Beloved Family:
As if last weekend’s celebration of priesthood ordinations did not provide enough joy, on Tuesday of this week ending, Fr. David, Fr. Nathan and I were among many priests, deacons, and lay faithful who participated in the Mass for Priest Jubilarians, celebrated at Saint Basil the Great Church in Brecksville, where Fr. Ryan Mann serves as pastor. While all clergy observe annual anniversaries in some fashion, similar to married couples there are “threshold” occasions. In this case, priests celebrating 25, 40, 50 or even 60 years (wow!) are honored together.
Among these diamond jubilarians is a priest who served faithfully here at Saint Mary as his first assignment: Fr. Elmer Marquard. Fr. Marquard currently resides at Regina Health Center in Richfield. The following are excerpts from two articles published by the center:
Some call him Elmer. Some Padre. Others call him Whiskey Bravo 8 Yankee Yankee Delta (WB8YYD.) In the world of amateur radio—also known as ham radio—that’s Father Elmer Marquard’s call sign. Fr. Elmer has been a resident at Regina Health Center (RHC) for five years and has been a ham radio enthusiast for nearly 40 years.
When he’s not busy celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, participating in the many activities at RHC or socializing with other residents, he can be found talking to fellow ham operators around the world and even in outer space—all from the comfort of his room.
He was introduced to amateur radio in 1966 by a parishioner at his first parish assignment at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster, Ohio. Because ham radio operators must take a test and be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the parishioner served as Fr. Elmer’s “Elmer”—coincidentally, Elmer is the term used to describe a ham radio mentor—helping him receive his first amateur radio license. He has since obtained more advanced licenses, so he can use more of the radio spectrum to communicate with ham operators around the world through a program on his computer.
Fr. Elmer’s perspective on building community comes from his many years as a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Originally from St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park, post-ordination Fr. Elmer was first assigned to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster. After ministering to parishioners there, his journey would take him to being a college chaplain at the College of Wooster, Ashland University and Ohio State ATI. He then worked in medical ethics at the Cleveland Clinic and was the chaplain at St. John Hospital in Westlake. Additionally, Fr. Elmer served as the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland’s director of continuing education for priests, setting up workshops, speakers and seminars.
Is it not amazing, the various connection points in our lives? Fr. Elmer grew up at Saint Angela Merici Parish, and that is where Fr. Rich Samide now serves. Fr. Elmer served our parish as well as local college communities. Fr. Rich and Fr. David both have held those joint positions. Praise God for the ministry and enduring vitality of Fr. Elmer. Ad multos annos (Latin form of congratulations for many years)!
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
