T H E
M A G A Z I N E
O F
T H E
C A T H O L I C
D I O C E S E
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C L E V E L A N D
September/October 2017 www.dioceseofcleveland.org
INSIDE
S P EC I A L
C O M M E M O R AT I V E I S S U E feature story Encuentro fuels missionary disciples, evangelism in Hispanic community
education Your guide to Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Cleveland
A joyful
shepherd
BISHOP NELSON PEREZ
is excited to begin his new ministry leading and serving the faithful in the Diocese of Cleveland
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
YOUR FAITH FROM THE BISHOP
P rayers and greetings
from Bishop Nelson Perez Greetings
everyone and peace be with you.
I must confess that I am deeply humbled and, at the same time, filled with great joy and gratitude to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for calling me to serve the Diocese of Cleveland as its 11th bishop. I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 20, 1989. I certainly never
SU FE DEL OBISPO
S aludos y bendiciones del Obispo Nelson Pérez Saludos
a todos y la paz sea con ustedes.
Debo confesar que me siento honrado de sobremanera y, al mismo tiempo, lleno de un gran alegría y gratitud a nuestro Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, por haberme llamado a servir a la Diócesis de Cleveland como su undécimo obispo. Fui ordenado sacerdote para la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia el 20 de mayo 2
Northeast Ohio Catholic
de 1989. Desde luego, nunca imaginé que algún día les serviría como su obispo. Los caminos y pensamientos de Dios no son los nuestros, pero sé y confío en que sus caminos son siempre mejores y más profundos que nuestra comprensión. Doy gracias a Dios por este asombroso e increíble
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imagined then that I would one day serve as your bishop. God’s ways and thoughts are not ours, but I know and trust that his ways are always better and deeper than our comprehension. I thank God for this awesome, incredible privilege, to embark on this journey with you,
privilegio, de embarcarme en este viaje con ustedes, la maravillosa gente de la Diócesis de Cleveland. Estoy absolutamente emocionado de estar aquí con ustedes. Pido que juntos tengamos presente al Obispo Lennon en nuestras oraciones. Es un hombre de profunda humildad y valor, abrazando sus limitaciones y tomando la decisión de jubilarse por amor a ustedes y a la Iglesia. A través de su continua oración, él seguirá sirviendo a la Diócesis de Cleveland. Este es ciertamente un gran regalo lleno de amor que nos apoyará a todos. Mientras nuestras habilidades físicas pueden cambiar con el tiempo, nuestros corazones y mentes siempre son capaces de ser compartidos, para la gloria de Dios y el bien
the wonderful people of the Diocese of Cleveland. I am absolutely thrilled to be here with you. I ask that together we keep Bishop Lennon in our prayers. He is a man of profound humility and courage, embracing his limitations and making his retirement decision out of love for you and for the Church. Through his continued offering of prayer, he still serves the Diocese of Cleveland. This is certainly a powerful and loving gift that sustains all of us. While our physical abilities may change with time, our hearts and minds are always capable of being shared, for the glory of God and the good of others; Bishop Lennon is a powerful witness to this enduring truth. I would like to publicly thank Bishop Thomas. I know that he has been a truly wonderful shepherd for you during the last nine months as your Apostolic Admin-
istrator, as the Church discerned who your next bishop would be. I know that you join me in expressing our deep gratitude to Bishop Thomas for being so present here in your midst, in addition to his continuing faithful ministry to the people of the Diocese of Toledo. I come to all of you with a deep love for the Lord and his Church; and a profound love for the priesthood, which I received as a wonderful gift 28 years ago. I am filled with excitement and enthusiasm to get to know my brother priests, deacons, religious and faithful of this great diocese, and learn all I can possibly learn to serve you, with the grace of God, to the very best of my ability. In closing, I ask for your prayers and patience as I get to know you, and you, me. In particular, pray fervently, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, who has always been an integral
part of my life. I look to her each day for wisdom and inspiration. Again, thank you for your wonderful, warm welcome! I am so very happy to be here with you, to learn from you, grow with you and serve you with pastoral devotion. Please don’t hesitate to say hello if you see me as I venture out across the diocese, eager to experience my new home! God bless you all.
de los demás; el Obispo Lennon es un valiente testigo de esta perdurable verdad. Quisiera dar las gracias públicamente al Obispo Thomas. Sé que durante los últimos nueve meses, mientras la Iglesia discernía quién sería su próximo obispo, él, como su Administrador Apostólico, ha sido un pastor verdaderamente maravilloso. Sé que se unen a mí para expresar nuestra profunda gratitud al Obispo Thomas por estar tan presente aquí en medio de ustedes, al mismo tiempo que continuo fielmente su ministerio al pueblo de la Diócesis de Toledo. Vengo a todos ustedes, con un profundo amor por el Señor, su Iglesia, y un profundo amor por el sacerdocio, que recibí como un maravilloso regalo hace 28
años. Estoy lleno de emoción y entusiasmo para conocer a mis hermanos sacerdotes, diáconos, religiosos, religiosas y fieles de esta gran diócesis y aprender todo lo que pueda para servirles, con la gracia de Dios, y con todo mi esfuerzo. Para terminar, les pido oren por mí y que me tengan paciencia a medida que lleguemos a conocernos mutuamente. En particular, oren fervientemente, por la intercesión de nuestra Santísima Madre, que siempre ha sido un parte integral de mi vida. Acudo a ella, cada día, pidiéndole sabiduría e inspiración. Nuevamente, ¡gracias por su maravillosa y afectuosa bienvenida! Estoy muy feliz de estar aquí con ustedes, de aprender de ustedes, a crecer con ustedes y a servirles con
devoción pastoral. Por favor, no duden en pasarme la voz si me ve mientras que me aventuro por la diócesis, ¡Ansioso por conocer mi nuevo hogar! Dios los bendiga a todos.
“I am deeply humbled and, at the same time, filled with great joy and gratitude to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for calling me to ser ve the Diocese of Cleveland, as its 11th bishop.”
Bishop emeritus Richard Lennon, from left, Bishop Nelson Perez and Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas, Apostolic Administrator, meet to share ideas.
Special Commemorative Issue
3
THE PARISH COMMUNITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND WELCOME
Bishop Nelson J. Perez
ASHLAND COUNTY
St. Edward | Rev. Rodney A. Kreidler St. Peter | Rev. Vincent J. Hawk
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
Assumption | Rev. Justin D. Dyrwal, OSB Blessed Trinity | Rev. Douglas Koesel Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist | Rev. Sean P. Ralph, Administrator Communion of Saints | Rev. John P. McNulty Gesu | Rev. Karl J. Kiser, SJ Holy Family | Rev. Richard A. Evans Holy Name | Rev. Msgr. Richard C. Antall Holy Redeemer | Rev. Martin F. Polito Holy Rosary | Rev. Joseph Previte Holy Spirit | Rev. W. David Nestler, OFM Cap, Administrator Immaculate Conception | Rev. Frank G. Godic Immaculate Heart of Mary | Rev. Ralph G. Hudak Mary Queen of Peace | Rev. Douglas T. Brown Mary Queen of the Apostles | Rev. James R. Stenger Our Lady of Angels | Rev. Russell P. Lowe Our Lady of Hope | Rev. Joseph G. Seebauer, Administrator Our Lady of Lourdes | Rev. Joseph H. Callahan Our Lady of Mount Carmel | Rev. Richard S. Rasch, O de M Our Lady of Peace | Rev. Gary D. Chmura Our Lady of the Lake | Rev. Joseph Fortuna Resurrection of Our Lord | Rev. Thomas M. Dragga Sacred Heart of Jesus | Rev. Dave R. Ireland Sagrada Familia | Rev. Robert J. Reidy SS. Peter & Paul | Rev. John J. Schneider SS. Robert & William | Rev. John D. Betters St. Adalbert – Berea | Rev. Barry T. Gearing St. Adalbert – Cleveland | Rev. Gary D. Chmura St. Agnes – Our Lady of Fatima | Rev. Robert Marva, OFM Cap St. Albert the Great | Rev. Edward T. Estok, Jr. St. Aloysius-St. Agatha | Rev. J. Mark Hobson St. Andrew Kim | Rev. Sangjun Park, Administrator St. Angela Merici | Rev. Michael J. Lanning St. Anthony of Padua | Rev. Dale W. Staysniak St. Augustine | Rev. Joseph D. McNulty St. Barbara | Rev. Joseph T. Hilinski St. Bartholomew | Rev. Leonard M. Bacik St. Basil the Great | Rev. Walter H. Jenne St. Bernadette | Rev. Philip G. Racco St. Boniface | Rev. Simon M. Dao, CMC St. Brendan | Rev. Thomas G. Woost St. Bridget of Kildare | Rev. Robert W. Wisniewski, Jr. St. Casimir – E. 65th | Rev. Eric S. Orzech St. Casimir – Neff Rd. | Rev. Joseph A. Bacevice St. Charles Borromeo | Rev. John T. Carlin St. Christopher | Rev. John C. Chlebo St. Clare | Rev. Stanley J. Klasinski St. Clarence | Rev. Neil P. Kookoothe St. Clement | Rev. Joseph G. Workman St. Colman | Rev. Caroli Borromeo Shao, AJ St. Columbkille | Rev. Anthony J. Suso, Administrator St. Dominic | Rev. Thomas G. Fanta St. Elizabeth of Hungary | Rev. Andras Antal, Administrator St. Emeric | Rev. Andras Mezei, Administrator St. Francis de Sales | Rev. Mark J. Peyton St. Francis of Assisi | Rev. Stephen A. Flynn St. Ignatius of Antioch | Rev. Michael J. Troha St. James | Rev. Joseph G. Workman St. Jerome | Rev. William M. Jerse St. Joan of Arc | Rev. Gary J. Malin St. John Bosco | Rev. Lawrence Jurcak St. John Cantius | Rev. Lucjan Stokowski St. John Nepomucene | Rev. Robert J. Jasany
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Northeast Ohio Catholic
St. John Neumann | Rev. Robert J. Kraig St. John of the Cross | Rev. Salvatore M. Ruggeri St. Joseph | Rev. Joseph R. Mamich St. Ladislas | Rev. Donald E. Snyder St. Leo the Great | Rev. James P. Schmitz St. Luke | Rev. Kevin P. Elbert St. Malachi | Rev. Anthony J. Schuerger St. Mark | Rev. John P. Miceli St. Martin of Tours | Rev. Luigi C. Miola St. Mary – Bedford | Rev. Joseph G. Seebauer, Administrator St. Mary – Berea | Rev. John P. Singler St. Mary – Cleveland | Rev. John M. Kumse St. Mary of the Falls | Rev. Walter J. Hyclak St. Matthias | Rev. Raymond A. Sutter St. Mel | Rev. Mark Q. Fedor St. Michael | Rev. Peter Colletti St. Michael the Archangel | Rev. Mark R. Riley St. Monica | Rev. Thomas A. Haren St. Paschal Baylon | Rev. John Thomas Lane, SSS St. Patrick – Bridge Ave. | Rev. John E. Manning, Administrator St. Patrick – West Park | Rev. James R. Ols St. Paul | Rev. Mirko Hladni St. Peter | Rev. Robert J. Kropac St. Raphael | Rev. Timothy W. Gareau St. Richard | Rev. Charles J. Stollenwerk St. Rita | Rev. Richard K. Burchell St. Rocco | Rev. James Mayer, O de M St. Stanislaus | Rev. Eric S. Orzech St. Stephen | Rev. Caroli Borromeo Shao, AJ St. Therese | Rev. John J. Schneider St. Thomas More | Rev. William G. Bouhall St. Vincent de Paul | Rev. Kenneth F. Wallace St. Vitus | Rev. Joseph P. Boznar St. Wendelin | Rev. Robert J. Kropac Transfiguration | Rev. Theodore Haag, OFM
Our Lady Queen of Peace | Rev. John P. Seabold Sacred Heart Chapel | Rev. William A. Thaden Sacred Heart | Rev. Robert J. Cole St. Agnes | Rev. Albert Veigas St. Anthony of Padua | Rev. Edward J. Smith St. Elizabeth Ann Seton | Rev. Charles J. Ryba St. Frances Xavier Cabrini | Rev. John C. Retar St. Joseph – Amherst | Rev. Timothy J. O’Connor St. Joseph – Avon Lake | Rev. Ronald J. Wearsch St. Jude | Rev. Frank P. Kosem St. Julie Billiart | Rev. George A. Vrabel St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception | Rev. C. Thomas Cleaton St. Mary - Elyria | Rev. Charles T. Diedrick St. Mary – Lorain | Rev. Daniel O. Divis St. Patrick | Rev. David R. Trask St. Peter – Lorain | Rev. Craig M. Hovanec St. Peter – North Ridgeville | Rev. Robert Franco St. Teresa of Avila | Rev. Edward J. Smith St. Thomas the Apostle | Rev. Stephen L. Shields St. Vincent de Paul | Rev. Donald H. Dunson
MEDINA COUNTY
Holy Martyrs | Rev. Stephen Dohner Our Lady Help of Christians | Rev. Edward T. Suszynski, Administrator Our Lady of Grace | Rev. Joseph S. Mecir Sacred Heart of Jesus | Rev. Joseph L. Labak St. Ambrose | Rev. Robert G. Stec St. Colette | Rev. William R. Krizner St. Francis Xavier | Rev. Anthony F. Sejba St. Martin of Tours | Rev. Robert G. Stec, Administrator
SUMMIT COUNTY
Divine Word | Rev. David G. Woost Immaculate Conception – Madison | Rev. Sean J. Donnelly Immaculate Conception – Willoughby | Rev. Timothy D. Kalista Our Lady of Mount Carmel | Rev. Thomas J. Behrend St. Anthony of Padua | Rev. Peter M. Mihalic St. Bede the Venerable | Rev. Timothy J. Plavac St. Cyprian | Rev. George Kusy St. Gabriel | Rev. Frederick F. Pausche St. John Vianney | Rev. Thomas W. Johns St. Justin Martyr | Rev. Kevin M. Liebhardt St. Mary Magdalene | Rev. Steven H. Breck St. Mary of the Assumption | Rev. Thomas G. Elsasser St. Mary | Rev. R. Stephen Vellenga St. Noel | Rev. George Smiga
Blessed Trinity | Rev. Joseph Warner Guardian Angels | Rev. James Kramer Holy Family | Rev. Paul J. Rosing Immaculate Conception | Rev. Michael B. Smith Immaculate Heart of Mary | Rev. James E. Singler Mother of Sorrows | Rev. John D. Terzano Nativity of the Lord Jesus | Rev. Zachary M. Kawalec Our Lady of Guadalupe | Rev. Kevin C. Shemuga Our Lady of Victory | Rev. Michael A. Matusz Prince of Peace | Rev. Robert H. Jackson Queen of Heaven | Rev. David R. Durkee SS. Cosmas & Damian | Rev. Michael J. Stalla St. Andrew the Apostle | Rev. James G. Maloney St. Anthony of Padua | Rev. Edward A. Burba St. Augustine | Rev. David J. Majikas St. Barnabas | Rev. Ralph E. Wiatrowski St. Bernard | Rev. Daniel J. Reed St. Eugene | Rev. Neil A. Crosby St. Francis de Sales | Rev. G. David Bline St. Hilary | Rev. Steven K. Brunovsky St. John the Baptist | Rev. A. Jonathan Zingales St. Joseph | Rev. Jared P. Orndorff St. Mary – Akron | Rev. Daniel J. Reed St. Mary – Hudson | Rev. Edward J. Kordas St. Matthew | Rev. G. Michael Williamson St. Paul | Rev. Matthew E. Pfeiffer St. Sebastian | Rev. John A. Valencheck St. Victor | Rev. Allen F. Corrigan St. Vincent de Paul | Rev. Norman K. Douglas Visitation of Mary | Rev. A. Jonathan Zingales
LORAIN COUNTY
WAYNE COUNTY
GEAUGA COUNTY
Holy Angels | Rev. Daniel F. Schlegel St. Anselm | Rev. Thomas M. Sweany St. Edward | Rev. John T. Burkley St. Helen | Rev. James G. McPhillips St. Lucy Mission | Rev. John T. Burkley St. Mary | Rev. Daniel P. Redmond St. Patrick | Rev. Daniel P. Redmond, Administrator
LAKE COUNTY
Holy Spirit | Rev. Ronald J. Wearsch, Administrator Holy Trinity | Rev. John A. Misenko Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Lorain Rev. Robert J. Glepko Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – South Amherst Rev. Timothy J. O’Connor, Administrator
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SS. Peter & Paul | Rev. Robert E. Stein St. Agnes | Rev. Ronald J. Turek, Administrator St. Anne | Rev. Michael D. Ausperk, Administrator St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception | Rev. Stephen P. Moran St. Stephen | Rev. Thomas E. Stock
INSIDE
September/October
The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Copyright 2017 WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 2: ISSUE 6 PUBLISHER
Most Rev. Daniel Thomas EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Deacon Jim Armstrong, APR jarmstrong@dioceseofcleveland.org EDITOR
Carol Kovach ckovach@dioceseofcleveland.org AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Anita Simko
asimko@dioceseofcleveland.org DIRECTOR OF MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Robert Tayek
A joyful 6
rtayek@dioceseofcleveland.org SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jeff Stutzman
jstutzman@dioceseofcleveland.org STAFF ASSISTANT
12
Robert Polomsky rpolomsky@dioceseofcleveland.org ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
2 FROM THE BISHOP
Sally Benninger
sbenninger@dioceseofcleveland.org CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Carol Kovach Bishop Nelson Perez Bishop Daniel Thomas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Carol Kovach Archdiocese of Philadelphia Diocese of Rockville Centre Perez family
PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Patrick M. O’Brien
VICE PRESIDENT/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
shepherd Tips for affording a
6
29 FEATURE STORY
COVER STORY
A joyful shepherd: Bishop Nelson Perez is excited to begin his new ministry leading and serving the faithful in the Diocese of Cleveland
29
12 FEATURE STORY
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Coat of arms of Most Rev. Nelson J. Perez
PRINT MANAGEMENT
16 FEATURE STORY
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg Rachel Matero
Who and what is the apostolic — or papal — nuncio?
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 44114-2556. 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 44114-2556. Send address changes to Northeast Ohio Catholic, 1404 East Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44114-2556.
20 FEATURE STORY
From the wilderness to
today: Diocese of Cleveland has served the faithful for 170 years
34
25 FEATURE STORY
Prayers and greetings from Bishop Nelson Perez
Catholic education
Episcopal insignia
31 FEATURE STORY
Explaining Bishop Perez’s Vespers, installation
34 FEATURE STORY
Encuentro fuels missionary disciples, evangelism in Hispanic community
36 ASSIGNMENT CHANGES 38 THINGS TO DO 43 IN MEMORIAM 44 LOCAL NEWS 46 LAST WORD Apostolic Administrator hands ‘faith family’ to a new shepherd
Special Commemorative Issue
5
A joyful
shepherd
BISHOP NELSON PEREZ
is excited to begin his new ministry leading and serving the faithful in the Diocese of Cleveland
6
Northeast Ohio Catholic
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Story by Carol Kovach
“Joyful;
a r e g u l a r g u y ; l au g h s ea s i ly ; a p e o p l e p e r s o n
and a good sense of humor”
—
those are are among the
w o r d s a n d p h r a s e s u s e d o f t e n by fa m i ly m e m b e r s , f r i e n d s and fellow clergy to describe
Bishop Nelson Perez.
The second of three sons, he was born on June 16, 1961, to Cuban immigrant parents David and Emma Perez. Bishop Perez spent the first few years of his life in Miami, Florida. “I was made in Cuba and unpackaged here, for six months later, I was born in Miami,” he quipped. “A few years later, we moved to Northern New Jersey, where I grew up in a little town called West New York, overlooking the inspiring, magnificent skyline of New York City.” By all accounts, he had a relatively normal childhood. Emma was a stay-at-home mom. His father worked as a banker in Cuba. The Perez family left the island before the state took over the banks. His father continued his banking career in Miami and eventually New York, until his retirement. Bishop Perez was close with his two brothers, David, who was about 10 years older and was a clinical psychologist, and Louis Martin, three years younger, who works in banking and finance in South Florida. David died about a decade ago. “He was a regular kid. He enjoyed sports, including baseball, basketball and martial arts,” Louis said. “Nelson protected me with the zeal of brotherhood.” In later years, Louis said his brother also became an accomplished scuba diver, earning certification to dive to 100 feet. The brothers would dive together, often joined by another priest, a classmate from the bishop’s seminary days. “We would dive off the Florida Keys and look for lobsters.” They also dove in Mexico, Louis said. The brothers love animals and Louis said the family often had pets. “We had a St. Bernard named Ulysses,” Bishop Perez recalled, “and cats and a duck.” “He’s got a great memory,” Louis said. “We had that dog when Nelson was about 10 or 11. We used to bring home cats from the neighborhood and we did have a duck once.”
Every time the bishop comes to visit his family in Florida, Louis said he enjoys playing with his dog, Rocky, a Jack Russell terrier. “He spends a lot of time with Rocky. I keep telling Nelson to take him,” Louis said, laughing. “He comes to visit Mom, Dad, me, my wife, the kids and my dog.” The Perez family was very religious and involved in their parish, St. Joseph of the Palisades, in West New York. “I was raised in a deeply devout family, in which living faith and trust in God’s providence were part of the very fabric of our lives, especially in challenging and painful moments. It was there that I truly attended the ‘school of prayer,’” Bishop Perez said. “He used to play guitar in the church youth group,” Louis said of his brother. “I played drums; he sang and played guitar.” “When we were young, sometimes we’d come home from Mass on Sunday and Nelson would do a mock Mass. He would coerce me into being his altar boy,” Louis said, noting that his brother’s call to the priesthood became more prevalent as he grew older. He said one of their maternal aunts — the bishop’s godmother — was a religious sister in Cuba until her death. The bishop also has a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, who he said has been an integral part of his life. “I look to her each day for wisdom and inspiration,” he said. After graduating from Memorial High School in West New York, Bishop Perez earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1984 from Montclair State College in Montclair, New Jersey. He spent two years as a teacher and director of religious education at a Catholic elementary school in Puerto Rico before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook, Pennsylvania, where he earned two master’s degrees — in divinity and theology — summa cum laude. He was ordained to the priesthood for service to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 20, 1989. Special Commemorative Issue
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He and Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas, who served as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese between Bishop Richard Lennon’s retirement for health reasons on Dec. 28, 2016, and Bishop Perez’s installation, both were ordained priests in the archdiocese. “We knew each other, but he was ordained four years before me, and then he went to Rome,” Bishop Perez said. Their paths crossed several more times over the years, including on July 11 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland, when Bishop Perez was introduced as the 11th bishop of Cleveland. “In Bishop Perez, the Diocese of Cleveland is receiving a faithful, enthusiastic and joyful shepherd for Christ and his Church,” Bishop Thomas said. “With his warm personality, Bishop Perez will quickly endear himself to all who meet him. And Bishop Perez will find in the Diocese of Cleveland, a true spiritual home, filled with dedicated and devoted people, a family of faith that I am grateful to have had the privilege to serve as Apostolic Administrator. I personally look forward to working with Bishop Perez in announcing the Gospel in Northern Ohio,” Bishop Thomas added. During the early years of his priesthood, Bishop Perez was a parish priest in the archdiocese and an instructor in the church ministry program at the seminary. He was named chaplain to His Holiness Pope St. John Paul II with the title of monsignor in 1998. Bishop Perez was active in Hispanic ministry, serving as assistant director of the Office for Hispanic Catholics in Philadelphia, and he was founding director of the Catholic Institute for Evangelization. He also was an adjunct faculty member at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. “My ministry as a parish priest and pastor has always been a particular hallmark of my service to
Father Perez baptizes the son of his cousin, Dr. Alberto Ginart.
