Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This past week we had two opportunities for parishioners to reflect on Discernment for Parish Leadership. This provided an opportunity to share with participants what discernment might look like as we surface parishioners to serve as leaders. Qualities for an effective leader were also shared as we move forward – together. I thank those who were able to join us as we begin our new chapter for St. Malachi and St. Patrick.

After 18 months of identifying needs (Recommendation Phase) and designing ways to address them (Implementation Phase), nearly 60 participants from both parishes have been designing a new infrastructure comprised of a joint Pastoral Council, a joint Finance Council, and 6 joint Commissions addressing important areas such as Worship, Faith Formation and Spiritual Life, Ministries of Charity and Catholic Social Teaching, Administration, Facilities, and Communications.

Each Commission will be comprised of many related committees now joined together as they carry out the important work within each respective area of pastoral life. We will also see the emergence of new committees joining a particular Commission as various needs have been identified throughout the process.

With all of this in mind, we need leaders! Leaders of Commissions, leaders of some of these new Committees, and leaders for Pastoral Council and Finance Council. We also will be looking for leaders to serve on many of these committees. In short, we need every parishioner to consider serving on these or in other areas of parish life.

Our hope is to begin the process for obtaining enough parishioners to serve on our Pastoral Council and Finance Council as well as providing each Commission with a Chairperson.

Please be sure to come to our April 23rd Parish Town Hall to learn more about each Council and Commission and to consider the possibility of serving as a member. No decisions that night… just another opportunity to learn more and to receive a special Leadership Discernment Form. The event will take place in the Saint Patrick Club Lower Hall from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Thanks for your continued prayers and for your openness to serve as one of our parish leaders.

Prayerfully yours in Christ,

Fr. Gurnick

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate Laetare Sunday, literally meaning, “rejoice.” Exactly 21 days before Easter, we may see rose vestments and a touch of festive décor in the sanctuary to distinguish this Sunday from the other Sundays during Lent.

Historically, the name for this Sunday comes from Isaiah 66:10, “Rejoice, O Jerusalem!” This is the basis for the Introit, or opening hymn. This excerpt of scripture comes after the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile that resulted. Isaiah 66 describes a miraculous birth for Jerusalem, free of labor and pain, signifying a new beginning after that period of trial and tribulation. This call to “rejoice” with Jerusalem is a call for God’s people to share in the joy of her restoration.

As we reflect on the joy that comes with a renewed Jerusalem, we contemplate God’s power and sovereignty, love and care as we find ourselves renewed with hope as pilgrims and disciples. Turning away from the destruction of sin, a new dawn approaches and our own souls are refreshed. Rejoice!

This midpoint of Lent may also invite each of us to ask ourselves, “How am I doing? Am I embracing the fullness of this holy season? Am I engaged in the three-fold discipline of intensified prayer, fasting, and almsgiving?”

As we continue this season of renewed hope, I invite you and your family to participate in some of the special Lenten observances. Stations of the Cross are on Fridays after the 5:30pm Mass and Eucharistic Adoration is on Wednesdays after the 5:30pm Mass, both at Saint Patrick. Confessions are regularly scheduled on Mondays from 4:50pm 5:20pm at St. Patrick and after the Friday 12noon Mass at St. Malachi. Additional times for this sacrament will be available during Holy Week.

Also, please be sure to carefully review our parish bulletin and Lenten brochure so you can mark your calendars for the various celebrations during Holy Week, especially Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday.

To truly rejoice is to take advantage of all that God provides for us, including this beautiful season of grace. May we continue to rejoice together!

Prayerfully yours in Christ,

Fr. Gurnick

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For the past five years, since becoming Administrator of St. Malachi in addition to being Pastor of St. Patrick, I have the honor of celebrating two great traditions – both within days of one another.

St. Malachi’s Annual Run & Walk, is a wonderful event that draws thousands of folks from all over Northeast Ohio (and beyond). Although thunder storms Saturday morning forced us to cancel the actual event, many remained for the 8:00am Mass and fellowship in the parish hall made for an enjoyable morning.

I want to thank Sharon Lowe-Chapman and her team for organizing the event and always making St. Malachi proud to host this important fundraiser and community event!

Our Patronal Feast at St. Patrick’s was not without its curve ball this year. Always looking forward to Bishop Roger Gries serving as our Principal Celebrant for Mass, he called about an hour before his scheduled arrival to explain that he fell and twisted his knee. He expressed deep regret and assured us of his prayers. On behalf of our anticipated 700 participants, I assured Bishop Roger that he will be missed and in our prayers. The morning went on with a beautiful liturgy, delicious breakfast, and many happy faces who won basket prizes and our annual drawing.

I thank Maureen Bihn and those who assisted the Restoration Committee which coordinates this annual fundraiser for the St. Patrick Church building.

And a special thanks to all who share in these special moments and our mission throughout the year!

So, plans are made but don’t always turn out the way we think they would. That’s the beauty of these two communities: adaptability and flexibility as we respond to life.

As we prepare for our official coming together through this Collaboration process, may this kind of attitude and spirit continue to remain with us as we address the emerging needs while embracing the rich customs that continue to be a part of our experience here on Cleveland’s near west side.

With joy and gratitude,

Fr. Gurnick