Apr 17, 2026

Greetings,

Here are some updates on developing stories at St. Sebastian Parish.  Firstly, as you are aware, Mr. Rohr, principal of our Parish School, and second in command, Weller (his dog) will be leaving St. Sebastian at the end of this academic year and moving to warmer climates.  Our school has achieved some remarkable accomplishments under his leadership (more on that later), and I will greatly miss both Mr. Rohr and Weller,  and all that they do for our children and families.

Of course, that means that we need a new principal to take over the helm of the school to lead us into the new year.  We hired a firm to help us search for the best person to fill Mr. Rohr’s shoes.  Meetings were held with different groups and surveys were sent out (which had an incredible high rate of response) so there could be developed a good sense of our community and culture as well as what our aims, goals and needs were. Then  the firm went out into the world to search high and low for the best candidates.  But as it turned out, we didn’t need to go far.  Our best candidate was right (almost literally) in our backyard.

After reviewing all the candidates and conducting interviews, one person rose to the top as a great fit for our school.  I am very excited to announce that Mrs. Gabrielle Redovian will be the next principal of St. Sebastian Parish School.  

It is likely that you have heard her name before.  She and her husband  have been members of our parish for some time and their children attend our school.  Currently, she is serving as principal of Julie Billiart School, Akron where she has been principal since 2023.  She and her family (and dogs) live right between the two schools.

What I am most excited about is what I see as her ability to keep the high standards of Catholicism and academic achievement strong at St. Sebastian, that she  already knows our school and culture well, and that we can , once again, strengthen the bonds between our school and JB, Akron.  It seems odd to say, “Welcome Mrs. Redovian,” since you are already here.  I will say, “Thank you and congratulations on your new role!”  Please keep her and our school in your prayers.

IN OTHER NEWS:

ANOTHER CHANGE: This letter is written to you on Monday so that it can get to the printer.  By the time you read this, there will be an important development in the future of this parish that perhaps made it out to you in the Angelus Letter if it happens in time.  As you should be aware, Fr. Marcelli, whom  we have been blessed to have with us over these past two years (again, more on that later in the year)  will be moving on to his next assignment.  If it seemed quick, that is because it was.  Because of his circumstances, his assignment was only for two years. This past Wednesday (which when I was writing this was still upcoming) I was to report to the Bishop’s Office to be introduced to the man who will soon  be newly ordained and who will be the next parochial vicar at St. Sebastian Parish, beginning  this summer.  Please keep your priests in your prayers during this transitional time!

DIACONATE:  This Saturday morning is the Diaconate Ordination.  Among them is Sean Homcy, who  served as an intern at St. Sebastian.  He will be ordained as a Transitional Deacon with the intention of being ordained to the priesthood next May.  Please keep him and his classmates in your prayers.

SPECTACULAR!: Next Saturday - SOLD OUT - See pg. 6 for Auction Items!  

SHROUD OF TURIN: April 18 & 19 in Zwisler Hall.  

MASTERSINGERS  CONCERT: This Sunday, April 19 at 4pm in the church!

THEOLOGY ON THE ROCKS:  Monday April 20

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck