Heritage Society Welcomes New Members at Mass, Dinner

Members of the Heritage Society as well as faithful donors to diocesan ministries gathered June 7 for Mass, dinner and introduction of the new members, which included Bishop Edward Malesic.

The Heritage Society consists of people who have included either their parish or a diocesan ministry in their estate plan and disclosed that information to the diocese.

This year’s celebration was hosted by St. John Bosco Parish in Parma Heights, where Father Matt Byrne is pastor. He concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Malesic, Father Tom O’Donnell and Father Bob Sanson, both of whom are Heritage Society members.

After Mass, the group moved to The Bell Tower for a dinner and Heritage Society inductions. Andy Schuler, Catholic Community Foundation Board of Directors chair, welcomed the group. “We are here to celebrate and thank you for your commitment to the Church. Thank you for all you have done to pass on the faith to the next generation and to help the Church in its mission,” he added.

In his remarks, Bishop Malesic said he is a member of the Church, like everyone else.

“God created each person with a specific purpose and gave each unique gifts with which they are called to bless the world. I am grateful to each one of you and your example of stewardship in sharing your gifts, whatever they might be. We gather this evening to recognize and lift up the examples of Christian stewardship in our midst,” he said, adding, “Today and every day we celebrate how this faithful stewardship builds up the kingdom of God on earth.”