Posted October 16, 2020
Just over a month ago, Bishop Edward Malesic was installed as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.
As he gets to know his new surroundings, he's made it a point to learn more about Catholic Charities—starting with visits to five different sites located throughout Cuyahoga County.
Visit 1: Holy Family, St. Augustine & Bishop Cosgrove
The bishop began his first round of visits last Friday with a tour of Holy Family Home & Hospice in Parma. Catholic Charities President & CEO Patrick Gareau introduced Bishop Malesic to Holy Family leadership, who explained more about the facilities and its services. After a brief visit to the chapel, the bishop meet with a hospice resident and offered a blessing before leaving to meet more Holy Family staff.
St. Augustine Parish and Hunger Center in Tremont was Bishop Malesic's next stop, where he was greeted by Father Joe McNulty, the church pastor, as well as former hunger center director, Sister Corita Ambro. While the inside of the facility remains closed due to the pandemic, Bishop Malesic headed in briefly to meet with volunteers and employees who continue to prep food for packaged meals and pantry distributions.
The last stop on Friday afternoon was the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center, a day drop-in center for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness in the Cleveland area. Like St. Augustine Hunger Center, Bishop Cosgrove remains closed to guests, but staff and volunteers continue to prepare and serve packaged lunches and dinners outside of the building Monday to Friday. Program Director Eric Milkie also showed Bishop Malesic the food pantry and the center's Clothing Closet, where individuals in need can shop for new and lightly-used clothing at no cost.
Visit 2: Family Centers — Fatima & St. Martin de Porres
The Bishop's second round of visits took place this Wednesday, starting with Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood.
Like St. Augustine and Bishop Cosgrove, Fatima had to suspend most of its in-person programming due to COVID-19. Currently, the family center operates four in-person learning pods for Cleveland school students who have no internet or unreliable service in their homes. The center also plans to restart its Silver Threads senior program at the end of the month.
Fatima Director LaJean Ray showed Bishop Malesic and President & CEO Patrick Gareau around the center, where the bishop learned more about Fatima's education programs by speaking with some of the educators and students present.
Bishop Malesic ended his second day of visits with a brief stop at St. Martin de Porres Family Center in the nearby Glenville community. Director Karnese McKenzie gave a tour of the facilities, including the center's dining area and kitchen. Not only does St. Martin de Porres prepare nearly 6,000 meals a month, but it also offers a home-delivered meal program for area seniors.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
