DECEMBER 14, 2008   A PATH is our reflection symbol for the third week of Advent.  A path can be a small thing like a shovel-wide way through a few inches of snow, or a mighty thing like a road dug right through the middle of a mountain such as those awe-inspiring tunnels of the Pennsylvania turnpike.  No matter the size of it, making a path takes conscious effort.  It clears a space for two-way travel, for things to come and to go.  If we had no pathways to our houses, it would mean that we wanted no one to come in and that we wished never to go out.  The path that we prepare for the Lord in our hearts and in our communities is like that: it takes our conscious effort, it allows two-way movement, and it signals a desire for contact.  If we have prepared a pathway for the Lord, we have opened up a path of trust.  We trust that God will come to us with forgiveness and mercy.  We clear away our fears and misgivings, our hatred and isolation, our sins and refusals to love that obstruct a clear pathway for us to go to God and for God to come to us.  We then meet God on the cleared path of our hearts in a joyous union of love.  (Reflection by Joan Lawson)   THE WINTER JOURNEY OF ADVENT   In this time of darkness, We choose to look toward the Light. In this time when so many suffer, We choose faith, not despair: We choose the work of compassionate justice.   As we move through Advent together, Hungry for transformation, for hope, Our steps themselves Transform us, nourish us. We are on constant pilgrimage, Moving to the heart of things, Reaching beyond what any one of us Can reach alone.   The brightness of the Incarnation Guides us as we continue, With the promise of the Prince of Peace As the bright star in these dark nights.   By Jane Deren, Education for Justice   www.educationforjustice.org   Our celebration is called GAUDETE SUNDAY because today’s Mass begins with the opening antiphon: “Gaudete in Domino simper”—“Rejoice in the Lord always.”  Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and could not find a parking place.  Looking up to heaven he said, “Lord, take pity on me.  If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up my Irish whiskey during Advent and Lent.  Miraculously a parking place appeared.  Paddy looked up again and said, “Never mind Lord, I found one.”   DECEMBER 7, 2008 ROCKS are our symbol for the Second Week of Advent this year.  The prophet Isaiah says that the rugged land shall become a smooth plain and the rough country a broad and fertile place.  Let the rocks in the sanctuary remind us to move aside the rocks of our sin to make a path for the Lord.  Our readings today speak comfort to us, assuring us that as we do that sometimes-difficult work of making our hearts clear for the Lord, God remains with us, patient, sustaining, and forgiving.  In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul assures us that “where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.” Let our Advent work be to use the shovel of faith and remove those rocks that are our sins, and in doing so to rely on God’s grace and trust in God’s forgiveness.   A NEW FACE TO THE BULLETIN   This week we introduce a new cover on our weekly bulletin, which incorporates input from the Parish Pastoral Council.  We hope to use seasonal photos of the outside of the church and grounds throughout the year.  I would encourage all the parish shutterbugs to submit your pictures capturing some unusual angle or perspective. PARISH PLANNING   Now that our parish has been awarded the 2008 National Clergy Renewal Grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the members of the Parish Pastoral Council at the November meeting began to discuss and plan for the “beautyway” period ahead for all of us.  Members began to consider · The matter of parish leadership, the role of Pastoral Council and the planning for “supply”/visiting clergy. · How can/will the parish be renewed in my absence through programs and activities that are proposed and funded in the grant? And, How can we all get the most out of this renewal period? The meeting began with prayer reminding us that we have all be commissioned with the Spirit to bring Jesus’ peace and power to our world.  We also engaged in a formation activity that brought to our attention that change is a constant feature in our lives and that with faith and in God’s embrace we can face the future.       November 30, 2008   THE SHOVEL is our symbol for the First Week of Advent this year.  During Advent, the Church places before us the words of the prophet Isaiah, who calls us to make the mountains of our lives level, and to fill in the valleys, so that we may prepare a straight path for the Lord to enter our hearts.  Let our garden shovel remind us to pick up our spiritual shovels and do some work in our hearts, breaking up the hard spots of resentment, bitterness, and regret, and mixing in the love that softens our hearts and makes us able to grow as disciples of the Lord.  The gospel this Sunday calls us to be watchful, alert, and READY!  Let’s use our shovels right now and make our hearts ready for the Lord who has come, is with us, and will come again.         The Election Day Bake Sale was a tasty success.  Thanks to everyone who planned, baked, sold and made this event so wonderful.  Special thanks to Amy Kernan who coordinated the bake sale.  The bake sale raised $745.00!!   Periodically we need to be reminded that safety and courtesy override convenience.  We have been placing orange cones around the rectory garages because some are beginning to park at the corners and block (or at least make difficult) entering or exiting the parking lot.  This was especially important last Saturday night when we needed to get emergency vehicles to the front entrance to assist a parishioner who fell.  The best way to get a good parking spot is to come early!         ADVENT REFLECTION         Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, (Seek That Which Is Above, 1986) wrote: "Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.…     It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."     November 23, 2008   Growth is the only evidence of life. John Henry Newman, Apologia pro vita sua, 1864, convert and cardinal   The only difference between a rut and a grave is their dimensions. Ellen Glasgow   We would rather be ruined than changed; We would rather die in our dread Than climb the cross of the moment And let our illusions die. W.H. Auden, poet   When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. Victor Frankl, holocaust survivor and psychoanalyst    These citations and others have been swirling around my head lately and for several reasons.  First, there is a change in our 12 noon Mass, la santa misa en español.  Fr. John Reiss abruptly notified me that he was no longer available to preside at this service.  This left us in a huge quandary: how would we continue to minister and provide catechetical formation to the Spanish-speaking members of our parish.  To make a long story short, I am taking weekly Spanish lessons with Sr. Jeanette Abi-Nader, HM at Villa Maria, PA every Friday and slowly twisting my Italian mouth around Spanish words and prayers.  La santa misa is sort of a hybrid situation at this moment but moving along positively.  Catholic Charities is providing us with some part-time catechetical and liturgical assistance with Efrain Ranous.  Efrain is from Guatemala and has a master’s degree in religious education.  We are very grateful for him and the diocesan support.   Secondly, the Diocesan Strategic Executive Committee met last week to being the task of rebuilding and revitalizing our parishes.  There is going to be change in our diocesan parishes and institutions.  Those assembled were asked to articulate their hopes for the process.  Here are some of the comments: we are called to be facilitators of collaboration, we are to witness to Christ and to be supple instruments of the Gospel, our process is to reach out to the marginalized, we are to seek the good through growth and change, we must be positive and expansive, we are to be models of hope and seek new ways of looking and doing, we are position the church for the next generation, communication is essential to the needed changes and to rid false rumors, good communication equals no surprises, we are to be energized to live the Gospel, we must all learn to deal with change, the greater good of the whole diocesan church is critical, we must listen and let the Holy Spirit guide, we must learn to grow in changing times, we are called to employ wisdom and compassion in deliberations, and we must be witnesses to hope, remember we are pilgrims on the journey and embrace the Spirit.     November 16, 2008   GOOD NEWS 1   We have received this notice from Youngstown CityScape, “Dear Fr. Daprile and Albert Mihalik,  We are pleased to inform you that St. Brendan Parish has been selected to receive a Youngstown CityScape Second Annual Beautification Award.  CityScape is a grass roots organization dedicated to revitalizing Youngstown’s downtown and gateways.  We believe that what people see in the city is a reflection of the city’s attitude and status.  Because of your commitment and hard work, the appearance of these areas is a source of pride and inspiration to the entire region as it continues to move forward.”   GOOD NEWS 2   St. Brendan Parish has received a grant of $45,000 to enable me to participate in the 2008 National Clergy Renewal Program funded by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc.  We are one of 133 congregations across the country to receive this grant (and only two other Catholic parishes!).  This year’s grants total nearly $5 million and go to 20 denominations in 36 states.  Almost a third of the grant will be used to cover expenses, clergy help and renewal experiences for the parish during my absence.   The national press release states: “The Endowment’s larger goal is to bolster the good work that America’s pastors and congregations accomplish day in and day out and to reinforce and build upon important work done on both sides of the pulpit.  ‘In our religion grantmaking, we hope to strengthen the efforts of today’s excellent pastors because it is no secret that pastors who have reconnected themselves to the passions that led them to the ministry in the first place are more likely to lead healthy and vibrant congregations,’ said Craig Dykstra, Endowment senior vice-president for religion.”   “We will walk the beautyway” captures the vision and spirit of St. Brendan’s proposal.  Borrowed from the Navajo, “beautyway” suggests harmony, happiness, goodness and well-being.  In mid-August 2009, I will travel to Ireland for two weeks to walk the ways (and maybe ride some of the waves) of St. Brendan and be immersed in the ways of Celtic spirituality: earthiness, the divine infused sense of nature, the Trinity, hospitality and the great stories of life.  Then I will go to Roncesvalles, Spain to walk the 500 mile camino francés (the medieval pilgrimage route across the north of Spain) to Santiago de Compostelo, the traditional burial site of St. James.  Walking the camino takes approximately 33 days (one day for each year of Jesus’ earthly life) and I will be traveling with Fr. Jim Schutte from Cincinnati.  Back in the United States, I will take painting lessons—a long repressed desire—and then, will spend significant time in Santa Fe, New Mexico to paint en plein air (in the openness, outdoors) and be immersed in the surrounding art communities.  This is but a quick summary of the renewal period’s highlights.   I am grateful, honored and thrilled at receiving this grant.  There is a lot of preparation yet to be done and dozens of details to be ironed out.  I will keep all posted as particulars unfold.  Deo Gratias!     November 9, 2008   MARY, DISCIPLE OF HOPE is the title of a new, original statue on the eastside of our church. The Mary statue was dedicated on Saturday, November 1, 2008, All Saints Day by Rev. James M. Daprile, pastor, and witnessed by more than 40 parishioners and project donors.  Musicians were Kevin Gura on guitar and Stephanie O’Leary on flute.  The program was developed by Joan Lawson.  Afterwards, the Liturgy Committee (Deb and Mark Flora, Jennifer and Tom Gatto) hosted a reception of cider and donuts.  The landscaping was done by Al Mihalik.  The statue was hand-chiseled from Indiana limestone and weighs approximately 1,400 lbs.  It was designed by sculptor Norbert Koehn of Cleveland.  Mary’s halo has a field of stars that ties into the symbolism of St. Brendan, our patron, who navigated by the stars.  Mary is holding a bouquet of calla lilies, flowers of our time and symbolism of purity and fidelity.  Koehn was born in Germany and trained in the famous sculptors’ school in Oberammergau.  He has been a resident of the United States for 28 years.  His wife, Victoria, also is a sculptor. They have two sons.  (copy by Deb Flora, photo by Bob Casey)       WE ARE GRATEFUL to the many generous donors who brought this project to completion.  To date they include:  Don Scherl, Dan and Pam Mihalik and Family, The St. Brendan Atlar and Rosary Society, Mary Morley, In memory of Edie, Ron and David Dota, Adrianna (Audrey Zaksek), Teri Laret, Geraldine (Jerry) Beene, Catherine (Kay) Roser, Cathy Chance, Marie Chance, Angie Phillipone, Fred and Shirley Merlo, and Christine Kalhoun.  Thank you.   MORE THANKS to Fred Capogreco and Jessie Hooper who sanded down and re-varnished the church doors this past week with the Indian summer warmth and sun.  These doors get pretty beaten up because of the southern exposure and this new finishing coat makes them glisten again.  And thanks to Fred who weekly makes the brass door handles shine brightly.    November 2, 2008   ON THIS FEAST OF ALL SOULS and the days which surround it, the Mexican community celebrates "the Day of the Dead."  Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.  At the grave family and friends, adults and children, have a picnic: they tell stories of their dead and share the food they brought.  It is an expression of the undying bonds of love that unite them to their family members who have passed to the other side.  They also believe that the spirits of their loved ones are alive and, in some way, still with them.   We don't have to be of Mexican descent to celebrate the lives of our deceased family and friends.  Aren't we doing something similar to what our Mexican brothers and sisters do when we gather at Eucharist on this day?  We share stories from the scriptures, the family stories we have in common.  We then eat the "favorite foods" that nourished our deceased brothers and sisters: the eucharistic bread and wine that sustained them in their living and dying and that gives us hope that someday we will again eat at a banquet table with one another and the risen Lord.   This is a time to go to visit the cemetery and share stories of the dead with our children.  We could recall their lives, how they lived their faith and passed that faith on to us.  We might open family albums for our little ones and, like a storybook reading in the evening, tell them the stories of their deceased grandparents, uncles, aunts, and our friends.  We could include prayers for them as we pray bedtime prayers with the little ones.   In our part of the globe it is Autumn and nature seems to be "passing away" around us.  But we have firm hope that, after a season of rest and bareness, the earth will come alive again.  We also have a secure hope, based on Jesus' promise to us, that he has given us eternal life and that, with him and one another, we shall rise "on the last day."   At the end of every funeral Mass, we pray: Merciful Lord, turn toward us and listen to our prayers: open the gates of paradise to your servant and help us who remain to comfort one another with assurances of faith, until we all meet in Christ and are with you and our sister/brother forever.  Amen.     October 26, 2008   STATUE OF MARY DEDICATION Our new outdoor statue of Mary will be dedicated on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 1:00 pm.  The statue will reside in the garden on the south side of the church (where the dahlias are).  All are invited.  Please join in this festive celebration honoring Mary.     PARISH TRIP 10/21/08                       Bill Lawson shares the history of the Burt/Radio Building and show us plans for the new Mahoning Valley Historical Center.                     Enjoying one of the courses at Café Cimmento with George, the owner                     Tony explaining the wine being tasted   October 19, 2008   THE COMPREHENSIVE DIOCESAN PLANNING PROCESS HAS BEGUN.  Bishop George Murray has appointed Msgr. John Zuraw as Vicar for Planning.  The first phase of the process was to meet with the priests of our 7 (seven) diocesan deaneries (regional and county grouping of parishes—we are in Mahoning South) to look at the road ahead.  These meetings were attended by 97% of our active diocesan priests.   The next step is to complete a 17 (seventeen) page PARISH AUDIT.  This document seeks specific data on parish statistics, sacramental information, liturgical life, staff description, school, elementary CCD / faith formation, youth ministry, RCIA, parish outreach, parish buildings and grounds, cemetery, parish activities and organizations, and parish finances.  Within these categories trends are sought.  For instance, what was the Christmas Attendance in 2001, 2004 and 2007?  This type of trend question is also applied to sacraments, finances, faith formation/school.    As important as data is, there are significant evaluative questions, such as what is the distinctive nature of the parish?  Is there any thing the parish does particularly well?  Are there specific concerns facing the parish?  How do we collaborate and share resources?  Are there problems?  How do we see our future?   These items will be discussed at the Parish Pastoral Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2008.  This meeting will look at the first draft of our parish audit but more importantly will discuss the trends and begin to frame our responses to the questions above.  At this meeting persons will be recommended to me to serve on the deanery planning level.  The parish committee—as directed by the planning process—will be comprised as following: One (1) Pastoral Council Representative One (1) Finance Council Representative One (1) Staff Member Two (2) General Parish Representatives  The deanery meetings will begin in January 2009 and will review the parish audits and begin to identify the best way for our parishes to respond to the significant issues and challenges we face as a Church.   If you would like to participate in the Pastoral Council meeting this Tuesday or if you would like to serve as a General Parish Representative at the deanery level, please contact me immediately.  I will be happy to supply any additional information or answer questions regarding the process (to be best of my ability).   Bishop Murry has stated firmly “participation in this process is not optional and is mandated.” by all persons, parishes and institutions of the diocese.     October 12, 2008   EXTRA EFFORT AND INGENUITY   During the month of September our Bingo crew offered some incentive (an additional card) to the players if they brought in some canned food item.  We got this card from Sr. Mildred Ely, HM, Manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry:  “’Blessed is the heart that finds joy in giving.  Blessed is the heart that bring love to living.”  Thank you for your donation of $11.00 in cash and 730 pounds of food.  As you know, the number of people in need is growing.  We are able to serve them because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of all of you.  We are grateful for your extra effort and ingenuity.  God’s peace and happiness to each of you.  Our grateful prayers to all.”   DIOCESAN (AND HENCE PARISH) POLICY DURING THE ELECTION SEASON   Parishes and other Catholic organizations are encouraged to share the Church’s teaching on the relationship between Christian faith and political life.  We strongly urge all parishioners to register, to become informed on key issues and to vote.  The Church does not support or oppose any candidate, but seeks to focus attention on the moral and human dimensions of issues.  (Faithful Citizenship, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2007)   Parishes and other IRS-designated section 501(c)(3) church organizations are prohibited from participating in political campaign activity. We do not authorize the distribution of partisan political materials on parish property.  (Faithful Citizenship) (1)  We do not endorse or oppose candidates, political parties, groups or candidates, or take action that reasonable could be construed as endorsement or opposition.  (2)  We do not authorize distribution of partisan political materials or biased education materials (those that support or oppose—or exhibit a bias for or against—any candidate or party) on church property, in church publications, or at church activities.  Authorization should be given only after materials have been approved by the diocesan attorney.  Non-partisan materials, like information provided by the League of Women Voters, can be distributed.   Parish Practice:  No partisan political materials or biased education materials are permitted on our bulletin boards, vestibules, website, information racks, parking lot or property.  No partisan political materials or biased education materials can be distributed during any liturgical service, meeting or activity using/leasing parish facilities (Bingo, parish committees, Blockwatch, AA, Summit Academy, Potters Wheel).  Inform the pastor immediately if there are any questions or violations of this practice so that appropriate measure can be taken.   TO UNDERSTAND HOW to be Catholic and a faithful citizen, consider attending Matt Abramowski’s presentation on Monday evening at 7:00 pm in Maxwell Hall.   OCTOBER 5, 2008   MARY STATUE  A statue of Mary, carved from Indiana limestone has been commissioned for our parish.  I intend to make a shrine to Mary on the east side of the church.  Several folks have stepped forward so that we could advance this project.  I am now seeking additional donors to bring this to completion.  This is an opportunity to memorialize your family or an offering of gratitude.  Please contact me if you would like more information or to see the artist’s model.   OUR FUTURE   Soon the Diocesan Planning Committee will ask us to complete a Strategic Audit of the parish (an instrument that will evaluate and assess our ministries, worship, services, formation. And physical plant, etc.).  And the parish will need to provide 2 parishioners to be part of the Deanery Planning Team.  Parish Pastoral Council will be the medium through which we will operate and there will be parish meetings to gather input and share the process.  If you are interested in serving on this committee or have some particular skill that will enhance the parish or diocesan process, please let me or Deb Flora, Chair of Pastoral Council, know.   HIGH LIFTS have hoisted workers around the church, school and rectory tuck pointing the masonry joints in the bricks.  This project was necessitated because of the blistering of plaster around and three south church windows, the new cracks in the church ceiling near the school doors, and water problems in the classrooms and offices.  Hopefully, the buildings have been tightened up for the winter onslaught.   THE DAHLIAS have been absolutely dazzling.  See the last hurrah before the frost.   CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL PARABLES  Samuel Leibowitz, criminal lawyer and judge, saved 78 men from the electric chair.  Not one of them ever bothered to thank him.   Many years ago, as the story is told, a devout king was disturbed by the ingratitude of his royal court. He prepared a large banquet for them.  When the king and his royal guests were seated, a beggar shuffled into the hall, sat down at the king's table, and gorged himself with food. Without saying a word, the beggar then left the room.  The guests were furious and asked permission to seize the tramp and tear him limb from limb for his ingratitude.  The king replied, "That beggar has done only once to an earthly king what each of you does three times each day to God.  You sit there at the table and eat until you are satisfied.  Then you walk away without recognizing God, or expressing one word of thanks to Him."  