In December 2024, Bishop Edward Malesic released “A Flourishing Apostolic Church,” where he provided a resource for reflection, with a desire that Catholics throughout the Diocese of Cleveland might be drawn more deeply into prayer and a more intimate relationship with Jesus.

His first pastoral letter reminds us of who we are and whose we are. It articulates specific strategies to boldly follow the call of the Holy Spirit as sons and daughters of the Father. Far from a lofty, academic treatise, the bishop’s letter gently encourages the faithful to spend at least 15 minutes daily in prayer, to worship and celebrate the sacraments, and to serve those in need.

As the vicar for evangelization for the Diocese of Cleveland, Father Damian Ference works closely with Bishop Malesic to promote this vision of the Church. Father Damian will be here to discuss specific ways we can live out this call to become “A Flourishing Apostolic Church” by applying these strategies to our own lives.