First Sunday of Lent February 14, 2016

Rectory

Rev. Dennis M. McNeil, Pastor Rev. Joseph H. Kraker, Pastor Emeritus Mrs. Betsy Tavolier, Office Manager Mrs. Connie Pacanovsky, Business Manager Mrs. Ellen Dies, Y outh Minister Ms. Nancy Daley, Music Director Mr. Herman Allshouse, Maintenance Director

Ms. Marimargaret Roberts, Office Staff

Phone: .............................. 330-535-3135

Fax: .................................. 234-571-2919

Web Site: www.stvincentchurch.com

Office Hours: Monday- Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

School Mrs. Maria Meeker, Principal Mrs. Laurie Belair, Secretary Phone: .............................. 330-762-5912 Address: 17 S. Maple St., Akron, OH 44303

PSR Mrs. Ellen Dies, Principal, 330-864-5484

Bulletin Deadline: 12:00 Noon Monday in Writing

Masses: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM • Sunday: 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM Weekdays: 6:30 AM Holy Days: 6:30, 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM Confessions: Saturday: 11:00 to 12:00 Noon and Thur sday before Fir st Friday; 3:30-4:30 PM Parish Registration: New Parishioners are most welcome and should register at the rectory as soon as possible. If moving out of the parish, please notify the rectory. Baptisms: It is necessary that parents attend a Baptism Preparation Program before the Baptism of their first child. Baptism Preparation classes can be complet-ed at either St. Hilary (Beth Rado, 330-867-1055) or at St. Sebastian (Cathy Sivec 330-836-2233 ext. 134 or sivecc@stsebastian.org). Call either parish for times and registration details. Proof of attendance should be presented to St. Vincent Church prior to the baptism. Marriages: Couples intending to marry should call at the rectory at least SIX MONTHS prior to the marriage. It is required to have copies of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation records, if these Sacraments are not re-ceived at St. Vincent. Wedding times on Saturday are at 2:00 PM. Parish School of Religion (PSR) Pre-School - 8th: Classes are September through May. Classes are held in St. Vincent Grade School on Sundays from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Convert Classes): Classes begin in September: For information, call 330-535-3135. Hospital/Sick/Shut-in Visitation : Please notify the Rectory when a par ish-ioner is hospitalized, shut-in or ill. Funerals: Please notify a Pr iest as soon as possible regarding ar range-ments, either personally or through the funeral director.

St. Vincent de Paul Church

164 West Market Street ● Akron, OH 44303-2373

Photo: Courtesy of Jeffrey Gibson

Masses

SATURDAY, February 13 5:00 PM Joseph, Thomas and Joey Albanese

SUNDAY, February 14 * First Sunday of Lent * Valentine’s Day 8:30 Helen Santell– Anniversary 11:00 Blanche O’Neil and George Jenskovic– Birthday

MONDAY, February 15 * Presidents’ Day 6:30 Pat and Phil Phillips

TUESDAY, February 16 6:30 For Our Parish WEDNESDAY, February 17 * The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order 6:30 Rev. Thomas Gallagher

THURSDAY, February 18 6:30 The living and deceased members of the St. Vincent de Paul Altar Society

FRIDAY, February 19 * Abstinence 6:30 Theresa Curcic 8:15 Jack Leonhard– Birthday 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross SATURDAY, February 20 5:00 Luella Mangano

SUNDAY, February 21 * Second Sunday of Lent 8:30 Chris Hamad 11:00 Rachel Cavanaugh

COLLECTION FOR SUNDAY, January 31, 2016 Thanks for your Support!

Collection of January 31 ................................... $6,841.58 Children’s Envelopes ........................................... $75.17 E-Give................................................................$1,477.50

THANK YOU!

