WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2026-07-05
“So, several years ago, an author by the name of Travis Bradberry wrote an article. And the article was titled Eight Ways Smart People Act Stupid, eight ways that smart people act stupid. Now, it sounds like a contradiction, and it sort of is, but it pointed out something that researchers discovered. That intelligence and wisdom are not the same thing. Scientists found out that people with very high intelligence often make surprisingly poor decisions. It’s not that they lack knowledge. . ."
Homily 2026-07-05 Aloysius
“I’m reminded of these memories when I was in seminary and during the summers, especially hot days like this, I’d be working maintenance at my home parish in the school, which didn’t have A/C, it felt kind of just like this right now. And one of those summers we were in charge of taking the desks that were in each classroom and getting rid of them because the school was getting new desks. And these were kind of heavy desks, you can only really lift one at a time.”
Journalist Volunteers
We're looking for journalist volunteers to assist our communications team at St. Raphael:
e-newsletter - Write articles for our weekly e-newsletter; topics may be assigned and may sometimes involve research and personal interviews.
Videos - Assist with all aspects of in-house video production including, planning, recording, editing and animating.
Contact Dcn. Mark Cunningham if interested
Drone Operator
We're looking for an experienced drone operator volunteer to help us make video tours of our campus. If interested, contact:
Dcn. Mark Cunningham: mcunningham@saintraphaelparish.com
or
Dr. Andy Kereky: akereky@saintraphaelparish.com
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Back to School Drive
Social Concerns Ministry Back to School Drive 2026
June 28 - August 3
This year local urban schools are in desperate need of items for students to start the school year, especially clothing. Donations are needed by August 3rd and can be placed in the black bins in Good Shepherd Square. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping the students throughout the area.
Sponsor A New Classroom Door
Our classrooms are places where students grow, learn, and feel safe. Many of our classroom doors are original to the building and are in need of replacement. We invite our school community to partner with us in sponsoring new classroom doors that will enhance safety, functionality, and appearance throughout the school.
Join Us!
The St. Raphael St. Vincent de Paul Conference is a group of parish volunteers who work to provide short term assistance to those in need. We meet with those requesting help in their homes. We sit with them, listen to them and pray with them. Some need urgent financial assistance, some need emergency food supplies and some simply need a bed and bedding. Do you see yourself in this ministry? We welcome you to join us. Please visit us on the parish website and fill out the volunteer form or you can call Kevin Cornelius, president, at 440-655-6706 to inquire about the Conference and/or join. Thank you for care and support of our SVDP Conference here at St. Raphael.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Are you looking to deepen your Catholic spirituality but struggle to find the time for a long retreat? You are not alone!
We invite all adult parishioners to join us for a special two-part summer program designed specifically for busy adults.
This engaging program extracts the core "prayer tools" of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, helping participants understand what they are and how to practically apply them to their everyday lives.
DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant "noise" and distractions of our busy, modern lives? Are you longing for clarity and peace when making important choices?
We invite all adult parishioners to join us for a transformative two-part summer program focused on the Ignatian Method of discernment. Whether you are facing a major life crossroad or simply want to align your daily choices more closely with God's will, this program is for you!
THE 19TH ANNOTATION RETREAT
Are you seeking profound spiritual growth? Do you desire a deeply intimate encounter with God but need a retreat that fits into your everyday life? We invite you to consider the "19th Annotation Retreat," offering the most detailed and spiritually intimate experience of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Unlike traditional group retreats, this is a one-on-one retreat. It is just you and a spiritual director meeting together, usually weekly, for a period of 20 to 25 weeks. Because it is only the two of you, there are no set times or dates—the schedule is completely flexible and built around your life!
Help Us Bring VBS to Life!
This summer, our parish children will journey through Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God during Vacation Bible School—and you can help make the experience unforgettable! We’ve created an Amazon Wishlist filled with supplies needed for crafts, snacks, decorations, games, and hands-on activities throughout the week. By purchasing an item (big or small!), you are helping create a faith-filled, joy-filled experience for our children as they grow in God’s love.
Ø Choose an item Ø Ship directly to the parish Ø Help bring VBS to life
Visit our Amazon Wishlist HERE to donate today!
Thank you for supporting our parish youth and helping us share how amazing God is… WOW GOD!
Men's Huddle Summer Program
Tuesdays, June 2 through September 1
We will be tackling the Imitation of Christ by Thomas á Kempis, chapter by chapter. Join us from 6:30am-7:30am in the community room and bring your own coffee. All men are welcome.
No preparation necessary as handouts will be provided.
2026 Annual Appeal
This Appeal seeks $15.3 million to support vital ministries serving those in need across the eight counties of the Diocese. Join Bishop Malesic and thousands of faithful in extending God’s love through acts of mercy.
