incent St. de Paul The statistics are startling. It seems that a new study comes out almost Our Parish School of Religion

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1 incent St. de Paul CATHOLIC CHURCH October The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 3 October: Helping to Feed Spiritual Hunger 4 Getting to Know Fr. Dennis McNeil 6 Pray for an Outpouring of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit The Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops from Oct. 4 to Oct. 25, Friendship Weekends Bringing Parishioners Together The Foundation for a Lifetime of Faith Our Parish School of Religion The statistics are startling. It seems that a new study comes out almost every week, detailing the declining numbers of people, especially youth, who consider themselves to be Christian. There is a battle for the hearts and minds of our young people in a world that often seeks to tear them away from faith. These kids go out into the real world and face challenges every day about their faith, says Ellen Dies, who, after 34 years as a teacher, now serves as our Director of the Parish School of Religion, or PSR. We want to give them the strength and knowledge to do that. Beginning with some of the youngest members of our parish, through those in eighth grade, our PSR program is designed to meet children at their level and help them to grow in their relationship with Jesus and their parish family. I think our Pre-K and kindergarten programs are some of the best kept secrets in the parish, Ellen says. In Pre-K and kindergarten, we emphasize that God loves them. It s very simple and geared towards their age and maturity level. If learning about your faith is important in your family, why not give your children an early start? Our PSR program prepares children to receive the Sacrament of First Communion in second grade. Pictured here are Fr. Kraker and Aiden Zwisler. In first grade, children begin preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, which they receive in second grade, for both St. Vincent de Paul Parish School students and those in the PSR program. According to Ellen, this is one of the most fulfilling parts of her job. Come to a First Communion or First Reconciliation and watch the kids come back from receiving the sacrament and look at their faces it s pure joy on their faces, she says. That s how you know it s all worthwhile. And although the Sacrament of Confirmation doesn t take place until eighth grade, Ellen encourages families to stay involved in the PSR program during the middle years, and find other ways to become part of Audrey Friess, who attended St. Vincent de Paul s PSR program, received the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Gries. continued on back cover 164 WEST MARKET STREET AKRON, OH STVINCENTCHURCH.COM

2 St. Vincent de Paul CATHOLIC CHURCH The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching What makes being Catholic, well, Catholic? Things like the Mass, the Rosary and the seven sacraments come to mind. But there is also an element of Church teaching that s often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood Catholic Social Teaching. Catholic Social Teaching guides Catholics on how to apply the faith to all aspects of life, and lays the framework for the Church s teachings on the dignity and sacredness of human life. Catholic Social Teaching can be explained with 10 key points. These 10 principles demonstrate the depth of the Church s teaching on social justice, and they call Catholics to take an active role in shaping the world in which we live. Catholic Social Teaching, when taken to heart, can become the catalyst that causes positive change in a world that desperately needs it. Consider these principles and strive to apply them in your own life. Human Dignity Human dignity is the fundamental principle within the Church s teaching on social justice. A firm understanding of this principle is required so that the rest of Catholic Social Teaching can be viewed from the appropriate perspective. God created us in His image and likeness, so we all are worthy of respect. Respect for Human Life Whether unborn or seconds away from death, no life deserves to be prematurely ended. The Church sees this principle as crucial to the health of any society. Association Association holds that social relationships must be developed so that all people may reach their fullest potential. The Church teaches that the family is the basic unit upon which all other elements of society rest. We must uphold the sacredness of the family, and foster the growth of other societal organizations that preserve the well-being of all people. Participation All people deserve the right to work and to participate in God s creation. The joy of accomplishing a task and performing honest labor should be made available to all people. Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable Society exists in a balance between those with power, and those without it. The vulnerable those with disabilities and the poor must be protected from those with power who choose to wield it in an unjust manner. Solidarity Love your neighbor as yourself this commandment extends beyond the boundaries of any town, state or country. The principle of solidarity encourages all people to reach out to their brothers and sisters in need and to help them, even if they live halfway around the world. Stewardship Everything we have even our own lives is a gift from God. Our talents, our time and our financial resources are not our own, but God s. The same goes for the natural resources we so often take for granted. Responsibilities and Limits of Government Governments, while created for the common good, sometimes overstep their boundaries. The Church teaches that all governments should seek to operate at the lowest level of organization possible striving to solve problems at the source, with those who understand them best, and not through oppressive force. Human Equality God made all humans equal, including those of different ethnicity and race, and in different stages of life. No one person is of more value than another. Common Good It is especially important in our society to promote the common good the social well-being and development of the human group. If we consider the entire human race as one family, the common good urges us to support our brothers and sisters so that they may reach their full potential.

3 A Letter From Our Pastor October: Helping to Feed Spiritual Hunger Dear Members of our St. Vincent de Paul Parish Family, Have you ever been hungry really hungry? When asked that question, most of us probably think of a time when we had pangs of hunger because we were fasting, we were on a diet to lose weight, we had saved up for a big dinner, or we just decided not to indulge what we wanted. However, there are people right here in our own community who go to bed at night with real hunger. And that hunger is not without real pain. If we expand that to our diocese, our country, and the world, untold numbers of people go to bed hungry every night. Yet, while Jesus instructed us to feed the hungry, He did not want us to stop at satiating simply physical hunger. All around us, there is spiritual hunger. We all know people who have plenty to fill their stomachs, but are not really sure exactly what they want in life, living unsatisfied. Some of these people are our siblings, our children, our parents, or even our spouses. Although so many are spiritually hungry, it may not be as apparent to us as physical hunger, because the spirit is within us and we are weakened more slowly. Life goes on when we are spiritually hungry but truly addressing that need is just as important for us as a Church as physically feeding the hungry. Spiritual malnourishment can be just as devastating as physical famine. While we are aware of the reality that we, as a faith community, cannot completely eradicate physical hunger, we must do what we can to feed those around us. Both physically and spiritually, we have opportunities every day to reach out to those in need. Sometimes, it may be as simple as praying for someone. Or it may mean giving of our time, talent or treasure to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Yet, we always have an opportunity to share the greatest gift with others that alone can satiate the human heart the love of Christ. There is no time better than today to begin. Will you reach out in love to those in need by sharing the love Christ has poured into you? Blessed Mother Teresa advised us, If you can t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. Let each of us vow to find that one, and feed him or her whether physically, spiritually or both. Gratefully yours in Christ, Fr. Dennis McNeil Pastor

4 Getting to Fr. Dennis Since Fr. Dennis McNeil took over as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church this past July, many of us have come to know some things about him. For example, because of his love of movies, Father has a large collection of DVDs. His favorite serious movie is A Man for All Seasons, while his favorite comedy is Young Frankenstein. He is an avid reader whose tastes range from science fiction to biographies of the saints. But the best book he has ever, ever read is The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis. He self-identifies as a thin person, and will eat pretty much everything he loves rhubarb pie that isn t too sweet, but draws the line at lima beans. And, of course, everyone knows about Father and his cowboy hat. In short, we know all these fun things but to know Father is to also know his vocation story, one which finds its roots in a childhood that didn t have much in the way of material goods, but which nonetheless provided everything that mattered. Fr. McNeil, Corpus Christi procession, 2012 Fr. McNeil was born in East Cleveland, where he and his older brother were raised in an Irish Catholic family that was traditional in all ways except the fact that his parents were divorced and his father was out of the picture. Despite the fact that they were poor, Father says they had a happy childhood in which faith and family were the center of their dayto-day lives. His maternal grandparents were a huge influence, as were the aunts, uncles and extended family that lived nearby. Catholic education was also an important part of his upbringing, and Father attended Christ the King School beginning in the first grade, and then continued to Cathedral Latin for high school. I grew up in the projects, Father says. We were a Fr. Dennis McNeil lower middle class family that didn t have a whole lot, but we had everything we needed and my brother and I were happy. My mother always reasoned that you can choose to be poor and miserable, or poor and happy, and so she decided early on that if she was going to be poor, there was no sense in being miserable, too. So when did the idea of the priesthood begin? To be sure, the pathway to the priesthood is different for everyone. Some receive the call early in life and therefore grow up with a sense of their vocation, while for others the call can be totally unexpected. According to his mother, Fr. McNeil announced his intention to

