“All we have is on loan to us from God,” Bishop Edward Malesic told members of the diocesan Heritage Society at their annual gathering.
The society, overseen by the Catholic Community Foundation, consists of those who included either their parish or a diocesan ministry in their estate plan and disclosed that information to the diocese. Members were invited to a Mass celebrated on Oct. 23 by Bishop Malesic at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The liturgy took place in the recently renovated Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Chapel followed by a dinner in the CPL Founder’s Room.
The bishop welcomed the group to the CPL, which is the home of diocesan ministries including the seminaries, permanent diaconate formation program, lay ecclesial ministry program and continuing education program.
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He acknowledged the major renovations at the CPL during the past few years, pointing out they were financed by the diocesanwide Heart of a Shepherd Campaign, made possible by donations from thousands of faithful.
“This is your gift in action,” the bishop said. “Those in formation here thank you.”
In his homily, Bishop Malesic reminded the Heritage Society members that “much is required of a person entrusted with much and still more is required of those entrusted with more.” He said there are two types of stewardship: goods and grace.
“The good news of the Gospel is the treasure of the Church and we must be good stewards of it. What do we do with this gift? We share it. That is the stewardship of grace, being a good steward of the Gospel. We must share it with others so they can share in the grace of God,” he added.
Heritage Society members heard some brief remarks from Andrew Repholz, chair of the Catholic Community Foundation Board of Directors, and Patrick Grace, executive director of the foundation.
Thirty-eight new members were welcomed to the society. Those in attendance who were recognized at the dinner were Joseph Karasek Jr., St. John Bosco Parish, Parma Heights; Father Gerald Keller, senior priest-retired; Rick and Gina Matis, Holy Family Parish, Parma; and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rogers, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Chagrin Falls. Robert Rogers is past president of the Catholic Community Foundation board.
Click here for more information on the Heritage Society, call 216-696-6525, Ext. 8070, or email mwopershall@catholiccommunity.org.