Church of SS. Cosmas and Damian
Calendar of Events

Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics

     A free service to traveling Catholics, 1-800-Mass Times (1-800-627-7846) or website www.Masstimes.org offers locations and times of liturgies at the nearest church.

Help in Healing After an Abortion

     Bethesda, the House of Mercy is a confidential, safe place where anyone suffering after an abortion can experience hope, healing and reconciliation. Founded in 1990 by women who have experienced healing after abortion and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Bethesda provides a healing program where hearts are mended with love. To apply for help, call (216-524-9432).

Altar Server Recruitment

     All young adults, grade level 5 and above, are invited to consider active involvement in parish life as an Altar Server. The ministry is in service to the Lord, the Liturgy of the Church, and the parish community. Ministry training will be announced at a later date.

Adult Altar Servers

     Adult men and women of the parish are asked to consider their involvement as Altar Server for particular liturgical celebrations of the parish; namely, daily morning mass, funerals and weddings. The parish cannot ask children in the day school to leave class on a regular basis, and needs others’ assistance for serving the prayer needs of the parish community.

Altar Servers Needed

     Ss. Cosmas and Damian’s Acolyte ministry is looking for children and adults starting in Grade 5 who would like to join in serving the community as altar servers. We are looking for children and adults to take part in this ministry. Since the parish will be closing its school, we are looking for adults to serve daily masses and funerals. If you or your child would like to serve the parish, please feel free to call the rectory and sign up. Training will begin in June 2007. A specific date will be sent out to those who want to serve. Thank you for your attention. - Justin Pearce (Altar Server Coordinator)

The Bulletin

     If you have any questions you would like answered, please call Adrianne at (330-425-8141, ext. 415) or email the Parish Business Office: adrianne@sscosmas-damian.org and we will try to answer your questions with bulletin announcements.

Donate that Old Car

     Donate your used car, van or pickup truck to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, diocese of Cleveland, and avoid the hassles and headaches o trading it in or selling it yourself. Your vehicle will be sold and the proceeds used by the St. Vincent DePaul Society in their charitable programs that assist the needy and suffering throughout the diocese. You may also be eligible for an income tax deduction. For more information call (216-696-6525, ext 3150), or (1-800-869-6525, ext. 3150); check out our website at www.svdp.cle.org

Emergency Assistance Fund

     The Emergency Fund is not on vacation. We welcome your requests for food, help with bills. Call (330-425-8141x710) for completely confidential help. This is our mission; let us fulfill it. Call us

Traveling Statue of Mary

     The traveling statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is back. If you would like to bring her into your home for prayer and blessings, please contact Teresa Jindra at (330-487-0956).

What is Adoration?

     Adoration is where peace abounds. The busier you are the more Adoration can help. Adoration is not to be missed. The graces are endless. Do you have your special time with God? If not call Teresa Jindra at (330-487-0956) for your special Holy Hour with Jesus, who is the Truth, the Life, and the Way.

Brick, Anyone?

     Are you interested in having a memorial brick installed at the outdoor Our Lady of Fatima Shrine mounted on the front wall of the Church? The engraving company allows 3 lines with 20 characters per line. Cost of the brick is $100.
     An order form can be picked up at the Parish Center Office. Any questions or more information, call Adrianne at (ext. 415).

Emergency Assistance Fund

     The Emergency Fund is not on vacation. We welcome your requests for food, help with bills. Call (330-425-8141 x710) for completely confidential help. This is our mission; let us fulfill it. Call us.

Host an Exchange Student:

     If you love teenagers and enjoy world cultures, we would like to invite you to become a CCI host family. High school students from Europe, South America and Asia are anxious to teach us about countries different from our own. Provide an enriching experience for your household.

     Call Karyn Hall at (330-995-3503) or visit www.cci-exchange.com

     The Center for Cultural Interchange is a non-profit organization working with partners in forty countries. We appreciate your support of our efforts to provide quality experiences for American families and for the world’s youth. Please do not hesitate to call for additional information.

