As  we  celebrate  the  feast  of  our  beloved  Padre  Pio,  Sept.  23rd  let  us  strive  to  live  in  the  spirit  he  wanted  to  instill  in  his  children.  As  Spiritual  Children  of  Padre  Pio  we  are  people  of  faith,  prayer,  witness,  service  called  to  unity  in  mind  and  heart  for  the  glory  of  God,  edification  of  his  people  and  the  salvation  of  our  souls.    Our  Prayer  Groups    men  and  women                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      who  love  and  desire  to  honor  Padre  Pio.    Through  him  we  hope  to  be  able  to  experience  God’s  loving  presence  in  our  lives.    The  Eucharist,  devotion  to  Our  Lady,  and  the  sharing  of  our  Catholic  values  brings  us  together  in  prayer  and  reflection.    From  the  experience  of  our  monthly  meeting  it  is  hoped  that  the  desire  for  prayer  and  reflection  will  grow  stronger  and  become  a  daily  program  for  each  one  you.    We  are  a  “spiritual  family”  not  bound  by  vows  or  promises,  but  solely  by  our  love  and  devotion  for  Jesus,  our  Faith  and  our  beloved  patron  Saint  Padre  Pio.    We  are  an  example  of  what  the  everyday  Catholic  can  be  and  do:  find  time  to  pray,  reflect  and  allow  that  experience  of  God  to  flow  over  into  acts  of  charity  and  service  within  the  community.    How  Padre  Pio  desired  to  see  his  Spiritual  Children  glow  like  beacons  of  light  in  a  world  that  was  growing  dim  in  its  spiritual  fervor!    How  he  demanded  that  his  Spiritual  Children  not  compromise  their  Baptismal  promises  and  thus  be  examples  and  guides  for  others!    How  Padre  Pio  rejoiced  to  know  and  hear  that  his  Spiritual  Children  touched  the  lives  of  others  and  led  them  closer  to  Jesus  and  Mary!    How  he  wanted  to  see  his  Spiritual  Children  take  up  the  challenge  to  be  Christ  to  the  world!    This  is  the  responsibility  we  accept  in  asking  to  be  Spiritual  Children  of  Padre  Pio.  Thank  you  all  spiritual  brothers  and  sisters  for  making  this  group  thrive.  

Save the Date!

OCTOBER  4TH  

PADRE  PIO  MEETING  

8:30  ST.  BARNABAS  

Mass,  Prayers,  Speaker,  Food  

SPRITUAL DIRECTOR: REV. FR. EDWARD JANOCH

GROUP LEADER: CINDY RUSSO

ST. PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER  2nd  Holy  Hour  for  

Vocations  7  p.m.    St.  Barnabas  Church  

Rosary  &  Benediction  

A  VERY  SPECIAL  GUEST  IN  OCTOBER  Padre  Pio’s  embalmer’s  daughter  will  

be  the  October  guest  speaker.    Teresa  Thomas  is  a  hospice  nurse  and  does  missionary  work  in  Nigeria.  Her  father  embalmed  Padre  Pio  twice.    She  is  an  example  of  an  ordinary  person  doing  extra-­‐ordinary  things  

through  the  Holy  Spirit.      

Happy  Birthday  to  Our  Blessed  

Mother    on    

September  8th!    

Happy  Feast  Day  to  St.  Padre  Pio  

on    September  23rd!  

SEPTEMBER  23rd  Padre  Pio  Feast  Day  

Mass  7  p.m.  St.  Charles  Borromeo  Church  

5891  Ridge  Rd,  Parma  Refreshment  Social  

will  follow  

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SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR’S REFLECTIONS

Lord,  give  success  to  the  works  of  our  hands.    Give  success  to  the  works  of  our  hands.        ~Psalm  90:17bc  

