 for each child registered. The fee at St. Sebastian is $55 for the first child and $45 for every child thereafter. Second and Eighth Graders will be prepared for Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist (2nd); and Confirmation (8th).

Adults can also register these two weekends for our upcoming Wednesday night class, entitled:

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Dr. Edward Sri. This five-part DVD program takes participants on an exciting tour of the liturgy. Participants will see, perhaps for the first time, why they say what they say, and do what they do every week at Mass. The words and gestures updated to the new Missal will be seen in a new light, giving new life to their liturgical experience.

The fee is $25. The class will begin Wednesday, September 28 from 6:30-8:00pm at our SB-SM School.

Another Adult Faith Formation (AFF) event will be a church tour of our worship space. Our church is considered beautiful by many, but not many know what certain things symbolize or who the statues represent. On Sunday, October 30, in preparation for the Feast of All Saints, I will offer a tour and explanation of the church iconography beginning at 12:30PM. All are invited to attend. It’s free and no registration is needed.

Did you notice our bulletin cover? Every two months or so we’ll highlight an aspect of our Parish Mission Statement that was formed as the merger was taking place. We are a “Community committed to Instruct and Inspire”. That commitment was shown this past year as the people of St. Bernard supported the long-standing apostolate of St. Mary parishioners. This past year our parish almost singlehandedly supported the operation of the school. From Sunday collections, the Fr. Hilkert Fund, private community donations, and charitable grants our parish Community instructed and inspired Akron children in a safe, caring, and Catholic atmosphere. It is a mission we are able to accomplish with God’s help through many in this parish.

Another way the school is supported is through the Annual Reverse Raffle organized by Tom and Marilyn Maximovich. You will be receiving an invitation to join us on November 19, 2011 for this yearly gala of food and fun. More info will be coming.

On First Friday I made my rounds to some of our parishioners who are homebound or in nursing care. They often share with me memories of the glory days of St. Mary or St. Bernard parishes. They often pray for us, and I promise to pray for them. Please join me, and the other Eucharistic Ministers who make Communion Calls, with a prayer for those listed in today’s bulletin. Maybe you recognize one or two. Please pray for them.

A reminder that the Holy Name Society will be meeting after the 9:30 Mass to renew their pledge. Men and women are welcome to join them. This year their monthly meetings will be on the 2nd Wednesday at the SB-SM School at 750 S. Main.

This Monday I will be at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Euclid. It is a merged parish and they asked if I would facilitate a workshop on the “Spirituality of Change”. I hope to learn a lot about their merging.

The second Monday of the month is usually our Parish Council Meeting, and this month I was going to install our new council members. Instead we’re all going to the workshop in Euclid. In next week’s bulletin I will introduce you to the new council and at all the Masses I will give a brief financial report of our first year. Know that parish council meetings are open.

Three people have volunteered to serve on our Cluster Committee. They are John Zmurk, Emilio Cuey, and Jean Cummings. John Zmurk teaches our Teen PSR classes on Sunday mornings. Emilio is a parishioner of St. Sebastian but often attends the Daily and 6PM Mass here. He can bring insights from the Spanish-speaking community. Jean Cummings had been active in various ways but recently was needed to care for an ill aunt. She would like to be of service to our parish and willingly agreed to sit on this committee. Thanks to each of you for your time and service to the Cluster. I hope a better use of resources for all. (BTW, parishes of our former cluster – St. Matthew and Visitation – will cluster with St. Eugene, Holy Family, and Our Lady of Victory.) Remember Jesus’ arithmetic: 70×7=Peace! Fr. Dan

Dear Parishioners,

Please be sure to see the announcements in today’s bulletin regarding:

• Labor Day Mass at 9:30 AM this Monday.
• Next Saturday – Vigil Mass Change to 4:30pm
• Next Weekend – St. Vincent Church celebrates their 175th Anniversary! We are invited to join the events over on W. Market Street.
• Next Weekend – PSR Registration for SB-SM Children and Adults
• Next Sunday – Divine Mercy Holy Hour at 3pm, confessions, and a bilingual Mass at 6pm
• Next Sunday – A 9/11 Memorial Service at Temple Israel on Merriman St. at 6:00pm

