St. Paul THE Apostle Parish

14 Pages·2017·3.82 MB·English

St. Paul

THE
Apostle Parish

June 2017 – Issue #82

We are Indeed a Giving Community!
(A Report on Parish Charity)
Issue Highlights
During this time of Pentecost, our readings
indicate that from the beginning of the
Pastor’s Corner (Parish Charity)….Pages1-2
Church, it has been the tradition of the
Christian community to share goods
Farewell from Fr. Rod......................Page 3
because the believers were all “One heart
and mind” (Acts 4:32). One of the principal
Welcome Fr. Tony Longo……………….Page 3 tasks of the Apostles in the early Church
was to collect goods and redistribute them
in an equitable way: “There was no needy person among
PSR Volunteers Needed………………..Page 4
them, for those who owned property or houses would sell
them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet
Summer Faith Series……………………..Page 4
of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according
to need.” (Acts 4:34-35)
New Items in Marian Gift Shop……..Page 4
St. Justin, a Martyr and one of the early Church Fathers,
wrote, “Those who are well off, and who are also willing, give
A Letter from Dr. Norris………………..Page 5 as each chooses. What is gathered is given to him who
presides to assist orphans and widows, those who by illness
Reaching for Tomorrow News…..Pages 6-7 or any other cause are deprived of resources, prisoners,
immigrants and, in a word, all who are in need.”
St. Paul Campus Diagram………....Pages 8-9 At St. Paul’s, we continue to spread this tradition of giving to
those who are deprived of resources, the imprisoned,
immigrants and to all those in need. As is the practice with
Small Church Communities……….…Page 10
many of our families, the parish specifically sets aside money
in the annual budget for charitable giving. In addition, our
Living Christ Retreat………………......Page 11
parish families are generous in contributing to additional
diocesan initiated programs including the Bishop’s Annual
Families Helping Others…………….…Page 11 Appeal and disaster relief campaigns.
On the page that follows I have included a list depicting our
Walking with Purpose……….…………Page 11
parish’s charitable contributions over the past 12 months
(through May 2017).
RCIA Celebrates Successful Year…..Page 12

Youth Ministry Programs…………..…Page 13

Laudato Si’………………………………Page 14-15
(On Care for Our Common Home)
Some Highlights…

Westerville Area Resource Ministry
In 1972 volunteers from St. Paul’s founded
St. Paul’s Donations (May 2016-2017)
a food pantry, originally known as Paul’s

Pantry. Local families in need received food, Westerville Area Resource Ministry $ 78,650
St Vincent DePaul 69,510
clothing and emergency financial assistance
Helping Hands Health & Wellness Ministry 37,640
through the efforts of these dedicated volunteers.
Catholic Social Services 14,425
In the 1980’s, several other churches in
Diocesan Charities - Christmas 11,015
Westerville decided to collaborate with Paul’s
Kairos Ministry 500
Pantry toward the same goal: eradicate hunger
Catholic Schools - Diocese of Columbus 2,500
in our community. Today the Westerville Area
St. Mary Senior Outreach Ministry 900
Ministerial Association (WAMA), comprised of
St. Rose School in New Lexington, OH 1,500
more than 50 members from over 30 churches,
Crank’s Creek Survival Center 4,550
continues the work of what is now known as the
Fund for Religious Retirement 7,240
Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM).
Campaign for Human Development 4,450
Propagation of Faith 5,570
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is a
Latin America 3,550
worldwide Catholic organization that assists the
Miscellaneous (Various) 1,400
poor and those in need with temporary and/or

emergency help. The goal of each member is to Total Charitable Gifts (May 2016- May 2017) $246,400
grow in holiness and proclaim the Good News of
Support of Parish Missionary to Kenya $11,371
Jesus in prayer, word, and deed. Members seek (2011-2014)
to discover the face of Christ in all people they
serve with the hope that others will see Christ in them.

The Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center is a faith and community based free medical clinic
that serves uninsured and underinsured adults in the Greater Columbus and Northland area. It was
built by a multi-denominational gathering of churches in the Central Ohio community to provide health
care/education, specialty medical referrals, social services, counseling, and spiritual guidance. In
addition, it provides vision referrals, dental referrals, and Benefit Bank services with some medication
assistance. Our parish has contributed over $225,000 since the inception of the Health and Wellness
Center in 2010. We contribute 1.5 % of our offertory collection to this cause. The Center adheres to
Catholic Health Care Directives.
Catholic Social Services (CSS) is a faith-based social service agency focused
on improving the quality of life for people of all faiths and backgrounds during
some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. St. Paul participates with CSS in
their efforts to help poor and vulnerable seniors and families in our diocese. A
small bin, branded with the Catholic Social Services logo was placed on the south
side of our church parking lot for the collection of clothing, shoes, miscellaneous
household items, and small appliances. Through your donations St. Paul actively supports CSS and
indirectly helps keep seniors and families independent and thriving in their own homes.
Other Contributions include: Bishop’s Annual Appeal $303,720
Disaster Relief (flooding/hurricane) 15,725

I wish to extend my sincere gratitude for the compassion, mercy, and self-sacrifice of each of you in
our parish family. Through your generosity many people are being helped in our parish, community
and within our diocese. I continue to be constantly amazed and humbled by your efforts. Through you,
the tradition of the Christian community lives on because the believers are all “One heart and mind.”
In Christ Our Lord,
Farewell from Fr. Rod Damico
Fr. Rod will celebrate his last Mass here
As I prepare to move on to a new phase of my life,
at St. Paul’s at 12:15 on Sunday, June
I am filled with gratitude for the many kindnesses
25. A reception in the Parish Activities
shown to Mary and me over the years. It is our
Center will follow at which time we will
association with so many people that are seeking to
also recognize the 25th anniversary of his
continue to grow in faith and service that have given
ordination. Please join us!
us the courage to set out on this new path that God
has opened for us, and to find joy in it. Please pray
for us, as we will for you. And please welcome
warmly the priest who will take my place here, Fr.
Tony Lonzo. I have no doubt that all this is an
expression of God’s providential care. So please
embrace him as the gift of God he is.

In Christ’s love,
Fr. Rod

My brothers and sisters,
I am happy to be joining all of you at St. Paul’s Parish in Westerville and assisting
Fr. Charlie in our journey of Faith. Fr. Charlie asked me to write a brief biography
before I begin my assignment this July.
I grew up in Mt. Vernon at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, attended St. Vincent’s elementary school,
and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1997. Following graduation, I attended the
Pontifical College Josephinum near Worthington attaining a B.A. in Philosophy from 1997-
2001. In the summer of 2001 Bishop Griffin sent me for my Theological studies in Rome Italy,
where I resided at the Pontifical North American College; receiving my S.T.B. in Theology from
the Pontifical Gregorian University (2001-2004), and an M.A. in Spiritual Theology from the
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in the City (the Angelicum) in 2005.
I was ordained June 25, 2005 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio by Bishop Frederick
Campbell for the Diocese of Columbus and assigned as Associate Pastor of St. Matthew the
Apostle in Gahanna (2005-2009). In 2009, I was appointed Pastor of Immaculate Conception
Parish in Dennison (Tuscarawas County 2009-2015). Since 2015 I have been serving as parish
priest at Sacred Heart and St. John the Baptist parishes in the Italian Village section of
Columbus with residence at St. Joseph Cathedral.

A few personal details to share with you, I enjoy golf and played in high school – although in
the past few years have gotten away from it; but I would like to get back to playing golf more
regularly again! I also enjoy cooking and trying new and different foods as well as traveling
and visiting friends. I should add at least one weakness that I have and that is remembering
names as I am introduced to many people at one time. I have realized this as I have moved to
different assignments; and so have found it best to be upfront about this and ask for your
patience and understanding as I get acquainted with you. I do look forward to getting to
know you as I begin my new assignment here at St. Paul’s.

