GARY – On foot and in vehicles, Catholic faithful completed a Palm Sunday procession that commemorated the warm welcome Jesus received upon his entry to Jerusalem and, at the same time, signaled the conclusion of a tradition brought about by changes in the Steel City’s church landscape.
Parishioners and visitors gathered on the morning of March 29 at Ss. Monica and Luke, greeted one another and selected palm leaves as they entered.
They participated in the opening of the Palm Sunday liturgy presided over by Bishop Robert J. McClory and then the Gary shepherd joined Father Michael Surufka, OFM, Deacon Martin Brown and Deacon Thomas Kubik as they queued up for the walk in the mild, spring air.
They faced west as more of the faithful joined – some in sedans and trucks idling behind the crowd. About 50 walkers and several vehicles commenced the 1.3-mile journey to the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, which Father Surufka, Ss. Monica and Luke pastor, had described as moments of “solidarity with pilgrims around the world.”
“Franciscans Friars maintain the important Christian shrines in the Holy Land, and they lead the major celebrations as well,” he said. “The annual Palm Sunday procession begins on the Mount of Olives and proceeds for 1.3 miles to Jerusalem ... we bring that celebration to Gary.”
The intra-city religious procession was a five-year-old tradition and one of the post-pandemic initiatives of the resident Franciscans.
During his homily at Mass in the cathedral, presider Bishop McClory spoke of the lives of believers as a journey, such as that of Jesus’ festive entry into Jerusalem, then his passion, death, and resurrection.
“As we reflect upon this Palm Sunday, which is also known as Passion Sunday, and as we prepare to offer then receive the very body, the blood of our Lord, let's, of course, recognize those highest of highs that we've had. And over the cross of Christ, place our lowest of lows, knowing that He wants to take our pain, our sin, our hurts, into His very heart, upon the cross of Christ.”
Parishioners reflected on the “highs and lows” of living in the Steel City, and many maintain their strong sense of connectedness with the greater family of faith.
“I’ve been with Gary parishes since my First Holy Communion,” said Gloria Skarja, who joined her husband and fellow St. Mary of the Lake parishioner Daniel Skarja at the Palm Sunday events. “I made my confirmation at the cathedral. My mom brought us here and here is where we stayed, in Gary.”
Some also thought about the impending May 24 final Mass at Ss. Monica and Luke, which began as the joining of St. Monica church with St. Luke church in 1982. They spoke about the invitation to join one of three remaining city churches.
“I think the churches need to be merged together,” said Anne Thompson, 96, who has been a member of Gary Catholic churches for more than 50 years. “I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where we had very large churches. As Catholics, we all believe in the same thing. I did not grow up with separation.”
Father Surufka and his Franciscan brother clergymen including Father Edward Shea, OFM, and Brother Loren Connell, OFM, will be reassigned from Gary to other missions by their provincial. On June 14, they will join a combined city parishes Mass and farewell fellowship meal at the cathedral.
“The folks from Ss. Monica and Luke – I couldn't ask for more grace than they are showing,” Father Surufka said.
Many media stories this year have highlighted an increased interest in and conversion to the Catholic faith, especially by young people. Dioceses from New Jersey to Ohio to Oregon have announced larger numbers preparing to join the Church this Easter. The Archdiocese of Newark reported 1,701 completing Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), a 30% increase since 2025.
Riding that wave means not only relying on the action of the Holy Spirit, but also banking on the efforts of each person. Gloria Skarja said local faithful can make evangelization their own and contribute to a local revival.
“I think older people that have families need to make sure their children get the teachings they need in church ... come to church on Sundays; don't just drop your kids off to catechism,” she explained. “Be active, be the example.”
Matt Kresich, who assists with the Holy Angels OCIA preparation, lauded the gathering of purpose and resources in Gary.
“It’s a good collaboration amongst the Gary parishes – we’ll still be three separate parishes, but kind of sharing the pastoral load,” said the Highland resident and cathedral parishioner. “It’s nice when you get chances to worship together.”
Caption: Dozens of local faithful walk in a procession, followed by those in automobiles along Seventh Avenue as they journey to the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on Palm Sunday, March 29. The Steel City Catholics joined in a procession marking 1.3-miles from Ss. Monica and Luke to the cathedral, representing the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, as a five-year tradition led by Franciscan friars concluded. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
