“I preach from the altar where Father (David) Bline brought me to pray. And here I am 12 years later. I knew what I had to do,” Father Jeremy Merzweiler said, referring to his priestly vocation, as he delivered his homily to those gathered for Mass the evening of Jan. 24 at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Akron – on the feast day of the parish’s patron saint. The occasion was his installation by Bishop Edward Malesic as pastor of the parish, which was established in 1948.
Father Merzweiler had served as parish administrator since November 2020, when he replaced Father Bline who was assigned as spiritual director at Saint Mary Seminary in Wickliffe.
“I’m glad to get rid of the “A” word,” Father Merzweiler quipped in his homily, referring to the administrator title. He said he is happy to join the ranks of pastors who came before him – men who weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty or to do whatever was needed to build up the parish. He noted that Father Bline, one of about two dozen concelebrants, was wearing the same vestment he wore more than a decade ago when he was installed as St. Francis de Sales’ pastor.
Father Merzweiler, who was ordained in 2015, pointed out that he is the youngest pastor of the parish. His predecessors were in their mid-40s and Father Bline was 47. At age 37, Father Merzweiler is a decade younger. “I have a lot to learn,” he told the congregation, acknowledging he would be seeking their counsel and assistance.
Reflecting on the qualities of St. Francis, Father Merzweiler said it’s important to have patience with everyone, including yourself. He told the congregation he seeks gentleness and patience from them and he will offer it to them in return.
Father Merzweiler said he and Bishop Malesic met and spoke for about an hour in December. The bishop asked him what he wanted to do and his reply was, “Whatever you want.” Bishop Malesic asked him to stay and become pastor of the parish.
“There is a great peace I doing what the Lord wants you to do,” Father Merzweiler said.
He acknowledged the influence of fellow priests and mentors who helped prepare him for his new role, pointing out each has his own characteristics and ways of serving the Church. He also credited his uncle, Father David Merzweiler, a priest and pastor in the Diocese of Youngstown, with helping him discern his vocation. “He baptized me, gave me my first Communion and vested me at my ordination,” Father Merzweiler said. His uncle was among the concelebrants on Jan. 24.
“Every person in the Church has a calling to serve. We have to figure out what God desires of us so we can be who that person is,” Father Merzweiler said.
“Prayer brings about so much good and it’s happening here in your school and in this parish,” the bishop said. He told Father Merzweiler and the congregation their job is to help save souls, to bring people to Jesus.
“There are so many things a pastor must do,” he said, listing balancing the budget, overseeing the school, finishing parish projects like the new social hall and fielding complaints. “But never forget the main job is leading people to Jesus. Bring the truth of Jesus to those who need his light,” the bishop said, adding, “a pastor must take on the smell of his sheep.” He said a husband and wife should love each other more each day. “A pastor and his people should have a similar relationship. But remember,” he cautioned Father Merzweiler, “You’re not the savior.”
Bishop Malesic also invited the congregation to listen to their hearts to discern what vocation God wants for them – possibly the priesthood, religious life, single life or marriage – and to follow that path. He also encouraged the faithful to say something to a young man if they see him exhibit qualities that are needed for a priest.
“Answer the call to whatever God wants of you,” he said.
After Mass, parishioners and guests were invited to a brief reception in the school gym where they could greet the bishop and Father Merzweiler.