As they continue to forge a community, members of St. Patrick Parish with St. Malachi Oratory welcomed Bishop Edward Malesic for a Mass of Thanksgiving April 11 in St. Patrick Church on Bridge Avenue in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
Father Michael Gurnick, pastor, said the two parishes have been working together for more than two years as they continue their mission of service and ministry in Ohio City as one parish with two campuses.
“Thank you for your patience and persistence through the process of blending these two parishes with rich histories in Ohio City,” the bishop said.
(See photo gallery above.)
Bishop Malesic presided at the Mass of Thanksgiving with a number of concelebrants, including Father Gurnick, Father Mark Hollis, a retired priest in residence at St. Patrick, and Father Gary Yanus, diocesan judicial vicar who assisted with the process.
In his homily, he told parishioners they were not losing what they had. Instead, they “are building something new.” Those who began the two parishes that ministered to Irish immigrants – St. Patrick, established in 1853, and St. Malachi, founded in 1865 – sacrificed. “Now, the Lord is asking you to move forward together with his Church … The Church is always ancient and always new … Take what was handed down and move forward,” Bishop Malesic said.
“Jesus takes what is broken and moves on with new life. We are, after all, an Easter people … We are all immigrants. We are not staying here. We are moving toward our new home – heaven, and the journey is not always easy.”
Much changed for the apostles after the Crucifixion, but they stayed faithful to Jesus, continuing his ministry, the bishop said, connecting that to what the St. Patrick and St. Malachi parishioners have been experiencing. “They believed the Lord was leading them somewhere,” he added.
“I thank Bishop Malesic for his support throughout this process,” Father Gurnick said, calling it a “historical moment for our parish family.” He also expressed appreciation for those who provided leadership during the process and into the future, recognizing members of the pastoral and finance councils and parish commissions. Jan Durkalski, pastoral council chairperson, welcomed Mass attendees and guests.
After Mass, Father Gurnick presented plaques to parish leaders who assisted with the merger and to Rosie Dolan Baker who facilitated the process. Attendees received holy cards depicting a painting of the two parish patron saints and church buildings. “Patrick and Malachi,” created by parishioner Jason Fuller who entered the Church last year. Parishioner Carol Schiro also made souvenir votive candles using wax from remnants of altar candles used at the two parishes during the last year.
“Keep the Church alive, but don’t let it be defined by buildings … May the Lord use you as divine instruments of his mercy,” the bishop said.
The celebration continued with a reception in the parish hall.