Father Mark Hoying, C.PP.S., celebrates 40 years

Father Mark Hoying, C.PP.S., was born in Coldwater, Ohio in 1956. He was incorporated on June 14, 1981, and ordained by Bishop James Garland at St. Charles Center on June 22, 1985.  

From June of 1984 to January 1985, Fr. Mark served his Diaconate at St. Andrew’s Church in Orlando, Florida. On July 15, 1985, he was assigned as associate at St. Anthony Church in Falls Church, Virginia. On July 12, 1989, he became director of vocations and special formation with his residence at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Ottawa, Ohio. 

On Sept.12, 1990, Fr. Mark was assigned as parochial vicar for the Precious Blood Church, in Dayton, Ohio, and continued as vocation director and director of special formation. On July 7, 1993, he became the pastor of the Precious Blood Church in Dayton, Ohio. In August of 2000, he took a sabbatical.  

From Nov. 27, 2000, to June 31, 2001, Fr. Mark was in the CPE program at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. On June 1, 2001, he became chaplain of Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.  

Fr. Mark was granted an indult to live outside of the congregation from Nov. 27, 2006, to Nov. 26, 2007, in New Zealand, where he served as parish administrator at St. Joseph’s in Te Aroha and St. Mary’s in Paeroa while helping out at St. Joseph’s in Matamata. On July 1, 2009, he became pastor of St. Michael Parish in Kalida, Ohio. One year later, he also became pastor of St. John Parish in Continental, Ohio. On July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2021, Fr. Mark was reappointed as pastor for one year at St. Michael and St. John parishes.

On July 1, 2022, he was appointed parochial vicar for the NW8 Family of Parishes (now known as Christ the Light Family), which are St. Augustine in Minster, Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, St. John the Baptist in Maria Stein, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cassella, St. Rose in St. Rose, and St. Sebastian in St. Sebastian, Ohio.   

Fr. Mark’s residence was at St. Charles from 2022 to 2024, then he moved to Minister, Ohio. On July 1, 2024, he was reappointed parochial vicar to the Christ the Light Family from 2024 to 2027.                      

The old saying, “You can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy” is very true for Fr. Mark. No matter where he was assigned, he has cultivated a garden. His large family, spanning from coast to coast, is very important to him.                           

Over the years, Fr. Mark has been known as the square-dancing priest. He has taught the youth in the area to square dance for proms and homecomings.  

Favorite bible quote:  
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  
Joshua 24:15