Family, friends and parishioners of St. Michael Parish in Independence filled the church May 5 for the noon Mass at which Father Matt Jordan was installed as the parish’s 12th pastor by Bishop Edward Malesic.
About a dozen priests concelebrated the liturgy, including Father Jeremy Merzweiler, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Akron, Father Jordan’s home parish, and Father Steve Brunovsky, pastor of St. Hilary Parish in Fairlawn, Father Jordan’s first assignment after his 2017 ordination.
“This was the hardest year and a half of my life, but I loved every minute of it,” Father Jordan said in his homily.
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After serving as administrator of St. Michael’s for about 18 months, Father Jordan was appointed pastor.
He said during an eight-day silent retreat filled with prayer and meditation, he realized the Lord had placed a desire in him and with God’s help, he would live his life as Jesus lived his. “I will labor with you to bring God’s way. This prayer has been in my heart ever since the retreat.”
Father Jordan said Jesus calls us his friends because we are on the mission with him. “He invites us to go on mission with him. The ways of Jesus are simple: to love. As my classmate, Father Eric Garris (diocesan vocation director) said, sometimes it really is that simple. God is love. We’re not trapped by our baptism. Jesus calls us his friends and we get to share in his mission. I am excited about what will happen here at St. Michael,” he said.
Giving first Communion to the schoolchildren was one of his greatest privileges, Father Jordan said. “The children see Jesus as a friend. I pray that we continue to see God’s mission and love in our lives.”
He noted that many of his friends were in the church and they are following on the mission “Sometimes we forget that it can lead to the cross. God is love. Remain in my love, he tells us. Sometimes, it really is that simple.”
Father Jordan said God has a plan for each of us and we must follow the mission.
“This has been the most difficult year of my life, but the greatest as I am doing the mission of Jesus,” he added.
Bishop Malesic told the congregation there is something special at St. Michael Parish. The installation Mass was the third time he has visited the parish this year. He said he is impressed with the smiling faces and the participation in the Mass and singing. “You are a very welcoming parish and that is evident.”
He told Father Jordan that while it was a difficult year for him, the same thing applies to bishops. Leaving his beloved parish to move to a new diocese after being appointed bishop was hard. Then, after settling in there, he got the call naming him bishop of Cleveland, which meant another move. “That was difficult, too,” he said, “but we have great priests in our diocese.”
The bishop reminded Father Jordan that he is a sacramental representative of Christ. “But you’re not the savior and neither am I. Jesus is. Everyone wants you to succeed so this parish will succeed.” He also asked the parish to be kind to their pastor and “don’t break him.”
Prior to the Mass, Father Jordan and the bishop signed papers making his appointment official. During the Mass, he led the congregation in a profession of faith and he pledged obedience to the bishop, also promising to follow the Church’s teachings.
Members of the parish and school staff, parish council and finance council were asked to stand and be recognized. Father Jordan also promised to follow their advice.
After Mass, everyone moved to the school gym for a reception.