Bishop Edward Malesic’s Sept. 17 visit to Elyria Catholic High School was significant for him since because of the pandemic, it was the first time he visited a diocesan school since his installation one year ago.
It also was significant for the 459-student co-ed school, since it was Founder’s Day. Nineteen students began classes on Sept. 17, 1948 under the care of Msgr. William Newton. The Sisters of Notre Dame staffed the school.
Over the years, the school has grown significantly, expanding its building, adding technology to ensure students were prepared for the challenges of college and the world. It was the first Lorain County high school to be recognized as a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
The bishop thanked Annie Heidersbach, school president, and Suzanne Lester, principal for the invitation to celebrate Mass and visit the school. He mentioned it also was homecoming weekend, noting he wasn’t on the homecoming court at his high school in Pennsylvania, but he was the “sweetheart king” at his junior high school.
“Don’t ask me how,” he quipped. “I have no idea – but the sweetheart queen asked me to be her escort. Oh, to be young again.” He recalled his first dance with the sweetheart queen that night was to “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. “Perhaps that was God’s first sign that I would be called to a different life than most of my classmates,” he said.
He also noted that walking through the large, inflatable cougar as he entered the school building brought back memories since his high school’s mascot also was a cougar.
“In any case, you are bringing back good memories for me – at least of my youth.”
He asked the students to think about the beginnings of the school, wondering aloud why Msgr. Newton founded Elyria Catholic, why the Sisters of Notre Dame agreed to staff it, why parents sent their children here and why parents still send their children there.
“They wanted a Catholic environment in which their children could not only learn about science, math, English and the arts, but also a place where they – and you – could advance in age and wisdom and grace,” he said, stressing the importance of the Catholic school.
He told the students he hopes they come to know Jesus and encouraged them to open their hearts to him.
“You are young and your lives are still pliable enough to be formed and shaped. We pray that your journey will be long and successful on this earth. We are giving you every skill you will need to be happy. But there is a long term goal and that is eternal life,” he added.
He reminded them about the basic teaching of the Catholic Church: “That God so loved the world that he sent his only son so that everyone who believes in him may have life. He came not to condemn us, but to save us. And we find his love for us on the cross – not holding back – even dying for us. But then what always amazes me is not that he rose again from the dead, but that he came back for us.”
Bishop Malesic said we believe Jesus comes back to us in the Eucharist as bread becomes his flesh and wine becomes his blood. “He is with us today,” he added. “He is my strength during my difficult days.”
The bishop recalled his first year of college, which he described as difficult. “I was a bit depressed. A bit confused. Perhaps even a bit lost. And someone gave me a copy of the Gospels.” He said he read each one and “began to know that Jesus loved me, that he was real, that he was alive and that he was with me. And that has made all the difference for me. Jesus wants to be with you – always he knocks at the door. Open your heart to him.”
Elyria Catholic High School. Is the school of Christ, Bishop Malesic said, explaining that’s why Msgr. Newton founded the school, the sisters agreed to teach there and parents continue to send their children.
Referring to the day’s readings, he said St. Paul urged Timothy to stay true to the teachings of the Church and not to distort the Gospel. “I’ll say it to you, too. Stay close to the Church and the teachings of the Church,” he said, noting that St. Paul reminds us that there is more to life than earning money. The bishop said he hopes all the students will get good jobs, but the love of money is the root of all evils.
“Don’t love money more than you love one another and more than you love God. If you make a good living, make sure you are generous with God’s gifts to you. Everything we have comes to us as a blessing from God to be used in service to others,” he said. “And let us not forget to thank those who have used their gifts for us,” he added.
“Thanks to all who are giving today to keep the mission of this Catholic school on Founder’s Day. Keep the mission of Msgr. Newton and those first sending parents alive. We can do that; we should do that,” he said. “Then learn from the people who have given to you and your school. Learn to be good stewards of your many gifts and talents. And know this: I am blessed because of all of you. You lift me up and give me joy. You are a source of hope for me and for many.”
Bishop Malesic told the students that they – the young Church – have much to offer. But the question is, what will we give out of the gifts that God has given to us? What will we share of ourselves?
“That is also why this school exists. Not only to help you find Jesus – which is all important – but to form you into people who will help the poor, take car3e of the suffering, be salt to add flavor to our everyday lives and to light up the darkness of our world with the spirit that is glowing inside each of you, just waiting to shine in the world.”
After Mass, Heidersbach thanked the bishop for his presence and congratulated the students.
“Yesterday the students showed their school spirit and today they showed their spiritual spirit. I am so proud of you,” she said.
The bishop received a gift bag including an Elyria Catholic T-shirt, jacket and ball cap, which he tried on, to the delight of the students.
“Thank you,” he said. “It is fun to be here. This is a special place. I hope you will grow up to be mature men and women of faith who will help make this world a better place.”
Bishop Malesic took a tour of the school, visiting a maker lab, center of excellence, a class about investing in the stock market and chatting with students. He also enjoyed lunch with Heidersbach, Lester and several students.
Click here for more information about Elyria Catholic High School.