About St. Vincent · Akron, Ohio
St. Vincent de Paul Parish is a vibrant Catholic parish in the heart of Akron, Ohio, and the oldest Catholic congregation in the city, founded in 1837 by Father Basil Shorb. It is served today by Fr. Norm Douglas and Deacon Andy Davis, and is part of the Diocese of Cleveland. The parish worships in a striking 1867 Romanesque Revival stone church at the corner of West Market and Maple Streets, and runs both an elementary school (founded 1853) and an active faith-formation, evangelization, and outreach program rooted in lifelong discipleship.
- Established
- 1837
- Patron
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Rector
- Rev. Fr. Norm Douglas (Norman K. Douglas)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Cleveland
Why belong here
St. Vincent de Paul is Akron's oldest Catholic parish, with daily Mass, Saturday confession and Eucharistic adoration, an active Parish School of Religion, a parish elementary school, OCIA (formerly RCIA), couple-to-couple marriage preparation, a Parents' Association, and a Prayer Chain. As a Rebuilt Partner Parish, the community is intentionally investing in small groups, message series, and evangelization — making it an accessible, welcoming place for lifelong Catholics, returning Catholics, and newcomers alike to grow as disciples together.
Mass times at St. Vincent
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday before First Friday: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Adoration times
- Saturday: 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM (Eucharistic Adoration)
History of St. Vincent de Paul Parish
Founded in 1837 by Father Basil Shorb as Akron's first Catholic parish, St. Vincent de Paul grew from humble beginnings — early Masses were celebrated in the log-cabin home of Irish canal worker James McAllister starting in 1833, and the first small wood-frame church on Green Street was finished in 1845. The parish school opened in 1853 and the current Romanesque Revival stone church at West Market and Maple Streets was dedicated October 20, 1867. The stained-glass windows (Chicago-made, 1868), 1940s renovations, and the 2023 Eikona Studios plasterwork restoration each mark successive chapters in the life of this historic Akron landmark.
- First Catholic Mass in Akron: 1833, James McAllister's log cabin
- Parish founded: 1837 by Father Basil Shorb
- First school: 1853 (on Green Street, later called 'Green Street University')
- Current church cornerstone laid: 1864
- Church formally dedicated: October 20, 1867
- Stained-glass figure windows installed: 1868
- St. Vincent High School opened: 1906
- Current elementary school building: 1956
- Merger forming St. Vincent–St. Mary High School: 1972
- Family Center built on former high-school site: 1996
- Sanctuary plasterwork restored by Eikona Studios: September 2023
Clergy and Parish Staff
The parish is led by Fr. Norm Douglas (Rev. Norman K. Douglas), who celebrated his 50th Jubilee of Priestly Ordination on June 9, 2024. Deacon Andy Davis serves as Director of Evangelization & Faith Formation (since July 1, 2024) and oversees PSR, OCIA, and Adult Education. Deacon Robin Adair marked his 30th Jubilee to the Diaconate in 2024. A small office team keeps the parish running day to day.
- Fr. Norm Douglas — Pastor ([email protected])
- Deacon Andy Davis — Deacon; Director of Evangelization & Faith Formation
- Deacon Robin Adair — Deacon (30th Jubilee, 2024)
- Mrs. Peggy Wellemeyer — Office Manager
- Mrs. Ellen Dies — Director of Religious Education
- Ms. Nancy Daley — Music Director
- Marimargaret Roberts — Office Staff
- Pat Roberts — Office Staff
- Mr. Herman Allshouse — Maintenance Director
Parish School of Religion (PSR) and Faith Formation
The Parish School of Religion brings the mission of Jesus and the sacramental life to children of the parish through instruction and prayer. Catechists and aides serve once a week on Sunday mornings from September through May. For sacramental preparation (Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation), Deacon Andy coordinates with families of children in parish and public schools.
- PSR for grades K–8, Sundays, September–May
- Confirmation preparation for 8th graders, older teens, and adults
- Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist
- Contact Deacon Andy at 330-715-1368 or via the parish office
OCIA — Becoming Catholic
Formerly known as RCIA, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the parish's process for adults exploring or preparing to become full members of the Catholic Church. Sessions are led by Deacon Andy. Anyone already Catholic who would like to learn more about the faith is also welcome to join — conversion, the parish emphasizes, is a lifelong journey, not a single rite.
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)
- Sessions led by Deacon Andy
- Open to inquirers, catechumens, candidates, and Catholics wanting deeper formation
- Contact: [email protected]
St. Vincent de Paul Parish School
St. Vincent de Paul Parish School — Akron's oldest Catholic school, tracing back to 1853 — shares the parish's historic Maple Street campus. The school's mission is to develop young Catholic men and women with creative minds, a sense of understanding for one another, and the ability to change the world while keeping Christ in mind, body, and heart. Children of all social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds learn together in a loving, supportive Catholic environment.
- Address: 17 South Maple Street, Akron, OH 44303
- Phone: 330.762.5416
- Principal: Mrs. Diane Salamon ([email protected])
- Pastor: Fr. Norm Douglas
- Website: stvincentelementary.com
- Volunteer opportunities for parents and grandparents in classrooms, lunch program, and library
Sacramental Preparation and Marriage
The parish walks with families through every major sacrament. Baptism Preparation volunteers explain the rite and welcome families to the celebration. Engaged couples are accompanied by trained married mentor couples through Couple-to-Couple Marriage Preparation, working closely with the pastor and using the diocesan Prepare/Enrich program.
- Baptism Preparation — contact the Parish Office
- Couple-to-Couple Marriage Preparation — [email protected]
- Reconciliation and First Eucharist — contact Deacon Andy
- Confirmation preparation — see OCIA/PSR pages
Parish Ministries and Commissions
St. Vincent de Paul's ministries are organized into commissions that encourage the faith of families and individuals of all ages by building community through engaging, faith-based activities. There is a particular emphasis on becoming 'missionary disciples' through evangelization and social outreach — a focus sharpened through the parish's work with the Rebuilt ministry.
- Evangelization & Faith Development Commission (moderator: Chris Sokolowski; liaison: Elisa Pizzino)
- Prayer Chain Ministries
- Spiritual Formation Commission
- Parish School Volunteer opportunities
- St. Vincent de Paul Parents' Association
Worship and Music — The Madrigal Feaste
Music is a vibrant part of parish life. Each year the parish hosts the St. Vincent de Paul Madrigal Feaste, a Renaissance-style dinner-and-show complete with Singers Royal, the Keller Consort, costumes, and a five-course feast (mulled wine, ale or spiced cider; pâtés, cheeses, fruits and baguettes; sallet of greens and fruits; roasted chicken and 'corne poddying'; roasted pork and root vegetables; and the famous 'figgie poddying'). Proceeds support the parish music program.
- Music Director: Ms. Nancy Daley
- Annual Madrigal Feaste — 12th Annual held December 13–14, 2025
- Doors open 6:30 PM; First Fanfare at 7:00 PM
- Tickets: $50 per person — call 330-535-3135, ext. 103
Visiting and Getting Involved
St. Vincent de Paul describes itself as 'a welcoming Catholic community called together by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit to live and share the love of God in our parish and in our daily lives.' Newcomers and visitors are warmly invited to Sunday Mass, weekday Mass, the Saturday afternoon block of adoration and confession, the Parish Mission events, and the parish's many ministries. The parish office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and is closed on Holy Days.
- Parish office: 164 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44303
- Phone: (330) 535-3135
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Watch Mass Live via the parish website
- Weekly bulletin and parish newsletter available online
- Online Giving available via the parish website
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Basil Shorb1837
Founder of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Akron's first Catholic parish.
- Rev. Fr. Norm DouglasCurrent pastor
Celebrated 50th Jubilee of Priestly Ordination on June 9, 2024.