(CCI is a fully accredited organization)

Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America

     Visit this national exhibit on the 250-year history of Catholic sisters in the U.S., including artifacts, photos and video that will tell the story of the small group of pioneering women who built the schools, hospitals, and social services we know today. The exhibit opened at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, located at 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood on May 9th and runs until August 28th. More information on Women & Spirit is available at www.womenandspirit.org. For Museum hours, costs and directions, go to www.maltzmuseum.org or call (216) 593-0575

Summer Camp for Teens and Pre-Teens!!!

     This Summer Camp is especially designed for students who will be ENTERING the 6th-8th grades in the fall of 2010. Our theme this year is Master of the Universe: Discovering God Through Nature and Science, and will be held July 19-23, 9 am - 4 pm. We will meet each day at SS. Cosmas & Damian, and then depart for our scheduled activities. Some special activities include the Great Lakes Science Center and OmniMax Theater, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, Pioneer Waterland, and a full day of hands-on experiments on campus. Meals, snacks and drinks are included each day, as well as a really cool camp T-shirt. A special service project will be a part of our camp experience. Flyers and registrations packets are available in the parish center or through Mrs. Joni Smith. Stop in and pick one up, or call X 348. Invite your friends. HIGH SCHOOL students who would like to apply as Camp Counselors for this summer camp can also pick up the camp counselor applications in the same way.

Jr. High Summer Camp

     Jr. High Summer Camp is a week long program of exciting faith-building activities and field trips, especially designed for students who will be ENTERING the 6th-8th grades in the fall of 2010. Our theme this year is Master of the Universe: Discovering God Through Nature and Science, and will be held July 19-23, 9 am - 4 pm. We will meet each day at SS. Cosmas & Damian, and then depart for our scheduled activities. Some special activities include the Great Lakes Science Center and OmniMax Theater, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, Pioneer Waterland, and a full day of hands-on experiments on campus. Meals, snacks and drinks are included each day, as well as a really cool camp T-shirt. A special service project will be a part of our camp experience. Flyers and registrations packets are available in the parish center or through Mrs. Joni Smith. Stop in and pick one up, or call X 348. Invite your friends. HIGH SCHOOL students who would like to apply as Camp Counselors for this summer camp can also pick up the camp counselor applications in the same way.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION

     After Masses the weekends of 6/20 & 6/27 Summer Camp Registration will be held for all students entering the 6-8th grades in the fall 2010. Kids will immerse themselves in nature and science projects and field trips throughout the week of July 19-23, including Virginia Kendall Park, the Great Lakes Science Center, OmniMax Theater, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, Pioneer Waterland, and a full day of hands on science projects. While enjoying all of these great adventures, students will discover God’s role in nature & science, and in their own lives. Further details and full schedule will be available at the table on these sign-up days! High school students who wish to serve as camp counselors should register at this time as well, and applications will be available on the table.
CANOE TRIP coming soon! On Sunday, July 25, teens will meet for Mass at 9 am, then depart for a 10 mile canoe trip at Camp Hi. No experience necessary! Adults who would like to participate are welcome, and chaperones will be needed. Watch bulletin for details or contact Mrs. Joni Smith X 348.

50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

     50th Wedding Anniversary celebration at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist will be on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 2:30 pm Mass. The Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland will be the Principal Celebrant.
     Reservations are now being accepted for couples married 50 years (married in 1960). Couples who are celebrating other significant years 55 or over or have missed previous celebrations are welcome to register and attend. Seating is limited at the Cathedral. Number of guests will be determined by the seating capacity and total number registered. Deadline: June 28, 2010.
     Applications can be picked up at the Parish Center offices or you may call and the information will be taken over the phone: (330-425-8141 Ext. 415)

F.I.A.T.

     CANOE WITH US at Camp Hi in Hiram on Sunday, July 25! We will gather with our faith community for Mass at 9 am at Ss. Cosmas & Damian. Afterwards, we’ll go to room 212 in the Parish Center, where we will sort out who is canoeing with whom, collect consent forms, have a brief canoeing lesson, then depart for Camp Hi. No experience is necessary! Lots of fun & great scenery! This is a teen event, but everyone is welcome to join us – families, friends and parishioners. EVERYONE must RSVP and sign a release form for Camp Hi. (Minors will also need our standard youth ministry consent form.) RSVP to Joni Smith X 348 before July 21. Forms are available in the parish center.

