For the first year, Cross the Bridge for life participants won’t be wearing purple. Cross the Bridge for Live returns June 2, the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Some upcoming Catholic events:

May 26, Memorial Day Cemetery Mass at Calvary Cemetery (Dayton), noon. Fr. Scott Wright will celebrate; new Avenue of Flags will be featured.

May 27, Memorial Day Cemetery Mass at Gate of Heaven, St. Joseph, and  St. Mary Cemeteries, 11 am. Bishop Binzer will celebrate a field Mass at Gate of Heaven; the St. Joseph and St. Mary Masses will be held inside.

May 29, Exorcism: Fact or Fiction, a St. Cecilia parish Faith on Tap talk at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley (OH). Speaker: Fr. Earl Fernandes. Session opens at 8 pm for drinks and conversation; talk begin at 8:30. No fee; all ages welcome.

May 30, Corpus Christi Procession at Holy Family Parish (Dayton), following 7 pm Mass. Holy Family is a Latin Mass parish that follows the Tridentine calendar, so the Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated on its traditional Thursday date.

June 2, Eucharistic Holy Hour for the Feast of Corpus Christi, St. Peter in Chains Cathedral with Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, 3:30.

June 2, Diocesan Corpus Christi Procession at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington. Mass at 10 am, Adoration 11 am – 2 pm, procession and benediction 2 pm.

June 2, Annual Corpus Christi Procession from St. Teresa of Avila and St. William Churches in Price Hill. Begins with 2 pm prayer service at St. Teresa. For directions call (513) 921-9200.

For more parish Corpus Christi processions, click here.

June 2, 8th Annual Cross the Bridge for Life. Starts at the World Peace Bell in Newport (KY). Sacred Heart Radio’s Matt Swaim will emcee. Music by ACV at 1:30, Office of African American Catholic Ministries Gospel Choir at 2:00, Lee Roessler Band at 2:30. Walk begins at 3 pm. Food Vendors: Kona Ice, Wiggy Dip, Pizza Bomba, C’est Cheese, Knights of Columbus Donut Trailer; JTM booth will provide free hamburgers while they last. Free t-shirts day of event. No fee for walk; donations accepted.

For more upcoming Catholic events, see our Events Page. 

Want to see your event listed? Send it to thecatholicbeat@gmail.com in the following format: Date, Name of Event, location, time, short description, ticket price (if any), contact information, web site (if any). 

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Students in an engineering class at Roger Bacon tested their designs for cardboard boats in St. Bernard’s community pool.

Students in an engineering class at Roger Bacon High School in St. Bernard (OH) discovered the hard way that math is only half of engineering — the rest is construction.

To test their design and construction mettle, Michael Schaffer’s Engineering II students designed and built boats from cardboard and tape — then raced them across the St. Bernard Rec Center’s Olympic sized pool to see which designs worked best.

Several of the boats sank. Of the finalists, a canoe-style boat piloted by Jacob Westerfeld barely finished, a “speed cruiser” piloted by Ethan Burgess led for half the race, when a kayak-style boat built by Alan Bossman took the lead and finished first.

“The students really enjoyed the test of making a boat out of cardboard,” says school spokesperson Sue Heurkamp. “There was definitely some disappointment when a boat sank –but those were the most fun to watch!”

Photo courtesy Roger Bacon High School. For a slide show of the boat race, click here for the school’s Facebook page.

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Getting in to a cardboard boat takes some skill — and some help.

In this science experiment, engineering failures at least provide some amusement.

Whether you buy them or pick them yourself, fresh berries are wonderful in these two recipes.

BRAMBLE BERRIES AND STRAWBERRIES

Luke 6:44-45  “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit….for figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush…”

One of the first things people notice in the Middle East is the large number of thorny plants: briers, brambles and thorn bushes are common.  Scholars think the brambles are from a kind of raspberry, which are members of the rose family. They grow abundantly in Palestine and other Bible lands, along roadsides and in fields. I always think of the crown of thorns when I pick bramble berries.

We think of bramble berries as sometimes being wild fruits. How were they cultivated during Bible days?

Back then they were exactly that  – native to the region but growing wild and not yet domesticated. And think of how thorny they were, nothing like what we cultivate today.  The plants were actually used as barriers to keep enemies and animals out.

The berries would have been much smaller than what is available today. I have thornless blackberries in my garden, but I still like to go along the woods and railroad tracks and gather wild berries like you did when you were a child. The wild berries remind me more of the Biblical berries and when you have to work a bit to get them, they are so much tastier.

Were berries eaten only fresh?

Berries from plants that had thorns were generally eaten fresh from what my research shows. But strawberries were known in ancient Rome a couple hundred years before Christ was born and grew wild. They were very small, growing low on the ground, so some people were afraid to pick them since they might run into snakes or toads. The Romans pickled strawberries.

What has the medicinal value been throughout history? 

The Greeks used blackberries as a remedy for gout. And blackberries have been used to treat fevers and digestive problems for more than 2000 years. Now it wasn’t so much the fruit that was used but the root, bark and leaf were boiled in water and given as medicine. Because of their heart shape, strawberries were considered good for the heart. Raspberry leaf tea is an ancient woman’s remedy.

Berries have lots of antioxidants, and fiber, vitamin C, among other nutrients. Plus they contain a lot of water which is good for hydration.

Berries have an interesting culinary history, as well.

In the 1600’s, blackberries were being used to make wine and cordials. And Chambord, a liqueur  from the 1700’s is made from both red and black raspberries (Black raspberries are my favorite!).

I have some old what my mother-in-law called “receipts” for blackberry wine.  And berry pies and jams go back to pioneer days.

How do you freeze them?

After washing and air drying, I lay them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, freeze them uncovered until they’re hard and then I’ll pour them in freezer containers. That way they don’t stick together.  If I’m freezing strawberries, I remove the stem first.

RITA’S  “CLONED” FRISCH’S/BIG BOY’S STRAWBERRY PIE

Fantastic for that Memorial Day celebration. This is as close as I could get to this popular pie. Best made with the sweetest, in-season berries!  The glaze works with raspberries, as well. Just substitute raspberry Jello.

Baked pastry shell

3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (depending upon the sweetness of the berries)

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup cold water

1/4 cup strawberry Jello

1 tablespoon lemon juice or to taste

Set aside:

1 generous quart fresh strawberries, sliced, cut in half or left whole if real small

Garnish: Whipped cream

Bring, sugar, cornstarch, water and Jello to a boil and stir until jello and sugar are dissolved. Stir in lemon juice and cool to room temperature.  Now pour this over strawberries – I like to use at least a quart of berries or more. Stir to coat berries. This is a soft set glaze, more like very thick syrup that coats the berries. It doesn’t set up stiffly. Pour into pie shell and garnish with whipped cream.

Tips from Rita’s Kitchen:

Berries should be refrigerated unwashed, loosely covered.  Don’t remove caps before washing, as berries will get waterlogged. 

Blueberry/Strawberry Pie:  Add a handful of blueberries in with the strawberries.

 FRESH RASPBERRY PIE

Very elegant! This glaze sets up more stiffly than the previous one and cuts cleanly.

Baked pastry shell

6 cups fresh raspberries in all

3/4 cup sugar or bit more to taste

1/2 cup cold water

3 tablespoons each: lemon juice and cornstarch

Garnish: Whipped cream

Stir together 2 cups berries, 3/4 cup sugar, water, lemon juice and cornstarch. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly, then lower heat to a simmer and cook and stir 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. After chilling, fold 2 cups of remaining berries into mixture. Pour into pastry shell and chill a couple of hours or until firm. Serve with whipped cream and extra berries.

Rita Heikenfeld.

Rita Nader Heikenfeld writes a weekly cooking column and blog for the Community Press, appears every Thursday on the Son Rise Morning Show, and is the author of several cookbooks. An adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati, she is Macy’s Regional Culinary Professional  (CCP) and is a Certified Modern Herbalist. She lives “in the sticks” outside Batavia, Ohio with her family, where they heat with wood, raise chickens for eggs, and grow their own produce and herbs. You’ll find all her previous recipes featured on The Catholic Beat here.

 Rita’s Bible Foods segment airs on the Son Rise Morning Show every Thursday morning at 7:22 am (rebroadcast Friday at 6:02 am). Tune in to hear her discuss the history behind each recipe and the scripture verses that inspired it. And of course, for cooking tips!

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Sophomores Deanna Wilson and Jasmine Wade, two of the many students who assisted at the first-ever Rey of Light scholarship fundraiser for De Paul Cristo Rey High School.

Donations at De Paul Cristo Rey High School’s inaugural scholarship fundraiser last month more than tripled organizers’ goals, raising $349,000 for tuition scholarships.

Presented by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, the SC Ministry Foundation, and Susie and John Lame/Lenox Weatlh Management, the Rey of Light Scholarship Benefit for Students was held at the school and included silent and oral auctions, dinner, and raffles.

Sr. Joan Elizabeth Cook, SC, president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and Fr. Erick Knapp, SJ, pastor of St. Xavier Church in downtown Cincinnati, were honorary co-chairs.

