July 2022
oncept Monthly
Newsletter
I m m a c u l a t e C o n c e p t i o n C a t h o l i c C h u rc h
Oktoberfest 2022 Coming Soon
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Join Our Community at Quintessential Summer Event
hen the calendar rolls to July, the countdown is on for Immaculate Conception’s annual three-day Oktoberfest. For Oktoberfest President Brent Woerner, the countdown for next year begins at 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 17. He has been president of Oktoberfest for 11 years and involved for 25 years. “At the end of the festival, there is a sign of relief, but everyone knows we are 362 days away from next year’s Oktoberfest,” Brent says. This three-day annual event is highly anticipated every year. In 2022, we will enjoy the fun from 5 to 11 p.m. on July 15, from 4 p.m. to 11 Be sure to join your fellow parishioners and the greater community p.m. on July 16, and from noon to 10 p.m. on for some fun at the 42nd annual Oktoberfest from July 15 to 17. July 17. The proceeds from Oktoberfest benefit Immaculate Conception and our programs. There’s no shortage of food and fun, from the ChiBrent is so thankful for all the parishioners who give so nese auction to the toddler trot, kid’s games, and live much of their time to make Oktoberfest successful. Planmusic. Brent says many people who have moved out ning for the event happens all year. People are faithful stewof town come back year after year with their children. ards when they step forward to help, wherever that may be. “It’s such a fun weekend,” he says. “There is “When this festival is over, committee members truly something for everyone.” have taken notes and we come together after the continued on page 5
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Immaculate Conception CATHOLIC
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What Does “Red, White, and Blue” Mean to You?
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lthough our nation’s real independence began at the end of the Revolutionary War on Sept. 3, 1783, President John Adams originally thought that the anniversary would be marked on July 2, the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence from Great Britain. Ultimately, Americans chose to commemorate the birthday of the United States on July 4, the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted and approved. What does this mean for us as Roman Catholics? The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity” (2239). As a parish community, we are called by God to respond to this duty to the best of our ability. So, where do we start? The Second Vatican Council document, Apostolicam Actuositatem, states that “In their patriotism and in their fidelity to their civic duties, Catholics will feel themselves bound to promote the true common good: they will make the weight of their convictions so influential that, as a result, civil authority will be justly exercised and laws will accord with moral precepts and the common good” (14). By living our lay vocation and permeating the secular world with Catholic values, we genuinely honor God and neighbor. As “lamps shining before men,” we need to let our moral convictions — no matter the courage it may take — shine forth to be a guiding light for the world, often left vulnerable in the darkness. Our commitment to a rightly ordered Catholic patriotism begins with our commitment to the formation of our Christian conscience. We must enrich ourselves with the Church’s teachings on the value of human life, the sacred institution of family, Catholic social and moral teachings, Catholic civil duties, and anything that further pertains to the living out of our Catholic faith in our nation today. Once we have done this, we will be able to act upon it. As St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Today, more than ever, we need to pray for the light to know the will of God, for the love to accept the will of God, for the way to do the will of God.” This year, let us give our hearts to carrying out this mission of an authentic Catholic patriotism under God. Our nation was founded under God. Let us not allow this precious heritage, this source of true life and liberty, to be lost. Its preservation relies on each one of us.
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A Letter From Our Pastor
W E PROV I DE T HE GI F T S,
God Performs the Miracles Dear Parishioners,
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t is human nature to try to neatly place things into categories. If we categorize the miracles performed by Christ, the two largest groupings might fall under the headings “Healing” and “Feeding.” This is exactly what we are about here at Immaculate Conception. At the base of all our liturgies is the Eucharist, when we come together in communion with the Lord and with one another to be both fed and healed. Even one of Christ’s most famous miracles — the Feeding of the Multitude — involved both healing and feeding from a spiritual and a literal perspective. The reason the large crowd gathered was because Jesus’ reputation as a healer had spread and grown. He felt compassion for that crowd, which is another way of saying He loved them and felt sorry that they were hungry due to their willingness to sit and be with Him for so long. Recognizing it was late in the day and that many of them had not eaten, Jesus literally fed them — but that day, He didn’t stop with physical nourishment. He also fed them spiritually with His words, and simultaneously, healed their wounded hearts by preaching a message of hope and forgiveness in the midst of a dark and hardened world. The narrative of Christ taking a small amount of food and using it to feed thousands is familiar to all of us. It is reported in all four Gospels. However, I would like to highlight one aspect of that miracle. It all started with one boy who was willing to share what little he had. Because the boy made the gift of his fishes and loaves, the Lord took it and multiplied it many times over, nourishing so many more people than what that little bit initially could.
