411 Springfield Pike • Wyoming, OH 45215 • (513) 948ญญ–1218
Serving St James as Deacon since September 2002, Deacon Conrad was ordained by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk on September 26, 1998, and began his diaconal ministry in his home parish, St Bartholomew.
Married for 25+ years, he is the father of 7 (one in heaven). Thanks to some of those children, he is a Lifetime Member of the Roger Bacon Band Boosters!
Employed as a Project Manager with a major local company downtown, he holds Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Deacon Conrad is an active member of the Troop Committee for the Forest Park/Greenhills Boy Scout Troop 433. A 3rd Degree Knight, he serves as Chaplain of the St Bartholomew Knights of Columbus Council (#11626), as he has since 1998.
At St James, you may be accustomed to seeing Deacon Conrad assisting Fr. Jim at the altar at weekend Masses, or baptizing our newest little members on a Sunday afternoon, or leading Evening Prayer and other liturgical services from time to time.
Behind the scenes, Deacon Conrad coordinates the Baptism Preparation program, trains new Weekend Altar Servers, leads some of the RCIA sessions, and participates in the Worship Commission, Social Action Commission, and the Saturday Morning Men's Group. He also enjoys popping in on the Youth Group when time permits on a Sunday afternoon!
Message from Deacon Conrad:
I encourage all of you who read this to become even more active in your faith. You may not think that you have enough time, but if you MAKE time for God, God will make available the time that YOU need! Get involved with the ministries -- formal AND informal -- of YOUR parish. Serve the people of YOUR community. If you don't feel that it IS your community, work to MAKE it yours. Get involved. Get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't be a stranger in your own family!
Finally: Listen for the call -- and feel the nudge -- of the Holy Spirit in your life. Let the Spirit guide you in prayer and in action.
Peace!
Sharon Russo is a lifelong member of St. James of the Valley Church. She was baptized in what is now a cupboard in the gym, attended St. James School, received First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, and was married here. She has been married to Bruce for over 30 years and they have 3 daughters, 1 son-in-law, and 1 grandson, all of whom are also members of St. James Church. Sharon graduated from the Athenaeum of Ohio’s Lay Pastoral Ministry Program in 1990.
For the last 8 years in the parish office, Sharon does a little bit of everything. Sacramental record keeping, some financial work, Mass petitions, phone answering and Mass intentions are just a few. She is also the coordinator of the Confirmation Program.
As a volunteer, Sharon serves on Worship Commission, Parish Council, and has been a music minister here for 28 years and hopes to be for another 28 years.
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Father Jack Wehman
Father Jack Wehman is no stranger to the Valley. He has spent a large portion of his life here, even though he grew up on the West Side of Cincinnati.
His educational years began at Our Lady of the Visitation in Mack. His eight years there began the journey into the Catholic faith as well as his start on education. He graduated and then attended St. Xavier High School on North Bend Road. He graduated from there in 1970.
After high school Father Jack went to Thomas More College and earned a degree in history when he left in 1974. He waited a few years before heading into the seminary. He received his religious instructions at Mt. St. Mary in Norwood. Father Jack was ordained on June 14, 1980.
Father Jack took his first assignment soon after. He went to St. Peter in Chains in Hamilton. While there, he also served as part-time hospital chaplain. Afterwards, he went to St. Frances DeSales and also served as a part-time hospital chaplain too. Next assignment was St. Vincent Ferrer in Kenwood. Again, he was also a hospital chaplain. Then it was St. Aloysuis in Bridgetown before heading to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Reading in 1993. He stayed until 2006 when he left for Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Roselawn. Now his home is at St. James of the Valley Church where he hopes to retire from.
As stated earlier, Father Jack grew up on the West Side. He has an older brother, Hank, who is 15 years older. They grew up in a rural setting. There were a lot of kids in their neighborhood. Sports were a large part of the fun afternoons. Father Jack played basketball and baseball when he was young. When asked if he was any good, Father Jack responded, “If I knew what the players make now, I’d played much better.” In fact, he played baseball until way into his 40s.
Ginny Garza is our Parish Secretary/Bulletin Editor and has been a member of St James of the Valley staff since January 2007. Along with producing the weekly bulletin, Ginny also maintains St James’ membership records, answers the phones, and produces letters and thank you acknowledgements. Her first love is accounting and is willing to volunteer her time and efforts using those skills as in the Phone-a-thon and occasional recording of contributions etc.
Ginny has been married to Herb since 1971 and they have 5 children (including a set of twins) and 8 grandchildren. Ginny and Herb have been members of St Bartholomew Parish since 2003 (Assumption from 1972-2002). Ginny serves as sacristan and stuffs the inserts in the weekly bulletin. She also has written articles for St Bart’s newsletter, worked the festival, donated crocheted items for the Bid n Buy booth, and takes part in other activities at St Bart’s.
Ginny loves animals and currently lives with 3 dogs, 3 cats and 2 miniature hamsters. It’s a houseful of fun and fur! Currently she is taking horse back riding lessons to finally fulfill her childhood dream. Her other hobbies include: crocheting, reading, hiking, and attending dog, cat, and horse shows. Ginny is also interested in the Native American culture and her trip to the Southwest in 2002 left her in awe of God’s beautiful creations in that part of our country. Ask her where she’d like to retire, and she’ll tell you a resounding Sedona, Arizona!