Beloved Family:
About all I can say at this moment in time is: “Oh my!” I remember this expression frequently spoken from the mouth of a priest who served as a tremendous mentor to me from the time I began my graduate seminary studies here in the Diocese of Cleveland, in September of 1987: Fr. James Ols. At that time, Fr. Ols was Pastor of Saint Vincent DePaul parish in Elyria Township, where I was assigned for my first year of field education and which became essentially my “home parish,” since I did not grow up in this diocese. The tone with which he said those two simple words was one of genuine awe at a situation or event that we had witnessed, related to ministry and church life. In the course of those years, he helped me to understand—at least in some measure—the goodness and the gravity of the priestly vocation.
Oh my! It is now just two weeks from the ordination of Deacon Nathan and Deacon Charles and their classmates. Oh my! It is hard to believe that this year of Deacon Nathan’s time with us is coming to close and that the years of Deacon Chuck’s seminary formation have progressed so rapidly. Perhaps, these two men and their families have thought, if not said, more than once recently: “Oh my!”
This coming week marks the final full week that Deacon Nathan will reside here at Saint Mary. Of course, we joyfully anticipate his ordination on May 16 and his return to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving here on Sunday, May 31 at 11 am (the last Sunday before our summer Mass time change takes effect, shifting from 11 am to 10 am). I can only smile as I consider all the ways in which he has entered into the life of the Saint Mary community. Here are a just a couple of affirmations parishioners have shared with me recently:
Deacon Nathan is always at his best. Whenever he greets people prior to an event at the parish or during conversations with others, he always makes sure one way or the other to say hello to you. I find it important in my life to make sure to say hello to everyone I know wherever I go anywhere. Do I expect Deacon Nathan to do what I do? Absolutely not. He does it because he wants to. And no matter who it is he sees, a smile is always on his face.
As (Deacon Nathan) prepared me for confirmation, we reviewed Vatican documents, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and writings from such acclaimed authors as St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Theresa of Avila. The spiritual awakening that has ensued is beyond anything I expected. I am astonished at the wealth of knowledge and discernment God has gifted this young man. He has helped me uncover my charisms and how to channel my gifts for God, in accordance with Presbyterorum Ordinis, no. 9,". . . priests should . . . foster with diligence the various humble and exalted charisms of the laity."
Please join me in rejoicing with the young ladies and young gentlemen— our brothers and sisters in Christ, who receive their First Holy Communion this weekend, along with their families. Please commend them in prayer, along with all Catholics who, for various reasons, are currently not able to receive the Eucharist: 1) those in very remote places where Mass is not celebrated weekly; 2) those who have a canonical issue on which they are working, to reopen the path to reception once again; 3) those who have distanced themselves, but deep within still have a longing for Christ.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
