Members of the St. John the Evangelist Leadership Guild began their celebration of the Christmas season with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic on Dec. 15 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Concelebrants were Guild members Father Vincent Hawk, pastor of Holy Trinity and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Avon, and Father Dan Schlegel, pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village, who also serves as the Guild’s spiritual director.
Deacon Dennis Conrad, also a Guild member, assisted with the liturgy.
(See photo gallery above.)
The bishop reminded the group that we are in the midst of preparation for Christmas during the season of Advent. “We don’t just celebrate on one day, Dec. 25,” he said. “It takes time to prepare.”
He said his pastoral letter, released a year ago, includes some suggestions. He encouraged the group to spend time in prayer, to share their faith (evangelize) and to be of service. Taking advantage of the “My Daily Prayers” feature is one way to strengthen their prayer life and to prepare spiritually for Christmas and beyond.
He pointed out some of the Christmas decorations in the cathedral, noting volunteers, including a group of Saint Ignatius High School students, spent part of the day Dec. 13 getting the church ready for Christmas. One of the students asked the bishop how he could improve his prayer life, which the bishop found encouraging. “It is a sign of hope,” he said, adding, “We live in a noisy world. We need some time for prayer, for quiet reflection.”
Bishop Malesic also recalled the high school Mass and rally in October that brought 5,000 students to Public Auditorium for Mass and witness talks, 200 diocesan high school students who attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana last month and the Rite of Election, which drew hundreds of people seeking baptism or full communion with the Church to Public Auditorium earlier this year.
“Everyone has been loved into the Church. Through your support for your parishes, Catholic Charities and your generosity God continues to take care of his people,” they bishop said. “The devil wants us to be satisfied with earthly things, to be numb to God’s presence. But the Lord reminds us we must be vigilant and stay awake … Our worship, witness and service are our humble gifts to God. He is our savior and may we always be his faithful disciples.”
After Mass, Guild members were invited to the bishop’s residence, which was decorated for Christmas, to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
St. John the Evangelist Leadership Guild offers men and women who have been generous to the diocese an opportunity to expand and enrich their spiritual lives. Click here to learn more.