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

06/10/2026

The final registration figure for the upcoming vacation Bible school in July is 93—that’s a fantastic testimony to families recognizing the importance and value of staying connected with faith formation in the summer months.

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/nk7sypan

WOW! 75 years! This past Tuesday, June 9, would have marked the 75th wedding anniversary for my parents, Francis J. and Kathryn B. Moran. In fact, they lived to celebrate 36 years—Mom and Dad were substantially mature at the time they married, and my dad died in 1988.
On that same Tuesday, I had the opportunity for a pastoral visit with one of our farming families: David and Wanda Rohr. In the course of conversation, I asked, “How many years have you been married?” The response: 75 years. It was such a marvelous moment of providential connection! I imagined them, exchanging their wedding vows in the same year as my parents…in different churches in different states, and yet the same sacrament being ministered by them to each other—yes, the Church understands the man and woman, bride and groom, as the ministers of the sacrament—not the priest or deacon. God is so good!
More ministry by the numbers— even though we recognize that discipleship ought not to be assessed primarily in terms of mathematics. Sarah Nussbaum, our Director of Faith Formation, has shared with me that the final registration figure for the upcoming vacation Bible school in July is 93—that’s a fantastic testimony to families recognizing the importance and value of staying connected with faith formation in the summer months. While it was certainly good to bring various ecclesial communities together during the years when Wooster hosted “Downtown Vacation Bible School”, our collaboration with Saint Agnes in this effort, for the past five years has proven a very fruitful Catholic experience. My advance thanks to all involved in the planning and hosting.
This Sunday is Flag Day. The following comes from the Farmer’s Almanac:
What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. Colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols—rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles—and slogans— “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to name a few.
The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag. On that 14th of June, Congress made the Flag Resolution of 1777, stating: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field …” The official announcement of the new flag was not made until Sept. 3, 1777.
“Flag Day” has been celebrated as a patriotic occasion for many decades, but President Woodrow Wilson made the observance official on May 30, 1916, by a presidential proclamation.
I would like to give a shout-out to parishioner Ronald James Hercules, who over the years has been steadfast in bringing to our attention when the American flag has not been displayed according to official protocol. While I believe we understand that our citizenship in the United States is subjugated to our citizenship within the People of God (In a Catholic school, the Pledge of Allegiance follows prayer.), still showing proper respect to an official symbol is an appropriate habit to cultivate.

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

06/07/2026

PRAISE BE TO GOD FOR A BEAUTIFUL DAY!
Members of St. Agnes in Orrville joined the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 7 at St. Mary to mark the solemnity of Corpus Christi. The service was in both Englush and Spanish and included a Eucharistic Procession after Mass through the streets of Wooster.

06/03/2026

Once again, this Sunday, after the 10 am Mass (note the time change for summer!), we will take to the streets with a Eucharistic procession to mark the solemnity of Corpus Christi this weekend

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/53x75a4y

Beloved Family:
As we mark the solemnity of Corpus Christi this weekend, we pray that the momentum toward deeper love of the Eucharist established within the last several years, at the time of the formal “Eucharistic Revival,” will continue to build. Once again, after the 10 am Mass (note the time change for summer!), we will take to the streets with a Eucharistic procession. Saint Mary parishioners will be joined by members of the Saint Agnes community, who will enrich our assembly in music and proclamation of the Word of God.
On Friday of this week, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As our nation observes its semiquincentennial— or Bisesquicentennial (250 years since its establishment)— later this summer, the bishops of the United States have determined to observe a formal consecration of the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What is the significance, we may ask? My response is that while it is very appropriate to mark, with gratitude, what patriots sacrificed on behalf of establishing freedom to the citizens of a new nation, authentic freedom cannot be realized without entrusting ourselves, individually and collectively, to Christ’s love, recognizing His kingship and continually renewing our allegiance first and foremost to Christ by seeking to live more faithfully according to the Gospel (admittedly, this is a somewhat Pauline sentence:).
Here is a prayer that can be used at home:
On the Occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation,
founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people
with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
The Saturday vigil Mass recently has been the setting for a series of significant events. There was First Communion at the beginning of May; then two weeks ago, we observed the extended Vigil for Pentecost with additional readings as at the Easter Vigil. Next Saturday, there will be a Baptism during the Mass. The following week, June 20, we will actually celebrate a wedding at the 5 pm Mass. Yes, you read correctly! While it is not typical, the liturgical norms of the Church do allow for such an occurrence. What a joy, that a young couple from the parish would choose to share this defining occasion with the larger community.

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

05/31/2026

The church was full for the 11 am Mass on Sunday, May 31 for Father Nathan Frankart's Mass of Thanksgiving, as was the gym for the reception after. Fr. Nathan, who served the past year as a transitional deacon at our parish, will be serving at another St. Mary parish in Hudson, starting June 8.

05/27/2026

As we welcome Fr. Nathan Frankart back to Saint Mary this weekend, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving following his ordination, we rejoice that we have come to know him as a person and not simply as a functionary.

To see the whole bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/mtwayu5j

Beloved Family:

“Who is a priest?” That question headlines a webpage for the Office for Vocations of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. I appreciate the use of the personal pronoun, because often the question is phrased: “What is a priest?” I realize this difference may strike some as relatively insignificant. However, as we welcome Fr. Nathan Frankart back to Saint Mary this weekend, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving following his ordination, we rejoice that we have come to know him as a person and not simply as a functionary.

