WHAT'S HAPPENING
Homily 2025-09-14
“A few years ago, I had a wedding at the Cathedral downtown, and the couple asked me if it would be okay if they held a crucifix as they said their vows. This is the first time in 37 years that anyone has asked for that, and I asked them why a crucifix? They told me that there’s a small city in Bosnia Herzegovina called Široki Brijeg. That town has endured a number of invasions throughout the years and many religious persecutions. It’s a very Catholic village and is. . .”
Join us for faith, fellowship, and fun!
Sept 2, 9, 16, 30 from 10-11:30 AM – Bible Study “Synoptic Gospels”
Sept 20 from 3:30-4:10 PM – Lector Enrich (LitMin Series #1)
Sept 8 from 7-8:30 PM – Evening Bible Study “Synoptic Gospels”
Sept 27 from 3:30-4:10 PM – Marthas Enrich (LitMin Series #2)
Sept 29 from 7-8:45 PM – Trivia Night #1
St. Vincent de Paul Mission
Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of God’s great love for each of us, a love so great that He sent His Son not to condemn the world, but to save it, so that we might have eternal life.
Is there a neighbor or friend of yours who is in temporary need because of loss of a job or an illness? Please leave a message for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (440-360-7803)…we want to help!
PSR Traffic
Starting at 4:00 pm on Mondays, parish parking lot traffic is one way, and traffic cones will remain in place. For the safety of our 200+ PSR students, we ask that cars do not park in front of the cones or move them.
PSR classes go into full effect on Monday, September 15th and will continue through May 18th.
Thanks for your cooperation!
METRO
Wednesday September 24th 7pm
Christine Kavlich has been equipped to engage in the ministry of inner healing and freedom. Perhaps now, more than ever, the church needs sons and daughters pursuing holiness and wholeness. God has revealed himself as the Lord who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Ps 147:3). Come and learn the anatomy of the wounds that we experience in life and how to partner with Jesus to bring freedom from the lies, unforgiveness and disorder that come as a result of these wounds.
Grief Support Group
People say you have to let go and move on in your life, but they don’t tell you what you need to do to accomplish that. The Grief Recovery Method ® Outreach Program not only makes that possible, but provides partnerships and guidance to ensure that it happens.
Our next 8-week program takes place October 2 - November 20, 2025 from 12:30-2:30pm in the Community Room.
Marriage & Family Connections
Speaker Series: Expectations & Change in Marriage, Friday, October 3rd, 7:00 pm, featuring: Dr. Michael Pavlak. Dr. Pavlak is a licensed psychologist and licensed independent marriage and family therapist with over 40 years of experience, helping over 2,000 couples. All married couples are welcome!
Babysitting will be available from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Zwilling Room. Please RSVP
HERE.
Pet Blessing
Lions, tigers and bears are not welcome, but household animals and their families are invited to the 19th Annual Blessing of the Pets on Sunday, October 5 from 1:30-2:00 p.m. on the front lawn of St. Raphael Church. Individual blessings will be given to each animal. Dog and cat treats and give-aways from Hot Diggity Dog Pet Sitting will be distributed and a garden statue of St. Francis will be given away. The event is free and all are welcome!
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.
Aid for Gaza
emergency humanitarian relief and medical and psychological care for the sick, malnourished and wounded
OLDER (but still relevant) Parish News
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
Encounter Mary, St. Joseph and the Rosary Series
Monday, September 15th at 7PM
Our guest speaker is St. Raphael’s own Dr. Andy Kereky, presenting "Little Saints, Big Devotion: The Fatima Children's Call to Prayer and Sacrifice." Dr. Kereky will share with us the children’s devotion to Mother Mary and praying the Rosary, along with an in-depth look at their strength and faith. Talk is in-person in the Community Room or Livestream HERE. We will also pray the Joyful Rosary together.
Aging and Spirituality Discussion
Bay Village Library September 17th 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 will provide the opportunity to journey into the heart of the aging process to become wise elders, not just old people.
Spruce-Up Day
September 27th – 9 am to 3 pm
Lunch provided- but feel free to bring a desert or a side dish.
Who: All are invited to join, 16 years of age and up
What: Let's help Spruce up neighbors’ landscaping (mowing, weeding, mulching, flower planting and clean up lots)
Where: We will be working on West 83rd Street. For mapping purposes, you can use 2026 West 83rd Street. Habitat has six completed modular homes on this street. We want to thank the street for dealing with our trucks and dust. more info and to Sign Up
SRS Class of 1975 Reunion
Attention Classmates - St. Raphael School Class of 1975! We will celebrate our 50th reunion on Saturday, September 27th, beginning with the 4:30pm Mass at St. Raphael. If you know anyone from the Class of ’75, please help us spread the word.

Social Concerns Diaper Collection
The Social Concerns Ministry is collecting baby diapers and wipes for various area programs throughout the month of September. All sizes are needed, but the larger sizes are often in shorter supply. Disposable diapers can cost a family about $75 per month per child, so parents already struggling to afford food, healthcare, and household costs may be forced to make one diaper last all day or reuse a soiled one. Please place diapers and wipes in the bin in Good Shepherd Square.
Thank you for your generosity!
PSR Needs Your Help!
We are in need of assistant catechists for various PSR grades in our afternoon session. A background check and Virtus training are required for adults.
We are also accepting Grade 8 volunteers to help as Teacher Aides in the classrooms. Sign up using this link.
Contact Joanna Parsons at
jparsons@saintraphaelparish.com or 440-360-7748 if you are interested.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Join us as we prepare your child for the joyful celebration of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion! This program nurtures a deeper relationship with Jesus as children learn about the forgiving nature of our Heavenly Father, the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and their important role within our Catholic family.
Registration for the 2025-26 First Communion program is open now!
PSR Registration is Now Open!
This year, the registration will look different. We are using our new database, Ministry Platform, to collect the registrations. *WE ARE NOT USING PARISHSOFT.
For previous families, you should have received an email from Joanne Gill on Thursday, July 31st with instructions on how to register. You can also click on the link on the PSR webpage: HERE
St. Raphael Guild Membership 2025-2026
The next Guild Membership Year begins August 1st. Our 2025-2026 membership drive runs from August 1st through September 15th. Yearly membership dues are $10. Members who pay their dues during the drive period will be eligible for a drawing of a Gift Certificate as a thank you for prompt dues payment. Your dues along with Guild fundraising profits support Parish ministries, community charitable efforts and funds for the annual $1000 8th Grade Service Scholarship Award.
40th Anniversary Celebration
JOIN US AS MALACHI CENTER CELEBRATES 40-YEARS BY BEING PART OF OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18.
SOUP FOR THE SOUL EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH JULY 31. Since 1985, Malachi Center has provided life-changing programs and services for homeless individuals, low-income families, and their children. As we reflect on our past and look to the future, please join us to celebrate our 40th Anniversary -- while also raising vital funds to support our mission!
SRS Alumni Association
If you graduated from St. Raphael School, please click this link to register as an alum! Our goal is to foster an engaged alumni network that supports the legacy and ongoing growth of the St. Raphael School community. You’ll receive updates on classmates, stories from years past, news of current students, upcoming reunions, and ways to stay involved in the vibrant life of our school and parish. If you have any questions or would like to help expand our reach and plan events, send a note to alumni@saintraphaelparish.com.
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."
