ST MARY CHURCH
1027 W HIGH ST
SPRINGFIELD OH 45506

June 25, 2001

Dear Parishioners,

I want to thank all of you for all you have done. You have shown great patience in the past six months as we prepared to close down our parish. You have shared in our final celebrations of the parish. You contributed to the Wall of Memory, the Graffiti. You also helped us make our goal in the Archbishop's Annual Fund Drive for the first time in many years.

I also want to thank you for the surprise gift presented me. I had never before received such a large check in appreciation. I want to use part of it, at least, to help our parishioners continue to send children to Holy Trinity and Catholic Central Schools.

I also want to correct the bulletin issued yesterday. I misunderstood the Archbishop's instructions to me earlier so I scheduled Masses here next weekend. I apologize for the confusion but yesterday's 11:00 Mass marks the last weekend Mass for the parish. We shall not have Mass here next weekend.

Please attend Mass at your new parish next weekend:

St Raphael: 4:30 p.m.; 8:30 and 11:00 - 323-7523
St Joseph: none on Saturday; 8:00 and 10:30 - 323-7523
St Bernard: 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 and 11:30 - 322-5243
St Teresa: 4:40 p.m.; 7:30, 10:00 and 12:00 - 342-8861
St Charles, South Charleston: 8:45 a.m. - 462-8971
St Paul, Yellow Springs: 5:00 p.m.; 8:30 and 11:00 - 767-7450
St Mary, Urbana: 5:00 p.m.; 7:30 and 11:30 - 653-1375
Sacred Heart, New Carlisle: 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 and 11:30 - 845-3121
Sacred Heart, St Paris: 9:30 a.m. - 653-1375
Mary, Help of Christians, Fairborn: 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 and 11:15 - 878-8353

I shall celebrate either at St Raphael or at St Joseph Church, as my temporary pastor, Fr Caylor, has use of me.

Thank you for your generosity to others. You gave $1074.00 to the collection for the needs of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. You gave a total of $2410.70 Father James (or Yakub) for his diocese in Pakistan, plus enough to pay his plane fare over from Pakistan.

Thanks to my staff: Karen Taylor, Trish Evans, and Zach Abston. Thanks to the many volunteers in the Rosary Altar Society, Thrift Store, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Musicians, Liturgical Ministers, and all other helpers and assistants.

I leave here July 3. Until then I shall stay here (322-7272) and have weekday Masses at 8:30 a.m. (except Wednesday, June 27, at 7:00 p.m.), but no Saturday or Sunday Masses. You should ignore the schedule for Liturgical Ministers printed in the bulletin of last week and on the schedules sent out in January.

My new address:

ST DENIS CHURCH
14 E WOOD ST
VERSAILLES OH 45380-1440
937-526-4945; pager: 937-261-0266

e-mail: dvincent@bright.net

 or: dpvincent@stdenishf.org

 web site: www.stdenishf.org

Mass times: weekday at 8:00 a.m.
Weekends: 5:00 p.m. (Saturday); 8:00 and 11:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m. at Holy Family in Frenchtown.

I enclose the memories of St Mary Parish you wrote for us. I put the smiley faces on their sides by using strokes of the keyboard [(=:)]

WALL OF MEMORIES -- YOUR GRAFFITI

1900-1920

St Mary's Started

1921-1930

I started my life on earth 1/2/21 Rita Waldron All our children went to school here!

Courtney Metzger
Josepha
9-8-21 1^st Mass in Parish
Adrian Dirscherl
Gertrude Bennett

Robert Koehler attended 8th grade 7 was one of the 1^st Mass Servers. His Mom went to Mass every day when they moved in house next to the church

Still here at 90 years - Bob Koehler 1911-2001 98 Grand & great grand children & 9 kids

Edythe Hilderbrand 1927

Father McGlinchy sent 5 kids to the seminary: Tom Coleman; Ted Torlina; Jim Cotter; Ray PeConga; Bob Koehler. Tom Coleman made it to ordination.

Joseph and Mary Toddie family joined parish. Daughters, Josephine, Anabelle, Helen (remained parish member until her death - 1986), Fanny.

