Graceful Living Magazine Summer/Fall 2024

REVEREND RUNNER

TOLEDO PRIEST STRENGTHENS PRAYER LIFE WITH MARATHONS

CANINE TRAINER

TIFFIN MAN DOESN’T LET HIS DISABILITIES HOLD HIM BACK GRAND GETAWAY

THE QUAINT VILLAGE OF GRAND RAPIDS IS THE PERFECT GETAWAY

PERFECTING POLLINATORS

CONSIDER ADDING POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY PLANTS IN YOUR YARD

FINDING BLISS IN THE FRIENDLY SKIES

CATHOLIC HOT AIR BALLOON PILOT FINDS JOY IN SHARING ADVENTURES WITH OTHERS

Graceful

1933 SPIELBUSCH AVE. TOLEDO, OH 43604 (419) 244-6711

PUBLISHER

MOST REV. DANIEL E. THOMAS Bishop, Diocese of Toledo

KELLY DONAGHY

Senior Director, Communications

KEITH TARJANYI

Manager, Creative Services

ANNIE LUST

Social Media & Communications Manager

NATHAN VOLKER

Sales & Production Specialist

ELISHA VALLADARES-CORMIER

Contributing Writer

SCOTT W. GRAU & CHLOE VALLADARES

Contributing Photographers

Graceful Living is a special interest magazine of the Diocese of Toledo, in particular for our senior parishioners. Stories of the lives of Catholic seniors contributing their talents to our parish communities are highlighted. If you are interested in sponsorship, donations or advertising, please contact the Communications Department of the Diocese of Toledo: 419-214-4876

BISHOP

DANIEL E. THOMAS

Rev. Msgr. William J. Kubacki Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia

Rev. Michael G. Dandurand Senior Director/Vicar for Clergy Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations

Sr. Rose Marie Timmer, RSM Chancellor

Ms. Kelly M. Donaghy

Senior Director, Communications

Mr. Bret V. Huntebrinker

Senior Director, Discipleship & Family LIfe

Mr. Kyle Kubik

Senior Director, Catholic Education

Mr. Philip R. Renda CFO, Diocese of Toledo COO, Management Corporation

Mr. Rodney O. Schuster

Executive Director, Catholic Social Services

Dear Friends in Christ,

Just thrilled to share with you this latest edition of Graceful Living! There is such a wide variety of articles, but all centered on people living their lives with faith, enthusiasm and joy.

On the cover you see me fulfilling a bucket list item with Marti Keller, taking a hot air balloon ride! Marti discovered over 25 years ago her lifechanging love for this activity, which she says brings her “closer to God,” and has generously given rides to many fellow parishioners, religious sisters and priests. I could not help but lift up a prayer in song as we drifted toward the sky during this truly spiritual experience.

I am excited to introduce you to Father Alan Zobler, a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (OSFS) and faculty member at St. Francis de Sales School who runs more than 250 miles per month while training for marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2023. He calls running in marathons “incredibly prayerful.”

It is inspiring to share the story of Ernie Berry who is legally blind and started Good Shepherd Kennels, a dog boarding and training business. As someone who has had a guide dog since the age of 15, Ernie knew he found his calling in training dogs. What an inspiration.

Please enjoy these stories and many other fun tidbits that are in this issue and do be sure to pass along to our staff ideas for future editions! With every good wish and prayer, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Most Reverend Daniel E.

Thomas, Bishop of Toledo

Catholic Radio for the Diocese of Toledo

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CONTENTS SUMMER/FALL 2024

8

Hot air balloon enthusiast and pilot Marti Keller finds joy in gliding through the skies in her balloon with a host of individuals.

18

Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS, shares his passion for competing in long-distance races, including running the Boston Marathon.

26

Charming Grand Rapids sits on the banks of the Maumee River and is a perfect location for a weekend excursion.

32

Tiffin St. Joseph parishioner Ernie Berry, who has been legally blind since birth and suffers from muscular and neurological diseases, operates a dog boarding and assistance dog training business from his Green Springs home.

36

Whether you consider yourself an avid or novice gardener, check out these tips on the benefits of creating a pollinator garden in your landscape to attract more bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds.

38

There’s no need to leave Northwest Ohio to find a sandy stretch of beach for your favorite waterfront activity. Check out these fun Northwest Ohio beaches.

ON THE COVER: Bishop Daniel E. Thomas joins hot air balloon pilot Marti Keller for a peaceful summer evening flight. Photo by Annie Lust/Diocese of Toledo.

WITH BISHOP THOMAS

'The Brilliance of Caravaggio: Four Paintings in Focus.'

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas sat down with Adam Levine, Director of the Toledo Museum of Art, on Friday, Feb. 23, for a conversation on the exhibit 'The Brilliance of Caravaggio: Four Paintings in Focus.' This spectacular event included a crowd of more than 350 people to listen to the conversation and reflect on the stunning paintings, including Caravaggio's "Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy" (c. 1595-96) and "Martha and Mary Magdalene" (ca. 1598).

Mass and National Day of Prayer for African American Families, St. Martin DePorres Toledo

BY ANNIE LUST

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Hot air balloon pilot Marti Keller finds peace and joy in the sky.

Prior to Bishop Daniel E. Thomas' hot air balloon ride, Marti had piloted many flights for priests, deacons and consecrated religious , including Fr. Mike Geiger, Fr. John Miller, Fr. Jeff Smith, Fr. Matt Rader, the late Fr. Fred Schill, the late Sr. Joan Sutter, SNND, the late Sr. Marilyn Keller, OSF, the late Br. Richard Keller, CSC, and Deacon Stephen Keller, Jr. and his wife on their 55th wedding anniversary.

