Spring 2016 - Church of the Gesu

GESU NEWS & VIEWS
Highlights of Parish, School and Alumni Happenings
March 2016
Vol 8. Issue 4
From the Pastor...
When Jesus began his ministry what did people say? “Where did he get all this? He is just an
ordinary person. We know his mom and dad. He’s a carpenter’s son and has lived at home in this
village for most of his life.” Ninety one percent of Jesus’ life is summed up in one line of scripture:
He went back home and continued to grow in wisdom and grace. We, too, can grow in wisdom
and grace during our Lenten journey and beyond.
Find God everywhere, or find God not at all. (Author unknown).
Find God in all things, from nature to human life. Love makes God present everywhere and
in everything. In the Human, love drives out all selfishness so that we can see the deed of love
everywhere, especially in one another. (St. Ignatius of Loyola).
As we live the days of our lives, if we do not love, we have nothing to say to others that will do them much good. Remain in
my Love the Lord says. This is not an occasional activity, but a constant day in and day out. (Fr. Nicolas, S.J. Superior General
of the Society of Jesus).
In our quiet day- to -day living, we need to touch the depth of our hearts, where the God of love dwells. Here we find a love
that drives the meaning of all life. Learn to reverence these days, to grow in wisdom and grace. Then anything “extraordinary”
will simply reveal the inner spirit of love that is nurtured and matures in the ordinary days of our lives. (Fr. Jim Von Tobel,
S.J.)
After a very brief taste of “ordinary time” this year, because Easter comes very early near the end of March, we now find
ourselves well into the Season of Lent.
• As we travel through the Lenten Season, remember that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is far more important in terms of
our closeness to Jesus than the sacramental ashes of Ash Wednesday;
• As we anticipate the renewal of our own Baptismal vows on the Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord and the baptism
or the reception into the Church of new members of the Body of Christ, we pray for and encourage all to find joy in the
Christian Community;
• We celebrate Lent not only by giving up things, but – especially in this Year of Mercy – also anticipating the presence
of the Lord in our midst by how well we welcome people and by our personal kindness to each other in imitation of
Christ’s generous self-giving;
• We also pray with joy as we anticipate the completion of our immersion baptismal font, and look forward to all those
who will find God’s mercy and forgiveness as they enter the Church, the Body of Christ, in the Sacrament of Baptism.
Fr. Jim Von Tobel, S.J.
Pastor
Gesu News & Views
ADMINISTRATION
March
Ann, This is page 2. If Sara’s picture doesn’t fit you can just remove it. If it does fit, please put her name under
it. I2016
think it more
important that our readers have a picture of Fr. Kiser.
Letter from the
Provincial
Letter
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much deliberation and consultation, I am able to report that Fr. Karl Kiser will be made available to Bishop
made
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to
Bishop
Lennon
with
a
recommendation
that
Fr.
Kiser
serve
as
the
next
pastor
Lennon with a recommendation that Fr. Kiser serve as the next pastor of Gesu. I have communicated of
Gesu. Lennon
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this responsibility
good news to Bishop
Lennon who
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this good news to Bishop
who holds the
of appointing
pastors
in responsibility
the Diocese of
of
appointing pastors in the Diocese of Cleveland.
Cleveland.
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formally make Fr. Kiser available to Bishop Lennon, proposing an appointment to coincide with the completion of a wellwhich could help him
and the parish prepare for this new mission. After he visits, I will formally make Fr. Kiser available to
deserved sabbatical in late fall 2016.
Bishop Lennon, proposing an
appointment to coincide with the completion of a well-deserved sabbatical in late fall 2016.
Know you have my deep gratitude for your generosity in supporting one another through this transitional year.
Although
the appointment
of a new pastor
has extended
our through
initial expectations,
I appreciate
your
commitment
Know you have my deep
gratitude
for your generosity
in supporting
onebeyond
another
this transitional
year.
Although
the and
patience
process.beyond
Your collective
care expectations,
for this parish has
enabled meyour
to respond
to needs and
across
our Midwest
appointment of a new
pastorwith
hasthe
extended
our initial
I appreciate
commitment
patience
with the
Jesuit
family
ministries.
process. Your collective
care
for of
this
parish has enabled me to respond to needs across our Midwest Jesuit family of ministries.
