‘Simple parish priest’ in York County picked to be Bishop of the diocese of Greensburg

(York Haven) — Longtime Holy Infant parishioner Jerry Zurick had big plans for pastor Ed Malesic, saying he wanted the leader of the York Haven church to preside over his wedding vows — and even his funeral.

But Zurick didn’t count on the Pope appointing Malesic bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg.

“I’m sad about it, but I feel good for him, because I knew with his qualities, he was definitely going somewhere,” Zurick said. “He’s the glue here, he holds everything together.”

Malesic, pastor at the Roman Catholic church for 11 years, described himself as “a simple parish priest.” But a quick look at his resume indicates he earned an advanced degree in church law and is an advisor to the bishop of Harrisburg in such matters.

That might have had something to do with the Holy Father noticing him, he admitted.

Malesic added that he has “mixed emotions” about his appointment.

“This has been a great place to live,” he said. “I forged a lot of friendships and relationships here.”

In addition, his father, who is 97, lives in Hummelstown. Malesic used to visit him every week, but with the move to Greensburg, those visits may not be so often.

Still, he is looking forward to the challenges that await as bishop.

“It opens up a broader level of the church for me,” he said.

After his sermon on Sunday, in which he announced his appointment, Malesic stood outside and greeted parishioners, who said things such as “Thank you for being a big part of my faith journey,” and “They did good picking you.”

One man said, “The Diocese of Greensburg doesn’t know how lucky they are.”

But next in line was Barb Crewe, who lives in Malesic’s new diocese, and she said, “Yes we do.”

Crewe’s daughter, Ashlie Campitella, lives in York County and is a member of Holy Infant Parish, having moved from the Greensburg area some time ago.

“He’s been one of the most modern and welcoming pastors I’ve ever had,” Campitella said. “We’ll miss him very much here.”

And, she said that when she visits her mother, she hopes to see Malesic say mass there.

Crewe said he couldn’t wait until Malesic was settled in and saying mass in the Diocese of Greensburg.

“It’ll be nice to have a new face, new ideas, news ways about him,” she said.

Holy Infant parishioner Angie Sheffer said she has known Malesic for years, long before he arrived at Holy Infant.

“He is my favorite priest ever,” she said. “He’s just outstanding in every role. He’s brilliant, he’s holy, he’s funny.”

Following the mass, the parish also honored the church’s secretary, Kathy Benedik, who recently announced her retirement.

Benedik said she will continue to attend the church and work as a volunteer, adding that her job “gave me a chance to get to know you on a more personal level.”

Contact Ted Czech at 717-771-2033.

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This article appears through a partnership between York Daily Record and WITF.