The parable in today’s gospel is about the gross ingratitude of God’s chosen people who persecuted and killed all the prophets sent to them by God to correct them and finally crucified their long-awaited Messiah.         SEPTEMBER 21, 2008   PASTORAL PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF PARISHES AND SCHOOLS in the Diocese of Youngstown was the topic of the Mahoning South Deanery (regional) meeting of priests last Wednesday.  Msgr. John Zuraw, director of Planning, gathered 13 priests of our area to begin a discussion of long range planning for our diocese.  Here are a few of the items that were part of the conversation:   1.  We were asked “What constitutes a vital or vibrant parish/school?”  There was general agreement that the factors from the 1992 “Walking Together: Collaborating for the Future” project still ring true.  The qualities are: Evangelization (the way the parish continues to spread the good news of Jesus), Worship (Eucharist and other expressions of sacramental and prayer life in the parish), Word (the proclamation of the Scriptures and traditions of the Church), Community (inclusivity and cohesiveness of the parish), Service (commitment to works of compassion and justice), Leadership (calling forth the gifts of visioning, planning, empowering and evaluating for the service of the community), and Stewardship (sharing of time, talent and treasure for the fulfillment of the parish’s mission).   2.  Currently, there are 104 active priests of the diocese.  The youngest priest is 27 and the oldest is 78.  There are15 priests between 70 and 78.  There are 15 seminarians over 9 years of training.  There will be no ordinations in 2012, 2015, and 2016.  The average age of our priests is 66.   3.  The diocese has 114 parishes.  There are 20 priests that pastor two parishes.  Or another way of putting it, 41 parishes (about a third of the diocesan parishes) share the services of 20 priests.    4.  Among the challenges the diocese faces are: shifting population centers, changing roles of religion in the lives of American Catholics, the responsibility to embrace new immigrants, changing expectations of parishes and schools, and the diminishing number of priests.   5.  Some of the concerns of the priests were: the process must affect every priest and institution in the entire diocese, we must all take ownership of the process, we do not want to waste our time, there must be a diocesan vision, there must be efforts to avoid both a lack of commitment to implement the plan and efforts to avoid any sabotaging of the plan.   6.  The next two steps will be (a) a Strategic Audit of every parish and institution, in order to have accurate, honest and complete data; and (b) creating a Deanery Planning Team, which will consist of 2 members of every parish in the deanery.  If you are interested in serving on this committee, please let me know.   7.  This is a huge and serious undertaking that will affect us all.  May the process be cloaked in prayer, secure in the Gospel and tradition, shielded from selfishness, engaged in hope, and expressed in love.     SEPTEMBER 14, 2008   ANOTHER WOW PICNIC!   Even a few raindrops did not deter our parish celebrations.  The amazing aspect of our 4th annual outdoor Mass and picnic is that everyone participated in some wonderful way: planning, setting up, donations (our second collection yielded $567.00 for paper products and rentals), baking, cooking, preparing, enjoying games, making music, serving, bringing food for the poor, supporting and tearing down.  Thanks to everyone, and especially to Linda Feher and Joe Kachurek, who coordinated the whole event.   This event was a great expression of our parish’s vitality.   BEHIND THE HEADLINES   You may have read the article or seen the report about the closing of Summit Elementary School, which leases our building.  I have met or discussed this past week with pastors, local educators and folks from Summit Academy Management (SAM) about this situation.               SAM is challenged by the closing of Summit Elementary (one of 23 schools in their system) and is currently appealing the ruling.  Because more than 85% of the students are “at risk” (learning disabled, autism, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome), 98% receive special education services through their Individual Education Plan (IEP) and have reading abilities generally two (2) years below behind their peers, Summit’s students do extremely poorly on standardized tests like the Ohio Achievement Test.  SAM acknowledges that assessment and accountability are important and is seeking different and creative tools to measure academic progress.  This is the substance of their appeal and efforts with the Ohio Department of Education to seek  alternative assessment measures.  If you would like more information on these initiatives log on to:  http://www.summitacademies.com/LearningChallenges/tabid/138/Default.aspx               Additionally, SAM is exploring the possibility of reorganizing the 3 (three) Summit Schools  in Youngstown so that the elementary school can continue its academic services and at our location.               From my perspective, the parish welcomed Summit Academy because their mission to educate  children with disabilities is consistent with our parish’s mission and the Gospel to care for the marginalized and to reach out to those in need.  I support SAM’s efforts to appeal the closure and their  efforts to seek alternative and appropriate testing measures for children with disabilities or special needs.  I also recognize the importance of assessment for students and accountability of public funds.  I hope and pray that all parties will bring creative and effective energies to resolve this issue for our children.   MARY STATUE   After a few fits and starts, the outdoor stone statue of Mary is back on track.  Several folks have stepped forward so that we could advance this project.  I am now seeking additional donors to bring this to completion.  Please contact me if you would like more information or to see the artist’s model.       AUGUST 31, 2008   WHAT IS THE LABOR OF A CHRISTIAN?   Matthew’s Gospel answers in this way: “whoever wishes to come after me must deny oneself, take up the cross and follow me.”  Here are some examples of labors of faith.   Twenty-three year-old Valerie Price went to Somalia to work as a nurse.  She wanted to help people who had nothing.  She wanted to offer them a better way of life.  Valerie was concerned about her safety, but nothing could stop her from doing her work.  She was put in charge of a feeding center in Mogadishu.   Through her efforts, children who had been near starvation were fed.  Valerie even established a school so the children could learn and have some hope for the future. She became nationally known for her committed service.  Valerie, however, was killed by armed bandits outside the school she had started.  She was willing to risk her life to help other people.   Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland.  It seems that his early years – while good – were not that remarkable. He was devoted to Mary.  He became a priest.  His faith was important to him.  But when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, Kolbe saw the writing on the wall.  He knew that if he were to be a person of faith – and be true to his faith – he would probably have to suffer.  In February 1941, because he spoke out against the horror of the Nazis he was arrested and imprisoned at Auschwitz.  On July 30, 1941 a prisoner escaped from Auschwitz and in retaliation the commandant of the camp lined up the inmates of cellblock 14 and ordered that ten of them be selected for punishment.  They would be consigned to an underground bunker and starved to death.  Ten men were selected.  One of them Francis Gajowniczek, cried out in tears, “My poor wife and children! I will never see them again.”  At this point Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward and volunteered to take his place.  The commandant accepted his offer and so Fr. Maximillian Kolbe assumed his place among the condemned.  By August 14 Kolbe was dead, his body cremated in the camp ovens.  He was canonized last year by Pope Benedict XVI.   Dom Helder Camara was an archbishop of the poorest and least developed archdiocese of Brazil.  But he has been described as "one of the shapers of the Catholic Church in the second half of the twentieth century."  Early in his life he was part of a conservative political movement inspired by Italian fascism.  But as he became more and more involved in pastoral work in Rio de Janeiro, he became increasingly affected by the poor. In trying to relate the message of the gospel to their sufferings, he underwent a radical conversion which finally reached the point where  he himself was labeled a Communist and called “the red bishop.”  His was an outspoken witness for peace and social justice in a land ruled by a brutal military dictatorship.  He moved out of the bishop’s palace and lived in a modest house among the poor.  He encouraged the training of lay catechists.  His house was sprayed with machine gun fire, his diocesan offices were repeatedly ransacked, he was banned for thirteen years by the government from any  public speaking, the newspapers were not permitted to mention his name, and even the Church in Rome continually questioned his orthodoxy.  Valerie, Maximillian Kolbe and Don Helder Camara did not choose to suffer – they chose to  labor for the Gospel.  May the inspire our labors to carry the cross of Jesus.     AUGUST 17, 2008     PARISH PICNIC NEWS   Our 4th Annual Parish Outdoor Mass and Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2008.  We will gather in  the backyard of the rectory.  Mass will begin at 10:00 am and the picnic to follow with chickens and hams cooked  on a wood fire by the Palm Café.  Linda Feher and Joe Kachurek are organizing our celebration this year.  There will be games for kids, door prizes, and music.  We need your help in the following areas:   A special collection will be taken up on August 23/24 to provide for dishes, cups, paper products, plastic silverware, trash bags, ice, pop, coffee, rentals and various needs.   Every person is asked to bring one non-perishable item (either food or cleaning product) that will be placed in a pick- up truck that morning and delivered to St. Vincent de Paul so that the poor and hungry might also share in our feasting.   Every family is asked to bring a dish to share according to the following: A – E   Desserts F – H   Salads: Green/Jello/Pasta/Potato I – L    Potatoes/Rice/Pasta M – T  Fruit U – Z   Vegetables: Hot and Cold The food tables were mouth-watering last year and we look forward to another tasty array of foods.   Bring your lawn chairs and tents.  We are especially in need of tents that you use for tailgating parties, backyard events or camping.  There is some shade in the rectory backyard and a few more tents will provide for a bit more comfort.     AUGUST 10, 2008   DAZZLING DAHLIAS, busting-bright-gold black-eyed-Susans, handsome hydrangeas, gushing grasses, and striking exotic papyruses are abounding around the church and rectory.  This spring and summer our grounds have been gorgeous thanks especially to the efforts of Al Mihalik, who with great pride tends to the tasks of watering, weeding, chasing beetles, staking and pruning.  As the psalmist says, All creation sings the glory of God.   HAVE YOU SEEN BATMAN?   No, not the movie with Christian Bale and Heath Ledger that is in the theaters now, but Dave the bat-trapper tromping in and around the rectory.  After six years, colonies of bats have come to roost in the rectory attic, basement and eaves, again!  As done in the past, natural evacuation methods are being used to encourage them to find other hospitable sites, and yards and yards of wire mesh are being used to plug the various entry points.  Let’s hope, these creatures of God can sing their song outside very soon!   ANNONYMOUS MAIL   Ordinarily when I get mail with no return address or name I throw it out without reading it.  If someone cannot identify themselves and their convictions or comments, them I do not consider the letter or contents much worth my time or effort either.  When I got back from vacation, there was an envelope on my desk addressed “Fr.”.  