Five new lay ecclesial ministers are beginning their work in the diocese following their certification by Bishop Edward Malesic.
Marianne Brooks of St. John Bosco Parish in Parma Heights; Francine Costantini of St. Barnabas Parish in Northfield; Logan Feldkamp of St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River; Millie Preble of SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish in Twinsburg; and Kathy Wadowick of St. Patrick Parish-Bridge Avenue, Cleveland completed their formation and were certified at an Oct. 15 liturgy in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Their pastors, family and friends also participated in the Mass. The new ministers were presented to the bishop by Erin Marie Raines, administrative assistant for the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office.
(See photo gallery above.)
“We are thrilled to recognize our newly certified lay ecclesial ministers,” the bishop said. He commended them for the work they did to achieve their goal, noting the art of ministry “is as much of an art as medicine. You know the teachings of the Church, but now you must be wise in how you use and apply those teachings for the care of souls.”
The bishop said the ministers told him their journey of formation was worthwhile and that they were excited about the future, even if it still is unclear. “Isn’t that the way ministry always is? God sees around the corners that we haven’t even come to yet. We have no idea what tomorrow holds and we pray for the surprises that God has for us along the way will only be good ones.”
He thanked them for their faith in Jesus and said he and others are praying for them to succeed in their ministry. “In fact, your life as ministers who work in the name of the Church must be rooted in your relationship with Jesus. If what you do for the Church is not rooted in Jesus, your ministry will become stale. Don’t let it happen to you,” he cautioned.
The bishop said lay people who answer their baptismal call to proclaim the good news however they are called to do so by the Lord are always needed in the Church. Lay ecclesial ministers also are needed as co-workers with the bishop, their pastors and other Church leaders to further the cause of Christ,
“It is better to work together than to work apart,” he said, noting that a well-working body coordinates its functions to move forward together. In the Church, Jesus is the head “and we must listen for his spirit who moves us forward together. We move forward together as a Church with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Malesic said we are all seeking new ways for the Church to bring the truths of the Gospel to a world that is thirsting for clarity, unity and peace. He urged the newly certified ministers never to become deaf to the call of Jesus. “The salvation of souls must always be the rule that underlies your ministry,” he said.
“Jesus isn’t asking you to be successful as much as he is asking you to be faithful. Trust in Jesus to do the work that you cannot. He is the one who calls you; you are only his voice. You are only a part of his body, not all of it.”
One of the frustrating parts of ministry, according to the bishop, “is that we rarely see the end product. Rarely do we know how much we have touched another person and changed a person’s life for good.”
He told the ministers they have an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel with greater clarity and persuasion, which is needed today in this age where many people have lost their way.
“To all of you, I give you the charge: show us Jesus; teach us how to live by his teaching. And let us know that you are Christians by your love,” the bishop said
He reminded the newly certified that the Eucharistic Revival initiative is underway with the purpose of reigniting a love of Jesus, specifically in the Eucharist. He urged them to remain close to Jesus in the sacrament.
“In the Eucharist Jesus shows us that love does demand sacrifice. So does ministry. And love requires the gift of self – yourself. Ministry is a gift of self. Thank you for offering yourselves as gifts for service within the Church for the people that God will send your way.”
Click here to learn more about the lay ecclesial ministry program.