The Padre Pad

This is the final episode of the Padre Pad after a run of two and a half years - and we go out with gusto! Our last guest is Fr. Jeff Walker, the pastor of St. Thomas More University Parish in Bowling Green, Ohio. Fr. Jeff is a fascinating, holy, joyful man who lives to bring souls to Christ. Listen in to find out:-What are Fr. Jeff's top five movies of all-time?-Does Fr. Jeff think in French?-What was it like living in the dorms at Cedar Point for four summers?-What is it like to be the landlord to 32 college students?-Why should you consider doing 'Lent on steroids?'-How would Fr. Jeff like to be remembered?Enjoy and God Bless!

For the month of August our guest is Fr. David Kidd, the Priest-Leader at Central Catholic High School in Toledo, and also the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in downtown. In this episode Fr. Kidd explains that he sees his role as helping create an encounter with the grace of God. We learn about his upbringing in Lima, Ohio and his time spent serving in the Ohio National Guard.Fr. Kidd also has the reputation of gesturing with his hands while he speaks, so throughout the podcast you'll hear him thwacking the table with his hands. He learned the hand thing in Italy.

Our guest for July is Fr. Eric Mueller, the pastor of Epiphany of the Lord Parish in East Toledo. Listen in to learn more about Fr. Eric's passion for running, his recent trip to Uvalde, Texas on the one-year anniversary of the school shooting, and his recollections of the day he was ordained a priest in 2009. Thanks for listening.

What a joy to meet and talk with Fr. Thomas Hunyor, a native of Maumee, Ohio and currently serving as parochial vicar at the three parishes of St. John the Evangelist in Delphos, St. John the Baptist in Landeck, and St. Patrick in Spencerville.In this episode we learn how Fr. Hunyor's career as a fireman and paramedic helped to prepare him for the ordained priesthood. Fr. Hunyor also shares stories about his love of hunting and the outdoors, and he offers recommendations for enhancing our prayer lives. Enjoy!

This episode features Fr. Ron Schock, a priest of the Diocese of Toledo who will begin serving on July 1st as Parochial Vicar for the parishes of St. Paul Norwalk, St. Mary Norwalk, and St. Anthony in Milan, Ohio. Listen in to learn how a near death experience kickstarted his path to the ordained priesthood.

Metallica, prayer, and three popes. Listen in to find out what these have to do with Fr. Jeff McBeth, the pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio.

In this episode we meet Fr. Monte Hoyles, the pastor of the Catholic parishes of Sandusky, Ohio - Holy Angels, St. Mary's, and Sts. Peter and Paul. In addition, he is also the pastor of the largest roller coaster park in the world - Cedar Point.Fr. Hoyles loves singing, cooking, and has a strong devotion to Saint Jude (which is also his middle name).Listen in to learn more about Purple Flowers - and this fantastic priest.

In this episode we meet Monsignor Michael Billian, the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania, Ohio.  Msgr. Billian is a true servant-leader who has given over his life in service of the Church. In the episode we learn about his love of cooking, singing, travel, and more cooking. 

For the month of January we welcome Fr. Joe Weigman, the chaplain at Saint Clare Commons Senior Living facility, and a staff member at Saint John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio. Fr. Joe is a proud Miami Redskin and was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Toledo in 1991. Just prior to his ordination Fr. Joe was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and in this interview we learn about the challenges and blessings that have been such a big part of his priestly ministry. 

This month's guest is Monsignor Michael Hohenbrink, the Pastor Emeritus of St. Michael Parish in Findlay, Ohio. Fr. Mike has served a number of roles since his priestly ordination in 1974, including high school teacher, retreat director, vocations director, and pastor.In this episode Fr. Mike reflects back on his days attending high school seminary at St. Meinrad's in Indiana, leading TEC retreats, and his experience spending 20+ years at the same parish. 

Our guest for this month is Fr. Keith Stripe, the pastor of St. Ignatius Parish in Oregon and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bono, Ohio.  Fr. Keith is a native of Van Wert, Ohio and has recently become an avid fisherman. He is also as aspiring farmer and loves to can. 

In this episode we meet Father Eric Schild, the pride of Norwalk, Ohio. The interview with Fr. Eric covers a multitude of topics, including the joys and challenges of young adult ministry, how to be a welcoming parish, the beauty of fund-raising, and Fr. Eric's favorite (and least favorite) desserts. 

The September, 2022 episode of the Padre Pad features Monsignor William Kubacki, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Toledo and the Rector of Holy Rosary Cathedral. Listen in to hear what it was like growing up in the 1960's, and learn of the unconventional path that priesthood has taken for Msgr. Kubacki. AND . . . sign up for a European riverboat pilgrimage that Msgr. Kubacki is leading in 2023. 

Meet Fr. Andrew Wellmann, the pastor of two parishes in the far northwestern part of Ohio - St. Patrick in Bryan and Sacred Heart in Montpelier. Fr. Andrew grew up on a farm near Delphos and is a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Listen in to hear his thoughts about skydiving, ice cream, rap music, and Chick-fil-A.

This is a terrific conversation with a great friend and mentor, Fr. Paul Fahrbach. Fr. Paul is one of the most kind and pastoral men that I know, and our conversation was recorded on June 24 - the date of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe vs. Wade. Listen in to here his thoughts on what the decision means for the future of the Catholic Church.

This brief episode features original music composed by Fr. Paul Fahrbach.  The first song is titled "Proclaim the Gospel of Christ" and was written by Fr. Paul and arranged and sung by Sean Beeson.  The  second song is titled "The Priest as the Blood of Christ" and is sung by Fr. Paul and arranged by Brother Terry Nufer, C.PP.S. Enjoy.

Our guest for the month of June is Fr. Al Beltz. Fr. Al is the Associate Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist parish in Delphos - and effective July 1 he will be the pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Bellevue, Ohio.  Listen in to learn about Fr. Al's journey from professional artist to Catholic priest.

Our guest for the month of May is Chris Turner, a seminarian for the Diocese of Toledo who is studying for the priesthood. Chris just completed his pastoral year at Findlay St. Michael, which was essentially an immersion into the daily life of the parish.Chris hails from Perrysburg, Ohio, and is already making plans for a unique party after his anticipated ordination in June of 2024. 

In this episode we meet my old grade school buddy, Fr. Mark Davis. In this rambling conversation we talk about playground football, the beauty of funerals, Harry Potter, and Bruce Springsteen. Buckle up.

In the episode we are introduced to Fr. Bernie Owens, SJ.   Fr. Bernie serves the St. John's Jesuit community in Toledo and has worn many priestly hats - as a teacher, retreat director, missionary, author, and spiritual director.  This is the story of a man who has lived to serve others.

What an honor to have Bishop Daniel Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo on the podcast! Bishop Thomas talks about growing up in Philadelphia, the 18 years he spent in Rome, and his surprise at being asked to serve as a bishop in the Catholic Church. 

Fr.  Dave Nuss is currently the pastor of Little Flower Parish - and soon to be pastor of Christ the King Parish in Toledo.

This episode features Fr. Geoff Rose, the president of Saint Francis de Sales High School in Toledo. We learn about his background in politics, his love of hockey, and what it's like to be the CEO of a Catholic high school.

In this episode we meet Fr. Simon Herrmann, a priest-monk at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana.  Fr. Simon was ordained in June of 2021 and shares what the life of a monk is like - including his new X-Box ministry.

Fr. Jeremy Miller is the pastor of Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo.  In this episode he shares his experience growing up in the Marblehead area along the shores of Lake Erie and chronicles his ongoing love affair with Skyline Chili. Fr. Jeremy loves working and ministering to university students and appreciates the vitality and hope that they bring to parish life. 

This is part two of my discussion with Fr. Joseph Mominee, a priest who was ordained by Bishop Daniel Thomas for the Diocese of Toledo in June of 2021.  In this half of the interview we talk about the ordination ceremony and learn about what it is like to be a rookie priest.

This is part one of a two-part discussion with Fr. Joseph Mominee, a priest who was ordained by Bishop Daniel Thomas for the Diocese of Toledo in June of 2021.  In this half of the interview we learn about Fr. Joseph's call to the priesthood and his years spent in formation in Rome. Fr. Joseph is spending his summer at St. Mary's Parish in Tiffin, Ohio and in September he will be returning to Italy for one more year of advanced study.

Fr. Nick is a senior-status priest for the Diocese of Toledo and now lives in Bucyrus, Ohio.          Fr. Nick was born in Yugoslavia just prior to the start of the Second World War and he and his family fled to Germany in 1945 to avoid being captured by the Russians. In the early 1950's his family emigrated to the United States and settled in Mansfield, Ohio. He was ordained a priest during the Second Vatican Council and has lived a fascinating life. Here is his story.

Fr. Dave Cirata is the pastor of two parishes in north Toledo (as of June, 2021) and in July, 2021 he will begin serving as the pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Church in Defiance, Ohio. His field of special interest is Catholic liturgy, and in this episode we learn exactly what is meant by the word liturgy and why it is important.

Today's guest is Fr. Kishora Kottana, the Associate Pastor of Saint Rose Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio.   Fr. Kishore is a native of India and became a U.S. citizen in 2019 - here is his story from submarine engineer to Catholic priest.

Our guest today is Fr. Phil Smith, the Director of the Office of Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Toledo.

In this episode we meet Fr. Matt Rader, a priest who has spent his entire ministry serving the needs of students and families associated with Catholic schools.

In this episode we hear from Fr. Peter Grodi, the Associate Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay, Ohio.Please contact thepadrepad@gmail.com with any comments on the show or suggestions for future episodes.