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Church
of SS. Cosmas and Damian
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| While in Chamberlin High School, CCD classes were
held in the classrooms for grades 1-8 and in the Recreation Center for
high school grades. Sisters of Notre Dame came to Twinsburg weekly
to teach along with lay volunteers of the parish. Paul Zamiska
served as CCD coordinator and as principal for the high school
program. Currently there are 28 teachers involved, including
nursery, preschool, grade school and high school. On May 8, 1965, a special Mass was held in the new church for the volunteers. The first official Mass at Ss. Cosmas & Damian Church was held on May 9, 1965, in conjunction with First Communion. Desk for the school were donated by St. Jerome and Holy Rosary parishes. During September, 1965, volunteers installed blackboards and lighting. By October 9, most of the work was completed and the first religious education classes were held. Fr. Patrick Flaherty, A Vincentian, conducted the first annual mission for the parish in 1966. In the following years, other missions have been held to encourage the spiritual growth of the parishioners.  The first deacon, Rev. John Vrana, was assigned
for pastoral training on June 27, 1966. On June 18 of the following
year, Fr. Bernard Meyer was appointed as temporary assistant while
continuing his studies at CWRU. In September, 1967, Fr. Koehl was
transferred to St. Jerome's parish and Fr. Joseph F. Wagner replaced him
as our second pastor.The Ss. Cosmas & Damian Ladies' Guild was founded in October, 1967, at a meeting called by Fr. Wagner for the women of the parish. The first president of the Guild was Carmen Hyclak. The purpose of the organization was to unite all women of the parish in religious and social activities and to assist the pastor in material and spiritual undertakings for the welfare of the parish. Rev. Mr. McNulty, a visiting deacon (who was ordained a priest in 1969), was involved in the CCD program and established the Knights of the Altar for young boys and other vocational programs with youth. The first confirmation at the church was held in May, 1968. 
Newly ordained Father Burkley was assigned as
Associate Pastor at Ss. Cosmas & Damian on June 17, 1970. Parishioner Walter (Wally)
Hyclak, son of Carmen and Walter Hyclak, became
the first member of the parish to be ordained. He is currently
serving the diocese as Director of St. Joseph's Christian Life Center.
The first Parish Council formed in 1969 in
compliance with Vatican II's recommendation for more involvement by
laity. In 1971 the Parish Council established the following
commissions: Education; Parish Life; Finance and Maintenance of Land and
Buildings; Community Relations and Ecumenism; Liturgy; Youth; and
Spiritual Life. An adult study group was started under the direction
of Fr. Burkley.A major church development fund was established by Fr. Wagner and the finance committee to meet the standards as established by Vatican II with regard to relocation of the main altar. To keep the parishioners better informed, the church mailed a newsletter to all parishioners entitled, The Replica, meaning "exact copy." The purpose of The Replica was to bring news which would help all parishioners become a "replica" of Christ. The first organist of the parish was Irene Odziemski. Eleanor Krakowski was adult choir director. The music ministry expanded to include a children's choir which began under the direction of Rose Marzullo. Linda Simecek organized a guitar group. |
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