Exhilaration is the sensation I expected at 3,000 feet in the air. I am standing in a 3-by-4 wicker basket with a six story multi-colored hot air balloon keeping us — two passengers and a pilot — afloat. Below us, the countryside is neatly divided squares of rich greens, interspersed with the occasional golden square, with long, thin lines of roads slicing through. Houses and barns are mere dots. We can see for miles in every direction. I realize now that my expectations could not have been further from the truth. There is no adrenaline rush or lurch in my stomach. There is no fear. Instead, there is only serenity. At this height, the silence is unlike anything possible at ground level. There is no distant hum of traffic. No birds are chirping or crickets trilling. The wind itself does not make a sound. There’s also the feeling of weightlessness as we float on the breeze. And, of course, the deep awe at experiencing God’s creation in this unique way. I now understand Marti’s account of falling in love with hot air ballooning. And it suddenly makes perfect sense that Marti Keller has given hot air balloon rides to many religious sisters, priests and even Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, the other passenger in the basket with me.

Bringing the balloon down gently at precisely the right spot is a skill, and it’s evident that Marti has it when the balloon lands. Bishop Thomas turns to Marti with an incredulous smile, “That was it? That was as soft as could be!”

The hot air balloon had not even landed on Marti Keller’s first flight, when she already knew she wanted to become a pilot. It was July 1997, and Marti arranged for a hot air balloon flight to take off from her home. “It was heavenly,” Marti recalls, her face rapturous at the memory. When the flight was over and Marti returned home, even her husband Russ, who had stayed firmly on the ground, realized something life-changing had occurred. “This isn’t over, is it?” Marti recalls Russ asking her. It was not.

Marti did not have abundant free time. With four children and a nursing career, she stayed quite busy. But she was convinced that this was something she should do. “In the hot air balloon, I felt closer to God than ever before,” she explained. Who could argue with that? Russ didn’t, nor did Marti’s four kids.

Marti immediately called Bob Zanella, a famed Ohio balloonist. Bob assumed that Marti was simply on a high after her first flight. “Call me back in a few months if you’re still interested,” he said. Marti was undeterred. She waited and called again. This time, Bob gave her homework — books on hot air ballooning and weather. She read them. She studied and passed the written test, and finally, Bob gave Marti her first flight lesson in October 1997. Marti absorbed every flight detail, writing nine

pages of everything she remembered. She repeated the process — training flight and writing every detail — until October 31, 1998. Her lessons were complete, and she was given her license to fly.

Marti’s first flight as a licensed hot air balloon pilot was with her mother. She recalls the details: “It was windy. Too windy, but I was new, and like everything else, it requires practice to become really skilled,” Marti said. In the 25 years since her inaugural flight, Marti has taken more than 800 people up in her balloon. She doesn’t charge for flights, although she’s permitted to charge half of her costs for fuel with her type of pilot licensure: “I just couldn’t think of charging someone. We’re supposed to share our God-given talents, and that’s what I’m doing,” she explained.

Many of those flights are memorable moments both for the passengers and for Marti. “I’ve had

Hot air ballooning is truly a team effort, requiring a crew to set up the balloon and assist with lift-off, to chase the balloon in a car and communicate via FCC radios, and to go to the landing spot and pack up the balloon. For Bishop Thomas’ flight, the crew included: Fr. Jeff Smith, Mark and Annie Blum, John and Janie Blum, Brent Kingseed, Russ, Holly, Sophia and Gavin Keller.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

"It's important to understand the physics," Marti Keller said. Hot air balloons are based on a very basic scientific principle: warmer air rises in cooler air. Essentially, hot air is lighter than cool air, because it has less mass per unit of volume. In order to lift the massive balloon, the temperature inside the balloon must be 100 degrees higher than the air temperature.

cancer patients, and people with special needs, people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries … many, many special moments,” she said.

There have been unexpected moments too, like the flight for the 50th birthday of a woman with Down Syndrome when hundreds of butterflies surrounded the balloon. “I’ve never seen anything like it before or since,” Marti said.

Marti will never forget her oldest passenger, then 90-year-old Sr. Joan Sutter, SSND. Sr. Joan’s extended family gathered at Sacred Heart in Bethlehem, Ohio, to celebrate her 70th jubilee. “The weather that day was perfect, so I asked Sr. Joan if she would like to go on a hot air balloon ride,” Marti said. Sr. Joan was thrilled. The evening flight was incredible, but the landing was rougher than usual. Marti recollected, “Sr. Joan was in her gray and black habit, with thick pantyhose, and she scraped her knees against the basket as we came down.”

Marti was worried, but Sr. Joan brushed away the concern. “From that point forward until she died, Sr. Joan sent a Christmas card each year mentioning that hot air balloon ride,” Marti said.

Marti still has those cards. In fact, she has a drawer overflowing with every thank you card a passenger has sent. There are cards from other religious sisters, cards from priests, and one of the newer cards is from Bishop Daniel E. Thomas.

On a balmy August evening in 2023, Bishop Thomas arrived at Auburn Lake in Crawford County, one of Marti’s favorite launch points. The ideal time for hot air balloon rides is two hours after sunrise or before sunset, but as we step from our cars at 6 p.m., the sun is not relenting yet and

the temperature hangs at 85 degrees.

Marti is meticulous in her preparation. Before even arriving, she’s spent the day checking weather conditions, topping off her propane tanks, and doing a litany of other tasks. Hot air ballooning requires a crew to assemble, follow the balloon in a car, disassemble and reload. Today’s crew includes her husband, grandchildren, friends, and even Fr. Jeff Smith, pastor of Sacred Heart, Bethlehem and St. Joseph, Crestline. Once the passengers arrive, the action begins. The basket and balloon are unpacked from their trailer, and the massive colorful nylon balloon is spread out over the grass with the basket laid on its side near the balloon’s opening. There are many steps before launch, but the most fascinating part is when two highpowered fans are positioned at the mouth of the balloon to begin to fill the balloon with cold air.