5 Know McNeil become a priest when he was just 3 years old. Of course, in Catholic school, when we were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, all the boys at one time or another would say they wanted to be a priest, Father says. But over time, they would change their minds and say they wanted to be a cowboy, an astronaut or a fireman. But I never changed my answer. In fact, after grade school, I really wanted to attend high school seminary, but my mother said no because she thought I was too young and not ready. So I went to high school at Cathedral Latin, and after I graduated I attended college at Borromeo Seminary and then went to St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. Fr. McNeil giving a blessing at a parish potluck For many who struggle with discernment, Father says the key is to pray, pray, and pray some more. Additionally, when one is discerning the priesthood, you need to attend seminary in order to try it out much like dating someone before you marry. Admittedly, his discernment journey was a little different in that he was blessed to know early on what God wanted of him. There were no doubts, no questions and no what-ifs. And while there were times he didn t necessarily want to be in seminary, there was never a time when he didn t want to be a priest. I always say that if I ever win the lottery, I would still do what I m doing, Father says. It s been 40 years since Father was ordained at Holy Family Church in Parma, and in his many assignments through the years, Father still enjoys doing what he always knew he wanted to do. He is excited about being here at St. Vincent de Paul, and he is looking forward to working with the parish on evangelization, stewardship and service opportunities. And as in past parishes where he s served, he hopes to start a book club, host a monthly movie night, and establish a parish library so that Catholic resources can be readily available. Most importantly, he is looking forward to meeting more and more members of the parish. But maybe, if you ever sit next to him at dinner, perhaps you shouldn t offer him the lima beans! Of course, in Catholic school, when we were asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, all the boys at one time or another would say they wanted to be a priest. But over time, they would change their minds and say they wanted to be a cowboy, an astronaut or a fireman. But I never changed my answer. Fr. Dennis McNeil

6 St. Vincent de Paul CATHOLIC CHURCH Pray for an Outpouring of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit The Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops from Oct. 4 to Oct. 25, 2015 Daily, we experience the challenges that buffet the family in the contemporary world. Their presence trickles through our social media. We witness struggling families. Our own family might be embroiled in tensions as we endeavor to live a countercultural testimony. In light of these challenges, our Holy Father Pope Francis called for two consecutive gatherings of the Synod of Bishops on the themes of the family and evangelization. It is a historic moment for our Church for the first time the Synod will have two related assemblies on related topics. the universal Church ( Synods of Bishops on the Family, usccb.org). The XIV Ordinary General Assembly will continue to address concerns regarding the family as the prior Extraordinary Assembly did. Its theme will specifically be the vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world. Unsurprisingly, both religious and secular media sources are expected to provide thorough coverage of the assembly, which will take place from Oct. 4 to Oct. 25. And with the recent legalization of same-sex unions in our country, as well as the recent atrocities caught on video that Planned Parenthood has executed, the synodal topics will most likely result in significant coverage by all the media. Thus, as the dizzying flurry of media coverage initiates, we must take care to weigh our sources carefully. Particularly throughout the month of October, let us remember as individuals and families to pray together for Church, to be discerning in our sources and to try and imitate our Holy Father by looking at each other through eyes of mercy and love. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution of the Catholic Church. Following the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI established the Synod to continue the spirit of collegiality and communion that was present at the Council. Consisting of bishops from around the world, the Synod meets when requested by the Holy Father to offer counsel on questions facing the Church. The Synod convenes in General Assemblies, which concern matters for the universal Church, and Special Assemblies, which concern matters for a select region of the Church, such as the Church in Europe or in the Middle East. General Assemblies may be extraordinary or ordinary in nature. Last October an Extraordinary General Assembly, meaning on topics which require a speedy solution, transpired, and the related second assembly taking place this October will be an Ordinary General Assembly, meaning on topics for the good of Pope Francis provided this prayer for the Synod of Bishops on the Family in his Angelus address on the Feast of the Holy Family on Dec. 29, 2013: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God s plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. For more information and news regarding the Synod of Bishops, visit the Catholic News Service at catholicnews.com and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website at usccb.org.