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Northeast Ohio Catholic
Getting acquainted with Bishop Nelson Perez Any favorite travel destinations? I’ve been to Spain, Poland, Brazil (World Youth Days), the Holy Land, Italy and Ireland. I love them all for different reasons, but especially love the Holy Land, Rome and Italy.
What languages can you speak? Spanish and English fluently, and I understand Portuguese and Italian.
Any favorite electronic gadgets? I like my iPad and iPhone.
How do you spend your free time? I like music. I play guitar and keyboard. I also like to read and interact with family and friends.
A young Nelson Perez on his first holy Communion day.
Bishop Perez enjoys vacation time with his brother, Louis, sister-in-law, Rosy, and nephews Martin Junior and Michael.
the Church,” the bishop said. “I have been blessed to engage people in every moment of their lives, from the joyful to the sad, and to be an instrument by which they could encounter Christ in their lives. This has been particularly true in liturgical and sacramental moments, which span the many experiences and stages of life.” Louis said his brother’s priestly vocation has been entwined in the family, as well. “He married my wife and me 25 years ago at St. Joseph’s of the Palisades. He baptized all three of his nephews and gave them their first holy Communion,” Louis said. Two of the nephews are the sons of Louis and his wife, Rosy Patiol-Perez; the other is the son of his late brother, David, and his wife, Alina Sosa-Perez. “He also confirmed our youngest son because he was a bishop then,” Louis added. On June 8, 2012, then-Msgr. Perez was named auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties. He was ordained on July 25, 2012, at a Mass attended by many of his family members, several of whom are in town for his installation in Cleveland. Bishop Perez served as episcopal vicar for the Eastern Vicariate of the diocese and vicar for Hispanic ministry in Rockville Centre. Just six months after arriving in Rockville Centre, he was involved in a serious, 31-car collision on the Long Island Expressway that was caused by a tractor-trailer that slammed into cars stopped in a construction area. “He was badly hurt and had to be extricated from his car by the Jaws of Life,” Louis said. “He had broken bones and contusions. I was with him for two weeks while he was in the hospital in ICU.
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But he didn’t miss a beat. He had a lot of willpower and kept up with his schedule despite surgery and intense physical therapy.” “I was told later that I was in the second car hit,” the bishop recalled, adding that one woman was killed in the fiery collision. “I look back on that time and am completely amazed that, in addition to three physical therapy sessions a week for 14 weeks, I was able to complete the tasks assigned to me in my episcopal calendar. Simply amazing, simply grace. Another building block of my formation,” he said. Bishop Perez credited his background in psychology with giving him particular tools to help people in moments of crisis and despair: “Pastoral counseling has been a particular gift that I have been blessed to exercise in ministry, and it has been an incredible source of personal growth.” He said the best thing about the July 11 announcement of his appointment as the new bishop of Cleveland was that he “didn’t have to keep it a secret anymore. That was hard. I knew for more than two weeks and couldn’t tell anyone,” Bishop Perez said. He spent two busy days in the diocese after the announcement to learn a bit about his new assignment. Among his stops were some radio and television appearances, visits with diocesan employees, lunch with some diocesan priests, meetings with Bishops emeriti Richard Lennon and Anthony Pilla and some retired diocesan priests, a tour of the Bishop Cosgrove Center, a visit with staff members at Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Ser-
Bishop Perez loves to visit with Rocky, his brother Louis’ dog, when he is in Florida.
Father Nelson Perez celebrates his first Mass.
Do you like sports? I played baseball and basketball, and have gone scuba diving. I enjoy watching the big games, including the Super Bowl and the World Series.
“I was raised in a deeply devout family, in which living faith and tr ust in God’s providence was par t of the ver y fabr ic of our lives, especially in challenging and painful moments.”
What’s your favorite type of food? I love Italian and Cuban.
Are you an animal lover? Did you ever have a pet? Yes. I’ve had a dog — a St. Bernard named Ulysses — cats and a duck as pets.
Any favorite books, movies or TV shows? I love the Harry Potter series, also sci-fi, Star Wars and Star Trek.
The bishop spends some time with his nephews, David, Martin and Michael.
vices offices and the Hispanic Senior Center and a quick stop at St. Augustine Health Ministries. “I thank God for this awesome, incredible privilege to embark on this journey with you, the wonderful people of Cleveland. I am absolutely thrilled to be here with you,” Bishop Perez said. ”I am filled with excitement and enthusiasm to get to know my brother priests and deacons, religious and faithful of this great diocese and to learn all I can possibly learn to serve you, with the grace of God, to the very best of my ability.” As he begins his new ministry, Bishop Perez said he wants to build the kind of Church here that Pope Francis advocates. Such a Church is proactive, involved with the faithful, accompanies people on their faith journey, and it is fruitful and joyful. Although he is the first Hispanic bishop of the diocese, Bishop Perez said he doesn’t necessarily see himself in that way. “I’m a Catholic bishop and I have the advantage of being bilingual,” he said. “What you see is what you get with Nelson,” said Louis. He’s a regular guy, a person who inspires trust, who is approachable, a fun guy, a prankster, a people person, a joyful person who laughs easily and laughs at himself.” Special Commemorative Issue
9
B ishop Perez timeline
1990-1993: Assistant director, Office for Hispanic Catholics, Archdiocese of Philadelphia 1993-2002: Founding director, Catholic Institute for Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
JUNE 16, 1961: Born to David and Emma Perez in Miami, Florida; second of three sons. Attended P.S. 4 in West New York, New Jersey; graduated from Memorial High School in West New York. MAY 1984: Graduated from Montclair State College, Montclair, New Jersey with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. 1984-1985: Teacher, director of religious education, Colegio La Piedad, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
1994-2008: Adjunct faculty member, LaSalle University, Philadelphia 2002-2009: Pastor, St. William Parish, Philadelphia 2009-2012: Pastor, St. Agnes Parish, West Chester, Pennsylvania 2003-2005: Served on Archdiocesan (Philadelphia) Council of Priests 2009: Made a prelate of honor
MAY 1988: Earned a Master of Divinity degree summa cum laude, with a concentration in pastoral theology, St. Charles Seminary, Overbrook, Pennsylvania MAY 1989: Earned a Master of Arts in Theology degree summa cum laude, St. Charles Seminary
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MAY 20, 1989: Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
JUNE 8, 2012: Named auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York
1989-1992: Course instructor, St. Charles Seminary, church ministry program
JULY 25, 2012: Ordained auxiliary bishop for Diocese of Rockville Centre
1989-1993: Parochial vicar, St. Ambrose Parish, Philadelphia
JULY 11, 2017: Named bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland
1998: Named chaplain to His Holiness, Pope St. John Paul II, with the title of monsignor
SEPT. 5, 2017: Installed as 11th bishop of Cleveland
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‘ T rust and Hope’ h e l p B i s h o p P e r e z fac e c h a l l e n g e s , including injuries from a fiery car crash
Just six months after his installation as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, Bishop Nelson Perez faced what he called “a dramatic challenge of trust and hope” after suffering serious injuries when his car was involved in a deadly accident on the Long Island Expressway. His episcopal motto is Confide et Spera, which translates to Trust and Hope, two qualities that help him deal with the challenges he faces throughout his life. “It summarizes the essence of my spirituality and journey,” Bishop Perez said. “God’s providence has guided my life and my family, here and there, with each phase preparing me for the next.” He reflected on his parents’ immigration from Cuba to the United States shortly before his birth, as well as what he described as “the ups and downs of watching my family establish new roots as Cuban Americans; my wonderful experiences at my home parish of St. Joseph of the Palisades, West New York, New Jersey; and my great assignments as a priest in Philadelphia.” Bishop Perez said these experiences “form an integral part of the person I am today.” One experience that would affect his ministry occurred the afternoon of Dec. 19, 2012, when
he was involved in a massive, 35-car pileup on the Long Island Expressway. “I was told later I was in the second car hit,” Bishop Perez said. According to published and broadcast reports of the accident, a tractor-trailer hauling debris from Hurricane Sandy, which pummeled the East Coast in late October 2012 slammed into several cars on the expressway. The cars had slowed or stopped because of lane restrictions caused by road construction. One report said the accident caused a chain-reaction pileup, with two vehicles catching fire. A 68-year-old grandmother, who ironically survived the hurricane, was killed. One driver in the pileup said he heard crashing behind his car that sounded like thunder. When he looked back, he saw nothing but glass and metal as the truck passed by and pushed the line of cars into each other. The truck driver was pulled from the cab before the truck caught fire.
Thirty-three people were injured, some critically. “This began for me a journey, as I suffered multiple injuries,” the bishop said. He spent two weeks in the intensive care unit at St. Charles Hospital, underwent surgery and what he called “14 weeks of grueling outpatient physical therapy.” Bishop Perez said the accident impacted him deeply. “Needless to say, this was an intense, dramatic and life-changing experience, but it taught me what abandonment into God’s hands and, in this case, the hands of doctors truly was,” he said. “It was also wonderful and humbling to experience the human support from dozens of dedicated friends and family, my brother bishops and priests, the faithful and the incredible staff of St. Charles Hospital. All of them embodied powerful signs of God’s incarnational love and care.” Although he was out of commission for a little more than a month, Bishop Perez said he looks back on that time and is “completely amazed that, in addition to three physical therapy sessions a week for 14 weeks, I was able to complete the tasks assigned to me in my episcopal calendar.” He called it “simply amazing, simply grace; another building block of my formation.”
“This was an intense, dramatic and lifechanging exper ience, but it taught me what abandonment into God’s hands and, in this case, the hands of doctors tr uly was.” Special Commemorative Issue
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of a coat of arms, known as the blazon, uses a technical language, derived from medieval French and English terms, which allows the appearance and position of each element in the achievement to be recorded precisely. A diocesan bishop shows his commitment to the flock he shepherds by combining his personal coat of arms with that of the diocese, in a technique known as impaling. The shield is divided in half along the pale or central vertical line. The arms of the diocese appear on the dexter side — that is, on the side of the shield to the viewer’s left, which would cover the right side (in Latin, dextera) of the person carrying the shield. The arms of the bishop are on the sinister side — the bearer’s left, the viewer’s right.
Coat of arms of the Diocese of Cleveland
C oat of arms:
M o s t R e v . N e l s o n J. P e r e z The coat of arms of a diocesan bishop is composed of the seal of his diocese and his personal arms, adopted when he became a bishop.
Blazon
In designing the shield — the central element in what is formally called the heraldic achievement — a bishop has an opportunity to depict symbolically various aspects of his own life and heritage, and to highlight particular aspects of Catholic faith and devotion that are important to him. Every coat of arms also includes external elements that identify the rank of the bearer. The formal description
The Catholic Diocese Of Memphis In Tennessee
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The arms of the Diocese of Cleveland are based on the family arms of General Moses Cleaveland (1754–1806), who surveyed and founded the city that bears his name. To the Cleaveland arms — which divide the shield with a line like an inverted “V” (per chevron), and charge it with a similar shape drawn with semi-circular indentations along its edge (a chevron engrailed) — the diocese adds three small crosses, the arms of which are crossed again (cross crosslets). The shield is painted black (sable) above the chevron; below, it is white with small black spots meant to represent ermine, a fur typically used to line the robes of royalty and nobility. The crosses and the chevron are counterchanged; that is, they are painted black where the shield is ermine, and ermine where the shield is black.
