Good News

     This afternoon the priests of the Greensburg Diocese gathered for a presentation and discussion of evangelization efforts in the Diocese.  This was one of the first steps that will address this important element of our strategic plan, and in light of the call for a New Evangelization called for by Pope Benedict XVI.  A general presentation was made by Bishop Brandt, and then a series of questions were presented for discussion.

     Much was said regarding the staggering statistics regarding those who have left the Catholic Church or who hold it to be at the perifery of their lives.  We probed the whys and the wherefores for reasons, and proposed many solutions and ideas.  In the end, it involves living the Faith with joy and conviction in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge of our place within his Kingdom.  It involves inviting our family home, making them feel welcome, and helping them to understand the need to be fed at the table of the Lord.   This New Evangelization, while always open to those who have never heard the Good News, is really meant for those who have had a memory lapse and forgotten who they are, or who have chosen a fast food diet rather than the banquet of the Lord.  I am sure that there will be more on this topic in the days ahead.

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     Good news for our neighbors today ... after a long wait, the Holy Father has appointed Bishop William C. Skurla, the Reuthenian Byzantine Bishop of Passaic, New Jersey, as the metropolitan archbishop of Pittsburgh of the Byzantines.  The archeparchy of Pittsburgh has 58,763 Catholics, 64 priests, 17 deacons and 88 religious.  We have a neighboring parish of Saint Stephen's here in North Huntingdon, and in almost all of my assignments, as well as in by growing up years in Uniontown, I have been acquainted with the priests and the parishes and the wonderful traditions of our Eastern friends.  Congratulations to Archbishop elect Skurla and to the Byzantine Church of Pittsburgh.