Church of the Assumption welcomes Father Ramsk as its new pastor

“My heart is full of gratitude to almighty God as we come together to celebrate my installation as pastor of Church of the Assumption,” said Father Finbar Ramsk, OSB. “These last several months have been such an honor and a blessing to be with you all.”

The new pastor, who has been serving at the parish since July 1, was installed officially during a Mass on Oct. 25 by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost. Concelebrating the liturgy were Father Ramsk, Abbot Gary Hoover, OSB, Father Michael Brunovsky, OSB, prior and formation director, Benedictine Order of Cleveland, and Father Timothy Gareau, dean, Southwest Suburban Deanery and pastor, St. Colette Parish, Brunswick.

In his homily, Father Ramsl noted we are told the greatest commandment is to love the Lord God with our whole heart, mind and strength.

“But that doesn’t mean you have to give up everything and become a monk. Who’d want to do that,” Father Ramsk quipped. “For those who don’t know, I am a monk.”

He told the congregation the Lord is his strength. “We know where we can go for strength and we can build on that strength.”

He said the ultimate responsibility of a priest, a pastor, or a bishop is to imitate Christ. “Jesus doesn’t stop at just praying or saying he loves God – he goes further, telling us to “know the one who is the way, the truth and the life … But the fun comes in following or imitating him,” Father Ramsk said.

By being true imitators of God, we can bring so much to others, he told the faithful.

“Put that into action every day. We need to do that in order to grow in love,” Father Ramsk said.

Bishop Woost told the congregation that he and Bishop Malesic are grateful to the Benedictines for their care and oversight of Assumption Parish.

And as for Father Ramsk, the bishop urged the congregation to “Be good to him … Please don’t break him … I know he loves you and he loves being here.”

During the liturgy, members of the parish and school staff, parish council and finance council were called forward so the new pastor could greet them. He also pledged to seek their guidance and help as he leads the parish community.

Members of his family, including his parents, brother and nieces attended and participated in the installation Mass.

After Mass, there was a reception in the Parish Life Center.