Bishop Edward Malesic helped the St. Justin Martyr Parish community in Eastlake mark its 60th anniversary by celebrating Mass and mingling with parishioners at a reception afterward. The parish was established on June 14, 1962.
The pastor, Father Kevin Liebhardt, noted the celebration was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the parish was still happy to mark its anniversary – finally – and to welcome the bishop.
“You were called and you are making an important witness to the Catholic faith here on Stevens Boulevard. You are making a difference in the lives of people in Eastlake. We invite others to come and see what we have,” the bishop told parishioners. “This is a joyful, welcoming community in celebration of the Eucharist.”
(See photo gallery above.)
He asked if any founding parishioners were in the congregation and acknowledged them as “seeds of the parish. Thank you for laying the foundation of faith here and for the future in Eastlake.” The bishop also credited the parish staff for its efforts over the past six decades, noting, “A parish doesn’t run itself. It takes dedicated people.”
Bishop Malesic also reminded the faithful that a parish has three principal purposes: to worship God, to evangelize buy sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others and to serve others by following Jesus’ command to care for our neighbors in need. “God and I will be most grateful if you do these three things,” he added.
Since the celebration took place during Advent, the bishop referred to the great message of John the Baptist, who is placed at center stage by the Church on the second Sunday of Advent. He reminds us of the one who is to come by pointing the way, the bishop said. One reading from Isaiah said the mountains should be leveled, the valleys filled and the highways straightened to make a way for the Lord.
Using the Pennsylvania Turnpike as a comparison, the bishop explained it seems to be under construction constantly. Although the work can be painstakingly slow and cause inconveniences for drivers, he said it’s necessary.
“We also must prepare our hearts as the highway for God to come to us, to make it easier for us to get to him and for him to get to us. He’s the engineer; he does the heavy lifting. Just look at the crucifix. He paid with his life,” the bishop said. He also noted that Jesus gave us the sacrament of confession as a gift to help prepare the way for us to reach him.
He encouraged the faithful to follow the advice of St. Augustine who said we should pray as though everything depends on God and to work as if everything depends on us.
“Let’s help God build that highway by straightening the paths and taking down the mountains,” he added.
The bishop also reminded the congregation to be more thankful. “I am thankful for you,” he added. He said his greatest fear is having a shortage of people in the pews.
“We’re together on a journey and our salvation is attainable.” He added.
Click here to learn more about St. Justin Martyr Parish.