“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
News
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
Bishop John Pazak, CSsR enthronement date
Bishop John Pazak, CSSR enthronement date set newly appointed head of Phoenix Eparchy to begin his tenure July 20. Bishop John S. Pazak, CSSR, who on May 7 was named by Pope Francis as the new bishop of the Byzantine … 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.
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
Sister Vitalia Tomcho, OSBM enters into new life after 106 earthly years
Sister Vitalia Tomcho would have celebrated her 107th birthday in early June. Instead, she celebrated her patronal Feast Day by entering into the Heavenly Kingdom on Friday morning, April 22, 2016. Sister Vitalia entered the community in Elmhurst, Pa., in … Continue reading
USCCB President Reacts to Supreme Court HHS Mandate Decision
WASHINGTON (May 16, 2016) — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a per curiam opinion in the case of Zubik v. Burwell, in which Catholic and other religious organizations are challenging the HHS mandate requiring them to facilitate health insurance … Continue reading
Choir Program a Fine Paschal Season Finale
Guest readers enhance afternoon presentation at cathedral As the days of Pascha drew to a close, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. provided a joyous gathering space for the Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archieparchial Choir’s program of … Continue reading
Pontifical Acts Announced
May 7, 2016
The Holy Father has made the following appointments which are announced today:
Has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Gerald N. Dino from the pastoral governance of the Holy Protection of Mary Eparchy of Phoenix;
Has appointed as his successor Most Reverend John S Pazak C.S.s.R., bishop of the Eparchy of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Toronto, Canada; He remains the temporary administrator of the Eparchy of SS. Cyril and Methodius.
Has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend John M. Kudrick from the pastoral governance of the Eparchy of Parma;
And has appointed Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy until a new bishop is appointed.
Bishop Gerald retirement feature in Phoenix Catholic Sun
Bishop John’s letter to the faithful of the Eparchy of Parma
Metropolitan William’s letter to the clergy and religious of the Eparchy of Parma Continue reading