The Fest attracts thousands

Christian-themed one-day event now in its 17th year

For 17 years, The Fest, the Christian-themed “block party,” complete with concerts, games, food and every kind of outdoor attraction imaginable, has been drawing thousands to Lake County for what Father Bob Stec of the Saint Ambrose Catholic Parish in Brunswick calls “an inspiring day of faith, family and fun.”

“This event attracts so many people,” he said. “It’s more than just fun and fellowship, though. It’s nice to experience these things, but the one message we hold true is the promise of Christ. Every day Jesus is calling you, and each of us.

“Our prayer is that in every way, this day will help you understand the call and promise of Christ so that you and your family may find a deeper joy, a greater love and a stronger truth in Jesus Christ.”

In addition to its stacked lineup of headlining acts performing throughout the day, including musical artists Laura Story, for King & Country, Matt Maher and Vessel Worship, The Fest showcased many other forms of entertainment and interaction, including acrobatic slam dunk demonstrations, BMX shows, Pickup Stix Stilt Walkers, seminary tours, fireworks and an outdoor mass.

The free, open-to-all, one-day festival is

sponsored by the Diocese of Cleveland and held at the Center for Pastoral Leadership at 28700 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe.

On September 5, Bishop Nelson Perez will be installed as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, “an exciting thing happening in the city,” according to John Miranda, Alpha National Catholic Board and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops delegate.

“The Catholic Church will be integral, not in the periphery, in what Pope Francis is talking about in regards to forming missionary disciples,” he said. “Evangelical, Charismatic, Catholic, we are all one as John 17:21 intended, as Jesus intended.”

Cru City Leader Joe Ferrini followed Miranda to address a modest crowd inside the church, emphasizing a celebration of differences as a catalyst for genuine unity.

“There’s a lot of talk going on today, as you can hear already, about the need for the Body of Christ to break down walls of racial, cultural and denominational separations to bring about that John 17 unity,” he said. “Of course, the hard part is how to make that legitimate desire a reality. This gathering today is just another step towards that process becoming a reality.

“I’d like to suggest that one way to bring about reconciliation that will get us past all the talk and all the hoping, and to put reconciliation to work among us as believers is to engage in what the Bible calls ‘biblical fellowship.’

Whenever there’s an element of commonality of spirit and purpose, there’s a move towards ‘biblical fellowship’ to create a space of mutual recognition, of greater relationship, reconciliation and mutual blessing in Christ. Our desire and our intention and focus at this Fest is to celebrate the diversity that exists, but also to come together and celebrate unity we have in Christ Jesus. True biblical fellowship will only take place if we continue to yield to Jesus and his leadership. It’s vital we discuss the importance of this message. The ground is level at the Cross, now we have to take the next step.”