This coming Wednesday, May 7, Deacon Ray Herrick will be celebrating 20 years of service to the Diocese of Cleveland.  On Tuesday, May 6, there will be a Mass at St. Basil in Brecksville celebrating the anniversaries of many deacons in our diocese.  Congratulations Deacon Ray!

It is a joy to serve alongside Deacon Ray and see his immense love for the people of St. Francis de Sales.  From day one, I have enjoyed listening to the stories from when he was in his 20’s and how both Fr. Diederich and Fr. Schleicher both called him into service for the parish on so many levels.  Whether it was helping to run the parish picnics or helping with Bingo or becoming one of the first commentators and lectors at the parish or being on parish council or helping run the youth group….you name it, he put his hands and heart to work to make it happen for our faith community!  In my time here, I have seen him make a huge impact on our men’s group. Every Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m., they break open the Word for the upcoming Sunday scriptures.  He also leads them on a retreat annually to the Abbey of the Genesee in New York.

Working with his wife, Kathy, he has prepared countless couples for marriage and prepared countless parents for the baptism of their children.  He has served on the Building and Grounds Committee and has helped to make the campus what it is today.  Deacon Ray has also helped to preach and bring a beautiful reverence to the liturgy.  And the list goes on…  At the end of the day, I am very grateful for knowing this man and for being able to serve alongside him.  When you see him, whether at Mass, on our campus, or somewhere in the community, stop and yell: Happy Anniversary!  20 years is an awesome gift to God, and we are so thankful for it!

Thank you, Deacon Ray and Happy Anniversary!
Fr. Jeremy