Prayers for Ukraine
The pastor of two Ukrainian Catholic churches in Pittsburgh is grateful for prayers as Russia is threatening to again invade his homeland.
Marching for Life
March for Life demonstrations are held in the nation’s capital and in Bridgeville, marking the 49th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing abortion. Marchers are hopeful the law will be overturned soon.
March for Life events
The 49th March for Life is set for Fri. Jan. 21 in Washington, DC, and will be marked locally as well.
Most Rev. Eckman ordained aux. bishop
Most Rev. Mark Eckman was ordained the 10th auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh on Jan. 11 at St. Paul Cathedral.
Christmas Eve Masses
Consult the list of Christmas Eve Masses held across the diocese on Dec. 24, 2021.
Religious sisters planning for future
Two religious orders have undertaken building projects to help care for their members well into the future.
Amen to Action tops goals for meals, vols
The fifth annual Amen to Action event to help feed the hungry was a resounding success, with more than 3,000 volunteers packaging more than a million meals at 10 churches in the Pittsburgh region.
Christmas, Jan. 1 Mass changes
With Christmas and New Year’s falling on a Saturday, there are changes to the Mass schedule to be aware of.
Pittsburgh Creche tradition continues
Bishop David Zubik is among the local Christian leaders who blessed the Pittsburgh Creche. It’s the 23rd year the creche has been displayed downtown- the only authorized replica of the Nativity scene that Saint John Paul II commissioned for the Vatican.
Poem comforts those grieving
Corpus Christi parishioner Bill Mitchell has written a poem about eternal life that is helping those struggling with the loss of loved ones.
Fr. Mark Eckman named aux. bishop
Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Mark Eckman as an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He will be ordained on Jan. 11, and will remain as pastor of Resurrection Parish in the South Hills.
Journeying together through the Synod
Bishop David Zubik is asking the Holy Spirit to guide Catholics as they prepare to join in a Synod to help Pope Francis determine how the Church discerns its mission.
Take the Gratitude Challenge
The 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge is back for November, helping people focus on the the blessings they receive from God.
Synod begins Oct. 17 with special Mass
Bishop David Zubik will ask the Holy Spirit to guide local Catholics as they prepare to participate in a worldwide consultation that Pope Francis has convened to help him find the best ways to discern God’s call to the Church.
After 100 years, Legion of Mary still vital
The Legion of Mary celebrates its 100th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving led by Bishop David Zubik.
Pittsburgh Catholic magazine launches
The diocese is launching a magazine edition of the Pittsburgh Catholic, to be mailed to parishioner homes free of charge. It will be published every other month an feature stories and columns that will inform and enrich the faith life of Catholics in southwestern PA.
Peru Mission dinner is online event Oct. 7
The Peru Mission Dinner will be held online again due to COVID-19, helping the poorest of the poor in Chimbote. The event is set for Thurs. Oct. 7.
Pregnant women in need find help
For nearly 40 years Genesis of Pittsburgh has been providing support to pregnant women in need, with assistance from Catholic parishes.
A Jazz Giant’s Legacy Lives On
A new book and series of live performances celebrates the life and legacy of jazz pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams of Pittsburgh, who converted to Catholicism later in life.
Hoops, Jesus and ministry
Vagabond Missions has grown from two missionaries at one site in Pittsburgh to 19 at four locations in the metro area. And five of the missionaries used to be inner city teens in the program. Meet one of them- Jaylen Campbell of Garfield.
Capuchins ‘Port’ is a safe harbor
The Capuchin Franciscan Friars, in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood since 1873, are finding new ways to connect with young adults and spread the Good News.
FBI chaplain maintains his connection to 9/11
FBI chaplain Fr. Joe McCaffrey takes part in a panel discussion remembering the 9/11 terror attacks. Fr. McCaffrey helped to comfort family members of those lost in the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, 20 years ago.
New center helps addicts
The Addiction Recovery Ministry celebrates the grand opening of its new center in Harmar, led by its founder, Fr. Michael Decewicz. The event is set for Sun. Sept. 12 at 3 pm.
Celebrating St. Joseph Day on Sat. Sept. 18
The diocese is celebrating St. Joseph Day at St. Paul Cathedral on Sat. Sept. 18 from 9:30 to noon. All are invited.
Felician sisters on front line of Haiti relief
The Felician Sisters are asking for assistance as they provide relief to Haiti hit by a series of natural disasters.
Lessons of Saint Lawrence
Bishop David Zubik tells deacons, candidates and their spouses on the feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr, that Lawrence taught us to celebrate and serve the Word of God, to be a visible sign of His presence and perform endless acts of charity. Catholic men are discerning whether they are being called to the…
Blocking out the noise to hear God’s call
Diocesan vocations director Father Ken Marlovits says noise is the greatest weapon the world has to prevent us from hearing God’s call in our lives.
Thank you, Sr. Sharon
Sister Sharon Iacobucci, diocesan delegate for religious, has been elected to a national position with the Felician Sisters of Our Lady of Hope Province in North America.
“Point of View”: A life worth living
The family of a former Crafton Heights man is trying to keep his memory and pro-life message alive through a song he wrote 30 years ago after realizing that, under different circumstances, he might not have been born.
Pilgrimages return, space limited
Pittsburgh Catholic readers are invited to sign up for three pilgrimages in 2022 to The Holy Land, Poland and Oberammergau in Germany. Hurry, spaces are filling up fast!
Alpha transforms
The spiritual awakening program Alpha continues to expand across the diocese as Catholics seek a relationship with Christ.
Theology on Tap for young adults is back!
Oakland Young Adult Ministry hosted Bishop David Bonnar and Darcy Osby at McFadden’s on the North Shore for its first Theology on Tap since 2019.
Deacons comfort the sorrowful
The first information session on the Deacon Formation Program is set for Sat. July 24. In Part 4 of a new video series about the diaconate, Deacon Rick Cessar helps to comfort the sorrowful.
Fr. Freedy evangelizing in new ways
Father Joe Freedy has been named by Bishop Zubik to the newly created position of assistant director of evangelization for the diocese.
Learn more about becoming a deacon
The first of three information sessions to learn about the Deacon Formation Program begins on Sat. July 24. In Part 3 of a new video series, Deacon Greg Jelinek helps to teach the uninformed.
Deacons help to heal
The diocese is inviting Catholic men interested in the deacon formation program to attend one of three upcoming information sessions.
Bishop calls for new deacon class
Bishop David Zubik is calling for a new class of Catholic men to begin formation to serve the Church as permanent deacons.
New home for hope
Fr. Michael Decewicz, retiring as a parish priest, is moving the Addiction Recovery Ministry he founded to Harmar.
Adventure camp needs teen leaders
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Adventure Camp & Retreat Center in Volant begins its first summer season, with July openings for teens.
Celebrating priest, deacon ordinations
Meet the three men who will be ordained to the priesthood and diaconate this month in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Walking With Moms in Need
Parishes are urged to support Walking with Moms in Need, a national initiative to help women with crisis pregnancies.
Jail chaplains stress mercy
Chaplains and support staff minister to inmates in county jails across the diocese and at a state prison, bringing God’s love and healing.
Trusting in His Mercy: Memorial Mass May 23
Bishop David Zubik will hold a memorial Mass for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, on Sun. May 23, 7:45 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Shadyside.
Honoring Mary
The diocese is hosting “To Jesus, Through Mary,” a May focus on deepening devotion to Mary, with daily social media posts, a text-to-join option, and prayer resources.
Prayers for a ‘new and ongoing Pentecost’
A festival of praise will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, online and outdoors at The Arc and The Dove retreat center in Gibsonia.
Post-COVID mental health forum May 19
Catholic Charities is co-sponsoring an online forum to help people cope with anxiety and depression related to the pandemic
PGHPriest helping discernment
Seminarians are helping diocesan Vocations leaders use the power of social media to help men discern whether they have a calling to the priesthood.
Golden anniversary celebration
Bishop Zubik celebrates the Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass with couples across the diocese who have been married 50 years.
Knights all about serving others
The world’s largest Catholic service organization for adult men, the Knights of Columbus are “everyday people helping people every day.”
Phil Coyne ‘a true Christian’
Remembering the legendary and lovable Pittsburgh Pirates usher Phil Coyne, who lived his nearly 103 years as a devout Catholic.
Protecting God’s children
The Diocese of Pittsburgh highlights efforts of parishes and schools to protect children from abuse.
New leaders named to diocesan posts
Bishop Zubik announces appointments of new diocesan Chief Financial Officer, Chief Facilities Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
A gift of love and faith
Bishop Zubik expresses his gratitude for the gift of an elaborate Palm cross given to him every Palm Sunday.
Porch concerts help build community
Wil Kondrich learned how to play music in Catholic grade school, and how to help others. When the pandemic hit, he saw an opportunity to support musicians, clubs, and his neighbors.
Parishes rise to challenge in pandemic
The pandemic has presented challenges and opportunities for parishes, as pastors and lay leaders find new ways to share the Good News.
Together for Holy Week
A year after the pandemic forced the cancellation of Holy Week services, Catholics are being invited to safely attend liturgies marking the holiest days of the Christian calendar.
Red Door doing more to help the poor
The nearly century old Red Door ministry serving the poor and homeless in downtown Pittsburgh has expanded, bringing God’s healing and hope.
Sisters help the hungry
Congregations of religious sisters united to fight hunger and food insecurity during Catholic Sisters Week.
It’s here! The annual Lenten Fish Fry Guide
Check out the annual listing of parishes offering Lenten Fish Fry meals.
Bishop Kulick ‘humbled to serve’
Bishop Larry Kulick is ordained the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and Bishop Zubik was once his spiritual director.
Totus Tuus draws people to Christ
Learn how a community of consecrated women located in Pittsburgh, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Ireland and Spain are committing their lives to Christ.
Bishop Zubik attends ordination of Greensburg bishop
Former monsignor Larry Kulick is ordained the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg.
Connecting with Christ in nature
A group of Pittsburgh priests have opened an adventure camp and retreat center to help bring young people closer to Christ.
To have, to hold, and to honor
Feb. 7-14, 2021 is National Marriage Week, a time to reflect on the gift that marriage is to our church, community and country. It is also an opportunity to enrich our marriages.
Ash Wednesday changes
Read updates for the faithful on Ash Wednesday, Blessing of the Throats and Lent.
Former orphanage site now diocesan pastoral center
The Diocesan Pastoral Center is moving from downtown Pittsburgh to the St. Paul Seminary campus. Read a historical perspective.
Annual March for Life moves online
The 48th annual March for Life to protect the unborn will be a virtual event due to the pandemic.
Mass, program honor Dr. King
The Diocese of Pittsburgh marks the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a Mass and program on Sun. Jan. 17.
Sainthood candidate’s story rekindles faith
A local woman has taken up the cause for sainthood of Elisabeth Leseur.
Bishop David Bonnar ordained
Father David Bonnar, a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh for 32 years, will be ordained as Bishop of Youngstown, OH, on Tues. Jan. 12.
St. Joe High part of new Bishop’s journey
The four years that the next bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg spent at a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Pittsburgh proved to be important steps in his journey of faith.
“Saint Joseph High School played an instrumental role in forming me,” bishop-elect Larry Kulick told The Pittsburgh Catholic. “I received a solid…
Battling addiction with love
In 2020, overdose deaths reached an all-time high in Allegheny County, showing that the diocesan Addiction Recovery Ministry is more crucial than ever.
3D tour of the Pittsburgh Creche
In any normal Advent season, about a quarter-million visitors see the Pittsburgh Creche in-person. That likely won’t happen this year. So Mt. Lebanon videographer Gwen Kisker decided to bring the creche to God’s people.
A Window to our faith
The faithful are flocking to Saint Albert the Great church in Baldwin, part of Blessed Trinity Parish, to visit and pray before a special nativity scene.
Spreading the hope and love of Jesus
When Lauren Koath was graduated from Franciscan University with a degree in theology and catechetics, she returned to Texas and became a parish youth minister. But God had different plans for her.
Inspired by new parish names
In a world that cries out for love and mercy, the pastors of two merging parishes believe that their new namesakes will help unify and inspire parishioners to spread healing graces.
Hope through the Holy Family: Dec. 13 event
This Advent, after a year of unprecedented trials and uncertainties, the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem is a reminder that Christ never forgets His people.
Cal U grad alive in her faith, guiding others
The seeds of Cynthia Obiekezie’s faith were planted by her parents, took root in her parish and blossomed at college. Now she’s helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Our Lady of Guadalupe traditions
Hace aproximadamente dos años, en un esfuerzo por llegar a la vibrante y creciente comunidad latina de la Diócesis de Pittsburgh, Jorge Vela, director del Apostolado Hispano, comenzó a escribir una columna mensual de espiritualidad en español. Esperamos que también lo disfruten los hablantes nativos de inglés, incluidos los estudiantes de nuestras escuelas católicas que…
Bishop Zubik’s Thanksgiving Blessing
Like the pilgrims, we can choose to look around us at all the good things God has done for us and thank Him.
Fr. Bonnar named Bishop of Youngstown
From an early age, Father David Bonnar wanted to be a parish priest. His family figured that one day, he would become a bishop. Both dreams have come to pass.
Waiting for big news
On November 28-29, Bishop David Zubik is expected to announce the establishment of 14 new parishes, created from the merger of 40 parishes, and he will reveal the new parish names. The changes take effect in January.
From Grief to Grace
After Jessie Egan Smith passed away unexpectedly at age 23, her parents wanted to celebrate her life and help other children.
Creche virtual blessing
Today, Christian leaders are holding a virtual blessing of the Pittsburgh Creche downtown via Zoom. Stay tuned to watch the video!
Remembering when God entered our lives
As Pittsburghers prepare their hearts for the coming of the Christ child, final preparations are underway at the Pittsburgh Creche.
Following Mary, taking baby steps
Inside a quaint stone house in Mount Lebanon that was once a Capuchin friary, diapers are stacked nearly to the ceiling in one room and a former confessional holds cleaning supplies. The building continues to serve Jesus and honor the Blessed Mother as Mary’s Place, a home for women with crisis pregnancies.
A sign of the season
People seeking solace and inspiration can once again visit the Christ Child and Holy Family in downtown Pittsburgh, where a construction crew is erecting the only authorized replica of the Nativity scene that St. John Paul II commissioned for the Vatican.
Support the bridge of love & hope
Supporters are being asked to again open their hearts to help the poor of Chimbote, Peru, who are suffering greatly in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sharing the beauty of selfless love
When Culture Project team leader Erick Marquez tells Catholic teens that they can make a big impact if they choose virtue over a throwaway society, their faces light up.
Closer to God Through Gratitude
Gratitude to God is a cornerstone of Catholic life, so the Diocese of Pittsburgh is bringing back the “30 Days of Gratitude” online campaign to share the spiritual, physical, and emotional benefits of appreciating God’s blessings.
PA Supreme Court Hears Critical Case
On Tuesday October 20, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments in the highly anticipated case of Rice v. Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
Statement from Bishop David Zubik on Pope Francis’ Comments Regarding Civil Unions
The Holy Father’s recent comments on the passage of a law for civil unions for homosexual persons reflect his pastoral approach to persons who may be on the peripheries of society.
Faith carries family after injury
As Pam Surano left Mass at St. Benedict the Moor parish on August 30, 2020, filled with gratitude and eager for a Sunday family dinner, she got a call from her 13-year-old daughter, Mary, that would be life-changing.
Duquesne program will form Church leaders
Duquesne University’s move to establish a new Department of Catholic Studies is expected to help the Diocese of Pittsburgh educate and form lay persons for ministry in the Church.
A gift that lives on
Winning a nationwide Catholic art contest has helped Jaylee Duncan, 14, stay close to her late father, through memories of his art instruction and the contest’s link to a special string of rosary beads.
Lifting up college campus ministers
With big challenges facing the Catholic Church and society, college campus ministry is needed more than ever, says a local leader who’s been tapped by a national organization to help expand the Church’s college outreach.
Changes to Diocesan Livestream Mass Schedule
Beginning this Sunday, September 20, 2020, the Diocese of Pittsburgh will shift to offering one livestream Mass per week from the Boyle Hall Chapel at Saint Paul Seminary with Bishop David Zubik.
New director of Victim Assistance Ministry named
As part of an ongoing commitment to provide healing support for victims of clergy sex abuse and the faith community as a whole, Laetitia Bridges has been named Director of Victim Assistance Ministry.
Bishop Zubik will Remember Nearly 800 People who Passed During COVID-19 Through Memorial Mass
On Sunday June 28, 2020 at 10 a.m., Bishop David A. Zubik will livestream a memorial Mass for all local Catholics who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of whom did not have a funeral Mass due to the lockdown.