St.

Peters

As the family goes, so goes the

nation and so goes the whole
world in which we live!
St. John Paul II

Family

104 W. First Street Mansfield, Ohio 44902 419-524-2572

February 2015 Issue 23

Administration/Staff
Father Gregory Hite
Pastor/Superintendent
Father Jeremy Miller
Associate Pastor
Terry Philpott (senior status)
John Reef and Dennis Striker
Deacons
Bill Johnson
Director of Music & Liturgy
Elizabeth Wurm
Director of Religious Education,
Youth Minister
Lynne Lukach
Adult Faith Coordinator
Jerry Straub
Business Manager
Carla Eighinger
Office Assistant
Tracey Williamson
Tuition Manager
Vickie Palmer
Parish Secretary
Claudia Raff, Cindy Dickerson
Parish Center Secretaries
Cathy Stout
Development Director
Sister Bernard Marie Campbell
Development Associate
Joan Gemzer
Administrative Assistant to Development & The Msgr. Dunn Foundation
Kathy Morris
Marketing, FAMILY Editor
Michelle Failor
FAMILY Assistant Editor
Tammy Kemerling
Montessori Preschool/
Kindergarten Director
Madalyn Bauer Elementary Principal
Mike Wasiniak
High School/Junior High Principal

from the pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

The recent death of my father has caused me to

revisit the experience of dying. When the event of the
death of a loved one becomes something personal,
one becomes more sensitive to how the experience
impacts those who survive.
In my own case, dad was 88 and would have been 89 in January, 2015. But,
in Gods time, he was called from this world to eternal life. The first lesson for
me was this: our loved ones do not die according to our timetable it is in Gods
hands!
A second lesson I learned was that suffering does not have to be meaningless.
It can be redemptive. I suppose as Mary beheld her Son dying on the cross,
she may have felt helpless. Similarly, there arrived a point there was nothing
more my brother or I could do but to keep watch and share the experience of
dads suffering. It gave an entirely new meaning to Advents message of keeping
watch and prepare [for] the way of the Lord. Suffering is not meaningless if
experienced in the light of faith. It is redemptive. Dad was preparing for the
eternal life promised him in baptism. I felt privileged to be able to pray with
him, share the anointing of the sick, invoke the communion of saints to come to
his aid in this moment of human weakness, and ask the angels to accompany him
over the waters of death. Suffering can be redemptive.
A final lesson I learned was how much people remember, appreciate, and love.
The numerous visitors to the funeral home, the number of brother priests who
celebrated with me at the Mass of Christian burial, the support of my bishop,
the many friends who sent cards, memorials, and expressions of sympathy and
prayers underscored for me the value of human life and the strength of human
solidarity. Those who supported me, my brother and family, and who honored
my dad, touched my heart. It was very humbling. This is Christian love.
St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, once said: O my God! I ask you
for myself and those dear to me the grace to fulfill perfectly your holy will and to
accept for love of you the joys and the sorrows of this passing life so that one day
we may be reunited in Heaven for all eternity.
May this destiny, eternal life, be our goal and our inspiration for living
according to Gods plan for each of us. Blessings to you in this new year of grace!
Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Gregory R. Hite, Pastor

A complete list of parish and school

staff is available on the website at www.
mansfieldstpeters.org.

This publication will be published three times a year to alumni, friends and members
of St. Peters Parish and St. Peters School. The magazine is created to connect alumni
and friends of St. Peters to events, programs and activities taking place within the
parish and school community. Any comments or responses to articles, requests to
be added to the mailing list, as well as story ideas, should be directed to:

Family Graphic Design

Anatra Graphic Art, Inc.
website: anatragraphicart.com

Kathy Morris, Family Editor

St. Peters Parish Center | 104 W. First Street | Mansfield, OH 44902 | 419-524-2572
or email Kathy at morris.kathy@myspartans.org

Melinda Milligan Child Care Director

Greetings

Parish News
Upon entering my second year as
deacon (with October of 2013 being
my ordination), I continue to look
forward to the call of service on the altar,
reading the Gospels, and presenting
my thoughts in the form of homilies
regarding them. I actually do look
forward to this preparation, seeking
information from various great sources
like: Workbook for Lectors -2015, The
Collegeville Bible Commentary, recent
input from Pope Francis like his book,
Joy of the Gospel, the Catechism of
the Catholic Church, and the Bible.
All these plus information gathered
from many modern authors of Roman
Catholic tradition are used in the
development of these homilies.
I continue to assist on the altars of
my assigned parishes, St. Alphonsus,
Peru, and at St. Joseph, Monroeville,
on the second and fourth weekends of
each month. I was also invited to do
Christmas midnight Mass and the two
New Years eve and morning Masses
for which I was greatly enriched. This
schedule seems to be working well

Deacon Thoughts

by Mike Wasiniak

and, though it may keep

me from attending some
Saturday night sports
activities at St. Peters, it
helps me to stay focused on
Gods overall plan for me
as deacon in His Church.
Maintaining balance in
all schedules is, of course,
a trial but a blessing, too,
in that I cannot think
but that spiritual growth
is occurring within me. I
continue to pray for His
gift of wisdom in planning
all events I have control over.
I am looking forward to assisting
Bishop Daniel Thomas when he comes
to St. Peters on Thursday, March 5, for
a special 9:30 Mass. It is very true that
some nervousness enters the preparation
for such an event, but the vast amount
of pride that accompanies the nerves
surely outweighs that. He has already
shown great signs of strong leadership
in all the deaneries and with his priests
and deacons as he has completed visits

to each deanery in the

Toledo Diocese. I am
looking forward to our
special event with him
and his meeting with our
seniors after that Mass.
My
wife,
Diane,
continues to be of great
support in my diaconate
as well as in all school
functions. I simply could
not do all I have been
called to without her
prayerful deep concern.
She has assisted me in
the five Baptisms I have been called to
perform this last year, and I look forward
to her advice and aid in performing my
deacon functions in the coming year.
God be with you all this New Year
and pray for me that my principal and
deacon roles might continue to blend in
harmony as I constantly try to grow in
knowledge and better function of both.

