PHOTOS OF RECENT EVENTS
Blessing of the Animals 2026
St. Mary’s went to the dogs ( and cats) on Sunday, October 4th, as the 2026 Season of Creation concluded with a blessing of all creatures ( two legged and four legged) as well as all creation . We remembered St. Francis, all our beloved pets, present and past, as well as “our island home”, the earth.
Check out the special recessional music that concluded our otherwise very traditional service here!
St. Mary’s was pleased and honored to have The Reverend Dr. Martin George, a German theologian, church historian, and ordained Anglican priest who serves as the Honorary Assistant Pastor at St. George’s Anglican Episcopal Church in Berlin, Germany, as a guest celebrant and preacher on Sunday, September 20th at 10:30 AM.
Born in Berlin, Fr. George pursued extensive academic training in philosophy and theology: He studied at the Kirchliche Hochschule Berlin, the University of Tübingen, the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. He spent over two decades as a Professor of Ancient Church History and History of Dogma at the University of Bern in Switzerland (1991–2014). Since 2016, he has served as a Senior Professor of Ancient Church History at the prestigious Humboldt University of Berlin.
On Thursday, September 9th, at Christ Chapel of the Procter Center in London, OH, Virginia Haley, long-time parishioner and Treasurer of St. Mary’s (pictured in center next to Bishop White) was inducted into the Society of Simeon and St. Anna “for her exemplary Christian ministry”. The Society recognizes, honors and celebrates the wisdom, experience, and achievements of older persons in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Congratulations Ginny!
A whole crew from St. Mary’s joined the “Back to School Bash” at the high school to welcome students, teachers and parents for the start of a new school year. on Sunday, August 16th. We served free hot dogs, water, and snacks for the hundreds of children and parents who attended this annual village event. Thanks to all who contributed time, money and effort to make the afternoon a smashing success!
On Sunday, June 7th, St. Mary’s celebrated a wedding during the Mass. The sign says it all! Thanks to everyone for pitching in to make the day special: to our many guests, Teresa and Susan for organizing a wonderful reception and all those who contributed food; to Steve & Mark for setting up and taking down the fellowship hall; to Mother Pam and Lisa for a lovely service; and to Duffy for a very special wedding bulletin!
On the fourth Sunday of every month we are now having a 45 minute Bible Study at 9:30 studying the day’s Gospel reading led by Fr. Steve Cuff. Please join us !
The recent 2-day “smaller church” summit at the Diocese’s Proctor Center near London, Ohio was well attended by representatives from St. Marys – one of our priests, Mother Pam Gaylord, our Senior Warden, Steve Brown and our Junior Warden, Lisa Mamas.
The following Sunday they shared with the parish what they had learned about the importance, vitality and community that made “smaller parishes” special.
CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! EASTER 2026
It was a beautiful Easter morning, made even more special through the baptisms of two adults in a festive service that featured the lighting of the new fire, ancient chants and the ringing of bells, followed by a wonderful luncheon. Happy Easter!
Our 65th annual Shrove Tuesday ( 2/17/26) pancake supper was another success!
Thanks to all who came; to the Kitchen crew; to all the girls from Waynesville High School who helped serve; and to those working in the exo-narthex to prepare the burning of the palms for Ash Wednesday!
“FIRST LAYER” CHRISTMAS TREE GIFTS DONATED (January 2026)
Every year St. Mary’s parishioners donate clothes, underwear, and other “first layer” items for needy children at Waynesville Elementary by placing them under our parish Christmas tree. Our thanks to Roger Butler, our senior warden emeritus, pictured above at right, for continuing to coordinate this effort.
HAPPY ALL HALLOWS !
St. Mary’s attempt to reclaim the holiday featured bones, the prophet Ezekiel, candy for the children, coffee and donuts for their weary parents as they walked past the church from 6-8 pm on All Hallows Eve. It was great fun and a chance to meet and greet neighbors!
SAUERKRAUT Festival 2025
Over 250,000 people thronged Waynesville for the annual Sauerkraut Festival on October 11-12. Thanks to our friends at the American Legion and our own parking lot , St.Mary’s parking squad took in over a $1000 for the support of the Waynesville food pantry and the parish.
BISHOP WHITE VISITS 9/7/25
Following the service we had a gourmet , fully gluten-free meal prepared by Teresa Marrinan and her fabulous crew. Check out the menu!
Photos courtesy of Canon Baron, Mark Stokoe & Debbie Koehler.
BACK TO SCHOOL – August 17, 2025
After blessing our school children – and gifting them with a basket of supplies to help them in the new school year – parishioners from St. Mary’s moved up the hill to Centennial Park to participate with a food tent in the annual “Back to School Bash” for Waynesville Schools on Sunday afternoon, August 17th. Thanks to all who donated, volunteered, cooked and passed out grilled Hot Dogs and snacks for village students and their parents. And special thanks to the Diocese of Southern Ohio for the fabulous tent that kept us all shaded on a hot afternoon.
