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May/June 2019 www.dioceseofcleveland.org

FEAT URE STO RY

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IN T H E KN OW WITH FAT H ER J O E

Is it a sin to join the military if the war is unjust?

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S E RVING

GOD A ND COUNTRY

D IO C ESE O F C L E V E L AN D H AS A L E GACY O F M IL I TARY CH AP L AI N S , B ISH O PS W H O S U P P O RT T R O O P S A N D T H E I R L OV E D O N ES

S E R V I N G T H E C O U N T I E S O F A S H L A N D, C U YA H O G A , G E A U G A , L A K E , LO R A I N , M E D I N A , S U M M I T A N D WAY N E

FROM THE BISHOP

L IVI NG O U T T HE GI FTS OF TH E H OLY SPIRIT WE SPEND THIS TIME of the Easter season living the reality of our risen Savior and basking in the newness of creation brought by the changing of the seasons. All around us the beauty of nature in springtime reminds us of the new life we have in Christ Jesus. This time of year is truly very special because we also look forward to the coming in June of Pentecost, our celebration of God’s sending of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ apostles after his resurrection.

BISHOP NELSON PEREZ

Pentecost marks for us the culmination of the Easter season. It is an important occasion in the life of the Church because, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the apostles understood their mission to spread the good news of Jesus. Even today, the Holy Spirit is the force that fills and inspires us to live out our faith as our Church teaches, “Knowledge of faith is possible only in

is the 11th bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.

Follow him on Twitter at @BishopNPerez.

DEL OBISPO

VI VI ENDO L OS DON ES DE L ES P Í RI TU SANTO PASAMOS ESTE TIEMPO de Pascua viviendo la realidad de nuestro Salvador resucitado y disfrutando de la novedad de la creación traída por el cambio de las estaciones. A nuestro alrededor, la belleza de la naturaleza en la primavera nos recuerda la nueva vida que tenemos en Cristo Jesús. Esta época del año es verdaderamente muy especial porque también esperamos la venida de Pentecostés en junio, nuestra celebración del envío del Espíritu Santo de Dios sobre los apóstoles de Jesús después de su resurrección.

Pentecostés marca la culminación del tiempo de Pascua. Es una ocasión importante en la vida de la Iglesia porque a través del don del Espíritu Santo, los apóstoles entendieron su misión de difundir la Buena Nueva de Jesús. Incluso hoy, el Espíritu Santo es la fuerza que nos llena y nos inspira a vivir nuestra fe como enseña nuestra Iglesia: “Este conocimiento de fe no es posible

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EL OBISPO NELSON PÉREZ

es el undécimo obispo de la Diócesis Católica de Cleveland.

the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit. He comes to meet us and kindle faith in us.” (CCC 683) We all know the Pentecost story: “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts 2:1-4) The sacrament of confirmation confers that same special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The effects of the sacrament are extraordinary, as it brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace and unites us more firmly to Christ, rendering our bond with him more perfect.

Through the sacrament, the Holy Spirit helps us spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, providing us with these gifts: the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of right judgment and courage; the spirit of knowledge and reverence; and

sino en el Espíritu Santo. Para entrar en contacto con Cristo, es necesario primeramente haber sido atraído por el Espíritu Santo. Él es quien nos precede y despierta en nosotros la fe”. (CIC, 683) Todos conocemos la historia de Pentecostés: “Cuando llegó el día de Pentecostés, estaban todos juntos (unánimes) en un mismo lugar, y de repente vino del cielo un ruido como el de una ráfaga de viento impetuoso que llenó toda la casa donde estaban sentados. Se les aparecieron lenguas como de fuego que, repartiéndose, se posaron sobre cada uno de ellos. Todos fueron llenos del Espíritu Santo y comenzaron a hablar en otras lenguas, según el Espíritu les daba habilidad para expresarse”. (Hechos 2:1-4) El sacramento de la confirmación confiere ese mismo derramamiento especial del Espíritu Santo que una vez se otorgó a los apóstoles en el día de Pentecostés. Los efectos de la Santa Cena son extraordinarios, ya que aumentan y profundizan la gracia bautismal y nos unen más firmemente a Cristo, haciendo que nuestro vínculo con él sea más perfecto. A través de la Santa Cena, el Espíritu Santo nos ayuda a difundir y defender la fe mediante la palabra y la acción como verdaderos testigos de Cristo, proporcionándonos estos dones: el espíritu de sabiduría y comprensión; el espíritu del juicio justo y

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the spirit of holy fear in God’s presence.

These gifts we received upon our confirmation provide us with the power from on high that we need to be an effective witness for Christ in the world. In order to be an effective witness, we must give as a gift what we have received as a gift and work to be missionary disciples, spreading the good news of Jesus to others in our homes, our communities and in the world. Can you imagine what this world would be like if the apostles had kept the gifts of the Holy Spirit to themselves and not shared the faith? We would not be together as a Church today.

It is the Holy Spirit that incorporates us more firmly into Christ, strengthens our bond with the Church, associates us more closely with her mission and helps us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. I always emphatically remind those receiving the sacrament of confirmation to never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working in you, through you and despite you. These are important words to remember for it is through the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we have the power to bring ourselves and others closer to Christ.

INSIDE It is the Holy Spirit that incorporates us

May/June 2019

2 FROM THE BISHOP

Living out the gifts of the Holy Spirit

more firmly into Christ, strengthens our bond with the

4 CULTURE

Parishioners bake with love to support St. Mary’s

Church, associates us more closely with her mission

6 FEATURE STORY

Deacons, priests answer call to serve the Church

and helps us bear witness to the Christian

8 COVER STORY

Serving God and country: Diocese of Cleveland has a legacy of military chaplains, bishops who support troops and their loved ones

faith in words accompanied by deeds.”

-B I SHOP PER EZ

16 FEATURE STORY

Catholic Charities helps faith, friendships flourish at Camp Christopher

Es el Espíritu Santo el que nos incorpora más firmemente a Cristo, fortalece nuestro vínculo con la Iglesia, nos asocia más estrechamente con su misión y nos ayuda a dar testimonio de la fe cristiana en palabras acompañadas de hechos.”

-O B ISP O P E R E Z

de valor; el espíritu de conocimiento y reverencia; y el espíritu del santo temor en la presencia de Dios.

Estos dones que recibimos luego de nuestra confirmación nos brindan el poder de lo alto que necesitamos para ser un testigo efectivo de Cristo en el mundo. Para ser un testigo eficaz, debemos dar como regalo lo que hemos recibido como don y trabajar para ser discípulos misioneros, difundiendo la Buena Nueva de Jesús a otros en nuestros hogares, nuestras comunidades y en el mundo. ¿Se imaginan cómo sería este mundo si los apóstoles hubieran guardado los dones del Espíritu Santo y no hubieran compartido la fe? No estaríamos juntos como Iglesia hoy.

Es el Espíritu Santo el que nos incorpora más firmemente a Cristo, fortalece nuestro vínculo con la Iglesia, nos asocia más estrechamente con su misión y nos ayuda a dar testimonio de la fe cristiana en palabras acompañadas de hechos. Siempre les recuerdo enfáticamente a aquellos que recibieron el sacramento de la confirmación que nunca subestimen el poder del Espíritu Santo que trabaja en ustedes, a través de ustedes y a pesar de ustedes. Estas son palabras importantes para recordar, ya que es a través de los dones del Espíritu Santo que tenemos el poder de acercarnos a nosotros mismos y a otros más cerca de Cristo.

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22 IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

Is it a sin to join the military if the war is unjust?

24 THINGS TO DO 26 ASSIGNMENT CHANGES 27 IN MEMORIAM 28 LOCAL NEWS 30 READER ENGAGEMENT

Fish fry finale! The results are in

31 LAST WORD

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C U LT U R E

Breda Ribic, left, and Maria Sedmak roll a strudel after filling it with apples.

PA R I SH I ONERS bake with love TO SUPP O RT S T. M ARY’S A CREW OF S TRUD E L- M A KE RS B UST L E D A RO UN D THE K I TC HE N AT ST. MA RY OF TH E ASSUM PT IO N PA RISH IN C LE VE LA N D ’S C OLL INWOOD NEIGH B O RH O O D O NE T UESDAY M O R N I N G , MA K I N G SMA LL TA L K A ND C H AT T ING IN SL OV E NIA N AS THE Y WO R K E D , FOCUS ED ON TH EIR TASKS.

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Maria Sedmak, left, and Mari Celestina prepare the strudel for freezing.

By the time they were finished — at about 2 p.m. — they had prepared 34 tables of strudel. The crew meets every other week during Lent to make the ethnic delicacy for the parish’s popular weekly fish fries and other times — as needed — for additional parish functions.

The parish kitchen is a busy place, said Maria Sedmak, who coordinates the crew. The women are longtime parishioners at St. Mary’s, which was established in 1905 as a Slovenian parish. The homemade

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CAROL KOVACH

BY T HE NUMBERS At each strudel-making session, the crew uses about 50 pounds of flour and 16-18 bags of apples.

strudel is a staple at St. Mary’s popular Lenten Friday fish fries and other events. Frozen strudel also can be purchased and then baked at home.

“I came in about 7:30 a.m. to prepare the dough,” Maria said.

She used an industrial mixer to blend flour, water, eggs, butter, salt and oil. The dough was divided and put into glass bowls, covered with plastic wrap and placed in a slightly warm place to rest for at least an hour.

After 8 a.m. Mass, other crew members walked from the church across the parking lot to the parish hall, where they donned aprons and got to work.

Apple crew members included Malka Maslac, Maria Wurzer, Nena Cerer, Jozica Majer, Marica Novak, Ani Nemec, Sophie Kosem, Marija Hocevar, Ani Medved, Pepca Hren and Marjanca Hocevar Trivisonno.

They tackled large bags of big red and yellow apples from Sage’s Orchard in Chardon.

“They get us nice, big apples for the filling,” Maria said.

After peeling and coring, the apples are sliced and divided into plastic tubs — one for each strudel. Grated lemon rind and lemon juice are mixed with the apples to enhance the flavor and prevent the fruit from turning brown.

Nothing is wasted. Father John Kumse, St. Mary’s pastor, stopped by to collect bags of apple peelings that he feeds to his chickens, which are housed near the rectory.

The dough crew — Maria, Milka Krulc, Anna Maria Zalar and her mother-in-law, Julia Zalar, Breda Ribic, Mari Celestina and Brigita Meja — deftly moved around four 8-foot tables preparing and stretch-

ing the dough. Each table was covered with a large, floured cloth.

Milka took a bowl of dough, removed the plastic and dumped the dough onto the table. Using a rolling pin, she flattened the dough into an oblong shape before stretching it.

Some of the women worked in pairs while others worked alone, gently pulling and stretching the dough until it was paper thin and covered the entire table, hanging over the edges like a table cloth.

The stretched dough was brushed lightly with melted butter and sprinkled with breadcrumbs sautéed in butter before a tub of sliced apples was spread into a line down the entire length of dough. The apples were sprinkled with granulated sugar and more bread crumbs.

Then two of the women picked up the edge of the cloth and rolled the dough into a strudel the length of the table. The 8-foot-long pastry was cut into four pieces and placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covered with plastic and frozen until being baked for that week’s fish fry. Strudel to be sold was wrapped in foil and frozen.

Once baked, the strudel is a golden brown, thin, flaky pastry filled with flavorful apples. “You finish it by sprinkling it with powdered sugar,” Maria said.

She said it’s a perfect dessert for the fish fry, which features homemade food. Fish and shrimp are breaded by hand; cod is baked; macaroni and cheese is made from scratch, as is the Slovenian-style coleslaw, which is made with oil and vinegar instead of mayonnaise.

There also is a homemade soup each week — all prepared by volunteers to support the parish.

LEARN MORE St. Mary’s is at 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland. Call 216.761.7740 or visit stmaryscollinwood.com for more information.

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S TR U D E L D O U G H I N G R E D I E N TS 4 cups flour 1 ½ cups lukewarm water 1 egg 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 tablespoon oil ¾ teaspoon salt 3 sticks sweet butter, melted for brushing on dough D I R EC T I ON S 1. Combine all ingredients in food processor to make soft dough.

2. Let dough rest one hour.

3. Place dough onto a lightly floured cloth.

4. Roll and stretch dough to completely cover table — dough will be very thin.

5. Brush dough with melted butter.

6. Trim edges of dough.

7. Fill with desired filling on edge of long side of dough.

8. Roll strudel and cut into desired lengths for cookie sheet.

9. Brush top of strudel with ½ cup melted butter.

10. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Can sprinkle with powdered sugar when cool. Makes enough for one 4-by-6 foot table.

A P P LE F I LLI N G I N G R E D I E N TS 5 pounds apples, assorted, chopped 1 small lemon, the juice and grated peel 1 ⅓ cups sugar ¾ cup breadcrumbs (sprinkle onto dough as a base for apples) D I R EC T I ON S Mix together in a large bowl.

Recipe from Cooking with Micka, a cooking club that meets the first Tuesday of each month at St. Mary’s in Collinwood.

It was started by sisters Maria Sedmak and Toni Srsen in memory of their mother, Maria Ribic. For more information on the cooking classes, email Sedmak at mariasedmak@ hotmail.com or Srsen at srsen@sbcglobal.net.

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DEACONS, PRIESTS ANSWER CALL TO SERVE THE CHURCH The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is celebrating a trio of ordinations this spring: two transitional deacons, four permanent deacons and nine priests. Bishop Nelson Perez is presiding at each ordination at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. The liturgies begin at 10 a.m. and the permanent deacon (May 4) and priestly ordinations (May 18) will be streamed live on the diocesan website. parishioner at St. Ambrose in Brunswick; and Thomas Deacon Joshua Cochrac and Deacon Joseph RobinShetina, husband of Lee and a parishioner at St. John son, who are in formation for the priesthood at Saint Vianney in Mentor.

Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Those scheduled for priestly ordinaTheology, were ordained on April 6. tion on May 18 are the nine transitional Deacon Joshua is the son of Gwen and deacons who were ordained last spring the late Raymond Cochrac of Olmsted

by Bishop Perez. Seven will be ordained Falls. His home parish is St. Mary of the I T WAS N O T YO U WHO for service to the Diocese of Cleveland: Falls, Olmsted Falls and he will serve at C HO SE M E, B UT I WHO Deacon Joshua Trefney, son of Albert and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in C HO SE YO U AN D APPO I N T ED Phyllis Trefney of Cleveland, St. Ladislas Wickliffe. Deacon Joe is the son of TimYO U T O G O AN D B EAR FRUI T Parish, Westlake; Deacon Martin Dober, othy and Faith Robinson of Brook Park.

T HAT WI LL REM AI N , SO son of Mark and Virginia Dober of Berea, His home parish is Mary Queen of the T HAT WHAT EVER YO U ASK St. Mary Parish, Berea; Deacon Daniel Apostles, Brook Park. He will serve at SS. T HE FAT HER I N M Y N AME HE Samide, son of Paul and Sue Samide of Robert and William Parish in Euclid.

MAY G I VE YO U. ( J O HN 16 ) Hudson, St. Mary Parish, Hudson; DeaThe four men scheduled to be orcon David Stavarz, son of David and Jean dained as permanent deacons on May Stavarz of Norton, St. Francis de Sales 4 are Christopher DePenti, husband Parish, Akron; Deacon Kevin Fox, son of of Anne Marie and a parishioner at St. Jerome and Joanne Fox of Timberlake, Columbkille, Parma; Giovanni Grazia, St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake; Deacon Michael Pethusband of Suzanne and a parishioner at Divine Word kosek, son of Arthur and Anne Petkosek of Amherst, in Kirtland; Matthew Harley, husband of Mary and a

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At left are the transitional deacons who will be ordained to the priesthood on May 18.

At right, Deacon Joshua Cochrac and Deacon Joseph Robinson pose with Bishop Nelson Perez after their April 6 ordination.

St. Peter Parish, Lorain; and Deacon Andrew Gonzalez, son of Thomas and Roberta Gonzalez of Olmsted Falls, St. Mary of the Falls Parish, Olmsted Falls.

Also being ordained to the priesthood are Deacon John Jeong, son of Dongsoo and Jungae Kim Jeong, Pohang, Gyeonbuk, Korea, St. Andrew Kim Parish, Cleveland for the Archdiocese of Daegu, South Korea; and Deacon Francisco Garnica, CSJ, son of J. Fefugio and Victorina Garnica, for the Congregation of St. Joseph.

Look in the July/August magazine for photos and more details on the permanent deacon and priestly ordinations, which occurred after the deadline for this issue.

DIACONAT E FORMATION PROGRAM FOURTH YEAR CANDIDATES – 2018/2019

CHRISTOPHER DEPENTI

GIOVANNI GRAZIA

MATTHEW HARLEY

THOMAS SHETINA

St. Columbkille Parish Parma

Divine Word Parish Kirtland

St. Ambrose Parish Brunswick

St. John Vianney Parish Mentor

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Archbishop Timothy Broglio greets soldiers during a visit to a military base.

Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

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S ERV IN G

COVER STORY

GOD AN D COUNTRY S

STORY BY CAROL KOVACH

DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND HAS A LEGACY OF MILITARY CHAPLAINS, BISHOPS WHO SUPPORT TROOPS AND THEIR LOVED ONES eventy-five years ago, on June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 American, British and Canadian troops landed at Normandy in France on D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. It helped cement the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, but it came with a huge loss of life.

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Caption here caption here caption here caption here Caption here caption here caption here caption here

Above: Father Joe Piskura, far right, celebrates Mass for soldiers in Vietnam.

Right: Archbishop Timothy Broglio baptizes a solider.

Photo provided by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Bottom Left: A soldier stands guard at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Bottom right: Graves at Arlington National Cemetery are decorated for Memorial Day. Photos provided by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

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The dead from World War II and many other conflicts are remembered on Memorial Day, which will be celebrated on May 27.

Playing a key role in the invasion and countless other military operations throughout history were military chaplains, including Catholic priests who ministered to the soldiers, sailors and airmen. The Diocese of Cleveland has a long legacy of support for the military chaplaincy, with dozens of priests serving since 1880, when Father Eli Washington John Lindesmith was assigned to serve in Montana. Forty-two priests answered the call to service during WWII. Currently, the diocese is represented by Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA; Bishop Neal Buckon, an auxiliary bishop bishop for the archdiocese; and Fathers Joe Brankatelli and Curt Kondik, Army chaplains on active duty at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Perhaps the longest-serving military chaplain from the diocese is Father Joe Piskura, who spent nearly 40 years with the Army, including 27 years on active duty.

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“I miss it,” he said. “Cleveland is a very military-friendly town.”

Father Joe was ordained in 1954.

He credits a seminary classmate, the late Father Dave Silva, with inspiring him to become a military chaplain. Father Dave, who died in 2010 at age 85, joined the Army after graduating from Holy Name

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High School and was part of the Normandy invasion. In fact, there is a section about him in Cornelius Ryan’s book “The Longest Day.” Father Dave was wounded on Omaha Beach and earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star medal. He entered the seminary after the war and did a tour as an Army chaplain in Germany.

“He left the Army and I went in,” Father Joe said. He had been in the reserves and after receiving permission from the bishop, went on active duty with the Army. Father Joe served during the Vietnam War, spending 18 months in Vietnam — in two stints. He also served at a variety of bases in the U.S. and did three tours of service in Germany during the Cold War. “After my Vietnam service, I became a ‘lifer.’ I loved it,” Father Joe said of the Army. After retirement from active service in 1990, he worked another 14 years as a civilian contractor, filling in for other Catholic chaplains so they could accompany their units.

“Our soldiers are the most generous in the world with what they do for each other and young people,” said Father Joe, who was honored as the Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County’s Veteran of the Year in 2015. He accepted on behalf of all military chaplains.

Father Joe crossed paths with Bishop Buckon at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cleveland Heights.

The bishop is a 1975 graduate of John Carroll University. He served in the ROTC program at JCU and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He went on active duty after graduation and is a much-decorated Army veteran, serving in both the infantry and transportation branches “I was thinking about the priesthood while I was on active duty,” he said. After resigning his commission, he became the first co-sponsored seminarian, which meant he entered the seminary in Cleveland, served one assignment at a parish and then was “loaned” to the archdiocese for assignment as a military chaplain.

The bishop joined the Army Reserves in 1990, while a seminarian. In 1998, he was back on active duty, as a chaplain this time, and he agreed to serve until retirement, which was Dec. 31, 2010.

“I was on a trip to the Holy Land when I got a call saying that the Holy Father wanted me to serve as an auxiliary bishop for the archdiocese,” he said. “I found out on Dec. 8. The Gospel story was Mary’s fiat — saying ‘yes’ to God. I wrote Pope Benedict a letter saying that I would serve.”

Bishop Buckon was ordained a priest in 1995 and was elevated to bishop on Feb. 22, 2011, and serves as Archbishop Broglio’s vicar for the Western Region, overseeing Catholic pastoral care at 95 military installations for all branches of the service in 18 states.

Serving as an auxiliary for the archdiocese involves many of the same roles that a bishop assigned to a diocese would do, including confirmations. However, instead of visiting parishes, he goes to bases, hospitals and military prisons to visit his flock.

As a chaplain, he said many people — not just Catholics — come to his office. Some are suffering from

Soldiers attend Mass in a field in 1968 during the Vietnam War. Photo provided by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

Military chaplains from the Diocese of Cleveland According to records from the Diocese of Cleveland archives and clergy office, the following priests served as military chaplains during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and post-Vietnam. Some chaplains served in more than one era.

WORLD WAR II ERA Fathers Lawrence Andes, Louis Baznik, William Buehner, Joseph Conlon, George Donnellon, Achilles Ferreri, John Fleming, Martin Gallagher, Raymond Gallagher, Edward Gracey, Paul Hallinan, Thomas Hanifin, Paul Haren, Edward Horning, Albert Klein, John Koch, John Kucia, Edward Labbe, Walter Lechtenberg, Charles Logue, Reginald McCormick, Joseph McGraw, Francis McManus, Edward Maher, Paul Marceau, Francis Masin, Harold Meade, James Moran, Stanislaus Mroczka, John Murphy, Robert Murphy, William O’Boyle, Joseph O’Neill, Charles Patrick, Stanislaus Podbielski, John Price, Michael Ragan, Howard Sammon, Walter Smith, John Tivenan and Lawrence Wolf.

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KOREAN ERA Fathers Harold Meade, Stanislaus Mroczka, John Kucia, George Donnellon, Bernard DeCrane, Hugh Gallagher, John Koch, Louis Baznik, John McNally, Joseph Gorski, Thomas Higgins, James Moran, Michael Ragan, R. Joseph Murray, Edward Tulley and Nicholas Novosel.

VIETNAM ERA Fathers Edward Tulley, Joseph Gorski, R. Joseph Murray, David Silva, Thomas Higgins, John McNally, Joseph McCausland, Joseph Piskura, Donald Abel, Joseph Horan, Gerald Whelan, Robert Sawhill, Paul Zarling, John Relic, Glenn Powell, Carl D’Agostino, Patrick Bohan, Francis Duda, James Sheil and John Sutter.

POST-VIETNAM ERA Fathers Joseph Brankatelli (2012 to present), Edward Czech (1982-2005), Carl D’Agostino (1968-1991), Sean Donnelly (1989-1991), Matthew Glaros (2002-2014), Curtis Kondik (2011 to present), Joseph Piskura (1963-1993 and 1995-2000), James Sheil (19691977 and 1991-2010) and Michael Troha (1992-1995 and 2001-2002).

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Diocesan military chaplains serve at home and abroad Chaplains have a long history with the United States military, providing support and strength to soldiers, sailors and their loved ones.

The Diocese of Cleveland traces its first military chaplaincy connection to Father Eli Washington John Lindesmith. He was ordained by Bishop Amadeus Rappe in 1855 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland. Bishop Rappe was the first bishop of the diocese, which was established in 1847.

According to diocesan records, Father Lindesmith was the first American-born priest ordained in the diocese.

After serving at missions in Dungannon and Doylestown, Bishop Richard Gilmour, who succeeded Bishop Rappe in 1872, summoned Father Lindesmith to Cleveland in 1880 and asked him to serve as an Army chaplain. At age 53 — 25 years after his ordination — Father Lindesmith’s commission was signed by President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Just four years after Custer’s Last Stand, Father Lindesmith headed to Montana, where he would minister for 11 years to soldiers, Indians and others, often dressed in buckskin.

He witnessed weddings, taught catechism, heard confessions and officiated at baptisms and funerals. An advocate of temperance, he was described as “a striking figure; tall, thin, dignified” by Msgr. James Kolp of the Diocese of Youngstown, who wrote a book, “The Amazing Father Lindesmith Chaplain in Indian Country,” in 2004. Father Lindesmith baptized Msgr. Kolp’s grandfather.

Father Lindesmith returned to the diocese in 1891 and retired from pastoral duties in 1909. In retirement, he served as chaplain in residence at St. Ann Maternity Home, where he died on Feb. 6, 1922, at age 94. Bishop Joseph Schrembs celebrated his funeral Mass at St. John Cathedral.

Many diocesan priests have followed him as military chaplains. One of the most interesting stories involves Father Francis Masin, who entered the Army on Aug. 28, 1941. While serving with an Army Air Corps bomber group in Australia and New Guinea during World War II, he mistakenly was reported missing, and remains believed to be his were buried.

Eventually, the mistake was corrected.

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Father Harold Meade, who spent 14 years as a Navy chaplain beginning in 1944, displays his uniform. Photo from Diocese of Cleveland archives.