I opened it up, did not see a name and was ready to throw it away when I noticed the person also sent a picture, of Abe Lincoln on a five dollar bill.  So I put my usual suspicions aside for a moment and took a chance on reading the note: “You need a haircut.  Find a barber.”  I know that this letter was sent in jest because where can you get a haircut for $5.00?  It’s nice to have an opinion,  but it’s also important to be grounded in reality.  So, in the name of my hair (and some underpaid barber), I sent Abe’s picture and my signature on a check to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry so that they will have a few more bucks to help feed the hungry and that should be our real concern!   BECKONING BEAUTY   At the entrances of the church you may have noticed some new artworks adorning our gathering space. In the vestibules are two works by the Loveland, OH artist, William Schickel.  These are serigraphs (a printmaking technique  that uses a screen) with spontaneous drawing with enamel paint.  The titles are “Visitation” (1985) for the piece in the main vestibule and “Jesus Among the Children” (1985) in the south entry way.  If you would like more information, there is a descriptive article by Rev. Joseph Goetz (a former professor of mine) on Schickel’s work on the nearby tables. “Angel with Trumpet” by the Akron artist Don Drumm has been moved and installed in the west church entrance. Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996), born and grew up in Tokyo, was a Japanese printmaker in the 20th century.  Watanabe was famous for his biblical prints rendered in the mingei (folk art) tradition of Japan.  “The Good Shepherd” captures this biblical image with Asian elegance.  His works are part of the Vatican collections.     JULY 27, 2008   VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2008: Adventures in the Search for the Kingdom of Truth The Adventurers The Adventuring Staff & Assistants The Adventure Review: Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light!     JULY 20, 2008   GOSPEL THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK   FOR COMPULSIVE WEEDERS   Here is a piece of advice from the towering 20th century theologian Karl Rahner to enthusiastic weed-gatherers: "The number-one cause of atheism is Christians themselves.  What an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable is the presence of those who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles.  Perhaps, the best defense of God would be to just keep our mouths shut and to live as He told us.  The gospel would then have such a power  and attraction that we wouldn't have to worry about defending it.”   SEPARATION ANXIETY    Our Gospel parable indicates that there will be a separation of weeds and wheat; and later Matthew indicates a separation of good and bad fish (13:47-50), and of sheep and goats (25:31-46).  But this "harvest" will  take place on God's time-table not ours.  Hence, instead of asking the question why God allows evil to exist (terrorists, criminals, diseases, hurricanes, etc.), let us ask what God expects from us.  God wants us to take a good look into the field of our own lives to see what is growing there.  Let us work with Him to pull out the “weeds" in our own personalities.  Then  we need to start treating the so called "evil ones” as Christ did.  Why did he not weed out Judas who betrayed him, or Peter,  who denied him, or James and Andrew who were ambitious, or Thomas who doubted?  Jesus saw the weeds in their lives,  but he saw also saw the wheat.  He knew that with encouragement the wheat would prevail.  And it did.  As the great Russian novelist Dostoyevsky wrote, “Even the most honest man has stolen something in his life, but this doesn't mean that all people are thieves'.   A CONTEMPORARY PARABLE from retreat director Anthony De Mello, SJ:  A woman dreamed one night that she  walked into a brand new shop.  Much to her surprise, she found God working behind the counter.  She asked God, "What do you sell here?"  "Everything your heart desires," God replied.  It was incredible.  She was talking face to face with God.  "I want peace of mind and love and happiness and wisdom and freedom from fear," she told God.  Then almost as an after thought she added, "not just for me, but for everyone on earth."  God smiled, "I think you've got me wrong, my dear.  We don't sell fruits here.  Only seeds."   FINAL JUDGMENT GROANER   Two priests died at the same time and met St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.  St. Peter said,  “I’d like to let you guy in, but our computer is down.  You have to go back to earth for about a week, but you can go back anyway you want.”  The first priest says, “I’ve always wanted to be an eagle and soar above the Rockie Mountains.”  “So be it,”  says St. Peter and he flies off.  The second priest says he always wanted to be a stud.  “So be it,” says St. Peter and he disappears A week goes by, the computer is fixed and the Lord tells St. Peter it’s time to recall the two priests.  “Will you have any trouble locating them?,” asks God.  “The first one should be easy, “he’s somewhere over the Rockies flying with the eagles.  But the second one is more difficult.”  “Why?” asks the Lord.  St. Peter answered, “He’s on a snow tire somewhere in North Dakota.”     JULY 13, 2008   THE YOKEFELLOW MOVEMENT begun by Rev. Elton Trueblood was an effort—reflecting on Matthew 11:16—to  reinvigorate the Christian community into a “fellowship of commitment”.  Among his maxims were daily prayer and Bible reading, every Sunday church worship and participation, giving generously to the church and needy (stewardship), some type  of service or outreach (mission and ministry), witnessing to the goodness of Christ and the Gospel (evangelization) and reading  Christian magazines and books (formation).   What might be some good magazines to have in your household?  Here is a recommended list:   St. Anthony Messenger Magazine 1-800-488-0488 The Franciscans published a very accessible magazine and also have a wonderful website www.AmericanCatholic.org that is filled with a wide range of resources and book selections.   U.S. Catholic Magazine 1-800-328-6515 The Claretians have a website full of news, opinions and reviews at www.uscatholic.claretians.org.   The Catholic Exponent 330-744-5251 This is the bi-monthly publication of the Diocese of Youngstown.   Maryknoll Magazine 1-941-7636  Ext. 2490 This magazine highlights to global missionary activity of Maryknoll fathers, brothers and affiliates and offers insights for a world-wide church.   America Magazine 1-800-627-9533 A publication of the Jesuits, America is one of the oldest and most respected national, weekly publication of Catholic issues  and opinions.   Commonweal 1-888-495-6755 This publication is a review of religion, politics and culture.   Giving a Catholic magazine to yourself, a family member or a friend is a great way to expand your knowledge and understanding of who we are as Catholics.  Consider a subscription as a birthday or anniversary gift or a stocking stuffer for the upcoming holidays.  Give yourself the edge and inspiration of the faith.     JULY 6, 2008   I HOPE WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL for the 400+ young men and women and their chaperones who participated in the Summer Work Camp last week.  Their good work brought both improvements (painted houses, fixed steps and porches, etc.) and joy to our community.  Last Tuesday about 150 of the youth volunteers who were Catholic (and the 3 priests and transitional deacon who accompanied them) gathered in our church for a prayer service and an opportunity to share in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Members of Parish Pastoral Council greeted them and they entered and offered them a prayer card of our patron and a memento of their visit.  I was truly impressed by their respect, dedication, energy and faith.  May God continue to inspire them in the work of the Gospel.    GENEROUS DONATIONS   The parish is grateful for the generous gift of $2,000.00 given in memory of Ralph Beene and in thanksgiving by his wife Geraldine “Jerry” Beene.  This gift was applied toward the purchase of 2 new communion chalices.  These cups were crafted in the Netherlands and match our existing ones.  We now have a beautiful and worthy s et of sacred vessels for the distribution of Holy Communion.   We are also grateful for the $1,000.00 gift given in memory of Andy Marciella and in thanksgiving by his wife Rose.  This  gift was placed in the St. Brendan Memorial Fund and will be used in the near future to enhance the sanctuary.   Thanks to the Beene and Marciella families and may the faithful departed rest in peace and be remembered in love.   PARISH BULLETINS   I am always eager to read parish bulletins from parishes that you visit on your travels and vacations.  They always give me a glimpse into what other parishes are about.  Recently, I got a bulletin from a parish in New York City that had, as an insert, its Sunday musical program.  It caught my attention for its diversity: The Call to Worship was in Latin, Asperges me, Domine; the Opening Hymn was a contemporary piece, Do Not Fear to Hope; the Communion Music included That All May Be One in Christ sung in Vietnamese, English and Spanish; and the Song of Sending Forth God is My Great Desire was done to a more traditional meter LEONI.  And the parish happenings included not only family faith events and distribution of groceries to needy families, but also an ecumenical HIV spiritual support group, a prophetic peace and justice committee, a spirituality committee working on a parish retreat; an unemployment support group; a gay and lesbian support group; a weekly Sunday Welcome Table feeding the hungry in  the parish hall; a young adult group; and a Zen meditation group.    RUMORS AND FACTS   The hand railings from the main church entrance and the Glenellen entrance are missing!   But I know their whereabouts.  They were beginning to rust, so I had the original contractor remove them and have them re-painted (powder coated in a non-rusting bronze finish).  They should be returned soon.   NOT EXACTLY THE GOSPEL   George came home from the psychiatrist looking very worried.  “What's the problem?” his wife asked.  “The doctor told me I should not have to worry and have perfect peace of mind if I take a pill every day for the rest of my life.”  “So what?  Lots of people have to take a pill every day their whole lives.”  “I know,” said George, “but the doctor gave me only four pills!”       JUNE29, 2008   AN UPDATE FROM THE SPECIAL COLLECTION taken at the parish mission in March   Dear Fr. Jim and parishioners:   It has been a few months since Megan McKenna made her presentations with all of you.  She asked you for donations for the work of a Maryknoll priest in Peru.   I am that Maryknoller, Fr. Jim Madden.  I apologize for the long delay in thanking you for your generosity for the people with whom I work.   Along with other missioners I work among the Aymara indigenous people near Lake Titicaca in the high Andes of Southern Peru not far from the Bolivian border.  In her world wide travels Megan has visited us a few times and we highly respect each other.   Until recently I had been attending four rural parishes which are managed by lay leaders.  This area extends from the lakeside agricultural area to the high ranching regions of cattle, llamas and alpacas.  In the last 15 years modernization has been arriving with safe water and sewage systems, telephones, electricity, and a few paved roads.   In their cultural values, including cultural Catholicism, and with the arrival of many religions the people now face many choices, in faith, materialism, violence, justice, democracy, freedom, progress, human rights, community or individualism and so on.  It is an enjoyable challenge to be in the middle of these dynamics with people facing rapid and profound change.   I also work in formation of religious and civil lay leaders and among university students hoping they will contribute to improving society.  With the new price of fuel you will not be surprised to know that some of your funds keep my pick-up on the road.   With prayerful thanks and best wishes for the spiritual and physical growth of your parish community, I ask for your prayers for all of us.   