As the balloon expands, Marti walks inside the balloon to connect tabs to the parachute, which releases hot air during the flight when the pilot lowers the balloon. Inside, this is her prayer time. “I pray to God for a safe flight. I pray [for the intercession of] my dad and my instructor, who have both died. That’s part of my routine,” Marti said. Marti climbs in the basket while the balloon and basket are on their sides and lights the pilot light. The temperature inside the balloon itself must reach more than 100 degrees above the ambient temperature in order to rise. When the air reaches 185 degrees, the 6-story balloon lifts upright, the multi-colored rectangles towering above the crew, and the passengers quickly climb into the basket.

When Bishop Thomas is in place, the ropes tethering the balloon to the ground are released, and the balloon gently rises. Marti is in the center, directly under the burner system that releases the hot air. With a loud whoosh of hot air, we’re lifted up quickly. We hit peak elevation, over a half mile skyward, within a few minutes. It seems as if we’ve left the oppressive summer heat at ground level; in the air, the temperature feels ten degrees cooler with a light breeze. Gazing out at the rural landscape, we are all in awe. “It was glorious,” Bishop Thomas said emphatically. Marti added, “It was such a wonderful, prayerful experience.” In every flight, God’s glory is evident, but in this one-hour flight, it was at the forefront. “Shall we pray?” Bishop Thomas asked as we floated above the treetops. We did: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world

“It was glorious,” Bishop Daniel E. Thomas said emphatically. Marti added, “It was such a wonderful, prayerful experience.” In every flight, God’s glory is evident, but in this one-hour flight, it was at the forefront.

"Bringing joy to people means so much to me," Marti said. She means, of course, the people who take rides but also the many people who find joy in spotting her colorful balloon in the air each summer.

without end, Amen. Then admiring God’s creation from a completely new perspective, Bishop Thomas sang the words of St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer before the Crucifex of San Damiano. It was a deeply prayerful moment.

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There’s a trust in God evident in hot air ballooning. The pilot controls the balloon's height, but the wind controls the speed and direction. Marti laughs, “You never know where you will land.” That’s true, but a seasoned pilot like Marti knows what to look for: Wheat stubble, waterways in cornfields, or a big yard, a place where the balloon will do no damage. Most landowners are gracious when it comes to Marti landing on their property. Some have been passengers in her balloon themselves, and others just enjoy seeing the balloon float by. “There’s something about seeing a hot air balloon that brings people joy, and I’m glad I can do that,” Marti explained.

Bringing the balloon down gently at precisely the right spot is a skill, and it’s evident that Marti has it when the balloon lands. Bishop Thomas turns to Marti with an incredulous smile, “That was it? That was as soft as could be!”

When the balloon is packed away and the sun is nearly set, Marti’s tradition is to share a champagne toast. We raise cups printed with words every hot air balloon pilot hopes for: gentle winds, soft landings and friendly neighbors. On this evening, we had all three. Before departing, Bishop Thomas offers a blessing for Marti and Russ, who were celebrating 45 years of marriage in 2023. It was the perfect ending to an already memorable day for Marti. “Bishop Thomas asked for God’s blessing on our marriage and our health,” Marti recounts, her voice filled with emotion, “and for more balloon rides.” 

PHOTO BY SCOTT W. GRAU/SPECIAL TO THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

From ancient mythology stories to Leonardo DaVinci’s famous sketches, the idea of flying captured imaginations long before the first manned flights. The dream became reality with the invention of hot air balloons. You probably know that Ohio’s Wright brothers were the first to fly an airplane, but there’s much more to the history! This is the timeline of flight development.

History OF Flight

ƒ November 21, 1783: The first manned hot air balloon In a paper and silk balloon designed by French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, two men made history by rising 500 feet into the Paris sky. They hand-fed a fire to keep the balloon aloft to travel 5.5 miles in 25 minutes before landing safely. Just ten days later, rival balloon engineers upped the ante with a two-hour flight in a hydrogen-powered balloon.

ƒ September 24, 1852: Giffard proves powered air travel is possible Decades before the Wright brothers were born, a French engineer made a landmark discovery in air travel. Henri Giffard built an elongated airship that was filled with hydrogen. He flew the airship 25 miles, demonstrating a loose ability to steer that was revolutionary.

ƒ December 17, 1903: The Wright brothers first flight The Ohio brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, found ideal conditions in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for the first controlled, sustained flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft. Each brother flew their wooden, gasoline-powered propeller biplane, the “Wright Flyer,” twice, with the shortest flight lasting just 12 seconds and the longest sustained flight for about one minute.

ƒ January 1, 1914: First commercial passenger flight On New Year’s Day, the commercial airline industry was born when pilot Tony Jannus transported a single passenger across Tampa Bay for a fee of $5.

ƒ June 14, 1919: First nonstop transatlantic flight British aviators Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown (navigator) made the first-ever successful nonstop transatlantic flight. Their perilous 16-hour journey ended in a crash landing into a bog in Ireland, where both men emerged unscathed.

ƒ May 21, 1927: Charles Lindbergh makes first solo transatlantic flight Detroit native Charles Lindbergh completed a solo cross of the Atlantic Ocean at just 25 years old. Flying the “Spirit of St. Louis,” Lindbergh’s remarkable journey from New York to Paris made him an instant celebrity and ignited new interest in the possibilities of aviation.