Save the Date

On March 21, 2015, join us for a
special encore performance by Ron and
Father Jeremy Miller and Company!
This outstanding act of musical
originals on the guitar, along with some
classics, will be back at the K of C on
Park Avenue West.
The evening promises great food,
fun and surprises! There will even be a
few friendly items auctioned off by our
performers! Details and tickets will
soon be available.
3

Parish News
Outreach

by Betty Schartl

What is Outreach? In fact, Outreach is an

extension of hospital ministry which serves as a
follow-up for hospital patients who have been
released but are no longer able to attend Mass on a
regular basis due to continued illness or handicaps.
Volunteers from the parish offer to bring the
Eucharist to these parishioners at their homes if
they so desire.
This program was first encouraged by Sister
Angeline Hoffman, C.P.P.S. as a way to serve our
parish when she came to St. Peters in 1987. At
that time, the program was merely called hospital
follow-up. Sister Angie says the origin for this
program was actually initiated by Deacon Rudy
Wolf of St. Peters Parish as a way to let people know
there is a God who loves us and that we as a parish community
want to show an interest in what they are doing by assisting
them in their spiritual journey through life as they deal with
lifes problems.
Gradually, word of the program spread and approximately
fourteen volunteers offered their services to this vital need of
the parish and outreach to our people, calling them and letting
them know we want to be a part of their lives and help bring the
peace of the Lord to them. Having worked with Sister Angie in
the past, I can say she was a total inspiration to not only myself
but the parish as a whole, especially in this particular program.
It should be mentioned that she arranged to collect patient cards
and brought them to the Parish Center where they were sorted.
Then these former patients were contacted in order to set up a
mutually satisfactory visit time and the Eucharist was carried to
them.
When Chris Waleskowski became our Hospital Coordinator
several years ago, the practice of hospital follow-up was
continued under the name Outreach as it is known today.
We still obtain patient phone and address information from
the hospital patient card, although now, due to stricter HIPPA
hospital rules, we now must have the patient sign and date the
card granting permission for follow-up and furnish address and
phone number. Our hospital minister must sign and date as
a witness. A family member may also request and sign these
patient cards and our hospital ministers are being instructed
and advised of the importance of obtaining this information
whenever possible.
Two of our present Outreach volunteers are Mike Hanley
and Judy Tridico. Mike feels that what you get out of serving
in this ministry is much more than you put into it. He believes
the people he visits need to know they are still a part of the
church and part of the parish. He also feels it is meaningful to

the parishioner to know that he or she is still a part of the church

family. Mike has served approximately eight years ministering
in the Outreach program.
Judy Tridico states that once she visited her first parishioner,
it proved to be an amazing experience for her, as well as her
daughter, Sophie, who visited with the parishioners permission.
Judy finds the experience of holding hands in prayer a wonderful
experience. One parishioner expressed to Judy how much it
meant to her that someone from church came to see her and
bring her Eucharist.
It should also be noted that in addition to the Outreach team
at St. Peters, we also have a Homebound group of approximately
20 volunteers who take the Eucharist to parishioners as well as
a number of volunteers who take the Eucharist to the various
nursing homes in and around town. It wouldnt happen without
these volunteers and the parish offers their most heartfelt thanks
for their dedication and service. This also includes the many
hospital volunteers who offer their time and service.
If you have a family member or friend who is homebound or
in the nursing home or hospital who might not yet be included
on our list, please contact the Parish Center at 419-524-2572
and we will add them to our list.
Further, if you feel drawn to this ministry, please call the Parish
Center to obtain Mikes and Judys contact information so you
can talk with them personally about the Outreach program.

Visit us on our official Facebook pages!

St. Peters Catholic Church

St. Peters Elementary/Montessori

St. Peters High School/Junior High

Mansfield St. Peters Alumni

Parish News
The word Maestro in no
way adequately identifies Bill
Johnson, Director of Music
and Liturgy at St. Peters
Catholic Church. He is so
much more than a master of
music, although if you talk to
him, he would tell you that
he considers himself not so
much a master as a servant to
the parish.
In fact, the scope of his service is
endless. To begin with, Bill collaborates
closely with Father Hite and Father
Jeremy who keep a guiding hand on
the pulse of the parish. Bills efforts to
expand the horizons and talents of St.
Peters are an ongoing process.
Bill was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
but he considers Mansfield and Richland
County as home because his best
memories are of this area. His mother
was from Mansfield and his father from
Texas. His father was serving with the
military and stationed at the U.S. Army
War College in Carlisle when Bill was
born.
Bill has been Director of Music and
principal organist at St. Peters Parish
in Mansfield, Ohio, since 2004 and
Director of Liturgy since 2005, after
being so appointed by Father Tony
Borgia. He previously served as Music
Director and Liturgist at Columbus
Holy Name Parish and as organist at Our
Lady of Victory Parish and St. John the
Baptist Parish in Columbus. Bill says it
has always been his dream to return to
Mansfield St. Peters and serve our parish.
That dream has since been fulfilled
in a most positive manner with the
parishioners of St. Peters becoming the
beneficiaries of his talents and guidance.
In his capacity as Director of Music,
Bill leads the parish Traditional Choir (50
voices) in preparation and performance
of an average 45 choral anthems and two
concerts per year. He oversees training
and preparation of the parishs 20 cantors
and also directs the parish Hand Bell
Choir, the St. Peters Contemporary
Ensemble, Schola Cantorum, Funeral
Choir and the St. Peters High School

Maestro

by Betty Schartl

Liturgical Music Ensemble.

