June/July, 2021 (Ordinary Time)

The Memorare Volume 2, Issue 3

Editors:

Fr. Chris Zerucha Sue Kramer, TOF

www.stmaryakron.com Phone: 330-253-5161

The bi-monthly newsletter of the Parishes of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and

St. Mary of the Assumption – Akron, Ohio Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was

it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left

unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly to you, O virgin of virgins, our Mother. To you do we come, before

you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions,

but in your mercy, hear and answer us. (attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux)

www.stbernardakron.org Phone: 330-253-5161

A Word from Father Chris It has definitely been a year of many changes for the Alfaro Family! Dayana celebrated her 15th birthday, a popular tradition in Mexico and in Central American countries and also received the sacrament of Confirmation in March; Her mother Yesica entered the Catholic faith entirely at the Easter Vigil and was sponsored by her husband Roman; and Rodman their son

received his First Holy Communion on May 16th! Just around that time, sad news came that Roman had quickly progressing stomach cancer and would have maybe a month to live. So, Roman and Yesica were able to receive the sacrament of Holy Matrimony by special permission in their home. Roman was called by the Heavenly Father to His heavenly home and died peacefully and with great faith after receiving the sacraments of Anointing, Reconciliation and the apostolic pardon on May 27th. Roman’s body was then transferred to his home country, El Salvador, for burial. Yesica has shown a maturity in her faith and trust in God that is to be admired, with the responsibility of her three children, ages 15, 8 and 3. Many who know Yesica from the 12:00 Spanish Mass have been offering her support spiritually,

emotionally and financially. We would like to open up a similar opportunity to the entire community. It is our moment to show them that they are not alone, that Christians are brothers and sisters and we are here to help each other in the hardest moments of our lives. For this we ask for your prayers and your financial help if possible. If you would like to contribute to assisting them, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-romans-battling-cancer-with-family-of-3-kids?utm_campaign=p_cp_display&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer .

Catholic Community of SAINT BERNARD & SAINT MARY AKRON, Ohio

Certainly things opening back up is a positive thing; certainly having more people back in person in the pews is a great thing; but seeing the tangible signs of God’s presence in the people we have celebrated with and graduated with and mourned with these last months has been even more powerful! Please enjoy these photos and records of our significant celebrations. Please once again know of my and Father Frank’s gratitude for your presence at our celebrations. Please make note of all of the wonderful activities for High School Youth we are having this summer, masterfully arranged by our youth minister Kristina Cosari. Finally, the Alfaro family had a huge year of powerful experiences here at St. Bernard, even during the most restrictive times of covid and we wish to share their awesome journey of faith with you. I hope summer finds you finding even more tangible signs of God’s providence, goodness and power! Save the dates of August 22nd and September 19th for some food, fun and fellowship at St. Bernard and St. Mary Parishes!– Father Chris

Mass Intentions St. Bernard St. Mary

Sun, 6/13 10 AM +Ted & Genie Richardson Sun, 6/13 9 AM +Margaret Connors 12 PM +Martin Vitug, Jr. Sun, 6/20 8:45 AM +Anthony Crookston & +Donald Ruquet 8 PM +Christine Holman

Mon, 6/14 12:10 PM +Mike Bucy

II – Nathan LaGuardia and Terese Ostendorf III – Brandon Bihlman and Emma Harmon

Tue, 6/15 12:10 PM +Eitel Banks Wed, 6/16 12:10 PM +Willie Orr Thu, 6/17 12:10 PM Pro Populo Fri, 6/18 12:10 PM +Salete Gomes Sat, 6/19 4:30 PM +Gloria Calderwood Sun, 6/20 10 AM +Rob Lucas

12 PM +Señora Ada Gelpi 8 PM +Constance Supple

Offertory Collection Totals – June 5 and June 6 St. Bernard: $6,282.00 St. Mary: $1,383.00

Mass Readings Sun, 6/13 Exodus 17:22-24 Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16 2 Cor: 5:6-10 Mark 4:26-34 Mon, 6/14 2 Cor 6:1-10 Psalm 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4 Matthew 5:38-42 Tue 6/15 2 Cor 8:1-9 Psalm 146:2, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a Matthew 5:43-48 Wed, 6/16 2 Cor 9:6-11 Psalm 112:1b-2, 3-4, 9 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Thu, 6/17 2 Cor 11:1-11 Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 7-8 Matthew 6:7-15 Fri, 6/18 2 Cor 11:18-21, 30 Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 Matthew 6:19-23 Sat, 6/19 2 Cor 12:1-10 Psalm 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 Matthew 6:24-34

Catholic Quote “To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend,

without a steady struggle for truth – that is not living, but existing.”