St. Vincent de Paul Church Page Two Sunday, February 14, 2016

First Sunday of Lent February 14, 2016 The word is near you,

in your mouth and in your heart. -- Romans 10:8

JESUS AND THE DEVIL The devil tempted Jesus by quoting scripture, as today's Gospel reminds us. Try a self-serving miracle. Try selling out. Try dazzling the audience; people are gullible, after all. Try all these easy ways. The tempter tries to urge Je-sus onto the slippery slope, attempts the old soft-soap, the snake-oil solutions that are always readily at hand. The devil knows better, but is powerless to do better, much less be better. The devil is evil personified, who senses in Jesus the stronger, truly attractive presence of holiness. Evil is exposed and engaged, we are reminded in this Sun-day's Gospel. Evil knows the jig is up. The undoing of lies begins with Jesus, who takes up the work of soul-healing and world-healing. This Lent, the Church invites us to enter into this renewing, re-creative work and be made whole again. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

PLEASE PRAY FOR the repose of the soul of David Castner. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in the joy and peace of the Lord.

BLACK AND INDIAN MISSION COLLECTION This weekend, our parish will take up the 131st annual National Black and Indian Mission Collection. Our sup-port of this collection helps build the Church in African American, Native American, and Alaska Native commu-nities from coast to coast. Schools, parish religious educa-tion programs, and diocesan ministries depend on your generosity to help them spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12 Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48 Sunday: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18; Ps 27:1, 7-9, 13-14; Phil 3:17 -- 4:1 [3:20 -- 4:1]; Lk 9:28b-36

LENTEN REMINDERS

“FAST AND ABSTINENCE” From The Diocese of Cleveland Our observance of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 10th. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of universal fast and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who have completed their 18th year and have not yet reached their 60th year. Fasting allows a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may be taken, not to equal one full meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory for all who have reached their 14th year. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection. Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of complete abstinence (from meat) for all who have completed their 14th year.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL AUXILIARY Dear Parishioners, Look for a wonderful opportunity to come your way. The Auxiliary's one time a year request for your monetary donations is on it's way! The Bakeless Bake Sale letter will come to you at the beginning of the Lenten season. A time when we all reflect on and assess our role in other people's lives. With your help, a mother can prepare her own meal at home for her family. With your help, many people are relieved of the stress of wondering how to get enough food

St. Vincent de Paul Church Page Three February 14, 2016

for the week. You can make a difference in the lives of many by helping to provide basic nourishment and also by providing a feeling that - someone cares! A big Thank You for all of your past gifts and for opening your hearts to others.—The Auxiliary Ladies

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY In the spirit of Pope Francis' declaration that this be a 'Year of Mercy', the St. Vincent/Sebastian Social Justice Ministry will offer a three-part Lenten series on aspects of mercy. The series will be presented at Faith Lodge-across from St. Sebastian Church on Mull Ave.- at 7PM. The individual topics, presenters and dates are: "The Corporal Works of Mercy"-Father Joseph Kraker-February 18, 2016; "The Spiritual Works of Mercy"- DonnaMarie Kaminsky-Ecclesial Minister-February 25, 2016 and "Confession as an Act of Mercy"-Father John Valencheck—March 3, 2016.

LAS VEGAS COUPON BOOK If you will be going to Las Vegas in the near future, Fr. McNeil has a coupon book that might be useful to you. Please call the rectory for more information at 330-535-3135.

THE WAR ROOM You have heard Father McNeil talk about it! Now is your chance to see the movie War Room. This is a compelling faith drama filled with humor and heart. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all… great

jobs, a beautiful child and their dream house. Appearances can be deceiving. Their marriage is failing. Tony is basking in his successful career, and Elizabeth just feels increasing bitterness. Their lives change when Elizabeth meets a new client. Miss Clara challenges her to establish a “war room” and to make a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth fights for her family, Tony’s hidden issues come to light. Tony must decide to make amends to his family. Will he prove that Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories do not come by accident is true? Come join us on March 9th for our first movie event. Show times are 1:00 and 6:30 in the Scullen Room. Refreshments, including popcorn, will be served. Lasting approx. 120 minutes, the movie is rated PG. Please use the Family Center doors to enter. CONFIRMATION Come celebrate the Confirmation of twenty one of our eighth graders and three adults as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Lennon will be here at the regular 5:00 Saturday Mass on March 12th to celebrate this Mass. While it may be a longer than usual Saturday Mass, we are sure you will want to join this celebration as we welcome them into full membership in the church. This is NOT an end, but just the beginning of their life-long commitment and involvement in our church that we love. While a formal reception is not planned, please stay, congratulate and welcome them into this wonderful new life.

