Sep 28, 2023

Greetings,

I thought I had another week to warn you about this but I had miscalculated, though it should not affect very many of you. The sidewalk from the south west entrance from the church (the one with which many of you became familiar during the time Mull Avenue was closed) is being replaced and should be completed for the weekend.

This sidewalk extends from that rear entrance to the church, to both the side walk and to the brick drive of the rectory. One of the things that this will correct is the huge step down from the walk to the brick driveway.

On a similar note, it is that time again to seal and stripe the church parking lot, which means it will be closed for a couple of days during the week, so keep a heads up. It should not affect weekend parking.

IN OTHER NEWS:

EXTRAORDINARY FORM: We are entering into October which means that we are in our last month of being able to celebrate the extraordinary form. The first Mass in the extraordinary form was celebrated last weekend at St. Elizabeth Parish, with the approval of the Holy Father. Plans are still forming for St. Mary Parish and St. Stephen Parish. As information becomes available, I will endeavor to pass it along to you.

This weekend I hope to get a survey out to those who attend Mass at 1 o’clock to get a feel of what each of you is planning to do so that preparations may be made. If you typically attend Mass at 1 o’clock but will not be there this weekend to fill out a questionnaire, please come to the office and fill one out. But don’t wait! Decisions must be made soon!

PARENTS OF THE PARISH SCHOOL: Don’t forget that you are invited to a Mass on Monday, October 2 at 10am with Bishop Malesic to celebrate our school winning the National Blue Ribbon. Mayor Horrigan will be on hand, our Catholic superintendent of schools, and others to help mark the celebration. I hope that you can make it.

NEW APPOINTMENTS: Today I received in the mail a new appointment by Bishop Malesic as a member of the “College of Consulters”. According to Canon Law, “from among the members of the Presbyteral Council (on which I also sit) and in a number not less than six but not more than twelve, the diocesan bishop freely appoints some priests who are to constitute for five years a college of Consulters, to which belongs the functions determined by law”. In other words, there are certain things on which a Bishop must consult before he may act. I will have this office until January of 2029.

I have also been named as a member of the newly formed Admissions Board for our seminaries. We have never had an independent board of admissions in the 175 years of St. Mary Seminary. Now I will get to meet all the men wishing to enter the seminary, not just those who get caught in the gravitational pull of Summit County.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck