“I used to say that before I retired, I’d like to be the pastor of St. Raphael Parish,” said Father Dan Schlegel. “And it’s come to fruition.”
After ministering in various other positions throughout the eight-county diocese, including as pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Bainbridge and as diocesan secretary and vicar for clergy and religious, Father Schlegel is back “home” at St. Raphael, leading his family parish in Bay Village.
(See photo gallery above.)
St. Raphael said goodbye last year to its longtime pastor, Father Tim Gareau, as he moved to a new position as pastor at St. Colette Parish in Brunswick. While it was bittersweet for parishioners, they welcomed the news of Father Schlegel’s appointment as their new pastor.
“Change can be hard, but it is a gift of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Edward Malesic noted during his remarks at the installation Mass.
The church was filled with parishioners from St. Raphael, Holy Angels and others who came to support Father Schlegel as the bishop installed him in his new role on June 7, the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Many fellow priests concelebrated the liturgy.
“The solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus seems like a perfect day for my installation,” Father Schlegel said. “It’s all about heart.”
A graduate of Saint Ignatius High School, the all-boys Jesuit high school in Cleveland, Father Schlegel explained that the feast of the Sacred Heart was celebrated in Jesuit communities. St, Raphael School, which he also attended, was instrumental in his formation, Father Schlegel added. He recalled being told that he “was the kindest person in the class,” which he said was instilled in him at St. Raphael School.
“St. Raphael is so much more than a parish. It’s a place of love. That’s why I wanted to come back. I have a deep desire to give back, to pour out my heart, my energy, my thanksgiving for all I’ve received from this parish,” he said. “Love has the power to transform our lives and our world.”
Bishop Malesic called St. Raphael Parish “a family of faith” as he encouraged the faithful not to let the walls of the church become so solid that the word of God doesn’t get out. “We come to this place where God lives to get food for the journey and to take it outside. Take what you receive here and use it as a blessing out there,” he said, gesturing to the outside.
The bishop also thanked Father Schlegel and the other priests for saying “yes” to their vocation and ministry.
“You’re good people,” he told St. Raphael parishioners. “Work with him (Father Schlegel) and be as understanding of his mistakes as he is of yours in the confessional.”
The bishop recalled an old saying that a prophet is welcome everywhere but in his own house.
“Father Dan, you’re back where you started and they seem happy to have you,” Bishop Malesic said, as the congregation applauded. He asked the parish community to work with Father Schlegel adding, “This parish is a blessing to me.”
After Mass, the bishop greeted parishioners and all enjoyed an ice cream social with music. Table decorations were provided by various parish ministries.
St. Raphael Parish was established in 1946 with 165 families. It has grown to about 3,700 families and nearly 11,000 members. More than 600 students attend the day school and approximately 400 participate in the Parish School of Religion. Learn more about the parish here.