WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2025-10-05
“Well, I reiterate what I said at the beginning of Mass: It always is a great joy to be back here at St. Raphael. I was here for four years, and I think to some degree, you feel like you know me, and I feel like I know you. And I’m learning to grow in my understanding of myself more and more. I had an experience this week, where I’m not an altogether deep thinker. I don’t like to, like, pour over thoughts and think about deep things. . ."
St. Vincent de Paul Blanket Sunday
Sunday, October 12th is St. Vincent de Paul’s Blanket Sunday. Please join us at the donut sale to support the work carried out by members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Your generous donations will help neighbors in need this fall and winter, with the purchase of beds, warm blankets and bedding, and will help pay for other winter necessities including home-heating bills. Please click HERE to learn more about SVDP.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
Encounter Mary, St. Joseph and the Rosary Series
Monday, October 13th at 7PM
Father Patrick Peyton & Father Ned Weist
“An Unlikely Meeting through a Shared Love of Mary”
Come join us for an enlightening evening of prayer and reflection as we explore the 1917 October 13th Fatima apparition with Our Lady and the “Dancing of the Sun.” You’ll learn about the worldwide crusade of Father Patrick Peyton and his very personal encounter, as told by our beloved friend Father Ned Weist.
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Rosary for America
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7pm
(in the church)
During this month of the Holy Rosary, we ask The Blessed Virgin Mary, our country’s patroness, to join our prayers with hers for our nation (includes patriotic images and hymns).
Questions, contact: Pat Dokler 216-543-7745
Come & See
October 18, 9am - 7pm
St. Paschal Baylon Convent, Highland Heights, OH

Are you ages 20 - 39 and curious about what religious life is all about and
would like to join others wondering about this vocational path? Come join us for the day and learn about what our lives are like as Sisters of Notre Dame and about our mission, spirituality, and ministries. To register or for more information, please contact Sister Kelley Rush, SND
Cell: 440-241-3124 or Email:
krush@sndusa.org
The Relics of Saint Padre Pio
The Relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina will visit St. Mary Catholic Parish (731 Exchange St., Vermilion, OH 44089):
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Veneration from 12 p.m. to 6:30 pm.
Monday, October 20, 2025
Mass in honor of Saint Pio at 8:30 am.
Veneration from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For additional information, contact the parish at (440) 967 8711
Aging and Spirituality Discussion
Bay Village Library October 22nd 12-1:30pm
"We lack a developed spirituality for the second-half of life. Our churches and theological circles have too little to offer in terms of spiritual guidance for us as we move beyond our youthful years, especially as this pertains to aging and moving towards death." - Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI. This afternoon (Session #2) will provide the opportunity to journey into the heart of the aging process to become wise elders, not just old people.
Work Day
Saturday, October 25th at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: 3520 E 143rd St, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
8 Volunteers Still needed!
VOLUNTEERS MUST BE 16 OR OLDER TO VOLUNTEER
Metro Catholic Playground Dedication
Wonderful news! Thanks to the generosity of St. Raphael Parish and the community at St. Stephen’s Parish, Metro Catholic School (1910 W. 54th Street, Cleveland, OH 44102) will dedicate a beautiful new playground and a newly paved parking lot for students and families on
Monday, October 27, at 9:00 AM. Following a brief program, students will enjoy their new playground for the first time. Light refreshments will be served, and optional school tours will be available. All are welcome to come join in celebrating this milestone. Please let Theresa Day know at
theresa.day@thepartnershipschools.org if you can attend.
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Fall Book Study
TOB CLE is partnering with the Avon Catholic Community to host a fall book study, “Return to the Heart” by Dr. Shane Owens, starting Oct 23.
With the election of our first Augustinian pope, Leo XIV, we picked a book that explores the mind and heart of St. Augustine. “Return to the Heart” takes Augustine’s “Confessions” and makes it relatable and accessible.
Opening for CYO Site Director Coordinator
Dear St. Raphael Parishioners,
We love hosting CYO Games in the PAC and want to keep that tradition alive - but we need your help! St. Raphael CYO Athletics is currently looking to fill the position of Site Director Coordinator.
Called You By Name
WEEKEND HEALING RETREAT October 24-26, 2025. Women seeking help after an abortion are invited to a confidential, private healing retreat at Loyola Retreat House, just north of Canton. Encounter the mercy of the Lord through the sacraments, prayer and scripture in a safe, supportive and sacred environment. For more information, contact The Community of Jesus, the Living Mercy at 1.800.482.4100 or email at bethesdahouseofmercy2008@gmail.com.
Alpha, Appetizers, @ AJ's Urban Grill
Are you skeptical, curious, on the fence, or not sure about the Christian faith? Do you know someone who is? Then join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and exploration of faith in an open and welcoming way. Every Thursday, now thru November 20th from 6:30-8:30pm, the private room at AJ's Urban Grill is reserved for Alpha. Appetizers and ice tea will be provided free of charge. This is a perfect way for you to get your questions answered or for you to accompany a friend who is interested in the faith. You do not need to be Catholic, Christian, or spiritual to attend, only interested and open. Register HERE as space is limited to 20 people per night. Questions? tpussel@saintraphaelparish.com more info
PSR Needs Your Help!
We are in need of assistant catechists for various PSR grades in our afternoon session. A background check and Virtus training are required for adults.
We are also accepting Grade 8 volunteers to help as Teacher Aides in the classrooms. Sign up using this link.
Contact Joanna Parsons at
jparsons@saintraphaelparish.com or 440-360-7748 if you are interested.
Pilgrimage to Marian Shrines:
Fatima, Spain, and Lourdes
This 10-day, 8-night pilgrimage is scheduled for
April 15-24, 2026
with Fr. Dan through
206 Tours
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
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
2025 Jubilee Year of Hope
A banner of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica is displayed in the church Gathering Area. Pope Francis opened the Holy Door the evening of December 24, 2024, and ushered in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Click below for more details.
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Edward C. Malesic
"The goal of this letter is to provide you with a resource for reflection, that you might be drawn more deeply into prayer and a more intimate relationship with Jesus."
