Members of the Faithful Apostles of Christ, a group of people who have donated 12 or more consecutive years to the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal, were invited to attend a recent Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. The group is coordinated by the Catholic Community Foundation, the fundraising organization for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.
The liturgy was at noon Sept. 28 and was livestreamed.
As he welcomed the group to Mass, the bishop noted their devotion and generosity to Catholic Charities.
“The mission of Catholic Charities is to take care of those in need every day. Like Lazarus, we see them everywhere. Some are visible, some invisible. But as the Church, we must do God’s will,” the bishop said.
He explained it is our responsibility to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, give alms to the poor, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit prisoners and bury the dead – the corporal work of mercy which align with the mission of Catholic Charities.
“Almost 400,000 people are helped by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland each year,” he said, adding it is one of the world’s largest social service agencies.
The Faithful Apostles were invited to submit prayer intentions that would be remembered at the Mass.
“Never underestimate the power of prayer,” the bishop said. “We pray because we are believers and followers of Jesus Christ. Never stop praying.”
He told the congregation it’s not easy to be a disciple. Reflecting on the Gospel, he said some wanted to follow Jesus but they wanted to take care of matters at home first. Whereas Jesus invited them to drop everything and follow him. “He said ‘now or never,’” the bishop said, using St. Augustine as a comparison. He had been known for leading a wild lifestyle and asked God for chastity – but not yet.
“We want to enter into discipleship on our own terms, but Jesus wants all of us. He wants us to follow him without reservation,” Bishop Malesic said.
He thanked the Faithful Apostles for their generosity, noting that they share their blessings with others, as Jesus commanded.
Patrick Grace, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation, said inviting the Faithful Apostles to a Mass celebrated by the bishop was a way to thank them.
“It is time we do something for you, in the best way we know how: by joining together to celebrate the Eucharist and pray for strength and unity throughout Cleveland’s Catholic Charities for years to come,” Grace said.
After Mass, the Faithful Apostles were invited to meet the bishop and take photos with him.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. Learn more about Catholic Charities here.
The Humble Heart-Gentle Soul Foundation created a $110,000 matching gift opportunity that allows donors to the annual appeal to double their contribution. All gifts will be matched – dollar for dollar – up to $110,000 through Nov. 30. Click here for more information on the 2022 annual appeal. Double your impact with a matching gift donation by clicking here.