ƒ May 20, 1932: Amelia Earhart repeats Lindbergh’s feat Five years later, the most famous woman in aviation history, Amelia Earhart, became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. A few years later, Earhart’s attempt to fly around the globe

ended in disaster as she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.

ƒ July 27, 1949: The world’s first commercial jetliner takes off After World War II, military planes were converted to transport people and cargo, and commercial aviation grew rapidly. The first in the air was the British-made de Havilland Comet, powered by four jet engines. Air travel was still utilitarian — noisy and uncomfortable.

ƒ October 13, 1955: Boeing ushers in an era of comfort and luxury flying When Boeing’s 707 jetliners arrived on the aviation scene, a new era of aviation comfort, speed and safety followed. The plane and the subsequent golden age of American flight travel inspired Frank Sinatra’s 1958 hit, “Come Fly with Me.”

ƒ December 23, 1986: Around the world, without landing American pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager completed the first flight around the world without refueling or landing. Their “Rutan Model 76 Voyager,” a single-wing, twin-engine craft designed by Rutan’s brother, was built with 17 fuel tanks to accommodate long-distance flight.

— Graceful Living magazine

reverend RUNNER

BY ANNIE LUST

Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS, has been transformed, physically and spiritually,

through running marathons

On a foggy Sunday morning in April 2023, Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS, found himself in an unexpected place. Seated in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the largest Catholic Church in New England, he gazed beyond the altar noticing the one stained glass window in perfect alignment with his seat. There, he saw St. Francis de Sales. His patron. His constant companion in difficult times. Until that moment, Fr. Alan had felt anxious. There was a monumental task in store the following day. But as he sat in Boston’s cathedral, “the peace was profound.” Fr. Alan continued, “It was a reminder that we do not walk alone.” Or, more aptly for his circumstance, we do not run alone—even if it’s the Boston marathon!

It wasn’t the first time Fr. Alan found himself in a place he did not anticipate. In 1993, years before becoming a priest, a 14-year-old Alan was

preparing to start high school at St. Francis de Sales in Toledo. Fr. Marty Lukas — now a brother Oblate priest — was the principal. Their brief interaction at freshman orientation altered Alan’s life. “In his deep voice, [Fr. Marty] said, ‘What is your activity, young man?’” Alan, who recalled being terrified at that moment, sputtered, “Um, my brother runs cross country at Central Catholic.” Fr. Marty Lukas guided a bewildered Alan to the cross-country coach. “The next thing I know, I’m running five miles,” Fr. Alan recalled with a laugh. “I didn’t mind running but didn’t actively say ‘I want to run.’ Someone put me in it, and I didn’t have the courage to say no.” So, he stuck with cross country throughout high school, motivated by the friends on the team and the promise of a candy bar after a race. “I was never a varsity runner, and I was never really talented,” Fr. Alan explained. In other words, he didn’t take running too seriously.

In 1997, Alan left his running shoes behind when he moved to attend DeSales University in

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Even after completing 27 marathons, Fr. Alan Zobler initially doubted that he was a serious enough athlete to run the prestigious Boston Marathon.

The paths at Wildwood

are familiar territory for Fr.

who runs more than 250 miles per month.

Preserve Metropark

Alan,

PHOTO BY SCOTT W. GRAU/ SPECIAL TO THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

Allentown, Pa. Instead, he focused on his passion for mathematics, a subject he was inspired and encouraged to pursue by exceptional Oblate teachers at St. Francis de Sales High School. His sights were set on a comfortable life: “I wanted to become an actuary and retire by the age of 50,” Fr. Alan said with a jovial laugh. He imagined a generous salary that supported a family and even a vacation home. That plan came to a halt when a “nagging voice” in his head urged him to consider religious life with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Fr. Alan recalled the internal struggle: “My heart continuously listened, and my head kept negotiating.” Ultimately, he listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

His postulancy began with a year of living the Oblate community life and teaching at St. Francis de Sales High School, his alma mater. “I found that I could not only survive but thrive in that setting,” Fr. Alan said. Both the teaching aspect and the Oblate community lifestyle were ideally suited for Alan. After several additional years of formation in other places, Fr. Alan Zobler was ordained to the priesthood as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales on June 30, 2007,

at Gesu Parish in Toledo. He returned once again to St. Francis de Sales High School — the place that sparked his interest in religious life and mathematics. But also the place where he started running.

“At 33, I started running as a coach with the cross country team at St. Francis,” Fr. Alan recounted. However, a back injury threatened to end his recently rediscovered hobby. “It was painful to stand. It was painful to walk. It was painful to do pretty much anything,” Fr. Alan said. He spoke with physical therapists, physicians and even surgeons. “After praying about it and getting all the different opinions, I decided to do the physical therapy.” Fr. Alan continued. After the therapy, he could walk, bike, swim, stretch…anything low impact. Still, he had one question: Can I run? The physical therapist’s answer was an unequivocal no.

“The next day, I signed up for a marathon,” Fr. Alan deadpanned. He still can’t be certain if it was simple stubbornness or the Holy Spirit: “I felt very strongly the motivation and desire to take on this task which I was told I could not do, Fr. Alan explained. “I offered it up in that moment and said, ‘God, if this is Your Will, may it be done.’”

Marathon training changed Fr. Alan. Not only did he feel the best physically that he’d ever felt, his spiritual life was transformed, as well. “I used the running as my prayer time. I found it was the best time to reflect on Gospel passages, to pray for

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL

Fr. Alan Zobler in his math classroom with a group of students.

Fr. Alan has traveled to other states to run marathons, including California, Illinois, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

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individuals, to hold up the prayer intentions of others,” Fr. Alan shared. “Running marathons became equally transformative spiritually as it did physically.”

Of course, it was not an easy task. Transformation is painful, and marathon training is no exception. During marathon training, Fr. Alan runs dozens of miles weekly. Peak training weeks are 70-75 miles. It’s a major time commitment. Most days, he runs before 7 a.m. Mass or 8:15 a.m. teaching. It also requires a diet conducive to training — everything Fr. Alan eats during marathon training is fuel. “Each meal is a bit of a sacrifice,” Fr. Alan noted. He can no longer indulge in the candy bars that enticed him during high school cross country. Instead, he selects the meal with the proper nutrients to fuel his body. “Each meal, I intentionally sacrifice something to be in solidarity with the people I’m praying for. It’s a sacrifice on a spiritual level to connect myself with those I remember in prayer.”

And it hurts. From blisters to plantar fasciitis to tight hamstrings to the genuine muscle fatigue that accompanies running over 250 miles in a month. Through all of the pain, Fr. Alan has persevered. “That big ‘no’ [from the physical therapist] has led to 27 marathons.”

Still, Fr. Alan was, in some ways, the 14-year-old still doing this for fun. He didn’t consider himself exceptional in any way. Over the years, many people asked if he had ever run the Boston Marathon, the most well-known in the world. His response was the same: “That race is not for me. That race is for prestigious athletes and gifted runners. I’m really not that kind of runner.” In 2019, someone followed up with the simple challenge, “Why not?” A realization occurred to Fr. Alan. For years, he had encouraged his students to push further, reminding them that God calls us to greatness. He decided to take that advice and apply it to his own life.

So, he trained harder. When obstacles presented themselves from near injuries to the worldwide pandemic, he recalled, “I heard that same nagging voice that led me to the priesthood saying Keep going, you can do this.” But a person cannot simply sign up for the Boston Marathon; he must qualify. And by September 2022, mere days before the

Boston Marathon registration deadline, Fr. Alan had not qualified. He found one race in northern Mich.; it was his last chance.

“The number of things that happened to make that weekend [a success] is unbelievable,” Fr. Alan explained. Dozens of small things went perfectly. A free place to stay just minutes from the starting line and a course 17 miles downhill are just two elements of many. “I think I’m going to write a book about it someday,” Fr. Alan said. Until that time, suffice it to say that it was clear to Fr. Alan that it was Divine Providence. He qualified for the Boston Marathon — by two seconds. He has absolutely no doubt, “God’s grace is what got me there.”

Later that month, he received an email that his entry to the Boston Marathon was accepted. After 16 weeks of his most arduous training regimen, he arrived in Boston on April 16, 2023. “Attending Mass the day before is an essential part of the preparation,” Fr. Alan explained. That’s how he ended up in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross,

“Running marathons became equally transformative spiritually as it did physically.”

FR. ALAN ZOBLER

Fr. Alan Zobler preaches to the students of St. Francis de Sales High School at Gesu Catholic Church in Toledo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL

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enveloped in a sense of peace, the day before the most prestigious marathon in the world.

The Boston Marathon was one of the spiritual highs of Fr. Alan Zobler’s life. His marathons are always incredibly prayerful as he chooses a prayer intention for each mile. During the difficult miles, the prayer intention for his parents or fellow Oblates or students past and present motivates Fr. Alan to push through the pain and continue step after step. But on April 17, 2023, the support was abundant. “At times, I felt like I was floating,” he said.

Not only were people praying from afar, but the 500,000 people cheering from the sidelines was powerful. And the connection to the spiritual life is clear to Fr. Alan. “I often think in a race, all of the people along the way cheering, encouraging, offering high fives, are reflections of the great communion of saints who are cheering us on in the spiritual life.”

Amid rapturous cheers, Fr. Alan crossed the finish line in three hours, seven minutes, and fifty-one seconds. His best time ever. Suffice it to say, on that day, he “competed well; he finished the race; he kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 

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During a marathon, Fr. Alan focuses on one specific prayer intention each mile. During the difficult stretches, he credits the prayer intention with pushing him to continue.

C TRAVEL C

WEEKEND GETAWAY

BY ANNIE LUST

Nestled along the southern bank of the Maumee River, this charming village gives visitors a glimpse of life in a restored canal town. Before railroads dominated, commerce moved through canals, and boom towns sprang to life along the river. One such town was Grand Rapids. While canals faded from use, the village has been wellpreserved. You can stay, shop, eat and attend Mass in historic buildings (many with historical markers) and even cruise down the river in a restored canal boat. By the end of your visit, you will wholeheartedly believe their village slogan, “Ohio’s Grandest of Old Canal Towns!”

GRAND RAPIDS

EXPLORE

Grand Rapids is a true walking village that you’ll want to explore on foot. The local Historical Society provides a map and audio for a Grand Rapids Walking Tour. Find it here: grandrapidshistoricalsociety. org/walking-tour.html. The Toledo Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum is much more exciting than it first sounds. This 10-mile tourist railroad trip takes passengers over the Maumee River. They receive not only a dose of history but also an unforgettable view. Of course, there’s another way to see the river. Get tickets for the Canal Experience, where you will board The Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat. If you want to get moving yourself, try the Mary Jane Thurston Disc Golf Course or rent a kayak from Maumee River Outfitters for a river adventure. Plan your visit after summertime to experience the Applebutter Fest in October. The festival not only offers food and fun, but it is also notable for its historical reenactments.

EAT

A morning in Grand Rapids should begin at Way Maker’s, where you’ll find coffee, tea, a selection of baked goods and comfortable seating to enjoy your treats. Wild Side Brewing Company will hit the spot if you’re in the mood for a tasty dinner paired with a handcrafted brew. The menu offers a few surprises, like Detroit-style pizza and a wild game sausage board. Be sure to save room for homemade ice cream from Rita’s Dairy Bar. Your scoop’s name will likely be an ode to local history, like Muddy Maumee and Berries of the Black Swamp.

