A Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic on Nov. 16 marked the conclusion of St. Bernadette Parish’s 75th anniversary.
The yearlong celebration included a variety of programs and a gala earlier this month. A reception followed the closing Mass.
“It’s a joy to be here,” the bishop told those gathered for Mass. “This is a magnificent building for worship, but remember that God wants our souls to be even more beautiful and clean.”
(See photo gallery above.)
Recalling the parish’s humble beginnings in 1950, when Westlake was a growing but largely undeveloped city, Bishop Malesic offered his thanks to the early parishioners who worked to build up the spiritual community. He also told them they should be proud of their accomplishments, including the parish school being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
“This place is a sign of the presence of Jesus Christ in the world, so don’t keep it a sccred. Tell people that you received Jesus at his parish and he was great … Don’t keep that good news just between these walls. Jesus gave us a mission to go, to baptize and to preach,” he said.
“I’m grateful for all you do to continue the legacy of St. Bernadette Parish. You are stewards of that great treasure,” the bishop added.
He reflected on the Gospel, in which Jesus reminded us that even the most enduring things, like the temple in Jerusalem, would be destroyed one day. “Time devours all things,” the bishop said. “Everything in this world has a beginning and an end.” He said Jesus reminds us to persevere and have hope because as Christians, we have the promise of salvation, of eternal life.
“Persevere to secure our lives for eternity … That’s the goal. Faith is required. Belief is essential to eternal life,” he added.
In the water of baptism, we become beloved sons and daughters of God, but along with that gift comes responsibility. “God delights in us. He loves us. He wants the best for us. He sent his only Son to die for us … This altar is the most important table in this parish. As Thanksgiving approaches, let us be grateful for the gifts God has given us, including this parish. Let us be gifts for others,” the bishop said. He also expressed his appreciation for the parish music ministry.
Concelebrants for the liturgy were Father Phil Racco, St. Bernadette pastor, and Father Joe Menkhaus, parochial vicar, as well as Father Clyde Foster, a retired priest and son of the parish; Father Tim Gareau, pastor of St. Colette Parish in Brunswick, and Father Jeff Barnish, a professor at the diocesan seminary.
At the conclusion of Mass, Mary Beth Sullivan, school principal, presented the bishop with prayers from the 400-plus students in the school and a St. Bernadette Bulldogs sweatshirt.
A reception followed in the gathering area.