Organizers set a $100,000 for the first fundraising dinner. The sellout crowd of 310 attendees donated a large portion of the total (a special paddle raise at the event brought in $57,500) while other funds were raised through sponsorships and donations from people who were unable to attend. An ”angel” donor matched all funds raised at the event through raffles and auctions.

Now finishing its second academic year, DPCR is one of the national Cristo Rey network of college preparatory high schools, providing an innovative work-study program for students who live in communities with few educational options. Most students qualify for free or reduced-fee lunches.

Students earn part of their tuition by working one day a week for one of the school’s corporate partners. “However as a new school which serves only those families who can’t afford other private, college-preparatory schools, the cost to educate students far outweighs their CWSP earnings,” says school spokesperson Margee Garbsch. “Rey of Light supports the scholarships that enable students from economically challenged families afford this nationally recognized, dual-focus educational program now offered in Cincinnati at DPCR and not available at any other local high school.”

All funds raised at the event will go directly to the DPCR  general scholarship fund, Garbsch.

DPCR is enrolling its third freshman class now. For information about enrollment, donations, or about becoming a corporate partner, click here.

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Fr. Michael Perry (center) at Mass following his election as Minister General of the Franciscans. Click to enlarge.

Fr. Michael Anthony Perry, OFM, was elected Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans) at special election in Rome yesterday, succeeding Monsignor José Rodriguez Carballo, who was recently named Secretary for the Congregation of Religious by Pope Fancis.

An Indianapolis native, Fr. Michael has served in Missions in the Congo, with Catholic Relief Services, and with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Most recently Vicar General of the Franciscans, he has served the US Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as Provincial, in formation for novices, and in international work.

He has been a Franciscan since 1978, and was ordained in 1984.

The Minister General is the head of the entire Franciscan Order, which is organized into Provinces, Custodies, Foundations, and one group called a Federation. The Franciscan Order was established by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century, and confirmed by Pope Honorius III in 1223. It operates in 110 countries, including the Holy Land, where it has official custody of churches and shrines.

St. Francis was the first Minister General. Minster Generals serve six-year terms. At a special election, the heads of the different Conferences, the Custos of the Holy Land, and the General Council of the Order vote on who will fill the remainder of the term.

Franciscans are referred to by their first names and are all called “Brother” or “friar,” although ordained brothers may also be referred to as “Father.” Bro. Michael is the third American friar to be elected Minister General. The first, Bro. Valentine Schaff, (1945-46) was from the St. John the Baptist Provice, which includes the Archdiocese of  Cincinnati and the Diocese of Covington. The second, Bro. John Vaughn,  The second, Bro. Valentine Schaff, served from 1979-1991.

Photo courtesy the Order of Friars Minor.

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Bishop Roger Foys has asked all parishes in the Diocese of Covington to take up a second collection for aid to victims of the Oklahoma tornados at all Masses this weekened and next weekend.

“We will forward these funds to Archbishop Paul Coakley and the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City as a gift from the people of the Diocese of Covington,” Bishop Foys said in a letter to pastors yesterday. “Be assured that 100 percent of the funds collected on the two collection weekends will go directly to the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for distribution to those most affected by the May 20 tornados.”

Bishop Foys said donations can also be sent directly to the Diocese of Covington’s Stewardship Office at P.O. Box 15550, Covington, KY 41015-0550.

“I thank you for your consideration of this effort, and ask you to please remember the people of Oklahoma City in your prayers,” says Mike Murray, director of the Stewardship Office. “May God continue to bless you and those you serve.”

On Tuesday, Archbishop Dennis Schnurr asked all parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to take up a special collection for tornado victims this weekend. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati is working with Matthew 25: Ministries to help victims and is accepting donations, and Oklahoma City Catholic Charities is also accepting donations for disaster relief.

Photo courtesy Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City.

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Procession at the 2011 Field Mass, Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

The new Avenue of Flags at historic Calvary Cemetery in Dayton (OH).

Memorial Day Masses are scheduled for Sunday and Monday at cemeteries in Cincinnati and Dayton.

On Monday, May 27, Bishop Joe Binzer will celebrate a field Mass at 11 am  at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Cincinnati.

Also at 11 am on May 27, Masses will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Bernard and St. Joseph Cemetery in Price Hill. Fr. Fred Link, OFM, will celebrate the  Mass at St. Mary’s. It will be held indoors at the Christ Our Savior Chapel Mausoleum, which can accomodate 275-300 attendees. Fr. Ralph Westerhoff will celebrate the Mass at St. Joseoph’s, which will be held indoors at Mother of God Chapel and can accommodate 300 – 325 attendees.

Both locations are air-conditioned. Both Masses will end with a a bugler playing Taps, followed by the placing of a wreath for veterans and fallen soldiers. Both cemeteries will also offer “intention boards” for families to write a notes to and about their loved ones. (To see video of Taps at St. Mary’s last year, click here.)

