Author Archives: Fr. Tony Schuerger

Advent in Light of the Shootings

The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as “Gaudete” – “Rejoice” Sunday. In 2012, in the light of the brutal killing of 20 innocent children and 7 adults in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday and the killings at the mall in Oregon earlier in the week, the word seems hollow – inappropriate “happy talk” in Read more ..

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“Superstorm” Sandy and St. Malachi

The Storm: Monday, October 29, 5:10 PM The electricity goes out throughout the St. Malachi campus. The wind is powerful. Tuesday, October 30, 2 AM There is a tremendous crashing sound; the rectory is shaken. Two trees in the front have broken and crashed into the porch. The morning light reveals that the trees have Read more ..

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Reopening the Parishes: Welcome Back!

After many weeks of waiting, the eleven parishes mandated by the Vatican to re-open are beginning to open! Two of the parishes: St. Casimir in Cleveland and St. John the Baptist in Akron celebrated their first Masses on Sunday, July 15. On Sunday, July 22, St. Barbara and St. Patrick (West Park) in Cleveland, and Read more ..

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An Easter Blessing: “it is time for unity and peace”

On April 17, 2012, Bishop Lennon announced that he would not appeal the decrees from the Congregation for the Clergy regarding appeals by 12 parishes that were merged or closed. Both in the press conference announcing his decision and in his letter to the people of the diocese, Bishop Lennon stated, “it’s time for peace Read more ..

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Let Us Love One Another during Holy Week:” The Final Wisdom of Sr. Thea Bowman F.S.P.A.

Sr. Thea Bowman was a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (F.S.P.A.). She helped found the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans and was instumental in the preparation and publication of the American Black Catholic Hymnal, Lead Me, Guide Me. In addition to helping select the songs, she Read more ..

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In the Midst of Violence and Tragedy, Grace and Blessing

Three young lives violently taken; two other young people shot in sudden, horrific violence. “Tragedy” does not begin to describe what happened in Chardon, Ohio. In addition to the shock and deep mourning, people both locally and nationally spoke of the evil of what had happened. “Evil” is not a word that one is accustomed to hearing Read more ..

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New Health Care Regulations: Why They Matter to Catholics and Should Matter to All Americans

On January 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued a statement announcing a final rule in the new health care reform that “will require most health insurance plans to cover preventive services for women including recommended contraceptive services without charging a co-pay, co-insurance or a deductible.  The rule Read more ..

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Blessing for the New Year

May God, the source and origin of all blessing, grant you grace,pour out his blessing in abundance, and keep you safe from harm throughout the year. Amen. May God give you integrity in the faith, endurance in hope, and perseverance in charitywith holy patience to the end. Amen. May God order your days and your Read more ..

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An Advent Reminder: 1 Corinthians 13 – Christmas Style

Recently, a Byzantine (Greek) Catholic priest friend sent me a very large file of “Christmas resources.” It contains a wealth of information about celebrating the Christmas liturgies in the Eastern rites (Catholic and Orthodox), an incredible compilation of commentaries, reflections and preaching from the Fathers of the Church (especially the Eastern Fathers), reflections on Christmas Read more ..

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Remembering, honoring and praying for the Dead

Recently, the mother of a St. Malachi Center Board member died and Anita Branan, the Director, suggested the Board acknowledge the death in some way, since the funeral was out of town. She discussed this with several Board members, who agreed that sending flowers on behalf of the Board was an acceptable way of recognizing Read more ..

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