May God continue to bless you and keep you in the coming months,
May God continue to bless you and keep you in the coming months,
V. Rev. Brian G. Paulson, S.J.
V. Rev. Brian G. Paulson,
S.J.
Provincial
Provincial
News from Development
““But progress is not measured in brick and mortar alone. Progress is, foremost, growth in the Lord, and your maturity is
News from Development
judged by your putting on Christ, as St. Paul tells us, and in offering yourselves in service to God and your fellow man.”
--Pedro Arrupe, S.J. in a 1976 letter to then Gesu Pastor, Fr. Francis Dietz, S. J.
“But progress is not measured in brick and mortar alone. Progress is, foremost, growth thin the Lord, and your maturity is
We have
so muchastoSt.
look
forward
as and
Gesuin
Parish
prepares
to celebrate
its 90 Anniversary:
Celebratory
Mass and
judged by your putting
on Christ,
Paul
tellstous,
offering
yourselves
in service
to God andThe
your
fellow man.”
Reception
on
Sunday,
May
15,
2016,
the
Gesu
School
Gala
at
Landerhaven
on
September
10,
2016
and
the
Gesu
School all--Pedro Arrupe, S.J. in a 1976 letter to then Gesu Pastor, Fr. Francis Dietz S. J.
class reunion in 2017.
We have so much to look forward to as Gesu Parish prepares to celebrate its 90th Anniversary: The Celebratory Mass and
Thank
your the
unwavering
supportGala
of theatFund
for Gesu. The
phase will10,
be 2016
the installation
an immersion
Reception on Sunday,
Mayyou
15,for2016,
Gesu School
Landerhaven
onnext
September
and the of
Gesu
School all-class
baptismal font scheduled to be completed in time for the Easter Vigil on March 26, 2016. Additional funding will be needed
reunion in 2017.
for the next Fund for Gesu phases that include replacing the center confessionals with shrines to honor St. Ann and St.
Kateri Tekakwitha,
as well
as deep
cleaning
and repairing
of phase
pews, floors,
and of
replacing
the kneelers.
Your
Thank you for your unwavering
support
of the
Fund
for Gesu.
The next
will bewood
the paneling,
installation
an immersion
baptismal
fund
readyVigil
the parish
to serve
forAdditional
generations funding
to come, so
parishfor
church
font scheduled to be contribution
completed to
inthis
time
forwill
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on March
26,those
2016.
willthat
beour
needed
the next
can be areplacing
legacy to Gesu’s
future,confessionals
starting with the
90th
Anniversary
year. St. Ann and St. Kateri Tekakwitha, as
Fund for Gesu phasesbuilding
that include
the center
with
shrines
to honor
well as deep cleaningIfand
repairing
of
pews,
floors,
wood
paneling,
and
replacing
the
kneelers.
Your
contribution
this fund
you would like to support these efforts, you may do so by using the enclosed envelope
or donating
onlineto
through
Faithwill
help ready the parishDirect.
to serve
those
for
generations
to
come,
so
that
our
parish
church
building
can
be
a
legacy
to
Gesu’s
future,
You can find the link at churchofthegesu.org and click on Parish Giving. Thank you to all who serve our Parish. As
starting with the 90thstewards
Anniversary
of youryear.
time, talent, and treasures, you are making an impact on our community.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
If you would like to support these efforts, you may do so by using the enclosed envelope or donating online through Faith Direct.
Connected!
You can find the linkStay
at churchofthegesu.org
and click on Parish Giving. Thank you to all who serve our Parish. As stewards of
your time, talent, and treasures, you are making an impact on our community.
Gesu School alumni, and parents of Gesu Alumni, please send your – and/or your child’s/children’s contact information to
sschoonmaker@churchofthegesu.org. We want to keep our alumni informed on school news, info on the upcoming 90th
Anniversary celebrations, and reunion dates! We need the following information for each
alumnus/alumna:
Stay Connected!
Gesu School alumni,Names
and parents
Gesu Alumni,
please send us your – and/or your child’s/children’s
contact information
(Includeof
Maiden):
_____________________________________________
Classes ___________
to sschoonmaker@churchofthegesu.org.
