Sorrowful Mother Shrine update October 2025
New faces and transitions at the shrine
As summer draws to a close, the shrine is experiencing a time of transition and renewal within our clergy and staff. We are deeply grateful for the dedicated service of Fr. Jim Seibert, C.PP.S., who retired from the shrine in late August. His ministry has been a true blessing to our pilgrims and community, and we send him forth with our prayers and heartfelt thanks as he continues his missionary work.
We are pleased to welcome Br. Daryl Charron, C.PP.S., who will serve as rector. Br. Daryl brings a spirit of leadership and compassion to this role, and we look forward to the gifts he will share with our community. We are also blessed to have Fr. Yuri Kuzara, C.PP.S., remain a valued member of our clergy team. In addition, we welcome back Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, C.PP.S., who joins the shrine clergy with a deep love for pastoral ministry and outreach. Br. Terry Nufer, C.PP.S., will also continue to serve in music and liturgical ministry roles. Together, these men embody the mission and charism of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, and we are truly grateful for their presence and service. We look forward to the continued growth of our shrine community under their care and leadership.
Please join us in praying for all our clergy — both those arriving and those moving on — as they continue to answer God’s call in service to His people.
Lay staff updates and additions
In addition to changes within the clergy, the shrine has recently undergone a reorganization of its lay staff. We are strengthening our team with both familiar faces and new additions who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission.
Marsha Danhoff continues to serve as director of operations, providing overall leadership and daily support for the shrine’s ministries and the Mary Lay center.
Shelly Fitzgerald remains in her role as office manager.
Chris Molyet continues as administrative assistant, offering consistent and invaluable support to both staff and pilgrims.
Laurie Kaple remains at the helm of the gift shop, serving as gift shop manager with warmth and hospitality. She is assisted by Lisa Doebl, Jackie Filsinger, and Erin Schmit.
In the finance office, we welcome Ron Fluharty as our new leader. Ron brings many years of professional experience in accounting, purchasing, and inventory management. He worked at R.R. Donnelley (now Lakeside Book Company) for 29 years, followed by a role at TE Connectivity in purchasing. Ron and his wife, Carol, live in Plymouth and are members of St. Francis Xavier Church. They have a daughter, Nicole, a son, Kyle, and two beautiful grandchildren.
We are also pleased to announce changes in our maintenance department:
Dan Phillips, formerly employed by Willard Fire and Rescue, joins the shrine as lead maintenance technician. Dan, his wife, Amanda, and their eight children reside in Willard, Ohio, and are members of St. Francis Xavier Church.
Joining Dan is Larry Bouillon, completing the maintenance team. Larry is from New Riegel and has decades of experience, including 30 years as owner of Paul’s Supermarket, 10 years at the Seneca County Opportunity Center as building and grounds supervisor, and 16 years (and counting) as mayor of New Riegel. Larry and his wife, Lori, have three children and three grandchildren and are parishioners of All Saints Parish in New Riegel, where he also served as groundskeeper for 14 years.
We are also grateful that Dennis Alt has agreed to continue serving the maintenance team as needed. His skills and steady presence are valuable to the team.
These dedicated individuals — both new and returning — help ensure that the shrine remains a welcoming, prayerful, and well-maintained place for all who visit. We give thanks for their commitment and ask for your continued prayers as we grow together in faith and mission.