Carmelo & Antonia Chiricosta (from Italy) joined St. Mary's 1930 (Raymond, Daniel, Gene, Charles [sons])

1931-1940

1931: Eugene Steinman started school w/ St. Mary - continued membership for next 70 years.

1933-1941: Marjorie Monette Tehan
1933-1941: Betty McConnehea
1940: Helen Toddie and John Malloy were married

- both were buried from St. Mary's (John -1984; Helen - 1986)

1938: Edith M. Juenger

God bless; Happiness to all; 1939 L Esposito

1941-1950

Bob & Marcella Derr's first child began first grade at St. Mary School. The next 38 years saw a member of the family here every year.

1949-1950 - the 'big snow', I was teaching Grades 5-6. Many happy memories of school days and the devotion to Our Lady. God be with all associated with St. Mary's ------- Sister M. Macrina, RSM

1944 - John & Marilyn Ober were married!
1941 - Started First Grade - Sr. Mary Gregory.

What was amazing - 2 grades in each room.

Got caught throwing snowballs after school. Got in big trouble w/ St Mary Aquinas.

Good memories ---- Mary Lou Zieger

1946 Baptized 1976 Married Susi (Malloy Stratton)
1949 - The McElroy's started here and had members here till the end!
1948 - Tim Malloy baptized. Married 1974
1944-50 Jack & Pat Nangle - grade school, married 1959 - still here!

1951-1960

1953-1956 Square dancing & folk dancing lessons every Wednesday afternoon & our performance on the stage of Memorial Hall (Cooky Cronin)

59-60 Remember the beautiful May crownings at the grotto

CCD - Good times, Bad times. God's Love was here for me. JR

1958 - Bernard & Helen Wilson joined.
1958 - Barbara Will Picklesimer graduated 8th grade

I'll always remember the Novenas - - counting "all the steps up & down to the Convent! 1951-1959 = Becky (McNulty) Everhart

Daniel - St Mary's grad. Dan:Beverly Chiricosta married St. Mary's 6-7-58 -- one daughter: Gina Marie Chiricosta-Rose baptised 9-9-59 @ St. Mary's

Janet Campbell baptized, confirmed (1956) with my son and daughter; married 1958

I remember not being allowed in the hills during the snow, drying our boots on the radiators in the classrooms, Fr Hurley's feast day, Paul the janitor playing harmonica for the school, turning the clocks up in Ms. Gnau's 8th grade class, going to the convent to help Sr. Fidelis carry stuff down the steps (1^st grade) - Rosemary Bloomfield (McNulty) 1958-1966. Also May crownings & processing up to grotto.

I was born in 1960 and baptized in 1960. Melissa (Campbell) Jackson

1951 - The Carl Nafz Family joins St, Mary. We will always remember and pray for all the wonderful people of this parish!

1959 - John McAtee family came to St. Mary's stayed 40 years.

1951 - baptized > 1974 married -- Becky (Malloy) Castleforte. I loved the Novenas. I loved going to grade school here. I loved sled riding on the hills. I remember playing volleyball in the gym in 7th. 8th grade.

Norma and Bo Maute members since 1956. Will miss everyone!! [=:)]

1961-1970

1966 Aligs joined the parish with baptism of Daughter #2 - Marilyn

1962 - graduated after 8 years at St. Mary's - family parish for 75 years. Vivian Snelling Koob

Dec. 29, 1961 - Bill Dillman born to Elmo and Mary Dillman

1956 - Baptized, received all sacraments at St. Mary's. It was the foundation to our Catholic Faith. Lots of family & fun. Rose Metzger Roesch

Thank you for our foundation! The Metzger Family

Barbara Will & Jack Picklesimer married here. 10-17-1964 by Father Boeke

1969 - Robert and Alice Goodfellow married @ St Mary May 24, 1969 Father Al Drapp. Great Parish - we will always love St. Mary Parish.

Marian McAtee (Shell) graduate 8th grade in 1967 after all 8 yrs. at St. Mary School.

