Fr. Robert Kraig

    Fr. Bob has been a priest for 29 years and has served in three other parishes before coming to St. John Neumann.  From 1972-75 he was at Holy Redeemer in Collinwood and then at St. Felicitas from 1975-82.  In 1982 he served on the pastoral team at St. Monica’s in Garfield Hts. and then came to St. John Neumann in January of 1990 as pastor.  He is a native of Cleveland and grew up on the southeast side of Cleveland in Garfield Hts.  Although he served at St. Monica’s in Garfield Hts., his formative years were at Holy Name Grade School and High School as well as Holy Name Parish.

    “I really don’t know what drew me to priesthood,” Fr. Bob states.  “I do remember, however, in the fifth grade that we were studying the mass and because it was raining we had recess in the classroom.  We were studying the mass and the nun had pictures of the mass hanging.  While walking around that recess I noticed the priest at the consecration of the mass and I said I want to do that someday.  I guess the thought never left me.”

    Father Bob’s mom was very active in the Neumann Senior Adults and lived in Seven Hills [passed away in 2002.  His father passed away to his eternal reward in January of 1987.“Both of my parents were influential in my vocation” commented Fr. Bob “and I encourage parents to bring up religious life to their children!”

    Father Bob’s hobbies are tennis and golf.  He claims he really enjoys competitive tennis but that golf is just a fun sport for him where he enjoys going out and talking and getting to know people.  In addition, he is very active in the Polish community of Cleveland.  He is the chaplain of The United States Polka Association and still plays accordion with some of the Polish musicians at various jobs in the Cleveland area. “I don’t think it ever leaves your blood, playing out,” said Father!  “I wish I could do it more but the four to five times a year that I do I really enjoy it – there’s nothing like jamming and playing with musicians and seeing people having a good time.”

    Father Bob has a sister and brother-in-law who live in North Ridgeville, a nephew, Brian, who lives in Kent, Ohio with his wife and a niece who lives in Avon, Ohio.  His pride and joy is his two great-nieces, Haley  who lives in Avon, and Grace, who lives in Revena.