With school back in session I am pleased to see so many Akron parents choosing SB-SM Grade School for their child(ren). We begin the year with 190 students. The transition from St. Mary School to St. Bernard-St. Mary School has not been easy financially. Our ability to provide substantial financial support to students decreased significantly with the closing of St. Mary Parish. This summer with the assistance of the Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union we implemented 3 Payment Options for tuition payment. I am very grateful to all the parents for their understanding and full cooperation. A special thanks to our Business Manager, Cheri Colianni, and to our school bookkeeper, Peg Hill, who have worked overtime to help make this a smooth transition for parents, students, and administrators.

Now what about Parish School Religion (PSR) for those attending public schools? After meeting with Ellen Dies and Melane Francis, the PSR Principals for St. Vincent and St. Sebastian, respectively, we offer the following options for PSR in the 2011-2012 Year.

• PSR Registration will be held after all the Masses the weekends of September 11 and 18 here at the church for
• Although a parishioner of SB-SM, you may register your child(ren) for the yearlong PSR program at St. Sebastian, St. Vincent, or SB-SM.
• Register for one program for the entire year at:

School Day Time

• St. B-St. M Mondays 6:30-7:45PM
• St. Sebastian Sundays 9:30-10:45AM
• St. Vincent Sundays 10:15-11:15AM

• PSR Classes will begin:

• St. B-St. M Mondays September 26
• St. Sebastian Sundays September 18
• St. Vincent Sundays September 25

• Fees for textbooks are per child, except at St. Sebastian where it is less for additional children:

School Fee Textbook

• St. B-St. M $25 Christ our Life
• St. Sebastian $55/45 Blest are We
• St. Vincent $25 Christ our Life

• Second Graders at each School will be prepared for First Reconciliation and Communion:

• Sacrament Where When
• First Confession At a Cluster Parish TBA
• First Communion At a Child’s Parish TBA

• Eighth Graders at each School will be prepared for Confirmation. Besides PSR, candidates must also attend the following talks and retreat:

Event Site Time Presenter

• Holy Spirit St. V 7-8pm Fr. Kraker
• Living Faith St. S 7-8pm Fr. Pfeifer
• TOB St. S 7-8pm Fr. Valencheck

Ms. Dies and Ms. Francis assure me that if you register your child in their program, you will have sufficient time to attend the 11:30 Mass here at SB-SM.

We hope these options will be convenient for parents, but more so, decrease absenteeism. These programs are designed to assist the parent in their obligation to form their child in the Catholic faith. We are happy to assist but we appreciate your cooperation.

For Parents who Home School their children, you must contact our parish office by September 25. I need to know who is preparing for which Sacrament, the materials you are using, and make an appointment for an interview to determine the child’s readiness. Home Schoolers preparing for Confirmation must also attend the scheduled talks, retreat, and Confirmation Practice.

We will offer Adult Faith Formation (AFF) for parishioners desiring to learn more about their Catholic faith, the Mass, the Bible, and other topics to strengthen their relationship with Christ. Here are some topics, but not all, planned for the coming year. Registration for the September Classes will be after all the Masses the weekends of September 11 and 18. For more information on the class subject, please contact the parish office or website where it is being held:

1-The History of the Mass: Five DVD presentations that includes an explanation of the new translation of the Roman Missal – Wednesdays, Sept. 28 – Oct. 26 at St. Bernard-St. Mary School Cafeteria from 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Cost: $25 for text; Register Sept. 11 or 18 at Mass.

2-The Book of Revelation: A ten week bible study on one of the most intriguing books of the Bible – beginning Saturday, September 17 at 10:00 AM or Monday, September 19 at 7:00 PM at St. Sebastian’s. Cost: $23 for text; Register by Sept. 9 at 330-836-6621.

