Parishioners from Guardian Angels Parish in Copley gathered for a Mass of thanksgiving and a celebration June 3 to mark the end of the “We are Blessed” initiative.
Father Chris Weber, pastor, said the campaign was a way to encourage increased Mass attendance as the COVID-19 pandemic slowed. The parish also was celebrating its success in the Heart of a Shepherd campaign that raised funds for seminary improvements, relief for seminarians’ college debt, stabilizing the priests’ retirement fund and parish assistance.
Guardian Angels parishioners surpassed the parish goal by more than 200%, Father Weber said. Bishop Edward Malesic visited and celebrated Mass to help celebrate the occasion.
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“Stewardship in a parish is not just money. It’s passing on the faith to ensure the health and long life of a parish,” the bishop said. “A parish is a rich gift. It is a community of faith where we care for each other.”
He told those gathered for Mass that it is their duty to be good stewards of their parish, which was given to them by God. “We won’t be here forever. We’ll eventually move up to a bigger parish,” the bishop said, referring to eternal life. He commended parishioners for their hard work on the We are Blessed initiative and asked then to reflect on whether they are good stewards of their final blessing.
“We only take our souls to heaven. All else is left behind,” he said. “God loves a cheerful giver and I see proof that you understand that by the successes of your recent campaigns. You opened not only your wallets, but your hearts to God’s wish.”
The bishop gave the congregation four takeaways:
- Know we are blessed.
- All our gifts are from God.
- Be thankful.
- As God how to best use the gifts we’ve received.
Referring to the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” the bishop said Tevye and Golda finally say they love each other after 25 years of marriage. They knew it was true, but it was nice to hear it, he said, much like it is good to express thanks for the generosity shown by Guardian Angels’ parishioners.
“Thank you for what you do for this parish and for the diocese,” the bishop said.
Father Weber also thanked Bishop Malesic for his visit, telling the congregation that the bishop learned earlier in the day his 104-year-old father had died in Pennsylvania. “We are so grateful you still came to be with us,” he said, expressing condolences and offering prayers.
“We are Blessed” was a way to invite people back to the Church after COVID and to increase involvement in the parish, Father Weber explained. As for Heart of a Shepherd, he said the parish raised 210% of its goal. The excess was returned to the parish and used for an air purifier that was added to the air conditioning.
Guardian Angels, which has about 450 families, was established in 1963.