St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church - Wooster, OH

09/09/2026

Faith Formation gets underway this week

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/3f4natkr

Beloved Family:
It is really happening…but it almost didn’t happen! By the time you read this—even if it is mere moments after it has been uploaded electronically, significantly preceding the arrival of the print version—I will be on “the Way,” the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. While a mental and spiritual projection of this journey took hold on my heart a couple of years ago, it was only six weeks ago that I actually booked an organized tour.
Why is this? Certainly, it was not due to lack of encouragement form other. In addition to Fr. David, who, as I have said prior to now, has been a tremendous “cheerleader,” I also have had the support of others, including Dr. Paul Crowley, a parishioner who has made two journeys on the Camino. He and I sat down as far back as Memorial Day, when he provided me with numerous resources to assist in planning.
So, what caused the delay? Put simply, it was misplaced pride. Back when Fr. James Parisi was with us as a transitional deacon, since he had also made a pilgrimage to Spain in his seminary days, he and Fr. David naturally exchanged stories of the experience on more than one occasion around the dinner table. They never inferred that there is “only one real way” to make the pilgrimage. Rather, I allowed myself to be intimidated by the “thought” of doing it according to the most stringent manner. Finally, by the grace of God, I put down the burden of ego (ultimately far heavier than any backpack could be) and joined a group already formed, yielding to my own limitations and—far more importantly—the providential care of God. Trust me when I say there have been many signs and divine
If you wrote out a petition in one of the notebooks I had placed by the doors of church, know that I am literally carrying them with me each step of the journey. Even if you did not write out an intention, you can be confident that as my family now for many years, a slideshow of images of the faces from the Saint Mary community will be rotating in my mind and heart.
One of the events I regret missing due to my travel is the launch of Faith Formation on Wednesday evenings. This year, the kick-off will have begun with celebration of a Mass. How wonderful that at the forefront of a new season of growing in faith, the family has the opportunity to connect everything we undertake this year with growth in union with the Heart of Christ in the Eucharist. That said, next weekend (September 20), we will officially observe Catechetical Sunday with the rest of the Church. The theme is “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18; cf. Isaiah 61:1)
Even though I have experienced many a Wayne County Fair I am sincerely sorry not to be around to support the many youth—and adults too—who bring the work of their hands and skills to show during this coming week. Additionally, the Catholic faith community, along with Saint Mary School, will be represented at a table. AND, of course, the Fair Mass, Sunday, September 13, bright and early at 7 am (We will see who is more awake: the humans or the roosters!) May God grant safety and a delightful time to all who participate!

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

09/04/2026

Throwback to our Cruisin' With The Saints VBS in July with St. Agnes! We hope to bring this same joy and energy to our faith formation year, which kicks off next Wednesday, 9/9, for everyone ages 3-103!! See you at Mass at 6:30 (refreshments and activities/meet the teachers following in the gym)!

We had a great time at our 9th joint VBS at St. Agnes. Special than...

09/02/2026

I have been walking considerably more than usual, in preparation for my pilgrimage to Spain and the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/2zzttsm9

Beloved Family:
I am continually amazed at how much one does not see from a car. I consider myself a moderately observant person. In fact, I would understand if some individuals were to offer me free advice to face forward when driving rather than looking out one side or another to take note of a landmark or other sight. However, even as a passenger, often things are passing by at such a rate that one misses “each” due to a “blur of all.”
I am particularly aware of this because over the past few weeks, I have been walking considerably more than usual, in preparation for my pilgrimage to Spain and the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I have alternated routes, collectively representing a good number of the roads and streets I have traveled habitually in an automobile, in twenty-three years of Wooster Wayne County residency. Let me tell you, there are homes and buildings and landscape details that I have experienced as brand new, on foot. It is a real gift.
Speaking of gifts, thank you to so many who have expressed joy for my having this opportunity for pilgrimage/retreat. I do not believe that Fr. David has ever served as an official cheerleader in athletic events, but one could not ask for a more enthusiastic show of support from a brother. He could be constantly reminding me of how rugged an approach he took in contrast to my itinerary; instead, he has offered only full-on encouragement.
Again, this weekend, the notebooks of pages to be filled with your personal prayer intentions will be available at the portico entrance as well as the Beall Avenue exit of church. You are welcome to associate your name with an intention, but that is fully optional. I will carry those at all times, in my backpack.
I depart on Labor Day and return on September 18. In addition to a portion of the Camino, our group will also be visiting Avila, a holy place associated with Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint John of the Cross—both Carmelites and major reformers within the Church. Finally, before flying home we will travel to Fatima. Clearly, Mary desires a portion of my focus on the trip, and so appropriately! Within the dates of this journey, the Church will celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows—also my baptismal day. Additionally, we will mark the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)—such a liturgically rich time.
Certainly, I have heard of priests sending “journal entries” home to the parish while away or creating a blog with narrative and photographs. Beyond the fact that I am not tech-savvy, knowing my temperament, I could fairly easily become distracted by that activity. Instead, I have decided to employ my phone in a minimalist manner, even to avoiding taking photographs for the most part. I believe the Lord is inviting me to allow my “live senses” to do the recording. Just pray my memory is sufficiently intact so as to remember things to share when I return (I do hope to be faithful to journaling as we go).
It is fairly typical for those promoting the Camino to speak in terms of making “your Camino.” I understand the meaning behind this. Still, I ask that you all pray that this will be His Camino, the experience He ordains me to have, and that I will be docile to all the ways He chooses to reveal Himself to me and teach me lessons needed to lead me to deeper discipleship.

