Homily 2025-05-18

“Good morning.  I’m so happy to be here with all of you.  I have been reflecting for about six years now on what it would be like to preach in my Mass of Thanksgiving.  And, in part, the most difficult part about that is, at least in my mind, has been figuring out how to communicate to everyone not simply what you mean to me, but what and who you have been and are in Christ.  And I thought multiple times, how do I communicate this?”

Fr. Jim Reception

Father Jim has spent the last 4 years celebrating Masses, sacraments, family milestones, school and PSR events, and special moments with many of us.  We want to thank him for all the love and spiritual guidance he has offered with a reception before he heads to Saint Edward, in Ashland.  Please join us Sunday, June 1, following 10am Mass.  We will send him off with our good wishes and thanks for all that he has done for our parish family.  Pastries, coffee, and juice will be served.

METRO

Wednesday May 28th Metro 7pm will feature Paul Bennett.  Paul was born and raised in Lakewood, Ohio.  He attended Lakewood High School, Wittenberg University and the University of Michigan Law School.  He joined the law firm of Baker + Hostetler in 1973 and practiced there as an associate and then as an equity partner until he was in his 50s.  Paul is a recovering alcoholic, sober since January of 1987.  In his pursuit of recovery he had a significant spiritual experience which changed his life.

ALTAR SERVER MINISTRY

New Server Preview

Tuesday, May 20 from 3:30-4:45pm in the church

This session is for students in grades 4-8 interested in learning more about serving Mass. This is not a commitment to ASM but a chance to learn more and help discern the ministry.

Questions?  Joanne Gill, altarserverministry@saintraphaelparish.com

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. 

General Offertory Fund

Contributions are welcome at any time!

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.

Student Involvement in the Community

SURVEY

As part of our Continuous Improvement Plan for Saint Raphael School, we invite you to fill out the following survey about student involvement in the community.  There are seven quick questions that assess student participation in Mass, service projects, and overall student involvement in the Parish and larger community.  Thank you very much for your time and feedback.  We appreciate all of your love, generosity, and support.

Dcn. Jeffrey Lindholm

Dcn. Jeffrey Le Vance Lindholm, son of Bradley and Shelley Lindholm of Westlake, has been assigned to serve at St. Barnabas Parish in Northfield and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Macedonia following ordination. His Mass of Thanksgiving will be at St. Raphael on Sunday, May 18th, at 12:00 PM. Congratulations Dcn. Jeffrey!   There will be a reception in the PAC following Mass.

Dcn. Brian Peters

Dcn. Brian Matthew Peters, son of William and Pam Peters of Columbus, Ohio, has been assigned to serve at St. Hillary Parish in Fairlawn following ordination.  His Mass of Thanksgiving will be at St. Raphael on Sunday, May 18th, at 10:00 AM. Congratulations Dcn. Brian!   There will be a reception in the PAC following Mass.

Parishioner Testimonial

Meet St. Raphael parishioner Daniel Rebol as he talks briefly about his involvement in our faith community.

watch the video

Art & Environment Needs Your Help

This request goes out to all parishioners to help The Art and Environment Ministry with maintaining the plants and flowers throughout the church and parish campus.  During the Christmas and Easter holidays, the plants need to be checked if they need water every day or two, depending on the variety.  You don’t need to be an avid gardener to help……we use a water gauge that, when inserted in the soil, tells you if it needs water or not.  In addition to the holiday flowers, we're planning to keep some. . .

Dr. Edward Horvath

Good Medicine, Hard Times: Memoir of a Combat Physician in Iraq

SAVE THE DATE Tuesday May 27^th 6:00-7:30am Community Room with Mass to follow at 7:45am.

Catholic Men's Fellowship and Men's Huddle are hosting Col. Edward Horvath, M.D., M.P.H.  Dr. Horvath served as a combat physician during three tours in Iraq.  Bring yourself and a friend for coffee, a bagel, and an inspiring story after Memorial Day.

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