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Welcome Back to School

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:24:51 GMT

A Welcoming Catholic Community - By Fr. Norm

Our parish school opens this coming Tuesday. Please pray for the students and their families, faculty, and staff. We are very blessed here. Many parishes, especially within the core of cities, no longer have schools. Our school continues as a vibrant, creative, caring, diverse community, welcoming all students and their families –centered in our Catholic Christian faith as a solid foundation remembering that the root word of Catholic means Universal.

The school is an integral part of our Parish Mission which states: We are a welcoming Catholic community, called together by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit to live and share the love of God in our parish and in our daily lives.

We especially welcome at today’s 11 AM Mass the many families who have children in our parish school and are with us as we bless the students’ backpacks and the students. We want you, our young families, including those who do not have children in the school, to always feel welcome. I know you have busy lives and your children are involved in many activities. We know that you as parents and grandparents and other family members deeply love your children. With you we want your children to realize how deeply God loves them, how Jesus is the best friend anyone can have, and how worshiping together weekly can bring your family closer. Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) also begins soon for all students and their families, who are not directly affiliated with our parish school. Please keep them prayer, knowing that they too have been and always will be God’s beloved children and part of our parish family.

Thank you all for the prayers for our 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:47:55 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

An Instrument of His Peace

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:25:28 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

Many of you know and admire our pastor, Fr. Norm Douglas’ more favorite sayings I call “Normisms”. Things like, “Take a quiet moment, what inspired you, what challenges do need to hear?”. Or “no stinkin thinkin!”. One of Fr. Norm’s favorite sayings that he lives by is, “We might not see eye to eye, but we can relate heart to heart”. And another, “healthy, spiritually based dialogue is not about either/or, but about both/and”.

Wise words to live by in this politically charged climate as we are just a few weeks away from another Presidential Election, and our country once again is at the brink of high anxiety. One thing that seems obvious to me is that our country is an increasingly divided one. As noted in our new parish series, “Many Voices, One Spirit”, “Americans are tending more and more to allow political afliation to determine not just who they vote for but who they will befriend, unfriend, date, and do business with; and allow political afliation to shape their values, concerns, and moral commitments, even more that their faith tradition or family of origin does; even to the point where some even feel unsafe in the company of those who do not share their opinions or world view.

On sensitive issues like abortion, firearms , race, immigration, vaccines, same sex marriage, book bans, politically correct speech, our personal stances are increasingly predicable based on political afliation, and they are increasing hardening. Debates have been replaced by memes and talking heads often not based on fact and met with estrangement and silence. And as a result, the Catholic community is deeply afected by these political issues and trends. Diversity is nothing new in the Church as it witnesses in a worldwide multiplicity of languages and cultures, economic settings and political framework. Polarization also sharply divides our Church reducing it to “us vs. them”. Our work as Catholics is to build bridges, respect one another, and re-establish connections while following the Church’s teaching on how to make a conscious moral decision”.

More than ever we Catholics must take seriously the virtues of unity, friendship, understanding, forgiveness and Christian charity. We should never have to leave our church feeling “debased by a brother or sister” because our personal and political opinions are not always in agreement or of value. Obviously, we as friends will never agree on everything. But as Catholic Christians seeking Jesus and our Church for answers, we must practice peaceful and respectful dialogue, and refrain from judging one another by political affiliation .

Pope Francis shared a prayer based on St Francis of Assisi’s Peace Prayer rewritten for our time:

“Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Help us to recognize the evil latent in a communication that does not build communion.

Help us to remove the venom from our judgements.

Help us to speak about others as brothers and sisters.

You are faithful and trustworthy; may our words be seeds of goodness for the world:

where there is shouting, let us practice listening;

where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony;

where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity;

where there is exclusion, let us ofer solidarity;

where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety;

where there is superfciality, let us raise real questions;

where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust;

where there is hostility, let us bring respect;

where there is falsehood, let us bring truth. Amen”.

You Are Not Alone

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 01:10:35 GMT

By Father Norm Douglas

For the last few years our parish has had a regularly scheduled Sharing Grief support group – one of the most important outreach ministries. This gathering is open to all who have experienced the death of a loved one recently or even several years ago. We want to be supportive of those experiencing loss not only at the time of death, but in the time that follows.

Every year we bring people for the annual Remembrance Mass in Church on All Souls Day, November 2. This year, it falls on a Saturday and our Mass will be celebrated November 2 at 10 AM. We invite all who have lost loved ones since last November 2 and any others who wish to participate in this Remembrance Mass. We will remember and pray for and with those we have loved. This will include a homily, reading of names, and brief inner healing prayer. We will have a brunch immediately after the Mass for connecting with one another.

Please consider participating even if you are not currently grieving someone. Your support of others makes a diference. Also, you are encouraged to invite others who are not part of our parish community. All of us as human beings experience loss and comfort from one another and from our faith.

