Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, 

His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Prayer and Penance for Country Should Continue 

At the time of this writing (November 5), the winners of the elections are not yet determined. Regardless of which candidates are elected, we must not ignore the real threats to the dignity of the human person and the common good.  There is much work to be done to foster life, truth, and virtue in our nation’s politics.  We cannot ignore or simply watch from the sidelines.  Our Lord calls us to be in the world and not of the world.  He sends us out as sheep amongst the wolves. Yet we trust our Divine Shepherd, Who is King of the world, and thus king of every nation, whether its citizenry believe it or not.  

So, we must do our part.  Continue to pray and fast for our country, that the Lord may grant us mercy and grace us with growth in truth, peace, and virtue.

Congratulations Akron Ohio For Ukraine!

The people of the Akron for Ukraine groups are being honored with the Bishop Anthony M. Pilla Leadership Award.  The group is made up of parishioners from our parish, Holy Ghost, and St. Francis de Sales. We thank them for their hard work in helping to settle the Happii family in our area, helping them to escape the immediate threat of war.  I am so pleased that members of our parish have stepped up in this extraordinary way. They have inspired many others to contribute to this just cause as well.   While I am sure they thank God for the grace that has spurred them on, it is also good that we recognize their virtue. We put at the forefront the good in our midst so that we all can aspire to grow in charity together.  

Memento Mori

With All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day behind us we should not stop thanking God and praying. We should always keep before us the truth that our death will come so we want to be prepared. Part of that preparation is to pray for those who have gone before us. November is the particular time for this truly ancient Christian practice.  Praying for the dead is not just a nice devotion but is directly connected with the doctrines of our faith.  We are connected with those who have died because by grace we are connected in the Mystical Body of Christ.  Our prayers actually make a difference for them within the wisdom of God’s Providence. Make sure to make a special visit (or a few) to a cemetery (Holy Cross is right down the road). It is a stark but beautiful reminder that our death will come, yet through our prayers for the faithful departed we grow in the virtue of Christian hope. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr