Last Monday evening I attended the Installation Mass of Father Andrew Kawecki as the 11th pastor of the 135 year old Saint John the Baptist Parish in Scottdale and the Administrator of the Partner Parish of Saint Joseph in Everson, following in the footsteps of 16 previous pastors over the past 126 years. Bishop Brandt celebrated the Mass, Father Andrew preached, and Bishop Brandt gives a talk at the end regarding the relationship of parish to diocese and priest to bishop. It is his practice in encouraging prayer for vocations to tell the parish that they are blessed to have him and the diocese assign a priest to them ... and that they owe the diocese a priest in return. It is a cute exchange that usually gets a positive reaction. Monday the bishop added a note that these two parishes gave some priests (I think he said four) and some Religious (he mentioned a small number).
From these two parishes on the Westmoreland/Fayette County boarder, have come a long line of vocations to the priesthood and Religious Life. From Saint Joseph in Everson have come eleven priests, two of whom are still active and functioning. In addition there were at least eighteen women Religious. From Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale there have been twenty-two ordained priests with three Religious Brothers and forty-two women Religious, at least thirty of them members of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, including two major superiors. The priests from Saint Joseph are Fathers Michael Szczygiel, Justin Figas, O.F.M. Conv., John Szwed, Msgr. M. J. Orzechowski, Msgr. Aloysius Zwolinski, Aloysius Jezewski, Daniel Szczygiel, Frank Lesniowski, Archabbot Douglas Nowicki of Saint Vincent and Michael Sikon.
The priests from Saint John the Baptist are Fathers Michael Boyle, Patrick Diskin, Vincent Mooney, C.S.C., Msgr Paul Glenn, George Amend, James Alex Byrne, Msgr. Anthony DeSantis, Edward Quinn, Michael O'Shea, Regis Hickey, Francis Hickey, Arthur O'Shea, Francis P. King, Msgr Robert Hanicak, William Dannecker, Armand Baldwin, O.S.B., John Blasick, C.P.P.S., Bryce Joyce, O.S.B., Joseph Minsterman, James Popochock, Donald Hall and Joseph Maddalena. Most are now deceased, Father Popochock is still active, a few have left active ministry and Father Ministerman is retired now in Scottdale. What a legacy. What years of service to the Church given by these men and women and their families who supported their vocations. I think that the Church owes these parishes a good pastor as is found in Father Andrew. I think that they have paid their debt many times over. The ninth pastor of Saint John the Baptist wishes him well.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Persistence and Mercy
This past weekend's Scriptures showcased two things - the mercy of God and the need to be persistent in prayer. The story of Abraham's standing before God in defense of the righteous remnant to be found in the morally corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah demonstrates both lessons to be learned.
A few weeks ago on the sign in front of the local Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, the message read "the law tempered by mercy". I mentioned yesterday that a variation of that thought is even more appropriate. Not all laws are good, not all are beneficial and not all are just. But we ultimately seek justice. The laws of Sodom and Gomorrah probably supported the lifestyle of those places, but the law of God and morality demanded justice. In intending to wipe out this abomination, God was truly justified. Yet at the urging of Abraham, for the sake of the righteous remnant, God was willing to show mercy. If only 50, 45, 40, 30 20 or 10 could be found. Yet not even ten - and the cities met their fate. But even "justice is tempered by mercy" as God was willing to show.
I give Abraham credit for being bold in asking God for mercy, for pushing the boundaries. Jesus invites us in yesterday's Gospel to do the same. Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. We tend to be shy, timid, afraid. We tend to not want to make waves or push the envelope. Yet Jesus invites just the opposite. And so does the Holy Father who told the kids in Rio to make a noise, to shout out, to stand up and make a difference ... and not to do so once and then be quiet again, but to do so time after time until results are seen and the law of God becomes reality within hearts. Our God is merciful and just. He is constant in his love of us, and desires us to be persistent in our response to his love. Good lessons to be learned.
A few weeks ago on the sign in front of the local Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, the message read "the law tempered by mercy". I mentioned yesterday that a variation of that thought is even more appropriate. Not all laws are good, not all are beneficial and not all are just. But we ultimately seek justice. The laws of Sodom and Gomorrah probably supported the lifestyle of those places, but the law of God and morality demanded justice. In intending to wipe out this abomination, God was truly justified. Yet at the urging of Abraham, for the sake of the righteous remnant, God was willing to show mercy. If only 50, 45, 40, 30 20 or 10 could be found. Yet not even ten - and the cities met their fate. But even "justice is tempered by mercy" as God was willing to show.
