The Patron Saint of Cleveland is St. John the Evangelist
The Patron Saint of Ohio is Our Lady of Consolation
The Patron Saint of the US is the Immaculate Conception of Mary
News and Upcoming Events for Catholics in Cleveland
Out & About - Photos and Event Recaps
2024
Cleveland Asian Catholic Gathering - Saint Clarence Church
Members of the Cleveland Asian Catholic community gathered on October 6, 2024 for their annual Mass and celebration hosted by the Asian Ministry of the Diocese of Cleveland.
The Asian Ministry, overseen by the diocesan Office of Parish Life and Special Ministries, includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Sri Lankan, Indian, Pakistani and other Asian cultures. Their languages and some liturgical customs were woven into the liturgy, including the Vietnamese tradition of calling the faithful to worship with gongs. The readings and petitions were recited in various Asian languages.
Concelebrants for the liturgy included representatives of the Asian community and Father Damian Ference, vicar for evangelization. Deacon Shin Chulja Andrew assisted at the altar.
Rosa Lee playing Guzheng,Michael Sreshta on sax and choir singing
Blessed Carlo Acutis' Eucharistic Miracles of the World
Carlo Acutis was an Italian website designer who documented Eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions, and catalogued both on a website he designed before his death from leukemia. He was beatified by Pope Francis on October 10, 2020. After a second miracle was confirmed in May 2024, Pope Francis granted approval in July 2024 to continue forward with the canonization process. He will be canonized at a yet unannounced later date. In memory of Acutis, Bishops Raffaello Martinelli and Angelo Comastri have helped to organize a traveling photo exhibition of all the Eucharistic miracle sites. It has since traveled to dozens of different countries across five continents. We saw it at St Gregory the Great Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in South Euclid, Ohio.
At the annual Taste of Casimir festival at the historic Polish Church in Cleveland Ohio parishioner Joe Feckanin told the story of Elvis Presley and this song. Though he was Pentecostal, Elvis' friend Lee Denson converted to Catholicism and wrote the song The Miracle of the Rosary and Elvis later recorded it. The only Grammy Awards that Elvis ever won were for Gospel songs. The song appeared on the 1972 album Elvis Now, but Presley had recorded it earlier in May 1971.
Our Lady of Fatima Statue Eucharistic Revival Pilgrimage at St Casimir Church
The world-famous International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima is recognized as the primary way in which the message of Fatima spread throughout the world and continues today. Sculpted by Jose Thedim-"the Michelangelo of Portugal"-the statue has been traveling internationally since 1947. On October 13, 1947, in the presence of 200,000 pilgrims at Fatima, the statue was blessed by the Bishop of Leiria-Fatima and commissioned to serve as the Pilgrim Virgin. The bishop prayed that Mary herself accompany the statue wherever it goes.
Our Lady of Fatima Statue in St Casimir Church
Lawrence Maginot is one of the statue custodians for the World Apostolate of Fatima USA Pilgrim Virgin Statue Program. He is also the author of The Marian Manifesto, published by Blue Army Press. He spoke about Fatima and the statue at St. Casimir Church on June 18, 2024.
Lawrence Maginot speaking about Our Lady of Fatima at St. Casimir Church
A Good Friday Procession covered 3 churches in Cleveland on Good Friday 2024. It began at La Sagrada Familia Church at 7719 Detroit Ave. on Cleveland's West Side. The procession included Bishop Michael Woost, other priests, men carrying a large statue of the body of Jesus, people carrying a statue of the Sorrowful Mother, a man dressed as Jesus carrying a cross, Roman Centurions, Saint Veronica and more.
They marched through the neighborhoods to St. Colman Church where they processed in for a service. We counted about 1,000 people in the Church. The final stop was at St. Michael the Archangel Church at Scranton and Clark in Cleveland.
The gymnasium at La Sagrada Familia Parish which was filled with dozens of colorful, sawdust carpets, known as the Carpets of Holy Week. In Spanish, they are called Alfombras de Semana Santa. The handiwork was done by individuals, families, parish organizations, nonprofits and other groups.
This Church is home to worshippers from over 15 different Hispanic countries. The Carpets became an annual tradition in 2014 when their priest brought the custom from El Salvador. The carpets are a tradition there and in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other places.
Carpets of Holy Week
The Good Friday procession walks over them and then these beautiful creations are swept up. They only exist through Holy Week.