3-The Book of Revelation: The same ten-week DVD Bible study as #2. Offered at St. Bernard-St. Mary School Cafeteria from 6:30-8pm on Wednesdays from Jan. 11 to Mar. 28, 2012. Cost: $23; Registration TBA

For many this weekend brings a close to the summer. It’s a time to rest briefly from our labors. Let us thank God for our ability to share our gifts in the market places, hospitals, factories, offices, professions, and in the home. We pray for all seeking a just employment to keep their family healthy and together. We pray for those retired, and let us never forget our ancestors whose names may not be in the history books, but by the sweat of their brow, built this nation. May this Labor Day be enjoyable for you all. Peace, Fr. Dan

Who’s the most important person in a business? The CEO? The Secretary? Execs say the most important person is the one at the reception desk; the person who will greet your next customer. We’re not a business, but our Ushers are the most important folks at our doors. They greet people, set a tone of welcome, give out songbooks, get to know your face and family, show you where things are at, and see that you are comfortable.

This week our ushers met together for the first time in a very long time. They welcome any parishioner to join their welcome force. Please remember:

If you would like to bring up the gifts of bread, wine, and the collection – especially if the priest is praying for your intention at that Mass – let an usher know. They will instruct you on when to bring the gifts.

Any Second Collections for special needs will now be taken up immediately after Communion. The priest can then announce it, if not done beforehand.

Please bring your songbooks back to the racks at the church entrances. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Please extend a word of thanks to our Ushers for their service to this Community. Peace, Fr. Dan

This weekend the University of Akron students return for the Fall Session. We welcome the Freshman of Class 2015! Please extend a welcome to any of our visitors this weekend – students and parents.

We encourage students to take part in the Newman Campus Ministry and their efforts to proclaim God’s Kingdom here in the parish, in the Akron area and beyond. The Newman Center is located in our parish offices (the building with the blue Newman banner on it). You are welcome to join other Catholic students of Akron U. on Wednesday evenings. You will also find your fellow students at one of the parish Masses, particularly the 8PM on Sunday nights. Fr. Norm Douglas is the Chaplain for the University and you will find him friendly, insightful, prayerful, and just an all around good guy and priest…something like Cardinal Newman, himself.

Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was born in England and ordained an Anglican priest at age 24. He desired to see the Church of England return to full-communion with the Catholic Church. In 1845 he became a Catholic and was ordained a priest in the Church. His most renowned literary work is The Idea of a University; a compilation of lectures on how the scholarly life calls a person to more than acquiring knowledge but to a higher standard of character and living. He founded the Catholic University of Ireland, and encouraged the formation of on-campus groups for Catholic students at secular universities, so that they may have a place to gather and support each other in the faith. In 1879, Pope Leo XIII made him a Cardinal in recognition of his services in the cause of religion and education in England. On September 19, last, Pope Benedict declared him among the ‘Blessed’.

Our Newman Center, under the direction of Mr. John Szarwark, is one of the most active in the Cleveland Diocese. I encourage Catholics who live on or off campus to become involved in the social and spiritual life this ministry provides.

Our Grade School begins classes this week. Please note that the School Mass this year will be at 8am on Tuesdays (not Fridays) beginning August 30th.

Spread the word – our Saturday Vigil Mass will be 4:30 pm starting September 10th. Confessions – 3pm.

Did you see it? That 2011 white, ¾ ton, Chevy Silverado! Oh, yeaaaah! It’s a beauty! And it will plow, haul, and drag whatever to get the job done! We hope the proceeds of our May 4th “Night at the Races” Fundraiser will pay back the proverbial Paul who lent Peter the money to buy it now before the snow plowing season begins. Our thanks to our parishioners, Ron and Nancy Marhofer, for their assistance with the purchase of this new parish/school vehicle. Peace, Fr. Dan

St. Bernard and St. Mary, pray for us.

