Forty-two catechists who serve the Hispanic community in the Diocese of Cleveland celebrated their ministry Sept. 23 during a liturgy in St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cleveland.
Bishop Edward Malesic was the celebrant and clergy from the seven Hispanic parishes in the eight-county diocese concelebrated, including Father Steve Vellenga, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Painesville; Father Joe Callahan, pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Cleveland; Father Mark Riley, pastor, St. Michael the Archangel; Father Bill Thaden, pastor, Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain and Father Francisco Garnica, pastor, Sagrada Familia Parish, Cleveland. Father Mike Stalla, coordinator for pastoral formation at Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries, who also served at the diocesan mission in El Salvador, also concelebrated.
(See photo gallery above.)
Father Stalla preached the Gospel and Father Thaden offered a catechetical reflection, encouraging the catechists to continue in their formation.
Bishop Malesic offered his gratitude to the catechists for their dedication and service to their ministry, emphasizing how important it is to the diocese.
Thirty-seven catechists received the basic diocesan certification and five received master catechist certificates.
Those in attendance posed for a group photo with the bishop and then celebrated at a social gathering after Mass.
The Hispanic community will gather again for the annual Fe y Cultura Celebracion (Faith and Culture Celebration) 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at La Sagrada Familia Parish, 7719 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. All are welcome at the free event, which includes reflection, Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and a celebration with music, food and dancing.