Homily 2025-08-03

“So, there was a research company that was very anxious to study wolves at one of our national parks.  The problem was that wolves are clever, and they are very difficult to capture.  And they were trying to do scientific studies on these wolves.  However, wolves don’t like scientific studies on them too well.  So, with the backing of a major donor, the company placed a bounty.  They would give five thousand dollars for any wolf that could be captured for their research. . .

Back to School Blessing

There will be a blessing at all Masses this weekend (Aug 9/10) for college, high school, and grade school students going back to school.

PSR Registration is Now Open!

This year, the registration will look different. We are using our new database, Ministry Platform, to collect the registrations. *WE ARE NOT USING PARISHSOFT.

For previous families, you should have received an email from Joanne Gill on Thursday, July 31^st with instructions on how to register.  You can also click on the link on the PSR webpage: HERE

new families and more information

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

The feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation

St. Raphael Mass schedule:

Thu, Aug 14: 5:30pm (Vigil)

Fri, Aug 15: 7:30am, 9:15am, 7:00pm

Encounter Mary, St. Joseph and the Rosary Series

On (NEW DATE:) Tuesday, August 19th at 7pm, Deacon Mark Cunningham will speak on: “Purgatory Unveiled. Grace in the Waiting Room of Heaven.”  Dcn. Mark will share common myths about purgatory and offer caring and thoughtful views using the Bible, Church teachings and writings from the saints.  In person in the Community Room or Livestream via church website.  We will also pray the Glorious Rosary together.

event flyer

METRO

Wednesday, August 27th, 7:00 PM

Join us for a night of praise and worship, an inspiring talk, adoration, and fellowship afterwards.  Our speaker is Ginny Pippin: Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Ignatian Spirituality Presenter and Retreat Director.

read more

Cigar, Bourbon, and Dinner II

 At the rectory 6pm Friday August 29th!

Gentlemen, lets gather round at the rectory for an evening of fellowship and good cheer.  Bring a stogie, a spirit, your appetite and a friend.  Dinner will be provided.  Festivities commence at 6pm and last until rectory security shuts it down.  Please register HERE or contact Tom Pussel at tpussel@saintraphaelparish.com.

St. Raphael Guild Membership 2025-2026

The next Guild Membership Year begins August 1st.   Our 2025-2026 membership drive runs from August 1st through September 15th.  Yearly membership dues are $10.  Members who pay their dues during the drive period will be eligible for a drawing of a Gift Certificate as a thank you for prompt dues payment.  Your dues along with Guild fundraising profits support Parish ministries, community charitable efforts and funds for the annual $1000 8th Grade Service Scholarship Award.

more information & sign-up

PSR is Still Looking for Teachers

The PSR Program would not be possible without our wonderful volunteers!  Our parish is blessed to have an abundance of children wanting faith formation.  For us as a parish to meet their wants, we need a few more people to come forward to be catechists for our Kindergarteners, 1^st Graders, and 4^th Graders.

If God is calling you to fill these positions, please contact Joanna Parsons (jparsons@saintraphaelparish.com or 440-360-7748)

General Offertory Fund

Contributions are welcome at any time!

40th Anniversary Celebration

JOIN US AS MALACHI CENTER CELEBRATES 40-YEARS BY BEING PART OF OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18.

SOUP FOR THE SOUL EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH JULY 31. Since 1985, Malachi Center has provided life-changing programs and services for homeless individuals, low-income families, and their children.  As we reflect on our past and look to the future, please join us to celebrate our 40th Anniversary -- while also raising vital funds to support our mission!

Construction Update

Photos of our playground and pavilion construction, along with our Parish Office renovation, have been posted on the parish website.

Visit the Construction Update July 18, 2025 photo gallery HERE.

Dementia Resource

Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer or dementia?  The Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation is a non-profit organization and resource which will provide an opportunity for socialization through a variety of art enrichment and wellness programs at no cost.  Programs are led by professionals and encourage interactions so important to prevent social isolation.  Support groups & individual counseling are also available.  We are located nearby at 26633 Detroit Rd. in Westlake.

For more information, call 440-414-0434

website

SRS Alumni Association

If you graduated from St. Raphael School, please click this link to register as an alum!  Our goal is to foster an engaged alumni network that supports the legacy and ongoing growth of the St. Raphael School community.  You’ll receive updates on classmates, stories from years past, news of current students, upcoming reunions, and ways to stay involved in the vibrant life of our school and parish.  If you have any questions or would like to help expand our reach and plan events, send a note to alumni@saintraphaelparish.com.

Parish Office Renovation Continues

Our Parish Office renovations began 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

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

benefits of spiritual direction