STAY

There’s no better way to experience Grand Rapids than an overnight stay at The Mill House Bed and Breakfast, which was built in 1898. The building’s original use was a flour mill, as the name suggests. It was later a tavern before becoming a cozy bed and breakfast in the 1990s. The exposed brick walls and wooden beams create a cozy, charming atmosphere. The location is ideal, just steps away from the river and a stroll to the shops and restaurants. If you visit Grand Rapids for the adventure rather than the history, Mary Jane Thurston State Park campground might be your style. Their riverfront campsites offer beautiful views of the sunset over the Maumee River.

PRAY

Located on the west bank of the Maumee River across from Grand Rapids, St. Patrick Catholic Church has a fascinating history. The brick church was built in Providence in 1845, but parishioners could not have imagined the hardships they would soon face. The following year, Providence was ravaged by fire, destroying most of the downtown and driving out many occupants. Less than a decade later, a cholera outbreak devastated the remaining population. The town was abandoned. Despite this, St. Patrick, Providence, managed to survive. It is the oldest church in continuous use in the Diocese of Toledo. The church has its own historical marker recounting the remarkable tale and noting, “Through the grace of God, this little church stands today.”

2O

There are endless possibilities for fun summer activities in the 19 counties of our diocese. Here are 20 things to do this summer in NW Ohio

1

Celebrate the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 14 at Our Lady of Consolation in Carey with a candlelight procession and outdoor Mass.

BY ANNIE LUST

Listen to tunes at Pangle Pavilion, the outdoor amphitheater in Lima.

2

3

Visit the oldest lighthouse in Ohio, the Marblehead Lighthouse.

5Pick blueberries at The Blueberry Patch near Mansfield.

7 Watch a Mudhen’s game in Toledo.

8 Take a horseback riding lesson at Hoofbeats

Equestrian Center in Paulding County.

Attend an outdoor Mass at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine near Bellevue.

4

6

Step back in time with a visit to Sauder Village in Archbold.

Brush up on your history at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo.

9

Watch a movie at the Tiffin Drive-In Theater.

10

11

Spend the day at the historic Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County.

12

Stroll through the sunflower fields at The Pickwick Place in Bucyrus.

13

Lace up your roller skates for Roller Season at The Ribbon in Toledo.

15

16 Have a sweet treat a Spangler Candy World in Bryan.

18 Visit the oldest festival in Ohio, Pioneer Days in Kalida.

19 Walk in the footsteps of a saint at St. John Neumann Prayer Center in Peru.

Kayak down the Sandusky River from Ghoul Runnings Kayak Adventures in Fremont.

14

Get a scoop of ice cream from Toft’s in Sandusky, the oldest dairy in Ohio.

17

Take a ride at Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation in Findlay.

20 Pitch a tent for a weekend at Woodbridge Campground in Paulding.

P ILGRIMAGE S Unforgettable

OCTOBER 14 – 25, 2024

ITALY PILGRIMAGE

WITH FR. MATTHEW RADER

NOVEMBER

11 – 22, 2024

ITALY PILGRIMAGE

FR. JOSEPH POGGEMEYER & FR. WALTER TUSCANO

Join Fr. Matthew Rader on a pilgrimage of spiritual renewal to Rome, Assisi, Norcia and Lanciano/San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Pray at the tomb of Padre Pio. Visit the basilicas of Rome, enjoy a papal audience, walk in the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Clare in the hilltop town of Assisi, experience the peace and beauty of Monte Sant’Angelo, where St. Michael appeared in 490, and so much more!

Join Fr. Joseph Poggemeyer & Fr. Walter Tuscano on a pilgrimage to Italy! Walk in the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Claire in Assisi, St. (Padre) Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Sts. Benedict and Scholastica in Norcia and Montecassino, and too many more to list! Stand in awe before the Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano and visit a cave in which St. Michael the Archangel appeared. Tour a Benedictine Monastery in Norcia. Visit the major basilicas in Rome, have the opportunity for a papal audience, and tour some of the most ancient sites in Rome. The chaplains will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily at many of these holy sites.

Maggie McDaniel and Teresa Grodi

Members of the Diocese of Toledo, St. Rose of Lima Perrysburg & St. Joseph Maumee

overcoming the odds

BY ELISHA VALLADARES-CORMIER

Tiffin man does not let his disabilities hold him back from building a meaningful life.

Standing amid a hectic pack of dogs, Ernie Berry, 40, looks nothing if not at peace. Despite the chaos, all Ernie needs is a simple voice command, gesture or even facial expression to keep the dogs in line. Making it all the more remarkable is that Ernie, legally blind since birth, can’t see more than the general shape of objects, and the cane he’s left reliant on due to a muscular and neurological disease could seemingly be knocked over at any moment by the rambunctious canines. But yet, remarkably, Ernie remains in complete control. His ability to understand dogs led him in in July 2023 to start Good Shepherd Kennels, a dog boarding and training business based out of his Green Springs home. “Training dogs is just like training one’s spiritual life,” Ernie, a parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Tiffin, said. “It takes a lot of discipline and the ability to control — or harness — our passions. And that’s going to produce a good Catholic and dog every time.”

Ernie’s faced adversity all his life. Doctors believe he suffered severe optic nerve damage in utero, leading to him being born legally blind. And at age 12, he was diagnosed with spastic paraplegic neuropathy, losing all strength and control in his legs, and would spend months rotating from bed to wheelchair.

But through sheer will and determination — and God’s grace, no doubt — Ernie can now walk with a cane and has honed his senses and mental skills sharply, approaching life with new vigor. He’s estimated that he’s read, or rather, listened to about 100,000 books, and he’s become a champion chess player with other savant tendencies.

“When God takes something away, he gives something more,” said Ernie, who grew up in nondenominational churches before becoming Catholic in 2019. “I might never be able to run a marathon, but I can train my brain to recall and retain everything I hear and learn.”

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SEARCHING FOR PURPOSE

Ernie graduated from the University of Toledo in 2005 with bachelor’s degrees in political science and history; his appetite for public service led him to run for Toledo City Council that year while pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. Though he didn’t win, he was offered a job in Mayor-elect Carty Finkbeiner’s administration.

But the internal politics of public service didn’t sit well with Ernie, and realizing this wouldn’t fulfill him, he felt a call to enter full-time Christian ministry. “I concluded that true public service isn’t working for the government, but rather preaching the Gospel and calling the public to a Christ-centered life,” he said. In 2012, to prepare for this new chapter, he enrolled in theological classes at Valor Christian College in Columbus, borrowing money from private individuals to pay for his schooling and living costs.

After studying in Columbus for two years, Ernie returned to his parent’s home in Green Springs to minister at a local nursing home. But soon, two creditors asked Ernie for their funds back, much ahead of the agreed-upon repayment timeline. When Ernie was unable to return the amount — about $23,000 — the two pressed charges; in the ensuing legal process, Ernie took a plea deal to avoid a grand jury trial. In addition to paying restitution, he was sentenced to spend six months in the Wood County Justice Center beginning in March 2015.

It was while incarcerated, at his lowest point, that Ernie found himself questioning the Protestant theology and worldview he’d grown up with. While in prison, Ernie listened to hours of Catholic radio and audiobooks. Throughout his life, Ernie’s beliefs had never fully lined up with any one denomination, but the more he learned about Catholicism, “the blinders came off.”

“If you get six months of just Catholic apologetics and you don’t become Catholic, you must just be obstinate, right?” Ernie reflected with a wry chuckle. He entered the Catholic Church in 2019 at the Easter Vigil.

NEW BEGINNINGS

After being released, Ernie began working at Tiffin YMCA, coordinating youth programming and sharing his passion for chess, among other activities, with the youth. When that position was eliminated, however, he entered into a state of employment limbo. But in 2022, Ernie offered to help train a friend’s German Shepherd puppy — a notoriously difficult dog to discipline — with resounding success.

This sparked the idea for Good Shepherd Kennels. Having been accompanied almost everywhere by a guide dog since he was 15, Ernie knew he had what

it took to train and care for dogs and renovated a shed on his parent’s property into a kennel, which now houses 6-10 dogs a day. It’s been a satisfying success, he said.

“It’s growing quicker than anyone ever expected, including myself,” Ernie said. “We’ve built a little community out here, and it allows me to minister to the dogs and owners alike, which was the inspiration for the Good Shepherd name.”

Most days now, Ernie, accompanied by a dog from the kennel, rides the paratransit bus into Tiffin to attend morning Mass at St. Mary Church. Afterward, he’ll run errands or work out at the gym, bringing the dog along with him. He’ll then pick up another dog and ride the bus home with both.

There are rarely any behavioral issues from the dogs in large part, Ernie says, because of his philosophy of uptraining the dogs, or exposing them to a wide variety of environments and people for the dogs to stay calm and disciplined no matter where they are, and ensuring they’re properly socialized around other dogs. Many of the dog’s owners, Ernie said, have said the difference in their dog’s behavior and temperament is day and night after working with him.

And as busy as he is, Ernie — with his dogs — continues to give of himself to others. On weekends, he hosts Chess, Cubes, Books & Dogs

at the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, where he’ll engage with people of all ages in chess, good conversation or solving a Rubik’s cube. He also helps place dogs in need of a home with veterans looking for a canine companion through a Pets for Vets program. For local parades, he’ll often walk with several of his dogs, including an Alaskan Malamute, Blue, that will pull someone sitting on a sulky carriage throughout the parade.

“I really believe this is the occupational vocation God called me to,” Ernie said. “Every time I work with a new customer or talk with someone on the bus or at the library, I approach them as if I’m ministering directly to Christ.”

CHLOE VALLADARES/SPECIAL TO THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

Ernie Berry sits in a pew at Tiffin's St. Mary Parish, next to one of the canines from his business Good Shepherd kennels.

INCLUDE A SMALL WATER SPOT

Everything loves having a source of water, including pollinators. This does not need to be a large pond or water feature — or even a “bird bath.” Avoid standing water which can attract bacteria. Include bird, bat and bee houses in your landscape.

pollinatorgarden

Whether your flower beds are brimming full of beautiful plants or they only have a few bushes, you should consider and plan for the importance that pollinators have in your landscape. At the core, pollination is “the transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower or plant to allow fertilization.”

One way of ensuring — no matter the size of your landscape — that your flowering bushes, shrubs and vegetables will have what they need is to consider including more perennials and annuals that attract pollinators to your landscape.

– Graceful Living staff

CREATE A 'RESTING' PLACE AND FEED THEM

Whether creating a “bee hotel” – or hives — or a pile of brush, this will assure there are ample locations for them to rest during down time. It is important to ensure that your garden contains some form of compost or organic material. This is important to making sure that all plants get the necessary nutrients.

CONSIDER PLANT HEIGHT, COLOR AND FLOWER SHAPE

If you are attempting to attract a range of pollinators be sure to mix things up a bit so that there is something among your pollination “buffet” for everything you might be attempting to attract. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to a range of colors and pleasant smells so choose plants with blooms all season.

