Convocation

     As I mentioned in my last post on Monday, the priests of the diocese gathered this week, as they always do in October, for a two day Convocation.  For years we gathered outside of Ligonier at the Antiochian Village Conference Center, but because of a scheduling conflict, we met in Blairsville at Chestnut Ridge Conference Center with a great view of the Fall colors on the mountains of Chestnut Ridge.  We gathered at Noon on Monday until Noon on Wednesday.  The schedule was busy, the food was great, and the experience of "getting away" was refreshing.  In addition to morning and evening prayer, we celebrated Eucharist on Tuesday, the feast of Saint Luke, for the deceased bishops and priests of the Diocese of Greensburg.

     Our theme was the importance of the ongoing formation of our priesthood, addressing the continued challenges and darknesses that touch our lives as well as identifying the graces that sustain us.

     One thing done differently this year was to have three of the men speak to us of their priesthood and seminary formation.  Father Ron Cyktor, ordained eleven years and pastor at Saint Patrick's in Brady's Bend, spoke from his perspective as a young priest and gave us a passionate plea to hold fast to what we have received.  The next day, Father Vince Gigliotti, ordained thirty-six years and pastor at Saint Anne's in Rostraver, shared his story, his struggles, and his commitment.  And on Tuesday afternoon we heard from Father Al Pleban, newly retired after serving as a priest for fifty-five years.  His latest assignment was as pastor of my home parish of Saint Joseph in Uniontown.  Each presentation was well done, and all three were courageous enough to share from their hearts.  The guys were very appreciative.

      For those who kept us in prayer, our deepest thanks.