In Christ,
Fr. Tony Lonzo
THE LIVING CHRIST RETREAT held here at
St. Paul’s this past April was a great success!
Thirty-two attendees and over 30 volunteers
We are very much looking forward to bringing
grew closer to Christ as they shared terrific
Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Women’s
meals, listened to some powerful stories and
Bible Study, to St. Paul’s this September!
shared their own faith journeys. Here are just
Walking with Purpose aims to bring women to
a few comments from those who attended:
a deeper, personal relationship with Christ
“This is a positive, uplifting, reaffirming Jesus by offering individual study materials and
experience that helped me connect with other small group discussion that link the challenges
members of my faith community in a relaxed, of everyday life with solutions given through
welcoming environment.” the teachings of Christ and the Roman Catholic
Church.
“This experience was much more than I had

expected and hoped for in such a wonderful
way. The whole experience was awesome
from meals through sharing and fellowship.”
“The retreat was a very positive experience.
It has provided focus on what I need to do to The 22-week foundation
draw closer to Christ through prayer and course, Opening Your Heart,
service.” is ideal for all women,
regardless of past Bible
Consider making a note on your calendar now
study experience. Classes
so that you are available to attend next year’s
meet for about 90 meetings
LIVING CHRIST RETREAT on the evenings of
weekly and break during
Thursday, March 22 and Friday, March 23, and
holidays and when school is not in session.
the morning of Saturday, March 24.
Opening Your Heart will be offered on Monday
evenings as well as on Tuesday mornings.

Free childcare will be available for those

attending the Tuesday morning session.
Families Helping Others

If you haven’t ever participated in this Interested in learning more about Walking with
parishwide service project, we encourage you Purpose? Take a few minutes and go to
to join other parishioners at 6:30 p.m. on www.walkingwithpurpose.com or simply call
Tuesday, June 27, July 25 and August 29 to parishioners Kellyn Donnelly (614-209-6827),
assemble bologna and cheese sandwiches for Deb Levy (614-404-7667) or Colleen Brandt
the St. Lawrence Haven. The Haven serves (614-946-4718). Registration information will
those the homeless, hungry, and hurting. This be available in the bulletin and on the parish
is a great family service project! If you are website later this summer.
able, please bring 2 large loaves of white
bread, a box of zip lock sandwich baggies, 2
packages of sliced bologna, and 2 packages of

individually wrapped American cheese slices.

Remember to please use Doors #4 and #8 to enter
Miller Hall. Due to our construction project, the
breezeway doors are temporarily inaccessible.
Following the successful completion of Phase I, we have continued to make progress in our Accessibility to Miller Hall will also be restricted and there will be no entry to Miller Hall through the breezeway.
fundraising efforts for Reaching for Tomorrow and would like to again thank everyone who has made a Parishioners should enter through Door #8 on the southwest corner of Miller Hall.
pledge or donation. Unfortunately, we currently have not raised enough in pledges and cash to complete
There will be no parking availability on the north side of the school directly in front of the Miller Hall breezeway
the entire second floor as originally planned. However, we do have the capital necessary that would allow
for the next year to accommodate the construction teams.
us to begin construction on a shell for the second story. This strategy allows us to grow into a finished

space as we raise additional funds.
Construction this summer will be focused on three main areas:

Once built, the second story shell will be complete from a structural standpoint. It will be safe for (1) The Miller Hall breezeway to create a new entryway including an elevator shaft and a stairwell
the students, teachers and staff. We liken this approach to building a structurally sound house with power, to the second floor.
water, and sewer, but without all the finishes such as paint and flooring. This tactic was successfully used
(2) Inserting the steel and laying the concrete foundation in the east wing classrooms that will
during the building of our church as it relates to construction and the use of the lower level meeting rooms.
support the second story. The second-floor shell will be created from this foundation.

(3) The expansion of the school main entrance and offices.
Construction material expenses for things like steel, etc. continue to climb and outpace our

budget. If we were to wait an additional summer to continue our work, the project could become even We appreciate your patience and understanding as we press forward with construction. We’re
more expensive to complete. The school expansion is one of many priorities and needs for our parish focused on ensuring that this will have little impact to our students and the learning environment, and that
community and we aspire to serve our youth in many ways. This approach allows us to maximize the all those in the school and use spaces within the school are safe. An FAQ document will be posted on the
use of our capital. St. Paul Parish and school websites later this summer.

