CELEBRATING THE HUMAN BODY

August 15
The Solemnity of the Assumption is the oldest and greatest feast of Mary. Orthodox Christians call August 15 the Dormition (“falling asleep”) of Mary.
“She who sheltered the Divine Word in her breast was to be lodged in the dwelling place of her Son,” says Saint John Damascene, describing his belief that after Mary's death, her body was raised to live with God forever. That Mary's body-not just her soul-is in God's presence is a sign of the holiness of creation. The human body is not evil-it is good. Death is not the end of creation-it is the beginning of eternal life. In our day, when violence can desecrate the human body, the sign of Mary's assumption gains new import.
The New Testament reading for this feast calls Jesus the first fruits of those who have died, to be followed by the harvest of all who hope in him. As Mary, the model believer and sign of the church, is gathered in, we hope that we too will one day be part of this harvest. We surround Mary's statue at church and at home with brilliant clusters of flowers, herbs and fruits-the first harvest of our gardens.
Copyright © 1997, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text by Mary Ellen Hynes. Illustration by Steve Erspamer, SM.

REFUGEE AID
We invite you to drop off your contributions for our refugee families in the area. The box is located at the front of the church. It will be there every week and gifts will be delivered to the families. Volunteer help is also needed. Please contact Amanda Bhane (216) 281-7005 ext. 2108 or e-mail: mrs@dioceseofcleveland.org.

 SOCIAL ACTION ALERT
The Diocesan Social Action Committee invites your participation in prayer and assistance for victims of the Sudan. Donations may be made to the Diocesan Office at 1027 Superior, 44113. We are invited to forego one meal and donate the cost to the fund.

BOY'S HOPE GIRL'S HOPE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The Gift of Hope Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeastern Ohio is a residential scholarship program serving young men and women between the ages of ten and eighteen. Our Cleveland area boy's home currently has several openings. If you know of a bright, motivated young man or woman who would benefit from a long-term structured, education-focused residential environment, consider making a referral to Boy's Hope Girl's Hope. Our scholars attend first-rate elementary and secondary schools on full scholarship and are eligible for support through college. We challenge our scholars to reach their fullest potential so that they may make a difference in our world. For more information please contact northeast Ohio's Program Director, Maura Reali Armsworthy at (440)943-7613 or marmsworthy@bgh.org.

BLOOD DRIVE 
St. Malachi Center be will be hosting a Blood Drive on Aug 29th from 8:30-1:30 in the Center.