MORE DETAILS TO COME!
Category Archives: Luncheon Speaker
November 5, 2026 – “Story of Sacrifice” with Fr. Joseph Mamich & Jim Lechko
October 1, 2026 – “Always Forward” with Fr. John Bambrick
September 3, 2026 – Deacon Roundtable
We hope you will be able to join us on Thursday, September 3, to meet some Deacons of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and learn more about the Deaconate!
Deacon Roundtable
REGISTER HERE
MODERATOR:
Deacon Matt Lawler; Ordained May 2021, assigned to Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist; Spiritual Director for the First Friday Club of Cleveland
PANELISTS:
Deacon Bill Prebel; Ordained May 2026, assigned to SS. Cosmas & Damian; Past President of the First Friday Club of Cleveland
Deacon Mike Hayes; Ordained May 2024, assigned to St. Christopher
Deacon Chris DePenti; Ordained May 2019, assigned to St. Augustine Parish (Cleveland)
WHEN
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Doors open at 11:00–connect with other attendees!
Buffet Opens at 11:30 a.m.
Program Concludes at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary
28700 Euclid Avenue (map)
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
August 6, 2026 – Dean Robinson, “Experiencing God’s Mercy through Conversion to Catholicism”
Experiencing God’s Mercy through Conversion to Catholicism
Dean Robinson is currently the Business Manager at St. Jospeh Catholic Church in Strongsville. As a former Youth Minister and Director of Religious Education, Dean has engaged students for over twenty years with his unique blend of spirituality and humor. He is a recipient of the “For God and For Youth” award, from the Diocese of Cleveland, recognizing outstanding Catholic Leadership. He has addressed a variety of audiences including teens, parents, parish and school staffs, and has spoken to the First Friday Club of Lorain County and the Cleveland Catholic Men’s Conference.
Register here
WHEN
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Doors open at 11:00–connect with other attendees!
Buffet Opens at 11:30 a.m.
Program Concludes at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary
28700 Euclid Avenue (map)
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
Register here
July 2, 2026 – Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, SND, & Gina Perez
Join us on Thursday, July 2, for
“Immigration: Our Call to Service”
with
Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, SND, and Gina Pérez (Professor of Comparative American Studies at Oberlin College)
click here for a podcast preview of this talk
click here to register for this event
Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, SND
Professor Gina Pérez
WHEN
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Doors open at 11:00–connect with other attendees!
Buffet Opens at 11:30 a.m.
Program Concludes at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary
28700 Euclid Avenue (map)
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
June 4, 2026 – “Being a Courageous Catholic” with Fr. Jacob Bearer
click here to access a preview podcast of this talk!
Fr. Jacob Bearer was ordained in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in 2017. A native of Painesville, Ohio, he discerned his vocation to the priesthood following a profound encounter with Jesus Christ during his high school years. Since ordination, Fr. Bearer has served in several parish assignments, including St. Francis de Sales Parish in Akron and St. Columbkille Parish in Parma. He currently serves as pastor of St. Edward (Parkman) and of St. Lucy (Middlefield). Known for his energetic preaching, joyful spirit, and engaging sense of humor, Fr. Bearer is committed to helping others deepen their relationship with Christ and the Catholic faith.
WHEN
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Networking & Fellowship 11:00 a.m.
Buffet Opens at 11:30 a.m.
Program Concludes at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary
28700 Euclid Avenue (map)
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
April 30, 2026 – Fr. David Tomaszycki presenting Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: On the Demonic
You’re Invited
Register today!
Fr. Dave Tomaszycki
Priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and Pastor of St. Peter’s in Mount Clemens Michigan
Fr. Dave Tomaszycki is a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit. While Fr. Tomaszycki was studying at Ave Maria University and discerning the priesthood, he became a huge fan of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in 2009 through reading Sheen’s Life of Christ. From that point onward, Fr. Tomaszycki couldn’t get enough Sheen. In 2016, Fr. Tomaszycki was ordained a priest. He has served at a number of parishes within the Archdiocese of Detroit, he has served as the secretary to the Archbishop of Detroit, and he currently serves as the pastor of St. Peter’s in Mount Clemens, Michigan.
We look forward to hearing from Fr. Dave Tomaszycki discuss On the Demonic, the book he compiled based on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s writings on this subject. Special Note: Copies of Fr. Tomaszycki’s book Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: On the Demonic will be available to purchase.
click here to listen to a podcast preview of this talk
WHEN
April 30, 2026
Networking & Fellowship begin at 11:00 a.m.
Buffet Opens at 11:30 a.m.
Program begins at noon
Program Concludes at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary
28700 Euclid Avenue (map)
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
April 2, 2026 – “Breaking the Silence” with Kwami Adoboe-Herrera
Breaking the Silence:
The Dark Untold Story of Male Human Trafficking Survivors
This talk will highlight the often-overlooked reality of male survivors of human trafficking and the urgent need for dedicated services and safe housing. Kwami will briefly share his personal story, discuss the founding of Teleios Path, and outline practical ways communities can help identify, support, and restore hope to male survivors. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of this hidden crisis and practical ideas for creating meaningful local solutions.
click here to access a preview podcast!
Kwami Adoboe-Herrera is a nationally recognized anti-human trafficking leader, survivor, and advocate. He serves as the Founder, CEO, and Board Member of Teleios Path, a Northeast Ohio–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting male survivors of human trafficking.
Originally from Togo, West Africa, Kwami is a survivor of labor trafficking who endured six years of forced labor in the United States before the intervention of his elementary school teacher helped him escape his trafficker. His lived experience has fueled his lifelong commitment to supporting survivors, particularly adult male victims, through trauma-informed care, advocacy, and comprehensive rehabilitation services.
Kwami formerly served as a presidentially appointed member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, where he advised on federal anti-trafficking policies and worked to amplify survivor voices at the national level. He also serves on the boards of Not For Sale: One Step At A Time and The Soap Project, and is actively involved in public speaking, advocacy, and peer mentorship initiatives both locally and nationally.
Kwami holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Walsh University and currently serves as a teacher at Mater Dei Academy. Kwami is married to his lovely wife Margaret, and together they have three beautiful children, all under the age of five!
Register here.
UPDATED LOCATION FOR THIS LUNCHEON: Rappe Conference Room (this is the lower level of the Catholic Diocese Office Bldg), 1404 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114
Doors open at 11:00 a.m. – Connect with other attendees!
Buffet Opens at 11:30 a.m.
Program begins at 12:00 noon
Program Concludes at 1:00 p.m.
March 5, 2026 – “Negotiating an Identity for the Future” with Dr. Kathryn La Fontana
Catholic Women’s Colleges: Negotiating an Identity for the Future
with
Dr. Kathryn LaFontana
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost, Ursuline College
Click here for a preview podcast of this talk!
Dr. Kathryn LaFontana is a seasoned academic leader in her 30th year in Catholic higher education, with expertise in mission-focused strategic planning, new program development, data-informed decision-making, and innovative instructional technology solutions. She came to Ursuline in 2017 from The College of New Rochelle, where she served in academic leadership roles over her six-year tenure. Widely published in academic journals, the former Sacred Heart University psychology professor has more than two dozen peer-reviewed presentations and publications and is the 2024 recipient of the Collegium Visionary Award. She has a doctorate in social psychology from the University of Connecticut.
Doors open at 11:00 a.m. – Connect with other attendees!
Buffet Opens at 11:30 a.m.
Program begins at 12:00 noon
Program Concludes at 1:00 p.m.