“We gather here today with hearts full of gratitude and joy as we witness and celebrate a profound moment in the life of our local Church – the certification of these five incredible women, Kim Steigerwald, Lauri Scharf, Maria Wancata, Sister Josephine Rasoamampionona, OSST and Judy Liederbach, whose presence here is a testament to God’s call in their lives,” Bishop Edward Malesic said.
The women have completed a rigorous formation program at the Center for Pastoral Leadership and were certified as lay ecclesial ministers by the bishop during a Mass on Oct. 12 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Michelle Nowak, director of the lay ecclesial ministry program, presented the new ministers to the bishop and assured him they met the requirements for certification.
The liturgy was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, Father Joe Mamich, vicar for clergy and religious, and several other priests.
(See photo gallery above.)
Bishop Malesic blessed pins that were presented to each of the new ministers. The pins feature elements that pertain to their ministry. The water and candle symbolize the baptismal call to ministry. The people of God are formed to serve with and among the community. The fire/spirit symbolizes their call being confirmed by God’s people and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. The book shows they are rooted in the word of the Lord and the cross reminds them they are Christ-centered and out of this, all else flows.
“Each of these women stands before us today not only because of their personal dedication and perseverance, but because they have answered a call,” Bishop Malesic said. "Their call is deeply rooted in the mystery of God’s love for his people and his invitation to be co-workers in the vineyard," he added.
During the course of their formation, the bishop said the women journeyed through “seasons of challenge and grace together discovering what it means to lead with a servant’s heart, to be deeply rooted in the love of Jesus and to share their gifts for the building up of God’s kingdom.
“For Maria and Sister Josephine who walked side by side through the same formation cohort, you know the power of companionship in ministry,” he said, noting Scripture tells us “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”
The other three ministers – Judy, Lauri and Kim – “know what it means to be forged in the fire of human, spiritual and pastoral formation, experiencing firsthand the truth of St. Paul’s words: ‘We rejoice in our sufferings knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.’ Your ministries – whether in guiding others through the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, journeying alongside those in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or offering education and compassion to our religious communities as they age – have brought forth the hope of Christ’s presence among us,” Bishop Malesic said.
The newly certified ministers are being sent out to begin a new chapter of service, he added.
“The Church welcomes your gifts – your creativity, compassion, wisdom and leadership. And it is through these gifts that God’s kingdom will be strengthened and made visible in our world,” he added.
“My dear sisters in Christ, I am counting on you as your bishop to work with me and with Bishop Woost and with all the clergy here in the Diocese of Cleveland as co-workers in the vineyard, bringing your many gifts and charisms of service to this wonderful diocese. The world is indeed torn by strife. May we always work together for the building up of the kingdom in a way that will let others know that God is good and that he loves all his children,” the bishop said.
The newly certified ministers helped plan the liturgy and each participated either as a lector, bringing forth the offertory gifts or offering a reflection after Mass, as Steigerwald did.
Certified lay ecclesial ministers work in collaboration with the ordained clergy to serve the needs of parishes and Catholic institutions in the diocese. They serve in a variety of leadership roles including pastoral associates, catechetical leaders and ministers of sacramental preparation, youth ministers, social outreach coordinators, bereavement ministers, music ministers, campus ministers and ministers of adult faith formation.
For more information on the lay ecclesial ministry program, call 440-943-7669 or email mnowak@dioceseofcleveland.org.