WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2026-03-22
“There they stood, frozen in time, adorning the front entrance to the palace. Frozen in different poses, trying to defend themselves from the killing blow. Frozen in stone, with fear on their face. I’m describing a scene that takes place in the Chronicles of Narnia. I’m getting my C.S. Lewis reference in for the year, so you’re welcome. But primarily from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. These figurines that were frozen in time from the curse and the touch of the witch Jadis.”
Lenten Fish Fry
Our Fish Fry concludes this Friday with entertainment by Brent Hooper and another 50/50 raffle (with 50 percent going to St. Aloysius food pantry). Let's have a great night out and celebrate God's mercy and grace!
Tenebrae
Wednesday, April 1st, 8:30 PM in St. Raphael Church
- What: Tenebrae is a liturgical service of sung readings and Psalms that features distinctive symbolic elements of Christ’s passion and death.
- Why Tenebrae?: Tenebrae means “shadows” or “darkness” in Latin. The service shows the darkness that comes over the earth upon Christ’s death. One of the chants of the service draws from Scripture that tenebrae factae sunt — “darkness fell” at . . .
read more
Easter Triduum
The Easter Triduum is a term used by the Roman Catholic Church to denote the three days from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Triduum liturgies include:
Holy Thursday (read more) April 2nd, 7:30 pm
Good Friday (read more) April 3rd, 3:00 pm
Easter Vigil (read more) April 4th, 9:00 pm
Easter Sunday Masses:
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM
Littlest Angels Volunteers
Littlest Angels Childcare offers free childcare to young children (ages 2-5) during the 10am Mass on Sundays in the Zwilling Room.
We're looking for individuals to assist in setting up the room, watching the children, and cleaning up the room. The time commitment would be 9:50-11:10am on Sundays, totaling 1 hour and 20 minutes each week. Help us create a fun and loving environment for our little ones. No experience necessary - just a willingness to help!
This would go towards service hours. Contact Joanna Parsons (jparsons@saintraphaelparish.com) to get involved, or sign up
HERE.
Saint Raphael Student Involvement
As part of our Continuous Improvement Plan for Saint Raphael School, we invite you to complete a survey about student involvement in the community. Thank you very much for your time and feedback. We appreciate all of your love, generosity, and support!
St. Aloysius Tea Luncheon
Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm
at St. Aloysius, 10932 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44108
$20 Tickets
Fling into Spring with the St. Aloysius Tea Luncheon and Fashion Showcase. For tickets or more information call 216-451-3262
Social Concerns Sock Collection
On Holy Thursday, we wash feet to commemorate Jesus’ act of service to the disciples at the Last Supper. As a symbolic act of this service, we will be collecting new socks that will be distributed to children and their families in need. Collection baskets will be passed at the Holy Thursday evening Mass (April 2 at 7:30 PM). Donations will be forwarded to Shoes and Clothes for Kids, a non-profit organization assisting families in need of clothing throughout the year. Thank you for helping our neighbors as a way of joining Jesus’ call to humility, to service and to do as He has done.
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Stations of the Cross
follow in the footsteps of Jesus
Feb 20, 27; Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
7:00 pm in the church
Good Friday, Apr 3, 12:00 pm
Pray for Us!
Please pray for our St. Raphael catechumens seeking initiation into our Catholic faith and candidates seeking full communion with the Church as Easter approaches.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is for unbaptized adults and children of catechetical age who have heard the mystery of Christ proclaimed, who consciously and freely seek the living God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, and who enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.
Gorzkie Żale (bitter lamentations)
The Polish tradition of singing bitter lamentations on the Sunday afternoons of Lent began with medieval Passion plays. At Nativity B.V.M., we promote and preserve this beautiful devotion by offering it in English. The service begins with an opening hymn to "awaken the soul," followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and a focus or "intention" for the service. Three songs follow - one simply called "Hymn" that recalls Triduum events as told in Scripture, then "The Soul's Lament", and finally, "Mary's Dialog with the Soul". The service concludes with Benediction and is about thirty minutes in length.
The Answer
The Answer is a contemporary rock musical that integrates the multi media technology of today to provide a totally engaging entertainment experience. This heart-warming presentation represents the time of Jesus Christ, taking you on a journey through creation, the crucifixion and glorious resurrection. The Answer will be presented at Saint Angela Merici in Fairview Park on March 27th and 28th starting at 7:30. Admission is complimentary and a free will offering is accepted. Let this experience open your heart as we prepare to celebrate Easter.
