Ss. Robert & William

What Have You Been Thinking About Lately?

There may be one positive result of Covid19:  We have gotten a bit more reflective.  For many, those reflections have created a shift in priorities, a greater appreciation for community, and a greater awareness of caring for the needs of others.  And while we are all looking for ways to protect our physical health, many now also seek a healthier spirituality; a search for wisdom, a desire for peace. 

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 4:04 PM, 09.03.2020

Transitional Deacon Mass

On August 7th, four seminarians walked into Ss. Robert & William Church and walked out as deacons. Although the situation was not an ordinary one, with social distancing and masks, the spirit of Christ was ever-present. In Bishop Martin Amos' Homily, he remarked, "Ordination indelibly marks you and configures you to Christ, who made himself a deacon and servant of all." The Church's resolve was on full display as these young men journeyed onward in the path of service despite the complications and limitations put in their way due to Covid-19.

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 4:04 PM, 09.03.2020

Amazing Raffle Weekend

We were not able to have a complete 4-day Festival this year, but we needed to bring the community together in some way. We decided that a Tailgate would be perfect, a small and socially distant event with food and music! The best way to start off any event is to celebrate Mass. On August 8th at 4:00 pm we started are evening the Saturday vigil Mass followed by food and fun in the SRW Parking Lot. A very nice number of parishioners came out for this Tailgate event and were able to socially distance in the parking lot. We missed having our parishioners gather here with us as a community, conversing and laughing. It was quite apparent that they missed it too.
We had live music by local musicians play all evening long on the eastern side of the school. We couldn't have a dance floor or people piled together in front of the band but there was plenty of dancing and singing all along the parking lot. The next day we held our annual raffle at 12:00 pm noon. The raffle was live-streamed on Facebook so everyone would be able to tune from home. We were so glad to have perfect weather for these events, allowing us the ability to gather together outside safely. We want to thank everyone who came out to the tailgate, everyone who purchased raffle tickets, and everyone who volunteered there time.  

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 4:04 PM, 09.03.2020

What have you been Thinking about Lately?

There may be one positive result of Covid19:  We have gotten a bit more reflective.  For many, those reflections have created a shift in priorities, a greater appreciation for community, and a greater awareness of caring for the needs of others.  And while we are all looking for ways to protect our physical health, many now also seek a healthier spirituality; a search for wisdom, a desire for peace. 

Read Full Story
Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 6:26 PM, 08.10.2020

Community Meal

The next Community Meal at Ss. Robert and William Parish will be on Tuesday, August 25.  It is a take-out only meal beginning at 5:00pm.  

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Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 6:26 PM, 08.10.2020

SRW Raffle

Wow, what a strange few months we have had!  From what I am hearing and reading, while things are starting to open back up, we will have a lot of restrictions and necessary social distancing for the foreseeable future.  With that reality, I made the difficult decision to cancel the annual parish festival that was scheduled for August 6 – 9, 2020.  There are just too many unknowns and potential restrictions that make it too risky, both from a health and safety point of view for volunteers and guests, as well as from a financial standpoint.  We have scheduled the 2021 Festival for August 12 – 15, 2021.

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Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 6:26 PM, 08.10.2020

Ss. Robert and William Festival Tailgate

We are not able to have a complete 4-day Festival this year, but we needed to bring the community together in some way. The best way we know how is to bring people to the Mass. We invite everyone to join us on August 8th at 4:00 pm for the Saturday vigil Mass followed by food and fun in the SRW Parking Lot. We will socially distance by parking every other space in the parking lot. Bring some chairs, a cooler, or whatever else you may need, so you can hang out with us Saturday night.

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Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 6:26 PM, 08.10.2020

Virtual Vacation Bible School

This year Vacation Bible School was a little different as you can
imagine in light of the COVID-19 situation. Mostly everything that we originally envisioned had to be changed, postponed, or canceled.
When we were faced with the idea of canceling this week-long summer event, Fr. Thom said, "The show must go on."