Father Eli Washington John Lindesmith was the first military chaplain from the Diocese of Cleveland. Photo from the Diocese of Cleveland archives.

invisible wounds. He tries to help them get back their balance in life.

“We meet the spiritual needs of those serving our country. Some are thinking about suicide, some are having marital difficulties or other problems. It can be pretty intense.

But they hear the words of Christ.

Where else could they go and hear those words? We’re there for everybody,” he said.

“In the end, it’s good for me to be here. I may have been able to save a life,” Bishop Buckon added.

The bishop tries to get home a few times a year to visit his 90-year-old mother, who lives in Chagrin Falls, and other friends and relatives.

He quoted Gen. Maxwell Taylor from WWII with saying that the spirit of a soldier is everything.

“We recognize that everyone has a soul and spirit and we try to keep them and their families strong.

They carry a heavy burden,” the bishop said.

Archbishop Broglio was ordained in 1977 and also served at St. Margaret Mary Parish. He spent 25 years

• MAY/JUNE 2019 • WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

in diplomatic service for the Vatican and was ordained an archbishop on March 19, 2001. He was named the fourth archbishop for the Military Services, USA on Nov. 19, 2007.

Although he had no prior military experience, the archbishop said his father was a physician at a hospital in England during WWII and his brother served as an Army physician.

“I spend a great deal of my time traveling,” he said. “I try to visit every installation and the hospitals.”

The archbishop estimates he travels 200,000 miles per year as he crisscrosses his global diocese.

The archdiocese does not have a cathedral, Archbishop Broglio said, but they sometimes use the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., which is where the archdiocese is headquartered. He celebrates a Mass the Sunday prior to Memorial Day weekend at the basilica and invites all military personnel. “We usually draw a big crowd,” he said.

The archbishop has visited a war

zone three times. He said the most moving thing he has done was washing the feet of military personnel on Holy Thursday at a base in Afghanistan.

“I also always spend Christmas somewhere with the troops,” he said.

The two diocesan priests currently on active duty, Father Joe Brankatelli and Father Curt Kondik, ironically are assigned to the same base — Fort Riley in Kansas.

Father Joe returned recently from a monthlong series of maneuvers in the Mojave Desert. He’s also served in Afghanistan.

Although he heard the call to his vocation during his senior year in high school, Father Joe said he connected more with his faith but told God he didn’t want to be a priest, heading off to college instead. After three years, he transitioned to the seminary. While there, he considered serving as a military chaplain, but saw himself more as a diocesan priest.

“But I had an openness to serving God at his discretion,” he said.

He met Archbishop Broglio and was invited to serve at the Mass when he was installed as archbishop for the Military Services. There a Catholic priest and military chaplain asked Father Joe if he was interested in the military.

“When I said I didn’t think the military was for me, the archbishop said just because you’re a military chaplain doesn’t mean you’re not serving the Diocese of Cleveland; it’s just in a different way,” Father Joe said.

On growing the Church Archbishop Joseph T. Ryan was named and installed as the first ordinary of the Archdiocese for Military Services in March 1985. In January 1986, he created the administrative headquarters of the newly independent jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C. area.

About 20 percent of military personnel identify as Catholic.

Military chaplains receive the same training as any other soldier, except for weapons training.

Left: Mass was celebrated wherever and whenever possible by military chaplains. Photo provided by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Below: Father Joe Brankatelli, an Army chaplain at Fort Riley, Kansas, celebrates Mass while on maneuvers with soldiers in the Mojave Desert. Photo provided by Father Brankatelli.

We recognize that everyone has a soul and spirit and we try to keep them and their families strong.

They carry a heavy burden.”

-BISHOP NEAL BUCKON

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Father Joe Piskura

Bishop Neal Buckon

iform. ik in his dress un Father Curt Kond ndik.

Ko r

by Fathe Photo provided

The thing that nudged him to the military was a conversation with an Ohio National Guardsman who said he had gone six months on duty without seeing a Catholic priest. After discerning for a year, he spoke to Bishop Richard Lennon about wanting to join the chaplaincy program and found him very supportive.

Since becoming an Army chaplain, Father Joe said he’s celebrated

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Mass in a variety of places, including in chapels and a large tent.

He shared the story of one close call while celebrating Mass abroad when some indirect mortar fire forced him and the congregation to seek shelter. “I grabbed the lectionary and we headed to a bunker.

After the homily, we were able to go back to the chapel and finish Mass.

I thought it was fitting that I got to read the word of God in a secure place and to preach to people who otherwise might not have heard the homily.”

Father Curt said he entered the chaplaincy program in 2011 after talking with Father Joe Piskura a few years before. Although he has several relatives who have served in the military, Father Curt said he hadn’t really considered it.

“God blessed me with a certain amount of physical fortitude,” he said, noting he grew up on a farm in Creston.

• MAY/JUNE 2019 • WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

He’s had two nine-month deployments — one to Afghanistan and one to Iraq — and also spent some time on the U.S. southern border last November when his military police unit was sent to help with border security.

“I consider it a great challenge and a blessing to be able to serve this diverse population. The military are very devout and willing to serve. It’s very inspiring to me, personally,” he said.

Vocations run in the Kondik family. Father Curt said his nephew is being ordained in June for service to the Diocese of Steubenville. And he tries to get home to Creston to visit his parents and sister whenever possible. His home parish is SS. Peter and Paul in Doylestown.

“I want to thank the anonymous Avila prayer moms and other Avilas who pray for the priests. I appreciate the spiritual support from people back home,” he added.

Catholic War Veterans provide assistance for vets, families Sometimes they work quietly behind the scenes, but the Catholic War Veterans of USA, Inc. have a presence in the Diocese of Cleveland.

Mike Strainic, who recently completed a stint as state commander, said there are 25 posts in Ohio and four in the diocese — Post 1959 (John Paul II Post) at St. Justin Martyr (Lake County), Post 1655 (St. Vitus) at St. Vitus Parish in Cleveland, Post 1812 (SE Suburban Post) at St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights and Post 579 (SS. Cyril and Methodius) which meets at various locations. The organization was founded with the blessing of Pope Pius X in 1935 and was chartered in the United States in 1986.

“We take care of veterans and their families,” said Mike, a member of Post 1959. The post adopts families at Christmas and offers assistance to vets who fall on hard times with things like house and car payments, purchasing needed medication and other emergencies. The work is done anonymously in order to respect the veterans’ privacy. Post members also volunteer at Veterans Administration hospitals, sometimes take veterans to medical appointments and send care packages to active duty military members.

“We also distribute grocery store gift cards to those who need them,” he added.

The last Wednesday of each month, Mike said post volunteers head to the Willoughby VA clinic to share coffee, donuts and friendship with clients.

“We have coloring and essay contests with cash prizes for students in the Catholic schools,” he said. The awards are presented after a Mass at the school. Mike said some local winners have also snagged state and national awards. The coloring contest, which is for younger students, focuses on Veterans Day, Keeping Christ in Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter. The essay contest topic is “What Does a Veteran Mean to You.” Mike said the post hosts fundraising activities, including a reverse raffle and silent auction and accepts donations for poppies in order to support its veteran support efforts.

Faith is an important part of the organization’s existence. Mike said Post 1959 has a communal Mass the fifth Sunday of the month. “We also attend the wakes and funerals of veterans and have an honor guard for them.”

The group’s mission is important to Mike, a longtime member of St. Justin Martyr Parish. He served six years as a Navy Seabee during the Vietnam era. Mike said Post 1959 is very active and is always looking for new members. Prospective members must be a practicing Catholic, have served at least 90 days of active duty and must have an honorable discharge.

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a Above, members of Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 pose after by provided Photos salutes.

Strainic communal Mass. Below, Mike Mike Strainic.

LEARN MORE

For more information on Catholic War Veterans, visit cwv.org or contact Mike at mstrainic@aol.com

Student contest winners pose with members of CWV Post 1959.

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CATHOLIC CHARITIES HELPS FAITH, FRIENDSHIPS FLOURISH AT CAMP CHRISTOPHER Meet Nate. He loves his weekends at the Community Respite camp at Camp Christopher so much that it has become a second home for him. The camp serves persons with disabilities.

enjoy the same camp experiences as othFor Nate, Camp Christopher’s CommuDONTATE TO BENEFIT er campers their age. They can play, craft, nity Respite weekends are the highlight of CAMP CHRISTOPHER swim, canoe, make friendships and, best of his month. As a nonverbal adult with speDISABILITIES CAMPS all, they can pray and experience God in the cial needs, his parents were hesitant to send Use the envelopes natural beauty of their surroundings. him away for an entire weekend at first. But at the Mass on May 18-19, donate online at three years later, Camp Christopher has beCatholicCommunity.org/ come a second home to him.