Coat of arms of Bishop Nelson Perez
On the other side of the shield are the arms that Bishop Perez adopted when he was ordained a bishop in 2012. The background of the shield is painted blue (azure), the color of the morning sky. At the base of the shield is seen a rising sun, to represent Christ the Savior, “the dawn from
Congratulations Bishop David. D. Kagan and the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Bismarck offer sincere congratulations to Bishop-designate Nelson J. Perez Diocese of and a promise of prayers Bismarck on his appointment as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland.
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on high.” (Lk 1:78) This depiction of the rising sun also recalls the coat of arms of the Republic of Cuba, adopted in 1906, which bears a rising sun in the upper part of the shield, or chief. Bishop Perez’s parents emigrated from Cuba to the United States a few months before his birth. In the chief of the bishop’s arms is a five-pointed star, painted white (a mullet argent). Placed above the rising sun, it depicts the morning star, which appears on the eastern horizon each day in the hours before dawn. It has long been a symbol of Our Lady, whose own Immaculate Conception heralded the birth of the coming Messiah, and who, as his most perfect disciple, always points the way to Christ. A white star in the same position appears in the arms of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, where Bishop Perez served as a priest for 23 years. The scroll below the shield echoes the symbolism of the morning star and the rising sun. “Confide et spera,” it says, “trust and hope” — words that recall and summarize many exhortations of Scripture to “trust in the Lord” and to find peace by placing every need and worry in the hands of the One for whom all things work for good. (Jer 17:7; cf. Ps 37:7; Rom 8:28; Phil 4:4-7; 1 Pt 5:7) Our Lady, Mother of Holy Hope (Roman Missal) is a model for every disciple, and teaches her children to place confident trust in her son. On a wide black stripe across the center of the shield, bordered in white (a fess sable, fimbriated argent), appears a paschal lamb in gold. These colors recall the coat of arms of the Perez family in Cuba, whose shield depicts five black wolves on a gold shield. The lamb,
Congratulations and Prayerful Best Wishes
Bishop Nelson J. Perez On the Occasion of Your Installation as
Bishop of Cleveland
- Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. and the Diocese of Youngstown
Bishop Perez at a liturgy with school children in Rockville Centre.
representing Jesus the Lamb of God (cf. Jn 1:36; Rv 5:6, etc.) looks back over his shoulder (reguardant), to lead those who will follow his example and to “guide them to springs of the water of life.” (Rv 7:17) As the “firstborn from the dead” (Col 1:18), Jesus the Lamb has become the “inspiration and example for every martyr.” (Liturgy of the Hours) The lamb on Bishop Perez’s shield also recalls St. Agnes, the 12-year-old Roman martyr who was killed in AD 304. (The saint’s name sounds like the Latin word agnus, which means lamb.) St. Agnes is the patroness of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, for which Bishop Perez was ordained an auxiliary bishop, and a lamb’s head, painted gold, appears on the arms of the diocese. She is also the patroness of the parish in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where the bishop was serving as pastor at the time of his appointment as auxiliary bishop. In addition to its typical attribute — a banner marked with a cross — the lamb also carries a palm branch, which in Roman times was used to adorn the burial places of martyrs. It also alludes to the coat of arms of Bishop Perez’s maternal relatives, the Ginart family, whose coat of arms shows a gold lion on a blue field, clasping a palm branch. The shield is ensigned with external elements that identify the bearer as a bishop. A gold processional cross appears behind the shield. The galero, or “pilgrim’s hat,” is used heraldically in various colors and with specific numbers of tassels to indicate the rank of a bearer of a coat of arms. A bishop uses a green galero with three rows of green tassels.
Congratulations Bishop Nelson J. Perez Diocese of Cleveland May the Lord strengthen you in your new ministry and enable you to be an instrument of his grace.
Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton and the people of the Diocese of Steubenville Special Commemorative Issue
13
Archbishop Gustavo GarcĂa-Siller, MSpS; Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette, and the faithful of the Archdiocese of San Antonio congratulate Bishop Nelson J. Perez on his appointment by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. We are also grateful for his leadership and collaboration concerning V Encuentro, and we pray for him as he begins this new episcopal ministry.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Bishop Paul S. Loverde and the Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Diocese of Arlington
Extend Congratulations and Prayerful Best Wishes to
Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez On His Appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland
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"Christ leads us to go out from ourselves more and more, to give ourselves and to serve others." -Pope Francis
Our prayers are with you as you shepherd us in providing help and creating hope for the more than 400,000 people we serve throughout the Diocese of Cleveland.
Special Commemorative Issue
15
W
ho and what is the apostolic – or papal – nuncio? The
term apostolic nuncio is u s e d f r e q u e n t ly w h e n ta l k i n g about the Church hierarchy. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the apostolic nuncio, also called the papal nuncio, is a Church term for the Vatican ambassador to another country. He is always an archbishop and is the papal liaison with the Church who is assigned to a specific country. If the Vatican does not have diplomatic relations with a country, the official Vatican liaison is called an apostolic delegate. Until 1984, papal represen-
tatives in the United States were apostolic delegates. There was a brief period, 1984-1991, when the Vatican ambassador to the United States was called the pro-nuncio because he was not the dean of the world’s ambassadors to the United States (a position that under a Vienna convention is automatically given to the Vatican ambassador in many countries, but in other countries is given to the senior foreign ambassador). In 1991, the Vatican stopped using that term as the title for its ambassadors who were not deans of the ambassadorial corps and began calling all papal representatives with full rank of ambassador nuncio. The nuncio is a key player in the selection of a bishop. He oversees the final list of candidates and makes the announcement of a new bishop in Washington, D.C. He also attends the installation of new bishops as the pope’s representative. The current apostolic nuncio to the United States is Archbishop Christophe Pierre. Pope Francis named him to the role on April 12, 2016. A native of France, Archbishop Pierre attended school in Madagascar, France and Morocco before entering the seminary. He was ordained a priest
Congratulations to
BISHOP NELSON PEREZ
On your designation as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. We look forward to working together and continuing to bring the Catholic and Jewish communities together.
Mazel tov!
GARY L. GROSS
STEPHEN H. HOFFMAN
BRADLEY J. SCHLANG
BOARD CHAIR
PRESIDENT
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
Community
The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis and Associates
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Bishop Nelson Perez, to the Diocese of Cleveland.
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for service to the Archdiocese of Rennes, France, on April 5, 1970, at the Cathedral of Saint-Malo. Archbishop Pierre has a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate in canon law. He also earned a diploma at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome, which is the Holy See’s school for diplomacy. He entered into diplomatic service for the Holy See in 1977 and served in New Zealand, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Brazil and Switzerland, where he was the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. Pope St. John Paul II named him apostolic nuncio to Haiti on July 12, 1995. He was consecrated as an archbishop on Sept. 4, 1995. Archbishop Pierre was transferred to Kampala, Uganda, in 1999 and in 2007 Pope Benedict XVI named him apostolic nuncio to Mexico.
HELP US SPREAD THE FAITH If you like what you’re reading in Northeast Ohio Catholic magazine, please consider helping the magazine with its evangelization mission by making a donation to our Spread the Faith Annual Appeal. It’s easy to make a secure online gift. Go to catholiccommunity.org, click on “Other Appeals” and select “Spread the Faith: Northeast Ohio Catholic magazine” or call 216.696.6525 Ext. 1910 to make a gift by phone. Your gift will help your parish and the diocese
reach out to more people with the bimonthly magazine, which is mailed free to every Catholic household in the Diocese of Cleveland, an online edition that can be shared and an e-newsletter that reports weekly Catholic news and updates.
with great joy we welcome bishop nelson j. perez as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland The Sisters of Charity Health System’s ministries in Cleveland include St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, Regina Health Center, Light of Hearts Villa, Joseph’s Home, Catholic Community Connection* and Building Healthy Communities. *Joint venture with partners Together, WE LIGHT THE WAY to health and wellness for individuals, families and communities.
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And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers. - Ephesians 4:11 Nacy Panzica thanks the Holy Spirit for the blessing of Bishop Nelson Perez as the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. May God be with you and may He guide you as you shepherd your flock.
Benedizioni e Preghiere per voi!
(Blessings and Prayers for you)!
Welcome to the Cleveland Diocese Bishop Nelson J. Perez. Your Brother Knights in Cleveland Council #733 look forward to serving and assisting with all your endeavors for our beloved Diocese.
Cleveland Council #733, 2132 E. 9th St. Cleveland, OH 44115. Phone: 216-771-4811 18
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The Benedictine Community welcomes the Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez to the Diocese of Cleveland! Rt. Rev. Gary Hoover, OSB `74 - Chancellor Dr. Frank Bossu `67 - President Mrs. Sue Zulandt - Principal
Benedictine High School • 216.421.2080 • cbhs.edu
CATHOLICTV PRAYERFULLY CONGRATULATES THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND
& BISHOP NELSON J. PEREZ
Special Commemorative Issue
19
F rom the wilderness to today Diocese
of Cleveland has served t h e fa i t h f u l f o r 1 7 0 y ea r s
The papal bull that established the Diocese of Cleveland in 1847.
The Diocese of Cleveland celebrated its 170th anniversary on April 23. In the nearly two centuries since its establishment, much has changed. The city of Cleveland was only 51 years old when Pope Pius IX issued the papal bull carving the diocese from what is now the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Until then, Cincinnati was the only
diocese in Ohio and its territory included Michigan and part of the Northwest Territory. The Diocese (now Archdiocese) of Detroit was established in 1833. Construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal and the jobs it generated helped draw people to the area. As shipping and industry increased, so did the population. There was rapid growth in the
first 20 years of the diocese’s existence, primarily with the establishment of parishes. SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Doylestown, founded in 1827, is the oldest parish in the diocese. Four years later, St. Joseph in Cuyahoga Falls was founded, and two years after that, in 1833, Holy Trinity in Avon was founded. St. Mary on the Flats, the first Catholic church in Cleveland, was established in 1835 on what is now Columbus Road. It was closed as a parish in 1848, but the site was occasionally used until the church was demolished in the 1880s. Immaculate Conception in Grafton was founded in 1835, followed by St. Vincent Parish, Akron in 1837 and St. Martin of Tours in Valley City in 1840. Lorain County experienced growth in the 1840s with the establishment of St. Mary of the
The Most Reverend David Malloy, and the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Rockford congratulate the Most
Reverend Nelson J. Perez
on his installation as 11th bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. Cathedral of St. Peter 1243 Church Street Rockford, IL 61103 www.rockforddiocese.org (815) 399-4300
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Diocesan Administration Center 555 Colman Center Drive P.O. Box 7044 Rockford, IL 61125
Immaculate Conception in Avon in 1841, St. Mary, Elyria in 1845 and St. Teresa of Avila in Sheffield Lake in 1845. St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and St. Patrick in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood (formerly part of Rockport Township) were founded in 1848. In 1850, St. Mary, Painesville was founded, followed by St. Patrick, Wellington and St. Michael, Independence in 1851. The following year, St. Mary, Berea was founded. In 1853, St. Peter, Cleveland, St. Edward, Ashland and St. Patrick on Bridge Avenue in Cleveland were the new parishes in the diocese. Holy Name, Cleveland, St. Mary of the Falls in Olmsted Falls, St. Mary on West 30th Street and Carroll Avenue in Cleveland (it closed as a parish in 1959) and St.
