WHAT'S HAPPENING
Anointing Masses This Weekend
At all Masses this weekend, October 18-19th, our parish community will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick. Those who are “baptized… have reached the age of reason, and who begin to be in danger due to sickness or old age” may receive the sacrament. This includes: “the elderly who are weakened, those who face surgery due to serious illness, and those who suffer mental illness”. Seats will be reserved at the ends of middle section pews for those who are in need of the Sacrament of Anointing.
Vincentian Fall Newsletter
Our St. Vincent de Paul Conference began in 2025 and presently has about 15 members of our parish who assist others in Bay Village and on the west side of Cleveland who suffer the results of poverty, unemployment, illness or other catastrophic situation. Our Conference President, Kevin Cornelius, was recently interviewed for an article in the society's newsletter. Read that interview on page 3 of the newsletter HERE.
Playground Grand Opening
We are excited to announce the grand opening of our new playground this coming Monday, October 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. We will do a ribbon cutting and a prayer of blessing for the playground. We are proud to present our amazing playground, where children can embark on unforgettable adventures. Crafted with love and care.
Thanks to everyone who made this endeavor possible!
Aging and Spirituality Discussion
Bay Village Library October 22nd 12-1:30pm
"We lack a developed spirituality for the second-half of life. Our churches and theological circles have too little to offer in terms of spiritual guidance for us as we move beyond our youthful years, especially as this pertains to aging and moving towards death." - Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI. This afternoon (Session #2) will provide the opportunity to journey into the heart of the aging process to become wise elders, not just old people.
METRO
7pm Wednesday night October 29th
In the Church
Come and be encouraged before Halloween. This month Tom Pussel, Director of Outreach and Evangelization from St. Raphael, will share BIBLE VERSES I MISSED BEFORE BECOMING CATHOLIC.
All are welcome to come join us for praise and worship music, a talk, adoration, and ice cream fellowship afterwards.
Holy Spirit Fall Garage Sale
Holy Spirit Parish Ladies Guild Garage Sale
410 Lear Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012-2004
Garage & Bake Sale: Thurs., 10/30 9 am to 7 pm
$5 Fill-A-Bag Friday: Fri., 10/31 9 am to noon
Cash & Credit Cards accepted!
Family & Kindergarten Open House
We invite all parishioners and their families to join us for our New Family and Kindergarten Open House on November 5th from 7:00-8:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to come meet our teachers, tour our campus and classrooms, and learn more about what makes our school so special! We blend spiritual formation with academic excellence to transform students and empower them to make a meaningful difference. We instill Catholic values, morals, attitudes, and behaviors that shape both the hearts and minds of our students. Children are welcome!
Questions: Sharyl Fuhrer 440-871-676 or sfuhrer@saintraphaelparish.com.
Marriage & Family Connections
Speaker Series: Embracing Holy Intimacy – Including God in your Marriage, Friday, November 7, 7:00 pm, featuring Neil & Nellie Krawczynski. Nellie is a licensed counselor, and Neil is a spiritual director. All married couples are welcome!
Babysitting will be available from 7:00=9:00pm in the Zwilling Room.
Please RSVP HERE.
Refugee Simulation and Action
Join fellow citizens as we experience the reality that many migrants and refugees face due to war, political upheaval, and climate change. We will also learn about our Church teaching on migrants and refugees and join together in prayer for our neighbors who are refugees.
Please RSVP & join us on Saturday, Nov 8th, 9:30-1:00 pm, at St. Ladislas Church, 2345 Bassett Road, Westlake, for this program that is sponsored by the Social Concerns Ministry and the Diocesan Social Action Office.
Questions: Jane Blackie @ (216) 513-8065 or jane.blackie@gmail.com
Faith AND Science Workshop
The ITE Project and the Diocese of Cleveland's Young Adult Ministry Office proudly co-sponsor the third annual Faith AND Science workshop: Human Evolution on November 8th at the Sari Feldman Auditorium (Parma-Snow Branch Library) from 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Registration includes: professional speaker presentations by Dr. Dan Kuebler & Dr. Andy Staron, lunch, and discussion tables. This event is open to all (adults 18+) who are interested in delving deeper into Human Evolution and wish to participate in healthy discussions about it. *RSVPs required by October 25th*
World Mission Sunday
These funds are distributed in the pope's name by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith - a Pontifical Mission Society
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
Come & See
October 18, 9am - 7pm
St. Paschal Baylon Convent, Highland Heights, OH

Are you ages 20 - 39 and curious about what religious life is all about and
would like to join others wondering about this vocational path? Come join us for the day and learn about what our lives are like as Sisters of Notre Dame and about our mission, spirituality, and ministries. To register or for more information, please contact Sister Kelley Rush, SND
Cell: 440-241-3124 or Email:
krush@sndusa.org
The Relics of Saint Padre Pio
The Relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina will visit St. Mary Catholic Parish (731 Exchange St., Vermilion, OH 44089):
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Veneration from 12 p.m. to 6:30 pm.
Monday, October 20, 2025
Mass in honor of Saint Pio at 8:30 am.
Veneration from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For additional information, contact the parish at (440) 967 8711
Fall Book Study
TOB CLE is partnering with the Avon Catholic Community to host a fall book study, “Return to the Heart” by Dr. Shane Owens, starting Oct 23.
With the election of our first Augustinian pope, Leo XIV, we picked a book that explores the mind and heart of St. Augustine. “Return to the Heart” takes Augustine’s “Confessions” and makes it relatable and accessible.
Work Day
Saturday, October 25th at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: 3520 E 143rd St, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
Still Need 7 More Volunteers!
MUST BE 16 OR OLDER TO VOLUNTEER
Metro Catholic Playground Dedication
Wonderful news! Thanks to the generosity of St. Raphael Parish and the community at St. Stephen’s Parish, Metro Catholic School (1910 W. 54th Street, Cleveland, OH 44102) will dedicate a beautiful new playground and a newly paved parking lot for students and families on
Monday, October 27, at 9:00 AM. Following a brief program, students will enjoy their new playground for the first time. Light refreshments will be served, and optional school tours will be available. All are welcome to come join in celebrating this milestone. Please let Theresa Day know at
theresa.day@thepartnershipschools.org if you can attend.
Opening for CYO Site Director Coordinator
Dear St. Raphael Parishioners,
We love hosting CYO Games in the PAC and want to keep that tradition alive - but we need your help! St. Raphael CYO Athletics is currently looking to fill the position of Site Director Coordinator.
Called You By Name
WEEKEND HEALING RETREAT October 24-26, 2025. Women seeking help after an abortion are invited to a confidential, private healing retreat at Loyola Retreat House, just north of Canton. Encounter the mercy of the Lord through the sacraments, prayer and scripture in a safe, supportive and sacred environment. For more information, contact The Community of Jesus, the Living Mercy at 1.800.482.4100 or email at bethesdahouseofmercy2008@gmail.com.
Alpha, Appetizers, @ AJ's Urban Grill
Are you skeptical, curious, on the fence, or not sure about the Christian faith? Do you know someone who is? Then join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and exploration of faith in an open and welcoming way. Every Thursday, now thru November 20th from 6:30-8:30pm, the private room at AJ's Urban Grill is reserved for Alpha. Appetizers and ice tea will be provided free of charge. This is a perfect way for you to get your questions answered or for you to accompany a friend who is interested in the faith. You do not need to be Catholic, Christian, or spiritual to attend, only interested and open. Register HERE as space is limited to 20 people per night. Questions? tpussel@saintraphaelparish.com more info
Pilgrimage to Marian Shrines:
Fatima, Spain, and Lourdes
This 10-day, 8-night pilgrimage is scheduled for
April 15-24, 2026
with Fr. Dan through
206 Tours
Dementia Resource
Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer or dementia? The Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation is a non-profit organization and resource which will provide an opportunity for socialization through a variety of art enrichment and wellness programs at no cost. Programs are led by professionals and encourage interactions so important to prevent social isolation. Support groups & individual counseling are also available. We are located nearby at 26633 Detroit Rd. in Westlake.
For more information, call 440-414-0434
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
2025 Jubilee Year of Hope
A banner of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica is displayed in the church Gathering Area. Pope Francis opened the Holy Door the evening of December 24, 2024, and ushered in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Click below for more details.
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."