Becky Meyers 1969 grad of St. Mary's after 8 long years. Very happy years.

Jill (Maute) Powell 1970 grad of St. Mary's. Great place to grow up. Thanks for the memories. Blessings.

1971-1975

Kristine M. (Stevens) Dillard 1st Communion 1972
Rebecca & Amy Brandenburg joined. Amy baptized June '75
Megan O'Connor Baptized
Jackie & Roger Shaw married 3-3-73
Jan Barnett Guitar Masses for 30 years
Judy Cavallaro St Mary's Class of '73

Karin Chapman joined the Church along with my Mother & brother David in 1972.

Rob Freeman confirmed in 1973. Tim Juergens was my sponsor. Now a member at St Teresa's. Attended CCD classes, enjoyed it!

1973: 1^st Communion Donna Stevens (Echevarria-Hall)

1976-1980

1978 - joined parish, stayed - Banks
George & Karin West married 7/3/76
Charity Ann Goodfellow born Jan. 7, 1976; baptized here
Joan & Carolyn Shaw 8 - 78
Dr. Jim Sweeney deceased 7-29-77
Mary Sweeney deceased 5-13-79
Jim & Michelle Sweeney married 5-26-79
Bill Dillman graduated St Mary 1976 [=:)]

Stephene Winwood

Heather Angela (Stevens) Current baptized 1976

Julie Rankin Class of 1980 - Favorite memories All my friends!!
Scott & Becky Barnhart married May 21, 1977
Margaret Murray St. Mary's Class of 1978
Christine Cavallaro Guyton St Mary's Class of '78
Mariam Cavallaro Selten St. Mary's Class of '77
Mollie Maloney Class of 1980! Favorite Memory Mr Kearns
Daren Maloney Class of '79, living in Columbus, married w/ 3 children, will miss old St. Mary's.

Bill Dillman graduated Catholic Central 1980

Barry Takacs class of '79 will never forget softball & serving Mass & those guys [Daren Maloney and class of '79]

Ed O'Connor First Communion

Beth Campbell & Cliff Barker married 2-17-79 by Fr Poeppelman

1981-1985

1/82: Shannon Sweeney baptized
Pat & Kim Donahue were married 9-25-82

Our CCD Class set the clock up & moved our teacher's car. A memorable class. Kathleen (Hankel) Jacobs

Shawn Barker baptized Dec. '81

1983: Alex Lehning baptized & joins St. Mary's

Josephine Smith died 1983-1984 (not sure)

1983: Kris, Jim Herron joined the parish with sons Adam & Steve Lynch & daughters Stacy & Amy Lynch

1981 --- The 1^st Kindergarten class started at St. Mary's. Joyce (Leugers) Collier was the teacher, Principal was Sister Mary Annice -- Tracey Bloomfield

Jenny Herron born 5/23/85; baptized Oct. 1985

Bill & Alice Dillman married 10-5-85; Alice became a member St Mary 1985

1986-1990

Oct. 9, 1989: Chuck Rhodes passed away; buried Oct. 12, 1989 at St. Mary

May, 1989: Collin Carroll baptized at St. Mary's

3/87 Mike Sweeney baptized

Colleen Brunner Stough joins St. Mary's;

Lex Stough becomes a full member after completing RCIA.

Jan & Wendy 25th anniversary Mass

1987: St Mary's, St Ray's, & St Joe's joined and became Holy Trinity

Michael Stanko baptized

1-10-89: Katie Donahue baptized

1986: I was born! Joy! Chris Karwoski

Bryan Tim Barker baptized 1985

Rob & Elaine Stanko married 4/30/88

Sept. '89 joined St. Mary Parish: Bill and Janice Drake

1987: Jerry & Judy Stumpff joined St. Mary

Joseph Smith died 1989 [heart symbol]

David Genari's First Mass

Marriage Bernard Wilson Rebecca Brandenburg 1988

Feb. 14, 1990 Marriage blessed: Bill & Janice Drake by Fr Baker

I was born on June 7, 1990 - Samantha Dillman

Samantha Dillman baptized St Mary 8/90: Fr Baker

I joined St. Mary's Samantha Dillman [=:)]

