Father Joseph Mamich was installed by Bishop Edward Malesic on Aug. 10 as the new pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist during a joyful, livestreamed liturgy. Much of the cathedral was filled with parishioners, Father Mamich’s family and friends and other visitors. About a dozen priests, including his seminary classmate Father Andy Turner, who now serves as president/rector of Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries, concelebrated the Mass.
“I haven’t heard this much applause since I was ordained here 19 years ago,” Father Mamich quipped. He noted that his parents, Bob and Laurel, were sitting in almost the same place as they did for his ordination.
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Father Mamich said when the bishop asked him two years ago to become vicar for clergy and religious, he thought his days in parish ministry were on hold – at least temporarily. He said being asked to lead the cathedral parish was a great blessing. “This is the best of both worlds,” he added.
“I saw the joy in Father Joe’s face when I asked him to take on this additional role,” Bishop Malesic said. “I feel confident he will build upon what Father Sean (Ralph) did in his years here as the rector.” Father Ralph was installed as pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Parma the previous day.
In his homily, Father Mamich talked about being vigilant and faith-filled, noting we can find the best examples of those virtues in Jesus Christ. He was faithful in his mission, healing, caring and following the Father’s will. For 177 years, Father Mamich said the cathedral has stood as a sign of faith in the city and diocese. Bishop Amadeus Rappe, first bishop of Cleveland, celebrated Mass in The Flats during the early days of the diocese before settling on the site where the cathedral sits. At that time, it was outside of the city.
Father Mamich asked the congregation to think about all the moments of faith that have occurred in the cathedral over the years, during wars, times of great joy, funerals, sacraments, weddings, etc. “We are still exhibiting signs of faithfulness here today,” he added.
“As we begin a new chapter, we commit ourselves to being faithful in the here and now and to the faith that we will pass on,” Father Mamich said, noting he finds the cathedral to be a vibrant, engaged parish. “But we want to look forward, to grow. Let us be blessed in our vigilance. And I ask you to pray for me that I will always be a loving father, a gentle shepherd and a wise leader.”
After Mass, there was a reception in the cathedral courtyard.