Homeless Jesus - Matthew 25 Statue Collection in Cleveland
Cleveland is only the second city in the world, following Rome, Italy, to have the full collection of all six bronze figures in the Matthew 25 Collection created by Canadian artist, Timothy Schmalz.
The Bible verse of Matthew 25 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me … Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" Here is a very quick look at all 6.
The sculptures are sponsored by Community West Foundation and are located on the near west side of Cleveland:
Homeless Jesus - St. Malachi Parish
When I Was Naked - Malachi House
When I Was Sick - Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital
When I Was in Prison - Bridge CLE (formerly Family Ministry Center)
When I Was a Stranger - The Refugee Response at Urban Community School
Pastor John Betters has hosted a Taste of Nations event at Ss. Robert and William Catholic School in Euclid for the last 15 years to share the diversity of the students and community. The 2024 event included rooms for Eastern Europe, Germany, Senegal and Western Africa, Mexico and Puerto Rico, Southern Soul and Ireland.
Corpus Christi is a celebration of the Eucharist that the Catholic Church has celebrated since 1246. The name "Corpus Christi" is a Latin phrase that refers to the body of Christ. Corpus Christi is a public holiday in Poland. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Large groups of people take part in outdoor processions in many villages, towns and cities in Poland.
In Cleveland, many churches had Corpus Christi processions. Following 11:30 Mass, there was a Corpus Christi procession to the outside altars with children distributing rose petals at St. Casimir Church.
Fr. Eric Orzech is pastor of St. Casimir Church (and the Shrine Church of Saint Stanislaus) and is celebrating 30 years as a priest.
Father Eric Orzech at St. Casimir Church
After Mass he led the procession to 4 altars carrying a monstrance containing the consecrated Eucharist.
Holy Saturday Food Blessing (English and Polish) at St Casimir Church
Swieconka, meaning "the blessing of the Easter baskets", is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on Holy Saturday during Easter. People bring food that they will be serving on Easter Sunday to the church where it is blessed by the priest.
Father Eric Orzech is the pastor of St. Casimir Catholic Church in Cleveland Ohio and he did the blessing and prayers in both English and Polish.
Father Eric Orzech
There were 3 blessings at the Church on Holy Saturday morning and parishioners, new and longtime, attended.
Good Friday Procession: St Michael the Archangel Church, St. Colman Church, La Sagrada Familia
A procession covered 3 churches in Cleveland on Good Friday 2023. It began in the mostly Puerto Rican St. Michael the Archangel Church at Scranton and Clark in Cleveland. Bishop Edward Malesic offered a welcome and prayer and then led the procession with other priests, men carrying a large statue of the body of Jesus, ladies carrying a statue of the Sorrowful Mother, a man dressed as Jesus carrying a cross, Roman Centurions, Saint Veronica and more. They marched through the neighborhoods to St. Colman Church where they processed in for a service. The final stop was at La Sagrada Familia Church on Detroit.
The gymnasium at La Sagrada Familia Parish on Cleveland's West Side, was filled with dozens of colorful, sawdust carpets, known as the Carpets of Holy Week. In Spanish, they are called Alfombras de Semana Santa. The handiwork was done by individuals, families, parish organizations, nonprofits and other groups.
On December 8, 2020, Pope Francis declared that the next year, beginning on that day and concluding on December 8, 2021, as the Year of St. Joseph.
St Joseph with the infant Jesus by Guido Reni
This proclamation comes as we prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark this special year, the Pope wrote and Apostolic Letter entitles Patris corde, or “With a Father’s Heart.”
In it, he explores the man and father that Joseph was, and calls us to do the same. Especially in the time of this pandemic, Pope Francis says that Joseph “has helped us to see more clearly the importance of ‘ordinary’ people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day.”
Saint John Paul II bust blessing and dedication in the Polish Cultural Garden
A statue of Saint John Paul II was dedicated on May 18, 2019 in the Polish Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio. Bishop Roger Gries and Father Jerzy Kusy led a prayer and blessed the statue.
Not only was it John Paul II's birthday but it was also the 56th anniversary of Bishop Gries' ordination.
Bishop Roger Gries blessed the bust of Saint John Paul II
Sunday, January 13, 2019 Three Kings Epiphany at St. Casimir Church
2018
World Apostolate of Fatima Cleveland Diocesan Pilgrim Virgin Statue Our Lady of Fatima
The World Apostolate of Fatima Cleveland Diocesan Pilgrim Virgin Statue Our Lady of Fatima visited St. Casimir Church in July 2018 to coincide with the Taste of St. Casimir Polish Festival.