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Feasts! This Monday is the Solemn Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary, our Patroness. It is NOT a day of obligatory Mass attendance, but attendance is encouraged as we celebrate God’s gift to her and one day to us. Then, we are doubly blessed as we celebrate on Saturday, August 20th the Feast of St. Bernard, our Patron. May our holy patrons pray for us.

Making the 15th to the 20th a special time of prayer, devotion, and charitable work will build up our parish spiritually. Let us pray for one another this week.

I think our steam leaks and phone lines that run under our lower parking lot are now repaired, at no cost to the parish since we did not do the damage.

Now we are looking up and asking your patience once again. The Newman Center for Catholic University students is located on the top floor of our parish office building. It has a number of leaks in the roof. The students endured melting snow and rain storms for months. With all the buckets all over their Center, they may have formed their own ‘Bucket List’ – a new roof on Newman! For sure they need it. This week they’ll get it.

Next weekend University of Akron students arrive. It may be their first year. Please be attentive to their arrival by saying hello, introducing yourself, and extending a warm welcome to them and their parents.

Also next weekend is our parish picnic. Please see the insert in today’s bulletin for a map to Loyal Lakes Park, and for arrival and closing times. Take the opportunity with your family and parish family. Enjoy!

Already in this bulletin is an article about the Faith and Values Collection next weekend. This fund is a huge help to the students in our grade school.

Here’s something else we are doing to help. A committee of interested Catholics in Akron has formed to look into establishing a Foundation for our school. It seeks individuals, families, or businesses willing to sponsor one of our students. Tuition is $2300 a year; one of the lowest tuitions in Akron, but still out of reach for some of our own Catholic families. These committee members are looking to knock on doors to tell people what a gem our school is for the Akron Community. It really is, given that the majority of the families are low income and non-Catholic. If you are interested in this effort, let me know.

Our school starts August 24th. We always need volunteers in the morning and at noon hour to answer phones in the office, or to pass out breakfast or lunch to the children. Just an hour at your leisure would be a big help. And the kids would love you for it! If interested in giving a hand, please call the school at 330-253-1233.

Staying with the school and student theme this week, a word about the Children’s Liturgy at the 9:30am Mass. Beginning September 11, children are to walk to the front center aisle (not the door) where the teacher will be standing with the Lectionary Book. When all the children have arrived, they will walk together toward the Eucharist in the Tabernacle, bow, and proceed to their class in the old chapel area. The children will return to their pews during the Collection.

I am meeting this week with the Director of Religious Education at St. Vincent. We are working on a Cluster PSR program for this year. Stay tuned.

Adult Faith Formation Classes will begin next month. We will have a 5-Session Program on the Mass and the translation changes in the Missal. Stay tuned.

High School students – you are not forgotten. I will be talking with the Youth Director for St. Vincent and St. Sebastian Parishes. It is our hope that some of their events will attract you to further develop your spiritual life with Jesus and prepare for Confirmation.

Let us pray for each other this week, for families separated, and for our children. Peace, Fr. Dan

Dear Parishioners,

‘Can you hear us, now?’ For months we have had trouble with the city steam line on the property. Somewhere under our lower parking lot the steam was heating our cold water intake pipe. Turn on the cold water and hot water would flow for a number of minutes, and then finally cool. Our water bill was so high I thought Fr. Norm was living in the shower!!

While trying to fix the underground problem, city employees accidentally cut out six feet of our telephone cables. Since last Saturday we’ve had no phone service. We are sorry that people were unable to reach the parish office. We hope the problems are resolved soon at no cost to us. I can tell you, they don’t teach you about these things in the seminary! God is our helper! He hears us when we call.

Some of you may have heard about Archbishop Smith of New Jersey coming to question Bishop Lennon of Cleveland about his decision to close fifty parishes in our diocese, including St. Bernard and St. Mary Parishes. According to a Memo from our bishop to the clergy, he himself requested almost a year ago that the Vatican send someone to oversee the process he used to determine closures. The media reported on the Archbishop’s presence a few weeks ago, which is their job to do. And, given that the Vatican would want some onsite evaluation of our Bishop’s procedures in these matters, it is good to see that the Vatican is moving on the Appeal process begun in 2009.