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) – Feast Day July 4

Third Order Dominican and patron of Students, Young Catholics, Youth Groups, Catholic Action, and World Youth Day

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST June 6, 2021

The Crusader’s Corner – 8th Grade Graduation Tuesday, May 25, the Class of 2021 graduated from St. Mary School. The 19 students were: LeKhai Baity, Saniyah Bowers, Da’Mond Brooks, De’metri Brown, Michelle Gonzalez, Antonio Goodwin, Jevon Hildreth, Donald Johnson, Sandra Montes, Rocio Morales, Sandra Nurse, Rylynn Pinter, Kalira Pryer, Maurasia Pryer, Chaniyah Reddick, Princess Smith, Charles Ware, Paje Ware, and Kylee Watson. God bless the students and staff of St. Mary School,

especially the 8th Grade Graduates!

St. Bernard-St. Mary Youth Group Summer Dates – Kristina Cosari Wednesday Evening Sessions - 7-8:30 PM – Upper Room

6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/14, 7/28, 8/11 and 9/1 *denotes events that need a one-time permission slip

Stay up to date with bulletin, email list & texts (email youthmin@stbernardstmary.org)

Subscribe to texts by sending the message @333jc to the number 81010 Call Kristina Cosari 440.361.0066 with questions

Friday, June 18 – Sunday, June 20 Steubenville Youth Conference

Tuesday, July 29

Coffee Shop Night 6-7 PM - KAVE Monday, June 28 Coffee Shop Night 6-7 PM – KAVE Coffee Shop 584 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, OH 44203

*Wednesday, July 28*

Hike – 2-3 PM - Location on permission slip

*Wednesday, June 30* Hike – 2-3 PM – Location on permission slip

Wednesday, August 4

Coffee Shop Night – 6-7 PM – KAVE *Friday, July 1* Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in Burton, OH (girls only – sorry boys!) 11 AM-9 PM Permission slip to be handed out & needed to attend

*Wednesday, August 11*

Hike – 2-3 PM Location on permission slip

*Wednesday, July 7* Fun Day @ Sluggers n Putters 2-5:30 PM 333 Lafayette Dr. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614

Thursday, August 19

Praise Night @ St. Augustine 7-8:30 PM with Adoration in Church

*Wednesday, July 14* Hike – 2 PM – Location on permission slip

Wednesday, August 25

Coffee Shop Night 6-7 PM -KAVE

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST June 6, 2021

Knights of Columbus Family of the Month for May The family of Dr. Richard and Beth Hofacker was selected as the Family of the Month by the Knights of Columbus, Akron Council #547, which is based at St. Bernard. (Surprise ambush, Rick!) Rick and Beth were married at St. Bernard over 30 years ago. Rick is the son of Tillie and Richard Hofacker (also married at St. Bernard in 1957), brother of Velda and Dave, and he is a lifelong parishioner. By example, Rick’s parents taught their children the joy of serving the parish and faithfully attending Mass. Tillie trained commentators and readers for many years. Many of our current readers learned from her, and are grateful for her instruction. Tillie was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion as well. Vigil Mass at St. Bernard just wouldn’t be the same without Tillie sitting in the front pew before Our Lady, and she is missed by all the regulars on the rare occasions when she is not at Mass with us. Rick started out as a server as a boy, and still serves Mass when needed, most recently at Fr. Frank’s Jubilee Mass at St. Bernard and at the Vigil of Corpus Christi. He has been a reader and EMHC most of his adult life. He has also helped decorate the church at Christmas. As a podiatrist, he not only has a practice here in Akron, taking care of many parishioners and priests over the years, but is also the team podiatrist for the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he started out as a ball boy as a teenager. (Clockwise, Fr. Frank, Tillie Hofacker, Velda Hofacker, Hannah (friend of the family), Nick Hofacker & Dr. Rick Hofacker) Beth has been a supportive, cheerful, sensible, loving, and hardworking wife and mother to their four children – Brandon, Nick, Josh, and Michelle. She and Michelle volunteered together as tutors at St. Mary School pre-COVID. Beth has also worked as a swim instructor at Citicenter, and has provided assistance in a law office. Their children, in turn, have been reverent and very dependable altar servers for the last almost 20 years at 4:30 vigil Mass, nearly every week in that time. The boys moved away from home when they attended Ohio State, but still assist as readers and servers when they are home. When there aren’t Hofackers assisting at the 4:30 Vigil Mass, it seems as if something is missing. What would we do without them?! Through the good example of Tillie and Richard, and then of Rick and Beth, the Hofackers have exemplified the great joy that comes from serving and truly being part of their parish family – and not just taking up space in the pew. St. Bernard has certainly benefitted from their devotion to the parish and to the Church. They truly illustrate the old phrase, “the family that prays together, stays together.” Thank you, Hofackers, and congratulations! (Photo Credit – Bill Dwyer, Knights of Columbus Council #547)

