Dear Parishioners and friends of Immaculate Heart of Mary,
On Sunday, January 31st, at the 10:30 AM Mass (Livestream), Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will publicly install me, Fr. Mateusz Jasniewicz, as the Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and School. I would like to reflect on and explain the ceremony. When I hear the word “install”, I first think of loading a new program onto a computer or installing a new refrigerator. However, in this case, an installation of a pastor is the ceremony that marks our Bishop placing me in an official position as the primary steward of our Parish with the responsibility and authority that it entails. The word originated from “in” and “stall” meaning that the person was literally put on a stall (seat) to show his new position. Ideally, this would happen on the first Sunday of arrival due to the health crisis, limitations on people being able to gather and scheduling issues the ceremony was delayed.

There are a number of things to note about the Rite of Installation. First, it is presided over by our Bishop. This reminds us that the Church is a community and that I serve the Bishop and have made a promise of obedience to the Bishop. A pastor is not chosen for a parish because he requested it or because the parishioners asked for him or hired him but rather it is an appointment by the Bishop. The Bishop weighs the pastoral needs of a parish and prayerfully attempts to match them with a priest’s qualifications, gifts, and talents. The Bishop is assisted in this decision by a clergy personnel board who advises him.

 The Rite begins with a statement to this effect after the proclamation of the Gospel at Mass. Next, Bishop in his homily will most likely reflect on the pastor’s qualification, and his responsibility to serve how parishioners are called to participate in the mission and goals set for the flourishing of all. After the homily, there are presentations offered by the pastor to the parish, staff, pastoral council, and such. Following this, Bishop will address me in these exact words:

“Remember, my brother Matt, always be a loving father, a gentle shepherd, and a wise teacher of your people, so that you may lead them to Christ who will strengthen all that you do.”

These words pretty much sum up the heart of what all this means to me. It is the three-fold duty of a priest and pastor to be (1) a “loving father” who leads a parish in prayer and Sacrament, (2) a “gentle shepherd” who directs and guides a parish, and (3) a “wise teacher” who strives to pass on the faith and the Church’s teachings. All of this is our goal and mission which leads us deeper into a relationship with Christ and the holy church. After this point in the rite, the new pastor leads the people in the profession of faith and then makes an oath of fidelity.

So, I have much to ponder prayerfully and joyfully take upon myself this mantle of responsibility. I ask for your prayers that I may be a good pastor and truly lead all of us to Christ. In return, I will continue to pray for you and pledge to share my very best with you!

Fr. Matt

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