Camp or text CAMP to The parish appeal to benefit Camp “The staff treats Nate like a real per41444 Christopher will be May 18-19. Funds raised son, not a disability,” said Jeannine, Nate’s during that weekend will be used to open mom. “With Camp Christopher, we felt we the door to camp for more youths and adults with disfinally found Nate’s world and everything that he needs, abilities through camperships, cabin construction and especially friends and wonderful staff that are more like renovation and adaptive programs. family.”

All new, increased and additional gifts will be douYou can help Catholic Charities create a camp withbled, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor out limits for campers with disabilities to experience through a $100,000 challenge grant. The challenge God in nature. grant applies to gifts that are returned in envelopes Imagine a camp where all are welcome regardless of available at all Masses the weekend of May 18-19, and abilities or disabilities. Catholic Charities’ Camp Chrisfor those who donate online at CatholicCommunity. topher has been serving youths and adults from across org/Camp, or text CAMP to the number 41444. the Diocese of Cleveland for 95 years. Unique to Camp Contact Karen Joyce at kjoyce@CatholicCommunity.

Christopher are the camp opportunities available to perorg for more information. sons with disabilities. Here, campers with disabilities can

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• MAY/JUNE 2019 • WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

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TO GET H ER W E LEARN B ET T ER

STORY COMPILED

BY BROOKE UEHLEIN PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Through the Better Together initiative launched in schools across the Diocese of Cleveland, incorporating fundamental change into the Catholic school community has created flourishing environments that not only benefit exceptional learners but allow for every student to be engaged. Educators are investing in the art of customizing plans that develop both exceptional and gifted students as a cohesive unit.

An exceptional learner is a student that learns and develops differently. Such a student may need instruction that accommodates his or her preferred learning style, a different pace of instruction or additional educational services in order to progress learning.

Last spring, principals, teachers and intervention specialists began professional development sessions every other month that guided staff to understand exceptional students’ needs. Through instructional series that provided tangible materials for the school day, collaborative sessions with county resources and special education awareness initiatives, schools are better prepared to serve students with diverse learning needs.

“Our most recent data indicate that we have 2,219 students identified with exceptional learning needs enrolled in our diocese,” said Molly Bullock, special education coordinator for schools in the Office of Catechetical Formation and Education.

Parents of exceptional learners can view the complete list of Better Together schools and learn more by visiting dioceseofcleveland.org/ bettertogether.

The Alleluia Ball supports the Better Together initiative in Catholic Education.

Visit CatholicCommunity.org/ alleluia for more information on the gala.

Through Better Together, which was launched with funds raised through the generosity of donors at the 2017 Alleluia Ball, schools have established a safe and acceptable place where students learn using tools that uniquely fit. An example is flexible seating or sensory aids. A student may learn better when provided with various seating options like a padded cushion or standing desk. A student who is sensitive to sound may have improved focus when provided with noise-canceling headphones.

“When inclusive practices are not successfully implemented, an exceptional learner may experience anxiety, confusion and frustration. Thus a classroom is not adequately supporting the individual’s learning needs,” Bullock said.

“Our Catholic faith calls us to serve one another in community, with each person being an important and contributing member. Better Together is helping our schools support students so that an expanding number of families are able to receive a Catholic education,” Bullock added.

CLEVELAND CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, CLEVELAND The Better Together initiative developed diocesan-wide guidelines that support a consistent framework for schools. Cleveland Central Catholic provides targeted interventions that assist students with goal setting and organizational skills.

ST. JUDE SCHOOL, ELYRIA The Better Together team at St. Jude’s consists of intervention specialists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and applied behavior analysis therapists. The staff has taken coursework in fostering creativity in the classroom, effective strategies for working with students on the autism spectrum, effective co-teaching, dyslexia and how to motivate unmotivated students.

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Sister Allison Marie, principal of Cleveland Central Catholic: “The Better Together initiative has provided significant professional development for educational leaders and inclusion coordinators as a foundation for providing special education services that accommodate the needs of a diverse student population.”

INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY, PARMA HEIGHTS Incarnate Word Academy has redesigned its response to intervention program (known as RTI) under the Better Together program. This process identifies students and implements interventions for grades K-8. The intervention specialist meets with grade level teachers to review instructional approaches and best practices for students’ needs. Teachers receive digital documentation and a traveling suitcase that serves as a toolkit of resources for students identified with specific educational needs.

HOLY TRINITY, AVON Knowing that each student has varied strengths and unique learning needs is a blueprint for instruction at Holy Trinity. Applying differentiation, teaching the material through a variety of instructional strategies, is a responsive tool that helps maximize class time and meet student’s needs.

“Ace is a fourth-grade student who has been with us since preschool. In the years that Ace has been a part of our school, he has shown growth both socially and academically.

He has participated in a variety of social groups during and after school. This helps build his confidence and social skills.”

-Cassandra Zacharias, intervention specialist, St. Jude School

“Holy Trinity has embraced the Better Together initiative in a way that is natural for our school and our school community’s Catholic faith. By carefully studying best practices and committing to differentiated instruction, it is our hope that we can give all of our students what they need to be successful in the classroom.”

-Kim Kuchta and Michael Modzeleski, co-principals

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“As we embrace the Better Together initiative, I want to bring everything possible to our teachers and students.

The biggest component to successful implementation is everyone working together to achieve the same goal. In order to do this, fluid and consistent communication between teachers and staff is essential. Throughout the implementation of differentiation and the response to intervention process, I continuously see a difference in the approach made in lesson planning.”

-Kailyn Koberling, intervention specialist, Incarnate Word Academy

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FORMED.org provides the Catholic faith on demand in Northeast Ohio A common link of society is how our culture is digital. Thus, as Catholics we live in a world that incorporates the power of technology into most aspects of a day. If doorbells can have video cameras and cars can self-park, why not journey with Christ to Calvary via podcast?

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Northeast Ohio Catholic

Instead of viewing tech as an impediment to faith, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is encouraging parishioners to embrace online and mobile platforms available in the 21st century.

In 2015, the Augustine Institute created a unique, parish-based evangelization tool called FORMED. The purpose was to expand the range of resources and respond to consumer demand for dynamic content in an age where Amazon and Netflix are not just mobile marketplaces but a routine action in an individual’s day.

Across the country, FORMED.org has refreshed traditional parish resources by providing impactful, on-demand, web and mobile app tools for Catholics.

The Diocese of Cleveland encourages customizing one’s personal faith experience and encountering God through the use of FORMED on a smartphone, tablet or computer. By entering into a partnership with FORMED, approximately 160 parishes within the eight-county diocese have the ability to access the best Catholic content.

This unique partnership is part of a three-year initiative with the diocese subsidizing a free subscription for one full year. With this subscription, any person living within the parish boundaries can have access to the FORMED content at no cost, thanks to funding from the Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope campaign.

Users have an extensive menu of resources at their fingertips to aid in personal faith journeys, group studies, prayer, in-home catechesis, videos featuring powerful conversion stories, audio conversations by theologians, animated movies for the family and much more.

“The options are fantastic for individual, family or parish use,” said Sister Rita Mary Harwood, SND, diocesan secretary for parish life.

“To provide the most up-to-date teachings of our Church on a streaming service dedicated to our Catholic faith demonstrates the fruit of the Holy Spirit flourishing within the diocese.”

To learn more about this service, visit dioceseofcleveland.org/formed.

In a message to parishes, Bishop Nelson Perez said, “There is a great selection of enlightening programs, inspiring talks, e-books and resources for families and youths. Get connected and enjoy having your Catholic faith on demand.”

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STORY BY BROOKE UEHLEIN

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YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FR. JOE

A

This is a tough one and a bit nuanced. Let’s see what we can do with it.

Often, in these musings of mine, I will point out how we need to form our consciences in union with the Church and its teachings. In this case, as polarized as we are politically, it is particularly important that we look to the Church for guidance in order to keep from “baptizing our politics.”

When you speak of an unjust war, then, let’s look at the Church’s standard for what is a just war.

Our wisdom on this comes primarily from St. Thomas Aquinas.

You can find it in your “Catechism of the Catholic Church” in section 2309, which states: The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time: • The damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave and certain; • All other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective; • There must be serious prospects of success; • The use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated.

The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.

Q

Is it a sin to join the military if the war is unjust?

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• MAY/JUNE 2019 • WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

© Getty Images / zabelin

D E AR F R. J O E:

The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.

What we are to do with this information, then, is place it in our hearts, listen for the Church to make a declaration about whether the war is just or not and then pray for the wisdom to follow it.

of “unjust war” in order to provide assistance in a non-killing manner, I believe that to be morally acceptable.

