A new era is beginning at historic St. Patrick Parish on Bridge Avenue in Cleveland?s Ohio City neighborhood with the installation of Father Michael Gurnick as pastor. The parish was founded in 1853, primarily to serve Irish immigrants who settled in the area.
Several hundred people attended the Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Nelson Perez. About 20 priests concelebrated. Some were Father Gurnick?s classmates. Another, Father Michael Feldtz, is a parishioner who was ordained a priest on May 19. Father John Manning, who served as parish administrator from July 2017 when longtime pastor Father Mark DiNardo became ill to March 9, when Father Gurnick arrived, also concelebrated and was welcomed warmly by parishioners.
Father DiNardo, who served as St. Patrick?s pastor 1980-2017, was part of the parish?s fabric for decades. He died in January at age 85.
Bishop Perez told parishioners he was aware of their need for a pastor and selected Father Gurnick, introducing him officially as the new leader of the parish.
Early in his homily, the bishop approached Father Gurnick?s mother and family who were in the front pew. ?Without your gift, we wouldn?t be here tonight,? he said to Father Gurnick?s mother, adding,?Thank you.?
The bishop also reflected on the parish?s history, noting it was established by Irish immigrants -- likely with some drama.
?There?s always drama in the Church,? he said, quoting the Gospel of Matthew that says ?where to or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.?
?Drama is not new in the Church. Have you ever read the Acts of the Apostles?? the bishop quipped.
On a more serious note, he reminded the congregation that the Eucharist is the one constant in the Church. People and buildings may come and go, but the Eucharist remains.
?Father Gurnick now enters the history here,? the bishop said, with the beginning of his pastorate. ?The heart of a priest is in the parish. And Father Gurnick follows some wonderful pastors, like Father DiNardo, who was beloved here, and Father Manning who was sent here temporarily after Father DiNardo got sick. He did a great job. In fact, he did such a good job, we?ll give him a couple more parishes,? the bishop said, laughing. ?And now you have Father Gurnick.?
Bishop Perez reflected on Pope Francis? comments on a parish, noting that he said it is not an outdated institution. Rather, it is something that has changed and adapted over the years as the needs of the people changed. ?It depends on the creativity of its pastor if a parish is to prove itself capable of renewal,? the bishop said, referring to the pope?s statements. ?This presumes the parish is in constant dialogue with its people and doesn?t become an out-of-touch institution,? he added. He said some of the pope?s words, while a bit harsh, were accurate.
The presence of the Church includes worship, charitable outreach, celebration and training members to evangelize, the bishop said, quoting the pope. ?It is a community of communities where the thirsty come to drink during their journey,? he added.
In the past 50 years, Bishop Perez said the Church has been working to turn itself outward. ?It?s not just a place of arrival, but also a place of departure. The last words of Jesus on the planet were, ?Go.? He wasn?t just telling the disciples to go and teach those in downtown Jerusalem. He wanted them to be missionary disciples, to spread the news to the entire world