Our year-long monthly support group is facilitated by people who have the background, empathy, and spirituality to bring people together who are experiencing some sense of loss. It may be from the loss of a loved one or the loss of a job, or something not in our control that changes our lives.

Please remember that we will continue to pray for all those who grieve and those who support them,

Father Norm and the Sharing Grief Ministry Team

Beyond the Letter of the Law

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:10:22 GMT

By Deacon Andy Davis

Today we are a month away from Election Day in the U.S. and the fnal stretch of political campaigning, debating and all are bracing for the outcome. It has been four years since Pope Francis issued his encyclical Fratelli Tutti on social friendship and universal solidarity. His exhortation seems even more needed today than four years ago. As we approach the elections the Church calls us to remember who we are frst, Christians, and that we are challenged not just to follow the law, but to go beyond it.

We cannot legislate morality, just like we cannot force someone to love another. Legislation gives us rules that may be just or unjust, but they are the boundaries. Jesus in the scriptures points that we need to make choices that are based on love, and God’s kingdom versus temporary parochial interests. We need to see one another as sisters and brothers and make that our starting point versus political or philosophical viewpoints.

This month, St. Vincent will be making concrete steps to help us all grow in applying Christ’s principals to our daily and political lives through offering the series on Many Voices/One Spirit, including Braver Angels sessions. Please come to all or any sessions you can make.

God's Universal Love

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:04:21 GMT

By Father Norm Douglas

I will be gone this coming week – Monday, September 23 through Friday, September 27. I will be with Father Dominic (remember him!) in Washington DC as we visit many of the historic sites that remind us of the best we are called to be as a nation. In two years, 2026, we will not only celebrate but reflect prayerfully upon the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The last time I was in our national capital was in 1976 when we celebrated our 200th anniversary. This was not long after Richard Nixon resigned as President and the Vietnam War was ended. Indeed, it was a time of tumult and transition.

However, I believed then and now that we are a resilient nation and at our best a genuinely caring people. We are called to come together again as we did in 1976 and immediately after 9/11 2001. Please seriously consider participating in the 5 sessions series encouraged by our American bishops appropriately entitled Many Voices, One Spirit. Information is elsewhere in this bulletin. Encourage others to come with you.

Please note the focus our bishops are giving. This faith-filled and practical series invites us to talk about and then put into action new skills and practices intended to build bridges with people who do not see things as we do. The two greatest commandments Jesus gave us are – love God with your whole being and love your neighbor as yourself. There are 45 days until the November 5th election – just about the same number of days in Lent. May our off-Lent penitential practice be – not to compromise our beliefs, centered in the way of Jesus, but live the way of Jesus furthering God’s ever- present universal love.

The Hat That We Wear

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 01:45:52 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

Sometimes we meet people who we do not know, and we try to figure out who they are and what they do. Sometimes there are clues. We think we know them by the HATS THEY WEAR.

It’s not so easy to tell from what someone wears, who they are or what they do. It isn’t until you see what someone is doing that you know what their job is. A truck driver doesn’t look different until he drives a truck. You know someone is a teacher when they go to school and teach a class. The deacon and priest where a vestment at Mass, but the rest of the time they don’t. It is what they do that makes them special, not how they look.

In today’s gospel reading Jesus asks His disciples who other people think He is. He didn’t wear any special clothing or look different from anyone else, but the people thought He was someone special. Some of them thought He was a teacher, others thought He was a prophet, and still others think that He is John the Baptist, or someone else quite famous. I have a book called 150 NAMES OF JESUS. In it are names for Jesus found in the New Testament, like Bread of Life, Son of Man, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, etc.

But Peter and the other disciples have seen everything that He does - how He helped people more than anyone, how He was stronger and gentler than anyone, and how He was able to heal people and forgive their sins, and how He was able to teach things about God that were so true and right that He had to be someone even more special than a prophet or a teacher from God.

So, when Jesus asks the disciples “WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?” - Peter knows the answer - He tells Jesus that He is the Christ, the Savior promised by God from long ago.

If someone were to ask you today, “Who is Jesus?” What would you answer? And would you go on to tell them why? That is what it means to be a missionary disciple of Jesus Christ.

That is the “Hat” we should wear; put on Jesus; but it’s not just a hat for show, but a hat that reflects faith in action.

Seek, And You Shall Find

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 01:19:23 GMT

By Fr. Norm Douglas

Do you know anyone not active in any church, who is seeking a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life? Are you aware of people who are experiencing difculties in their lives and don’t realize they can look the Lord and to us as a parish for understanding and care? Have you or anyone you know been thinking about the Catholic faith but not yet taken the frst step to get information? Are you in a life circumstance which you believe may cause us to judge you and not want you to be part of our community – that is not true. As Pope Francis says, “Everyone Belongs.” One fnal category – are you a Catholic Christian who would like to deepen your own faith?