Corna-Kokosing has been busy this month and has a construction timeline of 11 months until We need your pledges and cash donations to ensure that we can fully complete all phases of the
completion. In addition to the second story shell, Corna-Kokosing will make several improvements school renovation. There are some memorial opportunities available made of stained glass acquired from our
including: former church. Also noteworthy are the plans to recognize all donors who have made gifts of $6,000 or more
 New main school entrances with handicap accessibility in both the car and bus loops
to the campaign on a donor recognition wall that will be in a prominent area within the school.
 Expanded school and auxiliary offices
Please earnestly pray and consider how you and your
 Renovation and expansion of the school clinic to include a handicap accessible bathroom
family can support the Reaching for Tomorrow
DOOR #10
 Additional speakers to assist communication within the building in the lower levels of the
campaign. Payments can be extended over a 1, 2 or 3-
school such as Music, Art, Youth Ministry and PSR programs year period. Should you have any questions about
either the construction plans or the campaign, please
 The addition of sound amplification system in the Learning Commons which is needed for
be sure to contact our Parish Development Director
large groups
Dana Forsythe at either [email protected] or
During the 11-month project, there will be some temporary inconveniences – all of which have 614-882-2109. We thank all who have pledged and
been thoroughly thought through and planned for including: invite many others to join!

The front entrance of the school is no longer accessible. School visitors should park in the church
With a renewed spirit of faith and academic excellence,
parking lot and use Door #10 located on the east side of the Multi-Purpose Room and faces the
we can make our Reaching for Tomorrow Campaign
primary playground. (Please refer to the diagram on the right.)
a success! Thank you and may God richly bless our
St. Paul family!

T
he 2016-2017 school year has quickly come to an end. We want to thank you for your faith,
trust, and commitment to the mission of St. Paul School. Our school is sustained by your belief
in Catholic education values. We continue to respect the sacrifices each of our families make
to send their child to St. Paul School and we will continue to put your child first in everything we do!
Our school and parish families as well as our volunteers have played a huge role in making this school
year a success!
Being a part of the ministry of St. Paul School is such a
blessing. The commitment of time and energy put forth by our
staff and teachers is inspiring. Each day we experience tangible
reminders of the power of faith and prayer. Our learning
community exemplifies the idea of prayer being a way of paying
attention to God. Dorothy Day, called out by Pope Francis as
one of the four great Americans (along with Abraham Lincoln,
Martin Luther King Jr. and Thomas Merton), once asked, “Does
God have a set way of prayer, a way that He expects each of us
to follow? I doubt it. I believe some people – lots of people –
pray through the witness of their lives, through the work they do,
the friendships they have, the love they offer people and receive
from people. Since when are words the only acceptable form of prayer?”
Our mission of teaching, living, and learning in the Light of Christ exemplifies prayer as being
rooted in paying attention to God. Our faith-based curriculum and learning environment enables us to
experience prayer through our interactions with the Word of God and each other as we strive to pay
close attention to God throughout our daily routines.
As we close this school year, we wish our eighth grade students all the best as they continue
their journey of faith, knowledge, and life. Eighth grade graduation is a time for celebration and
reflection on the impact a faith-based education has in the lives of our St. Paul graduates.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all students of St. Paul School! I wish you all
a very happy, safe, and enjoyable summer. Please be sure to take time as a family to talk, play, and
pray together. I look forward to seeing you all in August! Those families who are not returning to our
school will continue to be in our prayers as you make your journey on to new places.
God Bless!

Kathleen Norris, PhD
Principal – St. Paul School
For the Youth of Our Parish Ages 3+
Paul Davis, Director of Religious Education
614-882-5045 [email protected]

All children in our parish community should
receive religious formation every year, either Although our Summer Faith Series, The
from our Parish School of Religion (PSR) or St. Pivotal Players has already begun, please
Paul School. PSR is offered for youth in consider joining others and learn about those
Preschool through High School. Our religious whose friendship with Christ transformed not
education classes prepare our students for only their lives, but the world! Undoubtedly you
Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist, and a will enjoy Bishop Robert Barron’s Catholicism
lifelong experience of our rich Catholic faith. DVD series. There are Tuesday morning and
evening sessions through early August.
Today’s youth need strong Christian mentors. Please RSVP to [email protected] or
Won’t you please prayerfully consider giving of call the Parish Office at 614-882-2109.
your time to help our youth grow in their

Catholic faith? Training is provided and Stop in Our Marian Gift Shop!
volunteers (parents and grandparents!)

