We’re all in this together is a phrase that’s commonly used during the ongoing coronavirus health crisis. And it’s true. Many people are finding creative ways to stay in touch and share their faith as the coronavirus situation continues to impact our daily lives.
Although some restrictions are easing, the suspension of Masses/liturgies will continue until May 29. So, in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, parishes, priests, deacons, religious sisters, schools, health professionals, individuals, Catholic Charities and other entities have stepped up their games as they press on with their work to help others during these difficult days.
Last week, we shared what some are doing to stay connected while we’re apart. Below is a look at more creative ways people are coping with the unusual situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll continue sharing stories in the coming weeks, so feel free to submit suggestions.
Learning to Zoom – priests of the diocese
Before March, many people likely weren’t aware of Zoom, a cloud-based platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, webinars and more. But in recent weeks, it’s become a common way for people to connect while remaining socially distant.
It’s used for informal gatherings, distance learning, meetings and in the Diocese of Cleveland, as a platform for priests to connect.
According to Father Tom Dragga, pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Solon and director of continuing education and formation of ministers – a second role he began in December 2019, Zoom has been a valuable tool to stay connected with the clergy since the pandemic began impacting Church, parish and diocesan operations here in March.
“Father Dan Schlegel (vicar for clergy and religious) and I used it to reach out to all priests,” Father Dragga said. First they contacted the newer priests – those ordained within the last five years – and gradually expanded the network throughout the presbyterate.
“We were especially concerned about the newly ordained (2019 class) since they had never celebrated Holy Week as priests. We wanted to know how they were doing, what they’re doing to stay healthy, how they’re feeling and more,” Father Dragga said. The chats proved helpful he noted, as priests opened up and shared experiences with their peers. So far, there have been about a dozen Zoom meetings and more are expected. Participants range from first-year priests to senior, retired priests.
Sessions have six to about 20 participants to allow time for each to speak. Father Dragga said priests are invited – as their schedules permit – to attend sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“The meetings have evolved into discussions of sacraments and we just began a best practices discussion this week he said, adding the sessions will periodically examine a topic and share ideas. Some of the sessions may be recorded so those unable to participate can see it.
“It’s an efficient way to meet,” Father Dragga said, noting it cuts down on travel time, and it could prove useful for some future ongoing formation programs. But it’s not a replacement for in-person meetings.
“We still have to have some face-to-face contact,” he added.
Unique retirement celebration – Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Lorain
When Deacon Robert (Bob) Dybo retired on April 19 after more than two decades of service to Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Lorain, parishioners were planning to mark the occasion with a memorable weekend sendoff of liturgy and celebration – until the coronavirus health crisis intervened.
The beloved deacon still retired and the parish still celebrated – just a little differently than planned.
In order to remember his special day, some parishioners drove by Deacon Dybo’s house to let him know that they love him and are thinking of him until the parish family can gather to give him and his wife, Linda, the send-off they say the couple deserves after more than 25 years of faithful ministry.
Also, in the first live broadcast from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Deacon Dybo officiated at his last liturgy: the parish’s annual Divine Mercy Holy Hour.
Parishioners said they are looking forward to celebrating and thanking the deacon and his wife.
Unusual transportation for unusual times – St. Patrick (Bridge) and St. Malachi parishes
There undoubtedly were some puzzled looks as people saw the Euclid Beach rocket car traveling through the streets of Cleveland’s Near West Side recently.
Enjoying the ride and bringing Easter joy to the neighborhood and his parishioners was Father Michael Gurnick, pastor of St. Patrick Parish (Bridge Avenue) in Cleveland and administrator of St. Malachi Parish in Cleveland. Dressed in an alb, stole and beretta, he beamed as waved to those he spotted while driving around Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
Father Gurnick said St. Patrick Church, 3602 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, is open limited hours for Eucharistic Adoration – with certain safety precautions including facial masks, social distancing and no more than 10 people in the church at any time. Volunteers ensure that the church is sanitized and health protocols are followed.
In addition, a tabernacle is visible from the second floor of the rectory facing Bridge and Father said – as weather permits – the faithful are invited “to bring a lawn chair and sit in the front yard or simply pull your car up and spend some time in our Eucharistic Lord’s presence. “
Sewing for a cause – Diaconate community and Marie Kushner, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish (Collinwood)
The need for personal protective equipment is ongoing as the coronavirus health crisis continues. Some people are joining the effort to produce face masks for themselves, friends, family and first responders.
Among those is Marie Kushner, a retired certified public accountant, former tax manager at a major Cleveland corporation and a parishioner at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood. Kushner, the wife of Deacon Dave Kushner, director of the permanent diaconate program for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, started sewing at age 12 or 13 and is an experienced seamstress. She said she got the idea to sew face masks from her son and his girlfriend, both of whom are dentists.
After some research, Kushner learned that University Hospitals needed 100,000 masks in a two-week time frame. UH worked with a local sewing shop (Pins & Needles) that developed a pattern and created the Million Mask Challenge on Facebook, a global sew-a-thon to support health care workers and those in need. Kushner participated in that initiative.
So far, she has made 400 masks. Kushner donated batches of about 100 masks each to UH, St. Augustine Health Ministries and Hospice of the Western Reserve. Smaller amounts were donated to the Bishop William Cosgrove Center and St. Mary (Collinwood) Mobile Food Pantry, which operates in conjunction with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Some masks also were given to Cleveland police officers.
Also from the diaconate community, Kushner said Betty Kraynik (Deacon Phillip Kraynik, St. Patrick Parish, Thompson), Elaine Govern (Deacon David Govern, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Macedonia), Liz Yoho (Deacon Will Yoho, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cuyahoga Falls), Aven Malec (Deacon George Malec, St. Cyprian Parish, Perry) and Raquel Nelson (John Nelson, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Mentor, who is a candidate for ordination this year) are also involved in making masks, as is Scott Cerrito, a diaconal candidate.
Kushner now is focusing on requested masks for her family, friends and immune-compromised people. Kushner recommends that anyone interested in sewing face masks visit the Million Mask Facebook page.
#CHOOSEHOPE inspirational messages – Cleveland Central Catholic High School
Over the past few weeks, Cleveland Central Catholic High School has been sharing inspirational messages from students, faculty and staff about why they #CHOOSEHOPE. One recent reflection was from CCC alumna and teacher Luz Dominguez who shared her thoughts about completing her college degree but learning that her graduation ceremony was canceled, something that relates to the CCC senior class. However, Dominguez said she decided to focus on hope because she is healthy and able to help her family.
Share your story
Is your parish, school or organization doing something unusual to help others during this health crisis? Send the details, a photo and your contact information by email to ckovach@dioceseofcleveland.org for consideration in a future story