What a difference two weeks makes.
Father Michael Stalla was formally installed as pastor of St. John of the Cross and SS. Robert & William parishes in Euclid on Feb. 8 by Bishop Edward Malesic. The installation Masses, originally scheduled for Jan. 25, were postponed due to a winter storm that day.
Father Stalla called the installations a historic moment for each parish. He is the third pastor at St. John of the Cross, which was formed in 2009 by a merger of St. Paul and St. Felicitas parishes at the former St. Felicitas site. He is the second pastor of SS. Robert & William, which was formed by a merger of those parishes in 2010.
(See above for a photo gallery from the two Masses and reception.)
He has been serving at the parishes for six months after the previous pastor, Father John Betters, began his ministry in August 2025 as pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Chagrin Falls.
“I am grateful to be your pastor,” Father Stalla told each parish at back-to-back liturgies. The two worship sites are about a mile apart.
His homily, personalized for the two parishes, expressed gratitude for Bishop Malesic’s presence, noting that as a bishop, he is a direct successor of St. Peter. “It is special to have him here,” Father Stalla said.
“God is active here,” he told congregants, noting the many ministries parishioners are involved with. He also assured them God is listening to their prayers. “His ear is not deaf,” he said, explaining God sent a new pastor because it is important for the two faith communities.
He said both parishes are strong, stable faith communities in Euclid. They are working to evangelize people in Euclid and Richmond Heights. Father Stalla called them “salt of the earth people” and said the salt has not lost its taste. Also, he said the parishes were important to the bishop, which is why he was there.
The bishop offered closing remarks at each parish, telling the faithful that Father Stalla would serve them well and asking them to “be good to him.” He said Father Stalla’s previous experience at parishes in the diocese, at the diocesan mission in El Salvador, as pastor of SS. Cosmas & Damian Parish in Twinsburg and as coordinator for pastoral formation at Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries would be a benefit in his new ministry.
A combined reception for both parishes took place in the gym at SS. Robert & William School.