The 2016 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal is under-way with an in-pew commitment process taking place this weekend. This is not a special collection; rather, the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal repre-sents the chance for all Catholics to make a signifi-cant pledge, payable in installments, to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland in order to support its mission of a society that stands united in its sup-port of the “least among us.” Many parishioners have received a letter from Bishop Lennon request-ing their support. If you have not received this letter, please respond to the in-pew commitment process today! If you have received the mailing, please re-spond to it. There is a box on the in-pew envelope to indicate that you have responded by mail. Love Pow-ers Our Mission! Your suppor t of the 2016 Cath-olic Charities Annual Appeal is an act of mercy that will change the lives of over 400,000 of your broth-ers and sisters in Christ. Please consider a generous gift to the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal. Please pray for the success of this Appeal which provides essential programs and services in need throughout all eight counties of the Diocese of Cleveland.

St. Vincent de Paul Parish

CYO BOOSTER CLUB

Lenten Fish Fry Fridays Fridays: February 19th,and 26th March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th

In Corrigan Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Come join us for a fabulous fish dinner on Friday eve-nings during Lent from 5:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m. in Corri-gan Hall. Meal includes fried or baked cod, choice of 2 sides (French fries, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw, or green beans) salad, roll and butter, dessert and bev-erage. Cost is $11.00 adult (Seniors: $10.00), and $5.00 for children 12 and under (1 piece of fish or 1 piece of cheese pizza and a side dish). Don’t miss the 50/50 raffle too!!!!!!!!

If you would like to volunteer to help or for more information: Rick Davis - 216-214-2381

For those who would like to attend Stations of the Cross on those evenings, they begin at 7:30 in the church.

PARISH CHURCH CLEANING

THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO USE YOUR TIME AND TALENT

THE ALTAR SOCIETY IS PLANNING A CLEANING PARTY ON SATURDAY, MARCH 5TH TO PREPARE THE CHURCH

FOR EASTER

WE WILL ALL MEET IN CHURCH AT 9:00 AM.

SO GRAB A PAIL AND CLOTH TO CLEAN WITH AND COME JOIN US

THIS IS ALSO A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS

SIGNUPS WILL BE THE WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 21ST AFTER ALL MASSES.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS:

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ELLEN GREEN (330) 867-1364

St. Vincent de Paul Church Page Six February 14, 2016

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED The parish office will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2015 in observance of Presidents’ Day. The office will re-open Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.

THANK YOU FROM THE 8TH GRADE The St. Vincent de Paul Parish School 8th grade students would like to thank our parishioners for their tremendous support of our Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, February 6, 2016. With your help, we were able to raise over $1,450 for our trip to Washington D.C. this spring!

