Holy Family Parish, Stow celebrates 80th anniversary with Mass, reception

A lot has changed over the past 80 years both at Holy Family Parish and in the city of Stow, where it is located.

Holy Family, which is celebrating its 80thanniversary, celebrated with Mass, the blessing of new liturgical vestments and a blessing of the newly renovated parish hall on Oct, 17. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost presided at the celebration, along with priests and deacons from the parish including the pastor, Father Michael McCandless.

Before Mass, the clergy processed to the altar where a new set of hand-sewn liturgical vestments were displayed. The bishop blessed them and then they were worn during the Mass. Father McCandless said the vestments were commissioned for the anniversary.

The bishop offered a snapshot of the parish history, from the time Stow residents asked the Cleveland Diocese to establish a parish to serve the growing Catholic population to the first Mass in a school, through the purchase of land, construction of the first church, a school and the current church. The celebration was especially meaningful for Father McCandless, a son of the parish, who returned as pastor in 2023 when Father Paul Rosing retired. Previously, Father McCandless served as the diocesan vocation director.

In his homily, Bishop Woost told the faithful that their mission “is to become saints, to be a holy family of faith, a communion of saints.” He credited the former pastors for the sold foundation they laid for the parish and how parishioners continue to rise to meet the challenges facing them.

“I know you’ll do more. That’s what it means to be Catholic. We live our lives in service to others out of love. That has unfolded over the past 80 years and continues to grow,” he said, reminding the congregation that the clergy can’t do it alone. They need the support of the staff and the whole Holy Family community.

He connected the Gospel, in which Jesus was asked if it was lawful to pay tax to Caesar, the Roman emperor. He told the people to give to Caesar what is his and give to God what is his.

“Today, we thank God for the blessings of 80 years but we also hear the challenge of Jesus to give back to God what is his. God continues to calla you to be constant in hope as you look toward the future. Over the next 80 years, may this parish be dedicated to love – to God, each other and the community … Holy Family, happy anniversary,” the bishop said.

After Mass, the clergy and congregation moved to the parish hall downstairs for the blessing. Father McCandless said the hall recently got a refresh, including a new paint job, a new floor and a new drop ceiling. There also was a photo display and a slide show with highlights of the parish history available for viewing.