Posted September 23, 2022
Monsignor Frederick B. Mohan was a native of Holy Name Parish where he attended elementary and high school. He studied theology at St. Mary’s seminary and was ordained on April 23, 1935. He went on to receive his master’s degree in social work in 1946. In addition to his work with Catholic Charities, Msgr. Mohan also served as moderator for the Cleveland Diocesan Council, the National Council of Catholic Women, the Catholic Federation of Women’s Clubs, as well as the Diocesan Resettlement Council.
Msgr. Mohan began serving as Executive Director of Catholic Charities in 1950, succeeding Msgr. Albert J. Murphy. Described by the Cleveland Press as “affable and boyish faced,” Msgr. Mohan’s first goal in his leadership role with Catholic Charities was to “carry on the tradition that dependent and neglected children shall have a chance.” When he began his tenure as Executive Director, Catholic Charities was fostering 1,200 children. Msgr. Mohan was determined to expand the facilities at Parmadale to accommodate the increased requests for child-care. These plans also included the construction of a convent, hospital, and administration building. The following year, in 1951, this goal was realized when Catholic Charities raised $300,000.00 and broke ground on the project.
Before his service as Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Msgr. Mohan served as assistant to Msgr. Murphy for three years. Preceding his service to Msgr. Murphy, he served as assistant at St. Patrick’s in Youngstown, St. Malachi’s and St. Thomas Aquinas.
Msgr. Mohan’s legacy includes helping Parmadale Children’s Village gain far-reaching recognition. He cared deeply for the welfare of neglected children, and ensured that Parmadale was a caring, supportive environment, and foremost, a pleasant place for children to stay. Msgr. Mohan will always be warmly remembered for his open-heartedness and willingness to help all who were in need.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