Isn’t that what we as a parish are called to do? We make gifts of our time, our talent, and our treasure as good stewards — but nevertheless, it is God who takes those gifts and performs miracles with them. Our goal is to give what we have so that Christ might use it, multiplying it to feed, to heal and draw a multitude of people closer to Him. The reality is that without the gifts, there can be no miracles, and without miracles, we are a hungry and broken people. Christ has come to renew, nourish, fulfill, and restore — and that, brothers and sisters, is what Christianity is all about. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Michael Troha
Immaculate Conception CATHOLIC
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BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY: Offering Essential
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or those who have experienced great loss, difficult life events, or traumatic situations, finding comfort and support within the Church is a ray of light amidst the darkness of grief. People who find themselves grieving are often searching for answers, understanding, and healing. The search for the understanding of Christian suffering is one that every person experiences on their journey in this life. It is part of our journey in our relationship with Christ and part of our road to heaven. The answers to the question of why suffering exists can only be found in God. Those in the Bereavement Ministry hope and pray that by providing support and a safe place to be with others who are also grieving, they can give comfort to those who seek it. Deacon John Nelson Sr. and his wife, Raquel, are part of this ministry that is working to assist those who may need this support. "As a deacon, I see a lot of people who are hurting for various reasons," he says. "We are all human — we are all broken and in need of help from others. We are called to be Christ and help others through their journeys in certain ways." Ministry members Colleen Royer and Kathy Kenst both participated in a course to learn more about comforting others and facilitating a support group. “After experiencing loss within my own family, I thought it would be nice to have a support group at the parish," Kathy says. "We hope to have a ministry that would reach out to families that are experiencing loss. I have been a part of other more secular support groups, but I really feel that it is important to have God at the center. I don’t know how I would get through without God.”
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Colleen Royer, Kathy Kenst, Raquel Nelson, Deacon John V. Nelson Sr.
Colleen had led a support group at a parish where she was previously a member. So taking this course was a great opportunity for her to be able to continue to provide the love and support that she hopes will help make others’ journeys a little bit easier. “Listening and just being there with others is really the most important part of a support group,” she says. The group uses a daily meditation book that includes prayer and time for discussion and reflection. While this falls under the Bereavement Ministry, they really want to emphasize that this is a grief support group. “There are many types of grief,” Deacon John says. “There is grief from the death of a loved one, grief as relationships end, or grief as we experience various difficulties in this life, just to name a few. This group is here to support you no matter what type of grief you are experiencing. We are really hoping people understand that they are welcome no matter what their circumstances are.”
As a deacon, I see a lot of people who are hurting for various reasons. We are all human — we are all broken and in need of help from others. We are called to be Christ and help others through their journeys in certain ways. — Deacon John Nelson Sr.
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Support in Times of Grief and Need "There is no commitment," Colleen adds. "Walk over and join us. All are welcome and wanted. It is a prayerful time to be among others who are also grieving. We listen and reflect. It is a healing, comforting and loving gathering." Currently, the group's primary is to provide the support group though, eventually, they would like to start providing other supports, as well such as being involved in the All Souls Day Mass, having members of the ministry attend funeral Masses within the parish,
and making phone calls to reach out to those who are grieving. Other ministries within the parish currently provide support to those who have experienced loss in other ways, such as by sending cards. They hope in the future to bring all of these together to give comprehensive support and care to parishioners who are experiencing difficult times. Any parishioners who are interested in being a part of the ministry in this capacity as they grow are encouraged to reach out to learn more information.
The support group meets on the fourth Sunday of each month at 12 p.m. The meeting is located in room 104. If you would like more information, or to get involved in this ministry, please contact Colleen Royer at the parish office 440-942-4500.
Oktoberfest 2022 Coming Soon last fritter is eaten and start planning for next year’s Oktoberfest,” Brent says. It takes “all hands on deck” to make this a success. If you have a skill that would help make the event the best it can be, consider coming forward to help. “Your talent is exposed while you are setting up, cooking, serving people, or whatever talent you have,” Brent says. “Working side by side and with people in the community is a very uplifting and enjoyable experience for all."