He has also served as a
member of the Diocesan
Music Committee of the
Roman Catholic Diocese of
Toledo.
In addition, Bill directed
the St. Peters High School
Pep Band, Concert Band,
and Elementary Bands as a
substitute. He is active as a
teacher of organ, piano and vocal music
and has taught General Music and
Spanish at St. Peters Junior High School
Bill has headed the St. Peters Music
Series for the past nine years and, under
his guidance, has taken the program to
new heights. The Music Series offers
excellence and variety in music for all
ages.
He has also been instrumental, not
only in encouraging, but developing the
untapped musical talents of the parish.
In speaking with some of the students
who have benefitted from Bills guidance,
eighth grader, Emily Raff, states she has
not only gained a respect for the power
of music but has learned to recognize the
healing effect of music in a persons life.
Because of the support she gained and
the appreciation of music Bill instilled in
her, she has come to see the magnitude
of outreach in music, resulting in her
decision to follow music as a career in
her life.
Some of the other numerous students
who have benefitted from Bills musical
guidance are Steve Neihi, Nick Capaldo,
Beth Clark and Christian Hall, to name
just a few. Noah Dillinger remarks that
Bill always gives 110% in everything he
does, thereby serving as an inspiration
to others. Jim Cox from the parish
says Bill offered invaluable assistance
in the preparation and presentation of
numerous parish musicals. He defines
Bill as hard working, honest and talented
to the utmost. Incidentally, the next
scheduled musical is Annie.
As Director of Liturgy at St. Peters,
Bill oversees with Angie Dillon, the
Assistant Liturgy Director and Ministry
Scheduler whom Bill describes as

his right hand, liaison with wedding

coordinators, Childrens Liturgy of
the Word volunteers, Parish Liturgy
Committee, lector workshops and
training, usher training, altar server
training, extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion training, certification and
liaison and training for hospital visitors,
homebound visitors and nursing home
visitors ... and the list goes on.
Parishioner Becky Rader says that Bill
brings a sense of spiritual perception to
the Mass and as a lector, it becomes more
meaningful to her personally, making her
want to be a better lector. Incidentally,
she shares a birthday, January 14, with
Bill as well.
Bill is well versed in several foreign
languages. He is a teacher, a writer and
multi-talented person who considers
himself one of the luckiest men alive to
be doing the thing he loves to do by his
call to ministry and service at St. Peters
Parish. In the writers opinion, I consider
it a double blessing, one to him who
gives and those of us at the parish who
receive, as we offer a big thank you to
one who does so much. By the way, have
you ever heard Bill sing the Ave Maria
or Panis Angelicus at a funeral Mass?
Trust me. There are few dry eyes in the
congregation when this occurs.
When asked of his biggest challenge,
Bill responded, Not having enough
hours in the day to serve our large and
vibrant parish which is teaming with
potential and possibilities and taking
advantage of the resources that exist.
So, again, thank you, Gentle Giant,
for your irreplaceable service to St. Peters
and for all that you do!

Parish News

Leapin Lizards! Annie On Stage

at St. Peters this Spring!
by Jim Cox (Theater Director)

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan

Annie charms everyones hearts despite a next-to-nothing start
in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents
who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York
City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.
With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes
to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled
adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigans evil machinations and
even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds
a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his
personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named
Sandy (credit: Music Theater International).
Just prior to the holiday season, nearly 80 folks auditioned
for St. Peters Parish production of Annie. Elementary
school students, high school students and adults in the parish
stopped by one of three nights and auditioned with a song
and a short piece to read. High school senior Claire Phillips
provided piano accompaniment. Not unexpectedly, there
were a few delightful surprises along the lines of I had no idea
you could sing! One mother was amazed that her otherwise
shy, reserved daughter actually got on stage to audition not
for lack of belief in her daughter, just a parents reaction to
the wonderment of children. And, I think, a demonstration
of the positive power of theater to inspire.
Continuing a philosophy of inclusiveness
and utilizing a double-casting approach,
all who auditioned were cast in character
and chorus parts. High school students
will fill most of the primary roles. Marissa
Levendoski and Lucia Rice will play the
ebullient Annie. Grace Farrell will be
portrayed by Marrin Eighinger and Claire
Phillips. Madeline Carter and AnnMarie
Hill will fill the shoes of the raucous and
completely disagreeable Miss Hannigan. Her brother, the
rascal Rooster, will be brought to life by Isaiah Corso-Phinney
and Nathan Freshwater. Sydney Genter and Emily Raff will
play the role of the questionable Lily St. Regis. And the timeless
Daddy Warbucks will be portrayed by Christian Hall. Two
of the Parishs more seasoned individuals will play the role of
president Franklin D. Roosevelt: Tom Fesler and Dave Lorenz
(you dont want to miss this!). Many other wonderful youth
play orphans and urchins, and several others portray various
roles as Hooverville-ites, NYC passerbys and radio personas.
As in past years, audiences will be treated to a live orchestra,

www.mansfieldstpeters.org

which will be conducted by Bill Johnson the Director of St.

Peters Parish Music and Liturgy. Jennifer Doyle-Latham,
Ballet Mistress/Outreach Coordinator of the Ashland
Regional Ballet, will once again provide the wonderful dance
choreography as she most recently did with
last years The Sound of Music.
Six performances of Annie are booked
for April 17, 18, 24 and 25, with matinee
performances on April 19 and 26. Tickets
cost $8, $10 and $12. A scrumptious
Annie Dinner will be served Tuesday,
April 21, where actors will sing and perform
vignettes from Annie on set during dessert.
The special dinner is being planned and
catered by Beth Carter, Claudia Raff and
many friends and it will be a blast! Tickets for performances
and the dinner will be available in the Parish Center office
beginning in March. Opportunities exist to assist with set
building, props, advertising, the dinner, etc.
Oh, and did I mention a special four-legged cast member
will be joining us from J Rs Golden Angels Lodge in Bellville?!
Come see the musical Annie, a fun-filled, high-energy and
touching musical brought to you by amazing and talented St.
Peters Parish folks!

