Peace and All Good Things!
On Thursday, the boiler inspector made his annual visit to the parsonage basement to inspect our two faithful boilers for the coming winter. As hoped, both passed muster and are certified to be fired up this winter. Thankfully, or perhaps hopefully, we’ll still have some magnificent fall days to enjoy in the weeks ahead and some October baseball with the Guardians!
My Health: A Tough Few Months
I had hoped that my collapse at the altar (thanks to all who helped to welcome the first responders and kept me well-cared for until they arrived!) would be enough for the time being. Unfortunately, I fell exiting an ambo prior to a Mass at another parish two weeks ago, fracturing the T5 vertebra between my shoulder blades. In the years before my assignment at St. Peter, I had four cervical spine operations, leaving me with a neck so full of rods and screws that a therapist once said it “looks a lot like Frankenstein!”
A visit to my spine surgeon’s office last week confirmed that the fracture is stable and requires neither surgery nor a back brace. Another X-ray is set for late October, followed by physical therapy. I feel so blessed that through it all, I have no chronic pain and can function reasonably well — when standing on two feet!! Thank you for your kindness and prayers. We have members of our parish family who are suffering greater challenges than I am, which reminds me of our constant need to pray with and for one another for healing and hope.
On Sunday, November 22, the Solemnity of Christ Our King, we will prepare for Advent and the new Year of Grace 2027 with a communal Anointing of the Sick at both Sunday liturgies.
The Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi
Next weekend, the Universal Church will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the death in 1226 of St. Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Founder of the Three Orders. The memory of IL Poverello, the “little poor man” of Assisi will be honored in several ways open to all.
Saturday, October 3rd:
Blessing of the Animals: St. Francis is renowned for his care for the created world and his love of animals. Weather permitting, the blessing will take place in the courtyard beside the church ramp from 10:00am until 11:00PM (the garage will serve as an alternate space if necessary). Snacks for everyone!
Transitus: This traditional Franciscan prayer service recalls St. Francis’ passing (“transiting”) from earthly to eternal life. The service will begin at 7:00pm at St. Paul Shrine, 4120 Euclid Ave, with Bishop Edward Malesic preaching. The evening will conclude with a punch and cookie social prepared by the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, the custodians of the Shrine.
Sunday, October 4th:
Blessing of the Animals: The blessing will be offered from 9:00am until 11:00am in front of The Friars’ Table, 1305 Euclid Ave, rain or shine. Coffee, tea, water and snacks will be available for all.
Mass for the Solemnity of St. Francis: With the Bishop’s permission, we will celebrate the mass for the Feast of St. Francis at both of our liturgies. Hospitality will be available after the 11:30am liturgy; our Men’s Ensemble will lead the music at the 7:00pm mass.
Choral Concert in Church October 13:
The St. Ignatius High School Chorus, directed by David Croglio, and the Case Glee Club, directed by our Music Director Jason Falkofsky, will offer an evening of choral music on Tuesday, October 13th in the church, beginning at 7:00pm. Security will be provided by the Cleveland Police Department. The concert is free and open to the public; stop in and bring a friend. The Case Glee Club was founded in 1897 and is the oldest operating student organization at the university.
Congratulations!
Our prayers and best wishes to Nicholas Nido and Samantha Blashinsky who will be married at St. Peter next Saturday. Thanks to our volunteer parish ambassadors who assist with weddings at St. Peter. This service is unique to our parish and a blessing for those gathered to share in the joy of the day.
St Vincent de Paul Society Blanket Sunday Appeal
Yesterday was the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, an apostle first to the poor of Paris and then throughout the world through the ministry of the SVDP Society. Each fall the diocesan leadership of the Vincentians sponsors Blanket Sunday an opportunity for us to help them purchase blankets for the homeless and poor before winter weather arrives. Envelopes are at the church doors. Place your envelope in the collection basket; the parish will send one check to SVDP in the cumulaamount of your contributions.
How Time Flies….
On Thursday, October 1st, I will begin my sixth year of ministry at St. Peter. I
had no idea what to expect, returning to Cleveland in 2020 after four years in California’s Santa Ynez Valley and a cross-country journey in the midst of Covid. It has been a blessing and a grace to see our comunity grow in number, to gain more financial stability and realize that the need for a catecitical program for our young parshioners will be upon in a few years.
Some Fall Good News!