Tempus Fugit

     "Tempus fugit" is an old Latin saying that translated means "Time flies".  There is another old adage that hints that as you get older, time moves by more quickly than you would want.  I find truth in both of these sayings.

     Yesterday, July 1st, we entered into the second half of 2019!
Unbelievable!  And yet it is clear that this year is flying by with great speed.  I thought that in retirement things would slow down, but no such luck.

     The month of June saw many things happen.  It saw our diocese bidding farewell to one of our priests.  Father Tom Lukac, a priest of the Greensburg Diocese for fifty-six years, was laid to rest with a funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 18th, at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Latrobe, his last assignment as pastor.  He had retired from active ministry in 2008 and in these last years had suffered from the loss of memory and recognition of others.

     Father Tom was a quiet and gentle man who was born and raised in Uniontown, my home town.  (There have been many vocations to the priesthood from the four parishes of this Fayette County town).  He served in three parishes as a Parochial Vicar and then as pastor in six parishes during his active ministry.

     He was a true gift to the faithful of this diocese and his memory will live long in the hearts of many of his family and friends.

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     But as we said good-bye to Father Tom on Tuesday, on the following Saturday we welcomed into the clergy of this Diocese Deacon Mark Dunmire, who was ordained at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral to the transitional Diaconate.  Mark will be ordained to the priesthood next year, God willing.  

     Mark's home parish is Saint Margaret Mary Parish in Lower Burrell.  He has been participating in a Pastoral Year at Mother of Sorrows Parish in Murrysville, under the guidance of Msgr. James Gaston.  Mark is completing his studies at Saint Mary Seminary in Baltimore.

     The ordination ceremony was wonderful.  Our Shepherd, Bishop Ed Malesic, once again led the celebration with ease and prayerfulness and joy.  I watched Mark uncomfortable at the center of attention and saw how the bishop put him at ease.  I also saw the pride and joy of his family, especially his Mom and Dad, as they saw their son embrace this call to service.  We continue to pray for Mark and look forward to his joining the presbyterate of our diocese.