Canton, Ohio (11/20/2018) – St. Raphael Center, Inc., located at 4365 Fulton Drive N.W., has served the Catholic community of Stark County for nearly three decades. The center is expanding its community programming with a free three-day mission during the Advent season. The mission will take place on December 17, 18, 19 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The evening will begin with Mass in the Mary, Ark of the Covenant Chapel. The discussion will be led by Fr. Joseph Tuscan, OFM, Cap., a Capuchin Franciscan friar.
“We are blessed to have Fr. Joseph Tuscan leading this free mission during the Advent season,” said Barbara Gaskell, director of St. Raphael Center, Inc.
The mission, which is entitled “Why Stay Catholic”, will have three topics focused on the holiness of various parts of the Catholic Faith.
- Evening one, The Church is Holy because His Sacred Word is Holy: Biblical and spiritual foundation.
- Evening two, The Church is Holy because the Saints are holy: St. Padre Pio, Blessed Solanus Casey and others.
- Evening three, The Church is Holy because the Sacraments are Holy: The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Eucharist.
“On the second evening, our center will be hosting Brother Merling who is the postulator of Blessed Solanus Casey’s cause for sainthood,” said Gaskell. “This is a special time of year to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season and the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Those interested in attending should reserve their spot by Friday, December 14 at 5:00 p.m. by emailing sales@catholicbook.net or calling (330) 492-7018.
St. Raphael Center, Inc. opened its doors on September 15, 1989. The center began as a 300 square foot space and has since grown into the 7,500 square foot multipurpose facility on Fulton Drive. St. Raphael Center, Inc. is home to St. Raphael Books & Gifts, Living Bread Radio Network and the Mother Angelica Tour. It is a non-profit organization that was formed to help others find Christ alive in their lives.
The organization wants to enlighten and educate others to the depth and richness of the Catholic faith, and encourage and inspire those already Catholic to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic faith and to pass on those teachings to their children. The store hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Biography on Fr. Joseph Tuscan, OFM, Cap.:
Fr. Joseph was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1967 and was raised in Canton, Ohio. He entered Borromeo College Seminary in 1986 where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences in 1989. In 1990, he professed his first vows as a Capuchin Franciscan friar. Making his Perpetual vows in 1993, he went on to earn his Master’s degree in Theology at the Washington Theological Union in 1995 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1997.
Fr. Joseph’s first assignment after ordination was on the Pacific island of Papua New Guinea where he served for four years with our friars of the Custody there. Returning to the U.S. in 2001, he has served in various capacities as Parochial Vicar, Military and Hospital Chaplain and as Pastor.
Most recently, Fr. Joseph worked with our friars in the Custody of Puerto Rico and currently serves as a full-time Minister of the Word and Evangelization for our Capuchin Province, offering retreats and reflection days for parishes, Religious and Priests.
St. Raphael Center, Inc. 