Since we are affected by this Appeal, these recent events in Cleveland give me hope that a resolution to the status of St. Mary Church at our school site will be made sooner than later. In Boston the Appeals on church closings took the Vatican nearly six years to resolve, however circumstances were much different in Boston. And, last summer the Vatican affirmed a bishop’s authority to close parishes, even if they are financially solvent. So now, we patiently wait.

Last Saturday a good group of parishioners attended the Parish Night at Aero’s Stadium. Check out our website for some photos taken by Dennis Rolliff. Thanks to the K of C’s who sponsored the Hot Dog Supper after the 5pm Mass. It was a win/lose night. The Aeros lost, but parishioners won a good time together.

Next Monday, August 15, is the Solemn Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Since it falls on a Monday this year, it is NOT a Holyday of Obligation. One is encouraged but not required to attend Mass. Please note that Masses that day are the regular daily schedule.

From the Feast of Mary’s Assumption to the Feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux on Saturday, August 20, I encourage parishioners to offer some daily prayers or sacrifice for the welfare of our parish. Could you pray a daily rosary? Would you be able to volunteer an hour of service on Wednesday or Sunday at Hot Meals? Both St. Mary and St. Bernard have shown that prayer and service keeps one’s spirit vibrant for everlasting life.

“Father, how is it pronounced St. Bér-nerd or St. Ber-nárd?” I know there are more critical issues going on in the world, but it’s the former pronunciation yet spelled like the latter. Our patron, St. Bernard of Clairvuax (1090-1153) was a French mystic, prolific spiritual writer, and had great devotion to the Blessed Mother. The other St. Bernard of Aosta (923-1008) was an Italian monk who lived in the Alps and is associated with; yes…the big brown and white dogs with the keg around its neck. He operated inns and the dogs supposedly went out to rescue lost travelers. Pet lovers, rejoice! Your pets could help get you to heaven!

Over this first year I’ve tried to meet as many parishioners as I can. I’ve only scratched the surface in a parish this size. I am at a point of recognizing faces though not always remembering names. Certainly for those volunteering here week after week, we see each other often. For those who are parishioners but I keep missing because of differing Masses, I encourage you to use your offering envelopes. It lets me know you are a regular here, although I may not see you each week.

This is very important. If you are ever in need of some verification that you are a practicing Catholic, say in order to be a Godparent or sponsor for a Baptism or Confirmation, I need something that says you are here. Your envelope with address (more than its contents) helps me to know you are an active member in our parish.

Something that I see every day is the men and women who come to us for food. Depending on the time of the month, the number of people ranges from 75-100. Parishioners and volunteers from around Akron come Monday through Friday to hand out a bag breakfast. If you would like to help in this effort, please contact our parish office and we will put you in contact with Pam O’Neil or Jim Durkin.

Every Tuesday, Mrs. Mary Bouschere now a spry 85 years, comes to the office to razz me and to prepare groceries for the Thursday morning Food Pantry. What a delight she is! She’s been volunteering this for almost 30 years. If you’re 20 or 30 years old, healthy, and have about 30 minutes to spare on a Tuesday or Thursday, I would love to have you meet her!

And then, there is the SB-SM Hot Meal Program that operates in our kitchen and Social Hall. Tony and Lisa Smith, the Ayers, Virgil, and countless other volunteers from the parish and other parishes and high schools serve over 200 people a sit-down, hot dinner. It’s quite an experience! Matthew 25: when I was hungry. God bless all these team leaders, volunteers, benefactors, and especially the Guests of Akron that are served here at SB-SM.

Our thanks to Geraldo and Usbaldo Hernandez who spent a week cleaning our pews and church. Dios les bendiga! God bless all of us! Peace, Fr. Dan