Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated a Mass Oct. 11 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist during which three new lay ecclesial ministers were certified for service to the Diocese of Cleveland.
The newly certified — Raquel Berroteran, Cheryl McBride and Sister Marie Paule Rasoanirina, OSST — completed three years of formation at Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. Michelle Nowak is director of the diocesan LEM program.
(See photo gallery above.)
Each new minister received a pin with the LEM symbols — water and a candle, fire/spirit, people of God and the cross — that Bishop Malesic blessed.
The bishop noted it was his first public Mass since he had foot surgery several weeks ago and he was happy to be able to celebrate the Mass.
“Be the best disciples of Jesus that you can be. Be the best listeners,” he told the new LEM. He said this charge often requires preparation and courage to do what the Lord is asking of them. “Minister with a smile,” he told them, noting the importance of joyful ministry.
“How can we tell people Jesus has risen from the dead and not be joyful about it?” the bishop asked.
He said humility, patience and retaining a clarity of spirit are important qualities for successful ministers to have and implement. He also urged them to be gentle in their ministry
“Everything we have is a gift from God. We depend on him for everything. The certification you receive today is because of the gifts you received from the Lord to pursue your ministry. Be grateful to the Lord for all he has given you,” Bishop Malesic added. “And remember to always serve the Lord with gladness.”
Berroteran and her husband Louis have two children. Her son Gerard served as cantor at the certification Mass, and she proclaimed the first reading. She is the director of PSR and sacramental formation at her parish, Holy Family in Stow
McBride, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and PSR catechist at St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village, is married to Chris and has two children. She provided a final reflection at the end of the liturgy.
Sister Rasoanirina, a native of Madagascar, has been a member of the Trinitarian Sisters since making her first vows in 1992. She is a religion teacher at Mater Dei Academy in Wickliffe and works part time at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, also in Wickliffe. She helped present the offertory gifts during the certification Mass.
For more information on the LEM program, click here or contact the director, Michelle Nowak, at 440-943-7669 or mnowak@dioceseofcleveland.org.