Familiar face takes helm at Church of the Assumption

by Emily Canning-Dean

While the Rev. Finbar Ramsak just recently assumed the position of pastor at Church of the Assumption in Broadview Heights, he has been a familiar face at the parish for the last 15 years.

“I have been helping at the Church of the Assumption since June 2011 when I was ordained,” Ramsak said, noting he officially became church pastor July 1. “Up to that point I would help with confessions, holy days and the Sunday masses. I referred to myself as the weekend help where assistant would be the proper title. Coming in, I knew several families and interacted with a number of people over the years to have a good feel for the parish.”

Ramsak grew up nearby in North Olmsted where he lived with his parents and three siblings. He attended St. Brendan’s parish and grade school before going to St. Ignatius High School. After graduation, he attended Mercyhurst in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in criminal justice.

“My vocation is something that I grew into and although I didn’t realize it at the time, I would say it started as I finished college,” Ramsak said. “I worked for a couple of years as I discerned with a couple religious orders and prayed before entering the Benedictines at St. Andrew Abbey in 2004. My biggest inspiration for my vocation was probably all that was happening at the time with 9/11 and the abuse scandal, which was and still is difficult to process.”

While these events were influences, Ramsak said it was more the quiet dedication in the monastery of seeking prayer and conversion of life – one of the vows as Benedictines – that led him to live his life for God.

“My family and friends had shown me an example of quiet faith and prayer and I saw this, for lack of a better way of putting it, as the next step as how God was calling me to respond and live out my life,” he said. “For those who know me, they will also tell you that at the beginning there were a lot of ‘go-aways’ or dismissing on my part to God’s call because I had my own plans, but here I am and I don’t regret it at all.”

Over the years, Ramsak has had the blessing of serving in multiple communities including at St. Andrew Abbey and also Benedictine High School, where he taught theology for 15 years.

“I have also helped say masses at other churches in the diocese over the years, especially at Poor Clares Colettines on Rocky River Drive,” he said.

As he settles in at Assumption, Ramsak said parish members have been very helpful in making him feel at home.

“Everyone here is very welcoming to me and grateful to those that were here before me,” he said. “I hope this will help them not forget those that came before me but build on what is already here with the people and where they are at in their relationship with God and others around them. I am looking to work with the parish to be an example of Christ. Being the pastor and living at the parish is an adjustment and one that will take time. I hope to learn as quickly as I can from those around me and those I am here to serve. I want to correct mistakes where I make them and remember more than anything that I am called to preach the gospel in all that I do.”

Ramsak said his goals for Assumption are centered on evangelization, service and worship.

“I want to continue forming adults and youth of the parish and our school, Assumption Academy,” he said. “I want to make sure my parishioners are spiritually fed and help them see the true grace and food that Christ offers. My hope is that this would lead us to be Christ-like in how we are able to serve others so that they recognize the kingdom of God is already here but not yet, meaning that we still have opportunities to walk with God, others and ourselves through prayer and work.”

Ramsak said he is also looking forward to collaborating with other parishes as part of the Suburban Southwest Deanery, which is a diocesan initiative.

“Another important initiative of the parish is our master plan by moving the Commons Project forward as it was started under the previous pastor,” he said. “This project provides a space for our staff and maintenance to do their job better and serve the needs of the community more efficiently. It would also provide meeting rooms which our ministries and groups from the community use frequently.”

As he settles in, Ramsak said he enjoys learning more about the parish, its history and its people.

“It has been most enjoyable meeting the parishioners and hearing their stories because they are the heart of the community,” he said. “I am looking forward to what is to come, working with the people to learn their needs and sharing the gospel with them.”

Photo caption: The Rev. Finbar Ramsak is the new pastor at Church of the Assumption. Photo submitted.