About Church of the Gesu · Cleveland, Ohio
Church of the Gesu is a Roman Catholic parish in University Heights, Ohio, founded in 1926 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and now part of the Diocese of Cleveland. Its name, "Gesu" (Italian for "Jesus"), was chosen by Archbishop Joseph Schrembs to honor the Mother Church of the Jesuits in Rome. The parish grew from 53 founding families celebrating Easter Sunday Mass in 1926 to more than 2,700 families today, and it operates the long-running Gesu Catholic School (a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence) serving about 700 students in Pre-K through Grade 8. Situated on Miramar Boulevard directly across from John Carroll University, Gesu lives out its mission of "Eucharistic Living, Lifelong Learning, and Generous Serving, all for the greater glory of God" through daily and Sunday liturgies, robust sacramental and faith-formation programs, and a wide range of outreach ministries serving Greater Cleveland and Honduras.
- Established
- 1926
- Patron
- Gesù (Jesus) — named after the Mother Church of the Society of Jesus in Rome (Chiesa del Gesù)
- Rector
- Fr. Lukas M. Laniauskas, SJ
- Diocese
- Diocese of Cleveland
Why belong here
Gesu offers the rare combination of a large, active parish (more than 2,700 families) served by resident Jesuit priests, with a thriving parish school and deep Ignatian formation rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The parish's live-streamed Masses, Saturday confessions, Marian Chapel, daily Eucharistic Adoration (including the popular EXALT evenings of adoration, confession, and praise-and-worship music), and more than a dozen ministries — from PSR faith formation and the Scout troops rooted at the parish since 1960, to Service Days, Bread Ministry, a Honduras immersion trip, and the 50+ Club — give families of every age and stage a real way to belong. If you want to grow as a Eucharistic, serving Catholic in the Jesuit tradition, Gesu makes that growth concrete and communal.
Mass times at Church of the Gesu
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:00–4:00 pm
- By appointment — call (216) 932-0617
- EXALT evenings — Eucharistic Adoration with confession (periodic; check calendar)
Adoration times
- Saturday 3:00 pm (immediately preceding the 4:30 pm Vigil Mass)
- EXALT — evenings of Eucharistic Adoration, confession, and praise & worship music (Marian Chapel; see parish calendar for dates)
About Church of the Gesu
Church of the Gesu is a Jesuit Catholic parish in University Heights, Ohio, across from John Carroll University, founded in 1926. The parish is home to more than 2,700 families and operates Gesu Catholic School (Pre-K through Grade 8). Its daily life is shaped by Ignatian spirituality and the parish mission of "Eucharistic Living, Lifelong Learning, and Generous Serving, all for the greater glory of God" (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam).
- Founded 1926 by the Society of Jesus
- Diocese of Cleveland parish
- University Heights, Ohio (suburban east side of Cleveland)
- 2,300–2,700+ registered families
Parish History
Founded in 1926 to serve Catholic families migrating east from Cleveland into University Heights, Gesu grew from 53 families meeting in the University Heights Town Hall to a flourishing parish and school on Miramar Boulevard. Key milestones include the 1927 portable chapel (whose original wooden cross still hangs in the present church), the 1958 dedication of the present church designed by architect John E. Miller, the "Building the Future in Faith" capital campaign under Father John V. White, the addition of the Marian Chapel, the Honduran mission partnership under Father Lorn Snow, and the 2021 installation of the current pastor, Father Lukas M. Laniauskas, SJ, in time for the parish's 100th anniversary in 2026.
- 1926: First Mass, Easter Sunday, April 4 (Fr. Francis Rudden, SJ)
- 1926: Gesu Catholic School opens (4 Sisters of Notre Dame faculty)
- 1927: Portable chapel/rectory on what became JCU's Miramar Blvd frontage
- 1940s: First permanent classrooms; Bulldog Gym serves as church until late 1950s
- 1955: Cornerstone of present church laid
- 1958: Present church dedicated by Archbishop Edward Hoban
- White era: Family Center Gym, convent repurposed, Marian Chapel built
- 2006–2015: Fr. Lorn Snow, SJ — Honduras missions, Service Day, immersion font (Lent 2016)
- 2016–2020: Fr. Karl Kiser, SJ — listening sessions, science-lab and library renovations, COVID-19 response
- 2021–present: Fr. Lukas M. Laniauskas, SJ — 100th anniversary
Sacramental Preparation
Gesu prepares individuals and families for Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, and Marriage. Preparation is a community experience that involves parents, families, and the wider parish community. First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically celebrated in the second grade. Anointing of the Sick may be arranged after any Mass by calling the Parish Office.
- Baptism — usually 1st and 3rd Sundays, after the 4:30 Saturday and 11:30 Sunday Masses
- First Reconciliation — second-grade year
- First Communion — second-grade year
- Confirmation — parish preparation available
- Marriage — Marian Chapel available for smaller weddings
- Anointing of the Sick — by arrangement with the Parish Office
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Gesu offers a full continuum of formation — from early-childhood classes for toddlers through Gesu Catholic School (Pre-K–8), the Parish School of Religion (PSR) for public-school students, sacramental preparation, youth ministry, adult faith formation, and Ignatian programs developed in collaboration with John Carroll University's Campus Ministry and the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma. The parish also hosts Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I formation for adults.
- Gesu Catholic School — Pre-K through Grade 8, ~700 students; U.S. Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
- Parish School of Religion (PSR) — for students not in Catholic school
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd — Level I Part I Adult Formation Course
- Sacramental Preparation for children and adults
- Adult Faith Formation — Director: Marcia Leous
- Collaboration with John Carroll University Campus Ministry
- Collaboration with Jesuit Retreat Center, Parma — Ignatian programs and retreats
Gesu Catholic School
Gesu Catholic School has been part of the parish since it opened on September 7, 1926, with four Sisters of Notre Dame teaching in a rented duplex on Silsby Road. Today it enrolls roughly 700 students from Pre-K through Grade 8, has been recognized as a U.S. Department of Education "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence," and runs the STREAM program integrating Science, Technology, Religious Education, Art, and Mathematics with hands-on, updated science labs (renovated 2016 and beyond). Enrollment peaked at 954 in 1966–67. The McAuley and Dietz Scholarship Programs support families with tuition.
- Pre-K through Grade 8 (~700 students)
- Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, U.S. Department of Education
- STREAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Religion, Art, Math)
- McAuley and Dietz Scholarship Programs for families
- Principal: Regan Kazel
Liturgical Ministries & Music
When Gesu gathers for liturgy, every member of the assembly is called to faithful participation. Trained lay ministers assist in nearly every liturgical role: proclaiming the Word, distributing Holy Communion, serving at the altar, welcoming the assembly, and bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. The parish's Music Ministry, under Director Mark Ehrbar, supports the full schedule of Masses and special services.
- Altar Servers
- Baptism Helpers
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Eucharistic Visitors (communion to the sick/homebound)
- Funeral Attendants
- Lectors (training provided; youth encouraged)
- Ushers
- Music Ministry — Director Mark Ehrbar
Outreach & Service
The parish Outreach Commission lives the Jesuit mission of being "sent" — to care for the sick, provide resources to those in need, and promote social justice. Most service committees are open to new volunteers and can be entered by contacting the Outreach Coordinator, Amy Zucca, or the named contacts listed below. Twice a year, Gesu's Service Days send hundreds of parishioners to serve at 40+ northeast Ohio organizations.
- Advent Angel Tree Project
- Bread Ministry — weekly bakery pickups from Heinen's for the Fatima Family Center (Hough), Thea Bowman Center (Mount Pleasant), and Euclid Salvation Army
- Fish Fries (Lent) — in partnership with EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute
- Gesu Hunger Project
- Habitat for Humanity Faith Build
- Honduras Mission Trip — annual summer construction and immersion
- Honduran Children's Rescue Fund (HCRF) Mission Trip — several trips per year
- Meals on Wheels — Gesu Route
- Naturalization Ceremony — March, hosting 20–25 new citizens
- Prison Pen Pal Ministry
- Red Cross Blood Drives
- Service Days — twice a year, 40+ partner sites
- St. Vincent de Paul — meets at the Ozanam Center
- Outreach Coordinator: Amy Zucca
Community Life
Alongside its worship and service, Gesu maintains the everyday social fabric of parish life — welcoming new parishioners, entertaining seniors, scouting, athletics, bowling, and the popular annual Parish Block Party on Miramar Boulevard.
- New Parishioner Welcoming Committee
- 50+ Club — monthly luncheons, dinners, performances, and bus trips (Sept–June)
- Early Childhood Programs: Happy Together (16–30 mo., Mondays) and TOPS (2- and 3-yr-olds, Tue–Fri 8:45–11:15 am)
- Athletics Booster Board
- Parish Block Party (summer, Miramar Blvd)
- Bowling League — Monday nights at Freeway Lanes of Solon (33 weeks from early September)
- BSA Troop 620 (since 1960) and Cub Scout Pack 620
- Girl Scouts of the USA troops
Parish Staff & Leadership
The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Lukas M. Laniauskas, SJ, with Associate Pastor Fr. Michael A. Vincent, SJ, Priest in Residence Fr. Gregory J. Hyde, SJ, and Deacon Rev. Dr. James K. O'Donnell. An operations and ministry team supports worship, formation, music, communications, outreach, finance, and advancement.
- Pastor: Fr. Lukas M. Laniauskas, SJ
- Associate Pastor: Fr. Michael A. Vincent, SJ
- Priest in Residence: Fr. Gregory J. Hyde, SJ
- Deacon: Rev. Dr. James K. O'Donnell
- Chief Operating Officer: Megan Johnston
- Director of Music Ministry: Mark Ehrbar
- Director of Faith Formation (Adults): Marcia Leous
- Director of Advancement: Colleen Clemens
- Outreach Coordinator: Amy Zucca
- Finance Manager: Dan Turcu
- Bookkeeper: Leasen Limberg
- Evangelization & Communications Specialist: Emily Davala
- Administrative Assistants (Parish Records): Elona Gortz, Jeanne Cunningham, Sydney Lang
- Executive Assistant to the Pastor: Kim Berlin
- Gesu Catholic School Principal: Regan Kazel
Visiting & Facilities
Gesu welcomes visitors, offers accessible facilities, and streams Mass live for those who cannot be present.
- Parking — Gesu parking lots accessible off Miramar Boulevard
- Wheelchair accessible — ramps and wheelchair seating throughout
- Hearing loop system available
- Wheelchair available in the "Bride's Room" near the Thompson Lot entrance — ask an usher
- Saturday 4:30 pm Vigil Mass live-streamed via BoxCast
- Parish Office hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am–1:00 pm; Saturday closed
Jesuit Identity
The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), founded nearly 500 years ago by St. Ignatius of Loyola, staffs Gesu as part of its Midwest Province. The parish seeks to live St. Ignatius's vision to "find God in all things" and dedicate itself to the "greater glory of God" (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam). The parish name itself — Gesù, Italian for Jesus — honors the Jesuit Mother Church in Rome.
- Part of the Jesuits' Midwest Province
- St. Ignatius of Loyola — Jesuit founder
- Mission: Eucharistic Living, Lifelong Learning, Generous Serving
- Ignatian spirituality — reflective, finding God in all things
- Collaboration with John Carroll University and the Jesuit Retreat Center, Parma
The Gesu Century (100th Anniversary)
2026 marks the parish's 100th anniversary. The Gesu Century Capital and Endowment Campaign focuses on growing endowment funds, infrastructure and preservation, and strategic planning for the next 100 years. The parish also celebrated the milestone with a commemorative anniversary book and a sold-out Century Gala attended by over 800 guests.
- 100 Years of Gesu campaign, 2026
- Three campaign priorities: endowment growth, infrastructure & preservation, strategic planning
- Commemorative anniversary book available
- Century Gala — sold out with 800+ guests
- Contact: [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Francis Rudden, SJ1926 (founding pastor; first Mass Easter Sunday, April 4, 1926)
Celebrated the first parish Mass in University Heights Town Hall with 14 parishioners; organized the parish of 53 families.
- Fr. Benedict Rodman, SJ
Former president of John Carroll University; served during the portable-chapel era on Miramar Boulevard.
- Fr. Seth Walker, SJ1940s
Charged with completing Gesu's building program, including the first permanent classrooms, the Bulldog Gym (then serving as the parish church), and additional classrooms in 1944 and 1948.
- Fr. Francis Dietz, SJ1950s
Succeeded Fr. Walker during the final phases of construction of the present church and completed its financing with help from parishioner Hugh O'Neill.
- Fr. John V. White, SJ
Led the "Building the Future in Faith" capital campaign — first major campaign in 30+ years; incorporated the convent into the school, added the Family Center Gym, and built the Marian Chapel.
- Fr. James Von Tobel, SJ2000–2006
Completed Fr. White's building campaign; repurposed the old convent for PSR and adult education; school became handicap-accessible for the first time.
- Fr. Lorn Snow, SJ2006–2015
Parish's youngest pastor; deepened ties to Honduras missions, launched Annual Gesu Service Day; oversaw new church roof and stained-glass window reinforcement; immersion baptismal font installed Lent 2016.
- Fr. James Von Tobel, SJ (interim)Fall 2016 (one year)
Returned for a one-year interim period.
- Fr. Karl Kiser, SJ2016–2020
Held listening sessions, renovated school science labs and library; led the parish through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded online Masses; named provincial superior of the Jesuits' Midwest USA Province in late 2020.
- Fr. Lukas M. Laniauskas, SJ2021–present
Cleveland-area native; arrived in time to address the eighth-grade graduates in June 2021; installed November 2021 by Bishop Edward Malesic.