“I am so grateful to begin the next step of our journey of faith together,” said Father James Kulway during his installation as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Macedonia.
Father Kulway told those gathered for the Mass that he was grateful to be received by them as their next pastor and grateful to Bishop Malesic for the opportunity to serve. He said one of the natural joys of the priesthood is “getting to know God’s people and to build relationships with them, helping people to grow in their faith and to go deeper with the Lord in their journey, then to go and make a difference in Macedonia.”
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Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated the liturgy on Aug. 17. Father Jeffrey Lindholm and Father Patricio Aborde, parochial vicars, concelebrated and Deacon Dave Govern assisted.
An avid athlete, Father Kulway said he participated in the Cleveland Triathlon the previous weekend, learning that swimming was not his best event. However, he did well with biking and running. “I passed Bishop Malesic near the finish line,” he quipped.
Reflecting on his new role as pastor, he said the faithful come together as one under Bishop Malesic’s leadership and his pastorate. “But we must function as one,” he added. “We must also hold each other accountable. We must support each other and function as one unit.”
However, the day’s Gospel was not a story of unity, Father Kulway said, noting Jesus said he wanted to set the world on fire and wished it already was blazing. While he prays for unity and oneness, Jesus acknowledges that his followers will have divisions.
Father Kulway shared the story of an injury he suffered while running several years ago. It required surgery and a lengthy recovery, but he was able to resume running again. The recovery timeline wasn’t what he expected, but the result was what he hoped for. “Sometimes God acts like that surgeon and has to do hard things in our faith.”
He said we can’t be united with a false sense of unity. At times, the parish family may experience hardship and division, but it must learn to work together and focus on the Lord, and then “go out and make a difference in Macedonia.”
Father Kulway gave parishioners a challenge as his pastorate begins, encouraging them to think of someone they could invite to explore the faith.
Bishop Malesic reminded parishioners that a good pastor saves souls by leading people to Jesus. He said Father Kulway’s job leading two parishes – Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Barnabas in Northfield – is not easy and he needs their prayers and support.
“We need beautiful hearts, not beautiful churches, to follow God,” the bishop added.
Parishioners continued the celebration with a reception after Mass.