Bishop David Malloy traveled to St. Mary Parish in Pecatonica on July 12 to celebrate Mass and install a new pastor there. During that ceremony, Father Joseph Jaskierny, J.C.L., formally took possession of the parish according to the law of the Church. 

 

No big deal right? 

 

This particular ceremony happens at various times in parishes all over the Rockford Diocese. It shares a commonality with first Communions, confirmations, graduations. So for our little Observer staff it is almost impossible for us to cover each and every one that takes place in 105 parishes. However, these ceremonies — these symbols of our Church and faith — are important. They have great meaning. (And for full disclosure, I was not present at this particular ceremony to cover the installation. St. Mary happens to be my home parish.)

 

At Pecatonica, this particular ceremony has not taken place in the last 25 years.

 

Bishop Malloy began the Mass and presented the new pastor. There was applause. And then Bishop Malloy said, “I know you are all wondering … did he come all the way out here for that?” 

 

After some laughter, Bishop Malloy, in a more serious tone, told those gathered for the Mass and ceremony that they were to be part of history. “A history with great meaning,” the bishop said. 

 

He then explained the significance of what was to come next — the pledge by Father Jaskierny to the people of the parish, his presentation to the pastoral and finance councils and the signing of documents that will become part of the parish archive.

 

After the installation, people from St. Mary gathered in the parish hall for a reception. So many people remarked that they had never witnessed an installation before. They expressed honor and gratitude to be a part of it.

 

It struck me that this particular ceremony renewed a sense of legacy for our parish. In that moment, it helped illustrate the importance of our symbols and traditions which are more than just passing trends and empty practices. 

 

We have lots of symbolism in our lives and most especially in our Catholic faith. Unfortunately, I think we sometimes get complacent about the sacraments, ceremonies and symbols that mark our personal histories. We forget that what we do and continue fills out the branches of a deeper rootedness that is both tangible and traceable.

 

Unfortunately today, so many seem to shy away from symbols and ceremonies. The responsibility to renew the importance and significance of these things belongs to each of us. 

 

Bishop Malloy was fulfilling his capacity as teacher as he took the time to explain not only what would happen during the installation, but what it meant to the local Church, diocesan Church and individual parishioners. 

 

But teaching is not just up to the bishop or a pastor. We need to be teachers too. I know I am guilty of being a doer rather than a teacher at times. But it is important to protect the symbols and practices that help define who we are, where we come from and what we stand for.

 

We seem to get pretty shy, especially outside of the church walls, in explaining what we believe and why. We get too afraid to “rock the boat” or give offense. We should find it as easy to explain the beautiful mystery of the body and blood of Christ in the Mass as someone who explains at length the meaning and significance of a new tattoo. 

 

We should be well versed in the explanation of sacramental marriage and weddings and why the marriage is a more important focus than the setting for the photos. 

 

We should be able to make sure we know why it is important to have a funeral in a church with the body present rather than just sharing remembrances and making jewelry from the ashes of the deceased.

 

We all need to work a little more on our “branding” as Catholic people. The stakes are pretty high if we don’t. After all, how can we expect the generations to come to value or even be interested in their present if they have no idea about their past? We can’t possibly expect them to find their Catholic way if we don’t provide solid, credible directions coupled with example.

 

We can start by giving a little more value, and reverence if you will, to our symbols, ceremonies and traditions. And most importantly, try to participate more often in our Catholic ceremonies and devotional practices and invite others to share them too. That way, as Bishop Malloy said, you can be part of a “history with great meaning.”