Oct 20, 2022

Greetings,

According to their website, “CYO began in the Diocese of Cleveland in 1937 and is now in its 85th consecutive year of serving children and families in NE Ohio. The Diocese of Cleveland CYO is the longest consecutive operating CYO program in the United States.” Only one time in the history of our diocese’s 85 years has a parish won first place in both boys’ and girls’ cross country in the same year. It happened last weekend and that parish is St. Sebastian! Congratulations runners, coaches and parents! You did us proud!

IN OTHER NEWS:

SCHNEIDER PARK: It was reported here earlier in the summer that we could expect a path to be created around the perimeter of Schneider Park. Not seeing anything taking place, contact was made with the city. It appears that there has been some difficulty with the equipment due to supply chain difficulties and that if it isn’t completed this fall, it should begin in the spring.

MULL/HAWKINS CIRCLE: This past Monday, representatives of Keep Akron Beautiful (KAB), Akron’s Finest Mulch (AFM) and House of LaRose met at the St. Sebastian rectory to discuss a battle plan to improve the circle at the intersection of Mull and Hawkins. For many years, this site was maintained by our own Knights of Columbus. In recent years it was taken over by KAB as a community flower scape. That plan deteriorated during COVID, leaving the circle suboptimal. The hope now is to reimagine the circle and begin work on it as a part of the resurfacing of Mull Avenue.

The dream is to elevate the center of the circle in some fashion, light it, scape it and commission a piece of art that will anchor the circle. The lighting and elevation will be done in hopes of making the circle a more obvious and therefore safer traffic pattern. KAB is currently making contact with the city looking for the necessary permissions and perimeters. AFM is committed to installation and maintenance. Soon there will be a “Fund the Circle” fundraiser extended to the entire Akron community. As plans develop, you will be kept informed on this project which is not only the front door to West Akron, but will enhance St. Sebastian Square where so many volunteers work so hard to help keep our community beautiful.

BOOK LAUNCH AT ST. SEBASTIAN: Dawn Eden Goldstein has written a book about Fr. Edward Dowling, SJ, who was the spiritual director for Bill Wilson, the Alcoholic Anonymous cofounder. Since AA was largely founded within our parish boundaries, she will be traveling to Akron to launch her book which touches on some of the Catholic influences of AA. The event will be on December 2 at 7pm in the church. Spread the word! Admission is free.

“Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson called Father Edward Dowling, SJ, ‘the greatest and most gentle soul to walk this planet.’ Father Ed's guidance transformed Bill’s life and deepened the spirituality of the twelvestep movement. But despite his vital role in A.A. history, his own story has never been told--until now. Dawn Eden Goldstein, author of the new biography Father Ed, will share about the life and message of this remarkable Jesuit who, although not an alcoholic himself, came to devote his ministry to helping people in recovery and anyone else who had a problem.”

PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY: Priesthood Sunday is next Sunday! Please keep our seminarians (and hopeful seminarians) in your prayers.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck