Bishop Malesic installs new pastor at St. Paschal Baylon Parish

Members of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament joined Bishop Edward Malesic on Aug. 8 as he installed Father Rosario Pushparaj, SSS as the new pastor of St. Paschal Baylon Parish in Highland Heights. He succeeds Father John Thomas Lane, SSS, who was reelected as provincial superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Province of St. Ann.

Father Lane introduced his successor, noting Father Pushparaj served previously at Immaculate Conception Parish in Willoughby and Our Lady of Mount Carmel (East) in Wickliffe before his new position as St. Paschal’s pastor.

“When I learned that I was the new pastor, I asked Bishop Malesic for his advice,” Father Pushparaj said. “He told me, ‘Love your people and care for them … If they invite you to dinner, bless them and help wash the dishes,’” he quipped in his homily.

Father Pushparaj thanked friends and parishioners from the other parishes where he served as well as family and friends who were watching the livestreamed liturgy in his native India for their love, support and prayers. “Thank you for allowing me to break the bread of life with you,” he added.

As he reflected on the Gospel, Father Pushparaj said when Jesus walked on the water in the Sea of Galilee, he told the apostles not to be afraid. “But he did not promise that there wouldn’t be storms … “What he did promise is that we will never be alone in the storm. We’re all in this together. There will be calm waters and there will be storms … But keep your eyes on Jesus … I’m here to walk with you, to celebrate our Savior and to preach the Gospel,” he said.

“I need you and we need one another. Please pray for me as we build something together. When the storms come, let us pray together and keep our eyes on Jesus,” he added.

Bishop Malesic said he was aware of the needs of the St. Paschal community and was confident that Father Pushparaj would “help you on this journey as one Eucharistic community. May God bless you all and may Christ always remain at the center of all we do,” the bishop said.

The new pastor promised to seek the counsel of parish leaders, including the finance and parish council, staff members and school staff.

Father Lane will be relocating to New York City this week as he continues his duties as superior of his religious community and prepares for his Aug. 15 installation as pastor of St. John Baptiste Parish in New York City, another parish overseen by the Blessed Sacrament congregation. He will be installed by Bishop Edmund Whalen, vicar for clergy for the Archdiocese of New York.

After Mass, parishioners and guests, including Father Lane’s parents, enjoyed food and fellowship at the parish picnic.