Deacons at The FEST

The FEST returns this August!

This year we will be gathering for The FEST on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at ForeFront Field in Avon.

For 25 years, The FEST has worked to create a day of faith, family and fun for our region and bring to life the ever fresh and timeless message of the Gospel.

In order for all of this to happen, I need to beg for your help and support.

Here are some ways you can help make The FEST happen this year:

• Sign up to bless families in the Family Blessings Tent. Help families from around the Diocese feel the loving and healing power of God through family blessings.
• Please join Bishop Malesic for Mass at 8 pm.

Please take two minutes to sign up online for a time to bless families or to join Bishop Malesic for Mass.

Thank you, in advance, for your help and support. May God bless you and your community during these blessed days of summer.

Sincerely,

Bob Stec

Kevin is a graduate of The Ohio State University. He is from Saint Mary Parish in Hudson, currently studying Religious Studies and wants to become a youth minister. Kevin is spending this summer working to plan and create The FEST. In his interview to be on the team, he shared that when he was eight years old he attended his ‘first’ FEST. He remembers having a great day. Even more, “I remember what it felt like to stand with so many people at Mass. I could feel the presence of God.”

Deacon Bill was recently ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Cleveland. A few weeks ago he shared the story that “eight years ago my wife ‘nudged’ me to go to The FEST with her. During the day I wandered around and eventually found myself in line – for Confession — so I went. That was the moment I opened my heart to God which, eventually, led me to explore the diaconate program. I stayed for Mass, it was truly ‘heaven on earth.”

Father Adam, of the Divine Word Missionaries, sent an email. He’s eager to come to The FEST. He writes: “I have very much enjoyed being at this event the last many years, and I’m happy to say that a young man I first met at the FEST a couple of years ago is currently in the process of applying to join the formation program with my Divine Word community. God is good!”

Christie, a young mom with two kids, stayed until the end of last year’s FEST.  She shared, “I have witnessed adoration before, but nothing like this. To be with thousands of people in prayer and adoration was so incredibly powerful that it brought me to tears. In a crazy world, I really found peace that night.”