Parish News
Smile

by Sharon Santoro

Our Pastor, Father Gregory Hite,

decided it was time for an updated
parish directory and asked Lori and
Bill Danuloff and Sharon and Michael
Santoro to co-chair a committee to
publish the 2015 St. Peters Parish
Pictorial Directory. Both Father Hite
and Father Jeremy told us the directory
is one of the first books they look for
at a new parish. They both agree it is
a quick way of putting a face with a
name while trying to get acquainted
with parishioners. Our new principals
also agreed the directory helps them
recognize their students and their
families.
A sub-committee was quickly formed
with Dave Barber as photography
days coordinator, Debbie Bichimerphotography coordinator, Kristin
Blunk-photography
appointments
coordinator,
Cheryl
Gurskicalling committee coordinator and
Lynne Lukach as proofreader and
communications coordinator.
The committee is working closely
with the Lifetouch Family Photography
Team to create our directory and show
our parish family through photographs.
Lifetouch has been a trusted provider of
family photography for over 75 years.
Each family who has their pictures
taken by Lifetouch will receive a free
8 x 10 portrait and directory. Our
parishioners will be professionally
photographed,
will
immediately

view their portraits and will have the

opportunity to purchase additional
portraits. You may invite grandparents
and other family members and loved
ones to join your portrait sittingeven
if they are not members of the parish.
You may bring your household pet to
your portrait session. We know pets
are part of the family. You may also
consider bringing meaningful items
that express your individuality. Some
popular choices are sports equipment,
musical instruments, hobby items and
special toys or books. These portraits
are valued family keepsakes.
This edition enables our parishioners
to schedule their own portrait times
and dates, online. You can access the
schedule online by going to the Parish
page of the St. Peters website (www.
mansfieldstpeters.org)
or
directly
(https://www.securedata-trans14.
com/ap/stpeterscatholicchurch3/
index.php?page=10). We encourage
all our parishioners, college students,
those serving on active duty in our
military and our parishioners who are
homebound or in a nursing care facility

Giving to Our Future

Once you have made provision for your loved ones, you have the
opportunity to make a lasting gift by leaving a legacy to St. Peters Parish.
Leaving a gift in your will to St. Peters is one of the most valuable and lasting
ways you can continue to support the work of our parish.
Your gift is an expression of your gratitude and thanksgiving towards God
and will help maintain and enhance our church and our many ministries.
Thanks you for remembering St. Peters Parish.

to check our bulletins for the dates and

times and sign up early to schedule a
photography appointment during the
months of March, April and May.
The photography sessions will be held
in the St. Clare Room which is located
on the east side, lower level, of the
Franciscan Activity Center.
We invite and hope all our parishioners
will schedule a portrait appointment.
We need you to make our new family
directory complete.
Our parish photographers who have
volunteered to contribute their time
and talent to make us look our best at
the events and activities of St. Peters
are Sister Bernard Marie Campbell,
Paul Adamescu, Kelly Cropp, Dr.
David Fleming, Fran Leitenberger
and Jerry Smutylo. Claudia Raff, our
parish secretary, with a special calling,
has volunteered to photograph the
homebound and those in a nursing care
facility. You may contact her by calling
St. Peters Parish Center at 419-5242572.
We look forward to seeing you!

Scan for
St. Peters Parish/School website

Parish News
Toward the end of 2014 John Kastelic,
your Finance Council Chairperson, and
I spoke at all the weekend Masses. We
summarized the fiscal year Financials
(July 2013 June 2014) and previewed
the current fiscal year (July 2014
June 2015) Budget. This was the third
consecutive year in which we finished
the year in the black more income than
expenses. As I mentioned at the Masses,
just a few short years ago we finished the
year with a net loss of nearly $500,000.
Thank you to the members of the Finance
Council, the Budget Committee, Father
Hite, and John Kastelic for their support,
guidance and diligence throughout the
year.
In this first bulletin column of the year,
I would like to briefly highlight some
of the accomplishments achieved in the
2014 calendar year. The year 2014 was
the first in quite a long time where we
did not owe the Diocese of Toledo any
money. The loan to pay off the nearly $1
million dollar debt is gone and all 2014
assessments ($97,835) and insurance
($36,000) were again paid to the Diocese.
Our renewed Cemeteries Committee
was very active and successful last year.
When I started in this position a couple
years ago, the Parish owed the Mansfield
Cemetery Association over $26,000
for maintenance at Mansfield Catholic

Financials

by Jerry Straub

Cemetery. We received our last invoice at

the end of December and we sent a check
to the Association which takes us out
of the red! This was accomplished with
efficient budgeting, increased lot sales,
and a successful Open House at Prince of
Peace Cemetery in the spring of 2014. We
have wonderful plans for 2015 and you
will hear about those soon. Thank you to
Dave Barber for productively chairing the
Cemeteries Committee.
Safety and Security were a major focus
in 2014. Spartan Fields has new security
cameras. The Elementary School received
a new and improved camera/security
system. The 104 West First Street
building which houses the Parish Center,
High School, Junior High, San Damiano
Hall, 4th Floor Parish Staff offices, and
most importantly, our Convent now has
an extensive security and surveillance
system. Several cameras are located
inside the building and other cameras
situated outside the building. We have
the capability to look at all the cameras
on our computer desktops, record, and
rewind to see what was captured on
camera. We have actually had that need
a couple times already. I envision 2015
will see even more cameras throughout
our campus.
The Properties Committee targeted
and achieved many repair and

maintenance projects during 2014. The

11x17 spreadsheet of planned projects
always gives me nightmares. Significant
masonry and roofing work was completed
on the Church, Elementary School and
High School buildings. The first grade
classrooms began the school year with
new tile floors as the ancient flooring has
finally been replaced. Thank you, Monty
Friebel, our Properties Committee Chair,
for your dedication to St. Peters and your
steadfast determination to improve and
secure our campus and our buildings.
The Building Improvement Fund began
in early 2014. Projects already complete
include updating the flushometers
in the 1st floor girls restroom in the
High School and the Convent. We
have received enough in the Building
Improvement Fund to commence the
Church basement bathroom projects. The
single side bathrooms were being updated
and reconstructed in November and
December. The large bathroom project
should begin in January 2015. We are all
anxious for that completed project to be
a significant improvement to our Church
and a benefit to our parishioners in 2015.
Thank you for your contributions to
that important fund.
Best Wishes for a healthy and
prosperous new year!