Please invite and accompany any person who fts one of these descriptions to come to a friendly and informative session to learn more about our Catholic Christian faith and parish. You may ask someone and/or, come yourself to the following gathering – Sunday, September 22 between the Masses (9:40-10:45 AM). This session will be held in our Family Center Scullen Room entering at the back of the parking lot between the school and church.

When you invite people, know that this frst session is not asking for an ongoing commitment from anyone. The main focus will be responding to their questions and concerns about our faith and possibilities for their faith development.

Dorothy Day: Servant of God

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 19:53:38 GMT

By Deacon Andy Davis

On Monday we celebrate Labor Day. Our Church calls us to remember the dignity of all workers, and as Catholics to work to bring Jesus into the workplace to bring about change where there may be injustice –low wages, inequity or not preserving human dignity. We all work, it is a way we participate with God’s creative action. All work is valued: office, field, student, in the home, or praying from one’s bed – we all have apart.

One of our Servants of God – Dorothy Day worked tirelessly for workers rights. She always thought the personal was most important, most human. “The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution 0f the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us.” - Dorothy Day, Loaves and Fishes.

I love this photo of her on an orchard picket line with the Farm Workers Union, AFL- CIO, 1973. It makes me think, what would Jesus look like in the workplace? Dorothy is an example of our psalm today “The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.” (Ps. 15)

Bread For The Journey Of Life

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 13:21:48 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

Back from a week’s vacation in the Great North, Upper Peninsula, Michigan. One of my dearest friends is a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan. When I told him we were going to Michigan, he said, “the best part of Michigan is underwater!”

“Not true”, I said, “the best part of Michigan is in the water!”

I helplessly sat in the boat while Paula caught 5 Northern Pike in less than one hour! I even prayed to St. Peter, the patron of fishermen, but still I only caught one small one that evening! Wait till next year!

The Gospel readings these past several weeks from John’s Gospel are called the Bread of Life Discourses. When Jesus shared with his fisherman Apostles their last meal his statement that “whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will have eternal life within them” was such a striking and stunning remark that many of His followers said it is too harsh a saying, and they left Him.

Too harsh a saying?! Is this statement still too harsh for us? People leave the Catholic church all the time, for all of kinds of reasons: because the homilies are too boring, or they don’t like the priest and deacon, or the music, or Mass is too long, or whatever; but do they realize that in walking away from the Church they are walking away from the Food that sustains us?

Think about the people you love. You don’t walk away from them. If you didn’t have them in your life, it would be less complete; if we didn’t have the Body and Blood of Jesus each week our lives would be less complete.

So, what is the food that we are seeking? Certainly, there are churches that do fellowship better, might have better music, dynamic speakers, and beautiful settings.

But they don’t have the Bread of Life!

What is the bread we are looking for? What is this Bread for Eternal Life? The Bread of Life that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel is Himself. He will give Himself. He is the food that hungry people really need. Bread that is for all Eternity. “Take and eat, this is My Body.”

That Food is available right here Sunday after Sunday. Bread for the journey of Life.

Real Presence is so powerful; so life-giving; so redeeming. Even better than catching a big Northern! But wait to next year. Don’t wait to receive Jesus!

A Legacy of Learning and Love

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 18:31:09 GMT

By Father Norm Douglas

We welcome back in the coming week our faculty and staf for our St. Vincent Parish Day School. They are having several in-service days in preparation for the students coming back to school on August 27. I have already talked to several of the families, Catholic and from other faith traditions, who are very appreciative of our school as a wonderful environment in which children are well-educated, deeply cared about, and given a frm foundation, centered in Jesus Christ, the source of our meaningful, purposeful, unselfish, and fulfilling life.

We have a caring and ef f ective principal, Diane Salamon, and a committed and faith-filled faculty and staff who have already made a positive diference in many students’ lives. My hope is that parents, grandparents, family members, and our entire parish community will be supportive of these families who want to have the best learning environment and Christian education for their children.

Having a parish with the school is a very signif i cant aspect of what it means to be a Catholic Christian community touching the lives of all people of every age. Please keep the students, their families, and the parish school faculty and staf in your prayer.

Centered in Christ

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:53:52 GMT

By Father Norm Douglas

I want to thank all who were involved in the Christmas in July preparation and parish celebration last weekend. There was a wonderful spirit of coming together as parish family at our weekend Celebrations of Eucharist. The greatest gift that we receive and share is the real presence of Jesus Christ. We experience that deeply when we are fully conscious of, open to, and willing to be transformed by his Presence, His Body and Blood which nourishes our deepest hunger for a Love that is ever present, ever merciful, and everlasting.

