“Gathered, Blessed, Broken, Shared,” the theme of the 2022 Bishop’s Convocation, is drawn from the logo created for the convergence of three major events the Diocese of Cleveland is participating in: the Synod on Synodality, the National Eucharistic Revival and the 175th anniversary of the diocese.
Educators, ministers and pastoral leaders from across the eight-county diocese gathered for the annual convocation on Aug. 12 at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls. Karl Ertle, Walsh Jesuit president, welcomed the group, as did Frank O’Linn, diocesan secretary of education and superintendent of schools, and Greg Coogan, secretary for catechetical formation.
Keynote speaker was Father Paul Turner, pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri. He also is director of the Office of Divine Worship in the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph, Missouri. Father Turner has a doctorate in sacred theology and has served as pastor of diverse parishes, making him familiar with the challenges of doing sacramental catechesis and formation. He also ministered in a state prison, served a Hispanic and multi-ethnic community and assisted the homeless.
(See photo gallery above.)
In his talk, Father Turner focused on the Eucharist as the National Eucharistic Revival ramps up. He used the “Gathered, Blessed, Broken, Shared” logo and theme as a launch point for his presentation. Father Turner broke down the talk into sections so the group could get a deeper understanding. He also offered practical ways to implement the theme.
For example, he described adoration as “like entering the room of an intimate friend or mentor to whom you give your full attention.” He said adoration is not like turning on a light switch or using it as a background. He said the silence helps us focus on the Eucharist.
Father Turner also outlined what is needed to properly have adoration, including candles and incense. “Eucharist adoration helps us appreciate the Communion we share,” he said, referring to receiving the Eucharist at Mass.
Regarding reception of Communion, Father Turner said it is “most desirable that the faithful and priest receive hosts consecrated at the same Mass.” A proper Eucharistic revival will help people better understand the path of the Mass, he said, adding the revival “might stir people not eligible to receive Communion to resolve that situation.”
Frequent – even daily – reception of Communion is desirable, he said. Father Turner also encouraged attendees to pass on these tips for a more full Mass experience:
- Prepare for Mass.
- Come to Mass early to help clear your mind.
- Make proper reverences (genuflect toward the tabernacle, bow to the altar, etc.).
- Sit up front.
- Sing and respond.
- Pray.
- Listen to the readings, which are God himself speaking to us.
- Join in the universal prayer.
- Contribute to the collection.
- Offer yourself as the gifts are brought forward.
- Give thanks. Eucharist means thanksgiving, he explained.
- Adore when the host and chalice are elevated at the consecration. “The priest isn’t showing them to God – he’s showing them to you.”
- Receive Communion.
- Stay for the end.
Father Turner said a fifth thing – Sent – should be added to the four tenets of the conference – Gathered, Blessed, Broken, Shared, since that is what we are commissioned to do at the end of Mass. “We do these things together. We are a community of people going forth.”
After the keynote, breakout sessions were conducted for elementary school leaders, high school leaders, Newman campus ministers, youth ministers and high school campus ministers as well as parish catechetical ministers.
Tracey Arnone, assistant superintendent of schools, addressed the elementary school leaders sharing her thoughts about adoration. Her parish – Sacred Heart, Wadsworth – built an adoration chapel 27 years ago and asked people to sign up for an hour of adoration.
“I had 2-year-old twins who weren’t sleeping through the night,” she said, so she signed up for a 6 a.m. adoration time. “I still go weekly,” she said, sharing how important that hour has become to her. When colleagues call or people share their difficulties, she said she always prays for them during her adoration hour.
“The prayers are not always answered in the way I want them to be, but I know they have been heard,” she said. “I love praying before the Blessed Sacrament.”
Members of The Culture Project shared an overview of their ministry, which is to restore culture through the experience of virtue. The missionaries will be returning to the diocese this fall and can be scheduled to appear at parishes, schools or before organizations to share one of their presentations. The missionaries are hosted by Assumption Parish in Broadview Heights, but minister throughout the diocese at no charge to parishes or schools. For more information, call 800-315-88684, Ext. 2 or email schedule@thecultureproject.org.
Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated Mass for the group with Father Tom Acker, SJ, Father John Blasek, CSC, Father Ray Guiao, SJ, Father Jay McPhillips, Father Don Petkash, SJ, Father Ken Styles, SJ, and Father Turner as concelebrants. Deacon Bob Grgic, catechetical leader at St. Gabriel Parish in Concord Township assisted and music leader was Cameron Cabot, Walsh Jesuit music director.
Bishop Malesic told the gathering that as leaders of faith formation and education they are “like grains of wheat being prepped to become bread.” He said they are important in the formation of minds and the spirit.
“If we don’t believe this is the real body, blood and presence of Jesus, there is no need for us to gather here. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life,” he added.
“We are leaders in diverse areas of ministry but we are devoted to a noble cause. We love God and serve the neighbor as we’re called to do,” the bishop said.
Recalling the words of the late Bishop Anthony Pilla, he said, “You are all good people.” The bishop also cautioned them, “Don’t let the obstacles of life prevent you from doing your ministry.” He also encouraged them to take time to recharge so they don’t burn out, which is a byproduct of ministry done right. In addition, he reminded them to be humble and to accept/seek help. “Our work is not just yours or mine. I hope you are strengthened by the young people you serve,” he said. “Go into your vocation fully charged.”
After Mass, the group convened to The Commons where they enjoyed lunch, conversation and a chance to share ideas.