It was only the second week of Advent, but St. John Bosco Church in Parma Heights looked a little bit like Christmas on Dec. 6 when Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland’s Disability Services & Ministries presented its 40th annual Journey to Bethlehem.
Participants in the ministry, their family, friends, some St. John Bosco parishioners and members of the Carmona Caravan of the Order of Alhambra gathered for Mass, the traditional procession with the Nativity scene figures and lunch.
(See photo gallery above.)
Marilyn Scott, Disability Services & Ministries director, greeted the group and noted the significance of the event. She has worked with the group for 33 years. Also in attendance was Dennis McNulty, former director, who is a member of the Carmona Caravan. The Catholic nonprofit is dedicated to serving those with disabilities.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost celebrated Mass, with Father Matt Byrne, St. John Bosco pastor, and Father Josh Cochrac, St. Justin Martyr Parish pastor, as concelebrants. Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries, OSB presided for many years at the Journey to Bethlehem. Bishop Woost took his place last year since Bishop Gries is retired.
But his presence was felt at the event when Bishop Woost opened his homily with Bishop Gries’ catch phrase: “God is good all the time … and all the time, God is good.”
Bishop Woost noted that the readings for the Mass were those used in the daytime Mass on Christmas. They focused on the shepherds, the first to visit the newborn Jesus and to share the news of his birth. He wondered aloud why the shepherds were selected to announce the coming of the Savior, noting they likely were the only ones awake as they tended their sheep.
He also said they probably asked Mary and Joseph if they could hold the baby. The bishop distributed holy cards with an image of a young shepherd holding the infant Jesus and a sheep. On the back was an Advent prayer the group recited.
“Remember three things as we prepare for Christmas,” he told those gathered. “Stay awake and keep watching for Jesus who comes to us in the events of our lives. Consider what gift you will give to Jesus at this Journey to Bethlehem and on Christmas, and hold on to him in your hearts, knowing he is always with us.”
Pieces of the Nativity set were brought forward along with the Offertory gifts, and the Nativity scene was assembled.
After Mass, Scott offered her thanks to all who helped with the event over the years, including Bill Rebold and the choir/musicians and the Theology IV students from Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology who assisted: Arthur Bodenschatz, Noa Furin, Sean Homcy and Jeremy Shafer. Homcy, who is doing his field experience with Disability Ministries & Services, also offered prayer before lunch.
The lunch, catered by Bruno’s, was provided by Carmona Caravan.