Sixty years ago, the Diocese of Cleveland formed a new parish – Holy Spirit -- to serve the growing city of Avon Lake. It was carved from sections of St. Joseph (Avon Lake), Holy Trinity (Avon) and St. Raphael (Bay Village) parishes, with Father Jim Mosovsky as the founding pastor.
As the parish marked its anniversary, Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated Mass and spent time visiting with parishioners on Pentecost Sunday, June 8.
(See photo gallery above.)
“A parish is a group of people who are living stones who gather together to form a living dwelling place for God,” he told those gathered for the liturgy.
The bishop thanked Father Charles Strebler, current pastor, for the invitation to celebrate with the parish. He noted that it was established on Pentecost in 1965. The bishop also reminded the congregation that a parish has three main functions: to worship, evangelize and serve, things he said Holy Spirit Parish continues to do, even after 60 years. It was a double celebration, as the bishop noted that Pentecost also is the birthday of the Church.
In his homily, Bishop Malesic said a mighty wind from God transformed the abyss into the being of all creation. “It was the mighty breath of God … he made it all out of love, breathing life into all, into each one of us.”
The bishop said Adam and Eve were living in the Garden of Eden, paradise, when they decided to ignore God. After they tasted what he called “the food of human rebellion,” they became disconnected and distanced from God.
“But God made us for himself alone and he wouldn’t abandon us. He sent his son, Jesus, to save us,” the bishop said, explaining that with God’s light dwelling within us, we again could have salvation. “God has the power to create and recreate,” he added.
The image of God/the Holy Spirit breathing life into a dying world “is a type of divine resuscitation for the world,” the bishop said, noting the Holy Spirit also breathes life into us at our baptism. “We are compelled to make this good news known to all. It’s easy to stay in our churches, but we must go out and share that good news.”
At the end of time, Bishop Malesic said what Adam and Eve lost will be reclaimed. “Keep the fire of faith alive in this parish that is named after the Holy Spirit. A parish without the Holy Spirit is like a car without gas – it goes nowhere … Jesus said, ‘I’ve come to set the world on fire.’ The devil is trying to quench that fire of joy, love and peace. Don’t let him,” the bishop added.
Father Strebler said Holy Spirit Parish has produced four priests: Father Dennis Gang, TOR; Father Dan Schlegel, pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village; Father Ron Wearsch, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake; and Father Terry Grachanin, pastor of St. Noel Parish in Willoughby Hills. The parish also produced several religious vocations.
“Thank you for the past and I am looking forward to the future,” Father Strebler said.
After Mass, the bishop spent time chatting with parishioners and taking photos before heading to Mosovsky Hall for the anniversary lunch.