Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This past week brought me many reasons to thank God. We celebrated the ordination of five new priests for our diocese, and throughout the week I met people who are answering God's call in many different ways.
Some are called to the priesthood. Others serve by comforting those who grieve, caring for people with disabilities, feeding the hungry, supporting their parishes, or simply helping a neighbor in need. Every vocation looks different, but each one is an opportunity to share the love of Christ.
I continue to be encouraged by the generosity I see throughout our diocese. Whenever I visit a parish, people rarely ask whether they should help. Instead, they ask how they can do more. That is a beautiful sign of a Church that is alive in faith.
Our five new priests now join their brother priests in leading people to Christ through the Eucharist, the sacraments, preaching, and lives of faithful service.
Grief comes in many forms, and no one should have to carry it alone.
For many years, the Diocese of Pittsburgh has supported Beginning Experience, a ministry that helps those grieving the loss of a spouse or other significant relationship through death, divorce, or separation.
This year, Beginning Experience International chose Pittsburgh to host its international conference, welcoming participants from as far away as Ireland and Singapore. It was a blessing to offer a prayer, share a few words, and learn more about this beautiful ministry, which helps people move forward through God's love and grace.
For many years, the Diocese of Pittsburgh has supported Beginning Experience, a ministry that helps those grieving the loss of a spouse or other significant relationship through death, divorce, or separation.
This year, Beginning Experience International chose Pittsburgh to host its international conference, welcoming participants from as far away as Ireland and Singapore. It was a blessing to offer a prayer, share a few words, and learn more about this beautiful ministry, which helps people move forward through God's love and grace.
Our first and second-year seminarians attend Franciscan University of Steubenville while living at Saint Paul Seminary.
I was grateful for Father Dave Pivonka's invitation to celebrate Mass on campus. Although they are currently on summer break, it was good to see firsthand where they are studying, growing in faith, and preparing for future ministry.
I was grateful for Father Dave Pivonka's invitation to celebrate Mass on campus. Although they are currently on summer break, it was good to see firsthand where they are studying, growing in faith, and preparing for future ministry.
A few days before ordination, I joined our five ordinandi and the faculty of Saint Paul Seminary for dinner.
There was a great sense of anticipation around the table. It was a wonderful opportunity to thank those who have helped form these men for the priesthood and to celebrate the joyful days that were just ahead.
There was a great sense of anticipation around the table. It was a wonderful opportunity to thank those who have helped form these men for the priesthood and to celebrate the joyful days that were just ahead.
The evening before ordination, I had dinner with the five ordinandi and their families before blessing the chalices they now use to celebrate the Eucharist.
It was a beautiful evening of prayer, gratitude, and joyful anticipation.
It was a beautiful evening of prayer, gratitude, and joyful anticipation.
On June 27, I ordained Deacons Brian Myler, Erik Pintar, Matthew Selzer, Loc Tran, and Nicholas Wytiaz to the priesthood.
It was a joyful day for our entire diocese as these men offered their lives in service to Christ and His Church.
I hope you can see the joy on their faces—and on the faces of the priests gathered around them. There is great happiness in bringing Christ to others through the Eucharist, the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and walking with people through every stage of life.
Please continue to pray for these new priests as they begin their ministry.
It was a joyful day for our entire diocese as these men offered their lives in service to Christ and His Church.
I hope you can see the joy on their faces—and on the faces of the priests gathered around them. There is great happiness in bringing Christ to others through the Eucharist, the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and walking with people through every stage of life.
Please continue to pray for these new priests as they begin their ministry.
Usually, bishops allow a newly ordained priest's First Mass to be a celebration centered on his own parish community.
Father Matt Selzer spent his pastoral year at Resurrection Parish while I was pastor there, so I came to know him well before being named Bishop of Pittsburgh. It was a blessing to be there as he celebrated his First Mass. I would not have missed it.
Father Matt Selzer spent his pastoral year at Resurrection Parish while I was pastor there, so I came to know him well before being named Bishop of Pittsburgh. It was a blessing to be there as he celebrated his First Mass. I would not have missed it.
Every parish I visit reminds me that the works of mercy are alive throughout our diocese.
At Divine Grace Parish in Butler and Lawrence counties, I was especially encouraged by the desire to welcome those who often feel overlooked.
One ministry that stood out was a sensory-friendly Vacation Bible School for children with autism. Parishioners see this as only the beginning. They hope to expand that welcome through sensory-friendly Masses and faith formation so families know they have a place in the life of the Church.
I also heard about outreach to Latino families, especially those facing uncertainty and hardship, and the many ways parishioners accompany those who are grieving or struggling.
One simple act of service became an unexpected opportunity for evangelization. Members of the Men's Club and Knights of Columbus cleaned up the yard of an elderly neighbor. Soon other neighbors began asking if someone could help people they knew as well.
The volunteers responded by sending a simple letter offering assistance with no payment expected because, as they put it, "We work for the Lord."
At Divine Grace Parish in Butler and Lawrence counties, I was especially encouraged by the desire to welcome those who often feel overlooked.
One ministry that stood out was a sensory-friendly Vacation Bible School for children with autism. Parishioners see this as only the beginning. They hope to expand that welcome through sensory-friendly Masses and faith formation so families know they have a place in the life of the Church.
I also heard about outreach to Latino families, especially those facing uncertainty and hardship, and the many ways parishioners accompany those who are grieving or struggling.
One simple act of service became an unexpected opportunity for evangelization. Members of the Men's Club and Knights of Columbus cleaned up the yard of an elderly neighbor. Soon other neighbors began asking if someone could help people they knew as well.
The volunteers responded by sending a simple letter offering assistance with no payment expected because, as they put it, "We work for the Lord."
The corporal works of mercy often bring Christians together across denominational lines.
I was grateful to visit Light of Life Rescue Mission on Pittsburgh's North Side, where Pastor Jerrel Gilliam and his team faithfully serve men, women, and children experiencing homelessness and addiction.
We talked about ways we might continue working together to care for those most in need. Whenever Christians come together to serve others in the name of Christ, something good happens.
I was grateful to visit Light of Life Rescue Mission on Pittsburgh's North Side, where Pastor Jerrel Gilliam and his team faithfully serve men, women, and children experiencing homelessness and addiction.
We talked about ways we might continue working together to care for those most in need. Whenever Christians come together to serve others in the name of Christ, something good happens.
The feast day celebration at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Church, in Beaver County, was also an opportunity to support Catholic education.
After Mass, parishioners gathered for "Built on the Rock," a day of fellowship, family activities, and fundraising for Saints Peter and Paul School. It was wonderful to see so many people supporting Catholic education and investing in the next generation.
After Mass, parishioners gathered for "Built on the Rock," a day of fellowship, family activities, and fundraising for Saints Peter and Paul School. It was wonderful to see so many people supporting Catholic education and investing in the next generation.
Every parish depends on gifted people whose work often happens behind the scenes.
Recently I spent time with our parish business managers, whose careful stewardship allows parishes to carry out their ministries each day. Many could have chosen different careers, yet they have dedicated their talents to serving the Church.
The next time you see your parish business manager, take a moment to thank him or her. Their quiet work helps make so much parish ministry possible.
Recently I spent time with our parish business managers, whose careful stewardship allows parishes to carry out their ministries each day. Many could have chosen different careers, yet they have dedicated their talents to serving the Church.
The next time you see your parish business manager, take a moment to thank him or her. Their quiet work helps make so much parish ministry possible.
For families caring for loved ones with severe intellectual and physical disabilities, McGuire Memorial in New Brighton is an extraordinary blessing.
Sponsored by the Felician Sisters in partnership with our diocese, McGuire provides compassionate care for people with complex needs while honoring the dignity of every human person.
I was deeply moved by the love, patience, and respect shown to every resident. It was a beautiful witness to the Gospel and to the sacred dignity of each person created in the image of God.
Sponsored by the Felician Sisters in partnership with our diocese, McGuire provides compassionate care for people with complex needs while honoring the dignity of every human person.
