St. Michael Parish celebrates 175 years of faith and fellowship in Independence

“Rejoice in the Lord always,” Father Matt Jordan told those gathered on Sept. 19 to celebrate the 175thanniversary of St. Michael Parish in Independence. “There is so much to rejoice about …  We are truly grateful,” he said. “It is with great joy that we celebrate 175 years of faith and fellowship at St. Michael Parish … I am so honored to be your 12th pastor.”

After a year of celebrations, the anniversary culminated with Bishop Edward Malesic presiding at a Mass and a dinner attended by nearly 300 people at the Independence Civic Center.

St. Michael’s was established in 1851 as St. Lawrence Parish. Many early parishioners were German immigrants who worked on the nearby canal. As the parish grew, it moved to the current location on Brecksville Road and the name was changed to St. Michael.

The early parishioners endured hardships and were not always accepted by their neighbors, Bishop Malesic said, “but they worked hard, raised their families and were faithful. They persevered and planted the seeds of faith here. Our task is to hand on what we’ve received.”

He said the parish family gathers around the altar, the most important table, to worship and receive Christ. “We also help those in need … Never underestimate the essential role each of you plays. You all are important to the message of God,” he said, reminding the congregation that a good parish does three things: worship, evangelize and serve.

Reflecting on the Gospel which told the parable of the master who paid workers the same wage whether they worked a full day or an hour, the bishop told the faithful that God’s grace is a gift given to all of us. “Do we really want a God of justice and not a God of mercy?” he asked.

“For 175 years, the Lord has called workers to the vineyard of St. Michael Parish … We all rely on the generous love of God … he continues to call for us until he makes us into saints,” he added.

Concelebrating the Mass was former pastor Father John Mullee; Father Tom Haren, a retired priest in residence at St. Michael; Father Dan Divis, a son of the parish; Father Jeff Liptak, who attended St. Michael School and is parochial vicar at nearby St. Basil the Great Parish in Brecksville; Father Ryan Mann, St. Basil pastor; and Father Jordan. Deacon Tom Litwinowicz and Deacon Vincent Belsito assisted. Father Tom Kowatch was the bishop’s master of ceremonies. St. Michael School alumna Taylor Tripodi sang a prelude and the congregation prayed the St. Michael 175thanniversary prayer before Mass.

After Mass, parishioners moved to the nearby Civic Center for dinner. Mayor Greg Kurtz, a lifelong parishioner, presented Father Jordan with a proclamation from the city and those in attendance watched a video produced for the anniversary.

Michael Osysko chaired the 175thanniversary committee.

“For 175 years, St. Michael has been a place where people have encountered Jesus Christ, received the sacraments, formed families in the faith and served their neighbors … I pray the Lord will continue to bless a