“I’ve only been here six weeks, but we will continue to do what we can to spread the faith and build up the Church in this little corner of Parma,” said Father Sean Ralph as he was installed as the fourth pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Previously, he served as rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
He also expressed appreciation to his predecessor, Father John Carlin, a priest for 49 years who retired June 30 after leading the parish for 38 years.
Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated the Mass on Aug. 9, with about a dozen concelebrants including parish parochial vicars Father Michael Garvin and Father Regaldo Tiongson and Father Anselm Zupka, OSB, weekend associate. Deacons John Talerico and Daniel Galla assisted with the liturgy.
(See photo gallery above.)
The bishop pointed out the miter he was wearing was, a gift from Father Ralph, who returned recently from a sabbatical in Rome.
“He gave me this beautiful miter with one condition: that I make him pastor of St. Charles,” Bishop Malesic quipped.
In his homily, Father Ralph told the congregation that this world is a place of hardship, not the place for which we were made. He urged them to “let go of passing things and hold onto what is important. You were made for something more,” he added.
As part of the installation, Father Ralph promised to seek counsel and advice from the parish staff, parish council and finance council. He also led the congregation in the profession of faith.
The bishop also had a message for the faithful, telling them their parish, which includes an elementary school, “has a lot happening. This is an active, health family of faith where disciples of Jesus are formed and sent.” He also encouraged them to spread the Gospel message outside the walls of the church, adding, “What we have received we must share.”
Bishop Malesic thanked Father Ralph for his “yes” to the priesthood and the call to lead the parish. He also thanked Father Carlin for passing on a strong foundation upon which Father Ralph can build.
The parish has given 16 men to the priesthood, the bishop noted, inviting the faithful to discern the Lord’s call, whether that be the priesthood, religious or consecrated life, married life or single life.
After Mass, the parish community celebrated Father Ralph’s pastorship with a reception in the parish hall.