We want to keep our alumni informed on school news, info on the upcoming 90th
Street Addresses:_______________________________________________________________________
Anniversary celebrations,
and reunion
dates! We need the followingPhone
information
for each alumnus/alumna:
Email Addresses:
_____________________________
Num________________________________
Names (Include Maiden):
Classes:
Street Addresses:
Email Addresses:
Phone Numbers:
2
WORSHIP
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
Gesu Lenten Offerings
Ash Wednesday - February 10:
Masses: 6:45 AM, 8:30 AM, 12:00 Noon, 7:00 PM
Evening Prayer with Distribution of Ashes: 5:30 PM
Bible Study (See Bulletin for more information):
Saturdays: February 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, & 19
12:00-1:30 PM, Sacred Heart Rm.
Tuesdays: February 16, March 1 & 15
9:15-10:45 AM, Sacred Heart Rm.
Wednesdays: February 17, March 2 & 16
7:00-8:30 PM, Sacred Heart Rm.
Anointing Masses:
Wednesdays, February 17 & March 16, Noon, Marian Chapel
Palm Sunday
Wednesday, February 17, 7:00 PM, McAuley Hall
Holy Week
Thursdays, February 18 and March 3 & 17
1:00-7:00 PM, Marian Chapel
Communal Reconciliation
7:00 PM, Church
Tuesday
Evening Prayer, 7:00 PM,
Marian Chapel
Wednesday
Tenebrae, 7:00 PM, Church
Holy Thursday
Morning Prayer, 9:00 AM,
Marian Chapel
Mass of the Lord’s Supper,
7:30 PM, Church
Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday
Eucharistic Adoration:
4:30 PM Vigil Mass
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM,
10:30 AM, 12:00 PM Masses
Monday
Good Friday
Ignatian Prayer & Faith Sharing:
2016
Morning Prayer, 9:00 AM,
Marian Chapel
Liturgies:
3:00 PM and 7:30 PM
(Procession at 7:15 PM)
Church
Taize Prayer Service:
Monday, February 22, 7:00 PM, JCU – St. Francis Chapel
Stations of the Cross:
Tuesday, February 23, 7:30 PM, Church
Friday, March 18, 7:00 PM, Church
Evening Prayer:
Thursday, February 25, 7:00 PM, Marian Chapel
Reconciliation Services and Private Confession:
Private Confessions: Saturdays, 3:00 PM, Church
Wednesday, February 24
Diocesan Evening of Reconciliation, 5:00-8:00 PM, Church
Pizza and Penance, 6:00 PM, McAuley Hall
Communal Reconciliation: March 21, 7:00 PM, Church
Lenten Soup Dinner:
Saturday, February 27, Following the 4:30 PM Mass, McAuley Hall
Novena of Grace:
March 4-12, 7:00 PM, Marian Chapel
(Saturdays, 7:30 AM at the Carmelite Monastery and
Sunday, March 6, 5:00 PM, Church)
Morning Prayer and Blessing of
Easter Food, 9:00 AM,
Marian Chapel
Easter Vigil Mass,
9:00 PM, Church
PSR Intergenerational Event:
Sunday, March 13, 10:15 AM, McAuley Hall
Parish Mission:
7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM and
12:00 PM Masses
March 13, 14, and 15
7:00 PM at Communion of Saints Parish
3
WORSHIP
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
Gesu Welcomes Updated Baptismal Font
No doubt about it, we have celebrated many Baptisms here at Gesu! In fact, in just the past 15 years we have witnessed
1,587 Baptisms for infants through adults. Add 75 more years of history to those numbers, and it is easy to envision
the many individuals and families who have lived their sacramental lives within this community.
When the present church was built in the 1950s, the Baptismal font was located in what is now the Ushers Room. As
you might imagine, the celebration of this sacrament in that small room with often only parents, godparents and/or
siblings present contributed to the practice of supporting Baptism as a very private and personal time. The celebration
of Baptism was meant to be a communal event as it is an initiation into the community of believers.
In 1977 the font was moved to the sanctuary, where it is now. The present font is divided into two sections, much
like a double sink, neither side which is able to hold the aluminum bowl which contains Holy Water. So, the bowl
sits precariously a-tilt during a Baptism. Also, there is a significant crack in the font’s marble that occurred during the
move to the sanctuary, making it further impossible for the font to hold water.
While we have “made do” over recent decades, it is now past time to make some very needed changes. Trying to make
the font work with an aluminum bowl that does not fit, and attempting to keep the water warm for a baby, is not
worthy of the Sacrament itself. Also, there is now no accommodation for adult Baptisms.
