Fr. Thom Kowatch was born and raised on the west side of Cleveland, attending St. Thomas More Parish (Brooklyn) and St. Richard Parish (North Olmsted).  After graduating from North Olmsted High School, he attended Cleveland State University and transferred to Borromeo College of Ohio where he received his B.S. in Psychology and Communications in 1979.  His graduate work was at St. Mary Seminary where he received his M.Div.  His transitional deacon experience was at St. John Vianney Parish in Mentor. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Anthony Pilla on January 12, 1985. 
Fr. Thom came to Ss. Robert and William Parish in June of 2018 having completed 11 previous assignments. These assignments include being a Parochial Vicar, a Pastor, and a hospital chaplain for over 15 years. He is also a presenter for the World Wide Marriage Encounter.
Spiritually, he especially desires to encourage the praying of the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and devotion to the “little way” of St. Therese of Lisieux.  Further, his annual retreat is always based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
His personal enjoyments include eating – chicken wings, French fries and any flavor of ice cream.  He welcomes the opportunity to view any lighthouse and collect nautical items.  Away from the parish, he can be found doing some landscaping work or redecorating a room while listening to contemporary Christian music artists. 
Fr. Thom especially is grateful to be assigned to a vibrant faith community with the opportunity (though not limited to) minister to the children of the school and those who face the struggles of sickness.  Further, he hopes that he will increasingly grow in his awareness of the area and the people since he was raised on the other side of the Cuyahoga River.