The FEST! on Sunday, August 8 is a great opportunity to celebrate our Catholic faith with about 35,000 other Catholics in the greater Cleveland area. FESTivities are on the grounds of The Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe and are free (purchase food & drink there or bring your own). Come and join us as we picnic, pray and celebrate God’s goodness through the Liturgy, great music and community. The FEST organizers are looking for people who want to sing in the choir for Mass, or help out in a variety of ways. Volunteers get free T-shirts. Outdoor Mass is at 8 pm, and a fantastic fireworks display follows. Just imagine celebrating the Mass with 35,000 Catholics! Check out The FEST website at www.TheFEST.us Our youth ministry team will be taking a group, and families are invited to carpool with us. Contact Joni Smith for details.

Youth Ministry (FIAT) Fundraiser!

     The diocese has provided us with a great opportunity to raise money towards our planned mission trip for next summer. It’s called “Walk on the Wild Side” and will be held at the Cleveland Zoo on Sunday, August 22. The day includes great door prizes, a family Liturgy at the zoo, and all day admission to the zoo and rainforest. ANYONE interested in walking with us should contact Mrs. Joni Smith ASAP. Registration will be on-line. Once you are registered, you will receive a pledge sheet and can begin asking family and friends to support you. All who register BEFORE AUGUST 1st will get a free T-shirt. Families and friends can all participate. Come and enjoy a great day for a great cause! The event website is www.catholiczoowalk.com.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION

     After Masses the weekends of 6/20 & 6/27 Summer Camp Registration will be held for all students entering the 6-8th grades in the fall 2010. Kids will immerse themselves in nature and science projects and field trips throughout the week of July 19-23, including Virginia Kendall Park, the Great Lakes Science Center, OmniMax Theater, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, Pioneer Waterland, and a full day of hands on science projects. While enjoying all of these great adventures, students will discover God’s role in nature & science, and in their own lives. Further details and full schedule will be available at the table on these sign-up days! High school students who wish to serve as camp counselors should register at this time as well, and applications will be available on the table.
CANOE TRIP coming soon! On Sunday, July 25, teens will meet for Mass at 9 am, then depart for a 10 mile canoe trip at Camp Hi. No experience necessary! Adults who would like to participate are welcome, and chaperones will be needed. Watch bulletin for details or contact Mrs. Joni Smith X 348.

The Divorced, Separated and Widowed Catholics of Akron

     A "Caring and Sharing" session for those who are divorced, separated or widowed will be held on Monday, July 26th from 7:30-9:00 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary's Convent Building, 1945 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls. A licensed counselor will facilitate the session. This is open and free to people of all faiths. For information call Frank (330-801-0527) or Sharon (330-612-3635).

Firebird Soccer Camp

     Registration is now open for boys entering Grade 5 - 9. A great soccer training opportunity for area youth! July 26th to July 30th, 2010 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Cost is $25 (Includes soccer ball and camp t-shirt.) The camp is located at St. Peter Chanel High School, 480 Northfield Rd., Bedford, Ohio. For information call: Nick Urban at (440-232-5900 x 161) or visit www.stpeterchanel.com.

Charismatic Conference

     The 289th Cleveland Charismatic Conference sponsored by Catholic Renewal Ministries will be held July 30th and 31st at Magnificat High School in Rocky River. Guest speakers will be Fr. Larry Richards, Aggie Neck, and Mark Nimo. The theme is “Clothed With Power.” Bishop Richard Lennon will celebrate Mass on Saturday. The conference opens on Friday at 7 pm. Contact Sue and Joe Palmieri at (440-774-1191) for registration information or visit www.crmweb.org. Advance registration through July 19th: $25; at the door: $30. Ages 19 and younger are $10.

Club 55+

     The Island Hopping Tour on Thursday, July 22 will leave the parking lot at 7 am. Please report at 6:30 am. Have breakfast - there will be no coffee stop en route.