That said, it is also important to remember that essentially, each individual priest shares in the One Priesthood of Jesus Christ. This, I believe, helps us to avoid creating a cult of personality around any one priest. As related in an article published by the Institute of the Incarnate Word:

According to our Catholic faith there is only one Priest; Jesus Christ our Lord is the Principal, High, and Eternal priest. He is the Priest par excellence, and He is the only Priest. He is a Priest according to the order of Melchizedek: perfect, living, without interruption, that is, continual, without hiatus or fractures, constant and persevering, forever . . . that will not pass away, holy, innocent, undefiled, universal, for the benefit of all men, sacrificed and offered by Himself, exercising His priesthood with the most efficacious sacrifice, made once for all, in order to purify us from our sins. He replaces the Levitical priesthood rather than following in it. The rest of the priests of the New Testament participate in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ, without replacing Him and without multiplying His priesthood; the only thing that is multi-plied are the subjects who, as “living instruments,” Christ makes into participants in His priesthood. ivepriest.org

Next weekend, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Following the 10 am Mass (YES, you are reading correctly—summer schedule begins in June), we will once again have a Eucharistic procession, giving us the opportunity to witness to the larger neighborhood of the power of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. Members of the Saint Agnes community will be joining us as well.

As we move into the final weeks of the active phase of the Called to Flourish: Our Church for the Future campaign, I would like to highlight another of the diocesan-level projects slated for investment: Camp Christopher. Camp Christopher is operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. Camping provides a perfect opportunity to pass on Catholic values to young people, attending to Nature, Community and Spirit. For more than 100 years, Camp Christopher has been providing campers a world of adventure in nature, community, and spirit. We offer a variety of programs and exciting activities for all ages, including persons with disabilities. Many individuals, families and clergy of the diocese have vivid memories from time spent there.

With funds generated by Called to Flourish, Camp Christopher will be “reimagined:” renewed to deepen faith and form disciples year-round. In addition to renovated cabins, a new multi-purpose retreat center will be built with an indoor chapel and dedicated youth and adult ministries retreat staff, making Camp Christopher an accessible retreat destination for all ages.

Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen

05/26/2026

Join us this Sunday, May 31st, for Father Nathan Frankart's Mass of Thanksgiving, 11am here at St. Mary, followed by a reception in the school gym!

05/20/2026

Fr. Elmer Marquard, who served faithfully here at Saint Mary as his first assignment, is among priests of the diocese celebrating milestone anniversaries, with his 60th anniversary as a priest.



To see the whole bulletin:
https://tinyurl.com/29k4tvbh


Beloved Family:

As if last weekend’s celebration of priesthood ordinations did not provide enough joy, on Tuesday of this week ending, Fr. David, Fr. Nathan and I were among many priests, deacons, and lay faithful who participated in the Mass for Priest Jubilarians, celebrated at Saint Basil the Great Church in Brecksville, where Fr. Ryan Mann serves as pastor. While all clergy observe annual anniversaries in some fashion, similar to married couples there are “threshold” occasions. In this case, priests celebrating 25, 40, 50 or even 60 years (wow!) are honored together.

Among these diamond jubilarians is a priest who served faithfully here at Saint Mary as his first assignment: Fr. Elmer Marquard. Fr. Marquard currently resides at Regina Health Center in Richfield. The following are excerpts from two articles published by the center:

Some call him Elmer. Some Padre. Others call him Whiskey Bravo 8 Yankee Yankee Delta (WB8YYD.) In the world of amateur radio—also known as ham radio—that’s Father Elmer Marquard’s call sign. Fr. Elmer has been a resident at Regina Health Center (RHC) for five years and has been a ham radio enthusiast for nearly 40 years.

When he’s not busy celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, participating in the many activities at RHC or socializing with other residents, he can be found talking to fellow ham operators around the world and even in outer space—all from the comfort of his room.

He was introduced to amateur radio in 1966 by a parishioner at his first parish assignment at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster, Ohio. Because ham radio operators must take a test and be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the parishioner served as Fr. Elmer’s “Elmer”—coincidentally, Elmer is the term used to describe a ham radio mentor—helping him receive his first amateur radio license. He has since obtained more advanced licenses, so he can use more of the radio spectrum to communicate with ham operators around the world through a program on his computer.

Fr. Elmer’s perspective on building community comes from his many years as a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Originally from St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park, post-ordination Fr. Elmer was first assigned to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster. After ministering to parishioners there, his journey would take him to being a college chaplain at the College of Wooster, Ashland University and Ohio State ATI. He then worked in medical ethics at the Cleveland Clinic and was the chaplain at St. John Hospital in Westlake. Additionally, Fr. Elmer served as the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland’s director of continuing education for priests, setting up workshops, speakers and seminars.

Is it not amazing, the various connection points in our lives? Fr. Elmer grew up at Saint Angela Merici Parish, and that is where Fr. Rich Samide now serves. Fr. Elmer served our parish as well as local college communities. Fr. Rich and Fr. David both have held those joint positions. Praise God for the ministry and enduring vitality of Fr. Elmer. Ad multos annos (Latin form of congratulations for many years)!



Let His Peace be with you,

Fr. Stephen

05/19/2026

We are so blessed.

05/16/2026

THANKS BE TO GOD!
Fathers Charles Cairnie, a son of our parish, and Nathan Frankart, our transitional deacon the past year, were ordained as priests this morning at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland. Many St. Mary parishioners attended the joyous event, including several on a bus the parish reserved.
Fr. Cairnie will have his Mass of Thanksgiving tomorrow at 11AM, followed by a reception in the school gym where everyone is invited.
Fr. Frankart will have his St. Mary Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 31 at 11AM, also followed by a reception in the gym open to all.

05/16/2026