Bishop Perez installs new pastor as St. John of the Cross kicks off 10th anniversary year

Euclid’s St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish enters 2019 under the leadership of a new pastor and with a full calendar of activities planned to commemorate its first decade together as a parish.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, parishioners and family members filled the church as Bishop Nelson J. Perez installed Fr. John D. Betters as the parish’s second pastor. Betters continues to serve as pastor of nearby Ss. Robert & William Parish.

The previous weekend, a concert and opening mass kicked off what will be a full year of anniversary events at St. John of the Cross.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, I believe we are called to focus on hope, joy and love,” said Betters. “Amidst all the challenges we face today, we hear in our readings today to ‘stand erect’ and have ‘no anxiety’ as those who are faithful to Jesus will be saved. The hope, joy and love we can foster as a parish community is focused on the celebration of Mass and all that flows to and from Mass. The parish community stands as a light in the dark world to proclaim the saving power of Jesus' name.”  

St. John of the Cross, 140 Richmond Rd., was established Nov. 29, 2009, resulting from the merger of the former St. Paul and St. Felicitas parishes under the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland’s comprehensive reconfiguration plan.

Among the key dates during the 10th Anniversary Year will be Saturday, June 22, 2019, when current and former parishioners and their families are invited to join together for a Parish Homecoming Mass, Concert and Picnic. Bishop Perez is scheduled to return to the parish to conclude the year of celebration with a Closing Mass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019.

Updates and additional details will be provided throughout the year. For more information, visit www.saintjohnofthecross.org.