Pope Francis marks Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis remembered the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Wednesday, at the end of his weekly General Audience.

In greetings to young people, newlyweds, and all persons suffering illness of any kind, the Holy Father recalled the liturgical feast, connected with St. Helen’s recovery of the Cross in the fourth century, and celebrated in gratitude for the redemption won for us by Christ on the Holy Cross, and in acknowledgement of the instrument of our salvation.

“Today,” said Pope Francis, “we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.”

The Holy Father went on to say, “Dear young people, as you return to the regular rhythms of life after the summer holidays, strengthen your dialogue with God as well, spreading his light and his peace.”

To those suffering illness, Pope Francis said, “Find comfort in the Cross of the Lord Jesus, who continues His work of redemption in the life of every man.

Newlyweds received a special exhortation from Pope Francis, who told them, “Make the effort to maintain a constant relationship with Christ crucified, that your love might be the more true, fruitful and lasting.” Continue reading

Byzantine Catholics a presence at annual Ohio festival

‘Simply Slavic’ in 6th year of celebrating shared and unique traditions. The 6th Annual “Simply Slavic” Ethnic Heritage Festival will be held Saturday June 18. This regional event held in downtown Youngstown, Ohio promotes the diverse Slavic populations of Mahoning … Continue reading

Catholic Assistance for Sex Abuse Survivors

“I am deeply sorry. God weeps,” said Pope Francis last September after meeting with several sexual abuse survivors during his visit to Philadelphia. All of us in the Catholic community must do what we can to understand the pain, anger, … Continue reading

Get ready for Faith & Fun!

9th Annual day for altar servers. It’s time again for the Office of Vocations to host “Faith & Fun Day”  for active Altar Servers on WEDNESDAY, JULY 20. The day will begin with Registration in the social hall of Holy … Continue reading

Attention all Cantors

All voices welcome to lead 2016 pilgrimage services. It is now almost summer, and the year-round planning process continues for the 82nd Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mount Saint Macrina in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. As singing is … Continue reading

Panel of experts address Clergy Days participants: sexual abuse laws, financial reporting, legal issues among presentations

Clergy from all corners of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh once again converged at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. for Presbyteral (Clergy) Days. Held Tuesday May 31 and Wednesday June 1, the annual Spring meeting brings together parish pastors, administrators, deacons and retired priests for the dissemination of information, group discussion, and collegial fellowship essential to pastoral life.
Communications Director for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), Amy B. Hill was the first speaker of the 2016 Clergy Days convocation. She covered the very sensitive and emotionally charged topic of child sexual abuse and shared information regarding the Statute of Limitations (SoL) on reporting abuse in Pennsylvania (House Bill 1947). Hill emphasized that the Catholic Church is not at all opposed to accepting responsibility for abuse that happened in the past. “This is not a debate between the Church and survivors of abuse,” she said, adding that in actuality it is about priests, churches, parishioners being held responsible for paying hefty, financially devastating judgments resulting from lawsuits.
“The bottom line here is not the money – it is that children were hurt. We agree that if a child was hurt, then the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” Hill reasoned. “However, is the money settlement really going to make the issue any better when it bankrupts entire faith communities?”
Continuing the child abuse laws and reporting discussion was Attorney Cathy Chromulak, Legal Counsel for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.

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Slavjane in 40th Concert

“Save the Date” for the 40th annual Slavjane Folk Ensemble concert on Saturday, June 11. This year’s show will be held in Moon Township, Pa. at Robert Morris University’s Colonial Theatre at 1:30 p.m., followed by a reception at Holy … Continue reading