St. Patrick Church in Cleveland, Ohio, held the institution of three diaconal candidates for the ministry of lector on March 11. Bp. Edward Malesic of the Diocese of Cleveland led the liturgy during the institution. 

During the event, Malesic shared his stories and experiences during his hard times during college years. 

Preparing to Serve in the Permanent Diaconate of the Diocese

According to the news published by the diocese, Bp. Edward Malesic welcomed the candidates whom Deacon George Malec presented to him. Malec is in charge of the permanent diaconate. The article said the bishop gave each candidate a Book of the Gospels.

Dale Shafer of Holy Family Parish in Parma, Jeff Stutzman of St. Thomas More Parish in Brooklyn, and Richard Prayson of St. Dominic Parish in Shaker Heights are the new lectors of the diocese. 

During the event, the bishop informed the congregation that last week's Gospel included the story of Jesus' transfiguration. Lent, he remarked, is a period of transformation.

He said that the words of the Father speaking from the clouds about his Son, Jesus, were echoed in Pope Francis' Lenten sermon this year.

Per the report, the bishop recounted his own conversion experience, which took place during his time at university. He said he had reached a low point in life and wondered if he had made the proper choices. After that, he shared that he started reading the Gospels after someone gave him a pocket Bible.

"From those words, Jesus spoke to me, heart to heart. He came out of the pages to talk with me," the bishop said. 

The bishop encouraged the new lectors to always be on the lookout for Jesus, not only in the Bible but also in the teachings of the Church and the examples of the faithful. 

Lectors are responsible for reading the Scripture passages aloud at Mass, instructing children and adults in the faith, and facilitating the reception of the sacraments.

Bishop Malesic 

On Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, the Most Rev. Edward C. Malesic became the 12th bishop of Cleveland. 

Bishop Malesic writes a weekly scripture reflection for the faithful throughout the year and daily reflections during Lent.

Before moving to Cleveland, he was named the fifth bishop of Greensburg on April 24, 2015, by Pope Francis.

According to his bio, Malesic worked to steer the diocese through the pandemic months after becoming Cleveland's bishop. They ensured that parishes and sacraments remained open and guidelines were established to protect the health and safety of churchgoers and schoolchildren.

About St. Patrick Church 

The current building of St. Patrick Church, located on Bridge Avenue between Fulton Road and West 38th Street, is the second church building for the parish. Ahead, toward Whitman Avenue, was the original location of the church. 

Alfred Green, a contractor and architect from Cleveland, Ohio, created the building in the Gothic Revival style.

According to history, financial difficulties and significant parish development delayed the church's dedication until 1931, half a century after it was originally planned. 

Three Franz Mayer stained glass windows from the west side of the nave and one small window in the sacristy were reconstructed and reinstalled in the summer of 2020. The project was part of the parish's first phase of a large window restoration project.

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