Today we remember our Mother in our prayers. To those who have given us life and nurtured us, we express again our thanks to them and to Almighty God.

You probably know that praying for someone is never a waste of time. An Our Father or Hail Mary lasts forever. God hears our prayers and responds when it is for the good of others. We pray…

Enlighten the life of our mothers and give peace to our mothers who have died. Bless all homes. And may her children always be a mother’s glory and crown. Amen.

Pray often for your mother – living or deceased – for they can always benefit from the time we spend in God’s presence interceding for her.

One afternoon after visiting parishioners in a hospital I met a very pregnant woman and her husband coming in. She was literally waddling like a penguin as she was supported by her husband. I recognized the couple and they called out to me in Spanish.

Before I knew it I was in a hospital delivery room translating – “Push” and “Breathe” – as her husband silently stood by holding her hand.

Never in a million years would I have thought that one day I would be present at the birth of a child. It’s just not in the curriculum in theology school! What an unbelievable privilege to witness the miracle of life – live! The first sounds of a new born baby! The intense emotion of the parents! The routine procedures of the medical staff. And for me, just overwhelming awe and amazement at God’s mighty works and generous gift – LIFE! What a gift!

Maybe it was coincidental that I happened to be in the right place at the right time, but whatever the alignment of the stars, I believe the moment was intended by God to teach me something. Questions about life’s beginning, opinions about body rights, and arguments over abortion are important issues but I have to go beyond the intellectual debates.

As I have said, praying for others is never a waste of time, and moms – especially those bearing a child in the womb at this time – are helped by prayers. But, sometimes I think more is necessary.

Patty Dyer, wife of Jim, is the parish’s representative to the Northeast Ohio Right-to-Life Committee. She provides literature for us in the pamphlet rack (located in the stairwell during Easter). She also keeps me informed about the needs of the Barberton Pregnancy Care Center that provides support to expectant mothers and fathers. There are also opportunities to voice your stance on abortion at the two local clinics – 692 E. Market or 2127 State Rd in Cuyahoga Falls. If you are interested in doing more to help moms and dads expecting a child or to offer prayers and support, or to pray at a clinic, please let me or Patty know and we’ll help get you connected.

There were a lot of winners at the Parish’s Night at the Races, and it appears everyone had a fun time. After our expenses were paid, we were able to apply $13,219 to the overall cost of the pickup truck and plow which Ron Marhofer Chevrolet made attainable for us. Again, thousand kudos to them, the Committee Members, and the many Akron area Donors.

Rooted in Faith + Forward in Hope – You may have heard that the Catholic Community Foundation of Cleveland is leading a Capital Campaign to benefit our Diocese. I met recently with Bishop Lennon, some priests, and the Campaign coordinator. The Campaign goal is to raise $125 million over the next five years to establish endowments in five critical areas: Parish Life, Evangelization, Catholic Education, Catholic Charities, and Priesthood. This initiative entitled Rooted in Faith + Forward in Hope has received an understanding and generous response in parishes this past year and a half. As a merged parish we are the final block of parishes to participate.

As promised I want to share a little about one of our patrons – St. Bernard of Clairvaux who was born near Dijon, France (1090-1153). He looms over us at Mass; being the largest statue on the high altar in the sanctuary. With book and quill in hand he was noted for many spiritual writings. As the abbot of a Cistercian monastery, many of his works were on the reform of religious life; still others were of his great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He went about Europe reforming the life of monks, and in 1147 was an effective promoter of the Second Crusade called by Pope Eugene III. His reflections influenced the development of the Stations of the Cross. He died in Clairvaux, France on August 20, 1153, which became his feast day.

Some writings influenced by him and we still use today are the hymn, “O Sacred Head Surrounded…”; the prayer “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary…”

And although a loving personal relationship with Jesus Christ is essential, he also saw a major role for his Blessed Mother in his life:

“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may more surely obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal” (St. Bernard).

Not a bad way to sign off this Mother’s Day. St. Mary and St. Bernard, pray for us. Peace, Fr. Dan

~ 11:00 AM Mother’s Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery May 13th. Honoring those whose children and mothers have passed away. Each attendee will receive a flower to place on the grave of their loved one or take home. The priest will be Father McGovern.

~ A Prayer Service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron on May 17th at 10:30am for families who have lost a loved one. Deacon Tony DeGarcia will facilitate the prayer service. Special tribute to Moms. Bring a picture of your loved one.

~ Right to Life Stark County presents a pro-life evening on Friday, May 18. “Chastity” at St. Barbara’s Parish Life Center. Doors open at 6:30pm. A free will offering will be taken up.