Franciscan Sisters 150th Anniversary Celebration

In 2015, the Joliet Franciscans will be celebrating their
150th anniversary of ministry in the United States.
Here in Mansfield, we will be celebrating with our dear
Franciscan Sisters, Sister Bernard Marie Campbell and Sister
Paula Bingert along with Sister Irene Yosick from Shelby. On
April 19, 2015, we will share in their celebration at the 11:30
a.m. Mass here at St. Peters Church and a reception will follow
in the Franciscan Activity Center. All are invited to attend.
For many Franciscan Sisters, a good number of those 150
years were spent here at St. Peters with youin fact, 144
years to be exact. From these 144 years, would you share your
memories? Perhaps your parents or grandparents told you
stories. Please share them for the celebration.

Mail your memories to Kathy Morris at St. Peters Parish

Center, 104 W. First Street, Mansfield, OH 44902 or email
Kathy at morris.kathy@myspartans.org. All memories shared
will be displayed at the reception.
Thank you!

Parish News
BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND - 2014
Weekly Regular Sunday Offering 2013...................... $1,113,011.09
Average Weekly Regular Sunday Offering 2013.......... $21,404.06
# of Sundays in 2013 = 52
Christmas & Easter for 2013................................................. $91,647.07
TOTAL Collections for 2013............................................ $1,204,658.16

Weekly Offering Statistics 2014

The regular Sunday weekly offering collection for 2014

was $16,493.83 below 2013. The average Sunday
weekly collection in 2014 was 1.5% less than the
previous year. That is down about $317 a week from
2013.

Christmas & Easter Statistics 2014

Weekly Regular Sunday Offering 2014...................... $1,096,517.26
Average Weekly Regular Sunday Offering 2014.......... $21,086.87
# of Sundays in 2014 = 52
Christmas & Easter for 2014................................................. $97,063.13
TOTAL Collections for 2014............................................ $1,193,580.39

Average Weekly Collections 2014 vs 2013.............................. i1.5%

down about $317 / week

Christmas (Calendar Year) 2013.......................................... $53,359.54

Easter 2013................................................................................ $38,287.53
TOTAL Christmas & Easter 2013.......................................... $91,647.07

Christmas (Calendar Year) 2014.......................................... $57,274.43

Easter 2014................................................................................ $39,788.70
TOTAL Christmas & Easter 2014.......................................... $97,063.13

The Christmas & Easter figures include only those

Christmas offerings collected during the 2014 calendar
year. The total offering in 2014 was $5,416.06 more
than Christmas & Easter in the 2013 calendar year.
That is a 5.9% improvement from last year.
There are always a few Christmas envelopes that arrive
in the month of January after Christmas. If we include
those contributions the Christmas Season of 2014 will
exceed $60,000.

Building Improvement Fund 2014

Through your generous donations toward the Building

Improvement Fund the amount contributed to help
improve our campus buildings totaled $58,387.55 in
the calendar year 2014. That is an average of $5,308
per month. Thank You!!!

On-Line Giving Statistics 2014

Christmas & Easter 2014 vs 2013................................................ h5.9%

BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND - 2014

Building Improvement Fund for 2014............................. $58,387.55
Monthly Average for 2014......................................................$5,307.96

ON-LINE GIVING STATISTICS - 2014

Total $ Amount Given for 2014.......................................... $11,247.50
Number of Users....................................................................................... 40
Average $ Amount per User...................................................... $281.19
Number of Transactions.......................................................................154
Average $ Amount per Transaction...........................................$73.04

We started our on-line giving program in April 2013.

Parishioners and friends of St. Peters Parish & School
can now donate to their favorite giving opportunity
via our school/parish website.
The amount given on-line in 2014 was $11,247.50.
During the calendar year 40 people have given on-line
averaging $281 per donor. Of those 40 people there
have been 154 different transactions with the average
gift amount about $73. As you can tell from those
figures we have a combination of one-time donors and
people that have monthly or recurring gifts designated.
We will continue to promote this on-line giving
opportunity in 2015 especially for those patrons and
alumni who do not live in the Mansfield area.

Prepared by Jerry Straub, Business Manager

Parish News
A Student
Encountering Christ!!
by Father Jeremy Miller and Olivia Haller

