“Good morning, church,” said Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost as he greeted the faithful gathered Sept. 15 at St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Cleveland. “I am so happy to be here. I thank God for our many gifts, including the gift of Father James (Watson, OFM Cap),” he added, referring to the Franciscan friar he was about to install as pastor.
Father Watson has been serving the parish community for two years as administrator. Bishop Woost said Bishop Edward Malesic felt this was the right time to elevate Father Watson to the pastor position. The news was greeted with robust applause.
“And since the principal job of a pastor is to lead and preach, he gets to do the homily,” Bishop Woost quipped.
Father Watson’s homily focused on change and how we need to change in order to become the saints God intends us to be.
(See photo gallery above.)
“Some things we can’t change,” he said, citing the stars in the sky and preventing ourselves from aging. “We also can’t change God. He is the Lord God, the Savior but when God lays out something, we want to change it. God tells us, ‘I will not change. But if you want to follow me, you have to change. Pick up your cross and follow me.’ We can change our clothes and our shoes, but we can’t change God.”
The new pastor said his family – several of whom attended the Mass – know the story of what he intended to do with his life.
“I had plans, but the Lord had another idea for me. He changed me. One time, I felt it was too much change and ran away from it. But the Lord, in his patience, waited and guided me back,” Father Watson said.
He encouraged the faithful to ask the Lord for help to be the best spouse, grandparent, child, employee or neighbor they can be so they can become the saints he intends them to be.
In addition, he asked them to pray for their enemies to help them become the saints God wants them to be. The same applies to the homeless, the imprisoned, the sick and the suffering.
“And instead of cursing politicians, ask the Lord to help them become the saints he wants them to be,” Father Watson said.
“Even priests need help to become the saints God wants them to be,” he added.
At the end of Mass, Bishop Woost reflected on the Gospel and explained that when Jesus told people to take up their cross and follow him, he wasn’t referring to suffering. Instead, he was telling them they needed to change. “And change is not easy,” he said. “God is calling us to love one another as he loves us. Love one another and let that love grow.”
The bishop told the congregation that Bishop Malesic gave them a gift in Father Watson. “He will stay with you as long as God – and the bishop – allow it. Thank you, Father James, for answering God’s call and the bishop’s call to take on this special ministry.”
After Mass, the parishioners and guests celebrated at a picnic on the parish grounds.
Learn more about St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Parish here.