4
WORSHIP
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
When the church was being renovated in response to the directives of Vatican II, a proposal for placing the font at the
entrance of the church sought to symbolize entrance into the Catholic community. There were mixed reactions to that
design; the plans were altered, and then set aside for a number of years. Now, in 2016, we are expanding the font in the
sanctuary at the current location, designing it to accommodate the Baptism of adults in a ceremony reminiscent of the
way Baptism was celebrated in the early Church.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (1986) states in its National Statutes for the Catechumenate: “Baptism
by immersion is the fuller and more expressive sign of the sacrament, and therefore, provision should be made for
its more frequent use in the Baptism of adults.” Gesu is now making this a reality! Our newly designed font will
incorporate the original font, subtly fashioned for water to flow into the new immersion font. The renovation will
blend the present font with the important addition of the immersion font that is made of Giallo Siena marble from
the same quarry used throughout the church. (We considered it nearly miraculous that this marble was still available.)
In the Church document, Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture and Worship, we read: “One font that will
accommodate the Baptism of both infants and adults symbolizes the one faith and one Baptism that Christians share.”
Gesu will soon have that one font!
To that purpose, the original font will be repaired and re-sculpted so that the upper basin will be a single bowl, large
enough for a baby to be baptized. The lower portion will be the font of immersion for adults. The shell and flowing
water motif will be emphasized and will create a transition from one font to the other, providing fresh, flowing water at
all times. The design includes a decorative grate within the immersion font for safety when the font is not in use. The
water will be continually filtered and cleaned, always symbolizing the living waters, the fullness of life in Christ.
With gratitude to designer Norbert Koehn and architect Steve Taylor, the new design beautifully incorporates the
flowing waters of Baptism offering life for the Church. On entry into the church by way of the McAuley Hall doorway,
worshipers can bless themselves with the Sign of the Cross using the actual waters of Baptism. These waters of life will
continue to flow through all our experiences in Baptisms, in renewal of our Baptismal promises, at funerals, and other
services, all washing us anew in God’s life and grace. For example, when the font is completed, the Funeral Mass ritual
of sprinkling the casket with the waters of Baptism will take place adjacent to the font as the family brings their loved
one to this most poignant time and place.
Tremendous time and thoughtfulness have been devoted to this renovation. We are grateful to the many people whose
talent, wisdom, and donations have contributed to this moment. Scheduled to be completed in time for the Easter
Vigil, the font will serve this celebration of new life as the Church initiates its newest members into the fullness of
Christian life through the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. We join them in the renewal of
our own Baptismal promises and rejoice in the fullness of God’s life that flows within and throughout this community
of faith, re-energizing us as we celebrate our 90th anniversary.
Please join fellow Parishioners, Alumnae and Friends of Gesu
for the 90th Anniversary Mass
on
Sunday, May 15, 2016
at 12:00 P.M.
Reception immediately following Mass
5
FORMATION
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
RCIA
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) welcomes four candidates this year! Each
of these candidates is preparing to enter fully into the Catholic faith through our Gesu
community. We are excited and blessed to have them at Gesu. Over the coming months, we
ask that you keep each of them and their sponsors in your prayers as they continue to prepare
to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation this Easter.
Meet the Candidate: Stephanie Phipps
Stephanie is married to Eric and they have two beautiful children, Annabelle (2nd grader at Gesu) and Connor
(Kindergartner at Gesu). Stephanie spends time volunteering at Gesu School and at the church as one of the coPresidents of Women’s Guild. She has enjoyed getting to know more about Catholicism and her fellow candidates
throughout the RCIA process thus far. She is most looking forward to being able to fully participate in all aspects of
the Mass with her children and husband.
Meet Stephanie’s Sponsors: Ellen Neroni & Sarah Spannagel
Ellen is a long time parishioner of 20 years along with her husband Tom, and their three children, Leah, Nick and
Tim. She is a pre-school teacher at Gesu School, and a wonderful one at that! Ellen is excited to sponsor Stephanie on
this journey, as she also went through the RCIA at Gesu in 2004.
Sarah is married to Dave, and they have two children at Gesu School – Matt (1st grade) and Ben (preschool). She is a
child psychologist and big Michigan fan! Her family has been parishioners since 2009 and she is also very excited to
sponsor Stephanie.
