Don’t you just love Ohio?  We have summer well into the fall and winter weather in the same week.  Actually we only have two seasons in Ohio, winter and road construction.

 For many years we have had a St. Vincent de Paul Society here at our parish.  Thanks to your generous donations we have been able to give food and gas vouchers to those in need.  We have also held Blanket Sunday and a Winter Coat Collection.  Also, the society has helped, when the funds were available, with utilities.  About six months ago the National St. Vincent de Paul Society made some changes.  We were told to use their tax-exempt number not the parish’s.  Also, to remove the pastor’s name from the checking account and if the National needed money to help in other states or even countries, they would make a withdrawal from our account.  Needless to say, we didn’t think that served the needs of our parish and neighborhood.  Neither did the other parishes in Lorain County and 82% of parishes in the Diocese.  Letters were sent advising them of our thoughts and feelings.  The officers in Cleveland were removed and the National took over.  The Furniture Bank in Cleveland separated itself and is now functioning as an independent unit.  The National informed the societies that if they did not follow their instructions, they were suspended.

 As of our last meeting, we decided to change our name to Nativity “CARES”.  We will still do everything we can to help those in our parish and area who are in need of assistance.  OUR Blanket Sunday is on the 18th and 19th of October.  You will receive a new envelope starting in November.  During October, please use the old St. Vincent de Paul envelope.  The money stays here.  Thank you for all your support these years.  Just a side note, Fr. Bob’s name is on our new checking account.  Please continue to help those in need.  We are called Nativity “CARES” because we know that you do.

 I may have the secret to the Browns winning.  Last week I mentioned “just wearing a uniform doesn’t make you a football player”.  They won!

God Bless,

 Deacon Bob