Holy Family Parish began humbly in 1946 when sixty eight parishioners gathered for the first Mass in the Stow Workman High School cafeteria. A simple cafeteria table, raised on blocks of wood, served as the first altar. From these modest beginnings, a spirit of faith, determination, and community took root.
That same year, Archbishop Edward Hoban officially established Holy Family Parish and appointed Father Howard Sammon as its first pastor. Recently returned from service as a Navy chaplain, Father Sammon brought with him a strong devotion to the Holy Family. Guided by his leadership, the growing Catholic community in Stow and Silver Lake began raising funds for their own parish building through dinners, raffles, festivals, and other events filled with the joyful energy of a new and hopeful parish.
Their efforts quickly bore fruit. In 1949, the parish celebrated its first Mass in a newly built chapel and school. Holy Family School opened shortly afterward under the care of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine who faithfully served the parish for nearly half a century.
The parish flourished in the following decades. The 1950s and 1960s brought significant growth and expansion. A new church, built in a contemporary semicircular design, welcomed parishioners with beautiful stained glass windows, inspiring art, and a worship space centered on the altar of Christ. Additional classrooms, a parish rectory, and school expansions supported the needs of an ever growing community. Pastors and associate pastors guided the parish through the era of Vatican II with energy, creativity, and a renewed spirit of collaboration.
The parish continued to thrive through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. New ministries were formed, permanent deacons were ordained, and major improvements and additions were made to both parish and school facilities. Holy Family celebrated milestone anniversaries, embraced new approaches to faith formation, and remained a center of worship, education, and community life in Stow.
The early 2000s brought new pastoral leadership, the creation of a senior adult ministry, the establishment of mission work in Honduras, and continued investment in the parish school. Although the parish endured hardships, including major floods, the community responded with resilience and unity. Renewed programs, building improvements, and strong outreach efforts kept the parish vibrant and focused on its mission.
In the years that followed, Holy Family Parish continued to grow in faith and service. Two parochial vicars joined the staff shortly before and during the challenges of the Covid pandemic. Despite the difficulties of that time, the parish remained faithful and strong. Holy Family celebrated its seventy fifth anniversary in 2020, giving thanks for generations of prayer, service, and community life.
After twenty years of dedicated service, Father Paul Rosing retired in 2023. He was succeeded by Father Michael McCandless, who returned to Holy Family as Administrator. A son of the parish, Father McCandless brought gratitude, joy, and renewed energy to the community that helped form him in faith.
In May of 2025, Father Michael McCandless became the pastor of Holy Family Parish. He now serves alongside his parochial vicars: Reverend Felix Silgan, a missionary priest from the Philippines, and newly ordained Reverend Father Jon Hawkins. Father McCandless is excited for Holy Family to experience continued growth in many areas of parish life. His leadership reflects a deep love for the parish and a hopeful vision for the future.
Today, Holy Family Parish continues to be blessed by devoted clergy, staff, and volunteers who carry forward the legacy of all who came before. Several sons of the parish have entered the priesthood or diaconate, a testament to the strong spiritual foundation nurtured here.
Through every chapter of its story, one truth has remained constant. Holy Family Parish is, and has always been, a true family. Our community has stood together in moments of joy and sorrow, offering support, friendship, and prayer. This spirit of unity and love remains the heart of our parish and the foundation on which we continue to grow in Christ.
