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Why Catholic? Meet Bishop Edward C. Malesic
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Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy

News of the Diocese

January 30, 2025

Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy
Schools fill cathedral for Catholic Schools Week liturgy

“I welcome the many schools that are here today,” Bishop Edward Malesic said as he scanned the pews of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. About 1,000 students, teachers, Catholic school officials and donors poured into the church for the Mass on Jan. 29.

It was a highlight of Catholic Schools Week 2025, which is being celebrated Jan. 26 through Feb. 1. Elementary and high schools throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland were encouraged to register for spots at the liturgy. Schools were invited to take photos with the bishop after Mass, which was livestreamed on the diocesan website. About 40,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout the diocese, making it the sixth-largest system of Catholic schools in the country.

Frank O’Linn, superintendent of the 108 schools in the diocese, offered welcoming remarks before Mass. Several priests from around the diocese concelebrated the liturgy. Padua Franciscan High School led the music and student representatives from other schools served as lectors and brought forth the offertory gifts.

“We are a diverse Church of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds,” the bishop said in his homily. “Together, we form one Church, united in one Spirit, worshiping one God, believing in one Lord, Jesus Christ.”

(See photo gallery above.)

However, as different as we are, he pointed out we are also united with one heavenly Father who sees all of us as beloved sons and daughters, “and that makes us brothers and sisters to each other. You are my younger brothers and sisters. It is good to be with you to celebrate your schools, which we want to be the very best for you. We want to give you the best education and the best formation possible,” the bishop added.

He explained that Catholic schools provide both education and formation, noting in addition to filling up their minds, the schools help form students’ souls and lift up their spirit.

“You are more than flesh and bone. There is much more to each one of you than we can see. But God sees all of you – inside and out. This is so central to what we try to do at our Catholic schools. We educate the mind and form young souls because you are also the sons and daughters of God, and God takes great delight in you.”

The bishop mentioned the pastoral letter he released last month and invited the older students and adults to read and discuss it. There are three calls to action in the letter, three things all parishes should do well: pray, evangelize and serve. He said worshiping God is important. “He made us, he loves us and he deserves our time and love in return.” At Mass, we worship God. However, the bishop encouraged all to spend a little extra time each day in prayer.

Regarding evangelization, he said we should have a personal encounter with Jesus. “Let him talk to you, heart to heart,” he said, noting this requires prayer. He asked them to talk to others about Jesus like they talk about their friends to others. “Let the teachings of Jesus sink into you and then bring that teaching out into the world. Take Jesus with you wherever you go.”

As far as serving, the bishop told the congregation they are loved by God, which is his gift to them. “Share the gift of love. Take care of each other. Serve each other. Sit with the person who no one else sits with at lunch time. Give to those in need. Be generous with others because God has been generous with you.”

A benefit of attending a Catholic school is the ability to talk about these things, Bishop Malesic said. “I thank God I can be open with you about things that really matter in this life.

He also shared that he saw the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis while on a pilgrimage to Italy earlier this month. Carlo died at age 15. He encouraged them to be inspired by Carlo’s life to live their faith and to share it. “Make the Church the best it can be. Don’t wait for others to do what you can do. Be true to the teaching of Jesus, always be young in the Spirit that you have received in baptism and go make a difference in the world because when you leave here, you take Jesus with you. He stays with you.”

In closing, the bishop thanked all for attending and for their attention. “I am inspired by your faith and enthusiasm. I am jealous of your youth because you have so much life to live and so much life to give And I am happy for you. You are all very special to me. God bless you, your schools and those you love,” he said.

Learn more about Catholic schools in the diocese here.

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