Bishop Edward Malesic traveled to Wadsworth on Feb. 1 to celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and to attend a major fundraiser for the parish’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
“We’re here because we believe Jesus is the light of the world. He lights our way out of the darkness of sin. He burns it away,” the bishop said, as he greeted the faithful.
Father Joe Robinson, parochial vicar, concelebrated the Mass and Deacon Rich Michney assisted.
He reminded the congregation that while it’s an obligation to attend Sunday Mass, “It also should be a joy.”
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The vigil Mass marked the Presentation of the Lord in the temple. Jewish families were obligated by law to present their firstborn sons in the temple and to make an offering, the bishop said. Although Mary and Joseph were poor, they followed the law by presenting Jesus and offering a gift to God of two birds.
The bishop explained that the temple was important to the Jews. The temple in Jerusalem housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff and a jar of manna from the desert – things of utmost importance to the Jews.
“The Israelites took the ark with them when they went into battle and processed back into the temple with it afterward,” the bishop explained. He said the gates of the city would be opened and they sang as they returned to the temple. In fact, the psalm used at the day’s Mass likely was sung by the Israelites as they returned to the temple.
“In 586 B.C., the glory of the Lord left the temple and didn’t return for many years – until Jesus was presented in the temple,” he said.
In addition to Mary and Joseph, only two people realized what was happening that day: Simeon, an elderly prophet who longed to see the promised savior before his death, and Anna, an 84-year-old widow who spent all her time in prayer in the temple.
“Jesus fulfilled the prophecy and the glory returned to the temple,” Bishop Malesic said.
When we receive the Eucharist, he said we become Jesus’ temples, his tabernacles.
Anna, who shared the good news about Jesus, was one of the first evangelists, the bishop said. “She told everyone about him.”
He said this mirrors what we should do as Christian Catholics. Vibrant parishes worship, evangelize and serve, the bishop explained, referring to the pastoral letter, “A Flourishing Apostolic Church,” he released in December.
“Everyone is looking for the eternal happiness that only Jesus can bring,” he added.
In the early years of the Church, Bishop Malesic said Christians gathered for the breaking of bread – worship. Today, we attend Mass. They listened to the word of Jesus and shared it, which is evangelizing, he explained. They also cared for the poor, which is service.
“Mary and Joseph consecrated their son, Jesus, to God. Through baptism, we also are consecrated. As we give back to Jesus in worship, evangelization and service, we fulfill what God wants. He wants us to become saints,” he added.
After Mass, the bishop joined Father Joe Labak, Sacred Heart pastor, and about 300 guests in the school gym for the 16th annual Iron Chef event, which raised money for the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Wadsworth, Rittman and Doylestown areas. The Sacred Heart SVDP Society has office hours twice weekly during which residents in need can stop by to pick up food or request financial assistance.
The society, active since 1995, also offers additional assistance, including free laundry opportunities, a Giving Tree program at Christmas, food baskets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, and school supplies and backpacks for children. Parishioners from Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Anne Parish in Rittman and SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Doylestown support the organization with donations and volunteers.
Ten chef stations offered samples of various dishes for attendees to taste and vote on. Food choices included stuffed shells, farfalle Bolognese, fajitas, kielbasa, cabbage and noodles, beef sandwiches, cabbage rolls, champagne chicken and Jamaican Saturday soup. First place winner was Lisa Locklear for her Jamaican Saturday soup. Taking second place were Mike and Joanne Gahan for their “beef on weck” sandwiches.
The event, which raised about $80,000 for the work of the SVDP Society, also included silent and oral auctions, 50/50 raffles, games and a gift card wheel.