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In particular, Brent most enjoys the setup. Our parish grounds are transformed, thanks to the work of many hands. When it’s all set up, Brent has another favorite activity. “I like walking the grounds and interacting with festival-goers and maybe dancing to a song or two,” he says. As the event approaches, Brent asks us to pray for a lovely weather weekend for Oktoberfest, as we know only the good Lord can control that.
Be sure to join your fellow parishioners and the greater community for some fun at the 42nd annual Oktoberfest from July 15 to 17. If you would like to volunteer for Oktoberfest, please visit the parish website at immaculate.net.
Immaculate Conception CATHOLIC
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Avilas Prayer Ministry Praying for Graces of Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life
t. Teresa of Avila once said, “There is but one road which reaches God, and that is prayer. If anyone shows you another, you are being deceived.” This is the motto of the Avilas Prayer Group here at Immaculate Conception. The Avilas Prayer Group was started by Ursuline Sister Borromeo while she was a teacher at Immaculate Conception. It is a group of dedicated parishioners who on every third Tuesday of the month attend Mass at 7:30 a.m., pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet, and say prayers for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. The group also meets with the Diocese of Cleveland’s other Avilas prayer groups. “We’ve been told many times how effective, important and meaningful these prayers are — without priests we are without the Eucharist,” says Dolores Fratino, a member of the prayer group. “I feel it is a joy and the best gift to meet, praying together, for the graces and strength each of them needs to make and keep a firm commitment.” Known for her deep spirituality and devotion to prayer, St. Teresa of Avila was the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church. She was a Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic whose prominent spiritual writings are renowned by the Church, particularly in the published work, The Interior Castle. Praying for vocations helps those discerning the priesthood and religious life, as well as those in formation. It is important to spiritually support those seeking out their vocations, and the Avilas group seeks to
do just that. Another component of the Avilas Prayer Ministry is the opportunity to spiritually “adopt” a priest. Members are assigned a priest for whom they pray by name every day, along with offering cards and notes of love and encouragement. “We remain anonymous and only upon our death is our name revealed to him and, if he is available, he may attend our funeral Mass,” says Mary Ann Takacs. Mary Ann is the main contact for the Avilas Prayer Group here at Immaculate Conception. She emphasizes the importance of the ministry and encourages parishioners to pray for vocations, even if not actively participating in the group. “All that it entails is an eagerness and true sincerity to pray for priests and consecrated religious, with special emphasis on those discerning, knowing how effective and meaningful these prayers are,” Mary Ann says.
There are currently 12 members of the Avilas Prayer Ministry, some of whom are homebound and pray for vocations in their own ways. If you would like more information, or to get involved, please contact Mary Ann Takacs at 440-946-5330.
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Feast of St. James: July 25 Calling Us to Holiness
he beauty of St. James the Great’s character lies in his undivided heart — a heart that treasured its Lord from its very depths. The Gospel story (Luke 5:1-11) recounts that, after laborious fishing efforts, James and his brother, John, had caught nothing. Jesus accompanied them and caught an astonishing bundle of fish. At the sight of this miraculous catch of fish, they began to understand that Jesus was not someone to merely pass by — that He must be divine. He called them to “leave all and follow” Him. From this moment forward, St. James had a relentless resolve to follow his newfound Messiah. Christ made James one of the Twelve Apostles, giving him the mission to proclaim the Good News. Jesus also allowed him some special privileges. For instance, when Jairus’ daughter was raised, James, along with John and Peter, were the only ones Jesus allowed to accompany Him. When Christ sought God’s presence in an intimate way through prayer from a mountaintop, He brought along with Him only James, John and Peter. There, they witnessed the glorious transfiguration of Jesus. He also chose these three to be at His side during His excruciating Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Clearly, he was one of Christ’s most beloved followers. This brave saint was also one of the first martyrs of the Church. King Herod Agrippa killed him with a sword in an early Church persecution. “Confidence continued on back cover
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Feast of St. James in God arms us... with that supernatural courage which causes us to dread nothing in our struggle for the kingdom of God: that conquering intrepidity which has animated the martyrs,” wrote Dietrich von Hildebrand in Transformation in Christ. St. James certainly had this “conquering intrepidity.” St. James is the patron saint of laborers and rheumatoid sufferers. Let us not allow such a saint to pass by unnoticed. Let us emulate his dedication to God in our daily lives. We are called to be as holy as we can be — just as holy as St. James — today, not tomorrow. Alleluia, truly, He is coming soon!
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