WINNING HEARTS FOR CHRIST
Dave Vacheresse: My Life With Mother Angelica
A Seminarian Shares His Grandparents' Legacy of Love
TAKE A TASTY TRIP AROUND NORTHWEST OHIO
BEAUTIFUL PARISH INSPIRATIONS IN STAINED GLASS
1933 SPIELBUSCH AVE. TOLEDO, OH 43604 (419) 244-6711
MOST REVEREND
DANIEL E. THOMAS
Bishop, Diocese of Toledo
KELLY DONAGHY
Senior Director, Communications
KEITH TARJANYI
Manager, Creative Services
NANCY E. COOKE
Marketing Specialist
ANNIE LUST
Social Media Specialist
MAUD WALSH Proofreader
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: 419-244-6711
It brings me great joy to hear all of your encouraging comments regarding the first edition of Graceful Living magazine. By all accounts, we are accomplishing our intended mission of “exploring, enriching and celebrating” our seniors and their lives of faith, throughout the Diocese of Toledo. Thank you for your enthusiastic reception of this initiative! In this second edition of Graceful Living, you will read about Francisco Carrillo of Norwalk’s St. Paul Parish, and how he helped build one of the most vibrant Hispanic Catholic ministries in the Diocese of Toledo. From Huron St. Peter School, you will meet Principal Anne Asher, whose passion for teaching led to a passion for God and her faith. You will also get to know Dave Vacheresse, a Maumee St. Joseph parishioner and the new President of Annunciation Radio, who shares his story of working with Mother Angelica and how she shaped his faith and his life. Attorney Charles Rittenhouse, of Toledo’s St. Rose Parish, will explain the importance of creating an estate plan to serve your family's needs.
You will discover how Deacon Zach Brown’s grandparents impacted his vocation, in Attica. And, from Delphos, you will meet Sr. Elayne Bockey, who has an incredible gift for languages.
BISHOP
DANIEL E. THOMAS
Rev. Msgr. William J. Kubacki
Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia
Sr. Rose Marie Timmer, RSM Chancellor
Rev. Msgr. Marvin G. Borger
Senior Director, Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations
Mr. Matthew J. Daniels
Senior Director, Catholic Education
Ms. Kelly Donaghy
Senior Director, Communications
Deacon Joseph N. Malenfant
Senior Director, Discipleship and Family Life
Mr. Philip Renda
CFO, Diocese of Toledo Management Corporation
Mr. Rodney O. Schuster
Senior Director, Catholic Social Services
Many of you loved our travel and weekend getaway features in our first edition – this winter, you can enjoy visiting the Tiffin area, home to two of our parishes. You may also enjoy dining at one of the featured pizza restaurants, or making specialty hot beverages from the recipes included. You will surely want to travel to see some of the most beautiful stained glass windows gracing our parishes
Our hope is that you will continue to be uplifted and encouraged as you share in the lives of fellow Catholic seniors and experience the richness of our communities of faith. Please let us know your thoughts about Graceful Living magazine, and if you would like to see it continue, we are always appreciative of your support.
With every good wish and prayer, I am Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
We are greatful to our many loyal sponsors for their continued support of Graceful Living magazine. Creating a publication like this requires continued contributions in order to be sustainable. We especially thank our new sponsors and those who have returned because they believe in what we are doing. May God bless you all abundantly.
• Annunciation Radio
• Bliss Charters
• Catholic Faith Journeys
• CHI Living Communities
• Hospice of NW Ohio
• LaValley, LaValley, Todak & Schafer Co., L.P.A.
• Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Homes
• Medical Mutual of Ohio
• Window Creations, LLC.
Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC is dedicated to the belief that a vibrant spiritual life requires participation as a community of believers. To this end, we are dedicated to providing spiritual growth through pilgrimage group travel to destinations that enhance, teach, and proclaim the Gospel.
Franciscan Care Center
Toledo 419.882.6582
Providence Care Center
Sandusky 419.627.2273
St. Clare Commons
Perrysburg 419.931.0050
We specialize in custom pilgrimages to t the travel desires and spiritual needs of your pilgrims. Please, contact us today for more information.
CHI Living Communities offers a full continuum of care – independent living options through skilled nursing care. Our goal is to provide the best quality care and services while promoting an individual’s independence and preserving their dignity. That’s why home is here.
CatholicFaithJourneys.com
maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com
419.290.8782
Maggie McDaniel and Teresa Grodi
Members of the Diocese of Toledo, St. Rose of Lima Perrysburg
The Commons of Providence Sandusky 419.624.1171
The Gardens of St. Francis Oregon 419.698.4331 homeishere.org
12 8 36 42 30
TEACHING AND WALKING BY FAITH: Anne Asher’s faith journey and what one religious sister taught her . . . 8
PATHWAY TO PRIESTHOOD: How Zach Brown's grandparents played a vital role in his vocation 12
GLASS WORKS: When it comes to stained glass, the parishes of the diocese house many hidden gems . . . . 16
WEEKEND GETAWAY TO TIFFIN, OHIO: This inviting town is the perfect destination for your next mini-vacation 24
SNOWDAY COMFORTS: Enjoy these warm drinks and fun activities shared by our readers on Facebook . . . . . 26
MY LIFE WITH MOTHER ANGELICA: How Mother Angelica helped Dave Vacheresse find his ministry 30
ROAD TRIP: If you love to explore, then these 10 Northwest Ohio pizza places are worth the drive . . . . . . 35
ONE CHURCH, MANY CULTURES: How Francisco Carillo realized his calling to help build a vibrant Hispanic ministry 36
GET YOUR GARDEN GROWING: It's never too early to start garden prep Msgr Michael Hohenbrink offers some key tips . . 38
A LOVE OF LANGUAGE: Notre Dame Sister Elayne Bockey shares the story of how she learned to speak six languages 42
FAMILY MATTERS: Attorney Charles D Rittenhouse explains why estate planning is a gift of love . . . . . . . 46
ON THE COVER: Huron St. Peter School Principal Anne Asher. Photo by Scott W. Grau/Special to the Diocese of Toledo.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, greets Toledo Bishop Daniel E. Thomas during an October visit to Northwest Ohio in which he served as the keynote speaker for Catholic Charities' annual Fall Gala and presided over the diocesan and cathedral feast day celebration.
Anniversaries of Marriage Cathedral Mass
Rural Farm Visits
St. Rose of Lima & St John the Evangelist Parish Canonical Visit
Photo by Scott W Grau/Special to the Diocese of Toledo
Anne Asher knew, from an early age, that she wanted to be a teacher. What she didn’t know was that her passion for teaching would lead to a passion for God, transforming her into one of the many faithful Catholics of the Diocese of Toledo. Anne’s faith journey began when she met one religious sister…
The gymnasium of St. Peter School in Huron, Ohio, is buzzing with anticipation. Dozens of parents and volunteers have assembled to assist Principal Anne Asher with their sixth annual walkathon, a school fundraiser. While snacks are being arranged in the kitchen, exuberant children scramble from their classrooms onto the bleachers. I watch the children’s faces as they spot “Mrs. A,” their affectionate nickname for Anne. One thing becomes apparent immediately – they love her.
St. Peter School’s fundraiser always bears the same theme, taken from the Bible scripture found at 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We Walk by Faith.” But walking by faith was not something Anne understood or believed in many years ago. Back then, she was a child growing up in Syracuse, N.Y., attending Erwin Methodist Church – only because her parents required it. She could not see or feel the value in, or the reason for, her attendance. It wasn’t long before Anne decided two things: one, she was “not into the God thing,” and two, she wanted to be a teacher.
Both of those decisions coexisted peacefully until 1975, when Sr. Mary Rebecca entered the picture. Anne, by then a college sophomore, was assigned to be Sister Mary Rebecca's teacher’s aide at St. Mary’s Elementary School, in Syracuse. But her heart was hardened to God and faith, so the very
idea of teaching at a Catholic school was upsetting to her. She decided to go to her education advisor’s office with a decree – she would not do it.
Anne recalls, “As I walked to the school, I formulated what I thought was a respectful, wellreasoned explanation - while I admired holiness, I didn’t do the “God thing,” so it would be best if I did not become an aide.” Her advisor told her that her decision was no problem – but she would first have to speak with the principal of the school, Sr. Bodwin. Armed with her speech about not being “into God,” Anne thought she did a wonderful job explaining her position to Sr. Bodwin, who just smiled at the end of hearing it. Anne is still unsure of how she got her to agree, within ten minutes, to give the teacher’s aide position just one week of effort. Anne says, “Obviously, I was no match for Sr. Bodwin!”
The agreement was that if, after one week, Anne still wanted to leave, she could do so with their prayers and best wishes. But within a few short weeks, she had become Sr. Mary Rebecca’s teacher’s aide and she was sitting with 10 nuns at the 7 p.m. daily Mass. She completed her student teaching at St. Mary’s and went on to her first teaching job in
Syracuse, at Blessed Sacrament School. Anne began attending the Catholic Church in 1976 and was confirmed at Blessed Sacrament Church, in Syracuse, N.Y., on September 30, 1979. Since 1986, she has taught at St. Peter School and was named principal in 2016. Anne and her husband, Kevin, have been married for 41 years and are parents of a son and a daughter.
When I ask Anne how becoming Sr. Mary Rebecca's teacher's aide drew her into the Catholic faith, she says, “It wasn’t because she was an awesome teacher – although she was – it was because she was a willing and open vessel for Christ’s love. And that is
what makes our Catholic schools so special. Yes, we have outstanding academics, but it is the heart that matters. We get to share the awesome and powerful God we call Father all day, every day.”
Anne says, “What matters most is that when children leave our classrooms and our schools, each one feels they are loved by an awesome and powerful God, and by us. We are family to children whose families may be broken or struggling – we are called to fill their hearts with the steadfast confidence that they are children of God – and part of a family that never fails.”
Her advice to Catholic school teachers is clear: “At a time in education when test scores are paramount and published, that fact can easily derail our mission. We can’t just be great academic schools that teach the Catholic faith. We must be Catholic schools with
great academics. This is because our mission is to bring hearts into the light of Christ. Students with great SAT and ACT scores may go on to an excellent university, but if we have lost their hearts, we have failed mightily.”
Anne’s path to embracing the Catholic faith began quite humbly. She says, “I was brought into the Catholic faith by one religious sister and I didn’t want to be there. Just imagine what you can do with willing participants!”
Her most heart-felt message is simple, “When the pressures and challenges seem insurmountable and that kid with the hardened heart sits in front of you, whether they are 9 or 19 years old, remember – you are Christ’s heart and you have the power to save souls. I know – because you saved mine…and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Photos by Scott W Grau/Special to the Diocese of Toledo“
... You are Christ’s heart and you have the power to save souls. I know – because you saved mine…and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
ANNE ASHER
“We can’t just be great academic schools that teach the Catholic faith. We must be Catholic schools with great academics.”
ANNE ASHER
Twenty-some years ago, there was a young boy at a makeshift altar in his home outside Attica, Ohio. He was playing Mass. He was, of course, the priest, and his grandparents were the parishioners. In 2019, Zach Brown was ordained a
“I was one of those kids who liked to play Mass,” Zach Brown recalls. When his grandparents, Mary and Joseph Phillips, visited, they were always willing to be his parishioners. Joseph helped him create a Mass set, with play vestments, paten, and chalice. It was one of the ways that Mary and Joseph encouraged Zach to consider a vocation to the priesthood, but certainly not the only way. First and foremost, they prayed. “They prayed for each of their children and grandchildren by name every night.” When Zach stayed with his grandparents, he heard them list each person from their oldest son down to the youngest member of the family. Their deep faith made an impression on their grandson. They went to daily Mass. They prayed the rosary on long car rides, a habit that Zach continues to this day. They welcomed their entire family for Sunday dinners, where Joseph led the family in a prayer before dinner. When Zach received his First Holy Communion, his grandparents gave him the gift they gave each grandchild - a handmade rosary in the colors of Zach’s choice. In fifth grade, he transitioned from playing Mass to being an altar server. “I really loved (being a server), so I did it all the time,” Zach said. His grandmother noticed. She told him he would make a great priest. As a pre-teen boy, there were much more immediate concerns for Zach, like simply getting through junior high. He did not forget her words though, even if he did push them to the back of his mind.
Zach Brown with his grandparents at his Confirmation.
“I don’t remember where I was or what I was doing, but this idea came to mind: What about the priesthood?”
ZACH BROWNPhotos above and at far right by Scott W Grau/Special to the Diocese of Toledo; Center photo by Annie Lust/Diocese of Toledo
memory. “He said, ‘I just wish Mary would have been here to hear that. We prayed for all of you, and we prayed for Zach for that vocation...and it would have been a great joy for her to hear you say that.’” Zach recounted.
The following autumn, Zach began four years of study at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. During his senior year of college seminary, Zach’s grandfather was diagnosed with acute leukemia, the same disease that had taken Mary five years earlier. The family was devastated again. Joseph was particularly heartbroken that he would not see Zach ordained. Just as Joseph had outfitted Zach to play Mass as a child, he wanted to play a part in giving Zach the tools for the priesthood. Joseph wanted to buy the chalice that Zach would use during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He gave the money for the future purchase. Joseph Phillips died in February 2015.
During this time, Zach was waiting to find out where he would go for his final years of priestly formation. To his surprise, Bishop Daniel Thomas asked Zach to attend the North American College in Rome - a somewhat daunting request for Zach who had only been on a plane once. He accepted and spent three years of study in Rome, just a short walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. Zach then spent his pastoral year at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay, Ohio, from Fall 2018
to Spring 2019. He was ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 18, 2019. Mary and Joseph were certainly in his thoughts. He even carried the handmade rosary his grandparents had given him for his First Holy Communion.
In autumn 2019, Zach returned to Rome for a final year of priestly formation. God willing, he will be ordained a priest on June 27, 2020. On that day, among the many things on Zach’s mind, his grandparents will certainly be an important one. As he raises the chalice that Joseph purchased for him containing the wine that will become the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, there will be an inscription that Zach had engraved on the bottom, in memory of his grandparents. In that way, Joseph and Mary will be with Zach at his ordination and each time he celebrates Mass. It’s a fitting tribute. As Zach says, “who knows if I would be here today if not for them?”
The stained glass windows of St. Peter in Mansfield are remarkable for their beauty and for the variety of different events and figures they depict. The Resurrection (left) and the testing of Abraham (inset) are two of the remarkable depictions. They are not true stained glass in the sense that these windows were painted by hand rather than being pieces of colored glass assembled to create an image. Construction for the current church began in 1911 and concluded in 1917. The glass was originally intended to be installed in time for the dedication of the church in September 1917, but the windows could not be shipped to the United States because of World War I. The windows eventually installed between November 1920 and January 1921.
St. Boniface, the patron saint of Germany, is depicted in stained glass. The image is particularly appropriate because the village of Glandorf, Ohio was founded Fr. Johann Horstman who was from Glandorf, Germany. St. Boniface, pictured holding a bible, was martyred in 754. Legend has it that he was holding a bible when attacked.
The Angel Windows are three beautiful pieces located in the choir loft of Immaculate Conception Chapel. The original church building was erected in 1837, but was rebuilt after suffering from a fire and a tornado. You can see more spectacular stained glass at the Holy Trinity Assumption parish (2649 US 20, Swanton).
This window depicting St. Peter was one of four stained glass windows added when Holy Angels Church was enlarged in 1902. It was a gift from the St. Thomas Court of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
In the center of this collection of stained glass is St. Michael the Archangel, the patron of St. Michael parish. The four windows to the left, right, top and bottom depict the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The corners of the window show the Cardinal Virtues, justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance.
The window was commissioned by the founding pastor of Historic St. Patrick, Fr. Edward Anthony Hannin, in 1895 from the William Wailes Art Glass studios which was in York, England. The same company created the St. Patrick window at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York City. This was installed shortly after the church was completed in 1900. Struck by lightning in 1935, much of the window had to be restored. More recently, the window was removed, released and returned to the church in 1992 the Winterich Company of Cleveland. Winterich recently rebuilt the framework to maintain the integrity of the nearly 5,000 lbs. work of art.
This round window was rediscovered behind the altar while the church underwent a renovation in 2014. It is estimated that it had not been seen in over 110 years. The window was plastered over when the new taller altar was installed and the outside was bricked over. No one currently living realized it was there. The window is approx. 4 1/2 feet in diameter and depicts the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit in German. The piece was restored, backlit and mounted behind the altar again.
This beautiful stained glass that is located in the window of the parish sacristy shows St. John Vianney, the patron of Parish Priests. The English translation of the quote is “My purpose is to celebrate Mass and to make present the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the right of the Holy Roman Church to the praise of our all-powerful God.”
This magnificent collection of stained glass is located in the choir loft. These windows are were installed in 1881, along with six other windows throughout the church. The center Rose Window depicts the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine.
Cloverdale
Photos by Jared G Horstman
Photo by Amy Holdgreve Photography
Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, located in Toledo, Ohio, is home to more than 100 exquisite stained glass windows, designed and installed by the Angelo Leopardo Pitassi Studio of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Many of the windows were created using Norman Slab and English Antique glass (enamel baked onto the glass), in the style of Louis Comfort Tiffany – the American artist renowned for his stained glass creations and his influence upon the Art Nouveau period. Construction of the cathedral began in 1925 and was completed in 1931. The cathedral window installations took place in 1939, one year prior to the dedication of the cathedral in October 1940.
Andrew Reinhart, Rosary Cathedral parish manager, is shown standing next to one of twelve stained glass windows located in the Bishop’s Chapel of the cathedral. This window depicts the first Apostle of Christ, Andrew (St. Andrew), known as a fisherman who became a “fisher of men,” quoted from the Bible verse found at Matthew 4:19. Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral is open to the public and tours can be scheduled by calling the parish office.
The history and beauty of these windows have also been captured in a full-color publication entitled “Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral: Stained Glass Windows.” This publication is part of a set of eight booklets describing the splendor and majesty the following areas of the cathedral: the apse and sanctuary, vestibule and nave, side aisle ceilings, exterior, the Blessed Sacrament and Bishop’s Chapels and side altars. The complete set of booklets make an excellent gift or addition to your personal library and can be purchased online at rosarycathedral.weshareonline.org/ Booklets — Nancy Cooke, GL Magazine
Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, Toledo
Located in the center of the Diocese of Toledo, Tiffin is a city steeped in history. Originally a heavily wooded area it was the location of Fort Ball, a Sandusky River outpost that played a role in the War of 1812. The historical Fort Ball Neighborhood district features an Ohio Historical Marker where the Fort once stood. This blend of history and modernity that makes a great weekend destination for visitors.
The historic Ritz Theater is a great place to start your trip Built in 1928, it is an opulent environment that will transport you back in time If you are feeling especially nostalgic, visit during the first half of 2020 for the Hollywood’s Greatest Movies series, including a showing of The Ten Commandments (1956) in April . The American Civil War Museum of Ohio and the Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe are two destinations you don’t want to miss On summer nights, visit the Tiffin Drive-In Theater, originally opened in 1949
Even your overnight accommodations can be a jump back in time You can make reservations at The Bowe House Inn, a bed and breakfast in one of the oldest brick houses in Seneca County . It is located directly behind St Mary Catholic Church, making it a convenient location for an overnight stay on a weekend Traditional hotel venues are also available
Tiffin has two beautiful historic churches . The parish churches include St. Mary, founded in 1831, and St. Joseph, founded in 1845 In addition, you can visit the Sisters of St. Francis, who have made Tiffin their home since 1869 Their campus includes the St Francis Spirituality Center, where visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens .
There are several great restaurants in Tiffin, but if you want to stay on theme, two places will turn back the clock Try the Pioneer Mill Transformed into a restaurant in 1973, the mill itself dates to the early 19th century and is on the National Register of Historic Places Visit Barrel 51 for a fun, speakeasythemed restaurant
Tiffin has a long history of glassmaking that continues today with Aidan J Scully, Master Brilliant Cutter and Designer and owner of Hawkes Crystal . You’ll find beautiful pieces for every budget, from Christmas ornaments to breathtaking crystal bowls Scully’s pieces have been commissioned for presidents, astronauts, and even Pope John Paul II You can also find a downtown full of unique shops, including Simply Susan’s, Heavenly Creations, and more
If you enjoy reading about the lives of faith-filled seniors throughout the Diocese of Toledo…
Many thanks to all of you for your very warm reception of Graceful Living magazine. It makes us very happy to know that so many of you are enjoying the stories of faith we bring to you in each issue.
In our busy society, it can be easy to lose touch with the things that make life a joyous adventure. Our goal is to reach out and connect our readers to the many gifted and faith-filled seniors contributing so much of their time and talent to their communities and parishes.
Did you know that the first issue of Graceful Living magazine was paid for by a grant and the generous sponsorships of businesses throughout the Diocese of Toledo? If you have been encouraged and uplifted by reading this magazine and would like to see it continue, please consider becoming a Friend of Graceful Living magazine, too.
You can send a donation in any amount by using the attached envelope or at the following link: toledodiocese.org/page/ graceful-living-magazine
We are humbled by the opportunity to touch the lives of so many of you – please help us continue spreading the good news stories of our family of faith throughout our 19 counties!
FAVORITE ACTIVITY
You’ll need 7-10 fresh mint leaves (per cup), 1 cup of water, and 1 tsp of honey (optional) Boil water in a kettle Fill a mug with boiling water Add mint leaves Let the mint leaves steep for 5 minutes Remove the mint leaves Stir in honey, if desired Serve warm
You’ll need 1 bottle of dry red wine, 1 orange (sliced into rounds), 6 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, and 2–4 tablespoons of sugar
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and heat to a simmer Simmer covered for at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours Strain and serve warm
You’ll need 4 cups of milk, 1/2 tsp of lavender buds, and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips Heat the milk and lavender on the stove on low for 15 minutes Strain the lavender out then return milk to heat Add white chocolate and stir until melted Serve warm
FAVORITE ACTIVITY
Enjoy these these warm drinks and fun activities shared by our readers on Facebook the next time you are snowed in.
"Baking and thanking God that I'm warm and safe inside."
Nancy Cestaro Whiteamire, Holy Trinity, Bucyrus
FAVORITE ACTIVITY
"Hot chocolate, my favorite book in front of my window watching God do his magic!"
Beth Patrilla, St Ignatius, Oregon
"Making bread and soup and watching the beauty of our world being covered in white!"
Marci Reineck, St Joseph, Fremont
In a quiet side-street office in south Toledo, Dave Vacheresse, President of Annunciation Radio, works late into the evening. But he is not alone — right above him is a framed photo of Mother Angelica, smiling.
BY NANCY COOKEI1987, Dave Vacheresse was working with the poor in Birmingham, Alabama, as a lay missionary with the Salesians, a Catholic men's religious community.
Dave’s Salesian mentor, Brother Charles, often talked about a dynamic nun living in the area who had recently started a Catholic television network that was gaining popularity throughout the country. They went to see her live program on a Tuesday evening in January. Dave recalls, “She was very engaging. Her program that night was profound, educational and absolutely hilarious. I was drawn to her presentation style.”
At the end of her program, Brother Charles introduced them. Dave says, “Immediately after the introduction, Mother drew close to me, looked me straight in the eyes and said, ‘you need to join my (religious) order for men right away.’ I was stunned. I was only weeks into my new life of faith. Over the next several days, as I prayed about what to do, I knew I had to accept her invitation. I formally entered Mother Angelica's Order of the Eternal Word for Men community, in early February.” Later, Dave discovered that there was a waiting list for men who had requested to enter, but had been asked to wait because of a lack of space. Although Dave ultimately discerned that he was called to serve as part
Photo by Scott Grau/Special to the Diocese of Toledo
of the laity, he says “the two years I spent as a member of the order prepared me for everything I have done since. I was so new to the faith that I was literally a blank slate. I learned about life with Christ and His Church from Mother Angelica herself.”
At first, Dave was a camera man who juggled many duties on the television side for Mother Angelica. In January, 1993, she encouraged him to work for the new shortwave radio station she had built near the main EWTN Campus in Irondale, Alabama. He functioned as program director and news director for the station. Just four years later, in January of 1997, Dave and his family moved to Reno, Nevada, to manage EWTN Radio’s first full-time affiliate in the U.S. That single station later became their largest affiliate group with 32 stations throughout the western United States.
After establishing the west coast stations, Dave continued to build and manage affiliate groups and stations throughout the rest of the country. He returned home to EWTN Radio in 2009 to become General Manager. Over the course of the next 6 years, EWTN grew from 100 affiliated stations to nearly 500 worldwide. It also launched several new daily programs including: Morning Glory, Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders and Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie. “It was an amazing period of growth for the entire EWTN Network both in the United States and around the world,” Dave recalled, “I was
blessed beyond measure to be a part of it. I was there when Mother Angelica walked the halls and managed on a daily basis and there was a strong and steady growth during those years.”
Then in 2001, Mother Angelica had two strokes and was confined to her room in the monastery. Her health was permanently impaired, and continued to decline. Several years before she died, he recalls her last words to him : “Oh hi, honey...” He pauses, then says, “I did not know the Lord when I first met Mother Angelica. I had no idea how to connect with Him. But I watched and learned from her…and I am who I am because of her.”
After having spent his entire adult life living in Alabama while working for EWTN, Dave wanted to get back to his home state of Ohio. He says “I have always had a great deal of respect for how Deacon Mike and Kris Learned went about starting and growing this dynamic radio apostolate in the Diocese of Toledo. I count it as the single greatest honor of my professional life to have been asked to carry on this work. I look forward to many years of continuing to move Annunciation Radio forward in its mission to serve the people of the diocese and change the
lives of many for the building up of the Kingdom of God.”
I did not know the Lord when I first met Mother Angelica ... But I watched and learned from her ... and I am who I am because of her.” DAVE VACHERESSEDave and his wife, Eileen, have five children and seven grandchildren and are parishioners at St. Joseph, Maumee. Dave with Mother Angelica (above) in 1976. Dave as a young man living in Mother Angelica's Eternal Word Order for Men (right).
FAITH WITH FREQUENCY: CATHOLIC RADIO 24/7 IN THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO
WNOC 89.7 FM in Bowling Green & Toledo
WHRQ 88.1 FM in Sandusky & Port Clinton
WFOT 89.5 FM in Lexington & Mans eld
WSHB 90.9 FM in Willard
WRRO 89.9 FM in Bryan
NOW BROADCASTING LIVE MASS from Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral Monday through Friday.
Our goal at Bliss Charters is to provide quality service and reasonable prices that bring our customers back again and again. We look forward to hearing from you when you are ready to book your next trip. Please contact any of our o ce sta : Joella, Paul, Linda, or Ann for your charter arrangements. We want to bring a little “bliss” when you use our services.
Locations: Upper Sandusky, Tiffin, Fremont, and Findlay
AJ’s Heavenly Pizza is known for their sweet sauce and their jumbo size pizza. One of the favorite menu items is the Chipotle Pizza with onions, green peppers, cheese, and chipotle sauce with a choice of steak or chicken.
Location: Bucyrus
Baker’s Pizza Sports Shack is a hot spot in Bucyrus for great food and drinks, especially when there is a big game on! The Baker’s Fries with bacon, cheese and house-made ranch dressing are a crowd favorite. Another delicious option is the Caribbean Pizza with Chipotle BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, grilled chicken or Old 30 pulled pork, roasted red peppers, green peppers, red onions and pineapple - all drizzled with Baker’s Ranch.
Locations: Sandusky (2), Huron, Fremont, Norwalk, Put-in-Bay, Rossford, Willard
Cameo Pizza has been a Sandusky-area staple since 1936. You can’t go wrong with a pepperoni pizza, but if you want something different, try Odella’s Cameo Choice. The pie has chunks of grilled chicken breast, broccoli, sliced tomato and hot peppers, with sauerkraut optional. Founded first!
Locations: Bowling Green, Findlay
Campus Pollyeyes has been the pub for Bowling Green State University since 1978. They are home of the “World Famous
Stuffed Breadstick,” breadsticks stuffed with cheese and any of their pizza toppings, basted with garlic butter. Highest rated on Google reviews!
Locations: Lima (3)
Fat Jack’s Pizza opened in 1975 with an expansive menu that includes pizza, subs, wings, and gluten-free options. A fan favorite on the menu is the Steak Special Sandwich, with pepper steak, pizza sauce, mushrooms, cheese, and bacon.
Location: Toledo
Inky’s Italian Food is a Toledo institution that was opened by the Incorvaia brothers in 1957. Their menu relies on family recipes, including the buttery, flaky pizza crust. Most recommended by our Facebook followers!
Location: Payne
You don’t find black bean dip on the menu of most pizza places, but you’ll find it at Puckerbrush Pizza, along with many other unique menu items! The Loaded Potato Pizza is a must-try with ranch, mixed cheese, bacon, onion and crispy potatoes, finished with sour cream.
Location: Glandorf
You can’t go wrong by ordering a pizza when you visit The Bombshelter, but that’s not the only customer
favorite. They offer a specialty sandwich called Hash’s Bologna that has thick-sliced bologna with grilled onion, hot pepper cheese and sweet pickles.
Location: Mansfield
Two Cousins Pizza Co. is a Mansfield pizza joint opened in 2002 with a menu that offers pizza, stromboli, foldovers, and much more. One popular item is the Muffaletta Pie with their signature muffaletta sauce, mozzarella, provolone and parmesan cheese, layered on the regular crust and topped with fresh tomatoes, then drizzled with the house Italian dressing.
Location: Lyons
The most popular item on the menu at Vikings Pizzeria is the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, but they also serve subs, wings, tacos, and even bakery items. An unusual item you can get here is bubble tea.
If you love to explore, then these 10 Northwest Ohio pizza places are worth the drive
You can find delicious pizza across all nineteen counties of the Diocese of Toledo. We’ve tracked down ten options for a great slice (with help from our Facebook followers) and other unique menu items you may want to try!
BY ANNIE LUST
When Francisco Carrillo moved to Norwalk, Ohio from his hometown in Mexico, he was 21 years old. His uncle and older sister had moved to Norwalk, and they convinced Francisco to follow. “I came here not knowing the language and not knowing the culture,” he recalled. Back home, he had been active in his parish, even leading the choir. In Norwalk, he attended Mass at the nearest Catholic Church, St. Paul the Apostle, but it was not easy. “I didn’t understand a thing,” Francisco said with a laugh.
Beyond the language barrier, there were cultural differences that made it difficult for Francisco to feel connected with his new parish. Francisco came to the church on Good Friday his first year in Norwalk. He expected something similar to what he experienced in Mexico: “We do (Stations of the Cross) live, in the streets. We carry the cross,” he explained. The Church was locked. He must have come at the wrong time, he acknowledged. But that day had an impact. He missed the cultural elements of Catholicism that he experienced at home. “I made the decision to leave,” Francisco recalled. He wanted to get back to Mexico in time for his parish’s feast day: “There are dancers and a special Mass... it’s a big celebration.” His sister cajoled Francisco into putting in his paperwork to become a United States citizen before he returned to Mexico. He was reluctant, but he did it. He returned to Mexico but was unable to find
work, one of the main reasons he had moved to the USA originally. After months, he resolved to return to Norwalk, where he could also return to the job he had. To his surprise, his citizenship paperwork came in just in time for his return.
Back in Norwalk, Francisco made the best of the situation. It was very difficult to become part of the life of the parish. Francisco explained, “I couldn’t get involved because of the language barrier.” Francisco and his wife, Patricia, whom he had married in 1989, started night school to learn to speak, read, and write in English. There was still not an organized Hispanic Catholic community, but that began to change. Francisco began helping Fr. Bob Haas (1936-2013) as he celebrated Masses for migrant workers at area farms. Eventually, the Masses moved from farms to the church. Once a month on Saturday nights, there was a Hispanic Mass. The community needed much more than a monthly Mass, though. “I noticed a lot of people were not baptized, had not received First Communion or Confirmation,” he said. Francisco started doing sacrament preparation, first for the many adults, then for the children. For 19 years, Francisco
In the early 1980’s, Francisco Carrillo was an immigrant from Mexico who did not speak English. In the years since, he has not only helped build one of the most vibrant Hispanic ministries in the Diocese of Toledo, but has also played a vital role in helping the larger Church.Photo by Annie Lust/Diocese of Toledo
I came here not knowing the language and not knowing the culture.”
FRANCISCO CARRILLOParishioners of St. Paul in Norwalk perform live Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
volunteered his time. “They called me the liaison to the community,” he explained.
One priest told Francisco that his parish was going to switch their Sunday Mass from English to bilingual to accommodate the Hispanic community. Francisco convinced the priest to change his mind. “We have to respect both cultures,” he said. His suggestion was to keep separate Masses where each community celebrates its own culture but to come together for big celebrations. That is what Francisco managed to do at St. Paul in Norwalk. The entire community comes together for special celebrations. “We learn from their culture and they learn from ours, but we’re not imposing our culture,” Francisco said. Some of the elements that Francisco remembered from his home parish in Mexico have been incorporated, like live outdoor Stations of the Cross and a special Mass and fiesta for the Feast of St. Paul.
Francisco decided to spend four years getting a certificate in Parish Life and Administration, all the while continuing to care for his family (which included not only his wife but his two sons and a daughter), work a full-time job, and continue to volunteer. When Francisco completed his courses, the pastor created a new position and offered it to him: Pastoral Associate of Hispanic Ministry. “The position that they gave me opened up a door,” Francisco explained. It was a major moment for the Hispanic community of Norwalk. It gave Francisco
the authority to truly work on behalf of the parish. He shared, “I can really help the community in a different way. Everywhere I go, I can say that I am the Pastoral Associate to the Hispanic Community of St. Paul. It’s what was missing.”
In 2018, Francisco was part of V Encuentro, a national initiative that included discussion, reflection, and identifying best practices to serve the Hispanic community, and to develop leaders from that community. “I think the V Encuentro made an awareness, not just on the Hispanic side,” Francisco said. “The parish leadership learned some of (the Hispanic communities’) needs and fears. It took a lot of training to help them understand our culture,” Francisco explained. Francisco was one of the five delegates from the Diocese of Toledo chosen to travel to Texas to attend the National Encuentro. The process gave Francisco great hope for the future of the Church. He was particularly struck by the presence of so many bishops: “Just by being there, it showed me that they care about the Hispanic community.” He continued, “(The bishops) sat down and listened to what we had to say.”
Last year, Francisco was asked to be part of the planning team for the Diocesan Strategic Plan, an initiative to focus pastoral energies and resources toward our diocesan vision: “to become a more faith-filled, united and vibrant Diocese of Toledo, through fostering Holy Disciples, Holy Families and Holy Vocations”. He joined Bishop Thomas and other leaders from across the Diocese of Toledo. As the only member of the Hispanic community on the team, he brought a unique and important perspective. The main point that he emphasizes in the Strategic Planning process is the same point that he tries to help everyone understand: “It’s one Church, one community, but two cultures.”
Francisco poses with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe inside St. Paul Catholic Church (above). The 2018 Diocesan Strategic Planning Team (below).
“Everywhere I go, I can say that I am the Pastoral Associate to the Hispanic Community of St. Paul. It’s what was missing.”
FRANCISCO CARRILLO
Memorial services and funerals provide a supportive space for family and friends to offer condolences, say goodbye, grieve together and share memories with one another.
No matter what arrangements you choose, we’re here to help plan, coordinate and carry out a service perfectly suited to your family’s preferences, needs and budget.
Marsh & Marsteller takes pride in providing assistance with each step of your journey of remembrance – from pre-planning to selecting a peaceful resting place for your loved one.
BY ANNIE LUST
Msgr. Michael Hohenbrink grew up on a farm near Shelby, Ohio. His family of nine all helped in their massive garden, which had approximately 100 tomato hills alone! After 15 years working at the Pastoral Center as Vocations Director, he was assigned to St. Catherine Parish in Toledo, where he planted the first garden of his own. In 2000, he was transferred to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay, Ohio where he is now the retired pastor. Each year since 2001, Msgr. Hohenbrink has planted and tended a 16x24 ft. garden outside the rectory. Thanks to many years of gardening work, he has plenty of tips to help you plan your own garden this year.
It's never too early to start thinking about your Spring garden plan. Msgr. Hohenbrink shares nine tips to help your garden flourish.
“I plant marigolds around the perimeter of the garden,” Msgr. Hohenbrink explained. This acts as a deterrent for pests and gives your garden some color. Another natural pest deterrent is oak leaves, particularly red oak. “Red oak has a very distinctive smell, and bugs don’t like it,” Msgr. Hohenbrink explains. Spread the mulched leaves on throughout your garden. They serve many purposes, including adding nutrients, loosening the soil, and keeping bugs away.
Place your plants fairly close together. Less space between each plant means less space for weeds to grow. Msgr. Hohenbrink said, “It helps to keep control of the garden.”
Planting too early can be disastrous for your plants. “I never plant before May 15,” Msgr. Hohenbrink said. You need to know the last average spring frost date for your area so you don’t kill plants by putting them in the ground prematurely.
Pay attention to the moisture and temperature of your dirt. “If it’s too wet, it won’t grow. If it’s cold, it won’t grow!”
Msgr. Hohenbrink stated.
Typically root vegetables and fast-growing vegetables do best when planted from seed. “I wouldn’t plant carrots, red beets, parsnips, or lettuce by plants. On the other hand, tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis, and cucumbers I transplant,” Msgr. Hohenbrink explained.
“Rotating the garden is really important,” Msgr. Hohenbrink stressed. In the same way that farmers rotate their crops year to year, gardeners should rotate their plants. This helps prevent cropspecific pests and diseases from building up and carrying over from one season to the next.
“Do not plant tomatoes and cucumbers close to one another,” Msgr. Hohenbrink stated.
Some plants are natural companions for one another, like tomatoes and basil.
BY ANNIE LUST
A Notre Dame Sister shares the story of how she learned to speak six foreign languages
Sr. Elayne Bockey was teaching French at St. Wendelin High School in Fostoria when she noticed that students were asking to study Spanish as their foreign language. She thought of a simple solution ... she volunteered to teach Spanish. “I had a free period anyhow,” Sr. Elayne commented. What makes this particularly surprising is that at the time, Sr. Elayne did not speak Spanish. It might seem like a daunting task for most, but Sr. Elayne was no stranger to foreign languages. In fact, she already knew five foreign languages
Elayne Bockey learned her first foreign language at her mother’s knee. “My mom taught me a little Germanhow to count and a few words, and I loved learning that,” she recalled. In fifth grade, the choir began singing in Latin, and Elayne found that she enjoyed that, as well. At 14, Elayne left home to go to Notre Dame Academy, already realizing she was called to religious life as a sister of Notre Dame. There, she studied Latin for four years.
When she began college, German was her first choice for a language to study, but French was the alternative she was offered. She found that Frenchmuch like her early experience with German and Latin - was another language she enjoyed learning. “I loved it from the beginning,” she remarked. Immediately after college, she began teaching French. In her role as a French teacher, she coordinated student trips
to France, which was her first opportunity to visit the country. Her trips were immensely popular with students. One particular trip was a three-week excursion to England, France, Italy, and Switzerland. She posted the deadline for deposits and was shocked when 77 students signed up. “We couldn’t even all fit on the same plane,” Sr. Elayne recalled with a laugh.
In 1986, she had a surprising opportunity to not only visit Europe but to live there. She was called to the motherhouse in Rome. In an environment with sisters from all around the world, Sr. Elayne’s talent for languages was a blessing. She added to her repertoire, learning more German, Italian, and Portuguese. Her formal role was not teaching - she was the assistant to the Mother General and also Superior of the local motherhouse, but her love of teaching shone through. She taught English to non-native speakers and others who wanted to learn, including a lieutenant from Interpol. “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people from around the world,” Sr. Elayne said.
Returning to the United States after 11 years abroad, she took a job teaching French at St. Wendelin High School in Fostoria. It was then that she noticed that students wanted to learn Spanish. “I knew I could learn faster than my students,” Sr. Elayne said. She did. She began teaching Spanish I, then Spanish II. She eventually perfected her own self-taught Spanish by
completing a summer program in Texas.
In 2017, Sr. Elayne Bockey returned to her roots. She accepted a Spanish teaching position at St. John the Evangelist school in Delphos. She hadn’t lived in her hometown since she was 14. Her family, many of whom still live in Delphos, were delighted. Sr. Elayne shares in that delight: “On Sundays, I sit surrounded by nieces and nephews and cousins, and it is such a joy.” During the week, she stays busy teaching Spanish to her high school students.
For Sr. Elayne, languages are much more than a job. “Languages are an integral part of my spirituality. I love to learn to pray in a new language,” Sr. Elayne explains. She begins her day by reading the daily scriptures in Italian, then listens to the readings at Mass in English. Each translation has nuances that make it unique. “I have favorite scripture quotes in French, Spanish, German, Italian, and in English,” she said. Sr. Elayne continued with a smile, “It’s wonderful when the work that you do fits with your spirituality.” For her, it has certainly been a perfect fit.
Sr. Elayne Bockey and students in her Spanish classroom (top) and with other recipients of the 2016 Golden Apple Awards (above).
C
Attorney Charles D. Rittenhouse is a man on a mission. He believes that creating an estate plan is an act of love that gives families peace of mind – and his passion is to help them accomplish that goal. In his role with the Sylvania, Ohio, law offices of LaValley, LaValley, Todak and Schaefer, Charles focuses on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and residential and commercial real estate transactions. People often misunderstand what an estate plan is, what it does and who needs one. In a recent conversation, Charles helped sort through the confusion by addressing a few of the most prevalent myths:
Truth: People often underestimate their total net worth and are surprised by the true value of their assets. Nevertheless, an estate plan is a roadmap for your desires that is necessary for all people, regardless of their income level. From health care decisions to final asset distributions, a good estate plan provides clear guidance to loved ones based on your stated desires.
Truth: Unfortunately, death and incapacitation can affect us at any age, and there are real consequences associated with waiting too long to create an estate plan. If you care for an elderly parent or relative and they lose their capacity to think and communicate clearly, they can no longer execute a Will or power of attorney and you cannot legally do so on their behalf. Also, without the proper estate planning documents, you cannot legally make health care or financial decisions for a child over the age of 18, without going through the lengthy and costly process to appoint a legal guardian. Further, parents can only designate guardians for minor children or children with special needs through their Will.
Truth: While it is true that a Will controls how some of your property will be distributed at the time of your death, it does not impact how other
important decisions are carried out. For example, if you become permanently unconscious in Ohio, without a Living Will Declaration, you must remain in that state for at least twelve months before your family can apply to the probate court to take action on your behalf. Incapacitation for someone with only a Will creates an avoidable hardship for that person and their loved ones.
Truth: This way of thinking often creates a whirlwind of chaos for those who are left behind, especially if there are sibling disagreements, blended families, second marriages, creditors or other unresolved issues. This unpleasant scenario and the resulting legal fees and family turmoil can be avoided by using an estate plan that clearly outlines your desires.
Truth: Your estate plan may guide your loved ones to an undesirable destination if it is not properly updated to reflect changes in your desires or to account for certain roadblocks put in the path of your loved ones (e.g., divorce, death, bankruptcy, or addiction or other behavioral issues). Even the best plans need to be updated to keep up with major life milestones – such as the birth of a child or a marriage. If there are changes in life, there will also be changes in the law and in your assets.
If you need help and want to know where you stand when it comes to estate planning, please contact Attorney Charles Rittenhouse at 419-8820081, or cdr@lavalley-law.com. You can also visit charlesrittenhouse.com to request his free e-book entitled, “The Smart Guide to Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney,” to learn more about starting the estate planning process
Plan to live as you wish even with a serious illness.
Are you prepared to make choices about how you will live if you are diagnosed with a serious illness? The experts at Sincera and Hospice of Northwest Ohio can explain your options and create a plan of care to meet your goals at any stage of serious illness.
Sincera’s team will come to your home for a very personalized discussion about how you want to live your life and your goals of care. You can count on our expert pain and symptom management – as well as emotional and spiritual support –while you continue to receive curative treatment.
If you’re no longer seeking a cure, Hospice of Northwest Ohio will provide comprehensive care for body, mind and spirit during life’s final months. Our expert staff will come to you, wherever you call home, to help you live in comfort and peace with dignity – while supporting your entire family. Our care also includes all hospice-related medications and medical equipment, delivered to you.
It’s your life. It’s your choice.
