Welcome Canon Lawyers
Most Rev. Daniel Thomas
Toledo hosted the 2025 Midwest Canon Law Convention over three days, highlighted by Mass celebrated by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas on May 6 at St. Francis de Sales Chapel. STMS members and canon lawyers Father Eric Culler and Father Nathan Bockrath concelebrated.
C'mon get happy
First Ever Happy Hour
STMS members gather at Manhattan's to celebrate the Christmas season.
Spirits High!
Special thanks to event organizer Lidia Ebersole and guest speaker Marty McManus.
Annual Red Mass
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Most Reverend Daviod J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids, served as principal celebrant and homilist at STMS's annual Red Mass held Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral.
Tradional Post-Mass Team Photo
Our Celebrants, Judges, Lawyers, and Legal Professionals gathered on the altar following Mass.
Canon Law presentation
Father Bockrath, Father Culler and conference attendees
A terrific turnout for this year's CLE, including a handful of new members. Father Eric Culler, Judicial Vicar for the Diocesan Tribunal, offered a very informative presentation entitled "Justice in the Church: Principles of Canon Law," with additional comments offered by Father Nathan Bockrath, Adjutant Judicial Vicar. A lively question and comment session followed, which continued during the social hour. Many thanks to Tom Dillon and the Shumaker firm for hosting the event and for securing one-hour of (free) CLE credit. Please see our Essays section for Fr. Culler's presentation outline.
2024 Feast Day Mass
FAther eric culler
A near-capacity crowd attended our Society's Feast Day Mass celebrated June 21, 2024 (one day early), including future members - Henrietta and Roland Korf, pictured above with their parents Joshua and Elizabeth, both canon lawyers, and our presider Father Eric Culler. Special thanks to our reader Carol Sobczak and to all who were able to participate.
It's a wrap on our 2023 days of service
2023 RED MASS CELEBRATED
- STMS member Hon. Timothy Kuhlman presents the first reading during this year's Red Mass which Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo, celebrated on October 14 at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. Unfortunately the planned concelebration with Most Reverend Robert Evans, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Providence, was canceled just prior to Mass, but we hope to see Bishop Evans another time. Please visit the photo gallery to enjoy sites from the reception which followed at the Bishop's residence.
STMS appearance at catholic business network event
October 5 Catholic Business network
STMS Board Member Lidia Ebersole appeared at the Catholic Business Network's quarterly breakfast meeting on October 5, to share some background about the Society and to solicit new members to join. Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo, served as the keynote speaker and introduced his video presentation addressing upcoming Issue One, urging its defeat. Lidia and Bishop Thomas are seen here watching the very well done and compelling message.
STMS NEWS
STMS' inaugural movie night announced
Special thanks to Lidia Ebersole and the Hon. James R. Knepp, our Co-Chairs for the event. Reserve your spot using this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stms-movie-night-tickets-636792251767 or call Lidia at 419.280.7489
STMS NEWS
STMS' sPring Day of Service at helping hands of saint louis
Special thanks to Lisa Amend, Lidia Ebersole and Ted Mohler for taking the early shift, along with head chef David Smith, for our March 31 day of service at Helping Hands. The second shift was ably manned by first-timer Judge Keith Schierlohs who traveled up from Putnam County just to help serve the guests of Helping Hands. Judge Schierlohs' action photo can be found in this site's photo gallery, along with his assistant for the day Tom Antonini. STMS is next scheduled to serve on Friday, June 30.
bishop robert deeley celebrates annual red mass
This year's Red Mass was celebrated at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral on Saturday October 8, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Bishop Thomas welcomed Bishop Robert Deeley of the Diocese of Portland, Maine. The son of Irish immigrants from County Galway, Bishop Deeley has served the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome, was President of the Canon Law Society of America, and was awarded the Role of Law award for his outstanding service in the field of canon law. Bishop Deeley's homily will be shared on this cite soon. A handful of new faces attended the Mass, and the wonderful reception which followed at the Bishop's residence.
STMS NEWS
THE RIGHT TO ACT IN CONSCIENCE PRESETNED BY HERTZFELD AND GOULDING
THE RIGHT TO ACT IN CONSCIENCE PRESETNED BY HERTZFELD AND GOULDING
Special thanks to our presenters Fr. Adam Hertzfeld and Hon. Michael R. Goulding, member and guest attendees, and our gracious hosts at Shumaker. The engaging presentation, The Right to Act in Conscience, was followed by lively questions and comment, capped off by spirited fellowship. STMS Secretary Joan Kelly wonderfully organized the event, the success of which is sure to inspire similar gatherings in the future.
Please visit our Essays page for a copy of Father Hertzfeld's presentation, and our Photo Gallery for additional action photos.
ebersole, kuhlman and mohler added to leadership team
THE RIGHT TO ACT IN CONSCIENCE PRESETNED BY HERTZFELD AND GOULDING
Effective July 1, 2022, Bishop Thomas appointed three new members to the STMS Board of Directors: Lidia Ebersole, Hon. Tim Kuhlman, and Ted Mohler. Along with Bishop Thomas, we are most grateful for their willingness to serve! Bishop Thomas and the STMS also thank Hon. Christine Mayle whose service on the Board has ended; but happily, not her commitment to remain an active member!
Feast day mass celebrated
Feast day mass celebrated
Thank you to our members and guests who braved the heat to gather at Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral to celebrate Mass on the June 22 feast day of Saint Thomas More, and of Saint John Fisher. Special thanks to our guest celebrant Father Tom Oedy. And, kudos to our lector Carol Sobczak for successfully navigating the pronunciation of several Old Testament figures from today's first reading. Please visit our photo gallery to enjoy a few of the moments captured.