September 17, 2017 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

What’s Happening … A Note from Our Pastor ....... 2

Verses & Prayers .................. 3

Parish Family Life Events ...... 4

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Pet Blessing

Caring Cook Ministry

Alpha Begins

Parish Activities Schedule .... 5

Fr. Mehok’s Scripture Study

Oktoberfest: Save the Date

Your Financial Stewardship

News From Our Neighbors ... 6

Ministry & Mass Schedules .. 7

Saint John of the Cross Parish, 140 Richmond Rd., Euclid OH 44143 (216) 289-0770

facebook.com/sjocp saintjohnofthecross.org

The parable Jesus tells today is the story of a king, but in truth it is about Jesus himself. He is the "king" who has forgiven our debts. We are the "servants" whose sins have earned us chastisement. But when we repent and ask for Christ's mercy, he grants it to us without hesitation. The point of the parable, then, is that we too should extend this mercy to others. We should not be like that "wicked servant" who begged for mercy but would not show it to others. Elsewhere, Jesus teaches us to pray, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" (Mt. 6:12). We use different words, but a similar meaning when we pray the Our Father asking God to "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." But are we sure that we mean what we say? It's important to pause and evaluate

how we are doing in this regard. Are we harboring any grudges? Are there people we refuse to forgive? Is there a situation where we are seeking revenge instead of extending mercy? Jesus asks us to do otherwise. He reminds us that we have already been forgiven. We are right now enjoying the benefits of his forgiveness. So we are called to bear in mind our own sins, failings, weaknesses, and "debts" when we deal with others instead of thinking that we are perfectly innocent and acting as if we've never been the beneficiary of mercy. So let us do our best to forgive as we have been forgiven. This doesn't mean approving of wrong behavior; God doesn't ask us to do that. But he does ask us to let go of bitterness and foster mercy instead.

“I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant as I had pity on you?”

Saint John of the Cross Roman Catholic Parish

Our Mission We are the Catholic Community of St. John of the Cross, established in 2009. Uniting the people of God as one family, we are rooted in, and empowered by, our sacramental life and Eucharistic celebrations. Living as disciples of Jesus Christ, we recognize our God given potential and challenge one another to share our giftedness, embrace our diversity, and engage in social outreach, service and education. In doing so, we seek to extend the reign of God in Euclid and the wider community.

Questioning your faith? Need help with an issue in your life? Talk to the pastor.

Set up appointment at frsal@saintjohnofthecross.org. or (216) 289-0770.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 September 17, 2017

A Note from Our Pastor “You sure do sing a lot!” These words came from the lips of my five-year-old great nephew several weeks ago as he overheard me singing “How Great Thou Art” into the ear of his cousin — my five-month-old great niece, Taylor — as I tried to lull her to sleep on my shoulder. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that he is right … I sure do sing a lot.

I have found, throughout my years as a priest, when the spoken word just can’t seem to capture what is in my heart when it comes to God, I sing. The Psalms repeatedly call us to come into God’s presence making music, and I, just this week, learned that in the Old and New Testaments, we are told 254 times to make music before the Lord. We all know that saying that is attributed to St. Augustine (which I also learned this week that he actually did not say, although it is a great sentiment!) “When we sing, we pray twice.”

And so I sing … my family will tell you that I sing at family functions, the staff here will tell you that I sing throughout the day in the office. I sing while I cook, while I drive, when I am feeling as though I am on top of the world, and when sadness fills my heart. It is such a big part of my life.

You may or may not know that about 17 years ago, I was asked to sing on a CD that was widely distributed in the Akron area to many hospices. I sang two songs on the CD which is called Hope in the Night. It was truly a tremendous experience, and I have been assured by the producers of the CD that much comfort and peace has been brought to the dying and their families through listening to the songs on that CD.

Over the many years since then, I have been called by those producers and others encouraging me to record my own CD. While honestly humbled, for some reason it just did not feel right. I felt comfortable being a part of a CD, but recording my own seemed a bit outside of my comfort zone and something I would probably never be interested in.

