As he continues to ?meet the people where they are,? Bishop Nelson Perez celebrated Mass and visited with the faithful at two more district events, Lake/Geauga at St. Mary in Chardon on Oct. 17 and Cleveland Central East/Southeast at the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Cleveland?s Slavic Village neighborhood on Oct. 18. Large crowds filled both churches for the Masses.
In Chardon, the bishop noted that the Lake/Geauga District was singled out to him as a model for other districts to follow since the parishes are known for their spirit of community and collaboration. That collaboration was evident in a gift basket that was presented to the bishop. It contained items unique to the area, including maple syrup, for which Chardon is noted. Also included was a prayer rock made by a student at St. Mary School. A packet including a Bishop Perez prayer card and a uniquely designed prayer rock made by a St. Mary?s student was presented to each attendee at the Mass.
The Mass was concelebrated by more than 20 priests representing the parishes throughout the district.
Bishop Perez based his homily on a question he said he is frequently asked: ?What is your plan for the diocese?? His response was, ?What is your plan for me?? He discussed what he believes is the Church?s plan, ?to be joyful, grateful, engaged and the person taking the first step.?
He encouraged the faithful to read Pope Francis? ?The Joy of the Gospel? and referenced one section that talks about taking the first step. The bishop also encouraged those in attendance to be like the father in the story of the prodigal son. He said when the father saw his long-lost son, he took the first step and went to him.
Statistics show that seven out of 10 Catholics no longer go to Mass, so Bishop Perez asked the congregation to make it their mission to try and bring one person back to pray with them. In other words, ?get out of your comfort zone,? he said. ?Imagine if the apostles had stayed in the Upper Room after Jesus died and did not get out and evangelize. Where would we be? Tonight we?d be home watching the Cavs? home opener,? he said, referencing the basketball game taking place at the same time as the Mass and the reception that followed.
The following night, at St. Stanislaus, Father Erich Orzech, pastor, welcomed the bishop to his parish and the district Mass. Parish representatives presented him with traditional Polish welcome gifts of bread and salt.
Bishop Perez said he considered it a great honor to celebrate Mass in the church where Pope St. John Paul II said Mass in 1969 when he was a cardinal. There is a reliquary in the church that holds a relic of the saint. The bishop also said he was using a ciborium at the Mass that was used by Pope St. John Paul II at St. Stanislaus.
He noted that it was the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist who ?had an encounter with the risen Christ and he was never the same.?