Although we could not gather together here on campus, we could share
the Good Word with our little ones in other ways. Fr. Thom went to
work and came up with a series called Discovering Jesus with Sherlock Holmes. This 5-episode mini-series features fun, singing, and discovery in our first ever Virtual Vacation Bible School.

We have already received many emails, phone calls, and letters on how excited
our little learners are to explore the world of Detective Sherlock
Holmes. If you have a preschool-aged child, check out the free episodes on
our website at https://srweuclid.cc/vbs. We loved creating these
episodes, and we want to share them with as many little ones as possible.

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 4:52 PM, 07.06.2020

Concerts of Hope

There's no doubt that the world has had its fill of negative news lately. It seems like bad news is around every corner, here at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Church, we felt it was time to take action and bring some positivity to our community. In a joint effort with St. John of the Cross, we have found a way to reach out to our community in these secluded times. 

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 4:52 PM, 07.06.2020

Ss. Robert & William 2020 Raffle

Wow, what a strange few months we have had!  From what I am hearing and reading, while things are starting to open back up, we will have a lot of restrictions and necessary social distancing for the foreseeable future.  With that reality, I made the difficult decision to cancel the annual parish festival that was scheduled for August 6 – 9, 2020.  There are just too many unknowns and potential restrictions that make it too risky, both from a health and safety point of view for volunteers and guests, as well as from a financial standpoint.  We have scheduled the 2021 Festival for August 12 – 15, 2021.

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 4:52 PM, 07.06.2020

Reopening Ss. Robert & William Church

I write this letter on the 17th Anniversary of my Ordination as a priest.   I am not sure 17 years ago if you would have told me we would have no public Masses for two months I would have ever believed you!  Crazy times!   But the Lord provides and brings us through the messiness of our lives.  And so, it is with much JOY, HOPE, PEACE & FAITH that I share with you that public Masses will start again on Tuesday, May 26.    These plans are cautious and fluid to adjust to the realities of still being amid the pandemic. A few guiding principles:
 • The best way to protect yourself is still to stay at home, especially those of you with health issues or in a vulnerable age group. Moreover, if you are a caregiver it is probably best to stay at home.
 • The obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is still dispensed and will be for the foreseeable future. Therefore, while all are welcome to come to Mass, this is a choice and a choice that should be made wisely.   
Daily Mass, Monday – Saturday will be at 11 am.  We will have a 4 pm Saturday Vigil Mass and 11 am and 6 pm Sunday Mass.  The 6 pm Sunday Mass will be outside, weather permitting.  The 4 pm and 11 am will be live-streamed.   Assuming all goes well…we will work towards adding a second Sunday morning Mass.  Moreover, we will work towards restoring weekday Masses back to pre-pandemic schedule.  The goal will be to have a full schedule by September 1, assuming all continues to go well.   
SRW Mass Protocols:
Entrance:  We will use the center doors of the main church entrance.  Doors will be propped open and left open.  All other doors will remain locked and only used for exiting.     
Seating:  We will close off every other pew in all sections.   As you enter for weekend Mass, you will be given a card with a seat assignment.  Two staff members will help you to find your seat.  One section will be designated for families.  We will mark pews with decals to indicate seat numbers.    People in each pew will be kept six feet apart.  People living in the same household do not need to distance.  For Weekday Masses, the side sections will be roped off.   People can seat themselves in the center section.  Only use “open” pews.  
Location of Sanitizer/Masks:  They will be located at the entrance.  There will be four stations.  Each will have masks, sanitizer, and tissue.
Masks:  Masks are required for everyone aged 8 and over.   Children under 8 are encouraged but not required to wear masks.  Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own.  However, we will have some available.   Please note that the priest, deacon, and ministers will be wearing masks except when in the sanctuary.  Also, if you choose for your child (under 8) not to wear a mask, please work to assure they do not go near other parishioners.  
Worship Aides:  Worship aides will not be used and have been removed. Our music ministry will lead the singing.  There will only be a pianist and a cantor.  
Offertory/Collection:   There will be no offertory procession and collection.  A basket will be set-up at the entrance to receive offertory donations.  The bread and wine will be placed on the altar prior to the start of Mass.  
Sign of Peace:  The sign of peace has been eliminated.    
Holy Communion:  The priest, deacon, and a staff member will take Holy Communion to people walking between pews.  People will NOT process up.  They will wear masks when distributing and carry hand sanitizer.   People are encouraged to receive Holy Communion in the hand, but we will respect a person’s desire to receive on the tongue.  Please make sure to stick your tongue all the way out.  
Exiting:  We will designate an exit for each of the four sections.  Please follow the presider’s instructions.  Please do not congregate after Mass in the church.  If you do outside, please respect social distancing.  
Sanitizing/Cleaning:   Our staff will rigorously clean and sanitize the church building after each Mass.    
Outdoor Mass: The above protocol will be followed.  People will be asked to bring their own seating.   Staff will greet people as they come and encourage them to sit 6 feet apart.  
As you can see, Mass will not have the same feel that we have become accustomed to.  But we must remember that for the health and safety of all we will need to follow these protocols for the time being.  We must be flexible and cautious at the same time.   We need to remember that Mass is not about us but about us worshiping and receiving Jesus Christ in the Word and in the Eucharist.  I have no doubt we can do this!  And my hope and prayer are that we will be “back to normal” soon and very soon.  Be assured of my prayers and I humbly ask the same as we work to implement these protocols.  Please check our website (srweuclid.cc) and FACEBOOK page for the latest updates.  
Finally, we will offer weekly Confessions every Saturday from Noon to 1 pm, behind the screen only.
I love you so much and so appreciate your love and support during this time.  I thank you for your immense generosity to the parish with your treasure!  You are all just so AWESOME!  I cannot wait to see you.