~ Family Concert at St. Hilary Church “Knowing Jesus: The Ultimate One” on Tuesday, May 22, 6:30-8:00pm. This live concert is geared for families with young children (preK to Grade 6). The powerful music is combined with crowd participation, unicycling, juggling, yo-yos, prizes and more. Tickets are $3.00 a person. E-mail your ticket request or questions to sthilaryvbs@yahoo.com.

~ Evening of Discernment and Prayer on Religious Life for women and men ages 18-35 will be held on Wed. May 30, 7-8:30 pm at the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, Motherhouse in Richfield. Evening includes a short presentation, a time for prayer, and time for discussion and questions. For more information contact Mary at 440-943-7630.

~ The next meeting for the First Friday Club of Akron will be held on Friday, June 1 at 11:30am. The speaker will be Andrew Smith Shappell and will be speaking about “The Impact of Summer Service Projects on Students”. For more information please call 330-535-7668.

~ Weekend Healing Retreat- Women who are suffering after an abortion are invited to a private healing retreat at Loyola of the Lakes, June 1-3. Come experience the mercies of the Lord through the sacraments, prayer and scripture. For more information, contact The Community of Jesus, the Living Mercy at 1-800-482-4100 or e-mail at BethesdaHouse@aol.com.

~ Archbishop Hoban High School will offer An Enrichment Camp for students entering the 7th and 8th grades. The two week camp (June 11-22) will include classes in science, music, technology, graphic design and the culinary arts. For more information call 330-773-6658.

~ The First Step Programs are scheduled around the Diocese, open to anyone, with no preregistration. The next session is Tuesday, June 12 at 7:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills. This program is offered to all who would like more information on the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage and annulments. For more information please call 1-800-869-6525,ext. 4000.

~ Blessed Sacrament Vacation Bible School will be held at North Akron Catholic School for children 3 years through senior citizens. There is something for everyone. Please register early. For information call Linda Herold at 330-376-5144.

~ Become a Hospice Volunteer at Hospice of the Western Reserve on Saturday from 9-12noon. A seven-class series runs from Jun 2-July 14 about volunteering For more information call the Coordinator of Volunteers at 330-800-2245.

El “Books for Africa Library Project” tendrán una cena sábado el 19 de mayo a las 6pm en salón social de SB-SM. La entrada es gratis pero una donación será pedida. Por 15 años Kirt y Hilda Bromley han ayudado a instalar bibliotecas públicas en Ghana. Si usted quisiera ayudar financieramente, haga que un cheque pago a “Books for Africa Library Poject” y lo envía a 3531 Humphrey,    St. Louis, MES 63118.

Domingo de Misericordia el domingo 20 de mayo en la iglesia St. Bernard-St. Mary a las 3pm.  Coronilla todos los viernes a las 3pm.

Clases de Ingles, Gratis! El primer y tercer sábado de cada mes de 10:30A.M. – 2P.M. en el Salón Social de  la Parroquia St. Bernard–St. Mary. Comience a su propio nivel.

Escuela Vacación de Biblia! El 18 a 22 de junio ofrecemos PANDAMANIA para los niños de las edades 5 a 10.  Cada día de 9am hasta 11am en Swizler Hall a la Iglesia de San Sebastian, 476 Mull St.  Más información al 330-253-5161.

Domingo 3 de junio todos están invitados a la Peregrinación a la Virgen de Guadalupe de ‘Servants of Mary’ en Windsor Ohio de 11am-5pm. La misa se celebrara a la 1pm. Se cancela la misa de las 6pm. El costo del transporte es $5. Llevar algo de comer para compartir. Llamar a Gladys 330-285-5143.

5 de Mayo Fiesta—Gracias a Todos- La Familia Hernanez y todo el Equipo de Voluntarios les agradecen su colaboración en celebrar con nosotros.  Todo recaudado es un ayuda del transplante de riñón para Enedelia. Que Dios se lo page.

Save The Date – “Late Night Catechism” will be coming to Our Lady of the Elms Theater on Saturday, May 26 as a fund raiser for the St. Sebastian organ.

Disciples for the Dying- St Bernard-St Mary June 1 at 12:10pm and at St Vincent July 6 at 6:30am. All are welcome.

May 19 – 9 am help is needed at St. Bernard-St. Mary Cemetery on Maple Street.  Then at 4:30 there is a Youth Mass at St. Sebastian Church on Mull Avenue.

May 27 – 11am Mass with Bishop Lennon at St. Vincent to close their 175^th Jubilee Year.