Next Sunday, August 3rd, at the 10:45am Mass, I will be formally installed as the 10th pastor of St. Cecilia’s Parish. I am humbled and blessed to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors who have served this wonderful and vibrant community since 1913. I was reading the new centennial directory, and it’s pretty amazing to see how our community has blossomed and evolved since its foundation a century ago. Aside from the sacrifices and hard work of the past and present parishioners and their courageous witness to the faith, we can attribute this growth in our parish to the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit, who has guided us all throughout this time.
Canon law, the supreme constitution of the Church, stipulates that the new pastor of a parish must be officially installed within a month after he assumes his office or at a later date when it is not convenient. The installation ceremony is full of rich symbolisms that enunciate the role of the pastor towards the community, the archdiocese, and to the universal church. To give you an overview of the installation rite, the new pastor will be receiving various symbols from representatives of the parish like the Book of Gospel (symbolizes his acceptance of the truth revealed in the Scriptures and to teach, proclaim and live out the Word of God), the blessed oils (symbolize his responsibility to heal and reconcile and to take care of the elderly and the sick and all who suffer), the collection basket (symbolizes his role to promote responsible stewardship, and the promise to care for the poor and the marginalized), the stole (symbolizes his leadership not just in the administration of the parish but most especially in leading the people of God in prayer and towards the path of holiness), the book of intentions (symbolizes his responsibility to pray for the daily needs of the parish).
Aside from those symbols, I will also be making the profession of faith and oath of fidelity, which powerfully remind me that I am to lead the community not through my own opinions and biases but through the guidance of the teachings of the Church, the Gospel and in communion with the Holy Father. After the installation Mass, you are all invited to a simple reception at the Activity Center. This reception is also the welcome celebration for Fr. Mark and myself. I was asked by a parishioner why the welcome reception for the new priests is scheduled a month after we got here. I jokingly explained to her that we are doing this a month after to give you ample time to decide if you really want us to be here. I hope to see all of you at the welcome reception! - Fr. Cary