But as the comments continued, and the voices of those encouraging me became louder, I truly began to pray about it, to surrender myself to the idea, and to consider what a CD of my own might look like. It took many years for me to finally think that just maybe, the songs that I would record could touch the hearts of others, that maybe I could use my voice to bring glory to God in a way that I never had before.

And so the planning began, and the time is here. By the time that you read this bulletin, I will be in Los Angeles, recording the CD which I hope will be released before Christmas. More details will follow, I just want you to know about the plans and that my voice and the CD is all for the glory to God, the God who blesses me beyond measure. I ask for your prayers during this time, and look so forward to sharing the CD with you.

God bless you for your every kindness and support ......................... Fr. Sal

Fr. Salvatore Ruggeri

Please Pray for the Sick of the Parish and their Caregivers... Beverley Argento

Lew Ballard

Jim Brown

Noella Burrows

Bill Carrick

Jane DePalma

David DeProspero

Lillian Dolenc

Constance Durrah

Mary Frain

Ann Grossman

Joe Hocevar

John Hocevar

Marlene Hoageson

Andrew Jarm

Doris Kowalski

Evelyn Kublin

Joan Latessa

Mili Lekan

Marie Lipold

Bill Magri

Del Mastrangelo

Joe Matejka

Ronald Maxey

John Paglia

Joe Pastore

Anna Pepock

Joan Raddell

Martha Rymer

Carole Smigelski

Frank Somrack

Mary Somrack

John Tarmann

John Tousel

Marcie Vanek

Scripture Readings for the Week Sunday:

Sirach 27:30--28:7 Psalms 103:1-4, 9-12 Romans 14:7-9 Matthew 18:21-35 Monday:

1 Timothy 2:1-8 Psalms 28:2, 7-9 Luke 7:1-10

Tuesday:

1 Timothy 3:1-13 Psalms 101:1b-3ab, 5-6 Luke 7:11-17 Wednesday:

1 Timothy 3:14-16 Psalms 111:1-6 Luke 7:31-35 Thursday:

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Psalms 19:2-5 Matthew 9:9-13

Friday:

1 Timothy 6:2c-12 Psalms 49:6-10, 17-20 Luke 8:1-3

Saturday: 1 Timothy 6:13-16

Psalms 100:1b-5

Luke 8:4-15

Next Sunday:

Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalms 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a Matthew 20:1-16a

Monday, Sept. 18 Weekday 6:30 pm St. John of the Cross Parish Family

Tuesday, Sept. 19 Weekday 8:15 am St. John of the Cross Parish Family

Wednesday, Sept. 20 Ss. Andrew Kim Tae-gon & Paul Chong Ha-sang

Thursday, Sept. 21 St. Matthew 6:30 pm Frank & Coletta Herchl

Friday, Sept. 22 Weekday 8:15 am Jack Freas

Saturday, Sept. 23 St. Pius of Pietrelcina 4:00 pm Adolf Rot

Sunday, Sept. 24 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9:00 am Joseph & Apolene Ferko 11:00 am Albert Sustarsic

Mass Intentions for the Week

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 3 September 17, 2017

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PRAYER NETWORK HOTLINE

216-289-0770 ext. 33

Call and leave a short message regarding your request. Let us know when your request has been answered. We can also offer prayers of thanksgiving. All information will be kept confidential.

Remember our elderly and homebound as well.

Please notify the Parish Office when a name can be removed from this list.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 4 September 17, 2017

Parish Family Life Events Welcome If you are visiting, we welcome you and hope you will join us again. You can find out more about us on our Facebook.com/sjocp.

Membership If you wish to become a member of our parish, complete the online form on our website, visit the parish office, or call. We look forward to welcoming you!

Baptism Expectant parents are to attend a Baptism Class prior to scheduling a Baptism. Contact the parish office to discuss arrangements.

Marriage Wedding arrangements are to be made at least six months in advance. Please call Fr. Sal at the Parish Office.