Our Catholic faith also reminds us that Jesus Christ is present in the Word proclaimed each week. Our reading Scripture daily and listening to the Word when it is proclaimed is also meant to make a real and lasting impact on our daily lives – what we do, why and how we do it. We are called to take the Word we hear, the Food we share, and the Community we are, as the Body of Christ, into the world that needs to see Christ alive in us. Please consider using the booklets we offer at the church exits each month which provide daily Scripture readings and powerful meditations for our prayer.

You will learn more in the coming months about our upcoming opportunities to strengthen the ways individually and together, that we live our three Christ-centered core parish priorities: Faith Formation, Evangelization (sharing God’s love), and Community Outreach, reaching out to the neighborhood around us in showing by our lives that we care.

The Works Of God

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:29:43 GMT

By Deacon Andy Davis

In our gospel the crowd says to Jesus, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” I was expecting an answer like live the ten commandments, or to do some acts of service or help the poor. Jesus’ answer is a bit more puzzling for the crowd and maybe for us. Jesus says, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

Hmmm? Just believe in Jesus?

In this passage the meaning of what Jesus is saying is much more than intellectual assent, it is the radical and complete reorientation of one’s life. It is an invitation to follow Jesus, but it also requires understanding and living our lives with new priorities. To live out the Gospel – Jesus words. And this requires us to trust him.

It is a test for the crowd and a test for us.

It is so easy to get stuck on immediate needs – food, clothing, paying the bills, getting our work done. And what is our prayer like? Certainly we ask “for our daily bread”, for God to help us with these things. But Jesus is calling us to a more radical shift, to trust him completely and to live like him. Jesus says he will provide, but we need to trust him with everything.

Each time we come to Mass, Jesus is there and shares his life in both the Word and the Eucharist, but that is so we can become Jesus and realize this total commitment when we go out into our daily lives of family, work and service. Then the Works of God are accomplished.

A Eucharistic Revival

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 20:48:28 GMT

By Fr. Norm Douglas

In the midst of our three-year Eucharistic revival, recently our Catholic National Eucharistic Congress was held and celebrated in Indianapolis. Thousands of people came from all over our country to give witness to our belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ nourishing us at Mass with his very Body and Blood. We also experience his real presence in the Scriptures proclaimed to us because Jesus is indeed God’s Word. The Lord desires to transform us daily toward living more the way of our Master Teacher, Jesus

Christ. When we gather at every Mass, we are reminded that Jesus told us “Wherever 2 or more are gathered in my name – there I am in the midst of you.” Together as a parish community we are the Body of Christ making a Gospel difference in our world.

As the National Eucharistic Congress moved toward conclusion the emphasis was on all of us

going back to our homes, schools, workplaces and communities to become more powerful

witnesses of Jesus Christ through

Evangelization, living and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and drawing people closer to him in Worship and daily life.

Mission, each doing our part to strengthen our outreach in our local wider community, our nation and our world, especially through fostering greater justice and peace and active concern for everyone, especially the vulnerable with no one excluded.

Mission, each doing our part to strengthen our outreach in our local wider community, our

nation and our world, especially through fostering greater justice and peace and active con-

cern for everyone, especially the vulnerable with no one excluded.

With A Servant's Heart

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:26:11 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

This weekend marks my third year as Deacon volunteer here at St. Vincent’s. A week doesn’t go by when I don’t take a quiet moment to thank the Lord for my time and service here. And thank all of you for the people and the parish you are. You have made me feel so welcome these 3 years. What a privilege it is to work with Fr. Norm and Deacon Andy, our staff, Pastoral Council, and parish organizations. The hospitality, diversity, inclusiveness, and commitment are incredible.

It’s good for us to reflect and discern from time to time why we choose to embark on new commitments. Questions arise, “Why am I here? Why am I doing this? Is God calling me here? How will I have an impact on those I serve, and they me?”

When I came to the parish 3 years ago, I thought I could “put it in cruise”. But I have been challenged by experiences in ministry that I didn’t expect. Two parish groups that have made a deep impact on me are the LGBTQ sessions, and the Black/White Dialogue. To hear the stories of how these good folks have been marginalized and discriminated, even in church communities, is disheartening, but hopeful too, as we offer a listening heart to these brothers and sisters in Christ.

So, last month I took 3 days and made my annual retreat at the Trappist Monastery south of Bardstown, KY. I spent 3 days hiking their 2500 acres, chanting the psalms with the monks in their magnificent church; and catching up on my spiritual reading and prayer. And discerning my past, present, and future diaconal role here at St. Vincent parish, and my ministry to the nursing home I work as a Chaplain. I was blessed to spend an hour with the former Abbott, Timothy Kelly, in spiritual direction in these deeply personal matters of discernment.

We all have a need for discernment and quiet. We all have a need to be away from the noise of the world and be alone with the Lord. Jesus himself would seek out a quiet place to pray to the Father. In today’s Gospel, He encourages the disciples to join him in prayer, in the quiet. That place doesn’t have to be a 6-hour trip to a monastery. Maybe for you it’s a quiet walk in the morning or evening by yourself, maybe its time here in church before the Blessed Sacrament on Saturdays before Mass; or maybe it’s writing in a journal your thoughts on how the scriptures are speaking to your life. It’s called, “soul work”. And the Lord knows how much we all need it to

discern where He is calling to be, to live, to grow, and to serve Him and one another.