     The balance for Soaring Eagle on November 4 and 5th is due by August 1st.

     A trip to Belterra is scheduled for January 5th and 6th. Cost is $100 per person. A deposit of $25 is due now.

F.I.A.T.

     CANOE WITH US at Camp Hi in Hiram on Sunday, July 25! We will gather with our faith community for Mass at 9 am at Ss. Cosmas & Damian. Afterwards, we’ll go to room 212 in the Parish Center, where we will sort out who is canoeing with whom, collect consent forms, have a brief canoeing lesson, then depart for Camp Hi. No experience is necessary! Lots of fun & great scenery! This is a teen event, but everyone is welcome to join us – families, friends and parishioners. EVERYONE must RSVP and sign a release form for Camp Hi. (Minors will also need our standard youth ministry consent form.) RSVP to Joni Smith X 348 before July 21. Forms are available in the parish center.

The FEST! on Sunday, August 8 is a great opportunity to celebrate our Catholic faith with about 35,000 other Catholics in the greater Cleveland area. FESTivities are on the grounds of The Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe and are free (purchase food & drink there or bring your own). Come and join us as we picnic, pray and celebrate God’s goodness through the Liturgy, great music and community. The FEST organizers are looking for people who want to sing in the choir for Mass, or help out in a variety of ways. Volunteers get free T-shirts. Outdoor Mass is at 8 pm, and a fantastic fireworks display follows. Just imagine celebrating the Mass with 35,000 Catholics! Check out The FEST website at www.TheFEST.us Our youth ministry team will be taking a group, and families are invited to carpool with us. Contact Joni Smith for details.

Youth Ministry (FIAT) Fundraiser!

     The diocese has provided us with a great opportunity to raise money towards our planned mission trip for next summer. It’s called “Walk on the Wild Side” and will be held at the Cleveland Zoo on Sunday, August 22. The day includes great door prizes, a family Liturgy at the zoo, and all day admission to the zoo and rainforest. ANYONE interested in walking with us should contact Mrs. Joni Smith ASAP. Registration will be on-line. Once you are registered, you will receive a pledge sheet and can begin asking family and friends to support you. All who register BEFORE AUGUST 1st will get a free T-shirt. Families and friends can all participate. Come and enjoy a great day for a great cause! The event website is www.catholiczoowalk.com.

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

     The Interfaith Hospitality Network provides overnight hospitality, meals, and support to homeless families with children. St. Rita is part of the network. We will be hosting guests the week of August 1-8. Our guests will be staying in the Resource Center on the St. Rita campus from 5:30 pm to 7:00 am each day during that week.
     We are always in need of extra hands to help set up their rooms on Sunday, along with cooking and serving meals during the week. We particularly need activity and overnight hosts. Activity hosts are asked to spend just a couple hours during one of the evenings to help entertain our young guests.
We encourage families with children to help with meals and activities. It is a great experience for all the children involved. It is also a great way for teens to earn community service hours.
     If the August host week is not convenient, we will be hosting guests again October 17-24
We hope that you will join us in our mission to provide welcoming shelter to homeless families. Please call Kathy Lamancusa, (440-248-1058) to schedule a time to help or for more information. More information about the program is also available on St. Rita’s web site at www.stritaparish.com under Outreach Programs or at www.ihncleveland.org.

Women’s Group

     The Nautica Cruise is our get-together for July. The meeting would have been on Weds, July 21st. Our next meeting will be Weds, Aug 18th--Angela Moran will speak to us about the history and health benefits of Yoga. She will lead us in very simple, non-strenuous "Chair Yoga"--relaxation consisting of breathing techniques and very gentle stretches. Even these simple techniques can improve our health and the way we feel about ourselves

F.I.A.T.

     CANOE WITH US at Camp Hi in Hiram on Sunday, July 25! We will gather with our faith community for Mass at 9 am at Ss. Cosmas & Damian. Afterwards, we’ll go to room 212 in the Parish Center, where we will sort out who is canoeing with whom, collect consent forms, have a brief canoeing lesson, then depart for Camp Hi. No experience is necessary! Lots of fun & great scenery! This is a teen event, but everyone is welcome to join us – families, friends and parishioners. EVERYONE must RSVP and sign a release form for Camp Hi. (Minors will also need our standard youth ministry consent form.) RSVP to Joni Smith X 348 before July 21. Forms are available in the parish center.

