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Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010. With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars. On this website you will find a number of resources to aid your parish’s celebration of the year for priests. There is also information regarding events for priests that will occur throughout the Year for Priests. Please pray for our priests that they might always be faithful to their sacred calling. |
About the Icon Explanation of the icon of Christ the Great High Priest Iconographer Marek Czarnecki of Seraphic Restorations in Meriden, Connecticut, has graciously given the USCCB the rights to use the icon of Christ the Great High Priest during the Year for Priests. This icon (egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, 28” x 22”) is “based on a fifteenth century Greek prototype; here Christ is shown in Latin Rite vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. The borders contain a windig grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.” Incidentally, it is St. John Vianney whom Pope Benedict XVI, with the announcement of this special year, has declared the Universal Patron of Priests. Czarnecki explains: “I wrote the icon about seven years ago [for seminarians and priests] to be able to see Christ in themselves, and themselves in Christ. We often hear that the icon is called a window; in this case, it’s also meant to be a mirror.” The Good Shepherd reminds the priest that he is to “lay down his life for his sheep.” www.seraphicrestorations.com |
Year For Priests |
Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations |
©2010 MichaelJay Design |
Saint John Of The Cross |
140 Richmond Rd, Euclid, Ohio 44143 |
A Roman Catholic Community In The Diocese Of Cleveland est. 2009 |
216-289-0770 www.saintjohnofthecross.org |
Fr. Timothy Buyansky is a Benedictine Monk and Priest who resides at the monastery of St. Andrew Abbey in Cleveland. He entered the monastery in 1962, professed his vows in 1963 and was ordained a priest on June 7, 1969. After ordination he attended Rosary College in Chicago where he received a Masters degree in Library Science. Since that time Fr. Timothy has served as librarian to Benedictine High School. He also enjoys spending time with the students as the Ski Club Moderator and Drama Director. As this school year comes to a close Fr. Timothy has just finished directing his 82nd play at Benedictine High School. Since 1970 Fr. Timothy has been working at various parishes throughout the diocese. In 1972 he was assigned as weekend help to St. Paul’s where he continued to minister until it’s closing in November 2009. With the merging of St. Paul and St. Felicitas, Fr. Sal invited Fr. Timothy to continue with St. John of the Cross on weekends. Lucky for us Fr. Timothy happily agreed. “It has been a pleasant transition. I enjoy very much celebrating the Liturgy at the new parish of St. John of the Cross. I hope to do my best to bring the love of Christ to our new and vibrant parish family.” |
Fr. Edward Mehok was ordained on May 18, 1957. Reading his resume is like reading out of the Who’s Who in Catholic Priests. He has taught at Notre Dame College, Borromeo College, John Carroll University, and St. John’s College. His area of expertise range from Theology, English, Liturgy and my personal favorite a Ph.D. in Medieval and Renaissance. His talents range from being a contributor to Festschrift: Superman at Fifty. “St. Clark of Krypton” Octavia Press, 1987 to acting as Censor Librorum for the Diocese. This is most impressive as it means he is charged with the authority of reviewing texts for their doctrinal accuracy. Since 1973 Fr. Mehok has served the people of Euclid. He was a part of the “Pastoral Team” of St. Felicitas and started his scripture class that continues to this day. When asked what being a priest means to him……. "It was my privilege and pleasure to grow up in a Slovak parish in Akron, Ohio, in a family of faith that centered life on the church community, spiritually and socially. This meant gathering with other families to celebrate the Eucharist and to enjoy many parish parties, picnics, and polkas, many delightful memories. The Mass was the center of our life and guided me through my discernment years at St. Vincent High School. During my seminary studies the Eucharist truly became the “summit and source” in my daily life and has been every day since ordination". "I have been blessed in my priesthood with the opportunity to teach in the seminary and to serve in the parish. In both I was called to do what Jesus told Peter was the way of learning to love: to stretch out our hands in prayer, in service, and in embracing the challenges and crosses. That is what ministry means to me. It has been difficult at times, but over all these years I have been blessed with a celebrating community, a very large and wonderful family helping me to do it and to grow". Thank you and God bless………………………………………….Fr. Mehok |