This DVD is a Living Rosary in the sense that over 200 people participated in saying a prayer. 3 bishops, numerous priests and sisters and a variety of lay people all said a prayer (Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory Be) that when put together combine to form the complete Rosary.
All 4 Mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous) are included and there is an extra Decade for your special intentions.
We hope that this DVD inspires you to pray the Rosary more frequently. You can choose to view/pray a single Decade, a complete Mystery or all 4 Mysteries. The DVD includes a listing of all the Mysteries.
The Rosary is a great gift given to us by Our Blessed Mother.
Lord God I thank you today for the gift of my life and for the gift lives of all my brothers and sisters.
I know there is nothing that destroys more lives than abortion, yet I rejoice that You have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son.
I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself never to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself to be active in the Pro-life movement and never stop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice not just for some but for all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen!
2017
World Union of Jesuit Alumni in Cleveland
The World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA), founded in 1956, holds an international Congress every four years to gather Jesuit friends and alumni-from as many as 50 countries representing a global network of Jesuit ministries-to build international networks and affirm Jesuit centric values for a greater good.
From June 28-July 2, 2017, WUJA met for the first time ever in North America, at John Carroll University, in Cleveland, Ohio. WUJA 2017 gathered renowned, world-class speakers committed to Uniting Our Jesuit Frontiers in the arts, business, science, law, spirituality, theology, faith and leadership, service, and justice.
Fr. Don Doll, S.J.
WUJA attendees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
A Jesuit Ministries Fair was held at the World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) event and included numerous organizations of interest such as the Ignatian Solidarity Network, Fr. Don Doll S.J., Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, Jesuit Refugee Service, International Samaritan, The Cana Institute, Loyola Press and more.
What does a priest wear and why? Why do we sometimes say the Apostle's Creed and sometimes the Nicene Creed? What does 'Alleluia' mean?
Fr. Patrick Schultz of Communion of Saints Parish preached a one night Inter-Parish Mission at St Ann Church called "Come to the Feast." It was a "Teaching Mass" and Fr. Patrick explained many aspects of the Mass.
Pope Francis has named Bishop Nelson J. Perez, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre, N.Y., as Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio.
As a member of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Bishop Perez serves as the Chair of the Bishop’s Sub-Committee for Hispanic Affairs and is a former member of the Bishop’s Sub-Committee for the Campaign for Human Development.
Bishop-designate Perez will be installed as the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland at a Solemn Mass on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland.
Cleveland Youth Rally for Life
For 43 years, pro-life people have publicly witnessed for the unborn babies in downtown Cleveland during the freezing January season. Since 1981 these Pro Life Rallies have been dedicated to our youth who enjoy first opportunity on speaking at the Rally.
It was a big weekend for Greater Cleveland's Polish American Community. To celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of St. Casimir's Parish, Fr. Eric Orzech, pastor of both St. Casimir and St. Stanislaus Churches invited the Most Reverend Andrzej Wypych, the Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago to be the Celebrant and Homilist at the Sunday, October 16th, 11:30 AM Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving.
Bishop Andrzej Wypych, Fr Eric Orzech, altar servers and children of the Sienkiewicz Polish Language School and Piast Dancers
Mother Teresa Canonization Ceremony - Albanian Cultural Garden
The Albanian Cultural Garden hosted a canonization ceremony for Blessed Mother Teresa on Sunday September 4, 2016. "Many people don't know Mother Teresa was Albanian," said Cleveland Councilwoman Dona Brady, one of the founders of the garden and leader of the ceremony.
Bishop Roger Gries, O.S.B., Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus as well as Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, FACHE Congregational Leader, Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine, and Sister Kathleen Ryan, administrator for the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, all spoke about the new saint and her influence on the world and their lives.
Sheila Crawford, Sister Ryan, Bishop Gries, Dona Brady,
Sister Karam and Adem Meta
Many Cleveland Irish began the day with Mass at St. Colman's, St Patrick's or Saints Robert & William or other churches. There were many Catholic schools and organizations in the Parade as well including the Knights of Columbus.
Knights of Columbus at the Parade
The Cleveland Right to Life marchers were greeted by hearty applause along the Parade route.
Right to Life at St Patrick's Day Parade
Cleveland's Polish community from St. Casimir Church celebrated 1050 Years of Christianity.
"Nobody will be there." This thought haunts me the night before our annual Youth Rally for Life in January 22, 2016.
We have sent out hundreds of emails about this event celebrating human beings and promoting respect for all human life from when we first begin at conception until we die a natural death.
Pope Francis visit influence on Cleveland Catholics
Fr. Joseph A. Bacevice, pastor of St. Casimir Parish in Cleveland Ohio was asked if Pope Francis' visit would have an influence.
He said that it will have a great influence especially with alienated Catholics. He said it already has with several people wanting to get back to the Faith.
Forty First Annual Youth Rally for Life - Cleveland
It is Thursday, January 22. This is the Forty First Annual Youth Rally for Life. Normally we have held this event on Cleveland Public Square at noon in the midst of all the lunch-time crowds. Despite the usual freezing cold, the young people have always come from their high schools and colleges to deliver their messages of hope and love. We more "mature young people" come to listen and find inspiration.
Fr. Caroli B. Shao, A.J. Pastor of St Colman Church in Cleveland wrote these remarks about St Colman Day and the honoring of Fr. Robert Begin.
"This year as we honor Fr. Bob, we recall his 20 years of commitment to the people of St. Colman Parish and to the entire neighborhood. During his 20 years as Sacramental Minister and Pastor, we saw St. Colman Parish growing tremendously in all aspects of parish life: spirituality, social justice, service, education and finances.
Fr. Bob never sat back to watch what would happen. He became a key player in the field, along with all of the parishioners who work so hard to ensure St. Colman's future. Thank you, Fr. Bob, for your gift of service to the people of St. Colman's, the neighborhood and the City of Cleveland."
About 1000 people celebrated the Annual Mass and Gathering on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 12 noon at St. Clarence Church. This is the 17th year the event was hosted by the Asian Ministry of the Diocese of Cleveland. It was an afternoon of family celebration of Asian culture and spirituality beginning with the celebration of the Mass with the Most Rev. Roger W Gries, OSB along with priests from the different Asian Catholic communities.
The cultural and ethnic diversity of the Asian Catholic communities assembled at the Mass was reflected throughout the celebration. Members of the various Asian communities came together with their own traditions, dressed in colorful ethnic clothes: shimmering saris, kimonos, karawangs, hanboks, barongs, and ao dai. The entrance procession included Vietnamese drums. During the Mass there was an incense ceremony by the Vietnamese, and the Indian aarti. Hymns were sung by the choirs in various Asian languages: Tagalog (Filipino), Korean, Vietnamese and Hindi (Indian).
The readings and the prayers of the faithful were also said in various Asian languages.
Sesuraj Family at the Asian Catholic Mass and Gathering
Tribute to newly canonized Saint Pope John Paul II
April 27, 2014 St Barbara Church at 1505 Denison in Cleveland has a large Polish American population. They celebrated the canonization of Pope John Paul II with a special service (in Polish and English) at St Barbara Church.
Mass Mob at St Barbara Church and Canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II
April 27, 2014 St Barbara Church at 1505 Denison in Cleveland has a large Polish American population. Pastor Joseph Hilinski and Rev. Andrzej Panek were joined by 2 other priests at this special Mass celebrated in both Polish and English.
Saint Casimir Church - 8223 Sowinski Ave. Cleveland
March 23, 2014 Social Media (Facebook, Twitter and others) has been used to create Flash Mobs for impromptu dance and other performances, Cash Mobs to help a small business get lots of customers and other "Mobs" to get a larger than usual group of people together for a common purpose.
Parishioner leaders from St Casimir Catholic Church in Cleveland have been active since the Church was originally closed down several years ago. Stanislav Zadnik, Joseph Feckanin, John Niadzialek, Wojtek Flezar and others organized weekly prayer vigils at the Church until it was reopened on July 15, 2012. Zadnik heard of the Mass Mob in Buffalo and spread the word to the others and, after discussing with pastor Rev. Eric Orzech, spread the news of a Catholic Mass Mob at St. Casimir Church at East 82nd and Sowinski.
Typically the 11:30 AM Sunday Mass at St Casimir would attract about 100 people but over 700 attended Mass on March 23, 2014 for the first Mass Mob in Cleveland.
