Running, Breathless, Toward Christ (with a Dog Named Penelope): A Year in Review

“The year runs our of time,

And we run too (breathless),

Looking for a child to share our burden

And turn our dreams into crystals of reality”

- Fr. Joseph A. Fata

To say that 2025 was a year filled with running is an understatement. I feel as though I have been running since the ball dropped in New York City a year ago. Running itself isn’t the problem—the problem is that despite all this running around, I haven’t lost a single pound.

Like every year, 2025 came with its ups and downs, its joys and its sorrows. As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a few moments to put into words a reflection on the months behind me and to name some of the moments that shaped my heart and ministry.

The year began beautifully and meaningfully. In January, I received one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever been given: a handmade pen crafted by Carson, a high school student from one of the parishes I have the joy of serving. Carson is one of the most talented young woodworkers I’ve ever known, and his gift has been used countless times—to sign checks, thank-you notes, baptismal certificates, and so much more. Every time I use it, I am reminded of the goodness and generosity present in our young people.

January was also filled with joyful moments in youth ministry. I had the privilege of joining the Confirmation students from the Church of the Resurrection in Solon, Ohio, on their retreat, and of painting alongside teens from our Route 59 parishes during our first-ever Pop, Pray, and Paint night. We also hosted our first youth ministry fundraiser with Wackey Bingo—an event so successful that it’s returning by popular demand on Saturday, January 25, 2026.

Yet January also carried deep sorrow. On January 14, 2025, I received a phone call that forever changed many lives. We lost Mrs. Linda Roebke—a dear friend, steadfast supporter, and true rock for so many. Though I had only known Linda for a few months, she quickly became one of my greatest supporters and a cherished friend. Her unexpected death left me, and many others, heartbroken and speechless.

The month ended on a joyful note with a family celebration: my father’s 60th birthday. Though his birthday falls on January 15, we gathered on January 31 to celebrate him properly. Anyone who knows my dad knows how selfless he is, always putting others before himself. Being able to honor him—even for one evening—was a true gift.

January also included wonderful parish life moments, such as the Vintage Varieties 60+ group trip to Youngstown, where we enjoyed the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and dinner at the Youngstown Country Club—two of my favorite things.

February brought joy and adventure. I traveled to Las Vegas with my priest classmates, Fr. Kevin and Fr. Michael. It was my first time there, and we enjoyed great food, an excellent show, plenty of laughter, and, of course, the joys and sorrows of gaming.

From Las Vegas, I headed straight to Southern Columbiana County to serve as the keynote speaker for a youth retreat at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Summitville. We reflected on vocations and what God may be calling each of them to in life. Little did I know that many of those teens and I would cross paths again later in the year at the National Catholic Youth Conference.

February also included a wonderful fundraiser for the Catholic Student Association at the Newman Center in Kent. “Dinner at Nona’s” brought more than 80 guests together for an incredible Italian meal prepared and served by our students. The entire dinner was made possible by the generosity of parishioners and the Esposito Family, whose support means so much to our students.

The month ended with a deeply personal joy: baptizing Ruthie, the second child of my cousins Veronica and Bryce. Celebrating the sacraments is always a blessing, but celebrating them with family is a grace beyond words.

March began with another family celebration as I witnessed my cousin Leanne marry Sam on March 1 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Youngstown, followed by a beautiful reception at the Youngstown Country Club. The month continued with an outstanding Lenten Speaker Series at both parishes in Kent, and even included the unexpected joy of dog-sitting for two weeks—spoiling two furry guests while their family traveled abroad.

March concluded with the purchase of a new car: a 2025 Subaru Forester. At the time, I had no idea how necessary it would soon become.

April was full and faith-filled. I spent time with CSA students ice skating, alongside teens from youth ministry, and celebrated my first Holy Week and Easter as a priest. Though stressful at times, the celebrations were deeply beautiful. Presiding at my first Holy Thursday liturgy was especially moving. Holy Thursday has always been my favorite liturgy of the year, and to wash the feet of parishioners and celebrate the institution of the Eucharist and priesthood was both humbling and emotional.

On Good Friday morning, our teens and volunteers gathered in a daffodil field owned by a parish family to pick hundreds—perhaps thousands—of flowers for the Easter church environment. It was a powerful reminder that there is no Easter without the Cross.

Easter arrived with joyful Alleluias, overflowing churches, egg hunts, and abundant food.

In May, that new car became essential. I received a new assignment as co-Director of the Office of Church Vocations for the Diocese of Youngstown, working closely with my dear friend Fr. Chad Johnson to promote vocations across the diocese. I also volunteered as the Fire Chaplain for the City of Kent, deepening my connection with the community and our fire department.

May included joyful moments at our family camper and the ordinations of close friends in the Diocese of Cleveland. But it also brought heartbreak. On May 20, 2025, my first pastor, Fr. David Bridling, died unexpectedly. His death stunned our parishes, the community, and the diocese.

Fr. David was a compassionate shepherd who loved God and his people deeply. Despite personal suffering, he never lost his joy or his faith. His funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s was a powerful testament to the lives he touched—the church filled beyond capacity with people who loved him.

June may have been the highlight of the year. On June 17, I adopted Penelope from the Portage County Dog Pound. She has not left my side since. Over time, she became a faithful companion and dear friend.

June also brought the celebration of my mother’s 60th birthday— any kind of party was strictly prohibited but dinner out was, of course, acceptable. Like my dad, she has always put others first, and celebrating her was a joy. I also concelebrated the wedding of my friends Paul and Maria, a beautiful witness of faith-filled love.

July and August flew by with time at the camper, summer celebrations, and the bittersweet emotions of the Fourth of July. August also brought a new friendship: Fr. Wim Lindeque from the Archdiocese of Cape Town, South Africa. What began as a missionary visit turned into a lasting friendship. He experienced county fairs, parish life, summer traditions, and quickly became friends with Penelope. Mission work, at its best, builds relationships—and this was a living example of that.

August ended, as it always does, with the Canfield Fair, flowing into September with school, service projects, and the blessing of the new World War II memorial in Youngstown. October brought my first priestly pilgrimage—leading 23 parishioners and friends to Greece and Turkey to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul and visit the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ephesus.

November passed quickly with continuing education in Baltimore, a trip to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, and the immense joy of accompanying more than 80 young people to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. The faith of over 16,000 young people was a powerful witness that the Church is truly alive.

December arrived almost unnoticed, filled with Breakfast with Santa, cutting down the rectory Christmas tree, Manny the Elf, and joyful Christmas celebrations across our parishes. And now, on New Year’s Eve, this reflection feels like my final task of 2025.

This year truly ran out of time—and I ran too, breathless—still searching for the Christ Child, hoping to place my dreams before Him and trust that, one day, they may become reality.

Happy New Year, my friends. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support throughout 2025. Know that I pray for abundant blessings for you and all those you love in 2026.

Peace,