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 11:49 AM, 06.07.2020

Mourning to Morning Bereavement Support

Of all the things we have had to temporarily suspend, it has been a great sadness to me to be unable to offer our Mourning to Morning bereavement support series.

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 11:49 AM, 06.07.2020

Memorial Day Drive-thru

For as long as I can remember, Memorial Day was a celebration with parades, pools opening up, cookouts, and family gatherings. It's the perfect way to celebrate those men and women who sacrificed so much so we can enjoy these freedoms. This year's Memorial Day outcome was looking bleak -- that these freedoms we have come to know for so long would be restricted due to the pandemic.
At the start of May, restaurants, stores, churches, and more were all closed and there wasn't a sense of when they would reopen. The "Stay In Place" order was in full swing, our community had been bunkered down for close to two months and was looking for a glimmer of hope. That's when the good news came ringing through. The Diocese of Cleveland announced that we would be able to celebrate Mass publicly once again! We at Ss. Robert & William knew we had to celebrate with our parish and community in some way.
The celebration wouldn't be like years past -- no large social gatherings were allowed, but we knew we could make something happen. Thus, the Cookout Drive-thru was born. We had the grills going, and the cars started showing in the parking lot. Actually, the cars were lining down the streets for this celebration!
It was a joy to see all the smiling faces of so many parishioners we have missed. It may not have been the gathering that we are used to from such a day but it was one we all needed. We are so glad we were able to give this community some small bit of normalcy in these wild times. We can't wait for the next one!