DISCIPLES FOR THE DYING The next First Friday Masses will be at St. Bernard, March 4 at 12:10 p.m. and St. Vincent, April 1 at 6:30 a.m. All are Welcome. ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL Congratulations to the following Archbishop Hoban High School students from St. Vincent Parish who received scholastic honors for the second quarter of the 2015-2016 school year: Connor Banks, Anna Belair, Dominique Fer-rer, Audrey Friess, Mark Friess, Anthony Grether, Justin Icsman, Marilyn Icsman, Elise Morgan, Marisa Null, Jo-sephine Rauh, Aaryn Robinson and Sarah Robinson. OUR LADY OF THE ELMS The Our Lady of the Elms Middle and High School stu-dents listed below are members of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish community and have achieved Honor Roll status for the Second Quarter of the 2015-2016 school year: An-na Schneider, Chloe Zelch, Olivia Thorn, Emma Kunce and Colleen Goetz. ST. VINCENT– ST. MARY HIGH SCHOOL Congratulations to the following St. Vincent de Paul pa-rishioners who achieved Honor Roll or Merit Roll status for the 2nd quarter grading period at St. Vincent – St. Mary High School. Merit Roll: Claire Dannemiller, Tom Dannemiller, Bronson Davis, Dominic Davis, Gino Davis, Kevin Fulkerson, Riley Klein, Zack Knezevich, Nick Lo-castro, Chris Maximovich, Paul Maximovich, Bailee McDaniel, Katherine McDaniel, Elaina Mendiola, Louis Nagy, Skylar Roberts, Will Sparhawk, Katherine Tavolier, Christian Wierzbicki, Zoe Zelch. Honor Roll: Cadence Dangerfield, Elise Davis, Aaron DiFeo, Alexa DiFeo, Antoinette DiFeo, Isabella DiFeo, Bradford Fram, Eva Gaspar, Lia Giffels, Vincent Glidden, Nathan Gor-bach, Alex Heard, Natalie Isaacs, Jordan Keathley, Devi-ana Lal, Emily Layne, Bridget Neugebauer, Kalie Oliver, Jacob Schafer, Monte Schellenberger, Marjorie Sovacool, Brian Tavolier, Jacob Waller, Sam Waller, Johnathan Wierzbicki and Tom Wilson.

CATHOLIC CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIPS Applications for Ohio Catholic’s 3rd Annual $50,000 Catholic Education Scholarship Giveaway are available for families with students in Catholic grade and high school throughout Ohio. Scholarships will be primarily

needs-based and awarded in the amount of $1000 per family. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants’ parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) must be members of Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union. To become a mem-ber, visit http://ohiocatholicfcu.com/join and use the pro-mo code SCHOLARSHIPS. Online applications can be accessed at http:// www.ohiocatholicfcu.com scholar-ships and will be open until Friday, March 4, 2016. In addition to submitting an application, applicants must have a teacher or school administrator fill out an online recommendation form. Questions regarding the applica-tion process can be directed to Alexandra at ahigl@ohiocatholicfcu.com. Questions regarding membership benefits can be directed to the eBranch at 888-696-4462. OPERATION RICE BOWL—HUNGERING FOR OPPORTUNITY Our journey with CRS Rice Bowl begins in Colombia, where coffee beans are changing lives! What actions can we take this Lent to change lives—at home and around the world? Visit crsricebowl.org for more. HOLY FAMILY PARISH First Step Program- To assist people in their under -standing of the Church’s teaching on marriage, divorce, remarriage and annulments as a path to healing and clo-sure, the Tribunal of the Diocese of Cleveland will offer First Step on Wednesday, February 17, at 7:00pm at Holy Family Church, 3179 Kent Road, Stow, OH in Room 1 below the church. No reservations are necessary and there is no cost.

WOMEN’S BOARD OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County invites you to join us at our Annual Luncheon, Style Show, Silent Auction and Raffle on Thursday, March 3, at 11:00am. The event takes place at Guy’s Party Centre, 500 E. Waterloo Road, Akron. Cost is $20 per person. Make checks payable to Women’s Board of CCCS/SC. Pre-paid reservations due by February 15th. Send reservations to Mikey Stewart, 45 Bermont Ave., Munroe Falls, Ohio 44262.

AN EVENING OF CONFESSION Wednesday, February 24, our parish and all of the parish-es in the Diocese will again offer “An Evening of Confes-sion” from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Parishioners are asked to evangelize by inviting family or friends who are away from the church to join in this special Lenten practice. Priests at all parishes will be present for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As Pope Francis says, “The joy of God is the joy of forgiveness” More information is available at www.welcomecatholics.com.