Sincerely in Christ, Fr. Jim Madden     JUNE 22, 2008   UNFORTUNATELY THE REPRESENTATIVE from Food for the Poor last weekend “mumbled” and did not make a clear case and gospel argument for a good organization which has helped the poorest of the poor in 16 nations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.  Food for the Poor is a responsible steward of donations (less than 4% administrative overhead) and far superior than most charitable organizations.  More importantly, they operate from deep within the Gospel mandate “to love one another” and within the Catholic tradition of corporal works of direct mercy.  I hope that you will be able to assist them in feeding the poor.   A TRUE REPORT   This past Tuesday on National Public Radio, there was a report of a mayoral election in a small city in Russia.  Early in the morning on Election Day the incumbent mayor, who was running for re-election, dropped dead.  News of his death spread quickly and everyone was shocked.  However, the dead mayor was re-elected by 43 votes.  When a reporter asked a voter why he voted for the dead man, the voter replied, “I did not want change.”  Sound familiar?   SUMMER WORK CAMP IN YOUNGSTOWN this week 420 high school students from throughout the United States are converging on Youngstown to paint, clean up and repair homes all over town.  Western Reserve United Methodist Church has planned for 3 years and has raised over $50,000.00 to host this activity.  The young men and women had to raise $400.00 apiece to participate.  This summer work camp project is an extension of the Methodist Church’s efforts to encourage young people to serve their neighbor in need.  What a marvelous Gospel effort.  As part of the group is a busload of Catholic young folks from Manassas, Virginia, accompanied by chaperones and 2 priests.  One of the priests will be staying at the rectory and on Tuesday night they will gather in our church for a prayer service.  May their example and energy inspire us all to serve without counting the costs, to leave the comforts of home for the sake of the Gospel and to love one another without borders.   “KEEP THEM WORRIED AND ANXIOUS”   C. S. Lewis wrote a book called The Screwtape Letters.  "Screwtape" is a devil, a very accomplished devil.  Using any trickery he can, Screwtape turns people away from God.  By his letters, Screwtape gives advice to Wormwood, his young nephew, who is just learning the deceptive ways of devils.  In one letter, Screwtape writes to Wormwood, "Keep them anxious, make certain they are worried about something."  Remind people about their fears.  Why this advice?  Being a devil, Screwtape wants to get people so focused on their fears that they forget God.     JUNE 8, 2008   2008 BISHOP’S APPEAL for Catholic Charities and Church Update: The pledge for this year’s appeal is at $21,663.00 or 76% of our parish’s goal of $28,571.13.  I am grateful for the 185 donors (or 25% of our households) who so generously responded to the pressing needs of caring for the poor and needy in our area.  We remember the words of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or naked?   And the Lord replied ‘Whatever you did for the least of my brothers or sisters, do did unto me.’”   KINGDOM MEAL MINISTRY On the fifth Sunday of the month we are joining other Christians in feeding the hungry of our community.  The Dolak family participated on March 30 and wrote these reflections of their experiences:   From Nick (14): “I was able to say ‘Hi’ to somebody and they felt comfortable enough to say “Hi’ back. I heard at least a few people say ‘Thank you’ to us for being there for them. I was surprised at the amount of volunteers who showed up.  It was an environment that allowed us to act out our role as Christians more comfortably.”   From Sam (13):  “When we first got there we carried in boxes of bread and desserts from someone’s car.  Other volunteers were thanking me for helping them set up some tables and chairs, then, taking them down and putting them away.  I felt good that I was able to help.”   From Helen: “One man, who had already finished eating, came up to me in the hallway and asked if I would be there the following week.  I answered, ‘I don’t think so, but maybe another week.’  He said, ‘Thank you for being here’ and smiled.  Then he bent down to fix something on his shoe.  I watched him, as his back was to me, and noticed his old loose shoes were slipping off his feet.  He had a hole in his sock that took up the size of his whole heel.  I felt so grateful for everything I have, my house, my family, food we put on the table, right down to the clean socks I have that have no holes in them.  I found the experience to be very moving and humbling.”       JUNE 1, 2008   THIS WEEKEND WE INAUGURATE A NEW MASS SCHEDULE.  In addition to the 4:00 pm Saturday and 10:00 am Sunday, we begin a 12 noon Mass entirely in Spanish, la Missa en español.  Fr. John Reiss will be the regular presider and the music, prayers, readings and homily will be all in Spanish.  As with all liturgies and events at the parish, all are welcome.  We are blessed to be able to minister in new ways in our parish and community.   IN A SURVEY AND REPORT on the regional demographics for Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties (December 2007) sponsored by the Wean Foundations and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown, the principal investigator, Jeff Stewart, PhD, notes that “Despite a declining economy these counties have seen an increase in the number of new immigrants over the past ten years.  Many are arriving to fill service sector jobs in restaurants and housekeeping positions, as well as jobs in agriculture and slaughter houses.  Even though their numbers are rising in all three counties, many immigrants remain isolated from each other and have little contact outside of the workplace with non-immigrant residents of the region.  This isolation is a consequence of irregular and long work schedules, amplified by fears due to a lack of documentation forcing many to live clandestine existence….New Latina/o immigrants to the area were predominately agricultural workers back home in Mexico, Central America and other countries.  Driven by lack of employment opportunities and economic devastation back home these newcomers are arriving in substantial numbers, even in the economically depressed region of Northeastern Ohio.”   WE ARE BOWLING ALONE (or at least with those who agree with us in nearly every conceivable way) and the common ground of shared values and references is long gone.  We can no longer even agree on what used to be called facts.  We inhabit a cultural universe that is tailored to fit one’s individual preferences.  This separation into solipsistic blocs, a clustering of like-minded individuals, is tearing us apart.  This is the analysis of sociologists and statisticians Bill Bishop and Robert G. Cushing.  We are becoming so ideologically inbred, so cocooned with the familiar, so immovable into political camps that its effects are corrosive and we have become hardened against the stranger or different points of view or a common purpose.  Remember Lord of the Flies by Joseph Conrad?  In this novel, subgroups became divisive, extreme and violent.  The socialogists write, “Mixed company moderates; like-minded company polarizes.  Heterogeneous communities restrain group excess; homogeneous communities march toward extremes.”  There is much to reflect on here, especially as we are called to be the Body of Christ, many though one.        MAY 25, 2008   ST. BRENDAN PARISHIONERS IN THE NEWS We congratulate Troy Fitzwilliams and Stephen Brown who received the religious Scout Award, Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) at a ceremony last week at the cathedral.  The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei program and award is to help Catholic Boy Scouts develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community.  At the same ceremony Toni Fitzwilliams received the Pope Pius XII Award.  The program and award seeks to help the Venture Scout to answer the question of what it is God is calling him or her to do with their life.  Congratulations.   Also, Denise Carissimo was nominated for the Athena Award.  The award, presented by the Regional Chamber and The Vindicator, honors women for accomplishments in their organizations, leadership in the community and mentoring other women.   Many blessings.   ST. BRENDAN PARISHIONERS IN THE NEWS We congratulate Troy Fitzwilliams and Stephen Brown who received the religious Scout Award, Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) at a ceremony last week at the cathedral.  The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei program and award is to help Catholic Boy Scouts develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community.  At the same ceremony Toni Fitzwilliams received the Pope Pius XII Award.  The program and award seeks to help the Venture Scout to answer the question of what it is God is calling him or her to do with their life.  Congratulations. Also, Denise Carissimo was nominated for the Athena Award.  The award, presented by the Regional Chamber and The Vindicator, honors women for accomplishments in their organizations, leadership in the community and mentoring other women.   Many blessings.   MAY 18, 2008   SAINT BRENDAN’S PRAYER Looking West from Dun Chaoin over the Blasket Islands   Sky, sky, sky is the word, Just one shout in the direction Of the blue vastness which weighs Nothing and everything,   No one word can convey How sky stings, pierces and turns Inside out the heart of a man, Scourges him delirious with the question He is but cannot frame, because Sky frames all questions, always Stretching the asked and the asker To the limitless blue Upon blue upon blue deeps,   Questioning, which is fire, Spangling night in glinting shoals Of sidereal time, till the mind Reels, besotted with splendour, Questioning, which ignites the body, Burns up every leaf of the mind, Consumes the mind's roots, the heart, In the smelter of spirit, till the soul Pools, gleaming, breathing red gold,   Sky, all world, sky lights up, Kindles with the coming sun, Throws everything into unbearable relief, We twist, maddened by the light Of dawn, closing its disclosing With departure, we stumble away, Ever looking backwards to behold The staggering Beauty for which We were born belonging, Any shadow will do,   Where we hope not to die of regret, Because we forget just enough To remember only sorrow, or better yet, To feel nothing at all, Than surrender to sky, star sky, Grievous sky of radiant daybreak.   Is there one, is there anywhere One Who will bend sky down, rend Its awful vastness and descend, The day reined in within His ardent Glance, His wounds the burning stars Which cover me with constellations Of compassion, and be, Himself My firmament and friend?    June 5, 1995 Dun Laoghaire, Ireland Gregory Elmer O.S.B     MAY 11, 2008   VENI, SANCTE SPIRITUS, known as the Golden Sequence, is our Pentecost prayer—Come, Holy Spirit!  It is commonly regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of sacred Latin poetry ever written.  Its beauty and depth have been praised by many. The hymn has been attributed to three different authors, King Robert II the Pious of France (970-1031), Pope Innocent III (1161-1216), and Stephen Langton (d 1228), Archbishop of Canterbury, of which the last is most likely the author.  The renowned theologian, Hans Küng, offers this contemporary reflection for our feast:   Veni Sancte Spiritus — The Holy Spirit cannot be compelled to come, we can only entreat. We can only ask;   Sana quod est sordidum —- Heal what is wounded!  Help those who have been hurt by an unjust church law and those who have not been treated fairly in the church, especially women;   Riga quod es aridum — Water what is barren!  Enliven those who have become resigned in the church and those who have been marginalized and especially let young people live in renewed hope;   Flecte quod est rigidum —- Bend what has become rigid!  Humiliate the obstinacy of theologians and hierarchies and shake all false security so that everything will not always remain as it was;   Fove quod est frigidum — Warm what has become cold!  