This   past  Monday,   we   celebrated   Labor   Day.     A   day   in  which   our   Nation   rests   from   labor   to   give  thanks  to  God  for  the  opportunities  that  our  work  gives  us  in  the  ability  to  achieve  Life,  Liberty  and  the  Pursuit  of  Happiness.    We  also  are  reminded  that  the  Work  of  God  never  ends.    Every  day  we  are  to  be  ready,  willing  and  able  to  do  God’s  Will,  God’s  Work.    There  is  no  vacation  or  rest  from  doing  God’s  Will,  God’s  Work.    That  rest  will  come  when  we  are  in  the  Eternal  Jerusalem,  Heaven;  and  that  rest  is  eternal.    This  work  can  only  be  done  if  we  ask  Christ  to  stay  with  us.    St.  Padre  Pio  was  a  man  who  did  God’s  Will,  God’s  Work  in  his  daily  life.    It  was  not  possible  for  Padre  Pio  to  abandon  God’s  Work.    He  received  the  stigmata  of  Jesus  the  Christ  to  remind  him  that  he  was  to  be  a  complete  model  of  Christ  for  the  world.    As  Jesus  told  his  disciples,  “Come  to  me,  all  you  who  labor  and  are  burdened  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you  and  learn  from  me,  for  I  am  meek  and  humble  of  heart;  and  you  will  find  rest  for  your  selves.  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden  light.”   [Matthew  11:28-­‐30]    The  work  of  Padre  Pio  was  not  easy,  but  following  Jesus  the  Christ  the  work  would  be  made  easier  because  of  His  invitation  that  the  yoke  of  obedience  to  His  word,  would  make  the  burden  that  he  undertook  light.    Given  out  of  love,  then  anyone  can  take  the  yoke  with  the  burden  given  and  find  it  easy  and  light  in  Christ  Jesus.        We  are  to  do  the  same  as  Padre  Pio  did  if  we  are  to  be  the  spiritual  children  of  St.  Padre  Pio.    While   doing   some   reading,   I   found   the   following   from   Pope   St.   John   Paul   II’s   homily   for   the  canonization  of  St.  Pio  of  Pietrelcina.    Part  of  the  Gospel  for  that  Mass  was  the  above  quote  from  St.  Matthew.    Here  is  some  of  the  Homily:  

“Jesus'  words   to   his  disciples,  which  we   just   heard,   help   us   to  understand   the  most  important  message   of   this   solemn   celebration.     Indeed,   in   a   certain   sense,   we   can  consider  them  as  a  magnificent  summary  of  the  whole  life  of  Padre  Pio  of  Pietrelcina,  today  proclaimed  a  saint.      The  evangelical  image  of  the  "yoke"  recalls  the  many  trials  that  the  humble  Capuchin  of  San  Giovanni  Rotondo  had  to  face.  Today  we  contemplate   in  him  how  gentle  the  "yoke"  of  Christ  is,  and  how  truly  light  is  his  burden  when  it  is  borne  with  faithful  love.  The  life  and  mission  of  Padre  Pio  prove  that  difficulties  and  sorrows,   if  accepted  out  of   love,   are   transformed   into   a   privileged   way   of   holiness,   which   opens   onto   the  horizons  of  a  greater  good,  known  only  to  the  Lord.                                                  ~Pope  St.  John  Paul  II  [16  October  2002]    

 Through  Baptism  we  are  called  to  do  the  God’s  Work,  which  is  made  easy  and  light  when  united  which  Christ,  in  Love.    Go  out  into  the  world  and  “do  it”.    Faithfully  yours  in  Christ,  Fr.  Edward  J.  Janoch  Spiritual  Director    P.S.    I  found  this  quote  and  thought  you,  as  Padre  Pio’s  spiritual  children,  would  like  it  .  “One  day   a  boy   told  Padre   Pio  he  was  afraid  he   loved  him  more   than  God.    Padre  Pio   replied:   ‘You  must   love  God  with  an   infinite   love,  through  me.    You   love  me  because   I  direct  you  to  good,  and   to  God  the  Supreme  Good,  and  I  am  just  the  means  that  carries  you  to  God.    If  I  directed  you  not  to  God  but  to  evil,  you  would  not  love  any  more.’”      

taken from Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty, PADRE PIO THE STIGMATIST

“The  life  and  mission  of  Padre  Pio  prove  that  difficulties  

and  sorrows,  if  accepted  out  of  love,  

are  transformed  

into  a  privileged  way  of  holiness,  

which  opens  onto  the  

horizons  of  a  greater  good,  

known  only  to  the  Lord.”        ~Pope  St.  John  Paul

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."