Stations of Light
Pray the Via Lucis or "Way of Light," especially during the Easter Season. It has fourteen stations, which commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, the appearances of the Risen Lord, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In contrast to the traditional "Stations of the Cross," only nine of which are directly biblical, all of the "Stations of the Resurrection" are scripturally based. Take some time to ponder Jesus' Resurrection through the eyes of his amazed apostles. Begin your Easter journey with this powerful prayer experience April 8 at Nativity B.V.M. Church. We look forward to welcoming you!
Calling all Alumni!
The SRS Alumni Association cordially invites you to our very first SRS Alumni Mixer at Patron Saint Cafe + Bar in Ohio City on April 15!
Join us for:
• Light bites, drinks and prizes
• Conversation with Patron Saint founder & SRS ’07 alum, Marie Artale
• Opportunity to catch up with other Raiders
Look HERE for more information and to register. Don't miss our first event- sign up today! 50 person max. $20.60 per ticket. Family and friends of Alumni are welcome to join as well. Questions? Reach out to Bill Brady ’07 at alumni@saintraphaelparish.com. We’ll see you there!
Route 6 Travelogue
April 16, 2026, Thursday – 11:30a-1:00p
Do you know that the longest highway in the USA runs through Bay Village? The 3,652-mile “Grand Army of the Republic Highway” operates across 14 states is loaded with history and scenic sites. See what lies beyond our city on Route 6 (Lake Road). Join Gary Hunter, the Executive Director of the U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association, as he presents a travelogue that features not only the venues across the country, but also nearby day trip adventures.
Bringing Them Home Starts With A Conversation
If you’ve ever felt the urge to share the hope you have but stayed silent because you didn’t have the words, this workshop is for you. Join us on Saturday, April 25th (9:00am-3:00pm), and learn how to have natural, grace-filled conversations at home, at work, in your neighborhood, and more. Learn to share your faith with confidence.
$25 per person (includes lunch)
Register HERE today.
Ladies Guild - Save the Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Avon Oaks Country Club
We are finalizing the details and are excited to say we have added some new segments to our luncheon this year. Included will be a Market Area with local artisans and boutiques. You can shop, sip a cocktail, chat & laugh with friends, enjoy lunch, an entertaining speaker and purchase chances in our raffle! A jewelry raffle will also be a highlight, with more details to follow. more info
Book Study
Theology of the Body Cleveland is hosting a 5-week book study for couples on Edward and Beth Sri's The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life, starting in April.
The book study will be 5 weeks long, and has multiple locations available (start date varies by location).
Calling All Volunteers
St. Aloysius needs your help in the following areas:
- Bag up food every 4th Friday from 9am-12pm. Starting in March, every 4th Friday from 12pm-3pm, fresh food needs to be organized for distribution.
- Distribute food every 4th Saturday from 9am-11am. Please text Carol Bunn, Hunger Center Director, at 216-849-8547 if you can help.
- Help tutor elementary students (Virtus training required), read with them and review math flashcards. No experience needed. Please call Sister Mary Jean Redmond at 216-820-5204 if you can help.
All volunteering takes place at St. Aloysius parish 10932 St. Clair Ave
Father-Son Retreat
The To the Heights Retreat is a father-son retreat (any father-son-like relationship) designed specifically for adult and teen men in the spirit of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. The retreat will be held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe on Sunday, April 26th from 11am to 4pm.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Elvis Grbac, former NFL quarterback and Cleveland native. The day will also include adoration, outdoor activities (weather permitting), and fraternal fellowship.
Chosen Extras Presentation
RESCHEDULED for April 30th, 11:00am-2:30pm
Deacon Will and Liz Yoho will share their experiences (in costume) of being extras on the set of “The Chosen”, a quality series about the life of Christ.
They have traveled 3 times, (so far) to Texas and Utah to be extras on “The Chosen” sets and are happy and grateful to be able to share their experiences with others. The presentation will be held in the Community rooms A & B at St. Raphael Parish.
The Greatest Commandment
When the scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment, Jesus gets straight to the heart of everything. He quotes the Shema prayer that the Jews recited many times a day: “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). That is the first commandment. As God’s children, made in his image and likeness, we are to love him above everything.
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.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION MINISTRY
Do you need:
- Assistance in discerning God's will in your life?
- Help identifying the movements of good and evil spirits in making wise decisions?
- Help in growing deeper in your relationship with God?
Contact parishioner Mike Manco for spiritual direction: mikemanco63@gmail.com or 216-496-4001
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Edward C. Malesic
"The goal of this letter is to provide you with a resource for reflection, that you might be drawn more deeply into prayer and a more intimate relationship with Jesus."