Meet the Candidate: Rick Creger
Rick is married to Michelle Creger and they have two daughters, Tara and Lauren, both graduates of Gesu School,
and a granddaughter on the way. He is a clinical pharmacist at the Seidman Cancer Center and is involved with bone
marrow transplants. He enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and bicycling. Rick has been connected to Gesu for 30 years and
is looking forward to fully participating in the sacraments as a Catholic.
Meet Rick’s Sponsor: John Schwabauer
John is married to Joanne and they are parents to five children and seven grandchildren. They were married at Gesu
in 1974 and raised their children in the parish and school. John was in the first RCIA group at Gesu in 1984. He has
worked as a maintenance technician in steel mills for over 40 years and enjoys time with family, watching baseball and
football, and reading. He enjoyed the Rite of Welcome of the candidates this past fall.
Meet the Candidate: Tiffany Reed
Tiffiny is the proud mom of her four glorious dogs, Kiara, Panda, Ike and Wushu. She is an Air Force Special
Operations Veteran and is a linguist and communications technology specialist by trade. She has also worked as a
director of fitness and wellness, personal trainer and Montessori preschool assistant. She currently teaches Catechesis
of the Good Shepherd at St. Dominic. Tiffany is looking forward to growing and serving as a Catholic along with a
community of loving believers.
Meet Tiffany’s Sponsor: Dorothy Simonis (Denton)
Dorothy is excited to accompany Tiffany in the RCIA process this year. She is the mother of five children and has seven
grandchildren. She is a music therapist and is presently substitute teaching at Montessori schools. She, along with
Tiffany, teaches Cathechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Dominic. She is looking forward to the Easter Vigil and is
inspired by Pope Francis!
Meet the Candidate: Nathan Wills - Meet Nathan’s Sponsor: Kelly Wills
Nathan and his wife, Kelly, have lived in South Euclid for more than ten years. Kelly was a long-time parishioner at
St. Anselm Church in Chesterland; however, when it was time to enroll their daughter, Ainsley, in Kindergarten, they
needed a school closer to home. Nathan and Kelly were drawn to Gesu’s reputation and became parishioners in 2014.
Their son, Owen, was baptized at Gesu in December of that same year. Since joining Gesu they have felt welcomed
by the community and enjoy growing friendships with fellow parishioners and their daughter’s friends from school.
Personally, Nathan was drawn to the Jesuit tradition and looks forward to continued learning and spiritual growth.
6
COMMUNITY LIFE
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
50+ Club Members Travel to Derbytown & Music City
If you are on the North side of 50 and like green beans, you might enjoy joining Gesu’s 50+ Club members for one of
their 2016 adventures. To hopefully spark your interest, here’s a short recap of their most recent trip:
On a sunny autumn Sunday morning we left Gesu, headed for the home of
the Kentucky Derby and Music City, USA. The first night’s stop was in the
Louisville area where we joined theatergoers at the popular Derby Dinner
Playhouse to watch Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”,
preceded by a buffet dinner that included green beans.
Monday morning the group went to the world’s most famous horse racing track and home of the Kentucky Derby –
Churchill Downs. Most of us had seen Churchill Downs on TV, but being there and taking in the atmosphere while
imagining the running of the Derby was thrilling. And Dale Lewis impressed us by saying that he has been at Churchill
Downs for 53 running’s of the Kentucky Derby!
Lunch that day was a buffet (including green beans) served aboard the Spirit of Jefferson as we cruised the Ohio River,
viewing the Indiana and Kentucky shorelines under sunny skies while enjoying crisp autumn air. Then it was “back on
the bus” for the short ride to Nashville, looking forward to large measures of country music.
That evening we were aboard the majestic paddle wheeler General
Jackson as it made its way along the Cumberland River, giving us a great
view of the Nashville city skyline. And guess what? The General Jackson’s
extensive buffet included a roast beef carving station and ample servings of
green beans!
Tuesday afforded the opportunity to see Nashville, including the Governor’s
impressive Mansion on “Millionaire’s Row” – a street that was and is still home to numerous past and present country
music stars. We saw the Parthenon, State Capitol, and more before arriving at “The Mother Church of Country
Music,” Ryman Auditorium. Built in 1892, the Ryman was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974.
On Tuesday afternoon we toured the very impressive Country Music Hall of Fame. It is packed with artifacts,
photographs, recordings, and films reflecting the history of country music from Patsy Cline to Taylor Swift – and the
lovable Minnie (Howdy!) Pearl.