Olivia Haller, a senior at St. Peters High

School, inquired last year about entering into full
communion with the Catholic Church. She had
encountered the Lord in a deeper way in her life
and was attracted to the Catholic faith. She had
been baptized in another Christian denomination
and had been through 12 years of Catholic education, and she
was finally ready to make the leap of faith. When I asked her
when she would like to do this, she mentioned the possibility
of a high school Mass with all of her peers present. I thought
this was a great idea and I asked her if she would be willing
to speak to her fellow students after her full reception in the
faith. She agreed, and so in the presence of her family and her
high school peers, she delivered these moving words:
Hi Everyone
Father Jeremy asked me to speak to all of you about why I
made my decision to become Catholic and what I value most
about my relationship with Christ. Unlike many students here,
I was not raised in a practicing Catholic family. I was baptized
Presbyterian, but received First Communion in Second Grade. It
was in fourth grade that I questioned my decision on whether my
intentions of joining the Catholic faith were pure or superficial. It
was that year that I stopped participating in the sacrament of the
Eucharist. I was extremely confused on what religious affiliation I
wanted to be a part of. I was worried that God was angry that I
was baptized Presbyterian, yet, had my first communion. I really
didnt know what to make of myself. I was presbycatholic I guess
you could say. When 8th grade confirmation classes began, I did
not attend.
I was still extremely unsure of the religious faith I wanted to
be a part of. During this time in my life I also wasnt participating
in any sort of church functions. I wasnt going to church; I wasnt
involved in any youth groups and I most certainly didnt talk
about God or my relationship with Him to anyone. The fact was,
I didnt have any sort of relationship with Him.
It wasnt until my junior year that I found the direction that
I was being led in. Throughout the 2013-2014 school year, Father
Jeremy offered the opportunity to go with him and other students
to a religious function called Ignite in Fostoria, Ohio. I did not
attend the first one, and admit that I even poked fun at some of
my friends who did. But when they returned, I heard nothing
but great reviews. Unfortunately the next one wasnt until after
the annual retreat called Kairos. Luckily, I was fortunate enough

10

to be a part of the Junior Leaders (now Senior leaders) that were

able to attend the Kairos with this past years graduating class. I
cant share what all happens at Kairos, but I most certainly can
tell you that if you allow it to, it will change your life. The word
Kairos essentially means Gods time and I promise you, Gods
time is time well spent! It was through Kairos that a spark was lit
inside me. A spark that has led me today, to becoming Catholic.
After Kairos, I attended 3 Ignites, which essentially are a time
of adoration of the Eucharist. I also attended the Steubenville
Youth Conference at Franciscan University this summer. Ive
continuously attended Mass since April of last year, and have had
the honor to encourage my dad to attend Mass with me as well
something he hasnt done regularly since he was my age. At each
Catholic event, I found myself growing more and more envious of
those receiving the Eucharist, receiving the gift of Penance, and
just being full members of the Catholic faith. It was through these
events after and including Kairos, that I was sure that I wanted
to become confirmed into the Catholic Church.
So what do I value in my relationship with Christ? The most
cherishable gift he has given me is fullness. Before finding myself
in God, I was constantly angry, stressed, or anxious. God filled
the hole that these emotions created with peace and tranquility.
Something my mom constantly reminds me of is when I feel this
way I give it all to God. I really do encourage everyone to find a
specific thing they value through Christ. Maybe you dont believe
in God. Thats okay because God gave us this awesome thing called
free will. Its okay to love God and to love Christ and to love the
Church. Its not un-cool. Trust me, I struggle with that, too. What
if Im labeled a Jesus Freak but who cares? And for those who
dont want a relationship with Christ, dont make fun of those who
do. Support them, regardless if it goes against what you believe.
Christ really can be your best friend, and I really hope that each
and every one of you, some day, is able to find a relationship with
Christ and can truly cherish your relationship with Him, because
quite frankly, its awesome! Thank you all for being a part of such
a momentous moment of my life. Its one I wont ever forget and
am proud I can say I shared with the St. Petes Community.
~ Olivia Haller, October 9, 2014 St. Peters Class of 2015

www.mansfieldstpeters.org

Development

Position Opening

Just So You Know

Director of Development

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of you for

your continuing support and contributions to the monthly
Building Improvements Fund and for your response to the
Building the Kingdom presentation held last spring.
First, with regards to our Building Improvement Fund,
we have collected $48,750 and have used $2,015 thus far
towards improving the church basement restrooms and
$6,456 for repairs in the convent and high school. After the
single use restrooms are updated we will begin renovating
the larger mens and womens restrooms. We estimate it will
take a total of $35,000 to complete this project leaving an
estimated balance of $7,294.
Second, lets look at the revenue generated from the Building
the Kingdom presentation. As many of you are aware, most
of our repairs and maintenance projects take place during the
summer when the schools are not in session. Our budget for
this year was $175,000 and after deducting $60,000 to cover
routine, recurring & unexpected items we had $115,000 for
projects. But, we needed to complete $160,000 in projects
and this left a shortfall of $45,000. When we brought this
to your attention in the spring of this year, you helped raise
an additional $81,650 following the Building the Kingdom
appeal. Because of your generosity, we will have an estimated
remaining balance of $36,650 after this years projects are
completed.
As of October 31, 2014, the total remaining revenue from
both funds is $43,944.
Our budget year, which begins on July 1st, is only
approaching the half-way mark. And as many of you know,
weve had several maintenance challenges in recent weeks.
The lack of heat in the church required immediate attention
and the sound system in our Church has had more than its
share of problems. Both of these areas are being addressed
by the Properties and Finance Committees. We are sincerely
grateful for their time and effort as well as for your support.
Thank you again for your patience and consideration. We
will continue to update you on steps being taken to manage
both our funding and maintenance challenges.
Respectfully yours,
Fr. Gregory Hite - Pastor and Superintendent
John Kastelic - Finance
Monty Friebel - Properties
Jerry Straub - Business Manager

In addition to being Catholic, and preferably

a graduate of Catholic elementary and/or high
school, the candidate for the position should:
Be highly interested in perpetuating the
values of Catholic education
Hold a degree from an accredited college or
university
Be a self-starter working independently as
well as collaboratively
Have the ability to work well with a wide
variety of people
Possess skill and proficiency in writing and
social media
If you are interested in applying for this fulltime position, please respond with your resume
to Cathy Stout, St. Peters Development
Office, 104 West First Street, Mansfield, Ohio
44902. You may also e-mail your resume to
humanresources@myspartans.org.

Annual Tuition Drive

2015-2016!
Thank you to those of you who have
contributed to our Annual Tuition Drive!
Our goal this year is $150,000. To date, we
have received $97,483.94 from 523 donors!
Every year we have households who are, for one
reason or another, in very real need of a hand
up. Your contribution helps these families
ensure that their children can continue to
receive an education of faith and formation
in St. Peters School. On their behalf, please
accept our sincere appreciation!