I was deeply moved by the love, patience, and respect shown to every resident. It was a beautiful witness to the Gospel and to the sacred dignity of each person created in the image of God.
July Clergy Birthdays
Happy birthday to all of our clergy celebrating birthdays in July.
Thank you for your faithful service to the people of our diocese. Please join me in praying that God bless them with good health, happiness, and many graces in the year ahead.
July 1 - Reverend Alan E. Morris
July 1 - Reverend David A. Perry, Jr.
July 2 - Deacon Thomas J. O’Neill
July 5 - Reverend Richard J. Thompson
July 6 - Reverend Brian Myler
July 7 - Reverend Robert M. Miller
July 8 - Deacon Robert J. Bittner
July 9 - Deacon Joseph Compomizzi
July 9 - Deacon Francis J. Dadowski
July 10 - Reverend Robert M. Staszewski
July 10 - Reverend Vincent F. Kolo
July 11 - Reverend Robert J. George
July 11 - Reverend Timothy F. Whalen
July 12 - Deacon Joseph M. Dougherty
July 12 - Reverend Robert J. Miller
July 15 - Deacon Frank C. Bursic
July 15 - Reverend Msgr. Ronald P. Lengwin
July 15 - Reverend Richard J. Wesoloski
July 15 - Reverend Joseph A. Carr
July 16 - Reverend Daniel J. Roberts
July 17 - Reverend Robert L. Seeman
July 18 - Reverend Richard E. Ward
July 18 - Reverend John M. Bachkay
July 18 - Deacon Bruce D. Beaver
July 18 - Reverend Kenneth E. Kezmarsky
July 18 - Deacon Leon F. Miles
July 19 - Deacon Anton V. Mobley
July 20 - Reverend Brendan H. Dawson
July 20 - Deacon John T. Mayer
July 20 - Reverend Jeremiah T. O’Shea
July 22 - Deacon David T. McLaughlin
July 24 - Reverend Dennis P. Yurochko
July 25 - Reverend Dam D. Nguyen
July 28 - Reverend John F. Walsh
July 29 - Reverend J. Francis Frazer
July 30 - Reverend James K. Mazurek
Thank you for your faithful service to the people of our diocese. Please join me in praying that God bless them with good health, happiness, and many graces in the year ahead.
July 1 - Reverend Alan E. Morris
July 1 - Reverend David A. Perry, Jr.
July 2 - Deacon Thomas J. O’Neill
July 5 - Reverend Richard J. Thompson
July 6 - Reverend Brian Myler
July 7 - Reverend Robert M. Miller
July 8 - Deacon Robert J. Bittner
July 9 - Deacon Joseph Compomizzi
July 9 - Deacon Francis J. Dadowski
July 10 - Reverend Robert M. Staszewski
July 10 - Reverend Vincent F. Kolo
July 11 - Reverend Robert J. George
July 11 - Reverend Timothy F. Whalen
July 12 - Deacon Joseph M. Dougherty
July 12 - Reverend Robert J. Miller
July 15 - Deacon Frank C. Bursic
July 15 - Reverend Msgr. Ronald P. Lengwin
July 15 - Reverend Richard J. Wesoloski
July 15 - Reverend Joseph A. Carr
July 16 - Reverend Daniel J. Roberts
July 17 - Reverend Robert L. Seeman
July 18 - Reverend Richard E. Ward
July 18 - Reverend John M. Bachkay
July 18 - Deacon Bruce D. Beaver
July 18 - Reverend Kenneth E. Kezmarsky
July 18 - Deacon Leon F. Miles
July 19 - Deacon Anton V. Mobley
July 20 - Reverend Brendan H. Dawson
July 20 - Deacon John T. Mayer
July 20 - Reverend Jeremiah T. O’Shea
July 22 - Deacon David T. McLaughlin
July 24 - Reverend Dennis P. Yurochko
July 25 - Reverend Dam D. Nguyen
July 28 - Reverend John F. Walsh
July 29 - Reverend J. Francis Frazer
July 30 - Reverend James K. Mazurek
Please know that you are in my prayers, and I ask you to keep me in yours.
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