​​​​​​​IN NOVEMBER WE REMEMBER

Throughout November, we remember in prayer those who have died.  On Saturday, November 2 at the 4:00pm Mass the names of those deceased loved ones who were buried from our parish this past year were read.  We realize that we all have friends and family who have passed on to eternal life and were not buried from Saint Michael Parish.  We remember those loved ones when we pray for “all the faithful departed” and support each other in our grief while praising God for the promise of eternal life with Jesus Christ. 

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On November 1 we celebrated the Solemnity of All the Saints.  The lives of the Saints challenge us each and every day.  For like us, they were imperfect people, who recognizing the presence of Christ in their lives, sought to become more like him.  Their varied stories of conversion, faithfulness and ministry spur us on to a deeper understanding of the need to share the light and the life of Christ in a world which so desperately needs his abiding presence.  The Church beautifully extends this celebration of the Saints with the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, what is commonly known as All Souls’ Day.  While for many of us, the remembrance of our loved ones in thought and prayer is a daily blessing, this particular day invites the entire Church to lift up all who have gone before us on the journey toward the Kingdom.  In a special way, we recall the lives of those who have passed on since last year’s observance of All Souls’. 

 

Seeking to continue our prayer for the faithful departed, the month of November has in many ways become a month of remembrance.  Beginning with all the Saints and Faithful Departed, it leads us by the end of the month into a more profound sense of Thanksgiving, and also a new liturgical year with the beginning of Advent. Throughout the month of November, we will keep a collection of the All Souls’ envelopes with names of our loved ones inscribed on them on the altar, and include them in our daily celebration of the Mass.  When we gather for that celebration of the Mass, we exemplify the unity of the Communion of Saints.  We gather surrounded by images of but a few of the many glorious lives of those Saints of God.  We bring to each liturgy prayers for the faithful departed who have gone before us.  And we bring ourselves to the celebration – in prayer, in thanksgiving, and in a desire to be more like those who surround us and guide us along the path that will lead us all to the joy of our heavenly reward.  Not just this week, or month, but every day of our lives here on earth, let us Sing with All the Saint in Glory. 

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TURKEY CONNECTION

We are again collecting turkeys for thanksgiving meals for Saint Vincent DePaul Dining Hall, The Rescue Mission and Skip’s Café. The collection day this year will be Tuesday, November 26, 2024

If you have been a parishioner of Saint Michael for a time, you know of the Turkey Connection.  Each year we are asked to supply turkeys and all the “fixins” like stuffing, pies, potatoes, yams, rolls, etc. for a Thanksgiving meal to serve at these facilities.  Since the city buses don’t run on Thanksgiving Day, the Thanksgiving meal will be served on Wednesday. Please bring these items (use disposable containers) to our Parish Hall on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 between 8:30am and 4:00pm.

Thank you and God bless you for this and all you already do to bring the face of Christ to this small corner of the world.

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TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT FOR FATHER LAVELLE

Bishop Bonnar has asked that I assume the temporary role of Administrator of the newly merged Saint Pope John XXIII Parish in Niles (the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Stephen Parishes).  This is in addition to my responsibilities as Pastor of Saint Michael Parish, Canfield; Vicar for Missionary Discipleship; Diocesan Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship; and Diocesan Director of the Office of Communications.  Father Bala Marneni will assist in the sacramental ministry of the parish while I will attend to the administration of the parish, along with an occasional weekend (possibly monthly).  Thank you for your understanding during this time.  It should be no great disruption to our schedule or activities here at Saint Michael​​.

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CHANGES IN THE CHURCH

We have re-instituted the distribution of the Precious Blood along with the Body of Christ at all our weekend Masses.  In preparation for this, and for a few other reasons, we will be making a few physical changes to the front portion of the Church.  The small section of pews in front of the Holy Family will be redesigned for those who are physically challenged. This space is closest to the accessible entrance and the accessible restrooms.  The section in the front will be restored with the extra pews we have on hand at this time.  We are in the process of obtaining a final quote for new pews and kneelers for the center sections of the Church.  Additionally, the small section of pews in front of the tabernacle will be removed to make ready for a small Saint Michael Shrine area to be dedicated on the Feast Day in September.  I realize that some people will be less than happy that they have been “displaced” from their seats, but we have more than enough room in the body of the Church for everyone.  Thank you in advance for your understanding.

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Ongoing Events

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RECITATION OF THE ROSARY

​​A group gathers in the pews near the Holy Family Statues for an oral recitation of the rosary the 1st Saturday of the month at 3:15pm.  Please call Mary Ann Camardo (330-286-3432) for more information.​​

 

​Please join us on Tuesday mornings (unless there is a funeral) at 11:00am in the church to say the Patriotic Rosary. For more information call Kate Pavlich (330-533-2432). Read more HERE.

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FITNESS FUN is a safe one-hour total body exercise workout, which includes a warm-up, weight training, body conditioning and toning exercises, both standing and on the floor, low impact aerobics, and a cool down.   All exercises are choreographed to Christian and popular music of the present and the past.  The class meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 10:00am in the lower level of the Parish Hall.  Interested persons may join anytime. 

Please wear comfortable clothes, proper shoes, and bring a mat for floor work.

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OPEN GYM FOR WALKING

The Family Life Center Gymnasium is now open four days a week: Monday through Thursday, from 9:30am to 11:30am.  Parishioners are invited to come and walk for healthy exercise and companionship. Walkers are requested to stop in the open meeting room across from the restrooms to store their coats and change from outdoor boots and shoes to indoor athletic or walking shoes—required to protect the FLC floor. Now there is no need to go to the mall to exercise.  This is a great opportunity right here at home to walk your way to a healthy lifestyle. Please enter through the side door.