WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2026-06-07
“So, several years ago, there was a documentary film that became very popular, and it was called Supersize Me. The premise was very simple. This filmmaker, a man by the name of Morgan Spurlock, decided that for 30 days in a row, he would eat nothing but McDonald’s food. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks, everything had to come from McDonald’s. And whenever he would go up to the counter – they actually had people working at McDonald’s, not just computers you typed into. . ."
Homily 2026-06-07 Aloysius
“Well, good morning sisters and brothers. So, hypothetically, if I were to pull out of my wallet a $20 bill and bring it over to these young ones over here, possibly, they’d want it, right? Because, well it’s a good thing, you know. But then, if I were to say well, you get this one, and I pull out a $100 dollar bill, and your parents get the $100 bill, the kids would be a little frustrated. It’s like, but, give me that one, that one’s worth more.”
Annual Mission Appeal
The weekend of June 13-14, 2026, Dr. Geetha Yeruva, founder of Foundation for Children in Need (FCN), will be making an appeal at St. Raphael. FCN was established in 2002 by Dr. Yeruva and Thomas Reddy Chitta along with several friends who adopted children from India. Presently, FCN is sponsoring nearly 1600 children and college students and 100 elderly in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. FCN also addresses various needs such as medical care, health education, women development and others.
Employment Opportunity
St. Raphael Parish is seeking a reliable, motivated self-starter to join our maintenance team. This role is essential in keeping our school and church environment clean, safe, and welcoming for our students and parishioners. If interested, please reach out to Keith Benya: 440-360-7507 or kbenya@saintraphaelparish.com.
Summer Hunger Center Food Drive
It's time again to collect food for our area Hungers Centers. We are reaching out to you for donations to support the Hunger Centers during the summer when their supplies run low. The Summer Hunger Center Food Drive will run from Saturday, June 6th through Sunday, June 28th. Any food item(s) you would like to donate can be dropped off in the bins in the Gathering Area.
Our sincere thanks to you for your support and care of the Hunger Centers. We wish you and your family a fun and healthy summer.
Consecration of U.S. to Sacred Heart of Jesus
On June 11, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart.
St. Raphael will participate through a Liturgy of the Word service on Thursday, June 11th, at 7:00 pm in the church.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The Alzheimer’s Association will present an education program on
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia on Thursday, June 25,
7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their risk factors. Join us for information on current research and the resources available from the Alzheimer’s Association. Contact Stan at 440-263-8794 with any questions.
Encounter Mary, St. Joseph & the Rosary
Please join us on Monday, June 29th @ 7pm for a special presentation on the priesthood. Through a series of short videos, we will hear from priests sharing their stories – their calling, their joys and challenges, their hopes and their needs and explore ways we can support and encourage them in their ministry. Anne Marie Farr will present how we can all help. Talk will be in person in the Zwilling Room and on Livestream.
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Sundae Vespers
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Starting June 7
Join us for Vespers (Evening Prayer), Ice Cream, and community every Sunday at St. Mary’s throughout June and July!
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 2640 Stoney Ridge Road, Avon, 44011
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. The Mental Health Ministry at St. Ladislas (2345 Bassett Road, Westlake) is teaming up with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illnesses) to host a MHFA training on Tuesday, June 9, from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cost is $40. Light lunch will be provided. This is not just for professionals; it's for caring individuals wanting to help those in crisis. Register by June 2. Call Deacon John Travis at 440-835-2300 with any questions.
Rosary for the Sanctification of Priests
The Annual Global Rosary Relay for the Sanctification of Priests will be held on June 12, 2026 on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is a world wide event with the rosary being prayed for 24 hours at designated locations around the world for our priests. Our rosary location here is at Noon at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine 21281 Chardon Rd, 44117. Please join us at the Shrine in church. The rosary will be broadcast at that time on AM1260 the Rock. This event is sponsored by Worldpriest. https://www.worldpriest.com/
Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Diocesan Center will have the annual Mass of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at 7 pm on Friday June 12th at St. Therese Church, 5276 E 105th St., Garfield Hts., with Fr. Eric Orzech as celebrant. All are invited to attend the special Mass to make public reparation to the Sacred Heart and ask Jesus' help for all families, our Church, and our world. Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 pm. For more information visit www.sacredheartcleveland.weebly.com and click on "events" or call Donna at 440-232-7725. All are welcome!
Men's Huddle Summer Program
Tuesdays, June 2 through September 1
We will be tackling the Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis, chapter by chapter. Join us from 6:30am-7:30am in the community room and bring your own coffee. All men are welcome.
No preparation necessary as handouts will be provided.
8-Week Book Study
Ever wanted to read the full text of Theology of the Body but didn’t want to tackle it alone? This summer, join Jen Ricard, TOB CLE Director, for an 8-week guided study through Michael Waldstein’s translation of Pope St. John Paul II’s catechesis on the human person, love, and the meaning of the body. Thursdays, June 25 — August 13, 6:30 — 8:30 PM, St. Sebastian Parish, Forest Lodge, Akron.
Annual Baby Bottle Campaign
Mother’s Day – Father’s Day 2026
To help make a change in a woman’s life and that of her baby and to help agencies provide 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 10th to Father’s Day, June 21st, 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.
Site Directors Needed!
CYO Athletics is looking to add more Site Directors for our home volleyball and basketball games. We love hosting games in the PAC, but need your help to continue to do so!
This is a paid position and a great way to support St. Raphael Athletics.
If you are interested, please contact St. Raphael Athletic Director Shane Fitzpatrick at sfitzpatrick@saintraphaelparish.com
Wine, Roses & Art
THE ARCHANGEL MINISTRY JUNE BUS TRIP
Wednesday, JUNE 17, 2026, 9:15am – 7pm
This Archangel trip will focus on traveling to the Youngstown and Lake Milton areas to see the following: The Butler Institute of American Art, The Fellows Riverside Gardens, and the Halliday’s Winery and Restaurant.
Registration Opens May 1st
July 13-17, 2026
Join us for Totally Catholic Rainforest Falls VBS as we Explore the Nature of God! Rainforest Falls is designed with more than fun in mind—it’s a faith-driven adventure rooted in helping kids grow in their relationship with God.
child participant registration
Envelope Notice
If you have transitioned to Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) online contributions and wish to discontinue receiving physical offertory envelopes, please contact our Parish Bookkeeper, Marcia Beifuss, to update your preferences. Helping us reduce waste and mailing costs is greatly appreciated. Marcia can be reached at:
mbeifuss@saintraphaelparish.com or 440-871-1101
2026 Annual Appeal
This Appeal seeks $15.3 million to support vital ministries serving those in need across the eight counties of the Diocese. Join Bishop Malesic and thousands of faithful in extending God’s love through acts of mercy.
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
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."