11

In Memoriam
Raymond Bair 45, father of Steven Bair
69.
Margaret Them McElroy 45.
Jane Keller Patton 49.
Anna Romano Delianides 43, sister of
Rose Tootsie Hess 47.
Manuela Nellie Cochran, mother of
Linda Sue Freeman 72 and George R.
Cochran 73.
Margaret Josephine (Marjo) King
Cavanaugh 53 , sister of Mary Ellen
Miller 62, John, Judith Castle 64, Mimi
King 67, George King 69, and Angela
Johannessen 72.
Mary Lou Reilly, mother of Lida
Heydinger 67, Jamie Akers 72, Kathleen
Glaze 74, Ellen Harris 76 and Sheila
Young 82.
Gregory Lesch, husband of Patricia
Butterfield Lesch 45.

School News
It has been said the one true constant
in life is change. That is especially true
with St. Peters athletics this winter.
Athletic director (Frank Gordon)
and assistant athletic director (David
Miller) are in their first year of running
the department. This is the first year
that St. Peters High School and Junior
High athletic departments have been
combined. There are now 19 different
teams under the direction of the newly
configured athletic department for the
winter season. This change has kept our
teams brimming with enthusiasm and
gives them an eye on the future at the
same time.
Speaking of change, the high school
basketball programs are experiencing
positive growth due to change. The girls
program headed by Shani Rush, in her
second year, continues to improve even
while experiencing a rash of injuries
and illnesses. The girls staff has made a
change with former junior varsity head
coach Tom Blunk becoming the varsity
assistant and former varsity assistant Tim

12

by Sister Bernard Marie Campbell

Cara Gordon Bosso 98.

Jayne E. Schroeder, mother of Gary 66.

Mary Seckel, sister of Elizabeth Shasky

63, Constance Seckel 68 and Daniel
Seckel 70.

Richard Marshall 52.

Paul Finlayson 72, brother of Beth

McClain 73.

John Wendling 64, brother of Joseph

65, James 67, Jan 68 and Renatta York
70.

Phillip Kasper 79, brother of Elizabeth

Schaffer 64, Anthony 66, Frances Miller
69, Theresa Smith 72, and Regina
Gulley 75.
David Oswalt, son of Linda Guisinger
Oswalt 64.
Carolyn Elizabeth Them Miller 44.
Patricia Butterfield Lesch 45.
Belinda (Lindy) Lump Demyan 50, sister
of Beverly Perry 55, Barbara Kaufman
58, and John 63.
Mary Margaret Timmer Ebert 65, wife of
Thomas M. Ebert 66.

Albert Togliatti, father of Gigi Rice 82,

Dante 84, and Rodney 86.

Joseph Hess, father of Tukka 96.

Richard G. Hite, father of our pastor
Father Gregory Hite.
Mary Angie Aplin, mother of Sean 00.
Mary Margaret Marty Metzger 44, sister
of Elizabeth Risacher 43 and Michael
McDevitt 52.
James Knapp 54.
Megan Elizabeth Smith, daughter of
John 77 and Tamara Smith.

Winter Sports
Mulherin taking the reins of the
junior varsity team.
On the boys high school
side, head coach Joe Jakubick
has been welcomed aboard.
Joining coach Jakubick in his
first year on staff are varsity
assistant coach John Bryant and
junior varsity head coach Tracy
Richards. Freshman coach Joe Frank Gordon
David Miller
Mulherin was retained from
the previous staff. This change
This transition has brought a fresh
has brought positive energy and a new
approach to how our cheerleaders
approach to the boys program.
perform and practice.
The Spartan swim program continues
The St. Peters Junior High and
to evolve under head coach Tom Finnerty
Elementary School teams are also forging
and assistant coach Jeff Dropsey. Though
new ground with various coaches in new
their dedication and guidance has
positions. Their dedication and efforts
never wavered, they have had to find a
are making a difference as they become
different way to run a program which
accustomed to doing things in a different
does not have the accustomed number of
way.
swimmers that they are used to.
As the Spartan athletic programs strive to
St. Peters junior varsity cheerleading
improve, change is inevitable. So far, change
advisers Aimee Jerger and Traci Mason,
is good.
and varsity cheerleading adviser Anita
Branham are also in their first seasons.
www.mansfieldstpeters.org

We view Catholic schools as the complete package.

The schools provide an excellent academic experience,
but more importantly, the foundation on which they
are based is a living faith in Jesus Christ. Our childrens
entire beings, their minds, emotions, and souls, are
nourished by Catholic schools. Paying for a Catholic
education is not cheap. But if you believe that your
children are your most important asset, and we certainly
do, the money you spend on a Catholic education is the
best investment youll ever make.
Jim Phinney and Ginny Corso,
Parents of Eli 06, Micah 12, Isaiah 15

MONTESSORI KIDS AT WORK NIGHT

Thursday, February 26, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Montessori House tour, meet teachers,
see the Montessori students doing works!
Please call 419-524-3351 if planning to attend!

OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION

Sunday, March 8
Tour, meet teachers, info on tuition assistance and
School Choice scholarships, register!
Montessori - K/KE - Elementary, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Junior High & High School, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

KINDERGARTENER FOR AN EVENING

Thursday, March 19, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Pizza dinner for the family,
meet teachers, program info!
Please call 419-524-3351 if planning to attend!

Alumni
Updates
by Michelle Failor 94

14 Joseph Rall is studying biology in the premed program at Franciscan University of Steubenville
and is also playing basketball there. In addition, he
is pursuing one of his lifelong goals. For as long as
I can remember, it has been my dream to become a
doctor and do mission work, he writes. This spring,
I will have the opportunity to go on my first mission trip! I
will be going to Ecuador on a medical mission that seeks to
meet the physical and spiritual needs of the poor in the rural
villages of the Amazon Rainforest. The trip is sponsored by
Franciscans Missions of Peace program and Josephs mission
team is actively raising money to support their efforts. To
find out more, go to this link: http://www.gofundme.com/
fyi6a8.
99 Joe Mulherin
and his wife, Angela
Rosato (04), welcomed
their first child, Oliver
Rosato Mulherin on
December 13. Oliver
has already enjoyed
watching his dad
coach some St. Peters
basketball games!

Joseph Rall will travel to Ecuador on a medical mission.

01 Brooke
(Spires) Unger is
currently working for
St. Peters High School
and Junior High as a
tutor. She has a degree
in educational assisting
and a certificate in
behavior management
from North Central
State College. She
is also serving as a
leader for La Leche
League of Richland
County. Brooke and
her husband, Garrett, live in Bellville with their 2-year-old
daughter, Amelia.

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

SEND US YOUR REUNION NOTICES!
Hello Alumni! If you have any news about you and/
or your family to share with your fellow alumni,
please send information along with a jpeg photo if
you like to:
failor.michelle@myspartans.org or mail to:
Alumni Office, St. Peters Parish Center,
104 W. First Street, Mansfield, OH 44902.
Does your class have a reunion planned?
If so, and if you would like us to publicize in our June
2015 issue, send us the details and well be happy
to give your classmates a heads up on the plans!
Mail to: Alumni Office, St. Peters Parish Center 104
W. First Street, Mansfield, OH 44902 or email: failor.
michelle@myspartans.org.

14

Class of 2004 10-year reunion

The Class of 2004 gathered for their 10-year reunion on

November 26 at City Grille. This photo was submitted by
Angela Rosato Mulherin who said the group had a great
time and is looking forward to the next time they can get
together.

Alumni Events

Reunions

COLUMBUS GATHERING

CLASS OF 65

The Class of 65 is planning its 50th reunion celebration

On Thursday, October 23, over 20 St. Peters alumni from
for 2015. Mark your calendars for the weekend of
various graduating classes gathered at the Rusty Bucket in
September 26, 2015, for the Golden Celebration! Mary
Worthington Hills. The upper room was the spot for a fun
(Olivieri) Lewis would love to hear from classmates
evening and an opportunity for alum to meet some newbies
especially if you have information on classmates who
to the Spartan family: Principal Mike Wasiniak and Varsity
arent on the contact list: Jann Wack Coltaire, Ted Dillon,
Boys Basketball Coach, Joe Jakubick. Also in attendance, and
Dorothy Minock Goodwin, Pam Carey Smith, Gloria
ever faithful to our Alma Mater, were Father Gregory Hite, the
Poland Steward, and Christine Emerine Wetzel. Please
incomparable Sister Bernard Marie Campbell and one of St.
send emails, address updates and ideas to Dave Hornung,
Peters best theology teachers and wits of all time, Mike Mulherin
hornungdm@hotmail.com or Mary at marylws@yahoo.
74. Host and hostess for the evening were Steve Hawkins 90
com.
and his lovely wife, Angela Taneja. If you missed it
this year, dont worry, you can catch us next year! Keep
Visit us on our official Facebook pages!
your eyes open for word from Steve, Angela and Ezra
Escudero 92here in FAMILY Magazine and on our

St. Peters Catholic Church
Alumni Facebook page and, of course, the St. Peters
website, www.mansfieldstpeters.org

St. Peters Elementary/Montessori

Turkey
Bowl

St. Peters High School/Junior High

Mansfield St. Peters Alumni

by Mark Forster, Class of 93

On the day after Thanksgiving,

a motley assortment of Spartan
alums and hangers-on gathered
at Maple Lake Park in Mansfield
for the annual Turkey Bowl. This
years installment, the 46th in
this magnificent tradition, was
blessed with great weather, good
food, wonderful people, and of
course, FOOTBALL! It was a
year of transition of sorts, as the
Bowl missed longtime participant
and Executive Legal Counsel
Patrick Bitar; heres hoping his
Thanksgiving travel plans in the
future will include a stop in Mansfield. Commissioner
Mark Forster and VP of Football Operations Frank Stout
were able to continue the glory unabated however the
Turkey Bowl is as strong as ever as it steamrolls its way
toward 50 years!
This year saw many old veterans with not very many new
participants. With the combined decades of experience on

the field, it was no surprise that the skill level was on par
with only the best NFL teams. Remember, any Spartan
alum, young or old, is welcome to play, so come on down
next year!
If youd like more information, please contact Mark
Forster (mm.forster@yahoo.com) or Frank Stout (frank.
stout@yahoo.com) and well be happy to hook you up!
15

St. Peters Parish

104 W. First Street
Mansfield, OH 44902

Non-Prof. Org

U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Mansfield, Ohio
Permit No. 772

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

ALUMNI UPDATE
Please help us update our files with any name, address, or phone number changes.
If your class is planning a reunion, let us know. Submit a memoriam, tell us about
your family, your job or just life in general. Send your information electronically to:
stout.cathy@myspartans.org. You may also mail information to: Development/Alumni
Office, St. Peters Parish Center, 104 West First Street, Mansfield, OH 44902.
NAME:__________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL NEWS:

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
THANK YOU!

CITY/STATE/ZIP:__________________________________________
PHONE: CELL:____________________________________________
EMAIL:__________________________________________________
ST. PETERS GRADUATING CLASS:____________________________
Do you want email listed on the St. Peters Alumni website?_______
EMPLOYER:______________________________________________
PROFESSION/OCCUPATION:_________________________________
MARITAL STATUS:_________________________________________
MAIDEN NAME:___________________________________________
SPOUSES NAME:_________________________________________

Make sure to check the St. Peters Parish and

School Facebook page to keep in touch and
for the latest information about events and
the Annual Tuition Drive.

February 2015