JEFFERSON — Father Jacob Mlakar was formally installed Oct. 22 as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jefferson and St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta, during a Mass offered by Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv. It was Bishop Martin’s first pastor installation since becoming Bishop of Charlotte in May.
Ordained in 2020, Father Mlakar was appointed pastor in July after returning from studies in Rome. During the installation rite, the official letter of appointment was read to the congregation, then Father Mlakar made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity and signed the documents officially naming him pastor.
During the special Mass, the bishop also confirmed four members of St. Frances of Rome Mission: Arlett Ines Bautista-Perez, Romeo Valentin Vargas-Perez, Crystal Martinez-Reyes and Ariana Sanchez-Rojas.
In his homily, Bishop Martin encouraged the confirmation candidates to be influencers. “Don’t let the world influence you. How about we influence the world. How about we show the world what it means to live like Jesus,” he said. “Imagine that!”
“Let’s influence the world with the Holy Spirit, so that we can all live God’s glory the way He designed the world to be,” he said. “Get out there to bring His goodness to the world that needs it.”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle
Read more: Father Jacob Mlakar: Leading others to Jesus through sacraments, wisdom of the saints
