Past and present parishioners, friends and others connected to St. Aloysius-St. Agatha Parish in Cleveland celebrated its legacy and future during a Mass and reception on Father’s Day, June 21.
Bishop Edward Malesic was the principal celebrant, with Father Dan Schlegel, presbyteral moderator and pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village, concelebrating. The two parishes have a partnership that Father Schlegel said will deepen their faith and experiences.
Sister Mary Jean Raymond, OSU, parish life coordinator, said the celebration was a commemoration of the first Mass celebrated in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood in 1900 and the dedication and consecration of the current church building in 1925. The liturgy marked the end of a yearlong 125th anniversary celebration.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our Irish forefathers and foremothers and those here today,” Sister Raymond said.
In a nod to the parish’s Irish roots, a kilt-clad bagpiper processed in. After Mass, he was joined by a drummer for the recessional. Both are members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
“God is alive in this parish. God is alive in you. God loves you. This parish is a special place of worship, evangelization and service,” the bishop said. “You are lucky to have Sister Mary Jean,” he told the congregation.
In his homily, the bishop said the love of God is greater than any evil in the world. We fear death, rejection and our past, he said, and those fears can keep us from becoming the man or woman God wants us to be.
Sometimes we need to do difficult things, he said. Using marriage as an example, Bishop Malesic explained that it begins with a decision to love and to put another person first.
God’s love, manifested through the Resurrection of his Son, changed everything for us, he said. “It’s our future. Death doesn’t get the last word – Jesus does. With the power of God, we can resist any evil,” he added.
“One hundred twenty-five years ago, this church was built as a testimony to those beliefs and to the saving power of God … We believe those same things. Jesus gathers us, Jesus loves us and he tells us not to fear … On this Father’s Day, let us thank God our Father. There is nothing to be afraid of. God loves you all,” the bishop said.
Walter Morris, school and parish administrator who is in the diaconate formation program, shared thoughts on how special the parish and school are. “May our parish continue to shine as a beacon of God’s love for years to come,” he said, offering thanks for the priests and religious sisters who have served the parish and school for the past 125 years.
After Mass, the bishop greeted parishioners and joined them at a reception in the school gym. Attendees were able to look through photos, documents and other memorabilia, including records of the first baptism and marriage recorded at the parish.