The largest territorial parish in the diocese, Our Lady Help of Christians, marked its 50th anniversary on June 28 with Mass and a picnic.
Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated the liturgy. Concelebrants were Father Ed Suszynski, pastor; Father Ron Byrda, pastor emeritus; Father David Verbsky, parochial vicar; and Father Chris Trenta, who assists with weekend Masses. Deacon Mike Jervis assisted and Saint Mary seminarian Johannes Benninghoff was the bishop’s master of ceremonies.
(See photo gallery above.)
The bishop noted the parish is unique in the diocese because it was established with four worship sites – Litchfield, Lodi, Nova and Seville – in four counties – Ashland, Lorain, Medina and Wayne. However, he credited parishioners for being one parish family. “We are one in baptism, in faith and in the Lord,” he said, adding that the parish “lives in the light of the Gospel” and parishioners “are living witnesses of Christ’s love to you neighbors.”
He also commented on their pastor’s name, Father Ed. “I love that name … I used to be Father Ed,” he quipped. Bishop Malesic said he is grateful for all the priests, deacons and laity who helped build and maintain the parish since its founding. The first Masses were celebrated the weekend of June 26-27, 1976. The Litchfield worship site is at property that the diocese formerly used as a home for boys with special needs.
Parishioners from all four worship sites gathered under a large tent for Mass on June 28. The weather was warm, bright and sunny. The liturgy featured musicians and choir members from each worship site. Also, a few founding members were recognized.
In his homily, the bishop told the faithful it’s important to treat everyone – immigrants, the poor, the lonely and even our enemies – with kindness and compassion. “Jesus often comes in disguise as another person … Love invites sacrifice,” he said, noting how parents sacrifice for their children.
“Love is not a feeling, it’s a decision. It gets hard when you sacrifice for an enemy out of love,” he added.
The bishop reminded those gathered that we are all immigrants, “moving from this foreign land to a better place – heaven.”
After Mass, a group photo was taken and then it was time to celebrate. The parish garage was filled with tables of food. Parishioners could sit under one of two large tents to enjoy their meals. There also were games, face painting, music, a bakery contest and lots of historical photos.
Click here to learn more about Our Lady Help of Christians.