Fr. Orzech' sermon from the 3rd Sunday of Lent reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. His advice is inspiring
Pilgrimage to Stop Deportation of Local Immigrant Father
Ricardo Ramos, an immigrant father of three U.S. citizen children, has been working (and paying taxes) in the nurseries of Lake County, OH for the past sixteen years. Currently, he's facing deportation on January 16th, the same day as his daughter's twelfth birthday.
St. Casimir Church in Cleveland is home to a predominantly Polish American congregation but St Casimir has become the adopted Church of Ricardo Ramos and his family. They learned of the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as the Black Madonna.
On Monday January 13, 2014 about 100 supporters made a 20 mile pilgrimage walk in the cold and rain from Painesville to St Casimir to pray for a miracle in front of the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
The Asian Indian Catholic Community celebrated the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Agnes Church in Elyria. Fr. Albert Veigas, Pastor, is from India and said that in India the Feast is one of the most celebrated and revered days of the Church calendar. It coincides with the Harvest Festival and the two are combined to make Mary's birthday even more special.
Statue of Blessed Virgin Mary - after children brought flowers
Myths and Mysteries in our Religions February 4, 2013
Church Women United in Greater Cleveland is a group of women who gather together to promote the positive similarities of our faiths and accentuate the underlying oneness of the various religious groups and affiliations. This year's theme was "The Myths And Mysteries In Our Religions" and featured speakers from the following faiths: Catholic, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim and Sikh.
Fr. Damian Ference of Borromeo Seminary spoke and explained that "stuff matters" in the Catholic faith because Jesus was incarnate not just spiritual. So the water, oil and other physical aspects of the sacraments are important.
Organizations and Resources for Catholic in Cleveland
The Roman Catholic Church is the world's largest Christian church, representing over half of all Christians and one-sixth of the world's population. The Cleveland Catholic Diocese is the 17th Largest Diocese in the United States.
It was founded on April 23, 1847. It covers eight counties including Cuyahoga (Cleveland), Summit (Akron), Lorain (Lorain-Elyria), Lake (Painesville), Geauga (Chardon),Medina (Medina), Wayne (Wooster) and Ashland (Ashland)- an area of 3,414 square Miles.
The 753,255 Catholics in the Diocese represent or 28% of the total 8 county population.
The Ursuline Sisters have always been called on to pray for special intentions and their Prayer Line is available at (440) 449-1200, ext. 103.
You can also submit your prayer request via a form on their website.
The website Catholic Online has a searchable list of Catholic Saints and Angels. You can search by patron, cause or alphabetically. You can also see the Saint of the Day.
Lord give me a faith that expects greater things Whatever I do let me give it my best Anxious in nothing And at peace with the premise
that when I've done all I can You'll take care of the rest
Out & About Continued - More Photos and Event Recaps
2012
Creche on Cleveland's Public Square
Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for reminding us of the Reason for the Season
Mother Teresa statue unveiled
Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries. Members of the order must adhere to the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and the fourth vow, to give "Wholehearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor".
She said, "By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus."
On September 22, 2012 a 7' tall bronze statue of the Nobel Peace Prize winner was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Albanian President Bujar Nishani.
Mother Teresa statue in Albanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland
The Mass attracted Catholics from various Asian communities including Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Filipino, Indonesian, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi.
Wojtek Flezar was one of the loyal parishioners who met and prayed the rosary outside the closed St. Casimir Church in Cleveland every week for 139 weeks. On the day the church reopened he told of how the Blessed Virgin saved his life and helped open St Casimir Church again.
Senor de los Milagros - Lord of the Miracles Procession
On October 7, 2012 almost 1000 people gathered at Iglesia La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church for Mass and the Lord of the Miracles Procession. Just as many cultures celebrate The Feast of the Assumption with parades and festivals, the people of Peru celebrate The Lord of the Miracles. It is the main Catholic celebration in Peru and boasts one of the largest processions in the world.
The mural is also known as "Black Christ" or "Christ of Pachacamilla", and shows Christ enduring the unimaginable pain of the crucifixion. Below and to the right of Jesus is his mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a sword of sorrow. To her right at the foot of the cross is St. Mary Magdalene.
The reopening Mass at St. Casimir Church drew over 1,000 parishioners and supporters. Was it a miracle? As Father Orzech said, we can leave that for the theologians to decide but "I haven't seen anything like it happen before. Have you?"
