Parish Life

Mission trips change lives

With the pandemic easing, parishes and other groups are again fixing up the homes of neighbors in need, and changing lives.

Archives tops 10,000 volumes

Sacramental records from merged parishes are being stored at the diocesan Archives and Records Center, which recently logged its 10,000th volume.

New parishes feel energy

Four groupings of 15 parishes will merge July 1 to become the newest parishes in the diocese. They are already working on how to bring God’s love and mercy to more people.

Pope boosts catechists

Pope Francis has elevated the lay ministry of catechists, underscoring the importance of their work in the evangelizing mission of the Church.

On the path to priesthood

Seminarians Dan D’Antonio and Tom Kadlick are accepted as candidates for Holy Orders, the next step on their path to the priesthood.

Buildings are reborn

Our parish buildings are meant to serve God’s people, sometimes in new ways. Three merged parishes have converted existing space to create new parish centers.

Fish fries hook ’em

The first week of Lenten Fish Fries went well across the diocese as parishioners got used to take-out ordering.

Holiday gifts of love from the kitchen

As the pandemic continues, many of our homebound elderly are bearing an additional burden. Parishioners brought them some holiday cheer as a reminder of God’s enduring love.

New parish leadership

Just as Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare of Assisi were united in ministry 800 years ago, their new namesake parishes will be led by a diocesan priest who has been long influenced by the Franciscan tradition.

Hi tech helps overcome obstacles

Technology is playing a critical role in helping to bring together the South Hills parishes of Nativity, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, St. Germaine and St. Valentine in January.

Walking with Jesus along The Way

“People encounter Jesus in ChristLife and get excited about Him. But the question is, where is He going to lead me if I follow Him? What is He going to do in my life?” said Michel Therrien, president of Preambula Group, which sponsors The Way.

From many parishes, The Church Alive!

Despite unforeseen challenges of merging multiple parishes during a pandemic, one determined pastor has found ways to bring God’s people together while keeping them safe.

Got milk, gave God’s love

Volunteers sprang into action when the milk truck arrived, handing out up to two gallons per family. Some brought milk to a local senior center. Police officers also helped make deliveries.

Helping from home

When the pandemic prevented parishioners from the Diocese of Pittsburgh from making their annual mission trip to Appalachia, they decided to help their cash-strapped parishes and needy families close to home.

Living Stations offer hope

Mike Stack kept teaching as he directed the young people who were preparing for one last dramatic presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross.

Young hearts beat for inner city

Vagabond Missions began its inner city ministry to Pittsburgh youth five years ago with two missionaries in the city’s Garfield neighborhood. Today, thanks to strong support and prayers, 14 staffers serve at four mission sites, and Pittsburgh has become the organization’s national headquarters.

Holy Week 2020

The thought of spending Holy Week at home is inconceivable for most Catholics. But as the coronavirus spread, the unthinkable is becoming reality.

Living our faith in trying times

The threat and reality of the coronavirus pandemic make it easy to be consumed by panic and fear. But this crisis can also be a time for people to grow closer to Jesus and serve those in need. “God is clearing out space in our lives,” said Father Joseph McCaffrey, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish…