One of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Avon, officially welcomed its new pastor, Father Vince Hawk, on Oct. 27.
Father Hawk, who also serves as pastor of nearby Holy Trinity Parish in Avon, was installed in his new role by Bishop Edward Malesic during the noon Mass. Concelebrants for the liturgy included Father Deogratias Ruwaainenyi, parochial vicar; Father Tom Cleaton, St. Mary pastor emeritus; Father Mark Latcovich, pastor of St. Ladislas Parish, Westlake; Father Joe Mamich, vicar for clergy and religious; Father Dan Schlegel, pastor of St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village; and Father Tim Gareau, pastor, St. Colette Parish, Brunswick. Assisting were Deacon Daniel Hancock, St. Mary; Deacon Michael Pulhalla, Holy Trinity; and Deacon Ed Gardias, who served as the bishop’s master of ceremonies.
“Thank you, Father Tom, for 23 years of faithful service to this parish and to all the priests in my life,” Father Hawk said. He noted it was Priesthood Sunday and there were many priests throughout his life who helped him as he discerned and learned his ministry.
“The Church is made up of people, of living stones,” he said, noting there have been some growing pains as he settled into his role first as administrator and now as pastor of St. Mary.
(See photo gallery above.)
“It’s been a challenging year,” he said. “We need to ask the Lord to help us heal. A lot has happened here quickly as we came together (between Holy Trinity and St. Mary) as one big staff.” The two parishes, each with its own school, share many staff members and collectively are called the Avon Catholic Community.
“Hopefully, for all of us this is becoming family” he added.
The new pastor referred to the upcoming Advent by Candlelight, which sold out last year in its inaugural year and once again is filled with 300 women reserving spots. Youth ministry and religious education/formation are other collaborative areas.
“We’re a gift today. Please don’t make this day about me. Make this day about us as a community … I am called to shepherd this flock with love, wisdom and the grace of God,” Father Hawk said.
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel – the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man -- Father Hawk said although he was blind, Bartimaeus had clarity of vision. “He heard Jesus was coming and cried out to him, his voice piercing the noise. Our faith begins with a cry for help. I ask you to welcome me as your pastor and hopefully, I can guide you with a faith that will sustain us.”
Father Hawk encouraged the faithful to pray daily, noting the staff gathers daily at noon for 30 minutes of prayer.
He also talked about how Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak when he heard Jesus coming, explaining that symbolized throwing away something old in order to begin something new, much like his pastorship is new. “We need to do this as a parish community, too. It’s a new day and time. The reality is we need to be a Church in a new way. We gather here for vision, then share the good news and invite others to join us,” Father Hawk said, adding that part of his role is to lead his flock to a deeper discipleship.
“I invite you to pray for me today that I may be a servant leader and that we may support, serve and grow together,” he added.
St. Mary was established in 1841 – seven years before the Diocese of Cleveland – and was a German parish, Bishop Malesic noted. He pointed out some of the beautiful features in the church, including the statues and carved wood. He encouraged the faithful to make their hearts beautiful to God.
“The best pastor can lead people to God and find Jesus in his parishioners, those who are suffering, those who are experiencing loss and the sick. He brings clarity to the confused and peace to the angry. He sees Jesus in all of us and is not afraid to get the smell of his sheep on him,” the bishop said.
He also reminded the faithful that Father Hawk is their pastor, not their savior. “We have one savior: Jesus.”
The bishop said the diocese has many good, faithful priests, but there is a need for more.
“Say thank you to Father Hawk today, Priesthood Sunday, for saying ‘yes’ to his vocation. Without that ‘yes’ we wouldn’t be here today. And don’t let the two parishes be in competition. The devil loves that. We are one Church. There are two parishes – two communities – with one pastor, but we are one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church,” the bishop said.
He also encouraged the parish to be welcoming. “Welcome people and new ideas. You can do things differently, but you only serve one God.”
St. Paul said to give thanks in all things, the bishop said. “We need to transform ourselves into people who give thanks because thankful people attract others. And that is the mission of the Church: to give thanks and praise to Jesus Christ,” he added.
Before Mass, Father Hawk and the bishop signed the documents making his role as pastor official. He led the congregation in the profession of faith and greeted members of the parish staff, finance and pastoral councils and agreed to listen to their counsel and advice as he leads the parish community.
After Mass, all were invited to the school for a reception.
Learn more about St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish here.