Nancy & Ken Lacey married @ St Mary's Aug. 16, 1986

6/10/86: Jason Donahue baptized

1991-1995

Kevin Sweeney baptized 7/92

The parish Nurse Program started here in 1993 - a great group of RN's - Sister Jacqueline Studer

Brian Looney baptized July, 93

Kristen Looney baptized Nov. 94

I made my first communion, confirmed. Father Baker - I thank you. Becky Edwards

Bethany Stanko was baptized 1-31-93

Charity Ann Goodfellow graduated from Holy Trinity 1991.

Jenny Herron 1^st Communion 1992

Alex Lehning, server and Eucharistic Minister

Rafail Echevarria 1^st Communion 1993 (son of Donna (Stevens Echevarria) Hall

Samantha Dillman started school at Holy Trinity in 1995

I was born Nov. 13, 1992 - Casey Dillman

July, 1993: Katie Carroll baptized at St. Mary's

Apr. 1995: George R. & Matthew D. West Baptized, Confirmed & received 1^st Communion at the Easter Vigil.

July, l995: Fr Dave new pastor

Lori, Heather, and Norah started attending St. Mary's Oct. '95
Kim Donahue entered the Church. 1991
Katie Dillman born 9-8-95
Kevin & Katie Stough are baptized by Father Baker
Tyler Lacey baptized at St. Mary's 12/91

1996-1999

1998: The Smedleys came (Paul, Lissa, Ciera, Jason. Ciera, Jason were confirmed in 1999. Jason got his Scouting award. They both served Mass.

I started First Grade in 1996. Tyler Lacey

Casey & Katie were baptized 1/1996 by Father Dave

1997: I started Holy Trinity School. Alison Paxson

Mike Dillman died in 1997

I met Mrs. Beller and Mrs. West-- Deanna Lynn Parker

1997: I had my 1^st communion, was baptized, & had my Confirmation at the Easter Vigil 1997 by Fr Dave! -- Alice Dillman

1998: Casey Dillman started school at Holy Trinity

Amelia Estep & Matthew Jacobs made first communion in August of 1999

Madisyn Lacey baptized at St. Mary's 1997

1998: I graduated from Holy Trinity - Jenny Herron

1998: I did my first church reading. Alison Paxson

4-3-99 Charlene Yoakum, Alison Paxson baptized
1999: I started serving at St. Mary's Collin Carroll
Fran Neu: CCD 4,5,6 grades
I had my First Communion. Samantha [(=:)]
1997: Amy Agresta. I made my first communion [=:)]
I met Mrs Beller and Mrs West
Katie Stough received 1^st Holy Communion
Tyler Lacey celebrates 1^st Communion 1998
Kara Klemmensen 1^st Communion
NOAH K. baptized by Fr Dave

2000

I remember Fr Dave's open gyms - Mike Sweeney
We had open gym; it was a blast - Amy Agresta
Fran Neu CCD 4,5,6 Grades
I taught CCD and had a terrific experience - Kathleen Jacobs
Marvin Campbell, Sr: 3-6-30 -- 4-13-00
I taught CCD for 3 years & had a great time with the kids. Jackie Estep
Bernard Wilson: 8-31-29 -0- 6-19-00
Katie Dillman started school in 2000 at Holy Trinity
I remember Fr Dave did party's
Bobbie Jo (Holt) Ramey got married here 4-8-00
Kevin Stough received First Holy Communion
KATIE

2001

Father Dave may be leaving but I remember all the fun times and neat things he showed me while I helped my grandma count! [heart with arrow] Meg

Katie Dillman enters 1^st grade [:)]

Father Dave is leaving but he taught me to keep my head high and always have high hopes. Samantha Dillman. I love him with all my heart! [=:)*] 6-24-01

I started serving. Kevin Sweeney

Thank you for everything, Father Dave. God bless. The Gutierrez Family[:)]

I made my 1^st Communion - Lane Estep

If I had to write all I feel regarding this major loss, I would surely run out of paper, ink, & energy. We love you & will miss you. ... who to call now for another bad haircut at 3:00 a.m. Beth & Boys

I made my 1^st Communion. Delaney Jacobs

I was in the last class of Confirmation. Chris Karwoski

So was I. Mike Sweeney.

