“Every Catholic must take seriously their call as missionary disciples,” Bishop Edward Malesic told those gathered for Mass on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, in SS. Robert and William Church in Euclid.
The bishop was the celebrant for the annual liturgy presented by the East Side Irish American Club. Many parade participants and club honorees attended the Mass, which was concelebrated by several priests including Father John Betters, SS. Robert and William pastor.
The cantor was Katie Schmitt, music director of St. John Vianney Parish in Mentor. Schmitt was a parade co-chair this year. She also sang the Irish and United States’ national anthems prior to the parade stepping off.
(See photo gallery above.)
The bishop reminded those in attendance that we need to be missionary disciples, something he stressed in his recently released pastoral letter, “A Flourishing Apostolic Church.” Although many people feel inadequate and aren’t sure where to start with this directive, he said prayer is a good launching point. “I recommend spending at least 15 minutes per day in prayer,” he said.
St. Patrick himself was a missionary disciple, Bishop Malesic said. “He is credited with converting a whole country.
“Each of us has received gifts and we must use those gifts. We must use our blessings to help others. Share your life, your gifts, your blessings and you’ll find that your gifts and blessings will increase,” the bishop said.
“Our mission is to grow Jesus’ Church. He sends us out into the deep, like Peter when he was fishing,” he said, noting Peter became a fisher of men and in that same vein, we are to be missionary disciples, spreading the good news of Jesus’ message of salvation.
As people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the bishop reminded them to “never forget who and whose we are. Let us party under the patronage of St. Patrick,” he added. “Allow St. Patrick to inspire us not just today, but throughout the year.”
He thanked the East Side Irish American Club, Father Betters, the concelebrating clergy and others who helped arrange the liturgy, as well as those in attendance who are Irish or “Irish at heart.”
After Mass, the bishop traveled downtown to bless the parade in front of Catholic Charities’ Bishop William Cosgrove Center. He rode along the parade route in a car this year, waving to the crowds lining Superior Avenue on the chilly, sunny day.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost also was at the parade blessing. He celebrated Mass that morning for the West Side Irish American Club at St. Colman Church in Cleveland and marched with the diocesan Holy Name Societies in the parade.
The theme for this year’s parade was “Celebrate the Life of St. Bridget.”
Grand marshal was Shannon Corcoran, a member of St. Patrick Parish, West Park.
In addition to Schmitt, the other parade co-chair was Michael Conkey, a member of Communion of Saints Parish, Cleveland Heights.
Irish Mother of the Year was Mary Murphy Joyce, a member of Gesu Parish in University Heights.
An estimated 10,000 people participated in the parade, which featured civic officials, the parade committee, honorees, members of area safety forces, honor guards, Irish organizations, marching units, drill teams, floats and novelty units.
Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, presented by the United Irish Societies of Greater Cleveland, is one of the oldest in the state and the single largest-attended event in the city.
Click here to learn more about the parade and the 2025 honorees.