Over the past several weeks I have had the pleasure of celebrating Masses at three of our parishes commemorating golden anniversaries of the establishment of St. Victor Parish in Richfield, Guardian Angels Parish in Copley and Our Lady of Grace Parish in Hinckley.
Each of the celebrations was clearly well planned and was eagerly anticipated by the parishioners.
The opportunity of gathering at the parish church for the celebration of Mass was a perfect setting for the pastors and parishioners to express their gratitude to God for His countless blessings upon the past members of the parish, as well as upon the present parishioners who are carrying on the legacy of the life of the Faith Community.
At each celebration, parishioners of the parish who have been members from the very beginning were recognized for their role laying the foundation for what is now three parishes carrying on the worship and faith formation and the outreach which were central in the forming of the parishes in their beginning. In the recognition of the founders of the parish they were invited to stand, and in each case they received the gratitude of the people by their applause.
The gatherings understandably focused on the past challenges which were met by the leadership of the pastors working together with the faithful, and the parishes moved on and continue to flourish with God?s grace and blessings.
In the course of the celebration both at Mass and at receptions following the Masses, there was ample time to talk and speak about the future. It was clear from my conversations with the people that they appreciated what the founders had achieved and many voiced a commitment to respond by addressing the needs of our own times for the enhancement of bringing God?s teachings to bear on the present moment.
The energy and dedication I experienced at each of the parish celebrations were very encouraging especially as we look to the future realizing we have much to do if indeed we are concerned to build God?s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
May all of our parishes reflect both a spirit of gratitude for what God and the Faithful before us have done, and a dedication to respond so that those who come after us will receive a legacy of generosity and love for all peoples because we have been fully engaged.
(The above column by the Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland originally appeared in the Friday, June 19, 2015 issue of the Catholic Universe Bulletin, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Cleveland.)
