St. Anthony of Padua Parish sits in the lakeside village of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, a small community in Lake County northeast of Painesville along the shore of Lake Erie. The parish is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and traces its roots to 1887, when Bishop Richard Gilmour named the local Catholic community a mission parish. Mass was first celebrated in people's homes, then in a Gothic-style church that seated 220 people, and - after that building was razed in the early 1940s - in a worship space built within the parish school. Today the parish counts more than 600 families on its roster, many of whom live outside the small territorial boundaries drawn by the diocese, and it serves a congregation that worships in both English and Spanish. The parish's own words: "We might be small but we are mighty."
From a Mission Parish to a Hungarian National Parish
The community of St. Anthony's was named a mission parish in the Diocese of Cleveland in 1887 by Bishop Richard Gilmour. At the time there was no church building, and Mass was celebrated in the homes of parishioners. The people petitioned the diocese to purchase land, which was approved in 1898, and an anonymous donor provided the lot. The foundation for the new church was laid in 1899, and the original building was a pure Gothic structure that seated 220 people.
The earliest migrant community that worshipped at St. Anthony's was made up of a variety of ethnic groups, including Irish and German Catholics. Over time, those families relocated, many to Painesville, and the parish was built up by the Hungarian and Slovak Catholic community. As the debt from building the church mounted, the Hungarian community agreed to take on responsibility for paying it; in return, Bishop Horstmann promised to send a Hungarian priest. On January 5, 1903, St. Anthony's received its first Hungarian pastor, Father Anthony Hegyi, and the parish was declared a Hungarian National Parish to serve the Catholic Hungarians not only in Fairport Harbor but in the surrounding area as well.
During those early years the community continued to grow. In 1926, the parish was able to build a school that was staffed by the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer. In that first year, attendance reached 273 children in a parish of only 240 families, with every family seemingly enrolled. Sadly, due to rising expenses and declining enrollment, St. Anthony's School closed in 1986 with a debt of more than $130,000 owed to the diocese - a debt the parish has continued to pay down over the years.
St. Anthony's remained a Hungarian National Parish until 1947, when the diocese declared it a territorial parish, meaning that every Catholic living within the boundaries outlined by the diocese is considered a member of St. Anthony's. For many years the territorial boundaries were strictly enforced, and the parish struggled financially because those boundaries are very limited. Today, while the parish still recognizes territories, Catholics are free to register at any parish they choose, and St. Anthony's current roster of more than 600 families largely consists of parishioners from outside the Fairport Harbor territory.
The Church Inside the School
Over time, the original Gothic church began to deteriorate and was eventually unable to be used; it was torn down in the early 1940s. Before that point, the parish had already begun worshipping in a church space built within the school building, and that worship space has continued in use ever since. The combined church-and-school building has gone through many renovations over the years and is in the process of being renovated again.
Today the former school building houses the Parish School of Religion, which serves students in grades K through 8. The old convent building, left vacant when the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer retired in 1997, is now rented to Harbor Care, an assisted living facility.
Mass, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration
The parish gathers for Mass five times a week, plus a Saturday vigil. The weekly Mass schedule is:
- Saturday vigil: 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
- Monday: 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM
On Holy Days of Obligation, Mass is offered at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:45 PM, or by appointment at any other time.
Eucharistic Adoration is held on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, with the Blessed Sacrament exposed for quiet prayer and devotion. During part of that same window, the parish food pantry operates from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, so that visitors can stop in for both prayer and outreach during the afternoon and evening.
Stations of the Cross are prayed in the church on Friday evenings at 7:00 PM during Lent.
"A Lighthouse of Faith": The Parish Mission
St. Anthony's mission statement calls the parish to be "A Lighthouse of Faith," a place where "the light of Faith shines forth from our parish as a beacon to guide our community to the Lord." When life seems difficult and troublesome, the parish prays that its faith will offer security and strength. When the community gathers to celebrate God's gifts, it asks that the Holy Spirit fill everyone with joy.
The parish family describes itself this way: "We are a family of God's children bound together by His divine presence, by His love for us, by our love for Him and by our love for one another. In accepting Jesus' love, it is our mission to joyfully share it with others. Our purpose is to develop an even greater sense of awareness of Jesus' presence in our own lives so that we may reflect it to others by Christ-like example."
As members of God's family, parishioners commit to using their God-given talents to promote God's message of love - to worship, to educate, to evangelize, and to respond to the spiritual and human needs of the parish, the deanery, the diocese, the community, and all other people.