New Pastor Father Eric Orzech flanked by other clergy and Knights of Columbus
Throughout its history, The FEST has truly become a one-of-a-kind regional event. People from all over Northeast Ohio and beyond eagerly look forward to The FEST each year! The FEST began in August of 2000, where just under 5,000 people attended. Now, twelve years later, the attendance has reached 35,000!
Melissa Waclawik, Tiffany Wallace and Angelique Jones from Ursuline at the Fest
The last Mass held at St. Casimir Church in Cleveland was held on November 8, 2009. Starting the following Sunday, parishioners and supporters met outside the locked church to pray.
On Sunday July 8, 2012 the 139th and final street service was held. St Casimir Church will reopen on Sunday July 15, 2012.
The St Casimir group was the first to meet outside the church and never missed a week despite Cleveland's dramatic weather. They inspired 4 other church communities (St. Emeric, St. Patrick, St. Wendelin and St. James) to begin meeting in the street the following summer.
Now their prayers have been answered and St Casimir Church will reopen with a Mass at 11:30AM on July 15th. The loyal group which was exiled outside for so long will be able to enter their beloved church again.
Many believe this to be a miracle delivered to them by the Blessed Virgin as Our Lady of Czestochowa.
On June 6, 2012 Bishop Gries was awarded the Sam Miller Celebration of Goodness award along with Lute Harmon Sr. and Eleanor Fanslau. Bishop Richard Lennon introduced Bishop Gries.
On May 30, 2012, an intercultural group of people came together to raise funds for the Mother Teresa statue in the Albanian Cultural Garden as well as to meet new friends and have some fun. The event was created by immigration attorney and author Richard Herman, City Councilwoman Dona Brady and Federation Of India Community Associations of NE Ohio (FICA) president Asim Datta.
Sister Valarie Sweeney, SND gave an opening prayer
Father Jim O'Donnell was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Wednesday May 9, 2012. Jack Kahl gave the induction speech.
Congratulations to Bill Jackson who served as director and coordinator of the Fr. Michael Wittman Ozanam Center at St Philomena Church. His many years of selfless service were recognized at a Mass and reception in August. As Communion of Saints Pastor John McNulty said, "The Center is a constant reminder of our obligation to reach out to those in need with the compassion of Christ. Well Done Bill!
Bill Jackson with certificates of appreciation
Speaking of Fr. McNulty, that's him (on the right) at the annual BBQ held at the St Philomena campus of Communion of Saints Parish.
St Anthony of Padua Parish in Tanzania got their ambulance
You Did it! St Anthony of Padua Parish in Tanzania got their ambulance Lives will be saved in Father Deogratias Ruwaainenyi's home town of Mbahe,Tanzania
30th Anniversary of Four Women Missionaries Killed In El Salvador on December 2, 1980
A reflection by Thérèse Osborne during a Special Commemorative Mass organised by The Archbishop Romero Trust to celebrate the lives of Sisters Maura Clarke M.M., Ita Ford M.M.,
Dorothy Kazel O.S.U. and lay missionary Jean Donovan, martyred in El Salvador on 2nd December 1980.
Prayers are very personal. Sometimes a word or phrase or an entire prayer speaks to us in a special way. Here are some short videos of Cleveland people reciting (and sometimes singing!) their favorite prayers.
Thousands of people flocked to the Center for Pastoral Leadership on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby on Sunday August 5th to participate in the 7th Annual "Fest". The Fest is a remarkable gathering of Catholics coming together with family and friends. It is a one day free event.
St Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of pets and with his feastday celebrated on October 4th, the month of October is special for pets. Many parishes hold some kind of special blessing ceremony for the pets of parishioners.
Father Chris Weber with Joan Atkian and her Berner 'Hub'
CatholicVote.org asks, "Did you hear about the YouTube sensation where a man named Jefferson Bethke says: “Why I hate religion, but love Jesus”? In the video Bethke asks, “What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion?” and “Why does [religion] build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor.” He also wonders why religion can be considered good if it’s started so many wars.
Of course, these are the same tired arguments we’ve all heard leveled against the Catholic Church for generations. But tragically, Bethke uses his great skills as a poet and video artist to make these stale arguments fresh and persuasive to a new generation of Americans.
These clever, but illogical and false critiques of the Church cannot go unanswered. Our friends at Spirit Juice Studios put together a response that is sensational. And we just had to share it with you."
