Several hundred SS. Cosmas and Damian parishioners turned out for the 4 p.m. vigil Mass on Sept 29 to worship and greet Bishop Nelson Perez as he celebrated Mass at the parish for the first time. The pastoral visit coincided with the Church’s calendar celebration of the parish’s patronal saints, martyrs SS. Cosmas and Damian, twin brothers born in Arabia in the third century. They became highly skilled and well known doctors. They were also well known for not taking any money for their services.
They brought many people to believe in Jesus because of their great Christian charity.
The Mass opened with the procession lead by the Knights of Columbus who were followed by parishioners carrying bright banners representing several of the ministries and organizations helping to give vibrancy to the parish. Father Michael Stalla, pastor, concelebrated the Mass assisted by deacons Ed Chernick and Marty Dober.
Referring to the Gospel of Mark, Bishop Perez in his homily asked those in attendance, “Where are you grounded,” quizzing them about what they take stock most of in their lives. He answered his question, “I am rooted in the Mystical Body of Christ – the Church.” He said.
“Where you are rooted, where you are grounded will determine what turns you inside out. The Gospel challenges us to remove from our lives that which is not life-giving. What a gift we have every time we gather to listen to God’s Word.”
Throughout the celebration, the parish choir filled the sanctuary with beautiful sacred music. Just before the close of Mass, several children from the parish’s children’s groups presented Bishop Perez with a large “spiritual bouquet” of colorful flowers. A reception with light refreshments was held after Mass in the narthex reception area. Bishop Perez stayed to greet all those who stopped to meet him.