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 11:49 AM, 06.07.2020

Reopening Ss. Robert & William Church

I write this letter on the 17th Anniversary of my Ordination as a priest.   I am not sure 17 years ago if you would have told me we would have no public Masses for two months I would have ever believed you!  Crazy times!   But the Lord provides and brings us through the messiness of our lives.  And so, it is with much JOY, HOPE, PEACE & FAITH that I share with you that public Masses reopened.    These plans are cautious and fluid to adjust to the realities of still being amid the pandemic. A few guiding principles:
 • The best way to protect yourself is still to stay at home, especially those of you with health issues or in a vulnerable age group. Moreover, if you are a caregiver it is probably best to stay at home.
 • The obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is still dispensed and will be for the foreseeable future. Therefore, while all are welcome to come to Mass, this is a choice and a choice that should be made wisely.   
Daily Mass, Monday – Saturday will be at 11 am.  We will have a 4 pm Saturday Vigil Mass and 11 am and 6 pm Sunday Mass.  The 6 pm Sunday Mass will be outside, weather permitting.  The 4 pm and 11 am will be live-streamed.   Assuming all goes well…we will work towards adding a second Sunday morning Mass.  Moreover, we will work towards restoring weekday Masses back to pre-pandemic schedule.  The goal will be to have a full schedule by September 1, assuming all continues to go well.   
SRW Mass Protocols:
Entrance:  We will use the center doors of the main church entrance.  Doors will be propped open and left open.  All other doors will remain locked and only used for exiting.     
Seating:  We will close off every other pew in all sections.   As you enter for weekend Mass, you will be given a card with a seat assignment.  Two staff members will help you to find your seat.  One section will be designated for families.  We will mark pews with decals to indicate seat numbers.    People in each pew will be kept six feet apart.  People living in the same household do not need to distance.  For Weekday Masses, the side sections will be roped off.   People can seat themselves in the center section.  Only use “open” pews.  
Location of Sanitizer/Masks:  They will be located at the entrance.  There will be four stations.  Each will have masks, sanitizer, and tissue.
Masks:  Masks are required for everyone aged 8 and over.   Children under 8 are encouraged but not required to wear masks.  Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own.  However, we will have some available.   Please note that the priest, deacon, and ministers will be wearing masks except when in the sanctuary.  Also, if you choose for your child (under 8) not to wear a mask, please work to assure they do not go near other parishioners.  
Worship Aides:  Worship aides will not be used and have been removed. Our music ministry will lead the singing.  There will only be a pianist and a cantor.  
Offertory/Collection:   There will be no offertory procession and collection.  A basket will be set-up at the entrance to receive offertory donations.  The bread and wine will be placed on the altar prior to the start of Mass.  
Sign of Peace:  The sign of peace has been eliminated.    
Holy Communion:  The priest, deacon, and a staff member will take Holy Communion to people walking between pews.  People will NOT process up.  They will wear masks when distributing and carry hand sanitizer.   People are encouraged to receive Holy Communion in the hand, but we will respect a person’s desire to receive on the tongue.  Please make sure to stick your tongue all the way out.  
Exiting:  We will designate an exit for each of the four sections.  Please follow the presider’s instructions.  Please do not congregate after Mass in the church.  If you do outside, please respect social distancing.  
Sanitizing/Cleaning:   Our staff will rigorously clean and sanitize the church building after each Mass.    
Outdoor Mass: The above protocol will be followed.  People will be asked to bring their own seating.   Staff will greet people as they come and encourage them to sit 6 feet apart.  
As you can see, Mass will not have the same feel that we have become accustomed to.  But we must remember that for the health and safety of all we will need to follow these protocols for the time being.  We must be flexible and cautious at the same time.   We need to remember that Mass is not about us but about us worshiping and receiving Jesus Christ in the Word and in the Eucharist.  I have no doubt we can do this!  And my hope and prayer are that we will be “back to normal” soon and very soon.  Be assured of my prayers and I humbly ask the same as we work to implement these protocols.  Please check our website (srweuclid.cc) and FACEBOOK page for the latest updates.  
Finally, we will offer weekly Confessions every Saturday from Noon to 1 pm, behind the screen only.
I love you so much and so appreciate your love and support during this time.  I thank you for your immense generosity to the parish with your treasure!  You are all just so AWESOME!  I cannot wait to see you.