Fr. Salvatore Ruggeri: When people ask me why I became a priest, they often really have no idea what the life of a priest is like. They see this life as one of denial…of not having the opportunities to do what others can do in life. Others imagining this life to be a boring one, wondering what a priest does after Mass on Sundays or what I do at all from Monday through Friday. Even those who understand the hard work that the priesthood entails (if lived well) too frequently imagine it as a sad and depressing life, not a life that can bring happiness and joy. I am a priest I honestly believe that this is what God wants for me. Even after many years of atheism, there was a time, after much soul searching that I turned to God and opened my heart to His will. Even struggling with my decision through my last year in the seminary, I will never forget the moment when, sitting on a rockin Narragansett Rhode Island, that I felt as Peter might have felt when invited by the Lord to walk on water in faith, and somehow, trusting more than ever, that this was His call…that God was asking me for total trust and surrender, was asking me for a “Yes” like Mary’s, a total “yes” to His will for me. Since that day, I have been sure that the “yes” to which God was calling me was and still is, the priesthood. I recall this moment often, so that I can recommit myself each day with the same fervor that I did 12 years ago on that rock. This commitment, my friends, is not a burden, to carry, but a privilege to live. I thank God each day for the gift of priesthood, knowing that it is as a priest that He wants me to love Him and His people. Fulfilling the commitments I made on May 29, 1999, the day that I was ordained is a cause of joy. It is a joy to live this priesthood. I do not pretend that it is easy, but the Lord has always found ways to show me that He is with me in that work that He asks me to do and to which I have given my life. He blesses me through supportive words from parishioners, through deep moments of prayer, through gathering with all of you at Mass, through the person who comes to confession telling me that it has been 30 years since their last confession, through those who allow me to spend last precious moments in the presence of their loved one who is dying, through the woman who comes to me to tell me of the abortion that she had so many years ago and how she is looking for peace, through the baptism of a child, and the vows made by a couple in my presence. All of these and so much more humble me and confirm to me that God has given me an unsurpassable gift. So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, the priesthood is not sad, it is not lonely, it is not depressing, and trust me when I tell you it is never boring. Despite what the world may tell us, any life lived faithfully in response to God’s call is a way to happiness. I am a priest filled with joy because I know that I am doing what God has asked me to do, and continues to work in me, today and every day. ---- Fr. Sal |
Over the past few weeks I have given you the opportunity to get to know the priests who gather with us each week at Mass, who share with us their wisdom whether it be in a scripture class, a funeral Mass, a finance meeting or school function. These men by the very nature of their vocation give us all they are and all they have. They are men of prayer and of compassion. They are men. This means they experience just like the rest of us all the joy the Church has to offer and all the trials and disappointment. Only God can fully sustain a priest in his vocation, but we can provide everyday support and encouragement, for isn’t that what we expect from them? Pray for your Priest and encourage others to do the same. Let the priests know you are praying for them. They will appreciate this spiritual support, especially in difficult moments.Participate and Be Active Truly be a part of the community by attending Mass and getting involved.Use your gifts and talents so that our community can be all it can be. Attend parish events and support your parish financially. Watch your Expectations Sometimes, people have unrealistic expectations of what a priest “should be” or “should do”. They want Father to be present for every function, meeting and still have time to respond to individual needs. Remember, priests are people with the same needs as you and I. If we want them to remain healthy, happy with a strong spiritual focus they need some time off every week. We didn’t notice when Father was “not in” when there were more than one priest living in the rectory but we struggle now when there is no priest available. We should be encouraging them to take good care of themselves so that they can be there to meet the demands of the sacramental life of the community. Be prepared to Believe the Best A lot of what you hear on the parish grapevine is either untrue or is greatly exaggerated. When we engage in negativity it can do a lot of damage and not just to our priests but to the entire community. Instead of making unfair assumptions let’s start by believing in the fact that our priests make decisions based on what is best for the community not on what is best for us personally. Feel free to ask the questions but trust him and give him the benefit of the doubt. When difficulties arise, make an appointment so that you can talk one on one. (It is never a good idea to try to have a serious discussion in the sacristy or gathering area) Show your Appreciation Everyone needs affirmation. If God has touched you or your family in some way through one of our priests, let him know as it reaffirms his calling. Understand that just because a man is a priest does not mean he fits into a certain mold. Priests are as unique as you and I. Trust God to work through your priest to meet the needs of the parish and let him know you support him. Jesus makes himself present to us in a special way through his priests. What you do for your parish priest you do for God. Whatever you do for God builds the Kingdom right here and right now! “The Priest is not a Priest for himself, he is a Priest for you. “ St. John Vianney ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Lisa Radey |