WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2025-08-24
“During my sophomore year in high school at Hoban, I decided to join the football team. And at first, I was like, I don’t know what position I’m going to play. Uh, I’m like, oh, I’m not fast enough to be a running back, a fullback. I’m not tall enough to be a wide receiver. Uh, linebackers just kind of are the brutal guys that wear the cowboy collar and just smash things up. So, I’m like, well, I’ll join the o-line.”
St. Vincent de Paul Mission
In Sunday’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say to us, “…when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
If there is neighbor or friend of yours who is in temporary need because of loss of a job, or perhaps an illness, please leave a message for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (440-360-7803)…we want to help!
Social Concerns Diaper Collection
The Social Concerns Ministry is collecting baby diapers and wipes for various area programs throughout the month of September. All sizes are needed, but the larger sizes are often in shorter supply. Disposable diapers can cost a family about $75 per month per child, so parents already struggling to afford food, healthcare, and household costs may be forced to make one diaper last all day or reuse a soiled one. Please place diapers and wipes in the bin in Good Shepherd Square.
Thank you for your generosity!
Faith Build House and East 143rd Update
We have a roof!! We have windows! This house is the furthest along on East 143rd. We are working hard on East 143rd to complete all 6 envelopes of the house before it is cold- thus we can work on the inside in the winter.
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. Beginning Thursdays September 11th 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
Encounter Mary, St. Joseph and the Rosary Series
Monday, September 15th at 7PM
Our guest speaker is St. Raphael’s own Dr. Andy Kereky, presenting "Little Saints, Big Devotion: The Fatima Children's Call to Prayer and Sacrifice." Dr. Kereky will share with us the children’s devotion to Mother Mary and praying the Rosary, along with an in-depth look at their strength and faith. Talk is in-person in the Community Room or Livestream HERE. We will also pray the Joyful Rosary together.
Spruce-Up Day
September 27th – 9 am to 3 pm
Lunch provided- but feel free to bring a desert or a side dish.
Who: All are invited to join, 16 years of age and up
What: Let's help Spruce up neighbors’ landscaping (mowing, weeding, mulching, flower planting and clean up lots)
Where: We will be working on West 83rd Street. For mapping purposes, you can use 2026 West 83rd Street. Habitat has six completed modular homes on this street. We want to thank the street for dealing with our trucks and dust. more info and to Sign Up
PSR Teachers Needed! Your help is vital!
We are still in urgent need of catechists for the upcoming PSR year, especially for our afternoon session for 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade. Without more volunteers, we risk not being able to have a full program for our children. Please consider answering this call to service! A background check and training are required. Please prayerfully discern if you are able to help our parish fill this vital need. Contact Joanna Parsons at
jparsons@saintraphaelparish.com or 440-360-7748 immediately if you are interested.
Need Your Help
All parishioners - Art and Environment Needs Your Help
One time Project:
1. ELECTRICIAN - We need to repair the cord of a pre-lit Christmas tree.
On-Going Project:
2. WATERING PLANTS - You don’t need to be an avid gardener to help……
Eucharistic Devotions
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Lorain has been designated as one of the sacred sites of pilgrimage in our diocese at which a plenary indulgence may be obtained during the 2025 Jubilee "Pilgrims of Hope". On Sunday, September 7, they will hold their annual Eucharistic Devotions in honor of the parish feast day, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This year, to celebrate the canonization of two modern youths that day, they will also have a teen watch party with pizza, and a teen holy hour at 1:00pm.
Mary Birthday Celebration
Our annual birthday party is back! You are cordially invited to a Birthday Celebration in Honor of Mary the Mother of Jesus. Our celebration will include input from G. K. Chesterton on the part that Mary played in his conversion to the Catholic Church. The Rosary will be offered up for the cause of life, followed by a birthday celebration with the traditional cake and a wide variety of party foods. All are welcome to attend this free event at St. Clement Church, 14505 Madison Ave., Lakewood, Ohio on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 7 PM. Sponsored by the St. Clement Respect Life Committee. For info, call 216-312-2511. flyer
Aging and Spirituality Discussion
Bay Village Library September 17th 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 will provide the opportunity to journey into the heart of the aging process to become wise elders, not just old people.
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Men's Huddle Returns September 9th!
6am-7:30am in the Community Room
For 12 weeks we will be looking at 12 heroes who shaped the Church and changed the world. These men and women will motivate us to live into the adventure of our faith. You are not a mistake. You are not reading this by mistake. You are also called to shape the Church and change the world. Join us for coffee, a bagel, some inspiration, and fellowship on Tuesday mornings. Questions? Contact Tom Pussel in the parish office.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build
Sleep In Heavenly Peace is doing a Bunks Across America Build this year September 13th! This will take place in the Rocky River Lowe's (parking lot). There are 3 shifts 8-11:30am, 11-2:30pm, and 2-5:30pm for you to participate in and registration can be done HERE. There is also need of build sponsors and/or food donations for the volunteers throughout the day. The mission is to get as many kids off the floor in western Cuyahoga County as possible.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Join us as we prepare your child for the joyful celebration of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion! This program nurtures a deeper relationship with Jesus as children learn about the forgiving nature of our Heavenly Father, the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and their important role within our Catholic family.
Registration for the 2025-26 First Communion program is open now!
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 31st with instructions on how to register. You can also click on the link on the PSR webpage: HERE
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.
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!
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.
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."