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST June 6, 2021

First Holy Communion Sunday, May 16, eighteen children of St. Bernard received their First Holy Communion at 12:00 PM Mass. They were: Rodman Alfaro Oliva, Luis Mario Bernal, Ketsy Lisely Cotacachi, Alexander Cruz-Quinilla, Jacquelyn Cruz-Quinilla, Adan Ferreyra, Vivian Marie Franco Torres, Rey de Jesus Guijosa Garcilazo, Emily Hernandez-Fierros, Samuel Leon Herrera, Valeria Leon Herrera, Osvaldo Melendez, Azul Anahi Montes, Sandra Jarely Montes, Diego Arturo Ramos, Luciana Isabella Ramos, Patricio Duvan Ramos, and Valeria Michelle Zavala Garcia. Congratulations and best blessings on the happiest

day of your lives – the day you received Jesus – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity! (Photo Credit – Ana Maria Tolmos Baker)

Fr. Frank Basa’s 50th Ordination Jubilee – St. Bernard Saturday, May 15 at 4:30 Mass, St. Bernard parishioners and honored visitors celebrated Fr. Frank’s 50th Ordination Anniversary. Mass was beautiful (as always). Fr. Frank concelebrated Mass of the Vigil of the Ascension with Fr. Chris and several visiting priests, including Fr. Frank’s nephew, Fr. Tony Sejba, pastor of St. Francis Xavier parish in Medina. Deacon Ray also assisted at Mass, along with Dr. Rick Hofacker, who was our server. Eighteen Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard (Fr. Frank has been their Faithful Friar for many years, and he and Fr. Chris are both members of the Knights). The Boy Scouts, including our own Simon and Victor Monsour, presented the flags in the procession. Near the end of Mass, Ed Martin of the Boy Scouts presented a citation announcing that the chapel at Camp Manatoc will be renamed for Fr. Frank, who is an Eagle Scout and has been associated with the BSA for most of his life. The Akron Knights of Columbus Council #547 (based at St. Bernard) presented the gift of a donation to the Boy Scouts in Fr. Frank’s name. Jim Kintz accompanied the Mass beautifully, and the Schola Choir, led by Dave Monsour, chanted a selection in honor of the Feast of the Ascension with great reverence. And then, we all headed to the Social Hall to have a bite to eat and a visit with Fr. Frank. A Pentecost stole in red and white, which is styled similarly to the cover of his Ordination program, was presented to Fr. Frank on behalf of the grateful parishioners of St. Bernard, where he spent three years in the mid-1980s and has been presently assigned for the last eight years. Thanks to all who made this joyful celebration

memorable, including Fr. Chris, the visiting priests, Kathy Sejba, Jim Kintz, Dave Monsour and the Schola Choir, Terry Dalton, the Boy Scouts, the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and Akron Council #547 Knights of Columbus – but especially to our cherished Fr. Frank! (Photo Credit – Terry Fercana)

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST June 6, 2021

Fr. Frank Basa’s 50th Jubilee & Fr. Chris Zerucha’s 10th Anniversary – St. Mary Sunday, May 23 on the Feast of Pentecost, St. Mary parish was delighted to celebrate Fr. Frank’s 50th Ordination Anniversary, and Fr. Chris’s 10th Ordination Anniversary. Fr. Frank and Fr. Chris concelebrated 9 AM Mass with Fr. David Halaiko from St. Vincent. Philip Mernagh and the St. Mary Choir were joined by Joe Zerucha, Fr. Chris’s father, who provided trumpet accompaniment. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus formed an honor guard. Ed Martin from the Boy Scouts again presented the citation naming the chapel at Camp Manatoc for Fr. Frank. After a wonderful Mass, everyone headed to the school basement for a delicious brunch. The parish presented both Fr. Frank and Fr. Chris with AAA memberships, which is especially valuable and practical. Many thanks to Fr. Chris, Fr. Frank, Fr. Halaiko, Christine Alexander, Philip Mernagh and the choir, Joe Zerucha, the altar servers, Mark Pirie, Lisa Crookston, Linda

Crookston, Debbie Friedl, the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and countless others who assisted to make this an especially lovely day in honor of our beloved parish priests! (St. Bernard parishioners – Fr. Frank is wearing the Pentecost stole the parish gave as his Jubilee gift!)

