September Good News

Happy Labor Day weekend!

I hope you are finding time to rest from your labors. We pray for the safe travel of our parishioners on the road this weekend and for the safety of our armed service members participating in the Air Show on the lakefront.

On Sunday, October 4th, the Church throughout the world will honor St. Francis of Assisi, recalling his death on that day in 1226. In addition to Catholics in both Eastern and Western rites, his feast is celebrated by Anglicans, Episcopalians and Lutherans, reflecting the universality of his call to live the Gospel and care for all creation. We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis at both masses on October 4th; the Men’s Chorus will lead our music ministry at the 7pm mass.

You are also invited to share in the feast in two ways:

The Transitus of St. Francis:  This traditional prayer service honoring the “crossing over” of Francis from earthly to eternal life will be held at St. Paul Shrine (E. 40th St. and Euclid Ave.) Saturday evening, October 3rd, beginning at 7:00pm. Bishop Edward Malesic will preside at the prayer service; the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration will host a simple cookie and coffee social in the Shrine’s Guild Room afterward.

The Blessing of Animals: Recalling St. Francis’ love for the created world and his role as the patron saint of ecology, a custom of blessing animals has grown around his feast day. I will be available in the courtyard by the side church door from 10:00 am to 11:00 am to bless your animal companions. In addition to the usual pets, I’ve blessed bearded dragons, birds, cows, donkeys, fish, ferrets, fancy rats, horses, goats and more; all creatures great and small are welcome!

The blessing will also be offered at The Friars’ Table, 1305 Euclid Ave, from 9:00am until 11:00am Sunday morning, October 4th.  Free temporary parking will be available in the valet lane beside the restaurant on E. 13th St. Coffee, tea, water and treats will be available for all.

Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the OCIA is a path and process for adults seeking to be received into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, or to complete an initiation begun years ago. Now is the time to begin welcoming adults to discern a desire to explore what this journey of faith toward the Easter sacraments might be for them and their families. This process often begins with the same personal invitation Jesus extended to his apostles: “Come and see!”  We all know someone searching for a deeper meaning and purpose in life, for the gifts of community and stability the Church offers to all in an uncertain world. The worst response one can receive is “No,” but if the question is never asked, how will anyone answer it?

Last Tuesday evening, eighteen young adults, ranging from college students to young married couples, filled the parsonage living room to pray over and discuss the Sunday scripture readings. These gatherings take place every Tuesday evening beginning at 7:30pm. No special skills or knowledge of the scriptures are required, only a desire to prepare for the Sunday liturgy by studying the readings and an openness to both listen and share your faith with a fun group of your peers in a judgment-free zone! Bring your dinner if you want, or bring a snack to share if you can! We will always make room for you on Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm in the parsonage.

      

St. Peter has long served as the Catholic campus ministry center for Cleveland State University. That tradition continues on Thursday evenings beginning with dinner in the parsonage at 6:30pm; the evening programming gets underway at  7:00pm. Anyone of college age is more than welcome to participate in Newman nights. We are working with university leadership to arrange for regular Viking Safety Escort service to bring students to St. Peter; once you’re here, we’ll make sure to get you home! We also encourage you to join other students and alums at the 7:00pm Sunday evening Mass; friends are always welcome!

All CSU students with a valid ID card are eligible to receive a 40% discount on lunch and soft drinks Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am until 2:00pm at The Friars’ Table, 1305 Euclid Ave. on Playhouse Square. Enjoy a wonderful lunch, study (Wi-Fi is available), chat with friends, find a quiet corner and just relax a short walk from the campus. See you there!

“The Remarkable Art of Professor Robert Dober” will be showcased by fine art studio, 8430 Mayfield Road in Chesterland. Held on September 19th and 20th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, all proceeds from the sale of art will benefit the ministry of Zelie’s Home for Women and Children at St. Monica Parish in Garfield Hts. The ministry is under the patronage of St. Zelie Martin, the mother of St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. Please call Carol at 440-321-1700 for information.

Our prayers and best wishes to parishioners Ethan and Elizabeth (Vernon) Whetstone who were recently married at St. Peter.

Through the waters of Baptism, we welcome Oliver Andrew Pawlus, the son of Justyn and Ashley Pawlus, into the life of Christ and the Church at the 11:30am mass.

We also pray in thanksgiving with couples in our parish who have recently welcomed a child into their families or who are looking forward to that joy in the months ahead.

Parishioner Luke Baeppler was recently sworn into service as a patrolman in the Cleveland Police Department. He has begun his probationary period working in the city’s Fourth District on the southeast side of town.

Pax et bonum!   Peace and Blessing!

Br. Phil Bernier, OFM Cap