Dinner that night was at the Opry Backstage Grill, and while we didn’t have a buffet, we did have green beans. We
even made a greenbean birthday cake with candle for Jim Coviello and sang “Happy Birthday” to him. Unfortunately,
after singing the song we learned that day wasn’t his birthday, but he appreciated the thought.
7
COMMUNITY LIFE
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
Then it was off to THE Grand Ole Opry to attend that evening’s performance, which was also broadcast live on radio.
The show was performed in a packed auditorium and was one of those you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it events that people
justifiably put on their bucket lists.
Our next day was largely devoted to two famous historic sites in Nashville – Belle Meade Plantation and The
Hermitage. Belle Meade was impressive with its furniture from the 1800’s, giving our group good insight into gracious
living in that era. Belle Meade’s kitchen staff served us an excellent luncheon featuring sliced pork and –yes—green
beans. At The Hermitage it was exciting to imagine President Andrew Jackson’s spaciously comfortable residency in its
picturesque country setting.
That evening, we went to the Nashville Dinner Theater for what turned out to be a buffet dinner including green
beans. By this time green beans were less than thrilling, but the show at the Nashville Dinner Theater was great –
featuring country music legend Jeannie Seely and fantastic fiddler Tim Watkins.
Thursday morning it was time to head for home, with a lunch stop at a restaurant serving family style meals – including
plates of green beans. Our mothers have taught us not to play with food, but several of the group members used just
five green beans to create and play a tic-tac-toe game.
Our final tour stop was on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience shop. There
we had an “educational” tour, a bourbon sampling experience, and an opportunity to bring home some Evan Williams
products.
Then it was back on the regal Barons Bus for the ride to Cleveland, returning to Gesu with pleasant memories of our
time together and with thanks to Dale and Jane Lewis and Lorrie Peterson for their tour leadership along the way.
If something like this could be fun for you, consider joining us on a 2016 adventure. We’ll be taking a one day trip
on Saturday, June 11, to historic Blennerhassett Island, W.Va. also visiting Fenton Art Glass to see their new line of
jewelry. Then off to Marietta, OH for lunch and a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary. The week of September 12 to 16 we
will travel to Mackinac Island and have lunch in the Grand Hotel, visit Charlevoix and have dinner in the Castle, travel
to Traverse City, the Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Park and stop at
The Cross in the Woods on our way
home. For more information please
e:mail 50plusclubgesu@gmail.com.
8
GESU SCHOOL
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
GESU Moving Full STREAM Ahead with New Educational Experience
for Students
Major Leadership Donations Turn Dreams into Reality for Gesu Catholic School
Thanks to leadership donations totaling more than $1 million, generously given by Mr. and Mrs. John Breen,
Mrs. Gerald Breen, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Heltzel, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McDonough, and the Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas McGinty Family Foundation, an innovative program called GESU STREAM is being introduced at
Gesu Catholic School.
“The goal of GESU STREAM is to prepare our students for a 21st century world with a focus on science, technology,
religion, engineering, arts and math,” said Lucy Iemmolo, principal of Gesu Catholic School. “Igniting a spark in the
classroom by encouraging problem solving and project based learning will better prepare our students for their future.”
Gesu joins a handful of area Catholic elementary schools that are implementing STREAM, a relatively new concept
supported by the National Catholic Educational Association. Because of this program, students at the school are
engaged at an earlier age in areas such as robotics, architecture, space exploration and technical design. The funding
for this program is allowing teachers in Preschool through Grade 8 to expand their curriculum through professional
development opportunities. The core of the educational experience remains consistently based on values and a faith
foundation.
With a significant portion of the donated funds, the school will renovate the north side of the school building,
currently the Religious Education Center. The three-floor space will be designed to enhance classroom learning in
science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, all dedicated to the GESU STREAM initiative. Students
will have access to the renovated chapel in this area. When completed, the wing will be known as The Breen Family
Educational Center for STREAM Learning.
The first phase of the initiative focuses on the renovation of the physical
space of the science lab, including updating the equipment. The goal
is to encourage an inquiry based environment and effectively integrate
more hands-on learning experiences into the science curriculum. All
areas of the curriculum will be reviewed, including extracurricular clubs
and programs.