For instance, priests who serve as chaplains in the military do not necessarily need to agree with the war to believe that their help is desperately needed. Medical doctors, or those in training to be doctors, may feel that they are called to offer their skills to soldiers in a war that they believe to be unjust or that the Church has deemed unjust.

Can I be a conscientious objector?

Not until there is a draft ... OK, bad joke, sorry.

Absolutely. I can find no teaching from the Church that says you have to join or accept draft into the mil-

itary, even if the Church declares a war just. In section 2311, the catechism states: Public authorities should make equitable provision for those who for reasons of conscience refuse to bear arms; these are nonetheless obliged to serve the human community in some other way.

So, that much is clear. We know that if an individual feels called to be a conscientious objector, he or she is not just allowed to follow that prompting but is actually required to do so.

Let’s pray and work for peace. Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

T. Gennara

If the Church has not spoken, you will need to follow your own conscience about whether or not you believe the war in question to be unjust or not.

People who join the military do so for numerous reasons: some require the vast financial assistance available to them if they join; others seek training in fields that will provide them with a lifetime of skills which will feed them and their families; and other people join to grow in discipline and or “team concept.” There will also be those noble persons who join the military out of a sense of duty and gratitude.

Whatever the reasons, if someone joins the military during a time

FATHER JOE KRUPP

is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack

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St. Paschal Baylon Parish’s 10th annual Spring Festival will be 5-10 p.m. May 16; 5-11 p.m. May 17; 4-11 p.m.

May 18; and noon to 6 p.m. May 19 on the parish grounds, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights with food, rides, games and music. Visit saintpaschal.com or call 440.442.3410.

Warm Up America meets at 1:30 p.m. the third Monday of every month except July and December at St. Columbkille Parish, 6740 Broadview Road, Parma, to create afghans, baby items, lap robes, etc. Yarn donations appreciated. Call 216.524.2869.

“Hospice & Palliative Care: Keep it Light and Know the Difference” is the topic of the next Village at Marymount speaker series, 6-7:30 p.m. May 23 at 5200 Marymount Village Drive, Garfield Heights. Event is free and includes a light dinner. Reservations are required by calling 216.332.1396 or email lpencak@marymounthcs.org.

YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO

FOR THE MEN

Brothers in Christ Catholic Men’s Fellowship meets 7-9 p.m. the fourth Sunday of every month at the St. Francis Spiritual Center (old K of C Hall), at the corner of Sunset Avenue and Second Avenue, Independence. Park in the St. Michael Church lot. Optional rosary at 6:30 p.m.

Visit biccmf.org.

Taize Prayer Holy Hours will be at 7 p.m. May 28 and June 27 at St. Paschal Baylon Church, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights. Call 440.442.3410.

A Night of Healing Prayer will take place at 6:30 p.m.

May 29 at Holy Angels Parish, 18205 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls. All are welcome at the free event.

FIRST FRIDAY CLUB

Mary Queen of Peace and Our Lady of Good Counsel All Alumni Reunion begins with 4 p.m. Mass May 26 followed by brunch at MQP Church, 4423 Pearl Road, Cleveland. Self-guided school tours available. RSVP at 216.749.2323 or info@maryqop.org.

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The First Friday Club of Cleveland will hear from Peter Casarella of the University of Notre Dame at its 11:30 a.m.

June 6 lunch meeting at The City Club, 850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Call 216.589.9852 or email admin@firstfridayclubcleveland.org.

The Families in Christ Jesus community prayer gathering will hear from Father Jacob Bearer, parochial vicar, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Akron, 7:45-9:30 p.m. June 6 at SS. Robert and William School Upper Hall, 367 E. 260th St., Euclid. Rosary begins at 7:15 in the church. Call 440.442.7538.

The First Friday Forum of Lorain County will hear from Father Mark Hollis on “Marian Devotion” at its 11:30 a.m. lunch program June 7 at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria. Call 440.244.0643 or email ffflorain@gmail.com.

The First Friday Club of Greater Akron will hear from Jerry Monroe, co-founder of Cleveland Catholic radio station AM 1260 The Rock, at its 11:30 a.m. lunch meeting June 7 at Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron. Visit firstfridayclubofgreaterakron.org.

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To register and for more information visit www.firstfridayclubcleveland.org, call 216.589.9852 or email admin@ firstfridayclubcleveland.org.

All of the luncheons are held on Thursday at The City Club in downtown Cleveland.

Gesu Parish will celebrate Pentecost at Masses the weekend of June 8-9. School tours and refreshments available. Attendees are asked to wear red clothing. Church of the Gesu is at 2470 Miramar Blvd., University Heights. Call 216.932.0617 or visit churchofthegesu.org.

Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Diocesan Center will have its annual Mass of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at 7 p.m. June 28 at St. Therese Church, 5276 E. 105th St., Garfield Heights with Father Eric Orzech as celebrant. Call 216.447.9375 or 440.232.7725.

Catholic Renewal Ministries will have a Pentecost Mass celebration at 2 p.m. June 9 at St. Peter Church, 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. Individual prayer for healing and fellowship follows Mass. Call 440.327.2201 or 440.944.9445.

“Arise And Be Healed” is the theme of the 37th annual Catholic Renewal Ministries’ Annual Charismatic Conference July 12-13 at Magnificat High School, 20770 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. Call 440.610.6604, email crmcleveland@gmail.com or visit crmweb. org for details.

Regina Health Center will have its 20th annual Holy-in-One golf outing beginning at 10 a.m. June 17 at Firestone Country Club, 452 East Warner Road, Akron. Call 330.659.5142 or 330.659.5132 or email cdolego@reginahealthcenter.org or moneill@reginahealthcenter.org or visit holyinone.com.

Perseverence in Hope, the 2019 Joseph’s Home benefit luncheon, begins at 11:30 a.m. on June 19 at Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland. Tickets are $50 general admission and $100 patrons. Visit josephshome.com/events/luncheon, call 216.987.9201 or email mwallace@josephshome.com.

Marymount Health Center will host a panel discussion on “A Trip to the Hospital — Now What?” beginning with a light dinner at 6 p.m. June 20 at 5200 Marymount Village Drive, Garfield Heights. The event is free. Call 216.332.1396 or email lpencak@ marymounthcs.org.

Celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ at Masses June 22-23 at St. Paschal Baylon Parish, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights. A procession with the Blessed Sacrament follows noon Mass June 23 with Father Tom Smithson, SSS as guest speaker. Call 440.442.3410.

Mary Queen of Peace Parish will have its Summerfest 1-9 p.m.

July 28 on the parish grounds, 4423 Pearl Road Cleveland. Free admission; food trucks, games, music and more.

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St. Ann’s Shrine and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament will celebrate St. Ann’s feast day with their annual triduum July 24-26 at St. Paschal Baylon Parish, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights. Call 440.449.2700, email sgongos@blessedsacrament.com, or visit blessedsacrament.com or st-ann-shrine.org.

A daylong senior retreat featuring Bishop Martin Amos, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Davenport, will take place beginning at 9 a.m. July 18 at St. Mary of the Falls Parish, 25615 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls. Cost is $20; reservations are required and are due by July 12. Call 440.235.2222, Ext. 122.

St. Jerome Parish will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a gala on July 21, including 10 a.m. Mass with Bishop Nelson Perez at the church, 15000 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, followed by a lunch at the Irish American Club East Side, 22770 Lake Shore Blvd., Euclid. Tickets are $35. Order online at stjeromecleveland. churchgiving.com/centennialgalaluncheon or call 216.481.8200.

SS. Peter & Paul Parish will have its 59th annual Salad Smorgasbord Card Party beginning at 9 a.m. July 24 in the school, 161 W. Clinton St., Doylestown. Admission is $8, including lunch and a door prize chance; raffles available. Call 330.658.3057.

St. Peter High School Class of 1969 will have its 50th reunion beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at the 100th Bomb Group, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland. Call 440.714.0795 or 440.241.2751.

Villa Angela Academy Class of 1959 will celebrate its 60th reunion on Sept. 14. Contact nfitch63@att.net or hodasandra@ gmail.com or call 440.729.7594 or 703.966.9168.

The annual diocesan 50th anniversary Mass will be at 10 a.m.

Oct. 12 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 1007 Superior Ave., Cleveland. Couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries this year should contact their parish for reservations.

SUBMIT AN EVENT Events for inclusion in the July/August issue must be received before May 24. Be sure to include time, date, place, cost and contact information. Submit by email to ckovach@dioceseofcleveland.org or mail to Northeast Ohio Catholic, Attn. Carol Kovach, 1404 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, Ohio 44114.