Fr. Chris Zerucha’s 10th Anniversary – St. Bernard Corpus Christi Sunday, June 6, 2021, St. Bernard Parish joyfully celebrated Fr. Chris’s 10th anniversary of his ordination, first at 10 AM Mass, and followed by a reception in the Social Hall. Fr. Gerald Keller, Fr. Chris’s retired pastor and mentor from St. Adalbert concelebrated, with the assistance of Deacon Ray DiMascio. Charles Zindle was the reader at Mass, which was beautifully accompanied by Jim Kintz, the 10 AM Mass choir, and Jaime Masetta, a young local Catholic songwriter and performer who also played for us in the hall afterward. Mass and the reception were exceptionally jubilant, because it was the first Sunday back for many parishioners after the Mass dispensation was lifted and we mostly went back to our pre-COVID rules. We enjoyed a light brunch of sandwiches, fruit salad, chips, and the magnificent tres leches cakes prepared by parishioner Señora Nelly Caico. We were happy to welcome Father’s family and friends as well. On behalf of his thankful parishioners, Father was presented with a beautiful cross from Don Drumm, which is forged with the symbols of the Gospels. We are grateful to all who made this happy day possible – Fr. Chris, Fr. Frank, Fr. Keller, Jim Kintz, Jaime Masetta, Joyce Robinson, Joe Zerucha, Joe Levack, and all who contributed in so many ways to make it all a joy! God is good – always!

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST June 6, 2021

Anniversary Photos – God Bless and Protect Fr. Chris and Fr. Frank!

Photo Credits: Terry Fercana, Susan Culver, Donna Sims, and Joe Levack Photography

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SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATIONConfessions/ConfesionesSaturday, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.;Every 1st Friday, 11:00 a.m.; at St. Bernard and by appointment. Confesiones con cita cualquier día.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICKCall the Parish Offices at (330) 253-5161 for a priest to anoint the sick. If confined at home, call for a Minister to bring Communion. Favor de communicarse al telefono para que un sacerdote provea estos sacramentos.

For other Sacramental InformationCall the Parish Offices at (330) 253-5161 or visit our Websites. Para cualquier otro Sacramento por favor comunicarse al teléfono (330) 253-5161, ext. 1009.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTSPlease have your funeral director contact the Parish Offices to arrange a day and time for a funeral and burial.

EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCECall the Parish Offices at (330) 253-5161 to be directed to one of our hunger programs.

Welcome to the Catholic Communities of

44 UNIVERSITY AVENUE 750 SOUTH MAIN STREET

SATURDAY MASS

4:30 p.m. St. Bernard

SUNDAY MASS

9:00 a.m. St. Mary10:00 a.m. St. Bernard 12:00 p.m. St. Bernard

(Bilingüe) 8:00 p.m. St. Bernard

DAILY & holy day masses

(See inside bulletin for schedule)

SAINT BERNARD & SAINT MARYin Akron, Ohio

PASTORAL STAFF Parish Business Managers

Mrs. Ana Maria Baker, St. Bernard Ms. Patsy O’Connor, St. Mary

Facilities Manager Mr. Tom Hollingsworth, St. Mary

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Michelle DeVitis

Spanish Assistant Mrs. Nancy Cabrera, St. Bernard

Organists Mr. James Kintz, St. Bernard

Mr. Philip Mernagh, St. MaryYouth Minister

Mrs. Kristina Cosari, St. Bernard and St. Mary Custodian

Mr. Ralph Reese, St. Bernard

ST. MARY SCHOOL Dr. Patricia Nugent, Ed.D., Principal Mrs. Mary Ann Williams, Secretary

ENROLLMENT – Call the School Office at (330) 253-1233 to enroll a child in K-Grade 8.

Financial assistance is available. Llame a la Oficina Escolar al (330) 253-1233

para inscribir al niño/a en nivel K-8. Hay becas disponibles.

UNIVERSITY OF AKRON CAMPUS MINISTRY

Call Mr. John Szarwark, Campus Minister for the Newman Center, at (330) 208-0703, third floor of the Parish Office building. Dinner &

Social there on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

FR. CHRISTOPHER ZERUCHA

Pastor

FR. FRANK BASA Senior Parochial Vicar

MR. RAY DIMASCIO Deacon, St. Bernard

ADMINISTRATIVE PARISH OFFICES

44 University Avenue Akron, Ohio 44308

(330) 253-5161 Fax: (330) 253-6949

communications@stbernardstmary.org

Office Hours Monday-Friday

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Websites ST. BERNARD

www.stbernardakron.org ST. MARY SCHOOL/PARISH

www.stmaryakron.com

1075 GRANT ST. 773-7881773-7881

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