Immaculate Conception

Fr. Mike and Melissa along with Mary Ann Gesaman and Chris Beaver from Park United Methodist Church attended the 38th Annual Bishop Cosgrove Justice Dinner on Friday, December 2nd at St. Matthew’s Parish to receive the Bishop Anthony M. Pilla Leadership Award for our collaboration on the Akron Family Garden Initiative (Garden Soxx).  The award is given “to groups or individuals who have brought together people or organizations in new partnerships to educate, raise awareness or find solutions for problems with the vulnerable populations among us.”  Thank you to the Catholic Commission for this recognition and to all of you who have supported this ministry by adopting a garden for an at-risk-family, helping to deliver and plant gardens or through your prayers.

 

“Bob” made his debut Saturday, much to the delight of the neighborhood Trick or Treaters.  On October 31st, Halloween Day, “Bob” guarded the rectory and greeted passers-by.  Fr. Mike joined him for a photo op, decked in true Minion style!  Thanks to Joe Langton for the decorated gourd.

Birthdays at the rectory are always special, especially when it’s Fr. Mike’s!  Happy birthday to our pastor!

Our church property was not safe from the digging that has taken over 18th St., 17th St. and Kenmore Blvd.  It was decided by the gas company that our old, antiquated gas meter needed to be replaced and so the adventure began.  They needed to dig to connect the new gas lines to the church and the rectory and then they removed the old meter.  Unfortunately, the new meter they brought was the wrong kind so we await the new one.  Here are some pictures of the work.

On Saturday, March 7th, the plan was to partner, once again, with parishioners from St. Albert the Great Parish to paint the vestibule of the church as part of a Lenten service day. Unfortunately, no one from St. Albert the Great Parish was able to come, but as you can see, our parishioners stepped forward to get the job done!  Thank you to our Head of Maintenance, John Hughes, for getting us organized and keeping us on track, to Beth and Joe Langton for providing a delicious lunch for our hungry workers and to all who came to share their stewardship of talent. More stewardship days are in the works, so stay posted!

On June 8th, 1974, the Church of Cleveland celebrated as Bishop Clarence G. Issenmann ordained 26 young men to the priesthood, one of whom was our own Fr. Michael B. Smith!  It seems like just yesterday, but 40 years of ministry have passed for these dedicated servants.  How does one mark a milestone like 40 years of ordination to the priesthood?  With a celebration, of course!  On June 8th, 2014, Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Mike celebrated the happy occasion with family, friends and the parish at the 11:00 am Mass followed by a reception in Waldeisen Hall.  It was a wonderful day as you can see.