Last week I had the privilege of speaking about the Community Report of the Diocese of Cleveland at the magnificent Museum of Divine Statues, a beautiful and dignified use of the former St. Hedwig Parish, Lakewood filled with religious art from closed parishes throughout our Diocese.
The Museum is a wonderful example of the good that has come from the emotionally difficult but important reconfiguration of our parishes for the sake of strengthening Catholic life. Despite the sadness we felt during the closures and mergers of 54 of our parishes in the Cleveland Diocese, the good news is that the remaining parishes are growing spiritually and pastorally and that Catholics in our diocese continue to have a positive impact on our neighborhoods and region.
The recent report to the Faithful is of special significance for all of us because it shows the tremendous work being done in our parishes and in our diocese. It also points to a commitment to continue to move forward nourishing people's lives spiritually, religiously, socially and addressing the needs of those who struggle and can use a helping hand.
This vibrancy has been shown in our commitment as a diocese and as people of God to continue to strengthen our parishes and to have a strong Catholic presence in our communities; to continue to take seriously our responsibility to be good neighbors; and to be careful stewards of the money that has been generated not only through the consolidation process but from our Rooted in Faith