Our Deepest Sympathies Family of Helen Williams

May they know the peace and comfort of God’s love and find strength in the support of friends, family and our parish community.

Parish News & Events Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry combines the love of knitting and crocheting with compassion for those in need of comfort and healing. The shawl maker prays for whomever is to receive the shawl. All of our shawls receive a final blessing by the

group. Shawl makers meet once a month or can be involved at home. Contributions for yarn are also greatly appreciated. If you would like to request a prayer shawl for a member of your family or for a friend, please call the Parish Office at (216) 289-0770.

Caring Cooks Ministry Are you or someone in your family experiencing an illness, recovering from surgery or another emergency? The “Caring Cooks” can help. On a short-term basis, the Caring Cooks will provide meals during a

difficult time. Call the Parish Office for further information. If interested in joining this ministry to help your fellow parishioners during their difficult time, please contact JoAnn Volk at (216) 383-6525.

Pet Blessing In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, there will be a blessing of pets at 9 am on Saturday, Sept. 30 in the field near the bocce courts. Let us gather to bless our pets and give thanks to God for the gift of the animals in our lives.

Alpha Begins The 10-week Alpha Course kicked off with an introductory dinner on Sept. 12. Over 180 people signed up for the course including 35 from outside the parish. Next week’s discussion will be “Who is Jesus?

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 5 September 17, 2017

Your Financial Stewardship Last Week’s Giving ....................................................................... $5,195.75

Last Week’s Maintenance Giving ................................................... $524.00

Last Week’s Online Giving .............................................................. $263.50

Last Week’s Online Maintenance Giving ..................................... $1,227.00

Total ..................................................................................... $7,210.25

School Support for August……………………………………………………..…..$777.00 Capital Improvement for August……………….………………………………..$551.00 Your generous support helps our parish fulfill its mission to serve God and share our gifts with the community.

Parish Activities Schedule Monday, September 18

7:30 p Fr. Mehok’s Scripture

Study (Rm. 6)

Tuesday, September 19

6:30 p Alpha (G)

Thursday, September 21

6:30 p Bingo Team #2 (G)

Friday, September 22

8 pm AA Meeting (Rm. 6)

Saturday, September 23

7 am Men’s Prayer Group (Rm. 6)

C-Church MR2-Meeting Room #2 SHR-Sacred Heart Room P-Parish Office PG-Parish Grounds G-Gym PC-Parish Community Center PCB-Parish Community Basement Rm. 6 in Parish Community Center SRW-Ss. Robert and William

Parish News & Events

Save the Date: October 28 St. John of the Cross Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest is coming to St. John of the Cross! The evening begins with a Polka Mass at 4 pm followed by a tradition German feast, music and dancing! If you would like to help out with set up, serving, or clean-up, call the parish office at (216) 289-0770. Tickets will be going on sale Oct. 7. Plan to join us for this fun event!

Fr. Mehok’s Scripture Study The Gospel of St. Matthew will be studied on Monday evenings at 7:30 pm in Rm. 6 of the Parish Community

A little birdie told me… That Fr. Edward Mehok’s birthday is September 25. May God bless him this year with health, hope and happiness.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 6 September 17, 2017

40 Days For Life From Sept. 27 to Nov. 5, you’re invited to join other Christians for 40 Days for Life—40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You’re also invited to stand and peacefully pray anytime between 7 am to 7 pm during the 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside Preterm-12000 Shaker Blvd, Cleveland, or Planned Parenthood– 25350 Rockside Rd, Bedford Hts, or Family Planning-54 South State St. Painesville. Please help spread the word about this important community outreach. Contact John Noall at clevelandpraysforlife@gmail.com or 216-245-9744 for more information.

News from our Neighbors

The Sisters of Notre Dame invite you to their Annual BBQ & Boutique to be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 24 from noon-5 pm. Enjoy barbecued chicken or ribs, chips, apple pie, coleslaw or applesauce. Shop for select sisters’ handmade items in the Boutique. Tickets are $13/chicken, $16/ribs. Held in Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Gym, 13000 Auburn Rd. Chardon. Take-out is available.