Drive out all our fears and anxieties, our prejudices and restrictions, and open our hearts with your love that knows no bounds;   Rege quod est devium — Direct what is going astray!  Enable us to call what is error and injustice by its name and to work in the Church and in society for truth, justice and peace.   LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM UPDATE   This week the parish submitted the grant application and proposal for Fr. Daprile’s renewal leave, projected for the fall of 2009.  The Lilly Endowment requires that applications are to be postmarked no later than May 14, 2008; and the foundation’s notification of grants will be made by October 2008.  This is a national competitive grant program and 120 grants — up to $45,000.00 — are awarded annually.  The committee, comprised of Deb Flora, Rosie Marich, Pam Mihalik and Barb Carissimo, did an outstanding job crafting the renewal proposal.  I am grateful for their efforts and the support of Joan Lawson and Parish Pastoral Council.  We wait, and pray and hope.   MAY 4, 2008 OUR FIRST COMMUNION CELEBRATION was wonderful.  Pictured above are the newest members of our faith community to share at the Table of the Lord, front left to right, first row: Breanna Crone, Monica Brown, Magdalena de la Paz, Ashley McKelvey and Katrina Neff; second row: Joan Lawson, DFF; Fr. Jim Daprile, Fr. John Reiss and Judi Webber, 2nd grade catechist.        EXPANDING AND WELCOMING   On Sunday, June 1st, St. Brendan Parish will expand our Mass schedule.  Mass will be offered at 4:00 pm Saturdays and at 10:00 am and noon on Sundays.  The noon Mass — a parish Mass — will be entirely in Spanish / en Español: music, prayers, readings and preaching.  We are happy that Fr. John Reiss will be the ordinary presider for this Mass.  In a city that is embracing a “smart shrinking concept,” it is heartening that our parish is growing, developing and discovering new ministries.  And as a church, we are called to welcome the stranger, share our mutual giftedness and celebrate the wonderful ways of our God.  May this endeavor truly be a blessing to us and our community.   ABRAHAM & SARAH: A BLESSING AND BLESSED   At the recent sessions for greeters, hospitality persons and ushers, we read the Genesis story (18:1-18) of Abraham’s gracious outreach, care and setting a feast for the three strangers who appeared before the entrance of his tent near the oaks of Mamre.  And the strangers brought a surprising gift as well: by the time of their visit next year Sarah would be pregnant and the couple would be more blessed than the stars of the sky.  As our group reflected on this passage, the following were offered as ways for us to be welcoming and hospitable: we are to initiate the action of welcome; we are to treat strangers as friends; we are to provide for the comfort and physical needs of others; we are to give our very best; we are to stand with others; we are to be servants to others.  WELCOME carries wonderful burdens for the Christian!       APRIL 27, 2008   WE CELEBRATE FIRST COMMUNION this weekend and I thought I’d share some of the reflections from our children:         Ashley McKelvey:  I want to receive Eucharist to be part of his [Jesus’] family and follow his teachings, lead a good holy life and to go to heaven.         Katrina Neff:  I want to receive Jesus in the Eucharist because I want ot be like Him.         Breanna Crone: Jesus teaches me about how God made the world and about how I’m supposed to be nice.         Magdalena de la Paz:  I want to receive the Eucharist so I can become more like Jesus and so I can not be so bad anymore.         Monica Brown:  I want to receive Jesus in Eucharist because I want to eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus.  Jesus taught me to be nice to others, to help others, be respectful, be responsible, to be kind, to help others, and love my family.   May these children and their family be blessed today and every day.   BLESSINGS to our catechist JUDI WEBBER, who has taught 2nd grade in our CCD program for 25 years.  We are truly grateful for her dedication and sharing the faith with our children in such a wonderful and faithful way.  Thank you and may God continue to shower you with divine goodness.   FROM SECTION 34 AT YANKEE STADIUM, our parishioner Deb Zalovcik attending the Papal Mass said, “We were so high up and he was so small and far away, but we were all closer to heaven.”  Here is her reflection:   “At a recent Parish Pastoral Council meeting a question was posed "What would make your heart sing?"  It wasn't until this past weekend would I truly be able to answer.  I had the honor, along with my daughter Stephanie, to attend the Papal Mass in Yankee Stadium this past Sunday as part of the Youngstown Diocese delegation.   My voice sang to the music, my ears listened to the Word and my eyes watched the Faithful community 57,000 strong inside the stadium as they cheered BENEDICTO! “But during the Eucharistic prayer, the community of believers became silent, and one could hear a pin drop.  Then, as the community prayed in unison the Our Father, arms were outstretched to their neighbor, voices became louder then ever.  As my eyes were fixed on the altar, my heart began to sing.  For the first time I could answer the question posed just weeks before.  This wasn't just about me...you...the community of attendees...It is about US—all of US: all being disciples, working together, following the Gospels and Teachings of Jesus.”   APRIL 20, 2008   THE 2008 BISHOP’S APPEAL FOR CATHOLIC CHARIITES AND CHURCH has begun throughout the diocese.  Our parish goal is $28,571.00.  I am grateful for the 34 donors in the Leadership and Pacesetter division who have pledged $6,369.00.  This annual campaign will be successful if every member of the parish participates and pledges.  I am asking that every household make a monthly gift of $12.00, for a total pledge of $144.00.  Even in difficult times, we know we are abundantly gifted and with our many blessings are called to be generous, especially for the work of the Church and the needs of the poor.   Our Catholic Charities Regional Agency (serving Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties) served 27,121 people in 2007.  70% of those served had incomes below the national poverty threshold (poverty threshold is $20,650 for a family of four).  64% of those served received public assistance.  72% of those served were women.   Here are some service highlights: 1,967 people benefited from food vouchers for groceries. 710 older adults received support services (advocacy, transportation, telephone reassurance) 259 people who were homeless received supportive services 4,598 people benefited from utility assistance 310 pregnant women and families received material assistance through First Step Program 366 people received housing counseling services 16,921 on-site, carried-out and home-delivered meals were provided to older adults 53 women and 47 children received domestic violence shelter; 255 people received assistance with protection orders; 1,081 crisis phone calls were received.   KIDS  At a recent baptism, a second grader came over to the newly baptized child and whispered into his ear, “How does feel to be cleaned of all your sins?”  What a wonderful innocence in this exchange!  But there is also a serious resurrection challenge lurking within it for all of us.  We have been cleansed in the blood of the Lamb and renewed in our Easter celebrations.  So what do we do?  Sit on our hands?  Go back to our old sinful ways?  Reject the life-giving Spirit?  Our city faces a “shrinking” future.  Our church is experiencing a new immigration group and a re-alignment of ministry and resources.  How do we bring the Easter light of Christ to these situations?  Every time we bless ourselves with holy water, we are reminded of our own baptism when we rejected sin and professed our faith in a loving, redeeming God.  How is our baptism going?     APRIL 6, 2008   “WE WILL WALK THE BEAUTYWAY” captures the vision and sprit of St. Brendan Parish’s proposal for a renewal leave for our pastor, Rev. James M. Daprile.  Borrowed from the Navajo, “beautyway” suggests harmony, happiness, goodness, and well-being.  The “beautyway” is a healing ceremony.  During the rituals, inner journey and physical walk, the individual and community seek to re-establish balance and beauty; to find restoration and hope; and to be secure in the knowledge that all is well in your life.  The Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program will allow us—parish and pastor—to “walk the beautyway” taking time to replenish the energies of our pastor and calling forth new vigor in the parish, to renew the joy of ministry for all and hopefully to transform us in surprising ways.   Walking the “beautyway” not only influences the vision and rationale of our proposal but also describes the essential elements of the renewal period: pilgrimage/way and art/beauty.  First, I will pilgrimage to Celtic Ireland and Wales for two weeks to both immerse myself in my own heritage and to walk (and perhaps sail) in the way of our patron, St. Brendan.  The art of this segment will not only be the salt air that inspired Brendan’s navigation and the monastic remains that testify to his religious energies, but also a heart sensitive to the Celtic tradition: the thin boundary between the sacred and secular, the Trinity, a passionate love of nature and the elemental, the personal and enduring presence of Mary and the saints, the need for a “soul friend” (anmchara), and a respect for the great stories of life.               Then, I will fly to Bilbao, Spain to visit the Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry.  There I will meet up with Rev. Jim Schutte (Archdiocese of Cincinnati) and travel to Roncesvalles, Spain to begin on foot the 33 day-500 mile camino francés (across the north of Spain) to Santiago de Compostelo.  Fr. Schutte and I annually make retreats together and have pilgrimaged in Palestine/Israel.  This is a unique opportunity to deepen those personal and spiritual bonds.  Walking the camino will be physical and will present challenges of endurance and trust to the body and spirit.  The art will probably be more than possibly imagined but will surely include the beauty of nature, a renewal of purposefulness and prayerfulness, encounters with other pilgrims and their stories, and the sense of openness and vulnerability.               Back in the United States, I will explore some long repressed instincts and yearnings: oil painting.  In the studio of Richard Dziak, a plein air, impressionist painter, I will be mentored in painting techniques.  Then, in the center of the Navajo nation (Sante Fe, NM) and for the next month, I will have the time to develop my latent painting skills.  This will also provide a pivot point to engage the surrounding creative arts communities, such as Taos and Albuquerque.  Reflections on my journeys and the southwestern light and landscape will, hopefully, generate some works of art that will represent the dynamics of walking the “beautyway.”     MARCH 30, 2008   WHAT WILL MAKE YOUR HEART SING? is the title of the 2008 National Clergy Renewal Program sponsored by the Lilly Endowment Inc., Indianapolis, IN.  “Lilly Endowment seeks to strengthen Christian congregations by providing opportunities for pastors to step away from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection.  Renewal periods are not vacations, but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for regaining the enthusiasm and creativity for ministry, for discovering what will make the pastor’s heart sing.”   Parish Pastoral Council and I have embarked upon the process of applying for a grant from the Lilly Endowment for a renewal program in the fall of 2009.  At our Parish Summit Meeting on March 10th, our evening prayer focused on both the demanding nature of our faith journey and the need to rest and rejoice in the Lord.  Joan Lawson explained (and reminded us) of the nature of the Sabbath: to keep a holy rest by ceasing from work, by embracing our calling in life, our relationship with God and neighbor, and by feasting in joy.  Rosie Marich had a power point presentation on the Lilly program and Deb Flora facilitated our discussion.   How can this renewal leave renew our parish?  