Bishop Kurt Burnette Appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of Parma and the Eparchy of Phoenix

On Monday, January 23, our Holy Father, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Kurt Burnette as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Eparchy of Parma and the Eparchy of Phoenix in addition to his duties as Bishop of the Eparchy of Passaic and Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Eparchy of Toronto.  The Holy Father has also appointed Bishop Milan Lach, SJ as Auxiliary Bishop of the Eparchy of Bratislava in Slovakia.  Please keep in your prayers Bishop Burnette and Bishop Lach, as well as the Eparchies of Parma and Phoenix, during this time of transition.  The Eparchy of Parma extends many thanks to Bishop Lach for his service and love to the faithful of the Eparchy of Parma over the last five years, and extends a warm welcome to Bishop Burnette in his new ministry in guiding us as our shepherd. 

Click here for a message from Bishop Kurt and here for a farewell letter from Bishop Milan.

Day of Protection for the Unborn

In Eparchies and Dioceses throughout the United States, January 23 (when Jan. 22 falls on a Sunday as it does this year) is designated as a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. As Catholics we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or giving alms, in a way similar to our Lenten practices. Check out these pro-life resources: https://airtable.com/shrFqX4o3wR5Ev3b4 

A new issue of Horizons is out!

In this issue, we provide a synodal synthesis of the Great Lakes Deanery, offer perspective on what it means to be a mission-orientated family, and continue to share unique components of our Byzantine Rite, such as The Holy Eucharist and Holy Mysteries and the celebration of the Feast of the Theophany or our Lord with the Traditional Blessing of the Water and the Blessing of Homes. See what’s been happening around the Eparchy! Click here to subscribe.  

 

Blessing of the Chancery

On Friday, January 13, Bishop Milan blessed the Chancery building and staff with the Jordan water from the Feast of Theophany, that they might be protected from the demons and be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the good of the Eparchy.

Opening of the Grand Ball Season

Organized by Dormition (Cleveland), St. John’s (Solon), St. Joseph’s (Brecksville), and Holy Resurrection (Euclid), our first St. Stephen’s Veselitsa took place on December 30, 2022. Guests of all ages danced together, sang, played games, and celebrated the opening of the Grand Ball Season, as well as an 86th birthday and an engagement! Word on the street is the party lasted until 2:30AM!

Be sure to check out the next issue of Horizons for more photos of this special event!

On December 31, 2022, His Holiness, Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, fell asleep in the Lord.  Bishop Milan Lach and the clergy and faithful of the Eparchy of Parma offer their condolences and prayers for his soul and our parishes will be celebrating the Panachida for him.  The Funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict was celebrated by His Holiness, Pope Francis, in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:30 am (3:30am Eastern Time). You can watch a recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZWu0NBsfuA (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

• July 13-16: Annual Family Camp
• July 20-August 8: World Youth Day Pilgrimage to Lisbon, more information coming soon!
• August 14: The 3rd Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic
• October 21: Annual Evening of Hope