Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Vocations
 
The word vocation comes from the Latin word, “vocare,” and it means “to call.”  As Catholics we should know that every person has a primary vocation of living a life of holiness (even non-Catholics and non-Christians).  God calls each of us to this no matter what our circumstances.   This means we use the opportunities God gives, especially the sacramental graces as well as actual graces constantly calling us to deeper relationship with our Lord and deeper love of our neighbor.  Within this one vocation we all share, there are particular vocational calls leading a person toward unique service in order to build up the church.  The vocation most people will share in is marriage, but there are those called to priesthood or religious life.  Each of these are a beautiful expression of love and, when we cooperate, opens up our souls for God to bring about His Kingdom of life, love, hope, and peace through us! 
This past week was the celebration of the memorial of St. Junipero Serra.  He is the namesake of a group called the Serrans. This group includes mostly laity who are focused on praying for and fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  There is a continuing education component that helps form the members in current issues in the church especially relating to vocations.  It just so happens that Bishop Perez named me the chaplain to our local Akron Serran group, in which a number of St. Paul’s parishioners are involved.  I am glad to accept this position and ask all of us to support vocations even if we are not an official Serran.  If you are interested in joining feel free to call me at the rectory.
 
And speaking of vocations to the priesthood. Here at St Paul’s we have a generational thing happening. In the rectory we have living myself and also we are blessed to have Fr. Karg who is retired and gives us his ministry of presence and prayer. Over the summer we also have a seminarian, Mr. Ben Schweigert, who is from Queen of Heaven Parish. He is entering his 4th year in the major seminary, which means, God-willing, he will be ordained a deacon next year and a priest the following year.  He has been splitting his time with us and his home parish as he ministers to the sick and homebound. You have seen him serving for us at some weekend and daily Masses. He is also helping us with faith formation for a few weeks. This weekend he will be talking about his own vocation story. Please join us Saturday night at 5:45 or Sunday morning at 9:30. Please show Ben your support and help him as he continues his vocational journey. 
 
Memorial Mass for the Faithful Departed
This Wednesday the 8:30 Mass will be offered for the faithful departed of our parish who have died since February 20, 2019.  We offer a number of these Masses throughout the year because our Catholic Faith calls us to pray for those who have died that they may be purified and share in the glory of heaven with all the saints.  It is also good for us to gather and ask for God’s consolation that comes to us from Christ as He Himself suffered and died that we might live.  May we grow in love for one another through these opportunities and grow in hope for eternal life which God promises. 
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr