About two dozen members of the Diocese of Cleveland Parents of Priests group attended Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Palm Sunday, April 10. Bishop Edward Malesic extended a special welcome to the parents’ group and expressed his appreciation for their understanding of how busy their sons will be during Holy Week. (See photo gallery above.)
After Mass, they were invited to their annual social with Bishop Edward Malesic in the rectory parlor.
The parents introduced themselves, shared their sons’ names and where they are serving. They had an opportunity to chat with the bishop and ask him questions while enjoying pastries and coffee.
“Thank you for sharing your sons with the Church,” he told the parents. “They are a treasure.”
He also asked the parents to remind their sons to take some down time so they can continue to serve the Church.
The parents asked the bishop a few questions, including how he enjoyed the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, “It is good to see people and for the bishop to be seen,” he said, adding he enjoyed the time he spent marching in the parade.
Regarding the construction project at the cathedral, the bishop said he hopes it will wrap up this summer. The pandemic caused some delays, including supply chain and labor issues, and there were additional weather-related delays. He said a new digital sign is being added to the corner of East Ninth Street and Superior Avenue. Once the outside work is done, he anticipates another phase of renovations inside the church.
One parent mentioned the major remodeling job at the diocesan seminary, noting how much better the facility is.
“The Heart of a Shepherd campaign that financed the work was a great display of generosity throughout the diocese,” the bishop said, noting about $52 million was raised with $17 million of that amount returned to parishes for their needs. The rest funded the seminary work, funding for the priests’ pension fund and assistance with college tuition loans for the newer ordained priests, some of whom have heavy financial burdens that are difficult to repay given their salaries.
“There is a great love for our priests. People want their priests and parishes to succeed,” the bishop said.
Parents of Priests gather about four times during the year for camaraderie and Mass. They also have fundraisers and make a donation to the seminary each year.