7 Friendship Weekends Bringing Parishioners Together When the tables are set up on the church patio for the Friendship Weekends, Ellen Dies, PSR Director, says she likes to stand back and watch the joy. She sees parishioners getting to know each other, sharing their love of Christ, and kids being kids as they run around while the grownups are talking. And, of course, there is always something good to eat. Friendship Weekends take place on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month, after the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass and after both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday Masses. They kind of came out of the Stewardship Committee, Ellen says. The idea is to increase the sense of community in two ways to start, by having name tags for parishioners. Often we know people at Mass, but we don t know their names. This started out and, second, it morphed into Friendship Sunday, then Friendship Weekends this summer. Each Friendship Weekend is hosted by one of the groups in the parish. We have had the Stewardship Committee, Parents Association, Altar Society, St. Vincent de Paul Women s Auxiliary, Ellen says. It s just a way to also get the parishioners more familiar with some of the groups and faith groups in the parish. Parishioners don t always know about an organization, or they only read about it in the bulletin. This puts a name with a face, and this has been one of the positive sides to the Friendship Weekends. If you get to know someone it s just nice to talk about our relationship with God. It makes people feel more welcome in the Church, and it helps in the spirituality with a sense of belonging to the Church. Ellen Dies Tables are set up on the patio at the front entrance of the church on West Market Street. Mike Krecaso, owner of Krecaso s, has donated ice cream for sundaes for the youngsters, and D.J. and Karrie Shisler of Shisler s Cheese House have donated cheese trays for adults. This fall, there are plans to have a sharing of cookies and cookie recipes. People can pick up the name tags they ordered and meet people as they gather, Ellen says of the special weekends. We see people staying up to an hour after Mass. They re talking, you hear lots of laughter. Each time, more and more people are coming out, and we hope it continues. Importantly, the Friendship Weekend have provided parishioners with special opportunities, like getting to know Fr. McNeil, and Ellen notes that she has enjoyed seeing him greet parishioners out on the patio. The July Friendship Weekend was our welcome to him, when he first came to the parish, she says. Although the weather cooperated this summer, there are plans to move the weekends into Corrigan Hall when conditions worsen. The Friendship Weekends are allowing spiritual growth to take place as parishioners come together. If you get to know someone it s just nice to talk about our relationship with God, Ellen says. It makes people feel more welcome in the Church, and it helps in the spirituality with a sense of belonging to the Church. For more information about upcoming Friendship Weekends, call Ellen Dies at

8 St. Vincent de Paul CATHOLIC CHURCH NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE PERMIT NO. 3 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 Thursday before First Friday; 3:30-4:30 PM Our Parish School of Religion continued from front cover the parish community. Our PSR classes are scheduled around Sunday morning Masses to encourage families to pray together at Mass and grow in their understanding of the faith through PSR while enjoying some donuts in between! [I enjoy] watching them stay involved, becoming alter servers, or being in the choir how they evolve, Ellen says. We accept them where they re at and encourage them to grow. The opportunity to serve our youth is of profound importance to our PSR teachers, as well. I tell [my students], It may not seem like it s important now, but when you get older, you ll see that faith really makes a big difference in your life, says Bill Marshall, who is in his 20th year of teaching fourth-grade PSR. The St. Vincent de Paul PSR program has been an integral part of my children s faith development, says Erin Winslow, a mom of three who has served as a substitute teacher in the past, and this year, teaches sixth-grade PSR. It provides an opportunity for them to learn about our faith in a gentle environment. Additionally, PSR classes prompt questions and discussions that allow me to share my faith and personal beliefs with my children. I think it important to teach children at a young age because it builds the foundation for a lifetime of faith. The PSR program involves opportunities for children to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation twice a year, participate in service activities, and share unique prayer experiences, such as the Stations of the Cross, all while learning more about their faith and growing in their relationship with God. This, year, thanks to a Rooted in Faith grant, technology will also be implemented in the classrooms in some new and exciting ways. Ellen is grateful to be part of a parish community that is so supportive sharing the faith with young people. We re a community and we re working together to educate our children, she says. And it s not just the children who are benefiting. I enjoy it, Bill says. It makes my faith come alive as I teach the truths. Seeing the joy of the kids who walk in the door, it reinforces that God is alive and well and active in my life, Ellen says. We welcome people where they re at and encourage them to grow. Seeing that growth in the kids and the families is so rewarding. I can t imagine doing anything else. If you are interested in serving as a substitute teacher for PSR or would like to get your children involved in the program, please contact Ellen Dies at , ext. 101.