So, thank you all again for the honor and privilege of serving you. I look forward with joy and gratitude for more times to come here at St. Vincent.

Make It A Great Day!

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:42:38 GMT

By Fr. Norm Douglas

This bulletin note from me, which I rotate every other week with Deacon Andy or Deacon Robin, has been my first opportunity to put in print my deep gratitude for you. I came here in March 2016, which according to my calculation means I have been with you 100 months. WOW! I have been a priest now for 600 months. You have been a blessing for me and a source of daily joy. Those of you who were able to participate in our anniversary celebration at Guys Party Center know that we had great food, lively conversation, and heartfelt expressions of our Lord’s goodness for us all.

In addition, I am grateful, even for “the roasting” that was definitely part of the evening shenanigans (that is a big word and an apt description of the goings-on.) Do I really have to wait for 10 years for my 60th?

And I’m sure you have heard me write or say what matters most here is that we recognize the preciousness of every day and each relationship. I used my home computer to determine that from the day I was ordained June 8, 1974 to now I have been serving as a priest and as a missionary disciple of Jesus with you for 18,264 days.

There is a familiar cliché – “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” You have also heard me say that when we take leave from one another rather than saying “Have a good day.” to say “Make it a good day.” It’s up to us, especially staying open to our Lord’s gift of ever present and everlasting love – to realize every day is a sacred gift from God and a wonderful opportunity to bring a little more of our Lord’s healing and reconciliation, mercy and justice to a wounded human family and planet.

Our Father Will Never Abandon Us

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:02:54 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

They say you can judge a man’s character by the way he acts while playing golf. I remember a few years ago observing a man extremely frustrated and angry at his golf game, throwing his entire bag of golf clubs into a lake! Just as he was stomping up the hill from the lake, his partner yells across, “Didn’t your wife and kids buy you those expensive clubs for Father’s Day”? The guy stopped in his tracks, turned around and dove into the water after them! For all you guys golfing on Father’s Day, STAY CALM!

On this Father’s Day, I reflect on some of the storms we dads weather and fears we overcome. Let me share with you a few of mine over the years; keep in mind we had daughters(!):

Searching in panic for your lost 2-year-old daughter in the mall at the peak of the Christmas shopping crowd, sick to your stomach that she is being whisked away by some child molester.

Dropping your daughter off for the first day of school as you drive off to work watching her in the rearview mirror.

Wondering why your daughter hasn’t called you at midnight from their first concert at Blossom when they said they would as the clock says 2:00 a.m.

Walking your daughter down the aisle and wondering if this is the man who will make her happy and be a good husband.

Seeing your daughter stare helplessly at her newborn hand-size son lying in a blue, glass incubator; tubes and wires attached to him while being told it could be 4 more weeks before she can take him home.

And of course, there is always the big picture: Will they have a decent world to live in? Will the national debt affect their security? Will the threat of terrorism be a daily occurrence? Will they be safe even in church?

These are just some of the storms that cause the fears that fathers all share raising their children.

I am sure that everyone here, not just the dads, have had similar feelings. Turmoil is normal because we live in an imperfect world, a world that rejected the Perfect One. God is greater than the turmoil. He sees. He knows. He controls. Only He does that His way, not our way, through his Son Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We too often expect our lives to be perfect; taking for granted all the “inconveniences” that come our way. God never promised us a perfect life without trials and pain, but he did promise to give us enough strength to go forth.

And He does promise to always be with us through our trials and troubles and storms. We all need to remember that in a strange way, the storms in life are as important as the blessings in life because the storms of life can makes us stronger and bring us closer to God. So, remember, STAY CALM! And think Trinitarian: OUR FATHER WILL NEVER ABANDON US! JESUS IS ABOARD OUR SHIP! THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GUIDING AND INSPIRING US!

Happy Father’s Day!

Thank You For Being My Family!

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 23:29:16 GMT

By Fr. Norm Douglas

I am writing this reflection on Monday, June 3, after a painful digestive issue I experienced yesterday, Sunday. For the first time in my 50 years, I was unable to celebrate a Sunday Eucharist (our 11 AM Mass.) I was taken by ambulance to an area hospital to make sure this wasn’t serious. Thankfully – It wasn’t! I was able to come back to the parish (my family home) at around 2 PM. I will spare you any details about what they did but I am deeply appreciative for modern medicine.

