WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2026-06-28
“Over a thousand races run, from a five-miler to a triathlon, to the Boston Marathon itself. A father-son duo would often be seen running these races. A father pushing his son in a wheelchair for a marathon, or pulling his son on an inflatable for a triathlon. If you’re familiar with the story of Team Hoyt, of this dynamic father-son duo, that started when Richard’s son, Rick, was only 15 years old. He was born with cerebral palsy and was a quadriplegic, but asked his dad, “Dad, I want to run a five . . .”
Homily 2026-06-28 Aloysius
“There are times you have to use a prop when you preach. I love reading novels, novels that are placed in the history of our country. One of my favorite writers is a gentleman by the name of John Grisham. John Grisham has written tons of books and novels, and they’re usually set in the South. They are usually him dealing with the issues of the day. He was a lawyer, he still is, who now is a writer. And that’s how he spends his time. But he wrote a book entitled The Last Juror. And it’s a book, it’s a novel based on two people: a gentleman who runs the local newspaper . . .”
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.
Peter's Pence
Support the works of the Holy Father to fund emergency financial assistance to those throughout the world who suffer from war, oppression, and natural disasters.
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
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!
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!
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!
Dr. Geetha Yeruva
Dr. Geetha Yeruva makes an appeal for donations to support the Foundation for Children in Need (FCN). Presently, FCN is sponsoring nearly 1600 children and college students and 100 elderly in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. FCN also addresses various needs such as medical care, health education, women development and others.
St. Vincent de Paul Update
The St. Vincent de Paul Conference here at St. Raphael continues to be dedicated to serving the needs of the poor by providing beds, mattresses and bedding, emergency food supplies, temporary rent and utility assistance and sharing resources for additional longer-term basic needs such as furniture, food assistance and employment opportunities. Your support helps us meet the needs of so many. Since January, we have:
helped 49 neighbors in the Cleveland area which includes 4 children; and paid:
$12, 260 for rent assistance see more
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.
Envelope Notice
If you have transitioned to Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) online contributions and wish to discontinue receiving physical offertory envelopes, please contact our Parish Bookkeeper, Marcia Beifuss, to update your preferences. Helping us reduce waste and mailing costs is greatly appreciated. Marcia can be reached at:
mbeifuss@saintraphaelparish.com or 440-871-1101
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."