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YOUR COMMUNITY ASSIGNMENT CHANGES

Father Michael D. Ausperk concluded his assignment as administrator of St. Anne Parish, Rittman, effective May 6.

Father Ausperk continues his appointment as parochial vicar, Holy Family Parish, Stow.

Deacon Lawrence A. Somrack, St. Helen Parish, Newbury, was appointed spiritual director of the Knights of Columbus Geauga Council 3304, effective immediately.

This appointment is in addition to his assignment as permanent deacon, St. Helen Parish, Newbury.

Father Joseph L. Labak, pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Wadsworth, was appointed pastor, St. Anne Parish, Rittman, effective May 6. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Wadsworth.

Father Roger Massawe, OFM Cap, with the permission of the Very Rev. Thomas Betz, OFM Cap., provincial minister of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Province of St. Augustine, concluded his appointment as administrator, Conversion of St. Paul Shrine, Cleveland, effective Feb. 12.

Father Jerome Silayo, with the permission of the Most Rev. Isaac Amani, bishop of Moshi, Tanzania, concluded his graduate studies and returned to the Diocese of Moshi, Tanzania, effective Feb. 28.

Father Alfons W. Minja, CPPS, with the permission of the Very Rev. Jeffrey S. Kirsh, CPPS, provincial director of the Cincinnati Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, was given faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland while he participates in the ACPE Residence Program at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland, effective May 20. In addition, he was granted permission to live at the rectory of Immaculate Conception Parish, Cleveland.

Father George Smiga, pastor, St. Noel Parish, Willoughby Hills, was appointed senior parochial vicar, Holy Angels Parish, Bainbridge, effective June 1. This assignment is in addition to his appointment as adjunct faculty member at Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology.

Father Thomas A. Marzocchi, SSS, senior priest-retired, with the permission of the Very Rev. Anthony Schueller, SSS, provincial superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, was granted faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland and residence at the provincial residence, effective immediately.

Father Damian Ezeani, student priest from the Diocese of Orlu, Nigeria, was granted permission to change residence from Our Lady of Peace Parish, Cleveland to St. Richard Parish, North Olmsted, effective March 31.

Deacon D. John Travis was appointed spiritual director for the Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as permanent deacon, St. Ladislas Parish, Westlake.

Deacon William J. Yoho was appointed spiritual director for Camp Christopher in Akron, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as permanent deacon, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cuyahoga Falls.

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Northeast Ohio Catholic

Father Robert Marva., OFM Cap, with the permission of the Very Rev. Thomas Betz, OFM Cap, provincial minister of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Province of St. Augustine, was appointed administrator pro tem of Conversion of St. Paul Shrine, Cleveland, effective Feb. 12.

Father George A. Vrabel received permission to conclude his leave of absence for sick leave and resumed his duties as pastor of St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Ridgeville, effective Feb. 15.

PRAY

Say a special prayer for all members of clergy in the Diocese of Cleveland.

Father Robert J. Franco’s assignment as administrator of St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Ridgeville, concluded, effective Feb. 15. Father Franco continues his appointment as pastor of St. Peter Parish, North Ridgeville.

Father William M. Jerse, pastor, St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland, was granted an authorized leave of absence for sick leave, effective Jan. 22.

Father Francis P. Walsh, senior priest-retired, was appointed administrator of St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland, effective Jan. 22.

Father Timothy J. Roth, parochial vicar, SS. Robert and William Parish, Euclid, was granted permission to pursue an advanced degree in canon law, effective June 14.

Father Peter A. Morris, parochial vicar, St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor, was appointed chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Don Bosco Council 4801, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his assignment as parochial vicar, St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor.

The diaconal assignment of Deacon William M. Staab, Blessed Trinity Parish, Cleveland, concluded and he was granted retirement status, effective Feb. 22.

• MAY/JUNE 2019 • WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

YOUR COMMUNITY IN MEMORIAM

FATHER JOHN TEZIE

DEACON WILLIAM DIRK

Bishop Nelson Perez celebrated the March 16 funeral Mass for Father John Tezie, senior priest-retired, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Amherst. Father Tezie, 85, died on March 12. He was ordained on May 23, 1959, and served as parochial vicar at several parishes; and as pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Akron, Our Lady of Grace Parish in Hinckley and Assumption Parish in Grafton. He also was a hospital chaplain before retiring on Nov. 17, 2003. Interment was at St. Joseph Cemetery in Amherst.

Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, celebrated the April 8 funeral Mass at Our Lady of Peace Church in Cleveland for retired Deacon William Dirk, who died on April 3 at age 85. Survivors include his wife, Judith (Stine), children and grandchildren. Bishop Anthony Pilla ordained Deacon Dirk on June 2, 1984.

He served at Holy Cross Parish in Euclid and in hospital ministry before retiring on May 30, 2012. Interment was private.

FATHER EDWARD CZECH

Bishop Nelson Perez celebrated the March 5 funeral Mass at St. Augustine Tower in Cleveland for Father Edward Czech, senior priest-retired. Father Czech, 70, died on Feb. 26. He was ordained on June 9, 1973, by Bishop Clarence Issenmann and served more than 24 years as a military chaplain. Later, he was chaplain at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Sandusky until he retired on Aug. 15, 2003. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland.

Memorial Day Mass May 27, 2019 10 a.m.*

HONORING THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES SERVING GOD AND COUNTRY

*Except where noted

JOIN US FOR MASS ALL SAINTS, NORTHFIELD ~ 480 W. Highland Rd. ALL SOULS, CHARDON ~ 10366 Chardon Rd. CALVARY, CLEVELAND ~ 10000 Miles Ave. CALVARY, LORAIN ~ 555 N. Ridge Rd. W. *9 a.m.

HOLY CROSS, AKRON ~ 100 E. Waterloo Rd. HOLY CROSS, BROOK PARK ~ 14609 Brookpark Rd.

RESURRECTION, VALLEY CITY ~ 6303 Center Rd. ST. JOSEPH, AVON ~ 32789 Detroit Rd. ST. MARY, CLEVELAND ~ 2677 W. 41st St. ST. MARY, CUYAHOGA HTS. ~ 4720 E. 71st St. *9 a.m.

ST. MARY, ELYRIA ~ 7284 Lake Ave. ST. MARY CHURCH, O. FALLS ~ 25615 Bagley Rd. *9 a.m.

Mass is outdoors. Please bring a lawn chair.

D I O C E S E

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C L E V E L A N D

Faith, Hope, and Remembrance

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YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

CULTURE PROJECT INTERNATIONAL TO MINISTER IN DIOCESE A team of five missionaries from the Culture Project International will begin work in the Diocese of Cleveland this fall. Founded in 2014 and headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Culture Project is an initiative of young people who work to restore culture through the experience of virtue, proclaiming the dignity of the human person and the richness of living sexual integrity.

They will present talks and programs at schools throughout the diocese.

“I am excited to welcome the Culture Project International missionaries to the Diocese of Cleveland as part of our comprehensive effort and commitment to deepen our resolve to provide solid formation and education for our young people on the importance of self-respect and living chaste lives,” said Bishop Nelson Perez.

The Culture Project also has a team in the Diocese of Toledo.

Join us at

THEFEST SUNDAY, AUGUST

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NEW CATHOLIC CHARITIES OUTREACH CENTER OPENS IN AKRON Bishop Nelson Perez blessed the new St. John the Baptist Community Outreach Center during its grand opening ceremony on April 5. The center, operated by Catholic Charities, Summit County, houses intensive inpatient, counseling and recovery coach services to help those struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol.

In partnership with United Way and Summa Health System, the center helps to provide access to treatment services for clients coming to Barberton Hospital’s emergency department, The new center was made possible through the financial support of donors to the 2018 Catholic Charities follow-up Annual Appeal.

YO UNG CATHO LIC PRO FESSIO NALS

Faith, fun, networking and happy hour are at all events!

For location on these events and more visit our Facebook page or ycpcleveland.org.

COME AND S E E WHAT WE ’RE ALL A BO U T! UPCOMING MONTHLY EVENTS: • JUNE 11: Rich Kelly, YCP National Board Member, Principle of LumaCorp Inc. St. Ignatius Breen Center • JULY 9: Panel Discussion on Faith • Gesu Parish, Cleveland Hts. • AUGUST 13: Happy Hour in the East Bank of the Flats • Location TBD

A day of Faith, Family and Fun...all for free!

featuring live music from top Christian bands Casting Crowns, Tenth Avenue North, Matt Maher, Jordan Feliz

Visit the website for details & full schedule:

WWW.THEFEST.US ♱ Thousands of giveaways! ♱ Confession and Adoration All Day ♱ Outdoor Mass at 8pm ♱ Night Ending in Fireworks!