Many of you called, texted, reached out to whomever you could, to check on me and keep me in your prayer. I have always been grateful and moved to tears by the love people have shown me in all my assignments as a priest – St. Barnabas, Holy Family, St. Martha (now Blessed Trinity), Heart to Heart Communications, Newman Campus Ministry, St. Bernard, and now for the past 8+ years

at St. Vincent de Paul. As you know, I have no biological family in this life. My mom was my sole relative. Shortly before she left this life in 1997, she told me that she would be praying that I would experience family love from all the people who would be part of my daily life. That prayer and obviously God’s loving presence I have experienced deeply every single day.

At my Mass of Thanksgiving on June 9, 1974 I included and still believe deeply in this expression: “The call of a Christian is to find joy in bringing joy to others.” And, of course, that is the call for every human being. Each of us is a beloved child of God. Our Creator has fashioned us in such a way that we find our deepest purpose and fulfillment in partnering with God, especially through Jesus, in overcoming fear with faith, negativity with hope, and indifference with active concern for others, especially the most vulnerable. And, especially in these times, overcoming hate with an ever present, everlasting divine and human love.

I can truly say that my life has been an ongoing adventure filled with unexpected graces (God moments) and caring relationships nurtured. There have been challenges which continue to remind me of this important faith perspective – “Lord, you are God and I am not.”

The enthusiasm I had on the day I was called to priestly ministry continues. I am grateful that the Lord has a good sense of humor in the way he calls each one of us and works in us, through us, and in spite of us.

A Love & Communion of the Eucharist

Wed, 29 May 2024 20:37:50 GMT

By Deacon Andy Davis

I remember my First Communion back in second grade, I was at St. Bernard’s school in Sr. Beatrice’s class. I knew I would be receiving Jesus and could not wait for this special moment. For me it was a heartfelt experience and even for a second grader, mysterious – we would receive God-Jesus as food. I was so happy and have always felt close to the Lord in receiving the Eucharist.

Today is the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This feast honors Jesus Christ, really, truly present in body, soul and divinity under the appearances of bread and wine. This Real Presence when at the consecration of the Mass, the priest says the words which Christ Himself pronounced over bread and wine, “This is My Body,” “This is the chalice of My Blood,” “Do this in

remembrance of Me.”

This past year our parish has been growing in our understanding and relationship to Jesus in the Eucharist. All year we have been having Eucharistic Adoration on Saturdays before the 5pm Mass; last month we celebrated Solemn Eucharistic devotions and this summer we will be having a series of talks on Wednesdays on the Mass and the Eucharist beginning June 19th. And, on Monday, June 24th the Bishop invites us to a Ballpark Mass at Canal Park to celebrate with him as a community the sending off our diocesan delegates to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jesus comes to us as fully himself in the Eucharist, to love us and be united with us. This Panis Angelicus (Bread of Angels – as St. Thomas Aquinas calls Him) is the Living Bread which feeds us in this life on our journey to God. So, we take this day to remember and try to appreciate this gift of love from Jesus – and give thanks!

As We Transition To Summer

Wed, 22 May 2024 15:22:22 GMT

By Fr. Norm Douglas

Congratulations to all the students who are graduating from some level of education during this season. Our own 8th graders celebrated their moving on from our parish school this past Monday, May 20th at a 6 PM Mass. Some of them have been part of the parish school for 11 years, beginning with our preschool program.

We thank all the family and staff in our school and at every school for their dedicated service, for their teaching ministry with young people. Teachers are indeed ministers touching the minds, hearts, and souls of our youth.

We pray especially for all parish families that during the summer months you may have opportunities to come closer to one another, to partner with God in making our planet and our human family better. Please remember to integrate a deeper sense of God’s guidance and love into all that you do. The greatest gift a parent or teacher can give to our young is a vital faith, centered in following the Way of Jesus Christ and grounded in our rich Catholic Christian heritage.

This Memorial Day weekend we remember in a special way all who have given their lives for the cause of peace, justice, and freedom. We pray for all our departed loved ones who sacrificed on a daily basis to care for us, to show us by their example how to be committed followers of Jesus Christ.

You can put the names of any departed loved ones in our “Remembrance Book” which is on the podium of the Blessed Virgin Mary side of our church.

Please consider participating in our Memorial Day Celebration of Eucharist this Monday at 9 AM. Continuing a tradition we began last year, we will gather at our Parish Cemetery located at 550 W. Market St. We will remember all our departed, especially veterans going back to the Civil War. If it is raining our Mass will be held at church.

Be Passionate, Faithful & Joyful

Tue, 14 May 2024 20:52:58 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

New Paragraph

30 years on this May 21, I was ordained a Deacon for service in the Diocese of Cleveland.

But looking back to that day, my deeply anticipated peak moment, kneeling before my Bishop, Anthony Pilla was momentarily shattered in disbelief!

As I knelt before him so pious and perfectly gestured; I peeked! And saw his hands go up as I closed my eyes. And I waited and waited, thinking he was going to say something like, “By the power of the Holy Spirit, I ordained you deacon”!