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina,

Feast Day Sept. 23rd one of the greatest saints of all times

On June 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II canonized in Rome Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, one of the greatest saints of all times. There are saints who have been known for healing; there are saints who could "read" souls; there are saints who were known for levitation; there were saints who bore the stigmata, or were seen in apparition, or who had the “odor of sanctity.” There are saints who could understand languages they didn't

know. But Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, who died on September 23, 1968, had all these charisms, and more. In fact, not since St. Francis of Assisi has

there been such a miracle-worker. Join us in Celebration of his Feast Day on Tuesday Sept. 23rd at

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 5891 Ridge Road, Parma Refreshment social to follow Mass

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OVERCOMING NEGATIVITY TOWARD CONFESSION (PART 3 OF A 3 PART SERIES)  In  the  two  previous  articles,  we  talked  about  forgiving  others  and  experiencing  God’s  mercy.  Confession  is  important  in  achieving  these  goals.  If  the  sacrament  is  so  important,  why  do  many  resist?  While  not  wanting  to  offend  Protestants  and  wanting  to  be  ecumenically  sensitive,  we  need  to  point  out  the  great  disservice  the  protestant  reformers  did  in  downplaying  or  doing  away  with  confession.  This  attitude  unfortunately  has  influenced  many  Catholics.  We  will  state  the  objections  to  confession  from  many  aspects  and  then  give  reasons  to  counteract  them.  First  in  regard  to  Protestants  

1. The  Protestants  viewpoint  began  with  a  resection  of  church  authority  and  was  very  anti-­‐papal.  However  our  Holy  Father  is  the  successor  of  St.  Peter.  “You  are  Peter  and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church.  Whatever  you  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven…”Our  Holy  Father  teaches  us  that  we  need  confession.  

2. The  reformers  undid  1500  years  of  tradition  with  the  church’s  understanding  of  mediating  forgiveness.    “whoever  does  away  with  the  least  significance  of  these  commandments  will  be  called  least  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.”  

3. The  reformers  took  a  somewhat  individualistic  approach  to  salvation-­‐“me  and  Jesus,”  and  downplayed  the  strong  communal  aspect  of  the  church.  An  example  of  the  communal  aspect  is  Baptism.  No  one  would  think  of  Baptizing  one  self.   It  is  always  mediated  by  another.  Yet  the  logical  conclusion  of  an  individualistic  approach  would  be  to  baptize  oneself.  “The  church  teaches  that  after  a  person  repents  interiorly,  forgiveness  is  mediated  by  the  priest.  “Whose  sins  you  shall  forgive,  they  are  forgiven.  Whose  sins  you  shall  retain,  they  are  retained.”  These  words  speak  clearly  of  mediation.  

Secondly,  negative  attitudes  in  our  secular  society  1. Our  secular  society  is  becoming  more  and  more  individualistic  as  opposed  to  “I  am  my  brother’s  keeper.”  

an  example:”  It’s  my  body.  I  can  have  an  abortion  if  I  want  to.”  Every  sin  is  an  offense  against  the  Body  of  Christ,  so  Catholics  come  to  the  church  as  the  Body  of  Christ  to  ask  for  forgiveness  in  the  sacraments.  

2. Our  society  is  developing  a  lack  of  respect  for  and  suspicion  of  authority.  Just  ask  any  schoolteacher  if  this  is  true!  Jesus  said  to  the  apostles,”  as  the  Father  has  sent  me,  so  I  send  you.”  And  “he  who  hears  you  hears  me.”  In  confession,  we  admit  our  accountability  to  our  spiritual  authority.  

Thirdly,  negative  attitudes  in  the  church  1. Since  the  publication  of  the  encyclical  “Humanae  Vitae,”  commonly  referred  to  as  the  “Birth  Control  

encyclical,”  Many  Catholics  have  dissented”  from  the  church  teaching.  This  is  a  “pick  and  choose”  mentality.  The  Greek  word  “Herein”  means  to  pick  and  choose.  Hence  the  word  “Heretic”-­‐  one  who  pick  and  chooses  what  to  believe.  Many  Catholics  are  unofficial  heretics.  Many  Catholics  also  choose  not  to  go  to  confession.  Confessing  really  fell  off  after  Humanae  Vitae.  

2. The  Pre-­‐Vatican  II  Church  was  sometimes  too  rigid  in  the  application  of  church  law.  The  reaction  by  many  after  Vatican  II  was  too  permissive.  Some  theologians  developed  unorthodox  interpretations  of  Theology.  This  filtered  down  to  the  laity.  This  has  led  to  general  confusion  and  a  malaise  in  the  church.  The  Catechism  of  the  Catholic  Church,  published  in  1992,  gives  clarity  on  what  the  church  teaches,  but  the  confusion  persists.  And  there  is  much  confusion  about  confession.  

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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OVERCOMING NEGATIVITY TOWARD CONFESSION (CON’D)  

3. Some  priests  have  unfortunately  downplayed  confession  or  told  people  that  they  don’t  need  to  bother  with  it.  This  was  not  the  attitude  of  Padre  PIo!  

