St. Patrick Parish in Thompson welcomed Bishop Nelson Perez on April 15 as he celebrated Mass at 9:30 a.m. and installed Father Daniel Redmond as pastor.
Father Redmond has served as parish administrator for the past six years. He is also pastor of St. Mary Parish in Chardon. Bishop Perez praised Father Redmond for his willingness to accept the challenges of shepherding two parishes.
The church was filled for the liturgy. Father Redmond concelebrated mass with the bishop, assisted by Deacons Robert Schwartz and Phillip Kraynik.
Bishop Perez recalled his time as a pastor in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He said pastors must learn to deal with a variety of people. He shared one story about a past parishioner who he said came at him like a rocket, in a huff about a light that was burned out directly above a statue.
?Be good to your pastor,? he told the congregation. ?Take care of your priest.?
Bishop Perez said that when a pastor comes to the parishioners and asks for something like a new roof, he?s not making the request for himself, it?s for the good of the parish.
After Mass, a luncheon was served and attendees had an opportunity to speak with the bishop. He also posed with parishioners for photos.
Father Redmond said St. Patrick Parish is experiencing a new growth with many young families joining the parish the past few years. He said this is encouraging to longtime parishioners who have seen participation at Mass dwindle for two dozen years.
In addition, the Parish Pastoral Council, which welcomed six new members last fall, is focusing on evangelization, following the ?Be My Witness? process of parish assessment and pastoral planning.
