Homily 2025-06-08

“It’s always a great joy to be back here at St. Raphael, to be with you all, and especially to celebrate this solemnity of Pentecost in which we celebrate the glory of the Holy Spirit being poured forth upon the Church. It just dawned on me not too long ago, I was here a couple months ago for a confirmation prep session, and I was looking out and I was seeing the kids that were there at confirmation prep, and I thought in my mind, “You can’t be receiving confirmation, you. . .

Fr. Jim's Final Farewell Note

"As I make this transition, my email and mailing address will also be changing.  My email will be jwinings@stedwardashland.org and all of my mail can be delivered to St. Edward Church located at 501 Cottage St. Ashland, OH 44805.  I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life and of serving the Church in Ashland County.  Please keep me in your prayers, as I will surely keep you in mine."

Ordination to the Priesthood

James M. McGivney, SJ

With great joy and gratitude to God, the Jesuit Midwest Province announces the Ordination to Priesthood of James M. McGivney, SJ by His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Chicago.  The Ordination will be livestreamed at JesuitsMidwest.org.

Fr. Jim will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving at the 4:30 PM Mass at St Raphael on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with a reception to follow.

St. Agatha - St. Aloysius 125th Anniversary

St. Agatha - St. Aloysius Church (10932 St. Clair, Cleveland, OH 44108) will be celebrating their 125th Anniversary on Saturday, June 21, with a campus-wide Open House from 2pm-4pm, and Mass at 4pm with light refreshments afterwards.  Guest celebrant will be Fr. Stephen Brown, SVD from St. Augustine Parish in Memphis, TN.

Did you know. . .

. . . that members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society are called Vincentians, and bring help, hope and human connection to those in need while at a home visit?  As we celebrate the mystery of the Trinity, we also realize the mystery of how much God loves and cares for us each day.  Believing in this, our lives can then overflow with thanksgiving,  praise, love and support.  Is there someone you know who needs assistance?

more information

THANK YOU!

Last week Fr. Dan presented a $150,000 check to Metro Catholic School to help purchase and install some playground equipment at their 54^th Street location.  Theresa Day responded with a Thank You letter to Fr. Dan and all St. Raphael parishioners.

read the Thank You letter

Emily Jaminet

Friday, June 13th at 7PM

in the Community Room

“The Sacred Heart Devotion in Modern Times”

Our guest speaker, Emily Jaminet, is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, podcaster, mother of seven children, and Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network and co-founder of “Inspire the Faith” Catholic Women’s Conference in Columbus, OH.

click here to read more

Called By The Spirit Retreat

June 28th, 8:30am-2:45pm 

in the Community Room

Join us for a Saturday one-day retreat designed to encourage you in your God given gifts.  The day includes a diocesan developed presentation, gifts inventory, dialogue, lunch, and Mass!

click here for more information & to register

General Offertory Fund

Contributions are welcome at any time!

Groundbreaking!

The Our Faith – Our Legacy project groundbreaking took place on Tuesday, June 3^rd.  Fr. Dan also presented a $150,000 check to Metro Catholic School to help purchase and install some playground equipment at their 54^th Street location.

Parish Office Renovation Begins

Our Parish Office renovations begin the week of June 2nd. There will be two phases.  The first will necessitate the moving of some offices to the school as work on the west end of the Parish Office commences.  Phase two will involve the office waiting area and copy areas.  It will necessitate the closing of our normal office entrance, and we will update you further on where you'll be able to enter the offices as we plan accordingly.  We will inform you via the bulletin, announcements, and e-mails so you will be able to reach us throughout the construction period.

click here to read more

THE SUMMER HUNGER CENTER FOOD DRIVE

Saturday, June 7th— Monday, July 7th

Donations can be dropped off in the marked bins in Good Shepherd Square.  Lists will posted on the magnetic boards in the Gathering Area and Good Shepherd Square starting on Saturday, June 7th.

click here to see requested items

Vacation Bible School

July 14-18, 2025 from 9:30am until Noon

(ends at 12:15pm on Friday after Grande Finale)

Child Registration for VBS is already 100% filled!

We are still accepting Adult Volunteers and Teen Applications. 

Help Me Grow

The follow-up Catholic Charities In-Pew Appeal directly benefits the Help Me Grow program, which supports new parents across our Diocese with in-home visits, parenting education, and essential items like diapers and formula.  Your gift brings peace and stability to families—and helps young children thrive. 

Annual Baby Bottle Campaign

Mother’s Day – Father’s Day 2025

To help make a change in a woman’s life and that of her baby and to help agencies providing counseling, prenatal medical care and housing during pregnancy and after birth, the Social Concerns Ministry is working to collect funds to support those in need.  From Mother’s Day, May 11^th to Father’s Day, June 15^th, empty baby bottles can be picked up from the bassinets located in Good Shepherd Square and The Gathering area and can be returned to the same location with your donation.

Join the Brotherhood>>>Answer the Call

Men's Fitness Challenge (for ages 18+)

June 28, 2025

8:00 AM T3 Performance in Avon

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Catholic Charities Annual Appeal

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION MINISTRY

Do you need:

• Assistance in discerning God's will in your life?
• Help identifying the movements of good and evil spirits in making wise decisions?
• Help in growing deeper in your relationship with God?

Contact parishioner Mike Manco for spiritual direction: mikemanco63@gmail.com or 216-496-4001