Members of the Cleveland Diocesan Union of Holy Name Societies had two reasons to celebrate at the 65th annual Bishop’s Banquet on Oct. 31. First, they welcomed Bishop Edward Malesic to the event for the first time since it was canceled last year because of the pandemic. Second, the group paid tribute to Father Tom Haren, pastor of St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights, who has been their spiritual moderator for 33 years. About 150 attended the event.
The banquet, which rotates among deaneries in the diocese, was hosted by the Southwest Deanery at St. Albert the Great Parish in North Royalton in its newly dedicated Parish Life Center. Bishop Malesic blessed the new facility in August.
In addition to awards presentations, there were presentations by the bishop, Father Haren, a welcome by Father Ed Estok, St. Albert the Great pastor, and remarks by Jim Joyce, diocesan Holy Name president, and Jerry Bacher, diocesan past president. David Deschler served as master of ceremonies once again and Deacon Joseph Litke, Southwest Deanery spiritual advisor, offered prayer before the meal.
Bishop Malesic told attendees that God was preparing him to be the bishop of Cleveland throughout his life – whether he realized it at the time or not. As a young boy, he had a paper route that provided him with valuable experience for his future ministry. In addition to delivering papers throughout the week, he collected from his customers.
“Sometimes people would invite me in. Some wanted to visit,” he said, explaining it was more than just a business transaction to collect the money due for the papers. “It was a human transaction. I learned to talk to people.” It also taught him the value of work and developed a work ethic, he said.
The bishop told the group he planned to study biology in college and to work as a medical technologist. However, God had other plans. In fact, early in his college days, he received a gift of a Bible, which helped him realize he had a call to the priesthood. After three years in college, he entered the seminary.
“I was always a Catholic, but not a committed Catholic,” he said. But that changed once he discovered his vocation and allowed the Holy Spirit to guide him.
After completing his education and formation, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he later ministered as a parish priest, campus minister and pastor. The bishop asked him to study canon law, which he was reticent to do because he enjoyed parish and campus ministry. However, it turned out to be a blessing, he said. After completing his canon law studies, he served as a pastor and worked in the diocesan tribunal. During these years, he said he learned how to accompany people and how to develop a trust with them.
One day, he received a phone call from the papal nuncio telling him the pope wanted him to become bishop of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Although he enjoyed his ministries in Harrisburg, he accepted the request. It was a difficult time for him personally, he explained, since he was not permitted to share the news until it was announced officially by the Vatican.
“But once it was announced, I felt a great relief,” he said, explaining that he was lifted and supported by the prayers of many.
After five years as Greensburg bishop, during which he dealt with some difficult situations, including the Pennsylvania Grand Jury investigation into the clergy abuse scandal, he received a second call from the pope’s representative to the United States. This time, he was informed the pope appointed him bishop of Cleveland, which is five times larger than Greensburg. “I knew there would be five times the challenges, but there also are five times the blessings,” he said.
“I’m here because God loves me and has a purpose for me,” he told the group, adding he loves Cleveland and feels very welcome. “I am a Catholic, a parishioner just like everyone else. I am a disciple,” he said. But he also has other roles, including that of a pastor and now a bishop in which he has responsibilities and must make decisions.
“The Holy Spirit leads me to where he wants me to be, and this is where he wants me,” the bishop said. “I am proud to be here and to be part of the great Church you built.”
The group paid tribute to Bishop emeritus Anthony Pilla, who died in September. Bishop Malesic said he knew the late bishop from his work with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “It’s a great honor to be one of his successors,” he added.
The Holy Name Society has an important role, the bishop said. “There is power in the name of Jesus. His name is not a curse word – it is a blessing.”
He was given a stole embroidered with the Holy Name seal as an appreciation gift from the diocesan group.
Father Haren spoke briefly about “little ways” that people can express their faith publicly, including making the sign of the cross before dinner in a restaurant, wishing people Merry Christmas, decorating for Christmas, being kinder to people and spending time in quiet prayer.
“Let the world know Jesus Christ is with us. These are little things we all can do,” he added.
Bishop Malesic and Father Haren presented the following awards:
- Bronze medallion Circle Award, the highest award given to the laity for dedication and excellence in working for the honor and glory of God through the confraternity of the Holy Name – William Marshall
- John M. Kovach Award for service to the Holy Name Society – Jerry Bacher
- Distinguished Service Award – Donald Feuerstein ad Ron Ruble
- O. Robert William Spirit Award – Kenneth Hahn and Kevin Mizick
For more information about the Holy Name Society, check with your parish.