In Dayton’s historic Calvary Cemetery, Memorial Day Mass will be held at noon on May 26. Fr. Scott Wright will celebrate the Mass, which will also feature the cemetery’s new Avenue of Flags, an installation of American flags near the cemetery’s entrance.

Moore, Oklahoma, after the tornado. Photo source unknown.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr has asked all parishes in the archdiocese to take up a second collection this weekend, May 25 and 26, for victims of tornadoes in Oklahoma.

“As the nation focuses its attention on the tragic loss of life and destruction that took place in Moore, OK, we pray for all the victims and families devastated by the tornadoes in Oklahoma and other states this past week,” he wrote. “Already we are hearing from the generous faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati who want to know how they can help those devastated by these storms.”

Noting that “the immediate need following the tornadoes is great and this need will be great for weeks and months,” Archbishop Schnurr told pastors he is “confident the good people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will respond generously with their prayers and financial support.”

Donations will be collected by the Chancery, Archbishop Schnurr said, and sent to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for distribution in affected areas.

Click here for yesterday’s story on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati teaming up with Matthew: 25 Ministries for tornado relief.

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From the Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati:

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is asking for help in bringing relief to the residents of Moore, Okla. following the devastation of Monday’s tornado. St. Vincent de Paul volunteers living in the affected area are already on the ground giving relief to their neighbors who have been impacted by the storm. We are asking for financial donations to directly support those local volunteers in their efforts.

St. Vincent de Paul is also collecting personal care items and toiletries, cleaning supplies, first aid supplies, blankets and baby care products. We are partnering with Matthew: 25 Ministries to deliver these items to the affected area.

Here’s how you can help:

• Make a financial donation online at www.SVDPcincinnati.org or by calling 513-421-HOPE (4673).
• Donate personal care items, cleaning supplies, first aid supplies, blankets and baby care products at any St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store location or at our West End Outreach Center. Visit www.SVDPcincinnati.org for locations.
• Spread the word to friends and family who are looking for ways to help volunteers working on the ground in the affected area.

“Our prayers go out to the victims of the storm,” said Liz Carter, executive director, St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati. “We are always grateful for the giving spirit of our own community. We encourage everyone to support the relief efforts through prayers and through giving.”

For more information on St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati’s relief efforts contact Eric Young, community relations manager, at (513) 614-1943.

Pledges to the 2013 Catholic Ministries Appeal total $5 million — and are still coming in.

This year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) collection will be the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s highest ever, with pledges totaling more than $5 million — and more coming in.

Once known as the Archdiocesan Annual Fund Drive, CMA is the Archdiocese’s largest annual fund drive, with money dedicated to the most causes:

• Catholic Charities and Social Services 
• College, hospital, and prison chaplains
• Retired priests
• The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and the Vocations Office
• St. Rita School for the Deaf
• Evangelization 

Donations have been rising steadily since 2008, when they hit their lowest level in years  ($2.8 million) because of the clergy abuse scandal and other issues that made people uncertain about their trust in the Church. Numbers rebounded to $3.4 million in 2009, $3.7 million in 2010, $3.9 million in 2011, and $4.2 million last year — breaking $4 million for the first time since 2003.

Stewardship Director Michael Vanderburgh attributes this year’s record-breaking increase to three things: people’s familiarity with the fund drive after six years with its current name and focus; an archdiocesan-wide effort by pastors to ensure that parishioners know the many causes that CMA funds; and the Catholics Come Home advertising campaign.

“Catholics Come Home got a lot of people excited and enthusiastic about their faith,” Vandenburgh says. “Contributing to CMA is one tangible way to express that enthusiasm.”

Like all fundraising efforts, CMA recognizes large donors. But because area Catholics have many income levels, the CMA major donor plan is different from most: It recognizes anyone who donates at least 1% of his or her income. These “CMA Partners”are recognized at a special reception every year. In addition, three donor “Circles” recognize three donation levels: the Circle of Faith (pledges of $1,000 – $4,999) the Circle of Hope ($5,000 – $9,999) and the Circle of Charity ($10,000 and above).

While these large donations are important, Vanderburgh says, any contribution makes a difference. More than 33,000 people (already 1000 more than last year) have made pledges, many of them for amounts of $100 or less.

“Hundreds of thousands of lives are affected by CMA,” he says. “Every gift helps spread the Gospel.”

The Catholic Ministries Appeal fund drive officially ends June 31, but gifts are accepted all year round. To donate, click here.

Photo by Kriss Szkurlatowski, courtesy stock.xchng.

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