The Ecumenical Food Pantry
One of the most visible ways St. Anthony's lives out its mission is through the ecumenical food pantry hosted on its grounds. The pantry provides food for those in need in the Fairport Harbor area, and is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Anyone interested in the food bank can call 440-357-6414 for information.
The food pantry is part of a wider network of community outreach that includes participation in Lake County ecumenical prayer services and social outreach efforts like the Good Samaritan fund.
Parish School of Religion: Faith Formation for K-8
The Parish School of Religion (PSR) is the religious education program for children in grades K through 8 who do not attend a Catholic school. Classes meet on Sunday mornings from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM, September through May. The program aims to engage and excite children about the Catholic faith, and every catechist is a practicing Catholic who wants to share a love of Jesus and the Church.
Beyond the classroom, the PSR program offers children a chance to participate in the life of the Church. Each week the students spend time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and twice a year they have the opportunity to participate in Confession. Those preparing for sacraments are guided through the steps to First Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Students also put on a Christmas pageant every year, lead a night of Stations of the Cross during Lent, and take part in service projects such as making cards for homebound parishioners and healthcare workers, making blankets for shelters, and collecting food for the parish food pantry.
PSR is staffed by a team of catechists: Sherry Marushack and Sarah Toivonen-Garcia teach Pre-K and Kindergarten; Tammy Arcaro and Ally Arcaro teach First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist (grades 1 and 2); Mary Jahn and Joe Bellian teach grades 3 and 4; Bill McCabe and Phil Young teach grades 5 and 6; and Kaleb Garcis and Yvonne Parker lead Confirmation Preparation for grades 7 and 8. The Parish Catechetical Leader is Steve Biro, and questions about the program can be directed to Debbie Kacsala, the parish's Pastoral Associate.
Anchored: Youth Ministry for Grades 6-12
The parish's youth ministry is called Anchored and serves young people in grades 6 through 12, or ages 12 to 18. The program has three goals: to encourage young people to live as disciples and discover Jesus Christ in a personal way; to take a responsible role and participate in the life, mission, and work of the parish community; and to help young people understand their Catholic faith and encourage them to live it out in the wider community.
These goals are pursued through spiritual, social, and service activities appropriate for teens. Past events have included a Christmas party at Cleveland Candle Company, "Helping Hands" service projects, kickoff pizza parties, and Confirmation class gatherings. As an extra incentive, Anchored offers a rewards card: the more often a teen attends, the more points they accumulate toward a reward the parish decides to offer.
When in active session, the youth group meets on scheduled Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the school building. The youth minister is Steve Biro.
The Music Ministry
Music at weekend Masses is led by Music Director Debbie Fitzgerald, who directs the parish choir. Anyone interested in joining the choir is invited to call Debbie at 440-251-6820, or simply to stop up in the choir loft before or after any of the weekend Masses.
OCIA: The Path to Becoming Catholic
For adults who wish to become Catholic - or for already-baptized Christians who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church - St. Anthony's offers the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA. The OCIA is a communal process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and formation marked by specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers.
The process proceeds in several stages. The Pre-Catechumenate (or Period of Inquiry) is the earliest phase, in which those exploring the Church acknowledge that Christ is calling them through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is followed by the Rite of Initiation, which formally accepts new members into the worshipping community. The Catechumenate is the longest part of the process, a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church, marked by shared stories, scripture reading, and study. At the Rite of Election, catechumens and candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the newly elected are welcomed formally into the Church through Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. After that, the period of Mystagogy - "leading into the mystery" - is a time of reflection and celebration as the new members go forth to help build the reign of God.
OCIA sessions are held on scheduled Monday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, September through Easter. Those interested in joining the process or in becoming a member of the OCIA sponsor team can call the parish office at 440-354-4525.
Bereavement, Jail Ministry, and Pastoral Care
St. Anthony's reaches beyond the parish walls in a number of pastoral ways. The Bereavement Support Ministry welcomes anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. The Bereavement Lunch Committee hosts funeral lunches at the parish following a funeral or memorial Mass; bakers are also needed to prepare and donate items for these meals.
St. Anthony's also participates with several other churches in the Lake County area to bring the Word and Holy Communion to the incarcerated through the Jail Ministry. The ministry is coordinated with Dee Trepal, a Certified Pastoral Minister.
The Parish Life group provides hospitality for various parish celebrations, including receptions following the celebration of the sacraments, the PSR Christmas party, the annual Parish Picnic, and the December Harbor Holidays raffle.
Men's and Women's Faith Formation
Daughters in Faith is the women's faith formation group, coordinated by Barbara Bagdonas. The Altar and Rosary Guild is a community of women and men who gather to pray the Rosary on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May, at 2:00 PM; new members are always welcome, and the contact is Donna Perrine. The men's faith formation group is also active, with information available through the parish office.
For adults who want to dig into Scripture, an Adult Bible Study meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Room 103 of the school building. All are welcome.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
At the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass, children are invited to take part in a special dismissal for the Children's Liturgy of the Word. During this time, trained ministers proclaim the readings to the children at an age-appropriate level. The ministry is coordinated through the parish office.
Liturgical Ministries at Mass
Like every Catholic parish, St. Anthony's depends on a wide range of liturgical volunteers to make Sunday Mass and weekday services possible. These include lectors who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass; extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist who serve the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass and bring Communion to the sick and homebound; altar servers, open to boys and girls in grade 3 through adult; ushers who assist worshippers and take up the collection; cross bearers, adult men and women who carry the cross in procession at weekend Masses, funerals, and special liturgical events; and Offertory Counters who count the funds collected at Mass each week.
The Parish Pastoral Council is involved in most activities and programs affecting the liturgical and spiritual life of the parish, while the Finance Council advises the Parish Life Coordinator on financial matters and approves the annual budgets. The Building and Maintenance ministry gathers volunteers who donate time, talent, and labor to care for and beautify the parish grounds and church.
What Catholics Believe
St. Anthony's shares the full breadth of Catholic belief with newcomers and lifelong parishioners alike. The Church's teachings are consistent through the ages: Catholics believe that human beings were created by God in love; that all of creation reflects God's goodness; that God has revealed himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that Jesus became human, was crucified, died, and rose from the dead; and that the saints, models of faith, accompany believers in their daily lives.
St. Anthony's teaches the traditional Catholic moral framework: the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the two greatest commandments (to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself), the eight Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, the seven Corporal Works of Mercy, the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit, the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and love), the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance), the seven sacraments, and the four marks of the Church (one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic).
The parish follows the universal liturgical calendar, which moves through Advent, Christmas, Lent, the Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time. Solemnities, feasts, and memorials commemorate special events and persons revered by the Church throughout the year.
Catholics also gather for the traditional prayers: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory to the Father, the Act of Contrition, and the Hail, Holy Queen. The parish teaches both traditional and contemporary forms of prayer, including silent prayer, Lectio Divina (a way of praying with sacred Scripture), and the keeping of a prayer journal.
Returning Catholics
St. Anthony's welcomes Catholics who have been away from the practice of the faith and want to come back. Masses are offered at 4:00 PM on Saturday and at 8:00 and 10:00 AM on Sunday; Confessions are heard on Saturdays at 3:00 PM, or by appointment. Anyone with questions or who would like to meet with a priest or pastoral minister can contact the parish office at office@stafh.org.
Two Languages, One Parish
The parish welcomes Spanish-speaking members of the community and maintains a full Spanish-language section of its resources, with Mass information, registration, the OCIA, the bulletin, and ministries all available in Spanish. Religious education in Spanish is also offered.
The Called to Flourish Campaign
St. Anthony's is participating in the Called to Flourish Campaign, with a goal of raising $255,000 in pledges payable over five years. Half of every dollar raised remains at the parish and goes toward parish priorities: generator installation (to keep the elevator, air conditioning, and basement water pumps running during power outages), windows replacement for the rotted, original-wood rectory windows, and security enhancements including cameras and improved door locks. The other half supports the formation of Church leaders, evangelization, Catholic education, and ministries that serve those most in need throughout the diocese.
Becoming a Parishioner
Anyone interested in joining the parish can pick up a registration form at the parish office, where completed forms can be returned during the week, or they can bring a completed form to Mass. For more information, the parish office can be reached at 440-354-4525 or office@stafh.org. Newcomers are invited to explore the various ministries, to register for religious education, or to begin the OCIA process, and to join in the prayer and life of the parish family.
The parish is led by Fr. Greg Schaut as Presbyteral Moderator, with Deacon George Malec serving as Parish Life Coordinator and Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation for the Diocese of Cleveland, and Deacon John Zarbo as Parish Deacon. Debbie Kacsala is a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister and Pastoral Associate, Debbie Fitzgerald is the Music Director, and Steve Biro serves as the Youth Minister and Parish Catechetical Leader. The parish office, located at 316 5th Street, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and is closed on Wednesdays. The church building stands at 521 Plum Street.