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Northeast Ohio Catholic

• MAY/JUNE 2019 • WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

Follow us on social media or visit www.YCPCleveland.org to learn more about YCP

MASS OF THANKSGIVING Deacon Andrew Rudmann, a Cleveland native and graduate of St. Ignatius High School, will be ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans on June 1. He will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at 10 a.m. June 9 at St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave., Cleveland. A reception will follow in the parish auditorium.

His will be the first ordination of a registered St. Vitus parishioner in 40 years. He will serve in the Archdiocese of New Orleans after ordination.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS sign up for the Northeast Ohio Catholic enewsletter.

Visit www.dioceseofcleveland.org to find out how.

URSULINE SISTERS OPEN MERICI CROSSINGS The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland recently moved into their new motherhouse, Merici Crossings, a sleek, modern, 68,000-square-foot structure located on about 10 acres near the campus of Ursuline College in Pepper Pike. Sixty-eight sisters live in the new building, which cost about $22 million.

The project took nearly a decade to complete and involved a capital campaign to fund roughly half of the development. A focal point of Merici Crossings is its distinctive swooping roof, which reaches upward toward heaven over the chapel where the sisters pray and have daily Mass.

Bishop Nelson Perez visited the new facility on April 1 and blessed it during a prayer service attended by the sisters, congregational leadership, benefactors and other invited guests.

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FISH FRY FINALE

The results are in!

Hundreds of readers weighed in on their favorite fish fry in the Diocese of Cleveland. Thirty-one entities — including 29 parishes, one high school and one shrine — were nominated as the best fish fry in the diocese.

And the winner is: St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake.

Rounding out the top five vote-getters are: St. Gabriel Parish, Concord; Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Uniontown; St. Mary Parish in Collinwood; and St. Albert the Great Parish in North Royalton.

Also receiving nominations were Blessed Trinity (Cleveland), St. Francis de Sales (Parma), Holy Family (Parma), St. Aloysius, St. Bartholomew, Visitation of Mary, Holy Angels, Mary Queen of Peace, St. Joseph (Strongsville), St. John Bosco, St. Noel, St. Raphael, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Helen, St. Mary (Berea), St. James, St. Mary of the Assumption (Mentor), St. Bernadette, Assumption, St. John Neumann, St. Clare (Boy Scout Troop 433), St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Avon), St. Adalbert (Berea) and St. Mary (Chardon) parishes, plus Benedictine High School and Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine.

The top reasons listed by nominators were the food — quality and quantity — and helpful, friendly volunteers.

St. Joseph Parish’s fish fry was recommended for its “excellent grade of food … wide choice of sides, smiling and welcoming volunteers … camaraderie, seeing neighbors, getting opportunities to visit with people we usually only see at Mass … the right price” and the homemade soup prepared by Father Ron Wearsch, pastor.

Congratulations to the winners and to all nominees.

Now we’d like to hear about your favorite way to spend the summer. Is there a special family event, camping at Camp Christopher or something else that makes summer special for you?

Send your thoughts to ckovach@dioceseofcleveland.org

by May 27 and we’ll share them in the July/August Northeast Ohio Catholic magazine.

The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Copyright 2019 WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

MAY/JUNE 2019 VOLUME 4: ISSUE 4 PUBLISHER

Most Rev. Nelson Perez EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Deacon Jim Armstrong, APR jarmstrong@dioceseofcleveland.org

© Getty Images / CharlieAJA

YOUR COMMUNITY READER ENGAGEMENT

EDITOR

Carol Kovach ckovach@dioceseofcleveland.org AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Anita Simko

asimko@dioceseofcleveland.org MANAGER, DIGITAL STRATEGY

Jeff Stutzman

jstutzman@dioceseofcleveland.org COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Brooke Uehlein

buehlein@dioceseofcleveland.org STAFF ASSISTANT

Robert Polomsky rpolomsky@dioceseofcleveland.org ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Sally Benninger

sbenninger@dioceseofcleveland.org CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bishop Nelson Perez Karen Joyce Carol Kovach Father Joe Krupp Andreh Lah Brooke Uehlein

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carol Kovach

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Patrick M. O’Brien

VICE PRESIDENT/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Rachel Matero

PRINT MANAGEMENT

InnerWorkings

To advertise in the Northeast Ohio Catholic, contact Anita Simko at 216.696.6525, ext. 2610, asimko@dioceseofcleveland. org or advertising@ dioceseofcleveland.org. To subscribe to the Northeast Ohio Catholic, call 216.696.6525.

NORTHEAST OHIO CATHOLIC (USPS 094-580) is published bimonthly, six times per year, by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, 1404 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1722.

Periodicals postage paid in Cleveland, OH and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Northeast Ohio Catholic, 1404 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1722. Send address changes to Northeast Ohio Catholic, 1404 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1722.

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• MAY/JUNE 2019 • WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG

LAST WORD

WITH MEMORIAL DAY just

© Getty Images / Azaliya

C AT H O L I C C E M E T E R I E S AR E P L AC E S O F P E AC E As Catholics, we believe there is one God and in his eyes we are all one. In this faith that unifies us, we also struggle with our human failings and the things that separate us from each other. We all struggle with our human nature by distinguishing ourselves economically, socially, politically, racially, sexually and sometimes by national origin.

As Catholics, we want to be tolerant and accepting because our faith teaches us to love — but separation simply occurs. Often this separation is without intent. Despite this separation in life, it is in death and interment in a Catholic cemetery where prejudgment and all of life’s labels ATTEND A MASS Memorial Day Masses will be celebrated at many of the Catholic cemeteries on Memorial Day, May 27. See page 27 or visit clecem.org for information on Mass times and locations.

are washed away.

In a Catholic cemetery, you will come upon a majestic monument next to a simple grave. Or you may find the grave of two people who lived life in the shadows but now rest in God’s loving care. In a Catholic cemetery, who you are and where you came from are no longer relevant. As Catholic cemetarians, our corporal work of mercy is simply to bury the dead and the rest we place in God’s hands. In a Catholic cemetery, there is no quarrel with the dead. We are granted the ability to see each other as God’s gift to one another without concern for status or station.

Each funeral procession arrives with family and friends grieving the loss of the person who will remain in this most sacred of places.

We come as family united by an ancient and universal faith, a religion

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a few weeks away, many people may stop by the cemetery to pray at the graves of their loved ones. Come upon a monument in a Catholic cemetery and you will find a vast number of surnames. Some will give an indication about the ethnicity of the deceased and others will have been changed over the years in an effort to embrace their new home. In either case, they lie together in peace as members of our Catholic family awaiting the promise of the Resurrection made on that first Good Friday. Gone are the prejudices and judgments that all human beings struggle with; what remains is our common faith.

that teaches that this is a beginning, not an end. We come each with different traditions but share in the same sacraments. We come each with different ideas and pastimes, and yet with the same beliefs. We come together regardless of what makes us unique, to mourn the loss of a life lived and loved. Our differences wash away and we have only one purpose: the corporal works of mercy — to bury our loved one with dignity and honor.

Our Catholic cemeteries in the Diocese of Cleveland stand as a reminder that we are recipients of God’s mercy. Loved in life, we are united in death. We honor the value God has placed in creating each of us and acknowledge the beauty of our differences. We know that through our faith, God will wash away the inequities of life and grant us eternal life free of intolerance.

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ANDREJ LAH

is executive director, Catholic Cemeteries Association, Diocese of Cleveland.

@DIOCESEofCLE

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Featuring Special Special Guest Guest Speakers Speakers Featuring Featuring Special Guest Speakers

H I LT O N C L E V E L A N D D O W N T O W N Featuring Special Guest Speakers THE MOST MOST REVEREND REVEREND THE NELSON J.REVEREND PEREZ, D.D. D.D. NELSON J. PEREZ, THE MOST Bishopof ofCleveland Cleveland Bishop NELSON J. PEREZ, D.D.

HIS EMINENCE EMINENCE HIS TIMOTHY M.CARDINAL CARDINAL DOLAN DOLAN TIMOTHY M. HIS EMINENCE Archbishopof ofNew New York Archbishop York TIMOTHY M. CARDINAL DOLAN

Bishop of Cleveland

Archbishop of New York

The Alleluia Ball is presented by the Catholic Community Foundation.

Sponsorships are limited, reserve today at www.catholiccommunity.org/Alleluia THE MOST REVEREND HIS EMINENCE or by calling 216.696.6525 ext. 3760

NELSON J. PEREZ, D.D. Bishop of Cleveland

TIMOTHY M. CARDINAL DOLAN Archbishop of New York