CONSIDER YOUR PLANT CHOICES

When choosing plants that will attract a range of "pollinators" to your garden, there are many options. A few common perennials on many lists include lavender, Clematis, Catmint, Coneflower, Allium, Bee Balm, Sage and Coreopsis. These perennials are avaiable in many varieties. You will want to consider whether you are planting in a spot that gets shade or sun and your plant hardiness zone.

A P ILG R IMAGE

TO MARK THIS YEAR OF GOING OUT ON MISSION DURING THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF OHIO INVITE ALL THE FAITHFUL

To Make a Pilgrimage to the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey

Join the bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious and lay faithful from across the state to celebrate the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, beginning at 9 p.m. for a candlelight rosary procession with the Miraculous Statue of Our Lady of Consolation from the Basilica Shrine to the Shrine Park followed by Holy Mass at the outdoor Altar in the Shrine Park.

Toledo Bishop

Daniel E. Thomas, Celebrant

Columbus Bishop

Earl K. Fernandes, Homilist

BY ANNIE LUST

Check out these inviting sandy beaches for a relaxing afternoon swim

There’s no need to leave Northwest Ohio to find a sandy stretch of beach for your favorite water-front activity.

Whether

you want to dive in clear water, take a stroll down a white beach or settle in for a breathtaking sunset vista, there’s a beach nearby.

GIBSONBURG

WHITE STAR QUARRY

Dipping your toes in the crystal clear waters, you might forget you’re still in Ohio when you visit White Star Quarry. This 15-acre quarry is not only a premier swimming destination, it’s also a scuba diving location. The clear water makes this a must-see destination for swimmers, snorkeling enthusiasts and scuba divers.

HURON

NICKEL PLATE BEACH

If you’re looking for a beach with beautiful sunrise and sunset views, Nickel Plate Beach is worth visiting. This lovely, quiet beach has a view of the Huron lighthouse. Of course, the views are just one of the perks! Swimming, volleyball courts, cornhole boards, paddleboard and kayak rentals, picnic shelters and grills will keep you busy all day.

KELLEY’S ISLAND

KELLEY’S

ISLAND STATE PARK

Finding a sandy beach on Lake Erie’s islands can be challenging, but Kelley’s Island State Park is ideal. This white sand beach stretches 100 feet. This beach is easily accessible (unlike other beaches on the island that require a hike), and the view from the shore is stunning!

MARBLEHEAD

EAST HARBOR STATE PARK

This lake swimming spot is popular for a reason: the beautiful sand shoreline spans 1,500 feet! There is plenty of space to find the perfect spot to lay out a towel. East Harbor’s beach is a great place to wade in

the Lake Erie water because the sand has a gentle slope.

OREGON

MAUMEE

BAY STATE PARK

This Lucas County park boasts two beaches — one on the Lake Erie shore and another on the park’s 57-acre inland lake. With expansive beaches, you may want to spend the entire day relaxing on the sand, but the park also offers many other amenities. From boat rentals to hiking trails to golf, you may want to utilize the campground to make this a multi-day trip.

SYLVANIA

CENTENNIAL QUARRY

Centennial Quarry is a deep-water, springfed swimming destination with an average depth of about 22 feet. This is a favorite spot for kids and young adults because there’s much more to do than just swim! Diving platforms, water rafts, swim toys and volleyball guarantee a fun day for the whole family.

VERMILION

MAIN STREET BEACH

Unlike many beaches on this list, Main Street Beach is not in the middle of a state park or nature preserve; it’s part of the quaint downtown area in Vermilion. Whether your favorite pastimes include wading in the water, swimming, bird watching, building sand castles, beach glass hunting or viewing remarkable sunsets, this charming beach delivers. Main Street Beach is ADA-accessible, featuring a mobility mat and sand wheelchair.

Insist on Us by Name!

Sincera Palliative Care and Hospice of Northwest Ohio

When selecting a palliative care or hospice provider, it is important to ask questions to assure you are receiving the best care possible.

How long have you been providing care?

Hospice of Northwest Ohio was the area’s first hospice. Founded in 1981, we are the only local, independent, non-profit agency that dedicates all of its resources exclusively to hospice and palliative care. Sincera palliative care was started in 2008 to meet the pain and symptom management needs of patients with serious illness who are not on a hospice program.

Where do you provide palliative care services?

Sincera’s care can be provided right in your own home, assisted living or nursing facility. For those who prefer to make an appointment with their Sincera care team in an office, we have Outpatient Consultation Offices inside Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s Toledo Center and The Toledo Clinic Cancer Center in Maumee.

How well do you manage pain and other symptoms?

Our pain and symptom management expertise is unmatched in this region. We strive to manage pain within 48 hours of admission to our program.

Do you have a freestanding inpatient center?

Yes, we have three! All are designed to meet the unique needs of patients and their families at the end of life. Our Perrysburg, Sylvania and Toledo Centers provide beautiful, home-like environments for patients who require close medical monitoring, or whose conditions can no longer be managed at home.

Do you provide bereavement services?

Yes. Hospice of Northwest Ohio provides the area’s most comprehensive range of grief support services. These include counseling, support groups and special workshops, which are free and open to anyone in the community.

What about patients who are unable to pay for services?

Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans will cover the cost of Hospice or Sincera. As a not-for-profit agency, we receive substantial support from a variety of community sources. We care for everyone who requests our services, regardless of their ability to pay or complexity of care.

If you have questions, contact us anytime! sinceracare.org 419-931-3440 hospicenwo.org 419-661-4001

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers –known around the world as the “Dynamic Deacon” – is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today.