We [heart] you Father Dave. You will always be in my heart. The Dillmans, Alice, Samantha, Casey, Katie.

Kathryn Angela Dillard baptized May 20, 2001

Memories are many; my faith is deep. - new parish in the '80. Children received sacraments & attended Holy Trinity - we all volunteered - we will miss "the building" but not the faith! Hodson/Lehning

Fran Neu CCD 4,5,6, grades

Father Dave, thank you for all you did for my family. Special thanks for the hospital visits for my husband. You will be missed. Betty Campbell

At Holy Trinity we had a celebration for Father Dave. Alison Paxson
Katie Carroll 1^st Communion at St. Mary's
Casey Dillman 1^st Communion at St. Mary's
Good bye Father Dave. The Stoughs
Good bye Father Dave. Chloe & Delaney
Michael Barnett 1^st Communion at St. Mary's

• Having been a "shut-in" of St Mary's Parish, I would like to make a "special tribute" to
• "Father Dave," to be added to the Memorabilia being collected. I would like for everyone to know of his dedication in visiting the sick and their caregivers. I experienced 2 ½ years in Hospice care with a diagnosed incurable disease. Since I needed constant care, my dear husband, my primary caregiver, was also kept "shut-in" for the most part. In all of this time Father Dave has visited us every week when possible; bringing us a delightful visit and the sacrament of Holy Communion. He was a "joy" and we looked forward to his weekly visits/ Sometimes when the weather allowed he arrived on his bicycle! What a fun picture that was to see -- Father turning in our drive on his bike; wearing his priestly blacks, white collar, wooden cross medallion, helmet, pant clips and "tummy pack" with the Sacred Host safely enclosed! Our Petre Rd. home, having ridden from St. Mary's Church was quite a jaunt on a hot day! He also made calls on cold winter days; -- days when he was very tired, and days when he didn't feel so well; but he came -- always with a smile, -- usually with a joke or two; -- and most important our Holy Communion and prayers. Two years into my Hospice care a miraculous disappearance of some of my disease happened, allowing surgery removing a kidney and the remainders of the disease. I am now recovering, -- expecting a disease free future. Thanks be to God as a result of many prayers of so many people; -- and especially the prayers of Father Dave and the healing powers of the Holy Communion he brought us. He was always there for us when we needed him; -- he administered several times the sacrament of Anointing the Sick. My Hospice nurse expressed gratitude for the times "late at night", when they would call on him as they were in need of a Catholic Priest to attend to a dying patient and wait with a family giving them comfort. During his visits with us he showed how much he cared for the children in Holy Trinity; -- along with stories of camping with the Boy Scouts. He cared for the souls of inmates of the prisons, -- attending their special needs. He showed his love for all of us. We have been very fortunate to have Father David Vincent, our last Pastor, to be caring for us as we close St. Mary's Church. He deserves "tributes" and I would have been greatly amiss not to make a public "thank you" to a dear priest, doing God's works so humbly and faithfully. God's blessings, Father Dave -- We will miss you. Phyllis and Dick Shay.

Dear Rev. Fr. David Vincent and all the Parishioners of St. Mary's Church Springfield, Ohio.

I am extremely grateful to all of you for accepting me to talk to you about the spiritual and temporal needs of my diocese, Faisalabad, in Pakistan.

Rev. Fr. David has been extremely kind to me, and thanks to all the parishioners for their prayer and generosity. God bless you all.

Fr. Yakub James

P.S. My name is Steve Coy. I have know Fr Dave since my oldest son was in scouts, I think since 1993. He is now and eagle scout.   I have been your webmaster since end of 1997. I want to say thanks to all St Mary's parishioners. I have donated several items for the thrift store, which I hope have brought some relief to people that needed them. Take care to all and hope all the best for the future. 

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