?One year ago, I moved to Cleveland,? Bishop Nelson Perez told several hundred people who gathered the evening of Aug. 28 at St. Ann Church, Communion of Saints Parish, for the opening Mass of the new school year for Communion of Saints School.
?It?s great to be in an air-conditioned church on such a hot night,? he added. The temperature when Mass started at 6:30 p.m. was flirting with 90 degrees.
?How many of you are glad to be back in school?? he asked, as a few hands popped up. ?I think it?s too early. When I was in school, we didn?t start until after the Jerry Lewis Telethon,? the bishop said, referring to the longstanding MDA Labor Day Telethon the late Jerry Lewis hosted to raise funds for muscular dystrophy.
Turning to the saint of the day, Bishop Perez told the congregation that St. Augustine, although one of the great bishops and theologians of the Church, led a wild life in his early years.
?He was a handful for his mother, St. Monica,? the bishop said, noting that she prayed for him for decades, even following him as he led a sinful life. ?I can imagine what it was like. Her family and friends would ask his mother, ?So, Monica. How?s Augustine?? And she?d say, ?Don?t ask.? A few years later, it was the same thing. But she persevered,? he said.
?And Augustine, who was a great sinner, became a great saint. Her prayer helped transform him into a powerful presence in the Church. That?s proof that prayer can move mountains,? the bishop said.
A few weeks ago, the bishop said he was giving a talk to a group and during the question and answer session a man asked him if, given everything going on in the world today, he had hope.
?I told him that yes, I do have hope. I?ve given my life to the service of a man who died and rose from the dead, so yes, I have hope.?
Bishop Perez acknowledged the students, teachers and those who will make their confirmation and First Communion this year.
?There are lots of things that will happen this year. There will be many moments of grace and moments of learning. These will put you in contact with the Lord. Don?t let anyone rob you of your gift of faith,? he said.
Bishop Perez told the students that Communion of Saints School is like every other school in the sense that students learn there. ?But learning about your faith and religion sets your school apart,? he added.
The bishop acknowledged Father John McNulty, the pastor, and parochial vicars Father Patrick Schultz and Father Matthew Cortnik. ?He was one of the first priests I ordained,? Bishop Perez said, referring to Father Matthew. I came to see if it took,? he quipped.
After Mass, Father McNulty thanked the bishop for celebrating the beginning of the school year and invited everyone to a reception in the church hall, below the church.
?Yes, the elevator is working,? he said, referring to the new elevator installed in the building.
Two students also guided the bishop around the school building showing him classrooms, the library and other learning spaces.