The responses of the parishioners participating were: People will pull together Identify new leaders Interaction with other priests Fr. Daprile’s enthusiasm could be shared upon his return to the parish Our parish may use the time to blend more with Spanish-speaking community—understand needs, etc. Motivate people  to contribute to life of parish beyond Sunday Mass Learn more about global church   What are some issues that might cause us to fret? Who will preside at Mass, fill in for sacraments, weddings, funerals, daily Mass? What will be chain of command during Fr. Daprile’s absence, esp. in case of an emergency? What will happen to us without Fr. Daprile? Not used to being without our pastor. What will happen if we don’t get grant from Lilly Endowment? What if people leave during his sabbatical and don’t return? Should we get a deacon? Will we be able to continue to draw young people and families to parish? What if bishop makes decisions that affect this parish while Fr. Daprile is away?   I have met with Bishop Murry and he was impressed by the parish process and has endorsed and encouraged this renewal leave.  He has granted permission to continue to pursue the grant application and for the leave time in 2009.  Next week I’ll describe my proposed renewal journey and plans.     MARCH 9, 2006 TIME FLIES BUT MINISTRY DEMANDS PERSIST   It was a little over a year ago that Fr. Noga and I spent three weeks at the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas and immersed ourselves in multicultural dynamics and sensitized ourselves to the growing pastoral needs of Hispanics in America.  It was a little over a year ago that the joint leadership of St. Brendan and St. Patrick Parishes gathered to pray and meet on how we might be aware and be prepared to respond to these needs.  Now is the time to embrace and celebrate some new directions for our parish.  AT THE HOLY SATURDAY VIGIL Marta de la Paz and her two sons will be baptized and welcomed into our parish faith community.  Through the efforts of Sr. Norma Raupple, OSU, Hispanic educator at Potter’s Wheel and the guidance of Joan Lawson in the RCIA and CCD, Marta and her sons have studied the Scriptures, opened their hearts to the Lord, learned Catholic traditions and seek full initiation and membership in the Church.  What a wonder occasion for rejoicing!!  Participating and concelebrating on this holy night will be Fr. John Reiss (past pastor of Holy Name).  For the past three years and since his retirement, he has been presiding at Masses for the Spanish community.  Our liturgy will be a mixture of English and Spanish, especially for the initiation rites.  AND AS THE DIALOGUE CONTINUES between the Spanish community on the Westside and St. Brendan’s there is a growing need for a welcoming church and space.  Upon consultation with our Parish Pastoral Council, we are eagerly and enthusiastically opening our doors, hearts and welcome to the Spanish community.  In mid May 2008, we will initiate a noon Mass at St. Brendan’s, presided by Fr. Reiss, conducted and with music in Spanish and open to all!!  There are many details to be worked out, but for now let us rejoice that by opening our doors we are opening ourselves to Christ-in-the-other.  ALERT   I have received a notice from the IRS about the "Stimulus Payments" from the Federal Government.  In order to receive a payment you must file a 2007 tax return even if you don't have to pay taxes.  The only criteria is that you must have $3000.00 in income from any source.  The payments will be based on income.  I am concerned about the senior citizens in our parish because I know many of them do not have to file tax returns.  Again, to receive a Stimulus Payment you must file a return this year.  For more information, contact your tax preparer or consult the advertisers on the back of the bulletin.   MARCH 2, 2008  WE STAND IN COMMUNITY is one of the themes in the Gospel of John and a theme our mission presenter Megan McKenna stressed.  Our joint parish mission was a wonderful and faith-filled because of the efforts of a number of folks.  I am grateful for our parish team (St. Pat’s had a matching group): for Teri Laret who coordinated the Sunday evening reception with the generous help of Barbara Olbrych, Jean McGonnell, Gerry Perrine, Dolores Snyder and all who provided snacks; for the greeters who welcomed our neighbors and friends into our church: Barb and Ralph Perry, Mary Ann and Malin Peters, Burt and Carol Myers, Rick and Janette Koewacich, Fred and Shirley Merlo; for Mike Mraz who coordinated the ushers: Debra Brown, Jerry and Amy Kernan ($870.00 was raised for the Maryknoll mission in Central America); for Carol Pilz who coordinated children's catechesis with Barb Carissimo; for Deb Flora who worked on publicity; and for Pam Mihalik who coordinated the book sales (65 titles sold).  We are especially grateful for the organization and behind the scenes energy of Joan Lawson.  As baptized in Christ may we be disciples standing our ground and living in the new life (paschal mystery) of the Savior of the Lord.  "STANDING WITH THE POOR begins with and introduces us into a new way of seeing the world around us.  Making the invisible visible, is our first step on the way to compassion." (Fred Kammer, SJ:, Doing Faith Justice, p.149)  In the Gospel for this Laetare Sunday, Jesus heals a man blind from birth.  Growing up, as most of us have in an affluent culture, we too are “blind from birth”.  When we see things differently, our new knowledge leads us to act differently.  As “children of light” we “produce every kind of goodness” (Ephesians 5:8).  But clear vision, which leads to knowledge and new ways of living in the world, is painful.  Few of us have the courage to have our hearts broken by looking into the eyes of the poor and truly asking why they are poor and what part we have played in their misery. It is hard to “see” with God’s eyes.  But that is what we are called to do.  Our culture's preference for the "rich and famous" is enshrined in our public policies and national economic priorities, which continually find more funding for sophisticated weapons and less for services to the needy.  May we, the baptized, see with the eyes of the Gospel.  A BLIND MAN is walking down the street with his guide dog one day.  They come to a busy intersection and the dog, ignoring the high volume of traffic zooming by on the street, leads the blind man right out into the thick of the traffic.  This is followed by the screech of tires as panicked drivers try desperately not to run the pair down.  Horns blaring, the blind man and the dog finally reach the safety of the sidewalk on the other side of the street and the blind man pulls a cookie out of his coat pocket, which he offers to the dog.       A passerby, having observed the near fatal incident, can't control his amazement and says to the blind man, "Why on earth are you rewarding your dog with a cookie?  He nearly got you killed!"  The blind man turns partially in his direction and replies, "To find out where his head is, so I can kick his rear end!"       February24, 2008                                       MEGAN McKENNA is an internationally known author, lecturer, retreat leader, and spiritual director. She received her doctorate from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and has taught in Dublin, Ireland, Asia, South America, Chicago, Marshall Islands, Thailand, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she currently lives.   She is the author of more than thirty books, including And Morning Came - Scriptures of the Resurrection, Praying the Rosary, Send My Roots Rain, The New Stations of the Cross, On Your Mark - Reading Mark in the Shadow of the Cross, and the recently released, Harm Not The Earth.   Megan will conduct our joint Parish Mission with St. Patrick Parish.  She will speak at both parishes during morning Masses and will begin the mission with a presentation on “The Man Born Blind” on Sunday evening at St. Brendan Parish at 7:00 pm.  She will continue on Monday evening at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick Parish, 1420 Oak Hill Avenue with a presentation on “Lazarus.”  The gathering is open to the public and a collection will be taken for the Maryknoll Missions in Central America.   Megan’s program, which is for adults and teens, will feature music, stories and prayer.  Those attending will be challenged to “do their homework” each evening as they reflect on the relationship between their religion and lifestyle.   School-age children will participate in age-appropriate sessions during Megan’s presentations.  Afterwards there will be refreshments at each parish.   This is a Lenten opportunity we are privileged to host and an opportunity not to be missed.  Some of Meagan’s books will be available for purchase during the Mission.                    February 17, 2008   OUR LENTEN FIISH DINNERS have gotten off to a good start. Pictured is the crew that was set to cook and serve after the blessing prayer for our endeavor. Earlier in the day the fish preparers and the lunch team worked hard and afterwards more parishioners came and cleaned up. We could still use a few more voluinteers. Call Patty Infante at 330-799-3339 or the rectory to help out. Thanks to all who support this wonderful parish activity.         PARISH MISSION With St. Patrick Parish, we are hosting a Lenten Mission with the renowned MEGAN MCKENNA next weekend. She will speak at all the Masses on “The Woman at the Well.” Sunday, February 24 at 7:00 pm at St. Brendan Church she will speak on “The Man Born Blind”   Monday, February 25 at 7:00 pm at St. Patrick Church she will speak on “Lazarus.”   A reception will follow both presentations. There will be breakout sessions for our younger members. I urge you to make every effort to attend, enjoy and be up-lifted by our Mission with Megan McKenna.   MATTHEW THE BOOK OF MERCY by author Megan McKenna, our guest presenter of our Lenten mission, will be available for sale on February 16th-17th and 23rd-24th after Masses and also during the Lenten Mission on February 24th and 25th.   In her new book, well-known author and master storyteller Megan McKenna shows how this identity is forged of forgiveness, reconciliation and at-one-ment. What characterizes Matthew’s church is Jesus as the Mercy of God, as mercy shared. Matthew’s community becomes the presence of the kingdom of heaven on earth — the presence of God’s mercy on earth. In this masterful commentary, McKenna shows that, as it did for that early Jewish community of Christians, Matthew’s gospel offers balm and hope for the Church today.   BLANKETS OF LOVE were distributed last weekend at Meridian Arms and Omni Assisted Living Center. Despite the cold it was a warm and wonderful afternoon sharing songs, Valentines, blankets and love. Pictured with me is Mary Lautner, our elder member at almost 101 years of age, cherishing her blanket and celebrating in this wonderful parish project. Thanks to ALL who made this Advent-Christmas-Valentine event so meaningful and engaging.     February 10, 2008 IF WE WERE KNIVES, Lent would be a time to sharpen our cutting edges.  If we were cars, Lent would be a time for an oil change and a tune-up.  If we were gardens, Lent would be a time to fertilize our soil and dig out our weeds.  If we were carpets, Lent would be a time to get power-cleaned.  If we were computers, Lent would be a time to overhaul our disk drive.  If we were highways, Lent would be a time to repair our cracks and fill our chuckholes.  If we were silverware, Lent would be a time to clean away our tarnish.  If we were batteries, Lent would be a time to get recharged.   BUT WE ARE NONE OF THOSE THINGS.  We are people who sometimes do wrong things; we need to atone for them.  We are people who sometimes get spiritually lazy; we need to get back into shape. We are people who sometimes become selfish; we need to stretch out of our narrowness and begin giving again.  We are people who sometimes lose sight of our purpose on earth and the immense promise within us; we need to regain our vision.   AND BECAUSE we are also people who sometimes tend to put those things off, we need a special sort of official time to concentrate on doing them.  So we have Lent.    