“The GESU STREAM initiative will teach our students to think
critically, collaborate, problem solve, and communicate effectively,” said
Iemmolo. Our goal is to challenge
our students’ minds and equip them
with the tools they can use in a world
of ever-changing competitiveness,
grounded in a strong Catholic faith
which honors God as the Creator of
our world and an integral part of our
learning and daily lives.”
For more information on how to
donate to the GESU STREAM
program, please contact the school
office at (216) 932-0620 or the parish
development office at (216) 932-0617.
Donors also can also visit the school
website at www.gesu.com.
9
GESU SCHOOL
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
Celebrating 90 Years:
A Look Back at 1926
GESU – THE EARLY YEARS
“My first recollection of Gesu was of the school, which I
entered, in first grade. It was housed in a portable frame
building next to a portable frame church. The buildings were
situated on John Carroll University property across Miramar
Blvd., approximately opposite the present school. The school
itself consisted of eight grades, four classrooms, and four
Notre Dame nuns in full habit with dangling rosary beads,
two rest rooms and a lunch/all purpose room. Across a
drive, north of the school, stood a small white house
surrounded by fruit trees. It served as the parish rectory.”
– Gesu archives, Author Unknown
10
GESU SCHOOL
Gesu News & Views
March 2016
Class of 2005 Celebrates Its 10th Year Reunion
Members of the Gesu graduating
class of '05 gathered on December 26,
2015 for 4:30 pm Mass, a tour of the
School, and dinner at Pizzazz.
Class of 1965 Celebrates its 50th Reunion
The Class of '65 gathered at Brennan’s Colony on Friday,
September 11th to launch their reunion weekend. On
Saturday they met for 4:30 pm Mass at Gesu,
followed by a tour of the school. They shared
memories with their 8th grade teacher Sister
Alice Slowey S.N.D. (Sister Immaculae S.N.D.)
who joined them for the tour and an evening of
fun at Pizzazz on the Circle.
Class of 1970 Celebrates its 45th Reunion
Members of the Gesu graduating class of '70 gathered on
Saturday, October 3rd for 4:30 pm Mass, a tour of the
school, and dinner at Pizzazz.
Class of 1970 Boys and Girls
City Champions
11
Non Profit Org
US Postage
PAID
Cleveland, OH
Permit 2753
Church of the Gesu
2470 Miramar Blvd.
University Heights, Ohio 44118
Phone: 216-932-0617
www.churchofthegesu.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
GESU PARISH,
a Catholic community
in the Jesuit tradition,
is committed to:
Eucharistic living
Lifelong learning
Generous serving
“all for the greater glory of God”
Eucharistic living
We center our lives in Christ and the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist.
Lifelong learning
We engage, at all ages, in learning and being formed in the image of Christ.
Generous serving
We use our gifts to serve God and others.
Check us out on Facebook at Church of the Gesu or Twitter @GesuCleveland
Parish and School Staff:
Rev. James E. Von Tobel, S. J., Pastor
Rev. Michael Vincent, S.J., Associate Pastor
Rev. Thomas Chillikulam, S. J., Associate Pastor
Rev. Dr. James O’Donnell, Deacon
Sr. Kathleen Flannery, OSU, Parish Life Director
Ms. Ashley Markiewicz, Outreach Coordinator
Mrs. Marcia Leous, Co-Director of Faith Formation
Ms. Sadie Curtin, Co-Director of Faith Formation
Dr. Joe Metzinger, Director of Music Ministries
Mark Ehrbar, Co-Director of Music Ministry
Ms. Sara Schoonmaker, Assistant Development Director
Mrs. Kathy Barile, Co-Business Manager
Mrs. Therese Blumenthal, Co-Business Manager
Ms. Lucy Iemmolo, Principal
Ms. Mary Carol Jones, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Debbie Lautenbach, Co-Preschool Director
Mrs. Paula Lang, Co-Preschool Director
Mr. Joe Gehring, Youth Minister
Mr. Joe D’Amato, Athletic Director
Volunteer Editorial Committee:
Gesu Communication Committee
Printing courtesy of Dee Printing, Inc. Design courtesy of JAC Business Communications.
Information about article submissions: Gesu News & Views is published three times a year. To submit articles, information, and/or photos, please email
sschoonmaker@churchofthegesu.org, or mail them to the address above, Attn: Gesu News Committee.
* All efforts have been made to provide accurate information. Please contact us for corrections.