From the Bishop

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