And I’m waiting because in the practice the evening prior, I as usual. wasn’t paying attention, looking all over the cathedral, or talking while the MC was rehearsing.

And finally, Bishop Pilla says, “Get UP”!

Get Up? What? Did I miss something? I was in panic mode! Did I get ordained?!

I didn’t realize the words of Ordination are inaudible! I was like, “Now what”? The MC, points and whispers loudly, “Go!!! Go take your seat”! Go! (first instruction was to go!).

Bishop Pilla met with the deacons at our Deacon/Wives Convocation a few months after ordination, and he said, “I have 3 guidelines for your ministry” as he’s pointing his finger. “1. You’re not God, 2. This isn’t Heaven, 3. Don’t be a jerk!”

I still cherish the advice before my first homily from an elder deacon when I was anxious about preaching, when I said to him “I’m not sure I’m worthy”. He said it’s not a question of worthiness, it’s a question of call”. He told me this story, “At the first deacon’s homily an irate parishioner yelled at the pastor after Mass, who does that deacon think he is preaching to us. He’s just a mailman. The pastor said, “What would you prefer a carpenter or a fisherman”?

So, there it is! I’m not God, but I am His worthy servant. This isn’t Heaven, there’s a lot of work to do, and don’t be a jerk; in other words, be kind, be humble, be a servant.

Then Bishop Lennon comes next, and he said to me in the drive from Cleveland to Akron when I was an MC for him, “Deacon, good to meet you, how is your wife and kids? Let me remind you of 3 interesting words of wisdom, “Love your wife, love your family, and don’t ever be late!’ GOT IT! Say no more!

Bishop Perez was next, and he at our first Convocation also gave us 3 guidelines, (I don’t know what it was with Bishops and 3s! Must be a Trinitarian thing?) 1. Be Passionate, Be Faithful, and Be Joyful.

And now here I am with my 4th Bishop, and yours, Bishop Malesic. Here’s what he said at the Ordination of Deacons on May 4. “Be mindful of three things. Care, Comfort, and Compassion with God’s people”.

Care: (Putting a bandage on the cut); Listening to someone who is hurting; presence.

Comfort: (Changing the bandage when needed); offering guidance, sharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Compassion,:prayer, and walking with them in their pain.

On this Feast of Pentecost, we are reminded that Jesus must go for the Paraclete to come. We too must go. All of us. And the power of the Holy Spirit will be with us by the power of our sacraments of Initiation, Reception of the Eucharist, the power of Confirmation, our sacrament of Ordination, and the outward sign of Matrimony.

At every Mass the last words are to go: one of 4 dismissals are used:

Go forth the mass is ended.

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

Go in Peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

Go in Peace.

I have had the honor and privilege to be invited by Fr. Norm to serve here these past 2.8 years. Thank you, parishioners, for your warm hospitality and support. This is a wonderful parish!

Recently Bishop Malesic said, “We come to go, and we work together, we work together, we work together. Jesus took on our humanity, so we could share in His divinity. He put on our garments and has given His garments to us. We wear the garments in this great exchange”.

So, we come, clothed in Christ, symbolized by white garments we wear in Baptism, Holy Communion, Ordination, and the Bridal dress of Matrimony.

And we go, clothing others in Word, Sacrament, and Charity. Amen.

Thank You, Mary, For Saying "YES" To God!

Thu, 09 May 2024 11:19:08 GMT

By Fr. Norm Douglas

On this Mother’s Day weekend, we give thanks that our Catholic Christian tradition emphasizes the role that a young woman from Nazareth called Mary, played by saying yes to God. She gave birth to our Lord, Savior, and friend Jesus Christ. We do not worship her. We do revere and honor her for her lifelong and eternal “Yes”-for her ongoing prayer for each of us that her son, Jesus Christ, will be the greatest influence in our lives.

Women throughout these centuries have been vital in living and sharing their uplifting and challenging faith. Mary Magdalene, in all 4 Gospels, was the first to experience Jesus as risen and the one sent by our Lord to be “the apostle to the apostles.

We also honor all the women in our parish, including those who serve in our Day School, PSR, and Parish Staff. We recognize that women have been a faith filled presence in our families, church, and in the wider world.

Thanks to all the women of our parish and surrounding community who show us in many ways God’s creative, nurturing, and strengthening love.

I encourage you to attend the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Recognition Brunch next Sunday, May 19 12:30 PM-2:30 PM. While several individual parishioners will be recognized for their contributions, we invite all to participate. Whether we make a difference at church, in the workplace, or in the wider community – the Lord recognizes and reminds all of us that we are called to be his faithful followers 24/7. See elsewhere in this bulletin for how you can make a reservation.