SERVE THE POOR

Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them as you would Christ himself. -St. Louise de Marillac

Middle School and High School Youth Ministry February 2016 Calendar

17 – Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank -For those who LOVE to volunteer… join us as we feed the less fortunate. Leave Saint Vincent at 4:30, volunteer from 5:00 – 7:00, return to Saint Vincent by 7:30. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER SO PLEASE LET MRS. DIES KNOW IF PLANNING ON ATTENDING. 21 - Middle School and Senior High Regular Meeting Let’s continue to celebrate! Come and help us plan March's events! Bring your ideas to share. ALL ARE WELCOMED… EVEN IF YOU HAVE NEVER COME BEFORE! Open Gym from 5:00 – 6:00,

meeting from 6:00 – 6:30. Be sure to bring ideas for service projects, and fun activities. 26 – Lake Erie Monsters Game… Always wanted to See a real, live hockey game? Come see the game Families are welcomed to come too! I have 50 tickets so Please let me know and the price is right! FREE! Let’s Have dinner together at the Fish Fry and leave by 5:30. We will travel to Cleveland and watch the game that starts at 7:00 P.M. The van will be able to bring some, but if your whole family would like to come, let me know. First come, first served.

Ellen Dies, Youth Ministry Director (330) 535-3135 ext 101 or ellendies588@gmail.com

ALTAR SOCIETY There are lots of plans being made for the rest of the year. It is a busy and exciting time. Please join us for our next meeting. It will be Monday, February 15th at 7:00 PM in the Scullen Room.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION We will have Eucharistic Adoration every Friday during Lent following the 8:15 a.m. Mass until 5:00 p. m. Please consider joining us for an hour of silent prayer. If you have any questions, please contact Kerri Schneider at 267-234-4898. WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION? Are you an adult, practicing your faith but have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation??? Now is your chance to learn more about the Sacrament and to consider whether or not you wish to receive the many blessings that come from the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Meetings will be on the following Sundays: February 14th and 28th following the 11:00 Mass. Confirmation will be celebrated with Bishop Lennon on Saturday, March 12th at the 5:00 Mass. Just want to learn more??? You too are welcome to join us. Please call Ellen Dies at 330-535-3135 X 101 or email her at ellendies588@gmail.com to reserve a spot! SCRIPTURE PRAYER GROUP Read the bible and pray the scripture. The Sunday readings will be the focus of a new prayer group at St. Vincent's. The scriptural Rosary and intercessory prayer will also be featured. We will discuss the challenges to our Faith and help one another become more dynamic Catholics. Join us the first and third Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Scullen Room. -Bring a bible and bring a friend! Contact Don Wilson (330) 535-4583. HUNGARIAN MASS You are Invited …to attend Hungarian Mass at the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Church (Located on 2425 Myersville Rd. Akron. Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on February 21. We hope to see you there!! All are welcome!!!

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DID YOU KNOW??? HAVE YOU NOTICED??? We hope you have noticed the awesome treats created by our Cookie Brigade. This group, with over thirty five members, has provided treats for Father Gallagher’s fu-neral, cookies for the monthly Friendship Gatherings and treats at retreats for our eighth and second grade students. They would love to serve more! If your group or organi-zation needs treats for a meeting or special event, please contact Ellen Dies so that arrangements can be made! Here is to good eating!

St. Vincent de Paul Parish School Prospective Family Registration

Families interested in enrolling their child in St. Vincent de Paul Parish School

are invited to submit an application on:

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

We prefer to meet prospective families in per-son. Therefore, we do not have an application available online and will not mail out applica-

tions. Please feel free to stop in to submit an en-rollment application any time during our regis-tration hours. We will be available to assist you

and answer any questions you may have.

Parents: your child's application for enrollment cannot be considered without the following:

a copy of your child's birth certificate

a copy of your child's most recent report card (only for those entering grades 1-6)

a non-refundable $25 registration fee per family