Patrick, Thompson were established in 1854. The following year, St. Joseph at East 23rd Street and Woodland Avenue in Cleveland (it closed as a parish in 1986) and St. Anne, Rittman were founded. Then in 1857, the 20th anniversary of the diocese, St. Mary of the Assumption in Mentor, Assumption in Broadview Heights and St. Bridget on East 22nd Street in Cleveland (closed as a parish in 1938) were established. About 90 more parishes would be founded by the time the diocese celebrated its first century in 1947. Dozens of new parishes followed in the post-World War II boom years as returning soldiers married, had families and the suburbs began to grow. Many ethnic parishes, including Irish, German, Italian, Croatian, Hungarian, Hispanic and AfricanAmerican were created in the
diocese to serve the influx of nationalities. The Diocese of Cleveland lost some of its territory when the Dioceses of Toledo and Youngstown were established in 1910 and 1943, respectively. The Diocese of Columbus was created from part of the Cincinnati Archdiocese in 1868 and The Diocese of Steubenville was carved from the Columbus Diocese in 1944. Bishop Nelson Perez will be the 11th to lead the diocese since Father Amadeus Rappe, a native of France, was appointed the first bishop in 1848. In the past 170 years, the diocese has grown to become the 23rd-largest diocese in the country, with nearly 700,000 Catholics over eight counties, 185 parishes, the largest Catholic school system in the state and a large network of Catholic Charities services.
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Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. together with the bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia extend congratulations and prayerful best wishes to
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez on the occasion of his appointment as the Eleventh Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. May God continue to bless your episcopal ministry. The Catholic Faithful of Cleveland are truly blessed to receive you and will benefit greatly from your many gifts.
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Special Commemorative Issue 23
TIPS FOR AFFORDING A
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
T
he Diocese of Cleveland operates the largest Catholic school system in the state, with 20 high schools
and 94 elementary schools. There are more than 40,000 students enrolled: nearly 13,000 at the high school level and more than 27,000 in elementary school.
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND
Welcome
BISHOP NELSON J. PEREZ
DID YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE…
The largest Catholic school system in the State of Ohio
The 5th largest Catholic school system in the country
Tuition assistance available from the Catholic Education Endowment Trust
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Although every effort is made to operate the schools as efficiently as possible, tuition costs can be challenging for some families. But Melanie Galizio, diocesan tuition assistance coordinator, said there are programs — both public and private — to help make a Catholic education more affordable. “About one-third of those who apply for diocesan tuition assistance receive it,” she said. Awards are based on family need and average $400 to $800 per student, per year, at the elementary school level. High school students can receive $500 to $1,500 per student, per year. Payments are made directly to the student’s school. Low-income families or those who live in the Cleveland Municipal School District could qualify for a scholarship, sometimes called a voucher, to help pay tuition costs at a Catholic school. Families can
visit the Ohio Department of Education website, education.ohio.gov/ Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships, for information about state scholarship opportunities. Galizio said sometimes schools also have special scholarships or other tuition discounts to help families. Some have requirements such as writing an essay; others may be academic or merit based or take into account family size and number of children attending Catholic schools. Recently, eight high school students received $3,000 each and 16 elementary students received $1,000 each from the Catholic Education Endowment Trust at the 19th annual Bishops’ Scholarship for Excellence lunch. Applicants wrote an essay on a prescribed topic and a panel anonymously selected the winners. She recommends that parents stay in touch with the financial of-
fice at the school and keep school officials abreast of any changes in the family situation, such as serious illness, death, loss of employment or other emergency. Cindy Williams in the education office, 216.696.6525, Ext. 2830, also has information about emergency tuition assistance and other diocesan scholarship opportunities. Although the application process for this school year is over, Galizio said the process will open in early 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year. “Scholarship and tuition assistance is not one size fits all,” Galizio said. “There are lots of different approaches, so it’s important to keep the communication avenues open. We want to ensure that every family who wants to send a child to a Catholic school has all the information and help available to them.” Galizio can be reached at 216.696.6525, Ext. 1032.
YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY
LEARN MORE Look at pages 2628 to learn more about Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Cleveland.
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C O N T I N U E D F R O M P R E V I O U S PAG E
Welcome Bishop Nelson Perez On behalf of the 13,731 members of Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union, welcome to the Diocese of Cleveland. Our thoughts and prayers are with you upon your installation as the eleventh Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland.
We want to take this opportunity to welcome
BISHOP NELSON J. PEREZ and express our excitement to support this year’s Alleluia Ball!
Learn more about Young Catholic Professionals Cleveland and our events at www.YCPCleveland.org or by finding us on social media!
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Northeast Ohio Catholic
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Episcopal Ring
Cathedra
Miter
Pectoral Cross
E piscopal insignia CATHEDRA: The official chair of a bishop in his cathedral church is called a cathedra. The bishop sits on the cathedra when he presides at solemn functions. Often it is flanked by benches or seats for assisting priests. In the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the cathedra is located slightly above and behind the altar. The cathedra has not been used since Bishop Richard Lennon’s retirement, but once Bishop Nelson Perez is installed, it will become his official chair. CROSIER: The bishop carries a tall hooked staff called a crosier. In the Western Church, it is shaped like a shepherd’s crook to symbolize the bishop’s role as the shepherd of his flock. Its roots go back to the walking staffs of travelers at the time of Christ. Crosiers, dating from
as early as the fourth century, have been found in the catacombs. By the Council of Toledo in 633, the crosier was mentioned as a liturgical implement. MITER: The miter is the tall, peaked hat that bishops wear. It has its origin in the cap with headbands worn by athletes of ancient Greece. It took its current form in the 12th century. The miter’s two shieldshaped halves are said to represent the Old and New Testaments. Two strips of fabric called lappets hang down the back. The lappets were originally designed to be tied around the chin to prevent the miter from falling off while the bishop rode on horseback. The miter is laid aside when the bishop prays, and underneath it he wears a zuchetto, a skullcap originally designed to keep hair oil off the miter.
Crosier
PECTORAL CROSS: The bishop wears a cross called a pectoral cross. Its name derives from the Latin word pectus or “breast.” It is worn differently, depending on the bishop’s garments. For example, if he is in a suit and collar, the pectoral cross is usually placed in the vest pocket, with the chain showing. That’s why you’ll often see the bishop with a gold or silver chain across his chest. The cross can hang from either a chain or a silk cord, and many of them hold relics. The stone assigned to bishops and archbishops is the amethyst, and many pectoral crosses are adorned with one or more. EPISCOPAL RING: Bishops wear a ring that has multiple layers of meaning. It has been a symbol of authority and jurisdiction since the third century. The ring also symbolizes the bishop’s marriage to the church, his spiritual parentage, and the inviolable faithfulness with which he will teach and protect his flock.
Special Commemorative Issue 29
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E xplaining Bishop Perez’s vespers, installation The
i n s ta l l at i o n l i t u r g y a n d v e s p e r s for Bishop Nelson Perez are rich in tradition and deep in meaning.
Vespers, or Evening Prayer, is a regular part of the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the daily prayer of the Church. Vespers will be celebrated on Sept. 4, the evening before the bishop’s formal installation at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cleveland, presides at the Sept. 4 Vespers and Bishop Perez preaches. Father Michael Woost, master of ceremonies for the installation events, said Bishop Thomas meets Bishop Perez at the cathedral door, greets him and welcomes him to the cathedral. Father Sean Ralph, cathedral administrator, invites him to kiss a crucifix from the cathedral and a deacon presents Bishop Perez with holy water, which he sprinkles on those around him as a reminder of our baptism into Christ and his Church. Prior to Vespers, there is a procession of ecumenical and interfaith representatives, civic leaders and lay ecclesial representatives from throughout the diocese. Their presence and participation in this liturgy reveal that the bishop’s ministry extends beyond the immediate needs of the Catholic community and includes concern for people of all faiths and for the local civic community. When the bishops, deacons and clergy reach the front of the cathedral, they reverence the altar and go to their places in the sanctuary, Father Woost said. “The cathedra, the bishop’s chair, remains empty until the bishop is installed the next day,” he said. Father said the liturgy takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It follows the Story by Carol Kovach
Evening Prayer for that day because there is no specific celebration of Vespers for the installation of a bishop, Father Woost said. After Vespers, the participants process out of the cathedral. The formal installation on Sept. 5 is a more complex and ceremonial event, Father Woost said, adding the entire liturgy could take about two hours. It begins with a lengthy procession of clergy, religious and deacons from the diocese that Father Woost said could last about a half hour. A second procession includes servers, some priests, the College of Consultors, concelebrating bishops and archbishops, including Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio, and Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, who is the presider. As such, he is the only one in the procession with a crosier. Also processing are any cardinals in attendance, Bishop Thomas and Bishop Perez. Cleveland Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries and Cleveland Bishops emeriti Richard Lennon and Anthony Pilla are expected to participate, as are representatives of Eastern rite churches. Then the altar will be incensed and Archbishop Schnurr makes the sign of the cross, offers a greeting, introduces the nuncio and invites him to read Bishop Perez’s apostolic letter of appointment from Rome. During this time, Bishop Perez is seated in the sanctuary. After the letter is read, it is presented to Bishop Perez, who gives it to Father Don Oleksiak, the delegate to the Apostolic Administrator. Father Oleksiak shows the letter to
Bishop Perez at a farewell Vespers service with priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
A committee has been working on details of the installation, examining and planning every detail, for several months. Invitations, planning vespers and the liturgy, facilitating Bishop Perez’s updated coat of arms, liturgical requirements, music, security and arrangements for media coverage are among the aspects that were covered.
the College of Consultors. Then Archbishop Schnurr and Archbishop Pierre lead Bishop Perez to the cathedra, on which his coat of arms is attached. He receives his crosier and sits in the cathedra for the first time. Members of the diocesan community — some priests, representatives of religious communities, students, diocesan staff, representatives of ethnic communities, etc. — are presented to the new bishop. “Then Mass proceeds in a normal fashion,” Father Woost said, with Bishop Perez as the presider and preacher. Jeanne Marie Miles, director of the Diocesan Office for Worship, said there will be special choirs for both vespers and the installation liturgy. She said Bishop Perez requested the installation Mass choir include representatives of ethnic groups and children. “There will be a total of five choirs: the parish music directors, diocesan African-American choir, a children’s choir, Hispanic choir and an ethnic choir,” Miles said, and a contingent of musicians from across the diocese, including brass, tympani and organ. Father Woost said Bishop Perez will give the final blessing and the procession will leave the cathedral. He said it is traditional for priests of the diocese to give the new bishop a gift. “The priests purchased a miter and vestments — a chasuble and stole — and three dalmatics for assisting deacons,” Father Woost said. Special Commemorative Issue
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Welcomes and Congratulates
Most Rev. Nelson J. Perez
Bishop h Nelson l J. Perez
Bishop of Cleveland
Congratulations and prayerful best wishes on your installation. May the Diocese of Cleveland grow in faith and love with your spiritual guidance.
