Members of Holy Name Societies from parishes across the eight-county Catholic Diocese of Cleveland gathered recently for the 66th annual Bishop’s Banquet.
The celebration, which included an address by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and presentation of service awards, was hosted by the Lake-Geauga Deanery at St. Noel Parish in Willoughby Hills.
Robert Miller, treasurer of the Diocesan Union of Holy Name Societies, served as master of ceremonies. He recalled the group gathering 34 years ago at St. Noel, not long after the parish hall was dedicated, and mentioned two significant things that occurred after the dinner.
“Father (Thomas) Haren entered the dinner as Southwest Deanery spiritual director and a few weeks later, he became the diocesan spiritual director,” Miller said, noting Father Haren, pastor of St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights, is entering his 35th year in that position.
Archbishop James Lyke, then a diocesan auxiliary bishop, was the speaker 34 years ago and he named archbishop of Atlanta soon after the dinner.
“So, what does God have in store for ((Auxiliary) Bishop (Michael) Woost?” Miller mused. Bishop Woost was the evening’s keynote speaker.
The bishop shared the story of learning about his new position. He said it was a shock and his life has been a whirlwind since his Aug. 4 ordination.
“I’m experiencing a variety of firsts,” Bishop Woost told the group, noting he recently installed a new pastor and attended the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for the first time as a bishop.
“It’s a great grace to be part of this diocese of ours,” he said, offering his appreciation for the Holy Name Society and the good work done by members. The Holy Name Society is dedicated to reverencing the holy name of God and Jesus, which includes suppressing blasphemy, perjury and profanity and encouraging others to follow suit.
“One of the strengths of the Holy Name Society is to witness the strengths of spiritual life, dedication to prayer and praying for the good of the Church and the spiritual life of the parish,” Bishop Woost told the group.
He said while installing Father Leo DeChant as pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish in Middleburg Heights recently, “I was blown away by the involvement of the Holy Name Society.” The group served at Mass and organized and served the meal afterward. “That just shows how involved the Holy Name Society is in the parish. It’s a great witness,” he added.
At St. Mark Parish in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood – where he has been helping with weekend Masses – the bishop noted they remembered deceased Holy Name members at that morning’s Mass. A plaque was dedicated on the parish grounds in memory of a recently deceased member. “His widow found great consolation in the Holy Name Society,” he added.
“You are a witness to the significance of the faith,” the bishop told the group. “Please know that you are in my prayers and I ask for yours. I’m still new at this bishop thing,” Bishop Woost quipped, repeating his request for prayers.
Jerry Bacher, Southwest Deanery president and a diocesan union board member, pinch-hit for Jim Joyce, diocesan union president, who was ill. Bacher read remarks supplied by Joyce. One of Joyce’s requests was that the deaneries be more active in order to reinvigorate the diocesan organization.
Father Haren, who will be retiring in January, announced that Bishop Edward Malesic will allow him to continue as diocesan spiritual director.
“We live in a troubled world but the answer is right in front of us: Jesus Christ,” he said. “There I nothing we are going through that he didn’t experience or doesn’t know the answer to. Trust in your prayers. Jesus knows them, honors them and will answer them. Stay close to Jesus Christ and you will find the answers,” he added.
Several Holy Name members from across the diocese were recognized with awards for their service and dedication to the society’s mission.
For more information on the Holy Name Society, contact your parish or pastor.