Schools out and the Marian Gift Shop has many
receive a significant tuition discount! Two
great books for summer reading, and videos and
adults must be present in each classroom at all
games all with a spiritual theme. Young readers
times to ensure a safe and effective ministry.
will certainly enjoy the Chime Travelers Series.
We need volunteers to help in the following
Imagine taking a trip back in time and meeting a
classes this coming year:
saint. What an adventure that would be!

Monday Early Sessions (4:45 – 6:30 pm)
For family fun, there’s Scattergories Catholic
2nd Grade – 3 co-teachers & 1 aide are needed
Edition and Match card games with the Pope!
3rd Grade – 3 co-teachers are needed
Did you know Mary and Jesus can be “seen” in
4th Grade – 3 co-teachers & 3 aides needed
the gift shop? When you turn on the spectacular
5th Grade – 2 co-teachers are needed
6th Grade –1 co-teacher still needed flashlight keychains, you, too, will see them!
We are also in need of 1 Hall Monitor & 2 Flex Aides The flashlights can be used for evening outdoor
Monday Late Sessions (6:30 – 7:45 pm) fun or kept on a nightstand.
1st Grade – 3 co-teachers & 1 aide needed
For your little ones, you may consider checking
2nd Grade –5 co-teachers are needed
out the Brother Frances Video Series. How
3rd Grade – 3 co-teachers & 1 aide needed
4th Grade – 3 co-teachers needed about books about angels and saints that are
5th Grade – 1 co-teacher is needed also puzzles, too? You will even find religious
6th Grade – 1 co-teacher & 1 aide are needed coloring books to help make road trips just a bit
Sacraments class – 2 co-teachers are needed easier this summer! (And by the way, there are
We are still in need of 1 office helper and 3 flex-aides
even coloring books for teens and adults, too!)
Wednesday Sessions (7:00 – 8:30 pm)
5th Grade – 1 teacher & 1 aide are needed The Marian Gift Shop also has a variety of wind
7th Grade – 1 co-teacher & 4 aides needed chimes, outdoor statues, stepping stones and
8th Grade – 1 co-teacher & 5 aides needed unique flower pot mugs! The mugs can be used

Please contact our PSR office at 614-882-5045 for coffee or for small plants and they even come
with a tiny shovel! Summer is a great time to
or [email protected] to learn more. Grow in your
journal and a new shipment of beautiful journals
faith while helping our youth grow in theirs!
recently arrived in the shop. You can always
count on the Marian Gift Shop to have new items
every time you visit! Be sure to stop in soon!
For the youth of our parish in Grades 6-12
Virginia Braun, Youth Minister, 614-882-2537
[email protected]
RCIA Celebrates Another Successful Year at St. Paul’s!
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process developed by
the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism. Candidates
are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices.

All the candidates, sponsors and team members carried away from the weekly
sessions many new Church friends while drawing closer to our Lord Jesus.
Throughout the experience, knowledge was presented and through sharing faith in
small groups, every person by grace came to a deeper awareness of God. This focus
on strengthening ones’ awareness of God in our daily circumstances brought about
more reverence, acts of charity including forgiveness, and a remarkable adherence to Christianity.
Education and faith formation are the hallmarks of the RCIA process where gradually one knows
Christ and better understands His Way.
Have you ever thought about being a companion to someone in the RCIA? Sponsors commit
themselves to one candidate in the process by attending the weekly classes with them. This is truly a
wonderful opportunity to grow closer to God and explore your own knowledge of our Catholic faith as
you walk the path with someone who desires to become Catholic. Are you willing to serve?
Have you ever thought of becoming Catholic and what that might mean for your life? Candidates also
commit to weekly classes and jump start their faith journey through learning, companionship with
others traveling on the same journey, and allowing God a chance to claim their heart.
Please contact Pastoral Associate Susan Bellotti at [email protected] for more information and
check out the “Becoming Catholic” link on our parish website (www.stpaulcatholicchurch.org).