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September/October 2016 www.dioceseofcleveland.org
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May/June 2017 www.dioceseofcleveland.org
www.dioceseofcl
INSIDE
INSIDE culture Paul Meet Padre
Catholic Charities helps Phillip create a safe, new life in Cleveland
special report Catholics and voting
in the know joe with father really Is religion of all the the cause ms? world’s proble
Pentecost: How the Church began
feature story Faith, fate often factor into housing choices for older adults
feature story School choice
new life
Faith community
RALLIES TO SUPPORT CRITICALLY INJURED WITH B AT H E D SISTERS FAITH CATHOLIC IS PROUD TO PUBLISH Sacred Heart parishioners welcome foster children into their home and hearts
E SON AR A N D WAY N E I N FA N T A K E , LO R A I N , M E D I N A , S U M M I T IGIL L A N D, C U YA H O G A , G E AU G A , L ND HIS ERVING THE COUNTIES OF ASH S T E R SV DREW A THE EA E D AT SERVING THE C BAPTIZ WAY N E OUNTIES OF AS T AND H L A N D, C U YA H , SUMMI A , MEDIN
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O G THE C
L A N D, OF ASH UNTIES
C U YA H O
GA G A , G E AU
LO R A I N , LAKE,
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Bishop Milan Lach SJ, the priests, deacons, religious and faithful of the
Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Warmly Welcome
Bishop Nelson J. Perez
as the 11th Bishop of Cleveland. May God Grant Him Many Years! parma.org 32
Northeast Ohio Catholic
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Bishop Perez, The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert Bishop of Allentown on behalf of the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Allentown offers prayerful best wishes and congratulations to the Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez on his installation as Bishop of Cleveland
The prayers of the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of this local Church of Newark are with you as you begin your new ministry as Shepherd of this local Church of Cleveland. May Christ the Redeemer continue to bless you. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop of Newark
WELCOME
BISHOP NELSON PEREZ Welcome Welcome to the Diocese of Cleveland Bishop Nelson Perez Bishop Nelson Perez to the Diocese to the Diocese of of The Sisters of Notre Dame and their sponsored ministries Welcome Committed to education Welcome Bishop Nelson Perez for transformation Bishop Cleveland NotreNotre Schools to theNelson DiocesePerez of Cleveland DameDame Schools to the Diocese of An exceptional Catholic education An exceptional Catholic education
Cleveland Cleveland Sisters of Notre Dame its sponsored ministries The The Sisters of Notre Dame and and its sponsored ministries Notre Dame Schools An exceptional Catholic education
Notre Dame Schools
An exceptional Catholic education Committed to education for transformation Committed to education for transformation
Special Commemorative Issue 33
E ncuentro fuels missionary disciples, evangelism in Hispanic community Seven Hispanic Cleveland are
parishes in the
For more information on V Encuentro, contact Misael Mayorga at 216.696.6525, Ext. 4300 or by email, mmayorga@ dioceseofcleveland.org or visit vencuentro.org.
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F i f t h N at i o n a l E n c u e n t r o .
V Encuentro is a four-year process of ecclesial reflection and action that invites all Catholics in the United States to intense missionary activity, consultation, leadership development and identification of best ministerial practices in the spirit of the new evangelization. New Cleveland Bishop Nelson Perez, who chairs the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, said he was “formed by the process of Encuentro as a pastor and a bishop.” He said he participated in the Third National Encuentro in the ’80s and, as a pastor, was active in its implementation. “Today I have the blessings of being a part of the V Encuentro as a bishop and I look forward to the many fruits it will bring to dioceses and parishes across the country,” he said. Locally, the process “is an effort to renew Hispanic ministry because at this moment in the United States, there is a need to do more,” said Misael Mayorga, director of the diocesan Hispanic ministry. “Better response is needed for Hispanics in the United States … they need better formation to understand the richness of Catholic life — sacramental life. Many have been left without a good understanding of the faith. There is a real need for vocations (priests and religious) within the Hispanic community,” he added.
Northeast Ohio Catholic
of
a m o n g t h o s e n at i o n w i d e w h o
are engaged in the
LEARN MORE
Diocese
The seven diocesan participating parishes are Sagrada Familia, St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Lourdes in Cleveland; St. Mary in Painesville; Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain; St. Bernard in Akron; and St. Mary in Wooster. Misael said Encuentro’s roots can be traced to 1965, the time of the Second Vatican Council. Before that, Mass was said in Latin; after Vatican II, Mass was said in the vernacular, or the local language, which in the United States is English. “There was nothing in Spanish,” Misael said. A priest in Texas, Father Patricio Flores, recognized the situation and began working to effect change. In 1970, he was consecrated as the first Mexican-American in the U.S. to be elevated to bishop. He led the Diocese of El Paso from 1979 until his retirement in 2004. Bishop Flores died on Jan. 9 at age 87. But his efforts continue through Encuentro and other initiatives to encourage more participation and leadership among Hispanic Catholics. Misael said V Encuentro is helping to identify the needs of Hispanic Catholics — to develop a national pastoral plan for faith formation and leadership. “These are the
Themes of the five-week V Encuentro evangelizing process and consultation were: • Called to a loving encounter with Jesus • With words and actions: Do it! • Walking together with Jesus • Bearing fruits of new life • Celebrating the joy of being missionary disciples The themes are inspired by Pope Francis’ call to create a culture of Encounter (Encuentro) in his 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).
| SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG
Story and photos by Carol Kovach
best resources we can provide for the Church,” he said. The seven diocesan parishes met in March to kick off the first, five-week V Encuentro session, “Called to a Loving Encounter with Jesus in the Church,” which culminated with each parish preparing a report, which will be presented at the Sept. 16 diocesan V Encuentro. The next step is the regional Encuentro, which includes Ohio and Michigan, followed by the national V Encuentro. Previous Encuentros led to the creation of the Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs (I Encuentro, 1972); creation of eight regional offices for Hispanic affairs (II Encuentro, 197577); creation of the Standing Committee of Hispanic Affairs (III Encuentro, 1982-85) and helping the Church in the U.S. to recognize and appreciate its cultural diversity through a New Pentecost experience (IV Encuentro, 2000). The first National Encuentro for Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry took place in 2005-06. Bishop Perez often refers to the need for Catholics to become “authentic and joyful missionary disciples,” which is one of the Encuentro objectives. It’s something he talked about on July 11, when he was introduced as the new bishop. “I think he’ll be a great blessing for the Hispanic ministry,” Misael said.
Above, Bishop Perez greets a parishioner after a Mass in Long Island, New York. Below, three dozen Hispanic lay ministers were certified by the Diocese of Cleveland in a liturgy on July 22 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist after three years of formation, study and preparation. These new leaders are part of the local response to Encuentro and will serve in their parishes.
UPCOM ING EV E N TS WALK TO REMEMBER October 1, 2017 ~ 1 p.m. One mile walking Rosary RSVP with Rhonda Abrams at (216) 930-4866
Welcome Bishop Nelson J. Perez
or rabrams@clecem.org
CEMETERY SUNDAY November 5, 2017 ~ 3 p.m. Join us in the celebration of Mass
FOR DETAILS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE
(855) 852-PLAN | info@clecem.org www.clecem.org
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES ASSOCIATION DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND
Faith
Hope
Remembrance
Special Commemorative Issue 35
• Father Cornelius Ssekitto, AJ was given faculties of the Diocese of Cleveland while he participates in the ACPE Residence Program at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. In addition, with the permission of the Very Rev. Augustine Idra, AJ, regional superior of the Missionary Order of the Apostles of Jesus, permission was given for his residence at the Apostles of Jesus House, Cleveland, effective June 1. • Father Edward N. Schwet’s appointment as parochial vicar, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Wooster, is rescinded and he was granted an authorized leave of absence for personal reasons, effective June 13. • Father Daniel T. Reim, SJ, with the permission of the Very Rev. Brian G. Paulson, SJ, provincial superior of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, was appointed to ministry as chaplain at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, effective July 5. • Father Richard Bona was appointed auditor/assessor and notary for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Cleveland, effective July 1. His residence remains at Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Cleveland. • Father James H. Beatty, pastor, Holy Spirit Parish, Avon, was granted early retirement due to health reasons, effective July 1. • Father Ronald J. Wearsch, pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Avon Lake, continues as administrator of Holy Spirit Parish, Avon. This appointment remains in addition to his appointment as pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Avon Lake. • Father Peter Soohyun Bang, who was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Daegu, South Korea, on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, Holy Angels Parish, Bainbridge, effective June 13. • Father Jacob B. Bearer, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, St. Francis de Sale Parish, Akron, effective June 13. • Father James M. Cosgrove, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, St. Christopher Parish, Rocky River, effective June 13. • Father Eric S. Garris, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village, effective June 13.
YOUR COMMUNITY ASSIGNMENT CHANGES
• Father Matthew W. Jordan, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, St. Hilary Parish, Fairlawn, effective June 13. • Father Robert D. McWilliams, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, St. Joseph Parish, Strongsville, effective June 13. • Father Peter A. Morris, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, St. John Vianney Parish, Mentor, effective June 13. • Father Anthony J. Simone, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, was appointed parochial vicar, St. Sebastian Parish, Akron, effective June 13. • Father Michael Joyce, OFM Cap., with the permission of the Very Rev. Thomas Betz, OFM Cap., provincial minister of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Province of St. Augustine, concludes his assignment as pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Garfield Heights, effective June 26. Father Joyce continues his assignment as director of the Capuchin Formation Program at Borromeo Seminary and his residence at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. • Father W. David Nestler, 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, Holy Spirit Parish, Garfield Heights, effective June 26. • Father Brian Stacy, 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 faculty member to the formation staff of the Capuchin Formation Program at Borromeo Seminary, effective June 26. • Father John E. Manning concluded his appointment as administrator of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Cleveland and St. Adalbert Parish, Cleveland, effective June 13. Father Manning continues his appointment as delegate for senior priests for the Diocese of Cleveland. • Father Gary D. Chmura concluded his leave of absence for sick leave, effective June 13. Father Chmura re-
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sumed his appointment as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Cleveland and pastor of St. Adalbert Parish, Cleveland, effective June 13. Father Dennis M. McNeil concluded his leave of absence for sick leave, effective June 13. Father McNeil was appointed parochial vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby, effective June 13. Father Brad Held, SJ, with the permission of the Very Rev. Brian G. Paulson, SJ, provincial superior of the Society of Jesus, Chicago-Detroit Province, was appointed to ministry at Gesu Parish, University Heights, effective June 13 and concluding on Sept. 15. Father Christopher M. Staab, SJ, with the permission of the Very Rev. Brian G. Paulson, SJ, provincial superior of the Society of Jesus, Chicago-Detroit Province, was appointed to ministry at Gesu Parish, University Heights, effective June 13 and concluding PRAY on Sept. 15. SAY A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR Father Arthur A. Snedeker, retired-total ALL CLERGY and permanent disability, was granted MEMBERS, permission to be in residence at the rectoTHAT THEY MAY FAITHFULLY ry of St. Matthias Parish, Parma, effective FULFILL THE immediately. WORK OF THE Father Edward J. Janoch, parochial vicar, LORD. St. Mary Parish, Chardon, was appointed chaplain of the St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 15942, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as parochial vicar, St. Mary Parish, Chardon. The diaconal assignment of Deacon Miguel A. Figueroa, St. Michael the Archangel, Cleveland, concluded and he was granted retirement status, effective Aug. 1. Deacon Dennis L. Smith, Nativity of the Lord Jesus Parish, Akron, was appointed spiritual director for the Knights of Columbus Council 4664, effective immediately. This appointment is in addition to his appointment as permanent deacon, Nativity of the Lord Jesus Parish, Akron. Deacon Martin A. Thiel’s diaconal assignment at St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn concluded and he was granted retirement status, effective May 4.
DIOCESE OF KALAMAZOO
Bishop David J. Walkowiak and the people of the Diocese of Grand Rapids join in congratulating Bishop Nelson Perez as the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland!
1801 East Suite 1400 Cleveland www.boy
Welcome Bishop-designate Nelson J. Perez Timothy M. Hyland 216.771.3450 www.boydwatterson.com
Bishop Paul J. Bradley and the faithful from the Diocese of Kalamazoo, send our congratulations and heartfelt prayers for God’s blessings upon Bishop Nelson J. Perez and the people of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Special Commemorative Issue 37
The Faith and Light Pilgrimage of Compassion will be Sept. 9 at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, 21281 Chardon Road, Euclid. The Pilgrimage begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends with Mass at 4 p.m. All are invited. At the heart of the pilgrimage will be people with disabilities, their families and friends. Box lunches and water available; donations appreciated. Call Brian Daw, 216.338.4260 or email him at bdaw314@gmail.com. The fourth annual Second Blessings Rummage Sale will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at St. John of the Cross Parish, 140 Richmond Road, Euclid, with more than 18,000 square feet of gently used clothing, furniture, toys, linens, sporting goods and more. Free admission; early bird entry at 8 a.m. is $5. Call 216.289.0770 for information. Walking in Hope, a free bereavement support program, will offer a six-week support group beginning 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 12 in the St. Paschal Baylon rectory parlor, 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, with speakers, support materials and refreshments. Call Barbara Curra, 440.840.5511, for information. The next First Step programs, continuing education regarding marriage and divorce in the Church, will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at St. Paul Parish, 433 Mission Drive, Akron, at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at St. Ambrose Parish, 929 Pearl Road, Brunswick. For more information, visit dioceseofcleveland. org or call the Tribunal office, 216.696.6525, Ext. 4000.
YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO
HAVE YOU LOST A LOVED ONE?
ATTEND A PARISH MISSION
St. John of the Cross Alpha will take place at 6 p.m. for 10 Tuesdays beginning Sept. 12 at the parish, 140 Richmond Road, Euclid. A different question will be explored weekly. Call 216.289.0770 or visit saintjohnofthecross.org for more information or registration. Application deadline for the Tabor Fund, for employees, religious and laity involved in pastoral ministry in the diocese, is Sept. 15. Visit catholiccommunity.org/grants for an application. Grants can be used for sabbaticals, retreats for individuals and programs for personal growth and refreshment of ministers. Call Colleen Rigo, 216.696.6526, Ext. 4080 for information. St. Colman Parish will honor couples with milestone anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more years) who were married at the parish at 11 a.m. Mass Sept. 17, followed by a reception in the parish hall, 2027 W. 65th St., Cleveland. All couples married in years ending with 2 or 7 should call the parish office, 216.651.0550, Ext. 10. St. Peter Parish will host a parish mission, “Christ’s Healing Love,” presented by Father Greg Bramlage of the Missionaries of the New Evangelization, beginning with the rosary at 6:30 p.m. and the service at 7 p.m., Sept. 17-19. The church is at 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. A freewill offering will be taken. The program is mission is for adults. Call 440.327.2201 for information.
Congratulations
The Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez
on the occasion of his installation as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland
Bishop Edward C. Malesic Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Greensburg, PA
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Northeast Ohio Catholic
| SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG
and the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg
Theology on Tap West will hear Father Joseph Tuscan, OFM speak on “The New Evangelization: Forgiveness, Mercy and the Holy Mass,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Beachcliff Tavern, 19245 Detroit Road, Rocky River. Social will be at 7; speaker at 7:30; complimentary appetizers, cash bar; $5 admission. Email ToTWestCLE@gmail.com for information. St. Julie Biliart Parish will have an International Peace Day Prayer Service 7-8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the church, 5500 Lear Nagle Road, North Ridgeville. St. Barnabas Parish will host “Miles to Go, Promises to Keep: The Continuing Journey of the Lost Boys of Sudan,” 7-9 p.m. Sept. 21 at the church, 9451 Brandywine Road, Northfield. The free adult education offering is hosted by ACE and will be presented by Majok Marier, one of the “lost boys,” and Estelle Ford-Williamson. Call the parish, 330.467.7959, for information. A benefit for St. Andrew (Benedictine) Abbey is planned for Sept. 24 at the American-Croatian Lodge, 34900 Lakeshore Blvd., Eastlake. Mass is at 2 p.m., refreshments at 3; followed by a traditional ethnic dinner, dancing, Slovak auction, live auction and family activities. Visit standrewabbey.org or call 216.721.5300, Ext. 156 for information. Listening, Encouraging and Assisting Families of the Incarcerated (LEAF) will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 and Oct. 23 at St. Francis Xavier Parish’s Loyola Room, 606
E. Washington St., Medina (enter through the glass doors). Call Connie Ebaugh, 330.648.2602, or email connieebaugh@gmail.com for information. Elyria Catholic High School will have its 28th annual golf outing, beginning with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Oberlin Golf Club. Cost is $125 per golfer, $500 for a foursome. Call Kelsie Stites, 440.365.1821, Ext. 122, for information.
THEOLOGY ON TAP
ATTEND A GOLF OUTING FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION!
St. Hilary Charismatic Prayer Group will have a “Life in the Spirit” seminar 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 28 and 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Sept. 29 at the church, 2750 West Market St., Fairlawn. RSVPs needed by Sept. 22. A donation is appreciated; snack and meals included. Call Kathleen Consodine, 330.864.6682, or Sue Crookston, 330.730.7988, or email Roseanne at LISSAkron@gmail. com for registration or information. A symposium, “Blessed are the Peacemakers: Reimagining a World of Active Nonviolence,” will feature Marie Dennis, co-president of Pax Christi International, as the keynote speaker. The event will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 30 at John Carroll University’s Dolan Science Center, 1 John Carroll Blvd., University Heights. Registration before Sept. 15 is $20; free for students with ID; $25 at the door; $10 for reception with speakers on Sept. 29. Register at Eventbrite, keyword Peacemakers. Call Diane Zbasnik, 330.535.2787, or email dzbaznik@ccdocle.org for information.
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YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO
St. Vincent de Paul Society Friends of the Poor Walk will be 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 30; free registration begins at 9. There are three walk sites: Penitentiary Glen Lake Metroparks, 8668 Chardon Road, Kirtland; Our Lady of Hope Church, 400 Center St., Bedford; and Richfield Woods Park, 4100 Broadview Road, Richfield. Money raised helps economically disadvantaged residents in the diocese. Visit fopwalk.org for registration or call 216.696.6525, Ext. 3150. “Keeping the Doors Open,” a benefit for St. Colman Parish, will be 1-5 p.m. Oct. 1 at the West Side Irish American Club, 8559 Jennings Road, Olmsted Township. Single admission is $30; tables of eight, $600. The Jeff Pecon Band and The Portersharks will play; appetizers; 50/50 raffle tickets at $20 each or six for $100; sideboards. All proceeds benefit the parish. Purchase tickets after weekend Masses, at the rectory or at stcolmanparish.org. Call 216.651.0550 for information. Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine will have a Rosary Sunday Festival on Oct. 1 at the shrine, 21281 Chardon Road, Euclid; free admission. Masses are at 8 a.m., 9:30 (outdoor) and 11; stations at 3 p.m. and rosary at 4. Breakfast available after 9:30 Mass until 11:30 in the dining room; lunch is noon to 3:30 p.m.; pizza and sausage on the pavilion; gift shop open after 8 a.m. Mass until 4 p.m.; homemade bake sale next to the gift shop; games on wheels, fish pond and crafts in the dining room. Call 216.481.8232 for information.
HELP THOSE IN NEED
ATTEND A ROSARY RALLY
The Diocese of Columbus
extends its heartfelt congratulations and prayers to
Catholics Coming Home will be offered 7-8:30 p.m. on six Tuesdays, Oct. 3 through Nov. 7, in the rectory at Divine Word Parish, 8100 Eagle Road, Kirtland. The program is for inactive and non-practicing Catholics to reactivate their faith. Call Deacon Carl Varga, 440.256.1412, for information. The Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus will have its annual Polish Festival 5-11 p.m. Oct. 6; 4-11 p.m. Oct. 7 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at the parish social center, 6601 Baxter Ave., Cleveland. There will be Polish food, pastries, dancing, polka bands, Polish dancers and tours of the church. All activities are indoors. Call 216.341.9091 or visit ststanislaus.org for information. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will have a Rosary Rally 3-5 p.m. Oct. 8 at the parish, 3395 E. 53rd St., Cleveland. Call 216.641.2829 or email ourladyoflourdescle@yahoo.com for information. “Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission” is the theme for the St. Michael Parish Adult Catholic Education program at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at the parish, 6912 Chestnut Road, Independence. Call 216.524.1394 for information. St. Vincent de Paul Parish will have a pro-life Mass and celebration of the 100th anniversary of Fatima at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the church, 41295 N. Ridge Road, Elyria. There
Community Minded, Faith Driven.
The MosT ReveRend nelson j. peRez on the occasion of his installation as Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. May God’s abundant blessings be with you and your ministry.
The Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell Bishop of Columbus
Welcome, Bishop Perez! WWW.UNITYCATHOLICCU.ORG This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
40 Northeast Ohio Catholic | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG
will be Mass, rosary, and a candlelight procession to the Fatima shrine with Father Ned Weist officiating. Refreshments will follow. The Village at Marymount will sponsor “Navigating the Medicare Maze” 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the facility, 5200 Marymount Village Drive, Garfield Heights. RSVP by Oct. 13 to Liz Pencak, 216.332.1396. A sit-down dinner is served at 6 p.m. with the presentation at 6:30. Space is limited and reservations are required. The Isabella Guild of Knights of Columbus Father Ragan Council will have its second Octoberfest on Oct. 14 at Ragan Hall, 1738 Moore Road, Avon (next to BJ’s). Admission is $20 and includes a traditional German dinner, dessert and a draft beer; purchase additional beer tickets. Live polka music. Call Debbie Berger, 440.937.6603, for reservations and information. St. Sebastian Parish will have a Sanctum Catholicam Conference: “Sacred Then, Sacred Now,” 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in Zwisler Hall, 476 Mull Ave., Akron. Solemn high Latin Mass will be at 10:15 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Topics will include the 10th anniversary of Summorum Pontificum, the 100th anniversary of Fatima, history of the Mass, sacred Church art and personal experiences; also food and fellowship. Visit stsebastiantlm. blogspot.com or call 330.869.0682 for information.
ARE YOU ON MEDICARE?
ATTEND A CULURE AND FOOD FESTIVAL!
A private weekend healing retreat for women suffering after abortion will be facilitated by Bethesda House of Mercy Oct. 14-15 at Loyola Retreat House in Canton. The Community of Jesus, the Living Mercy, is sponsoring the event. Confidential retreat applications are from Bethesda House of Mercy by calling 800.482.4100, or email BethesdaHouse@aol.com. Visit BethesdaHouseofMercy.org for information. Theology on Tap West will hear Father Ryan Mann, parochial vicar at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Parma, speak on “Empty Cisterns and the Water of Life: Satisfying our Thirst” at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Beachcliff Tavern, 19245 Detroit Road, Rocky River. Social at 7, speaker at 7:30; complimentary appetizers, cash bar; $5 admission. Email ToTWestCLE@gmail.com for information. The annual Diocese of Cleveland Lawyers Guild Red Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct 20 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland, followed by a noon lunch at the downtown Marriott. Call Colleen Rigo, 216.696.6525, Ext. 4080, or visit catholiccommunity.org/ lawyers table sponsorships, tickets or information. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will have its International Food and Culture Festival 5-8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the parish, 3396 E. 55th St., Cleveland, with European, Asian and Latin American foods, folkloric cultural presentations
Special Commemorative Issue
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and a raffle for a cash prize. Visit ourladyoflourdes-cle. com, email ourladyoflourdescle@yahoo.com or call 216.641.2829 for information.
YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO
St. John of the Cross Parish Octoberfest begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 28 in the church with a polka Mass followed by dinner, music and dancing in parish center, 140 Richmond Road, Euclid. Dinner tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Visit saintjohnofthecross.org or call 216.289.0770 for information. The First Friday Club of Greater Akron will hear from John Allen Jr., associate editor of the Boston Globe and senior Vatican analyst for CNN, on Nov. 3 at Tangier Restaurant, 532 W. Market St., Akron. He will speak on “Francis and What is Happening in the Church at This Time.” Doors open at 11 a.m.; program is at noon. Cost is $20. Send a check payable to First Friday Club of Greater Akron to 795 Russell Ave., Akron, OH 44307, call the office, 330.535.7668, by the Monday prior to the event, or visit firstfridayclubofgreaterakron.org. St. Ladislas Parish will host “Cultivating Missionary Disciples,” a conference by the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Stewardship, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (clergy only) on Nov. 10 and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 11 (all welcome) at the parish, 2345 Bassett Road, Westlake. Advance registration required. Visit dioceseofcleveland.org/evangelization for information and registration.