It Is Good For Us To Be Here

Wed, 01 May 2024 11:48:57 GMT

By Deacon Andy Davis

This past week, I have been spending time re-listening to Bishop Woost’s talk, “The Real Presence: It is Good for Us to Be Here”. We heard this the first time in the church at his recent visit, and I would encourage you to listen to it again or for the first time – the video is available on our parish website. Bishop Woost is one of our shepherds, and he was trying to expand and deepen our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Mass for Roman Catholics sometimes can become routine, but it can be transformative!

He starts with the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, and Peter’s response, “It is good for us to be here...” How often would we say to one another at the end of Mass, “It is good for us to be here, let’s stay longer...” As Roman Catholics we often might look at our watches and have other activities on our mind at Mass. (Bishop got a chuckle).

When we encounter Jesus, it is like the Transfiguration, but it is we who are changed. Our hearts are opened up, and our eyes are un-blinded to see Jesus for who he really is, both a human and the God of the Universe. When we come to Mass or spend time in Adoration we can be transfigured, and also share in the divine life.

We also encounter Jesus when we keep his word, as stated in today’s Gospel. Keeping Jesus word we love Jesus. We encounter love and become love. When we love one another, we are encountering Jesus, and when we serve another person we encounter Jesus. Many of Jesus teachings were about serving the poor, bringing healing and care for those in need. While this helps the person in need, it also helps us, it is a very important way we encounter Jesus in the other person.

Today we pray and support our Confirmandi, that they too would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as at Pentecost and encounter Jesus in this sacrament, and in sharing the Eucharist. That they too would know the living Lord, and their hearts would be enflamed with love!

Experience Jesus's Love

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:56:12 GMT

By Fr. Norm Douglas

We are blessed this weekend to celebrate with 11 families as they share in the joy with their children who are making their First Communion at the Sunday, 11:00AM celebration of Eucharist. The family is the first Church in which young people experience God’s guidance and love. I have enjoyed being around several of these children as they look forward to sharing the real and loving presence of Jesus in Eucharist. Their enthusiasm and anticipation remind all of us, including me, that at times we can take our belief in Jesus and our Catholic Christian faith for granted. I remember one grandma telling me how grateful she was to be at Mass with her granddaughter who was receiving Communion for the first time. She mentioned that she was thankful she could be supportive of this little girl on her special day.

And grandma did not expect this.. She was deeply moved by the joy of her granddaughter. And this woman who had celebrated her own first communion over 50 years ago had a renewed gratitude for receiving the gift of Jesus real and loving presence in Eucharist.

If you participate weekly in Mass or come only on special occasions – remember that Jesus wants you to personally experience his love for you. He encourages you to share his love with many people who also need to know and experience his ever-present, ever-loving, and everlasting Caring Heart.

Christ, the Good Shepherd

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:48:07 GMT

By Deacon Robin Adair

It’s easy to look upon lambs and sheep as gentle creatures. Yet this is the image and symbol for Christ. Unlike the symbols for the 4 authors of the Gospels so wonderfully illustrated in our stained glass windows; we have John as an Eagle because his Gospel begins with Jesus existing in heaven as "the Word of God" before he came to earth. Mark as a Loin because his Gospel begins with John the Baptist, whose preaching is described as a voice crying in the wilderness like the roar of a lion. Luke as an ox, signifying His sacrificial and sacerdotal order because Luke opens with a narrative involving priestly duties and temple services. Matthew is the face of a powerful man because his Gospel opens with a human genealogy of Jesus and because Jesus' humanity is emphasized throughout the book.

Dr. Scott Hahn in his book, “The Lamb’s Supper” says other titles would seem more worthy for Jesus, and rank higher on the list of animals like a lion who is kingly, but instead, the Lamb in Revelations, “rules, occupies heaven, leads hundreds of thousands in battle to defeat evil is in the center of the throne, and will Shepherd every nation and people, and lead them to springs of life-giving water, wiping away every tear from their eyes”.

Here he makes the connection of the Lamb of God to the Eucharist, the sacrifice of the Mass that we participate every time we gather for the Lord’s Supper.

When we read the accounts in the Gospels that use the image of Jesus as the Lamb, or a shepherd, we realize more and more that this is an imagery of strength and leadership, but one of intimacy, mercy, confidence, and peace

It’s interesting that Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd. He was after all he was a carpenter. But throughout the Gospels, he says things like, “I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and they know me”. He tells Peter, “Feed my sheep”. And there is that frightening passage in Matthew 25 about separating the sheep from the goats at his second coming.

A Good Shepherd is one who delights in his flock and devotes himself to the care of his flock. A Good Shepherd’s greatest joy is seeing his sheep well-nourished and content in his care. A Good Shepherd protects his flock at whatever the cost from predators. A Good Shepherd is constantly on the watch for lost sheep; and will even forsake the whole flock to find the one who is lost. A Good Shepherd feeds us with the Eucharist, and with his love of his community of faith and blesses us so much, that our cup is running over.

Let us come together today in our Parish Eucharistic Celebration that concludes this afternoon, and celebrate our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.