Read Full Story
Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 11:49 AM, 06.07.2020

GAELC Now Enrolling

Angel Early Learning Center (GAELC) opened its doors to adventure last September and has enjoyed a journey in life, love, and learning in the months since.  Children from six-weeks to five-years old attend GAELC on a daily basis, engaging in lessons appropriate to each age level.  With two child care rooms and three academic classrooms, there is certain to be a fit for every early learner.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 5:48 PM, 05.07.2020

Summer Camp Options

It's not too late to sign your child up for our summer camps and sports camps. The kids have been cooped up long enough and we have great activities for a safe and nourishing summer experience.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 5:48 PM, 05.07.2020

Live Stream Schedule

The nationwide quarantine has affected all of us, in every aspect of our lives. The church and our community are no different as we have felt the impact of this unprecedented pandemic. The Coronavirus may have put a halt to our public gatherings and social activities, but it will not stop our community of faith. We have worked diligently to restructure every possible part of our ministry to an online platform. We are now offering daily live streamed masses and adoration. We have combined our efforts with the St. John of the Cross staff and community to offer our parishioners even more opportunities to grow in faith. One of which we are very happy to present is our weekly Concert of Hope series. Led by our Music Directors Kyle Lorek and Dr. Francesco Binda, you can watch every Wednesday, live streaming at 7:00 pm on our website https://srweuclid.cc/live-stream and Facebook page. 

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 5:48 PM, 05.07.2020

Summer Programs

Our Summer Programs have substantially grown and come in a variety of options to fit all your childcare needs. These teacher-run programs will be provided throughout the summer, please check the dates and times associated with each program. To learn more, go to https://srweuclid.cc/summer-camps from our list of programs

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Spring Fling

Our second annual Spring Fling is March 28th and we are so excited! The event kicks off at 6:00 pm in the Irish American Club on Lakeshore Blvd. We want to thank all of the generous sponsors of this event. Thank you also to everyone who has already bought tickets. You will not be disappointed! It is not too late for you to purchase tickets if you are able to join us. You won’t want to miss out on the fun! If you have any questions or for information email mcosgriff@srwschool.cc. For tickets, visit https://srweuclid.cc/spring-fling.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Scholarship Winners

Each year, as part of the Catholic Schools’ Week Opening Liturgy, Endowment Scholarships are distributed.  All students are eligible to apply for these scholarships and winners are chosen by a committee of teachers and Endowment Board members.  Here are the 2019-2020 scholarship winners:

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Parish Confessions                       Every Saturday            2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Maintenance Worker Needed

We are in need of a maintenance worker to help with set-ups, clean-ups, takedowns, grounds, cleaning, etc. Hours vary and are negotiable.  This position will be for evening and night-time work. Email resume or letter of interest to Renee Dzuroff, Business Manager, rdzuroff@srweuclid.cc

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Holy Hour

Join us Wednesday, February 19, from 6:30 pm—7:30 pm for an hour of prayer.  One of the best ways we can hold each other up in prayer is to bring our intentions to Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament! Join Deacon Joe Robinson in the Church at 6:30 pm as we pray for everyone at our Guardian Angels Early Learning Center and Ss. Robert and William School! We pray that all involved with our educational efforts follow the will of God and are strengthened on their journey. See you in the Eucharist!

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Couples' Night Out

Married couples are invited to gather on Saturday, February 8th at Ss Robert and William Parish Center for a night out.  Sr. Mary Ann Spangler HM will present Praying For and With My Spouse in the Parish Center. Sister brings years of experience as a Spiritual Director. Her presentation will assist couples to explore prayer within a marital relationship. Following the presentation, there will be a Disc Jockey playing music for a night of dancing.  The evening will begin at 6:30 pm. There is no cost with wine and pop being provided.  Consider bringing an appetizer to share.  RSVP  216-731-1515.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

New Found Freedom

Join psychologist, Dr. Ted Raddell, Wednesday, February 10, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm for an opportunity to understand and promote healing from past traumas. He will map out the pathway to healing and recovery incorporating the latest in neuroscience advances. The Focus for the night will be on recovering from Clergy Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse. If you want to learn more about how to get past your past, please join us for an interactive and enlightening evening. This event will take place at Ss. Robert and William Catholic parish in our newly renovated Parish Center (gym). Contact us at 216-731-1515 or info@srweuclid.cc for more information.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Community Meal

Join parishioners and neighbors in the Upper Hall at 5:15 pm on the last Tuesday of each month for the community meal! We are happy to provide this free meal for you with an opportunity to socialize with people in the neighborhood! Our next Community Meal will be on February 25th in the Upper Hall. 

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020