The FEST! on Sunday, August 8 is a great opportunity to celebrate our Catholic faith with about 35,000 other Catholics in the greater Cleveland area. FESTivities are on the grounds of The Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe and are free (purchase food & drink there or bring your own). Come and join us as we picnic, pray and celebrate God’s goodness through the Liturgy, great music and community. The FEST organizers are looking for people who want to sing in the choir for Mass, or help out in a variety of ways. Volunteers get free T-shirts. Outdoor Mass is at 8 pm, and a fantastic fireworks display follows. Just imagine celebrating the Mass with 35,000 Catholics! Check out The FEST website at www.TheFEST.us Our youth ministry team will be taking a group, and families are invited to carpool with us. Contact Joni Smith for details.

Youth Ministry (FIAT) Fundraiser!

     The diocese has provided us with a great opportunity to raise money towards our planned mission trip for next summer. It’s called “Walk on the Wild Side” and will be held at the Cleveland Zoo on Sunday, August 22. The day includes great door prizes, a family Liturgy at the zoo, and all day admission to the zoo and rainforest. ANYONE interested in walking with us should contact Mrs. Joni Smith ASAP. Registration will be on-line. Once you are registered, you will receive a pledge sheet and can begin asking family and friends to support you. All who register BEFORE AUGUST 1st will get a free T-shirt. Families and friends can all participate. Come and enjoy a great day for a great cause! The event website is www.catholiczoowalk.com.

Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America

     Visit this national exhibit on the 250-year history of Catholic sisters in the U.S., including artifacts, photos and video that will tell the story of the small group of pioneering women who built the schools, hospitals, and social services we know today. The exhibit opened at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, located at 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood on May 9th and runs until August 28th. More information on Women & Spirit is available at www.womenandspirit.org. For Museum hours, costs and directions, go to www.maltzmuseum.org  or call (216-593-0575).

From the Desk of Darlene Bednarz

     Where are the children? Structures Class Faith Formation will begin Saturday, September 11th, and, so far, there are less than 30 children registered. A reminder that two years of Faith Formation are needed before the reception of Sacraments. Registration forms are still available in the parish office. Please register your child soon so books and supplies can be ordered. If you have already registered, information and medical form packets will be available in the gathering area for pick up after all masses the next few weekends. Please save us postage by picking yours up. If you are interested in teaching a class, perhaps available as a substitute, please call me at (ext. 425). Catechists and substitute catechists will be trained and are always needed.
     A few weeks ago, I wrote wondering if there was interest in beginning a Bereavement Ministry Team to help those going through the loss of a loved one. I only received one phone call indicating an interest to become involved in this ministry. This team would be involved in different aspects of care such as attending a wake or funeral mass, sending cards on important dates, calling the family member just to see how they are doing and, lastly, possibly participating in a bereavement support group. If this sounds like something you would be interested in becoming part of, or if you feel that we don't need this ministry at Ss. Cosmas and Damian, please call me at (ext. 425).

Night under the Stars 2010

     The annual parish pasta dinner "Night under the Stars" will take place Saturday, September 25th, mark your calendars for an evening of fellowship, food, and fundraising. The planning committee is in need of new faces and fresh ideas. If you like to organize little details, gather prizes from individuals and businesses, work through ideas, and plan parties, please join the "NUTS 2010 PLANNING COMMITTEE." Our next meeting is Wednesday, July 7 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the conference room in the Parish Center. We will continue to meet on the first Wednesday of the month 7:00 - 9:00 pm throughout the summer.
     High School students as well as any age adults are welcome to join this committee! If you have any questions, please contact Renee Harsa (440-655-1160).

Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union

     Join Rev. Donald Oleksiak & the Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union in Italy! Grand Catholic Italy Tour (September 27 - October 7, 2010)
     First-class, fully-escorted vacation, discover Italy from Rome to Venice. Visit many beloved holy shrines, deepen your faith, and explore Italy for eleven days. Two information meetings are planned for March 2010. Check our website (www.ohiocatholicfcu.com) or call Carol Hradek at (216-663-6800, ext. 246) for more information on the dates and location of the informational meetings and/or trip information.

St. Rita Catholic School

     St. Rita Preschool is taking registration for the 2010-2011 school for 4 year olds. Four-year-old preschool classes are Monday through Thursday from 8:15 – 10:45 am. Tuition is $200 a month. There is a $100 registration fee due at signing.
     Open registration will take place on January 19th between the hours of 8 am to 3 pm in the Primary Building.
     If your child will be four by September 30, 2010, please stop in the St. Rita Primary School office for an application. Please contact Mrs. Gibson with any questions at (440-248-1350 ext. 106)

Club 55+

     The Island Hopping Tour on Thursday, July 22 will leave the parking lot at 7 am. Please report at 6:30 am. Have breakfast - there will be no coffee stop en route.

     The balance for Soaring Eagle on November 4 and 5th is due by August 1st.

     A Hollywood Christmas featuring The Four Preps and The Chordettes at the Croatin Lodge on Thursday, December 16th is our Holiday destination. Cost is $63.00 per person with $25 deposit due at sign-up. Balance is due October 15, 2010.

     A trip to Belterra is scheduled for January 5th and 6th. Cost is $100 per person. A deposit of $25 is due now.

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

     The Interfaith Hospitality Network provides overnight hospitality, meals, and support to homeless families with children. St. Rita is part of the network. We will be hosting guests the week of August 1-8. Our guests will be staying in the Resource Center on the St. Rita campus from 5:30 pm to 7:00 am each day during that week.
     We are always in need of extra hands to help set up their rooms on Sunday, along with cooking and serving meals during the week. We particularly need activity and overnight hosts. Activity hosts are asked to spend just a couple hours during one of the evenings to help entertain our young guests.
We encourage families with children to help with meals and activities. It is a great experience for all the children involved. It is also a great way for teens to earn community service hours.
     If the August host week is not convenient, we will be hosting guests again October 17-24
We hope that you will join us in our mission to provide welcoming shelter to homeless families. Please call Kathy Lamancusa, (440-248-1058) to schedule a time to help or for more information. More information about the program is also available on St. Rita’s web site at www.stritaparish.com under Outreach Programs or at www.ihncleveland.org.

Club 55+

     The Island Hopping Tour on Thursday, July 22 will leave the parking lot at 7 am. Please report at 6:30 am. Have breakfast - there will be no coffee stop en route.

     The balance for Soaring Eagle on November 4 and 5th is due by August 1st.

     A Hollywood Christmas featuring The Four Preps and The Chordettes at the Croatin Lodge on Thursday, December 16th is our Holiday destination. Cost is $63.00 per person with $25 deposit due at sign-up. Balance is due October 15, 2010.

     A trip to Belterra is scheduled for January 5th and 6th. Cost is $100 per person. A deposit of $25 is due now.

Club 55+

     The Island Hopping Tour on Thursday, July 22 will leave the parking lot at 7 am. Please report at 6:30 am. Have breakfast - there will be no coffee stop en route.

     The balance for Soaring Eagle on November 4 and 5th is due by August 1st.

     A Hollywood Christmas featuring The Four Preps and The Chordettes at the Croatin Lodge on Thursday, December 16th is our Holiday destination. Cost is $63.00 per person with $25 deposit due at sign-up. Balance is due October 15, 2010.

     A trip to Belterra is scheduled for January 5th and 6th. Cost is $100 per person. A deposit of $25 is due now.

Club 55+

     The Island Hopping Tour on Thursday, July 22 will leave the parking lot at 7 am. Please report at 6:30 am. Have breakfast - there will be no coffee stop en route.

     The balance for Soaring Eagle on November 4 and 5th is due by August 1st.

     A trip to Belterra is scheduled for January 5th and 6th. Cost is $100 per person. A deposit of $25 is due now.