Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Parish Pastoral Council Nominations Due TODAY!
Be sure to fill out the form to nominate yourself or fellow parishioners to sit on Parish Pastoral Council.  The forms are in the church narthex, or you can get it from our website.  Or even just call in and give the name over the phone.  The form explains the details of the requirements and expectations of council members. 

Obligation to attend Sunday Mass is Reinstated June 5,6
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days begins the weekend of June 5,6. As has always been the case (even before covid), the obligation only applies to those who can reasonably attend.  This means if one is legitimately sick, or in danger of getting sick or getting others sick, then they are not obliged. Another example would be a mother and her newborn; due to possible risk to her or her child, she might choose to stay home for a couple weeks. 

Reasons that DO NOT excuse us from Mass: sleeping in, feeling tired because of a late night, sporting events whether professional or for the kids; unnecessary work; unnecessary travel.  
To deliberately miss Sunday Mass when there is not a truly legitimate reason is a mortal sin because it breaks the Commandment of Keeping Holy the Sabbath.  This means one’s soul is in danger of Hell.  This means one cannot receive Holy Communion until he or she goes to Confession to receive sacramental absolution.  Yes, Mass is that important! 

Some may think this teaching is too much. We must remember the Mass is first for God.  Some tend to think that the Mass is predominantly geared for us.  The truth is we owe God proper worship.  To fulfill true justice to God, we MUST worship Him. He is the Creator. He owes us nothing, we owe Him everything!  I am puzzled at those whose attitude implies we are doing God a favor by showing up.  This is ridiculous. We don’t do favors for God; He shows us favor by giving us the opportunity to participate at Mass.

There is often confusion about the Sunday obligation. Most likely those reading this understand it, but we probably have friends and family that do not.  We need to let them know. This does not mean we start making rash judgments or condemning them to Hell. We must do this prudently with charity and encouragement. Take courage and invite people back to Mass. If people say they can just watch in online, gently remind them that does not fulfill the obligation. Plus, it is so much more meaningful to be with God and the Church community in person.  The more we delve deeper into the Mass and share its joy with others, the more we will see the Mass for the gift it is.  We tend to forget that because of our weakness, so the church gives us the obligation to keep us on track. 

Coming back from Covid
Next week the church restrictions we have been used to for over a year will be lifted.  This means that sitting every other pew will not be required.  Neither will the wearing of face masks.  Holy water and Pew Missals can be used as normal.  Also, offertory baskets will be sent around like normal and the offertory will be brought to the altar along with the cruets of water and wine, in an offertory procession. A basket will still be available in the narthex for offertory for anyone who may still feel uncomfortable. Two things that still will not return are the offering of the Precious Blood to the congregation at Communion and the sign of peace. 
Of course, if one still wants to wear a mask or is concerned about touching the water fonts or the basket or if one wants to distance themselves in some way, this is fine.  Our ushers and others will understand and be respectful of how people decide to participate.  We want to continue showing due reverence and charity toward each other as we have all come to know  the difficulties of navigating through a pandemic. Its effects will not just disappear next week.  We all must continue with proper respect for people’s decisions made in conscience.  
Furthermore, we have begun to have different groups meeting back on campus like Boy Scouts and the Men’s and Women’s Groups.  Schedule of space to use for a meeting is open as well. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesdays will not be reinstated.  Even before Covid there were hours that were not covered.  Before any exposition for extended periods we will need volunteers to make time commitments.  If anyone is interested in heading this up, it would include recruiting adorers, organizing a schedule, having substitutes, and working with me and the staff to facilitate the exposition and benediction. If you are interested, please call the rectory.  


Chesterton Academy Comes to St. Paul Parish
You may see some signage and people around the parish encouraging you to learn more about the Chesterton Academy of Akron.  Bishop Malesic has given his permission for this Apostolate to fulfill its catholic mission on our campus.  Rocco Galizio, who is a parishioner here, is the headmaster of this new academy serving families in the area who want a catholic high school education following a classical curriculum model.  It was almost two years ago that Rocco approached me about this idea.  Having consulted our pastoral council, we decided to work with this new Academy as they get their start.  Since they are not a parish ministry nor are supported financially by the parish, they have been raising their own funds and getting things in order to begin this fall.  The plan is that they will be using three or four classrooms in the old school building. They will be there in addition to the other two homeschool co-ops who also use certain rooms of the building. Here is their website https://akronchestertonacademy.org and consider offering them your support.

God bless!

Fr. Pfr