It was a beautiful day on Aug. 25 when St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights had its homecoming picnic and raffle. The event kicked off with an outdoor Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic with Father John Mullee, pastor, and Father Ted Marszal, a retired senior priest in residence, concelebrating.
In his homily, the bishop spoke of the parish’s patron saint, St. Monica, who was the mother of St. Augustine, one of the greatest saints. St. Augustine became a renowned theologian, preacher and prolific writer who explained Catholic doctrine – but only after the persistent prayers of his mother eventually brought him “home” to the Christian faith and to baptism in the Catholic Church. “As we celebrate the feast of this parish, we pray that all who may be away from the Church might find their way back home to be with us,” Bishop Malesic said.
He recounted his experience at the National Eucharistic Congress, which took place in July in Indianapolis, Indiana. The bishop invited parishioners to pray for those who have left the Church, and to be good examples for them.
“I can’t tell you how many stories I have heard of people who have been converted to the Catholic Church because they came to know Jesus in the Eucharist,” the bishop said. “Let’s not be shy to ask people to come to this table, to this altar, to meet the Lord. Let’s not be afraid to profess our belief that yes, Jesus is here. And then, let’s not be shy about taking our faith out into the world.”
After Mass, parishioners enjoyed traditional cookout food, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffles and guessing games.
Learn more about St. Monica Parish here.