Annual BBQ & Boutique Event

High School Open Houses St. Edward High School Open Houses: Sundays, October 15 and November 5, 11 am—1 pm

Lake Catholic Open Houses: Sunday, October 8, 1—3 pm and Tuesday, November 7, 6—8 pm

Villa Angela-St. Joseph Open House: Sunday, October 15, 1 pm, Thursday, November 9, 6 pm, and Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 6 pm.

Benedictine Open Houses: Thursday, October 12, 5—7:30 pm

Catholic Family Day 2017 — October 1 Join the Cleveland Indians for Mass and a ball game for Catholic Family Day at Progressive Field on October 1. Pre-game Mass is at 10:15 am in the Ball Park. Tickets start at $14. Any additional questions, please call 216-420-4162 or email jplys@indians.com

“Love, by its nature, is Communication.” Pope Francis The Catholic Communication Campaign collection will be next weekend, Sept. 23-24. Your donation will help the Church spread the gospel message locally, nationally, and even internationally. With your help, bridges are built, people feel included, and society is enriched. Please put your donation in the regular collection next weekend using the envelope from your packet. Extra envelopes are available in the Gathering Area.

Visiting Eucharistic Ministers

Richmond Heights Hospital Wednesday, Sept. 20 .........................................Regina

Grande Pointe Sunday, Sept. 24 ........................... Chris & Dawnmarie

Ministers Schedule — September 23-24, 2017

Masses: Presiders Greeters Lector 1 Lector 2 Eucharistic Ministers Servers

Saturday 4 pm

Fr. Timothy J. Buda M. Hiti

D. Abreo M. Freas T. Brokamp, K. Brown, F. Buda, S. Lonchor, W. Nalepka, J. Page, S. Ruggeri, S. Thomas-Greaves

K. Brokamp J. Schmidt

Sunday 9 am

Fr. Timothy T. Chounet H. Drozin

G.Haritonovich D. Wagner J. Chounet, E. Edelman, L. Fulton, M. Haritonovich, L. Petrof, G. Petrof, D. Szafranski, M. Wagner

E. Somich G. Somich

Sunday 11 am

Fr. Timothy D. Mallet J. Solpa L. Williams J. Berquist, J. Bretz, J. Bretz, E. Dulaney, J. Hocevar, J. Kirchmeir, F. Koballa, A. Koballa

E. Chapo C. Chapo

Need to Know

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7 September 17, 2017

Mass Schedule

Celebration of Eucharist

Saturday Vigil ........................ 4:00 pm Sunday................................... 9:00 am & 11:00 am Monday & Thursday.............. 6:30 pm Tuesday & Friday .................. 8:15 am Holy Day ................................ 8:15 am, noon & 6:30 pm

Eucharistic Adoration

First Friday ............................ 9:00 am—4:00 pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Saturday ................................ 3:00—3:30 pm

Rosary follows Tuesday and Friday am Masses

Parish Staff & Office Hours Rev. Salvatore M. Ruggeri ............ Pastor

Rev. Timothy Buyansky, OSB ....... Weekend Assistant

Rev. Edward E. Mehok ................. Weekend Assistant

Rev. Mr. Charles Doerpers ........... Deacon

Francesco Binda ............................ Director of Music

Terri Burrello ................................ Sacristan

Anita Linsky .................................. Secretary

Kay Magri ...................................... Business Manager

Nancy Powell ................................ Bookkeeper

Parish Office Hours

Monday−Friday ............................. 8:00 am−4:00 pm

Saturday ........................................ 9:00 am−1:00 pm

ATTENTION LITURGICAL MINISTERS: It is time to prepare the next Liturgical Minister’s Schedule. The schedule will begin in October through January 2018. If you have any special requests or would like to make changes in Mass times at which you serve etc., please contact Anita Linsky at the Parish Office at secretary@saintjohnofthecross.org or call

(216) 289-0770 by September 18. Thank You.

Counters

Monday, Sept. 25 .......................................... “C” Team