AT ST. BRENDAN’S FOR LENT this year we can get back on track by Participating in Valley Bible Study on Tuesday nights or Wednesday mornings to better appreciate the Word of God Praying the Stations of the Cross at noon or 7:00 pm on Fridays to follow the Lord more faithfully Attending the Parish Mission on February 24 and 25 at 7:00 pm with Megan McKenna to quicken our spiritual lives Reserving some Silence in our lives to allow God to claim our hearts Reading the Scriptures, the Little Black Book, Catholic newspapers and magazines, spiritual and uplifting books to widen our imaginations Seeking reconciliation by forgiving our neighbor and participating in the Lenten Communal Penance Service on March 3 at 7:00 pm to renew our relationships with God and one another Striving to allow God to fulfill our lives by Fasting and Abstaining Spreading the Good News by joining the Door to Door Campaign on March 9 to share the blessings of the parish in our neighborhood Doing Works of Mercy by using the Rice Bowl, helping at the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen or the Kingdom Meals, assisting with the drive for cleaning items for the needy   THEN AFTER FORTY DAYS of dying and rising with Jesus, we will have more deeply entered into the mystery of Jesus Christ, victorious over sin and death and living in God’s glory.       January 27, 2009 A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF OUR PARISHES AND SCHOOLS   After his first nine months in the Diocese of Youngstown, Bishop Murry wrote to all the priests of the diocese: “Repeatedly, I have heard a desire expressed for a strategic plan to guide our diocese into a promising future.  I believe that the time is now opportune to begin a comprehensive study of our parishes and schools in order to wisely plan for the future.”  The bishop is developing a planning committee comprised of folks who can objectively study our parishes and schools and who are able to suggest structural proposals that are in the best interest of the diocese, not the best interest of any one group or location.  The bishop expects the study to take 9 to 11 months to complete, and seeks a final report and recommendations for implementation by January 2009.  It is a long overdue task.  Let us all pray for the Spirit’s guidance in this pressing project.   OUR OWN PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL is attempting to be pro-active by studying the issues facing us (by developing a strategic pastoral plan) and by stretching our imaginations about a changing future.  At the last council meeting, members engaged in an exercise where an imaginary bishop (but not unlike the bishop of Youngstown) was faced with the crisis to not being able to supply a priest-pastor for each parish.  The bishop sought input as to possible solutions.   Yes, praying for vocations is important but the bottom line is that vocations are not achieving replacement levels of priests retiring, dying or resigning.  Yes, there are some options that are “off the table”, such as alternatives to a celibate, male priesthood—married priests, ordaining women or time-conditioned celibacy (in the line of Shinto priests).   So what are the options?  1.  Close parishes (an administratively easy choice but devastating to communities as the unique incarnation of the body of Christ) 2.  Appoint a layperson as the pastoral agent of the parish (address the administrative aspects of the parish but leaves sacramental issues unresolved) 3.  Import priests from other priest-rich parts of the world (a quick replenishment of priests but a complex of cultural issues arise) 4. Loosen the connection between a particular day of the week, Sunday, and the community’s weekly public gathering around the table of the Lord (loss of the Lord’s Day and fragmentation of communities) 5.  Cut back on the number of Masses (move from Masses of convenience to Masses of commitment) 6.  Merge/realign parishes (this may result in leaner and more resourceful parishes but can we agree on the criteria of a viable community?) 7.  Introduce regular use of the ritual officially called Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest (does this risk treating the reception of the Eucharist as something separable from the sacrifice of the Mass?)   A choice has to be made.  Reality must be faced.  How would you advise the bishop?   January 20, 2008 NEEDLES GONE, POINSETTIAS ENDURE   The Christmas poinsettias in church were just beautiful this year (and long lasting).  Many folks asked where we got such lovely plants.  Chuck Lehotsky, owner of Church’s Greenhouses on South Salem Warren Road (Rt 45) in North Jackson, is the grower and supplier.  Being a small and independent grower is difficult and very expensive in today’s world, but the poinsettias were a real testament of hard work and dedication to quality and beauty.  Check out his greenhouses when you start to think spring!   CHRISTMAS COLLECTION   I am grateful to the many faithful and generous parishioners who gifted the parish in the total amount of $13,974.00.  This allows the parish to continue the many ministries and programs which make our parish a strong anchor on the Westside.  Thank you all.   FROM OUR DOOR TO YOUR DOOR CAMPAIGN   The Stewardship Committee is embarking on an ambitious program to share the good news of St. Brendan Parish with all those who live in the 44509 zip code area.  On Sunday, March 9 after the 10:00 am Mass, parishioners will canvas in teams throughout the 44509 zip code area and place an information/invitation flyer on the doors of our neighbors.  Then we will all return to Maxwell Hall for a celebration and some chili.  Will you help spread the good news of our parish and open the door of our parish and Christ to the neighborhood?  We need between 50 and 75 volunteers to reach out to our neighbors and friends.  Will you help?  Call the rectory or Tina Fitzwilliams (330-727-2577) for more information and to put your name on the volunteer list.  Will you help?   LAMB ON THE ROOF: In the city of Werden, in Germany, there stands a Catholic Church with a lamb carved out of stone and placed on its roof.  Centuries ago a worker was once up on the roof of that church in order to repair it.  His safety belt snapped and he fell.  The area below was filled with large-size rocks.  As luck would have it, a lamb was having its lunch on grass growing between the rocks.  The craftsman fell on the poor lamb.  The lamb was slain… but the man lived.  So the craftsman did the decent thing.  He sculpted a lamb and, in gratitude, situated it on the roof.  Today we come together at this Liturgy to remember and salute another Lamb.  Each of us owes Him much.  As a matter of fact, we owe Him our spiritual lives because he saved us from the eternally fatal fall from grace.   January 13, 2008 MERRY CHRISTMAS   While post holiday sales compete with Valentines and bunnies on the stores shelves, the Christmas season draws to and end—for Christians, anyhow—with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  Christmas celebrates the mystery of the “Word made flesh” (incarnation), Epiphany reveals Christ as the light to all nations and peoples (universal salvation), and the Baptism announces that this “beloved Son” is to “bring forth justice” (the mission of Jesus and the church).  Merry Christmas!   GLADNESS AND GRATITUDE   I am always amazed and appreciative of the many parishioners who dedicate themselves in so many ways to make our parish Christmas celebrations so wonderful.  The list is longer than any child’s wish list to Santa.  Thanks to the Bucket Brigade who scrubbed, swept and shined the church.  Thanks to the Worship Committee who planned and plotted the environment and liturgical ministers.  Thanks to all who decorated the church, hung wreathes, ribbons, banners, to our CCD students who made angels and stars for the trees and doors, for those who made and coordinated refreshments, for those who dragged large tress into and out of the church, to those who made bows, lifted heavy objects, climbed ladders, hammered nails, watered poinsettias and various other tasks, and to those who carried the nativity figurines back to the basement and packed them away again.  Thanks to those who made music and those who served to proclaim the word, share the Eucharist, make folks welcomed, attended to the altar, ushered, and counted the collection.  Thanks to the maintenance staff who erected the outdoor nativity scene and keep the sidewalks clean, and to the rectory staff producing bulletins, programs and untold tasks.  Thanks to all who worshipped and rejoiced.  Thanks to all who contributed toward the Flower Fund and the Christmas Collection.  Thanks to all who brought cookies, calamari and wine to the rectory.  And thanks, to anyone and all who were behind the scenes and whose specific contribution may be inadvertently overlooked.  The work of your hands and the warmth of your hearts made a beautiful Christmas season and a wonderful parish.  Let us rejoice and be glad to celebrate in the richness of Christ, born for our salvation!   "HAVE YOU FOUND JESUS?"  A drunk stumbles across a baptismal service on Sunday afternoon down by the river.  He proceeds to walk down into the water and stand next to the Preacher.  The minister turns and notices the old drunk and says, "Mister, Are you ready to find Jesus?"  The drunk looks back and says, "Yes, Preacher. I sure am."  The minister then dunks the fellow under the water and pulls him right back up.  "Have you found Jesus?" the preacher asked.  "No, I didn't!" said the drunk.  The preacher then dunks him under for quite a bit longer, brings him up and says, "Now, brother, have you found Jesus?”  “No, I did not, Reverend."  The preacher in disgust holds the man under for at least 30 seconds t his time brings him out of the water and says in a harsh tone, "My God, have you found Jesus yet?”  The old drunk wipes his eyes and says to the preacher "Are you sure this is where he fell in?"   January 6, 2008 IN ONE OF THE “PEANUTS’ cartoons drawn by the late Charles Schultz, Charlie Brown and Lucy are gazing up into the starry night sky.  Charlie Brown muses that out of all those stars, one must be his.  He tells Lucy that just as he is alone among millions of people on earth, his tiny star, out there among millions of stars, is also alone.  They continue to survey the twinkling heavens above them.  Charlie Brown asks, “Does that make sense, Lucy? Do you think it means anything?”  Lucy replies, “Certainly!  It means that you’re crackling up, Charlie Brown.”             Perhaps the magi from the East, following their star, had some second thoughts about the assurance that drove them onward in search of a king.  They might have asked themselves, “Does this really mean anything, does it make any sense?”  Still, they preserved until they discovered Jesus.  Our feast of Epiphany invites us to continue our quest to discover Jesus in our lives.   TWELVE DAYS   This is one of those rare years when the celebration of the Epiphany falls on its traditional date and the twelfth day of Christmas.  Did you know the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a disguised biblical grammar? On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me A Partridge in a Pear Tree as a symbol for Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birth we celebrate. Two Turtle Doves representing The Old and New Testaments. Three French Hens suggesting the Three Theological Virtues of faith, hope and charity. Four Calling Birds or the Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Five Gold Rings which are the first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Six Geese A-laying for the six days of creation. Seven Swans A-swimming for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11) Eight Maids A-milking for the eight Beatitudes:1 Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2 those who mourn, 3 the meek, 4 those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7 the peacemakers, 8 those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10) Nine Ladies Dancing for the nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22) Ten Lords A-leaping for the Ten commandments. Eleven Pipers Piping for the eleven Faithful Apostles. Twelve Drummers Drumming for the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.