on 03/05/2010

          We had a beautiful Mass last Saturday evening for Fr. Lou’s farewell.  Even with all of the snow we had a great turnout for the Mass and the reception following the Mass.  Thank you to the Parish Council, especially Dave Herpy our president, and the Hospitality Committee for another job well done.    Fr. Lou received awards from our Mayor of Willoughby, Dave Anderson, and also an award and the key to the city of Eastlake from Mayor Ted Andrzejewski.  Dave Herpy presented Fr. Lou with a beautiful plaque commemorating his years of service to the Diocese of Cleveland as well as a cash gift from the parish.  Thank you to Greg Patt for designing and making the plaque. The picture of the crucifixion of Jesus that was displayed in the sanctuary during the Masses last weekend is a gift from Fr. Lou to our parish.  He suggested that we find a new home in the Eucharist Adoration Chapel for it.  Fr. Lou has been giving of himself for the past 44 years in service to the Diocese of Cleveland as a priest at six other parishes besides our parish.  We all wish him an enjoyable retirement!

            I don’t think that the realization has hit me yet that I am by myself as the only priest assigned to our parish.  When I applied in the fall of 2003 to be pastor here I was informed by the personnel board of the diocese that when Fr. Lou left the parish that he would not be replaced.  As Fr. Lou pointed out in his homily last Saturday he holds three records for our parish:  He is the longest serving associate pastor, the oldest associate, and probably the last associate.  As I mentioned previously in this column, our parish will be hiring a certified lay ecclesial minister beginning this July 1^st to help with the various ministries of the parish.  The priests who live at Our Lady of Mount Carmel rectory have graciously offered their assistance to me.  Fr. Mark Hollis, the spiritual director of Saint Mary Seminary, will be our regular weekend Mass and Confession helper as well. 

            The intentions of the Holy Father for March are: General: That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.  Mission: That the Church in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice in every part of that continent.

            I want to take one more opportunity to thank all of you for the outpouring of sympathy for me and my brothers and sisters over the recent loss of my mother, Guzzy.  Your prayers and support truly are a great blessing for us at this time.  I want to share with you that I was overwhelmed by the sympathy shared by fellow priests of the diocese who sent personal notes of condolences as well as Mass offerings.  I think that times of great suffering are times when God really acts on our souls and we come to realize God’s love for us through the love and support we get from others.  Thank you!

Fr Troha