About St. Therese Parish · Garfield Heights, Ohio
St. Therese Parish is a Roman Catholic community of faith in Garfield Heights, Ohio, founded in 1927 to serve the growing Catholic population of this Cleveland suburb. A parish of the Diocese of Cleveland, it is named for St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the 'Little Flower,' whom Pope Pius XI had canonized just two years before the parish was established. The parish worships in a distinctive bell-tower church dedicated in 1960, and today carries on nearly a century of ministry through the Eucharist, the sacraments, music, faith formation, and outreach to the homebound and hospitalized.
- Established
- 1927
- Patron
- St. Thérèse of Lisieux (the Little Flower)
- Rector
- Fr. Kevin Fox (Administrator)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Cleveland
Why belong here
St. Therese is a multigenerational Garfield Heights parish where newcomers, visitors and long-time members are warmly welcomed to share in the Eucharist and in the life of the community. Rooted in 97+ years of faith in Cleveland's southeast suburbs, the parish offers daily and weekend Mass, weekly Confession, the sacraments, a parish school of religion (PSR), a music ministry with strong acoustics in the bell-tower church, and a Ministry of Care that brings Holy Communion to the homebound and to patients at Marymount Hospital, Marymount Place and Villa St. Joseph. Whether you are looking for a parish to call home, preparing a marriage, baptizing a child, or simply visiting, the people of St. Therese invite you to greet them at Mass and join the mission of proclaiming the Good News.
Mass times at St. Therese Parish
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Mondays following the 6:30 PM Mass (approximately 7:00 PM)
History of St. Therese Parish
St. Therese was created on February 1, 1927 by Bishop Joseph Schrembs to serve the booming Catholic population of Garfield Heights, then a fast-growing Cleveland suburb. It was named for St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whom Pope Pius XI had canonized in 1925. First pastor Fr. Richard P. Gibbons opened a combined school-and-church building on October 20, 1927, with classes beginning a month later. Subsequent pastors added classrooms (1942, 1949), built a convent and rectory, and in 1960 dedicated the current bell-tower church. Today the parish — now in its 98th year — continues that legacy of proclaiming the Good News in Garfield Heights.
- Founded February 1, 1927 by Bishop Joseph Schrembs
- Named for St. Thérèse of Lisieux (canonized 1925)
- First pastor: Fr. Richard P. Gibbons
- First Mass: October 20, 1927; school opened one month later
- Classrooms added in 1942 and 1949 under Fr. Thaddeus T. Marchant
- Current church dedicated October 3, 1960 under Fr. James H. Smith
Worship & Music
The parish is known locally as 'The Bell Tower' for its distinctive tower, and visitors and parishioners alike praise the acoustics of the sanctuary — a quality Bishop Malesic noted when he visited in February 2024 after the recent interior renovation. The Music Ministry, under director Frank Kozuch, coordinates music for weekend liturgies as well as weddings, funerals and special occasions, and can be reached at 419-702-7135 or [email protected].
- Music Director: Frank Kozuch
- Coordinator of music for weddings, funerals and special Masses
- 'Bell Tower' church dedicated 1960, interior recently renovated
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Faith formation for parish children is provided through the Parish School of Religion (PSR), with preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist typically in second grade, along with ongoing Confirmation preparation for older students. Parents of infants and toddlers seeking Baptism are asked to complete a parent/godparent workshop (which may be taken before or after the child's birth) before the celebration.
- PSR Coordinator: Mrs. Karen Boushelle
- First Reconciliation / First Communion for second-grade students
- Confirmation preparation for older students
- Baptism: parent/godparent workshop required before celebration
Marriage & Family
Couples preparing for marriage at St. Therese begin preparation at least six months before the wedding (a year is preferred). The parish uses the Prepare/Enrich program and, by diocesan requirement, also requires attendance at a diocesan Pre-Cana Day or Engaged Encounter Weekend. The wedding date is tentatively held until the priest or deacon has met with the couple.
- Prepare/Enrich program ($26.95 fee paid by the couple)
- Diocesan Pre-Cana Day or Engaged Encounter Weekend required
- Resources: www.clevelandcatholiccharities.org/mfm and www.foryourmarriage.org
- Schedule by calling the rectory at 216-581-2852
Ministry of Care & Outreach
The Ministry of Care keeps homebound and ill parishioners connected to the St. Therese community. Ministers visit parishioners in their homes and at Marymount Hospital, Marymount Place and Villa St. Joseph (all on the same campus). Eucharistic Ministers bring Holy Communion on weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedules depending on need. The parish welcomes individuals, couples and families — Eucharistic Ministry is not required for those who simply wish to visit the hospitalized.
- Home visits to homebound parishioners
- Visits to Marymount Hospital, Marymount Place and Villa St. Joseph
- Eucharistic Ministers needed for Communion to the sick
Parish Staff
St. Therese's clergy and lay staff minister to the parish in collaboration with neighboring Ss. Peter & Paul Parish. Fr. Kevin Fox serves as Administrator; Fr. Edward Janoch is In Residence; Deacon Robert J. Bugaj assists at both parishes. Fr. Norm Gajdzinski serves as Pastor Emeritus. The lay staff handles parish administration, music, religious education, bookkeeping and maintenance.
- Administrator: Fr. Kevin Fox
- In Residence: Fr. Edward Janoch
- Deacon: Rev. Mr. Robert J. Bugaj
- Pastor Emeritus: Fr. Norm Gajdzinski
- Office Manager: Mrs. Clare Pastrana-Graves
- Secretary: Mrs. Geraldine Koenig
- Bookkeeper: Mr. Frank Kozuch
- Music Director: Mr. Frank Kozuch
- PSR Coordinator: Mrs. Karen Boushelle
- Music Director (alt listing): Mrs. Kathy Raffay
- Maintenance: Mr. Bill Novak, Mr. Paul Suchy, Mr. Douglas Romain
Mission Statement
The parish mission statement reads: 'We, the people of St. Therese Parish, are disciples of Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit and made one in our celebration of the Eucharist. Nourished by our faith and with a desire to serve others, we are to hear the word of God, keep it, and share the Good News.'
- Mission: disciples of Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit
- United in Eucharist; nourished by faith and service
- Sent to hear, keep and share the Word
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Richard P. Gibbons1927–
Founding pastor; organized the new parish, opened school and worship space with first Mass on October 20, 1927.
- Fr. Thaddeus T. Marchant
Second pastor; added school classrooms in 1942 and 1949, built the convent and new rectory.
- Fr. James H. Smith
Led the five-year campaign to build the current church, dedicated October 3, 1960.
- Fr. Norm GajdzinskiPastor for 15 years, retired ~2008
Pastor Emeritus; concelebrated the 2024 anniversary Mass with Bishop Malesic and gave a brief history of the parish.