This week, on September 27, we celebrate St. Vincent de Paul.  Like I mentioned in my homily last weekend, I am so thankful we have St. Vincent de Paul Society at this parish.  Whenever someone calls and is in need, because of your goodness, we can help them.  Just a few weeks ago, I met with John Duckworth, who is the current president of SVdP here at the parish.  He expressed that the need for help is growing in our Akron area.  He also shared that when Fr. Schleicher passed away, he donated a portion of his savings to SVdP.  Since then, the money has been distributed wisely over the years but is shrinking.  Because of this we will be having a second collection next weekend, September 28^th and 29^th to respond to the need.  Additionally, in the days ahead, we will have envelopes available in the narthex’s brochure rack for donations.  Another member of SVdP shared this in an email: “The needs of our neighbors seem to be increasing. I was just on phones and spent a little over $2,000 in a two-week period. The bank account will quickly be diminished.”  Hopefully, these two additional ways to give will prevent this from happening.

If you were wondering about other ways to serve SVDP, you are in luck!  Here you go…

• October 5^th and 6^th join us at the parish pavilion to help sort and transport clothing received in the clothing drive.
• One Saturday morning per month, SFdS is asked to send volunteers to the Ozanam Center to help organize and pass out food and clothes.
• Some strong and flexible young adults are needed on a sporadic schedule to pick up and deliver furniture.
• People who have free time during the day can accompany members when they make home visits.
• If you wish to get more deeply involved, you can attend the twice monthly meetings and get trained to manage requests for help that come in by phone. Contact John Duckworth by phone (330-283-3825) or email (johnduc@icloud.com) to learn more.

A couple other announcements…

Welcome Joe Turk.  This week we welcomed Joe Turk, who is now our part-time Business Manager for the parish and school.  I am grateful to have him on board to help with the budget and operations of the parish.  The Finance Council has encouraged and helped me along the way to find who and what we need to continue to make this parish flourish.  I am hoping this will also enable me to focus less on the finances and more on the spiritual growth of the parish.  Praise God!

Welcome back Chris Robbins. A couple weeks ago we welcomed Chris Robbins back to the parish staff. After two years away caring for her mother, Chris has returned to her role as Parish Life Coordinator. We are so happy to have her back! 

List of Staff Members.  You may also notice that the list of parish staff members and their email addresses is in the bulletin now.  This should make it easier for us to attend to your needs as they arise.  Peace and blessings to you all!

Thank you for all that you do,

Fr. Jeremy