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Northeast Ohio Catholic
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish will have its sixth annual Men’s Conference beginning with 8 a.m. Mass and ending at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the parish, 260 Broad St., Wadsworth, for those of high school age and older. Donation is $15 for men, $10 for students. A light breakfast and lunch are included. Father Wade Menezes of the Fathers of Mercy will speak on “Men of Valor, Men of Faith.” Call Alan Beery, 330.760.3039, or Mark Smith, 330.606.7195, for information. The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities of Summit County will meet at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 13 at Blessed Trinity Parish, 300 East Tallmadge Ave., Akron. Call Connie, 330.899.8381, for information.
ATTEND OCTOBERFEST
SUBMIT AN EVENT
Events for inclusion in the November/December issue must be received before Sept. 22. 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.
| SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG
YOUR COMMUNITY IN MEMORIAM FATHER JOHN M. JENKINS — Columbus Bishop emeritus James A. Griffin was the main celebrant at the 11 a.m. June 24 funeral Mass at St. Paul Church, Akron, for Father John M. Jenkins, pastor emeritus of the parish. Homilist was Father John McNulty. Father Michael Gurnick presided at vespers at 3 p.m. June 23 at St. Mary Church, Painesville, with Father Stephen Vallenga as homilist. Father Jenkins, 83, died on June 19. An Akron native, he attended St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati and Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries in Wickliffe. He was ordained to the priesthood for service of the Diocese of Cleveland on May 28, 1960, in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist by Bishop John J. Krol. Father Jenkins served as parochial vicar at St. Timothy, St. Aloysius and Holy Rosary parishes in Cleveland; St. Luke Parish, Lakewood; and Holy Cross Parish, Euclid. He also was chaplain for University Hospitals, Cleveland and was a co-chaplain at University Hospitals, Cleveland and Huron Road Hospital, East Cleveland. Father Jenkins was named pastor of St. Paul Parish, Akron, on Oct. 15, 1981, and he served there until his retirement on Oct. 4, 2004, when he was named pastor emeritus. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.
Congratulations to the Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez from the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine,
Bishop Nelson J. Perez Congratulations and prayers from the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
serving the diocese since 1851.
www.srsofcharity.org Special Commemorative Issue 43
YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS
CROWLEY TO HEAD LAKE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Mark Crowley is the new president of Lake Catholic High School in Mentor. The appointment was announced on Aug. 4 by Christopher Knight, secretary for education/superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Cleveland. Crowley, a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Cleveland and Northeastern University, earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. He spent his career in marketing and communications at several large corporations, including KeyCorp, National City, SherwinWilliams and Materion Corp. “With the 50th anniversary of the school on the horizon, this is an exciting time to be part of Lake Catholic. Having just celebrated the graduation of its 10,000th student, Lake Catholic has a strong alumni community that is second to none. I look forward to being an instrumental part that connects their passion, loyalty and love of the school,” Crowley said. He replaces Richard Osborne, who served as interim president since Sal Miroglatta retired in March.
CONCERTS SCHEDULED AT CATHEDRAL Three concerts, part of the Helen D. Schubert Concerts, will take place this fall at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 1007 Superior Ave. in downtown Cleveland. Quire Cleveland will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 6; Fior Angelico from Columbus, Ohio, will be featured at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 10; and the Daughters of St. Paul Choir from Boston, Massachusetts, will present their popular Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. All concerts are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. A freewill offering will be accepted. Free parking is available in the Cathedral Plaza garage at the southeast corner of Rockwell Avenue and East Ninth Street, or in the adjacent surface lot on Rockwell.
EDUCATORS CHARGED TO BE ‘MISSIONARY DISCIPLES’ About 1,200 teachers, principals, administrators, parish catechetical leaders, parish school of religion instructors and ministry volunteers from across the Diocese of Cleveland heard Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, charge them to be missionary disciples as they prepared for the new school year. Bishop Caggiano was the keynote speaker at the diocesan educators’ forum at the Wolstein Center on the Cleveland State University campus. He said that evangelization produces missionary disciples and all are called to evangelize (spread the faith), catechize (teach the faith) and invite others to the faith. There are unique challenges for missionary disciples in the 21st century, particularly for those involved with educating young people, some of whom Bishop Caggiano characterized as “homeless.” He said that society no longer agrees on values and that these homeless youths are looking for love and values. Bishop Caggiano also noted that the rise of technology, digital communication and social media are challenging the fabric of society, particularly that of students, who seek truth through images rather than reason, so we must respond accordingly in order to pass on the truths of the Catholic faith. Three students spoke, applauding their Catholic schools and teachers for influencing their lives in positive ways. The gathering concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Daniel Thomas, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cleveland. Bishop Caggiano concelebrated and was the homilist.
Most Reverend Richard J. Malone Bishop of Buffalo offers prayerful congratulations to 216-621-7183 | 800-725-4484 EvartsTremaine.com
Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland
Ad Multos Annos! 44
Northeast Ohio Catholic
| SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG
CATHOLIC EDUCATION ENDOWMENT TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED Twenty-four elementary and high school students who attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Cleveland received scholarships from the Catholic Education Endowment Trust at the 19th annual Bishops’ Scholarship for Excellence lunch. The event was Aug. 4 at St. Michael’s Woodside Event Center in Broadview Heights. Eight $3,000 scholarships were presented to current 10th- and 11th-graders and 16 sixth- and seventh-graders each received $1,000 scholarships at the awards ceremony and lunch. High school winners are Holly Adam, St. Vincent-St. Mary; Gavin Beegan, St. Ignatius; Madison Bizzi and Rian Dillon, Holy Name; Kayleigh Burke, Trinity; Sean McCarthy and Tylor Tohati, St. Edward; and Claire Petty, Magnificat. Elementary school winners are Hanna Barcomb, Liza Marra and Angelina McGinty, St. Anselm; Peyton Bender, St. Mary of the Falls; Allison Coneglio, St. Barnabas; Morgan Ann Dusek, Nathan Tohati and Christopher Vance, St. Charles Borromeo; Megan Gendics and Julius Rimbert, St. Joseph; Gabriel Minick and Oliva Moore, Holy Family; Megan Rios, SS. Joseph and John; Sophie Schmidt, St. Mark; Kyan Smetana, Lakewood Catholic Academy; and Zachary Tizzano, SS. Robert and William. Students were asked to write original essays on the following topic: “How does your experience in Catholic school influence the manner in which you try to make a difference in everyday life?” The essays were judged anonymously by education office staff members and the finalists were presented to the CEET board, which made the final selection.
O’DONNELL SELECTED FOR 2017 ST. THOMAS MORE AWARD Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell will receive the St. Thomas More Award from the Lawyers Guild of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland at a luncheon for the legal community on Oct. 20 after the annual Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. The award honors the patron saint of lawyers and is presented annually to a distinguished member of the legal community for contributing to high ethical standards and spiritual growth in the practice of law. A graduate of Cleveland Marshall College of Law, O’Donnell practiced law in Cleveland before beginning his judicial service in 1980 on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court bench. In 1994, he was elected to the Eighth District Court of Appeals. He was appointed to a vacancy on the Supreme Court in 2003 and subsequently won election and re-election to the bench. Under his leadership, the court implemented a nationally acclaimed Lawyer to Lawyer mentoring program. He and his wife, Mary Beth, are members of St. Bernadette Parish in Westlake. They have four adult children and seven grandchildren. Also at the luncheon, radio station AM 1260 The Rock, will receive a Special Recognition Award. For more information or tickets, contact Colleen Rigo at 216.696.6525 Ext. 4080 or email crigo@catholiccommunity.org.
JOB OPENING The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Diocese of Cleveland is seeking an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Candidate will have four or more years of organizational management experience. Visit svdpcle.org to apply.
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Special Commemorative Issue 45
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5 September 2017
owship ist and the love of God and the fell The grace of our Lord Jesus Chr ! (2 Cor 13:13) of the Holy Spirit be with all of you Dear friends in Christ,
secrated religious and lay the bishops, priests, deacons, con all , you to r offe I er lett this h Wit r prayers, support and Catholic nd, my deepest gratitude for you vela Cle of e ces Dio the of l hfu fait with the installation of Bishop ic Administrator here concludes stol Apo as k wor my as s, nes wit hop! Nelson Perez as your eleventh Bis hop Richard Lennon and e as a “living bridge” between Bis serv to e ileg priv a n bee has y trul It w serenity of mind, heart and I pray that Bishop Lennon will kno , you h Wit ez. Per son Nel hop Bis , spiritual comfort and lasting that Bishop Perez will know strength pray I you with ent; rem reti in l sou e him to these eight counties, rd. It is a particular joy to welcom phe she r you as rs yea his in ce pea bishop and friend, and now as st from Philadelphia, then as brother prie ther bro as him wn kno ing hav to receive you! sed to receive him and he is blessed bles are You o! Ohi in op bish ther bro ication and hard work of so e marveled at the tremendous ded hav I s, nth mo e nin e thes ing Dur the Diocese of Cleveland, and Oleksiak and the Senior Staff in ald Don her Fat lar ticu par in y, man of Toledo, whose generosity the Senior Staff in the Diocese and i ack Kub liam Wil nor nsig Mo and to you for the welcome, sible. My profound thanks to them pos all it e mad t men mit com and wed me. hospitality, and goodness you sho hands of your new shepherd, of the Diocese into the capable As I hand over the governance er 2016. Matt, a fourth-grader r I arrived among you in Decemb afte just t sen er lett a re sha to t I wan stolic administrator. It must elcome! I’m so glad you’re the apo “W te: wro e, her ool sch ish par a at er any pressure. Be the best same time! I hope you’re not und the at ops bish two g bein d har be the same time, it was never es felt like I was in two places at etim som it ile Wh .” can you hop Bis Know that I will continue to the grace, even under pressure! ed vid pro d Lor the e aus bec d, har simple yet profound counsel: t, so that I might fulfill Matt’s por sup ful yer pra r you on nt cou “Be the best Bishop you can.” s for the Church in the Diocese promise of my continued prayer With heartfelt gratitude and the of Cleveland, I am Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus, Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas Apostolic Administrator of Cleveland Fax (216) 696-6547
44114 (216) 696-6525 St. Cleveland, OH a 1404 East Ninth Fax (216) 696-6547 Cathedral Square Plaz 44114 (216) 696-6525 OH St. Cleveland, a 1404 East Ninth Cathedral Square Plaz
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Northeast Ohio Catholic
| SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | WWW.DIOCESEOFCLEVELAND.ORG
MOST REVEREND DANIEL E. THOMAS Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cleveland and Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo,
TogeTher wiTh The PriesTs, Deacons, consecraTeD religious anD lay FaiThFul oF The Dioceses oF clevelanD anD ToleDo Offer Prayerful Congratulations to
MOST REVEREND NELSON J. PEREZ On his Installation as the Eleventh Bishop of Cleveland
May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Guide and Guard your New Ministry in Service of the Faithful of Northeast Ohio NORTHEAST OHIO CATHOLIC AD WELCOMING BISHOP PEREZ FINAL 07.31.17.indd 1
Special Commemorative Issue 47 8/3/17 11:40 AM
Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland 1404 E. Ninth St. Cleveland, OH 44114
Welcome BISHOP
PEREZ