A series of events marking the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in the Diocese of Cleveland is underway. A small fundraiser took place Dec. 11 during a celebration at the Conversion of St. Paul Shrine in Cleveland. The event featured a Christmas sale to raise money for the PCPA, a congregation of cloistered religious sisters whose ministry includes praying before the Blessed Sacrament 24/7.
The sisters are one of the most overlooked treasures in our diocese,” said Sharon Deitrick, who leads the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration Foundation, which sponsored the event.
“The sisters rely heavily on donations and other fundraising events to pay for their living and medical expenses as well as upgrades to their living quarters,” she added.
The Christmas sale featured handmade crafts created by the sisters as well as other gift items. It followed a Mass attended by more than 100 people at the shrine. The celebrant was Father Phil Bernier, a Capuchin Franciscan friar, and shrine administrator. During his homily, Father Bernier urged worshipers to rejoice and spread the joy of worship.
Deitrick said there is an urgent need to raise money for the sisters because the main 2021 fundraiser was postponed until next year due to issues with COVID-19. The foundation’s goal is to raise $100,000 annually to support the sisters. In the past, the sisters relied primarily on money generated from supplying Communion hosts to Catholic parishes across the diocese. The pandemic adversely impacted that income source, so the sisters now depend on individual donations, fundraisers and proceeds from the gift shop they operate at the shrine.
At the mini-fundraiser, Deitrick announced that the organization’s main fundraising event will be a large gala set for April 24, 2022. It will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the sisters’ ministry in the diocese. Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns’ head coach, will be the keynote speaker at the fundraiser. The venue and other details will be announced soon.
Money raised at past fundraisers helped pay for updated plumbing along with window and roof repairs at the monastery, which the sisters share with the Capuchins. This year’s pressing needs are to make repairs to the church and to update the infirmary, where sisters care for other members of their congregation who are ill.
Click here for information on holiday crafts and other items that are available for purchase online through Jan. 6, 2022.
In addition, individual contributions to support the sisters can be made on their secure website or mail checks to PCPA Foundation, 134 Western Ave., Akron, 44313.