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

08/26/2026

As Catholic disciples of Christ, we are meant to think differently, speak differently, act differently—live differently. Yet I know that often, I mirror the way of the world rather than the way of Christ

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/duhj3y9u

Beloved Family:
Do you ever find yourself perplexed at the contradictions that exist in…you? From where is that question coming, one may ask. Last Sunday’s gospel presented Saint Peter, under the inspiration of the heavenly Father, identifying Jesus rightly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt. 16:16). Jesus affirms Peter in his future role as the visible head of the Church He is establishing.
In this Sunday’s passage, Peter speaks, almost in the “next breath,” in a manner that leads to a sharp rebuke from Jesus. As Jesus begins to present the destiny of the Savior prior to His glory— rejection, suffering, death— Peter takes him aside and suggests: “God forbid, Lord. No such thing shall ever happen to you” (Mt. 16:22). Jesus powerfully responds: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me” (Mt. 16:23) Scripture scholars point out that the word used in its original language denotes “stumbling stone” which creates a marvelous contrast of imagery, given that Jesus prior named him “Petrus” or “rock.”
Jesus goes on to point out the contrast between worldly thinking and thought according to the mind of God. This is reinforced, so to speak, in the Second reading, drawn from Saint Paul to the Romans. Within the passage we hear: “Do not be conformed to this world (New Revised Standard translation) but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
To quote a footnote from the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Second Edition:
Because worldly wisdom and values are often deformed (1:21, 28), Christians must allow God to transform them into the image of Christ (8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18). The grace of the Spirit enables us to interpret our lives and evaluate the influences of our culture with respect to the gospel. In all things, God’s will should be the central object of our discernment, for it alone is acceptable and perfect (CCC 2520, 2826).
As Catholic disciples of Christ, we are meant to think differently, speak differently, act differently—live differently. Yet I know that often, I mirror the way of the world rather than the way of Christ. Recently, I heard the following question posed. It was not directed to Saint Mary, or any specific parish for that matter. Yet, I believe it is a powerful question worthy of our consideration and prayerful reflection. If your parish were to close, would it make a significant impact on the community around it?
While I respond to that question with a resounding “yes,” I do not believe that we can ever afford to become too comfortable with the way things are or what we are already doing. Rather, we must constantly be aware of the mindset and heartset (I just created that word) behind all the activities and ministries taking place. Are they actually leading us to deeper union with Jesus Christ and one another. And here, “one another” does not indicate only fellow parishioners. It encompasses everyone we encounter. Let us be a light pointing to the heart of Christ!

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

08/26/2026

As Catholic disciples of Christ, we are meant to think differently, speak differently, act differently—live differently. Yet I know that often, I mirror the way of the world rather than the way of Christ.

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/duhj3y9u

Beloved Family:
Do you ever find yourself perplexed at the contradictions that exist in…you? From where is that question coming, one may ask. Last Sunday’s gospel presented Saint Peter, under the inspiration of the heavenly Father, identifying Jesus rightly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt. 16:16). Jesus affirms Peter in his future role as the visible head of the Church He is establishing.
In this Sunday’s passage, Peter speaks, almost in the “next breath,” in a manner that leads to a sharp rebuke from Jesus. As Jesus begins to present the destiny of the Savior prior to His glory— rejection, suffering, death— Peter takes him aside and suggests: “God forbid, Lord. No such thing shall ever happen to you” (Mt. 16:22). Jesus powerfully responds: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me” (Mt. 16:23). Scripture scholars point out that the word used in the original language denotes “stumbling stone” which creates a marvelous contrast of imagery, given that Jesus prior named him “Petrus” or “rock.”
Jesus goes on to point out the contrast between worldly thinking and thought according to the mind of God. This is reinforced, so to speak, in the Second reading, drawn from Saint Paul to the Romans. Within the passage we hear: “Do not be conformed to this world (New Revised Standard translation) but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
To quote a footnote from the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Second Edition:
Because worldly wisdom and values are often deformed (1:21, 28), Christians must allow God to transform them into the image of Christ (8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18). The grace of the Spirit enables us to interpret our lives and evaluate the influences of our culture with respect to the gospel. In all things, God’s will should be the central object of our discernment, for it alone is acceptable and perfect (CCC 2520, 2826).
As Catholic disciples of Christ, we are meant to think differently, speak differently, act differently—live differently. Yet I know that often, I mirror the way of the world rather than the way of Christ. Recently, I heard the following question posed. It was not directed to Saint Mary, or any specific parish for that matter. Yet, I believe it is a powerful question worthy of our consideration and prayerful reflection. If your parish were to close, would it make a significant impact on the community around it?
While I respond to that question with a resounding “yes,” I do not believe that we can ever afford to become too comfortable with the way things are or what we are already doing. Rather, we must constantly be aware of the mindset and heartset (I just created that word) behind all the activities and ministries taking place. Are they actually leading us to deeper union with Jesus Christ and one another? And, here, “one another” does not indicate only fellow parishioners. It encompasses everyone we encounter. Let us be a light pointing to the heart of Christ!

