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Fuga Mundi: A Night of Joy, Creativity, and Calling

  • Writer: Kristin Story
    Kristin Story
  • Apr 1
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 2


The cast bows at curtain call to a standing ovation.
The cast bows at curtain call to a standing ovation.

On March 29, the Commons at St. Mary Catholic Church in Delaware was filled with chairs added one by one as more than 220 people gathered for an unforgettable evening. Youth from St. Mary and St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church in Dublin came together to perform Fuga Mundi—Latin for “Escape from the World”—a musical that was as entertaining as it was deeply meaningful.


Written by and starring parishioner Zachary Utt, Fuga Mundi tells the story of two young people navigating the challenges of discerning a religious vocation. When Zachary Utt and Michelle Freiburger discover they are both considering a call to religious life, they find support in one another, yet quickly realize that even shared discernment comes with its own struggles.


What makes this story especially powerful is that it reflects something real. Zachary, who has written multiple musicals for youth ministry over the years, is himself preparing to enter seminary this fall. His work on Fuga Mundi offers a glimpse into the heart of discernment: the questions, the tension, and ultimately, the trust in God’s call.



Zachary is a familiar face at St. Mary—not only as a creative force, but as a dedicated altar server and a leader who trains younger servers. Known for his humor and love of music parody, he brought both depth and levity to the production. That balance was evident throughout the night, especially in crowd-favorite moments like the now-famous “onion rings” song, which had the audience laughing and fully engaged.


The production was directed by Clare Galuzny, a lifelong parishioner and staff member who serves as both Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Coordinator and Sacraments Coordinator. Clare, who is also active in Delaware’s community theater and completing her studies in education at THE Ohio State University, brought experience, care, and heartfelt vision to the performance.


"The kids were so committed," says Clare. "All of them love Zachary and wanted to make his vision come to life. They gave it their all and jumped in and made my job easy. It was amazing."



The energy in the room was unmistakable. From enthusiastic applause to the expressive performances of Zachary and leading actress Angelina Galuzny, it was clear how much time and dedication had gone into the production. Just as clear was the support of the community. Families, parishioners, and especially young people showed up in full force.



Adding to the festive atmosphere, the School Parish Organization (SPO) provided popcorn and snacks, creating a welcoming, celebratory environment. Their support highlighted what makes events like this so special: the entire parish coming together to uplift its young people.


More than just a performance, Fuga Mundi was a reflection of something deeper. It was a celebration of vocation...not only to the priesthood or religious life, but to the universal call each person receives to seek and follow God’s will. It was also a powerful example of collaboration, bringing together youth from two parishes in a shared mission of faith, creativity, and community.


In a world that often pulls attention in countless directions, this night was a reminder of what happens when young people are encouraged to listen for God’s voice and are supported by a community willing to walk with them.

 
 
 

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ABOUT ST. MARY
ADDRESS

Under the patronage of Our Blessed Mother, and rooted in the Roman Catholic faith since 1835, St. Mary Delaware is a vital and vibrant community that engages the living God in worship and prayer, and in Word and Sacrament. Led by the Holy Spirit, and imploring the intercession of St. Mary, we desire to imitate her role of being the Christ bearer, and bear witness to her Son’s redeeming love that has been poured upon us in Baptism, and sustained by the practices and teachings of the Church.

740.363.4641 (p)

740.363.9915 (f)

 

82 E. William Street

Delaware, Ohio 43015

stmary@delawarestmary.org

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