Jun 12, 2026

Greetings,

Welcome to Fr. Joseph Ho, our new parochial vicar for the next four years! Fr. Joseph lived with us on and off for about three years around the time of COVID. He was instrumental in keeping the parish active and doing as much as he could to fulfill her mission under the (rather confusing) restrictions that were placed upon her. Things were far better than they would have been without him here.

I can’t wait until you get to know Fr. Joseph. You are going to find him to be a faith filled, joyful, hardworking man of God. I always look forward to introducing new priests and seminarians to Akron, showing them around, telling them our history and seeing it through new eyes. But since Fr. Joseph has already lived here, there isn’t much need for that! Although it is a bit different getting to know that parish as a priest than it was
as a seminarian.

Please keep Fr. Joseph in your prayers as he adjusts to life as a priest and becoming reacquainted with being an Akronite and a Sebastianite!

IN OTHER NEWS:

PASTRIES ON THE PLAZA: There will be a “WELCOME FR. JOSEPH” ; a light reception with pastries on the plaza this weekend after the Sunday morning Masses. If the weather cooperates, it will be on the plaza in front of the church. Please stop by and welcome him back!

THANK YOU: Thank you to everybody who participated in making Fr. Marcelli’s final weekend here such a wonderful experience. The Corpus Christi Mass was packed, and the procession stretched halfway around St. Sebastian Square! The hall was well decorated, and the supply of donuts was plentiful! All in all, I think we not only honored Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, but also gave Father a fond farewell. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins his ministry with his new faith community.

THEOLOGY ON THE ROCKS! Fr. Zerucha will be speaking at Theology on the Rocks. This looks to be a fun one that maybe younger adults might like also (21 and over please). He is naming it, “Audience Participation Night: The Weekly Catechism: Beta Edition.” What exactly that means we will have to wait and see! Hope you can make it this Monday, June 15. Doors open at 6:30pm. See the Facebook page for more details.

CHANGES IN THE OFFICE: There are big changes coming to the Rectory office! Mrs. Cathy Sivec, the nerve center of the parish, is moving over to head the Early Learning Center in August. She will be greatly missed as the voice and personality of the parish, but felt that this job was more in line with her degree. You will be difficult to replace Cathy! (See diocesan website for rectory job posting)

JAZZ & WINE FESTIVAL: Our annual Brick Street Jazz and Wine Festival is approaching quickly! Tickets are on sale now.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck