Bishop letter

Dear Friends in Christ,

Here’s hoping this New Year finds you happy, healthy and wholly renewed by the Christmas Feasts! Looking back, these last two years have been filled with challenges, change and coming to terms with the lingering effects of a pandemic. In the midst of such trying times, I trust you have found solace and strength in your faith and that this magazine is a welcome respite where inspiration and shared stories of faith from around our diocese will lift your spirit.

It really is a delight to share this fifth edition of “Graceful Living,” where you will read the inspirational story of Pete and Eileen Ueberroth, a remarkable couple whose lives were turned upside down due to tragedy. Together, they have thrived as a couple who, with their faith as their foundation, take nothing for granted and celebrate life to the fullest. You’ll meet Sister Ellen Lamberjack and Sister Andrea Inkrott, two Sisters of St. Francis in Tiffin, Ohio, who took to heart the Gospel principle of serving individuals most in need and for years have run Project Hope which offers care for immigrants and assists them to petition for legal status. As learning never stops and truly is a lifelong endeavor; in this edition, we share five options to continue your spiritual and other learning opportunities.

With the Winter Olympics around the corner, we are featuring Ed and Mary Glowacki who participate in a unique sport few are familiar with: curling! Learn how their love of the sport has become the center of a community, where their faith has been shared and their circle of friends expanded worldwide. Meet Father Mike Geiger who shares his love of family, his parishioners and baking! We have also brought back a reader favorite feature, Weekend Getaway, this time highlighting Vermilion, Ohio, where one can stay, shop, eat and pray in this quaint “Harbour Town” and hidden gem of a city.

As you enjoy “Graceful Living,” I am confident you will agree that our diocese “comes to life” through the pages of this magazine; and that those whose stories are featured here can serve to inspire your life and enrich your faith. Please do continue to send your suggestions and ideas for the magazine to our team and we will continue to find opportunities to share the stories of our good folks, their lives and their faith!

So glad for your encouragement and support of this publication, and conscious that together we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us, I assure you of a remembrance in prayer even as I depend on your good prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo