BLESSING OF THROATS- FEAST OF SAINT BLAISE

The miraculous cure of the boy suffering from the fish bone — and because Blaise had been a physician — created the belief that Saint Blaise could cure most illnesses but especially those of the throat. As early as the ninth century in the Western Church, he was invoked for throat ailments, and by the 15th century, the blessing of the throat ritual had begun. During the Middle Ages, his cult as a miraculous saint was widespread throughout Europe. In the traditional blessing of Saint Blaise, on his feast day, we will extend the blessing of Saint Blaise at the conclusion of all Masses on February 4 & 5.  The blessing for those who cannot be with us is as follows: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you free from every disease of the throat, and from every other disease. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  May Blaise and all the Saints lead us to the ever-increasing light of Christ.

 

LIGHTING PROJECT UPDATE

As mentioned in the bulletin a few weeks ago, we are still waiting for the chandeliers and the lighting panel (the brains of the whole project), to be shipped. We are extremely grateful for everyone who has generously sponsored parts of the project.  To date, the lighting panel, the sanctuary lighting, the five main entrance chandeliers, three of the large center chandeliers, one of entire side lighting, and the lights on the Archangels Window and the Risen Christ, have been sponsored.  That leaves just one side of lighting ($6,000) and five (5) large center chandeliers ($10,000 each) to be sponsored.  Thank you to parishioners who have donated in general to the project.  If anyone is interested in sponsoring one of the remaining parts of the project, please contact the parish office.  Once this project is completed, the names of those sponsoring the project will be included with those who sponsored the recent additions to the sanctuary (mosaics, marble panels, etc.) and placed on plaques similar to the existing ones for the Sainted Glass Windows and Stations of the Cross.  We want to also thank Jeff and Amy Herrmann and their family for sponsoring the Holy Spirit mosaic to be added above the Tabernacle.  Thank you to everyone for your generous support of our parish Church.

 

YOUNG AT HEART 

Our monthly Young at Heart gathering will be on Monday, February 13. As always, we will begin with Mass at 11:30am followed by lunch and a presentation in the parish hall. Given the date of our gathering, we will combine Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras to reflect on the Saint associated with love and then also look at some ways in which we are called to enter the Lenten Journey. The cost of the gathering is $5.00. Please contact the parish office to RSVP so we can prepare properly. 

 

FILL OUR BLUE BINS WITH BREAKFAST CEREAL

One of the items that seems to fly off the shelves rather fast in all our food pantries and agencies that assist with food is cereal.  Most likely, because it is one of those daily foods for many young (and not so young) people.  We are asking you to consider donating various boxes of dry cereal between now and the end of Ordinary Time, prior to entering the season of Lent on February 22.  Please place your donation in or next to the blue bins at all our entrances.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.

​

2022 TAX STATEMENTS

We are in the process of posting the final contributions for 2022, including the many offertory gifts received for Christmas.  The posting should be completed soon.  As such, 2022 tax statements will be available beginning Monday, January 23.

To obtain a statement, please call the office and it will be ready in two days (beginning on the 23rd).  Statements will not be done while you wait.  

 

FUNERAL DINNERS

Blessed are they who mourn . . .But who shall comfort me?

Covid-19 has certainly changed many things in our lives.  One of them was our ability to gather together and hold one another in our grief.  Although we are not socially completely over Covid, we are beginning to return to some normalcy.  In an effort to care for our grieving Saint Michael family members, we would like to begin serving lunches after funeral services again. This ministry had been a Saint Michael standard for decades.  We have about 30 funerals at Saint Michael per year but not all families wish to have their luncheon in the hall.  Each luncheon takes about 10-15 volunteers including one coordinator.  Our goal is to ask each volunteer to serve only 4-5 times a year.  In order to realize this goal, we will need many volunteers. 

If you think you are called to this ministry, please call Juanita Sherba (330)565-8161.

 

BIBLE STUDY

Are you interested in joining a monthly parish Bible Study Group focusing on an overview of the New Testament? We will meet in the afternoon and the next session date is determined by group consensus. Barb Spencer will facilitate a study using the book entitled: “Invitation to the New Testament” by Alice Camille.

Please call Barbara Spencer for further information (330-503-4756.)

 

WINE TASTING

16th Annual Wine Tasting; Saturday, February 4,  6:00-10:00pm in the Family Life Center

Enjoy a wonderful selection of fine wines and craft beers from various distributers throughout the area, along with the following: Gift Card & Basket Raffles – 50/50, “Wine For a Year Raffle – & our “Super-Sized” Annual Raffle, with chances to win $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000. Tickets will be available in the office beginning this week and after all masses next weekend.

​

​

Ongoing Events

​

GENERATIONS OF FAITH

Register today for a year of learning, discovering, and growing in our faith and love of Jesus together. To learn more about our program please contact Marcy Fessler at the parish office (330-533-6839) or by email: mfessler@saintmichaelparish.net

Even if you do not have a child currently in our program, we still welcome you to participate. 

​

RECITATION OF THE ROSARY

​​A group gathers in the pews near the Blessed Mother’s altar for an oral recitation of the rosary the 1st Saturday of the month at 3:15pm.  Please call Mary Ann Camardo (330-2286-3432) for more information.​​

 

​Please join us on Tuesday mornings (unless there is a funeral) at 11:00am in the church to say the Patriotic Rosary. For more information call Kate Pavlich (330-533-24320. Read more HERE.

​

​

OPEN GYM FOR WALKING

The Family Life Center Gymnasium is now open four days a week: Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 to 11:30am.  Parishioners are invited to come and walk for healthy exercise and companionship. Walkers are requested to stop in the open meeting room across from the restrooms to store their coats and change from outdoor boots and shoes to indoor athletic or walking shoes—required to protect the FLC floor. Now there is no need to go to the mall to exercise.  This is a great opportunity right here at home to walk your way to a healthy lifestyle. Please enter through the side door.

​

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY GROUP: 
We start each session in the Parish Hall after the Thursday morning Mass (at approximately 8:30am) with a review and a discussion of the following Sunday’s readings. At approximately 9:15, we transition to our study of the Bible. We welcome any who want to join our group. 

​