Bishop Edward Malesic visited Holy Spirit Parish in Garfield Heights on Nov. 17 to install Father Dave Domanski, OFM Cap, as pastor. Father Domanski had been serving as parish administrator for nearly two years before being named pastor.
“Aware of your needs, I am presenting Father Domanski as your new pastor – if you will have him,” the bishop said, as the congregation applauded.
“It is with much gratitude that I have the opportunity to be installed as pastor of Holy Spirit Parish,” Father Domanski said, noting he has “experienced a tremendous outpouring of support and love.”
(See photo gallery above.)
The end of the liturgical year is within sight, he said. In the day’s readings, there are references to end-time. “We must always have an end in mind, even at a beginning like this. I am overwhelmed that so many are here today,” Father Domanski said, recognizing his Capuchin Franciscan community, parishioners and his birth family. Several of his fellow friars concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Edward Linsky and Deacon Ron James assisted.
“This is a new beginning for Holy Spirit Parish. As we begin a new chapter at Holy Spirit, each of us has a new beginning every day – but we must always keep the end in mind.”
The new pastor offered some advice to the faithful, encouraging then to stay humble, reminding them that in heaven, all secrets of our hearts will be revealed so we must have pure hearts to enter God’s kingdom and it’s time to start taking care of God’s business.
“Let’s get to it. I’m inviting you to step up and help take care of God’s business. Next Sunday is the feast of Christ the King. Let’s live as humble servants and bring him to the whole of our hearts,” Father Domanski said, as he led the congregation in singing the Advent hymn “Soon and very soon we are going to see the king.”
The Mass included liturgical dancers, musicians and robust singing by the choir and congregation.
Before Mass. Father Domanski signed paperwork making his appointment as pastor official. He also took an oath of fidelity. During the liturgy, he led the faithful in the profession of faith. Members of the parish staff, parish council and finance council were presented and he pledged to seek their counsel as he leads the parish.
Bishop Malesic spoke briefly at the conclusion of Mass and encouraged the congregation to listen for the call of Jesus, noting there is a need for more priests as well as faithful in the pews.
“Please don’t break your pastor,” he quipped, asking parishioners to be supportive of Father Domanski and his ministry.
After Mass, the bishop posed for photos and chatted with parishioners before heading downstairs to the parish hall for a celebratory luncheon.
Holy Spirit Parish was formed in 2008 by the merger of St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Timothy and St. Henry parishes. The first Mass was celebrated on Jan. 6, 2008 and the parish was placed in the care of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Augustine.
Holy Spirit was the last voluntary parish merger before the launch of the diocesanwide reconfiguration process that mandated some parish consolidations.
Click here for more information on Holy Spirit Parish.