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

08/25/2026

St. Mary family: Mark your calendars for our faith formation kickoff on Wednesday, September 9, beginning with Mass at 6:30pm! Parents, it's not too late to sign your children up for faith formation!

08/23/2026

A GREAT DAY FOR AN OUTDOOR MASS AND PARISH PICNIC! Beautiful, sunny weather greeted St. Mary parishioners who enjoyed Sunday, Aug. 23's Outdoor Mass and Parish Picnic at Freedlander Park's Houser Pavilion. In addition to a potluck picnic and fellowship after the morning Mass, SMIC TeenLife youth led games and activities.

08/19/2026

On the first day of school, Wednesday, Aug. 19, as I reached out to assist one of our junior high students, named Justin, hoist his backpack onto his shoulders, I was struck by the bulk and weight of its contents. He, himself, gave no indication of being especially “weighed down.” In any case, this exchange led me to reflect. Not all of us have to put together a back-to-school list of supplies. Nonetheless, if we are to be prepared for the journey of discipleship, we need to be as intentional as possible as to what we need for the journey.

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/yyrcd7jc

Beloved Family:
Have you prepared your backpacks yet? On Wednesday of this week ending, a number of us were out in front of the school entrance, in order to welcome or welcome back students and families to Saint Mary School for the start of the 2026-2027 year. That is an event that is happening for a lot of families at a lot of buildings these days. As I reached out to assist one of our junior high students, named Justin, hoist his backpack onto his shoulders, I was struck by the bulk and weight of its contents. He, himself, gave no indication of being especially “weighed down.” I suppose included therein are some items which will be stored in the locker for use later on in the year.
In any case, this exchange led me to reflect. Not all of us have to put together a back-to-school list of supplies. Nonetheless, if we are to be prepared for the journey of discipleship, we need to be as intentional as possible as to what we need for the journey. How much prayer—time with the Lord— am I making sure to pack on a daily basis? Am I taking optimal advantage, depending on my current rhythm of life, to build myself up with the nourishment of the Eucharist—via receiving Holy Communion at Mass as well as time before the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass?
Am I touching base with fellow disciples to “compare lists,” in case there is some spiritual resource I am not aware of but could benefit from by them sharing with me or me with them? The school of life is no cake walk; as parents help their sons and daughters to prepare, we need to be looking out for one another so that each and every disciple has what she or he needs for the course ahead.
When it comes to Jesus preparing his first disciples for going out on mission, we know that his chief directive is, basically: “travel light.” That is on my mind in a particular way right now, since very soon I will be going on pilgrimage to Spain, to walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Fr. David, who made a monthlong pilgrimage there back in his seminary days, is providing encouragement and tips for me to follow. It is providing an excellent opportunity for me to apply the so-important question for our lives in Christ: what is truly essential? To tap a Latin term: what is the unum necessarium?
In the space remaining here, I would like to make an application with the gospel reading for this past Wednesday’s Mass. The passage is Matthew 20:1-6: the parable of the landowner and the hiring of laborers at various intervals of the day. It is fairly familiar to us, I believe; while some of the workers labor for far more hours than others, at the end of the day they are paid the same wage. To some of us, that must sound unfair. Yet, it demonstrates that Jesus desires for all of us to be drawn into relationship with Him, and there is never a time when he would not welcome us. For some of us, that happens early; for others, it could come much later in life.
As we look toward the startup of faith formation at all levels in the life of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in the coming weeks (including Wednesday Anchor, Edge, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Adult Faith Formation, as well as O.C.I.A.), I hope that individuals and families, whether you’ve been steadily engaged or only intermittently so, will experience the call to connect, through the various offerings provided and find great resources to “put in those backpacks!”

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

08/19/2026

ATTENTION PARENTS: Is your child an altar server OR do they have the desire to serve?

ALL PARENTS of current AND prospective Altar Servers:
In the interest of renewing and revitalizing our altar server ministry, we expect your attendance at a special parent session facilitated by Father Stephen. This promises to be a fruitful time of both instruction and fellowship. Please join us!

What: Altar Server Parent Commitment Session
When: Saturday, August 29 - 9am
Where: Parish Hall
Please note: This is a gathering for parents ONLY. A training session for NEW altar servers will be held on Saturday, September 5, from 9-11am.

08/18/2026

Young adults ages 18-39: Mark your calendars for our fall retreat!!