4. Some  priests  offered  penitents  such  a  bad  experience  of  confession  that  they  stopped  going.  Should  a  student  stop  going  to  school  because  of  a  bad  experience  with  a  teacher?  It  is  better  to  find  another  confessor.  

5. Some  parishes  offered  “General  Absolution”  on  a  regular  basis  when  it  was  intended  for very limited circumstances.  As  a  result,  many  people  fell  out  of  the  habit  of  “auricular”or  “penitent  to  priest”  confession.  Good  habits  are  worth  reinstating.  

6. The  climate  in  the  Church  for  confession  is  one  of  neglect.  There  can  be  little  support  for  it  by  others:  “If  so  few  people  confess,  then  it  must  not  be  very  important.”  This  was  the  attitude  of  the  people  in  Ars  before  St.  john  Vianney  taught  them  otherwise  and  the  entire  town  was  converted      

These  are  some  obstacles  to  the  practice  of  confession.  Satan  has  succeeded  in  keeping  many  from  benefiting  from  the  wonderful  sacrament  founded  by  Jesus  to  help  people  come  closer  to  Him.  October’s  newsletter  will  give  some  suggestions  to  help  us  benefit  from  confession.                                                                

St.  Padre  Pio,  Master  Confessor,  Pray  for  us!                                                                                                                                                        

Jesus in my Heart By 7 yr. old Anne Magdalen Marie Snyder

I love Jesus very much. I made my First Confession at my retreat. On my First Holy

Communion, I felt very happy because Jesus was inside me and could make me holy. He

can help me improve my bad habits and help me to grow in virtue.

Michelle helps me say a special prayer after I receive Holy Communion to thank God for

His love and blessing in this Holy Gift. I thank Jesus after every Holy Communion because

He gave us His Body and Blood to be close to us and to show us in a VERY special way how

much He loves us.

I hope and pray that I always remember this is JESUS and thank Him for being with us in

this simple, loving way.

Dear Jesus, keep me simple and loving, just like you.

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Please Pray for Our Sick Brothers and Sisters

Call  Helen  Husky  440-­‐232-­‐3462  (Sunshine  chairman)  to  add  a  member  to  the  list.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Abbot  Christopher  Schwartz  O.S.  B.,    Aurora  Cruz,  Joann  Kowalski,  Rita  Shea,  Eleanor  Phillips,  Don  and  Jane  Dahlhausen  

Samuel  Lawson,  Delores  DiLeone,  Devin  Harvey,  Karina  Barraza  de  Ortiz,    Ofelia  Melgoza,  Spencer  Dray,  Steve  Olexa,  Helen  Husky,  Walter  Kowalski,  Carol  Bertoni,    Mary  Dirda,  Roger  Reardon,  Dan  Peters,  Joseph  Russo  Sr.,  Ron  Firem,  Joan  Tomassi,  Nicole  Tomassi,  Mike  Friess,    Jerry  Lewis,  James  Green,  Helen  Husky,  Joy  Zivzak,    

Dennis  Houlahan,  Dan  Houlahan,  Gina  Sacco,  Carmelita  Pruchnicki,  Robert  Snyder,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Richard  Merecki,  Luella  Merecki,  Ed  Chesar,  Michael  Orbany,  Jeff  Bauer,  Judy  Selby,  

 Rose  Slee,    And  we  ask  God  to  bless  all  of  their  Caregivers.  

PRAYER TO PADRE PIO FOR HEALING

Padre  Pio  of  Pietrelcina,  obedient  father,  you  loved  the  sick  and  infirm  more  than  yourself  because  in  them  you  saw  Jesus.  In  the  name  of  God  you  performed  miracles  of  healing  in  body,  soul  and  mind.  Your  intercession  with  God  healed  the  ills  of  past  and  present  and  

strengthened  people  to  respond  with  confidence  to  future  challenges.  Those  who  came  to  you  regained  a  sense  of  spiritual  integrity  as  you  rekindled  hope  in  their  lives,  and  encouraged  

them  to  renew  the  spirit  in  their  hearts.                                                              

Through  the  intercession  of  Our  Heavenly  Mother,  may  we  experience  your  powerful  assistance  and  be  healed  in  our  bodily  and  spiritual  needs,  particularly  (name  it)  and  gratefully  

give  praise  and  thanks  to  God  for  all  His  blessings.  Amen.  

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