Fr. David Kohut, OFM
Fr. David Kohut, OFM, the new pastor of St. Francis Seraph Church, an inner-city parish in Cincinnati, has many talents but the two that stand out most are his incredible singing voice and his ability to deliver homilies that deeply touch the hearts of those in attendance.
Fr. David Kohut, OFM
“I will do as Francis did when God asked him to rebuild his church. St. Francis Seraph Church is much bigger than San Damiano, the tiny stone church the saint rebuilt with his own hands. But just as Francis learned, I will work to rebuild His church in intangible ways, especially,” he said.
“I can definitely work with the poor and homeless as Francis did. Our parish assists in some long-standing neighborhood ministries, i.e., Sarah Center, an empowerment and skill teaching hub for women, St. Francis Soup Kitchen and the Family Dinner Program. There are many homeless, mentally ill, and unemployed people in our neighborhood. They reach to me and I am learning to reach to them”.
St. Francis Seraph Parish, School and the SJB friary and staff offices lie in the center of an historic, diverse neighborhood, just on the fringe of downtown. It is surrounded by people who are comfortable financially and those who have nothing. It has entrepreneurs and disenfranchised souls. Homeless men feel safe resting on the church steps.
Fr. David described the deep spirituality of a particular long standing resident of Over the Rhine. “Everyone seems to know this man. Let's call him Eric.” He added, “Soon, if they get beyond his looks of long, matted hair and strange clothing, they realize he is quite prayerful and loving. I learn from him and want to know him more. I look forward to taking a walk with him.”
Fr. David is ready for the challenge to walk with all his 150 parishioners and neighbors in the community “I know I can't make people happy, only try to provide for their needs.”
Born 61 years ago in Reading, Pennsylvania to first generation parents with Ukrainian and Polish roots, he still returns there to visit with his sister Mary and her family every chance he gets. Fr. David just spent a retreat week in a fishing cabin with an old friend from his hometown. His smiled when he said, “Oh, it was a wonderful time as we gave each other days of retreat, had great discussions and yes, did some fly fishing.”
He was originally a member of the Vice Province of the Most Holy Savior. It was a small province and as numbers dwindled to less than twenty men, they merged with St. John the Baptist Province.
Fr. David had been a vibrant member of that community and experienced all the emotions surrounding the changes that accompany such a dramatic transition. He, with the blended cadre of friars inevitably experienced the excitement, hopefulness, anxiety and ache that come from such a dramatic shift in one's identity. He had been a Pastor, Councilor, Retreat House Director, Vicar, Treasurer, and Provincial. Fr. David spoke for his brothers' feelings during that time: “When we signed the final papers, we knew that part of our lives was no longer. But we CHOSE to make this transition to St. John the Baptist Province. When we joined our new family, so to speak, our new brothers embraced, accepted and cared for us. It continues to be so. This province is known for how well the Friars care for each other.”
There is another side of Fr. David. He has a good sense of humor and is a “crazy cook.” “We live in a house where there is no cook or housekeeper. I love experimenting, especially with soups”, he says. Maybe he even sings as he prepares supper for his brothers at St. Clare Friary.
St. Clare Friary: Fr. David Kohut, OFM, Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM, and Br. Bob Lucero, OFM
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