“Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”

In light of this Gospel, I wanted to share with you some news about our Pastoral Associate, Kathy Ott. As you may have heard, she has been named the Consultant for the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry for the Diocese of Youngstown, effective in July. From the Youngstown Diocese’s website: “A Consultant works with the Diocesan Director and another Consultant in serving diocesan parishes and schools in catechetical and other pastoral areas. The Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry supports the vision of Bishop David J. Bonnar in advocating for Lay Ecclesial Ministry, forming Lay Ecclesial Ministers to serve parishes and Catholic schools, and promoting quality faith formation for adults, youth, children, families, and for sacramental preparation.”

While this is exciting news, we will miss Kathy as she served the parish and school here for a number of years as a teacher, youth minister, Director of Faith Formation, and Pastoral Associate and volunteered in so many ways! Thank you, Kathy for all that you have done for us! I want to thank Kathy personally for all the time she took to help me get acquainted with this wonderful parish as a pastor. When she told me the news, I was excited for her but also daunted by the reality of finding someone to do this work. Know that we are working on this. I ask you to pray for us during this time that God will continue to bless this parish with great workers in the vineyard as He has over these 75 years!

Know that you all are invited to come to the 11:00 a.m. Mass on July 2 as we pray for Kathy Ott with a Sending Forth Blessing. Even though she is still a parishioner here, we will ask God to bless her in her new endeavor. May God bless the Diocese of Youngstown in all the work God will accomplish through her.

Peace and prayers,

Fr. Jeremy

P.S. Don’t forget to go to Fr. Bearer’s Installation Mass on June 28 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Edward in Parkman, Ohio. 🙂