I give Abraham credit for being bold in asking God for mercy, for pushing the boundaries. Jesus invites us in yesterday's Gospel to do the same. Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. We tend to be shy, timid, afraid. We tend to not want to make waves or push the envelope. Yet Jesus invites just the opposite. And so does the Holy Father who told the kids in Rio to make a noise, to shout out, to stand up and make a difference ... and not to do so once and then be quiet again, but to do so time after time until results are seen and the law of God becomes reality within hearts. Our God is merciful and just. He is constant in his love of us, and desires us to be persistent in our response to his love. Good lessons to be learned.
Friday, July 26, 2013
The gift of grandparents
Today I had a blessing service for the funeral of a woman whose 90 years of life was consumed by a love of her seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They can attest to the impact of their grandma in their lives.
Last Sunday in my homily, picking up on the theme of hospitality, welcoming and sharing our table as did Abraham and Sarah and Martha and Mary, I spoke of my two grandmothers - Bessie Stoviak and Mary Lenard. They taught me by example an important aspect of being Church. One lived a number of miles away in the country and died when I was about seven and the other lived four houses down the street and was there for more of my formative years. My memories of both are vivid, and my experience of unconditional love given by them was inspiring. Along with John Stoviak, a miner, and Frank Lenard, a master tailor, my grandfathers, they were a true gift to me.
While Hallmark has its own Grandparents Day, so does the Church, and today is that day. Today is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, who tradition tells us are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and thus the grandparents of Jesus. There is no description of interaction between Jesus and his grandparents mentioned in the scriptures, but it was most likely a reality of his life. Granted he had a great love of all people, but I'm sure there was a special place in his heart for these two special people.
On this Grandparents Day in the Church, tell your grandparents that you love them. Either by phone or a visit, or through prayer, express your gratitude for the gift that they are to you. And if you are a grandparents reading Journey Thoughts, Happy Grandparents Day!
Last Sunday in my homily, picking up on the theme of hospitality, welcoming and sharing our table as did Abraham and Sarah and Martha and Mary, I spoke of my two grandmothers - Bessie Stoviak and Mary Lenard. They taught me by example an important aspect of being Church. One lived a number of miles away in the country and died when I was about seven and the other lived four houses down the street and was there for more of my formative years. My memories of both are vivid, and my experience of unconditional love given by them was inspiring. Along with John Stoviak, a miner, and Frank Lenard, a master tailor, my grandfathers, they were a true gift to me.
While Hallmark has its own Grandparents Day, so does the Church, and today is that day. Today is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, who tradition tells us are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and thus the grandparents of Jesus. There is no description of interaction between Jesus and his grandparents mentioned in the scriptures, but it was most likely a reality of his life. Granted he had a great love of all people, but I'm sure there was a special place in his heart for these two special people.
On this Grandparents Day in the Church, tell your grandparents that you love them. Either by phone or a visit, or through prayer, express your gratitude for the gift that they are to you. And if you are a grandparents reading Journey Thoughts, Happy Grandparents Day!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
A day at the beach
Many people from our "neck of the woods" travel to the beach for vacation during the summer or winter in Florida where it is warm. Around here, common destinations include the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, Ocean City, Cape May. For years I would spend a week in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware, with a number of priest friends. For a few of those years we had a place on the boardwalk in front of which a local church had their vacation bible school on the beach the week we were there. We would sit on the porch and listen to youngsters celebrating their love of Jesus in the sand. There is something awesome about a beach vacation. No beach yet this year, though.
There are hundreds of thousands, maybe a million or more, young people gathered this week on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janiero, Brazil - not for vacation, but for a spiritual "re-creation" at World Youth Day. They worshiped last evening on the beach at a Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Rio, they will gather for the Way of the Cross on the beach, and of course be there for the closing liturgy with Pope Francis as the week long gathering comes to an end. They come to celebrate, they come to be taught and nourished, they come to listen to and witness to Jesus as his Church gathers. It is a remarkable sight, a tremendous gift to the secular world of the vitality of the Church's future, and a life changing experience to so many. I hope that you are following these days through the press or especially through EWTN's coverage.
And today's gospel reading had Jesus and his friends going to the beach at the Sea of Galilee, with those hungry for truth and teaching, those longing to see Jesus, and those desperate for an encounter with this gift from the Father, following along. Jesus spent a great deal of time at the beach. It is a good place.
There are hundreds of thousands, maybe a million or more, young people gathered this week on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janiero, Brazil - not for vacation, but for a spiritual "re-creation" at World Youth Day. They worshiped last evening on the beach at a Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Rio, they will gather for the Way of the Cross on the beach, and of course be there for the closing liturgy with Pope Francis as the week long gathering comes to an end. They come to celebrate, they come to be taught and nourished, they come to listen to and witness to Jesus as his Church gathers. It is a remarkable sight, a tremendous gift to the secular world of the vitality of the Church's future, and a life changing experience to so many. I hope that you are following these days through the press or especially through EWTN's coverage.
And today's gospel reading had Jesus and his friends going to the beach at the Sea of Galilee, with those hungry for truth and teaching, those longing to see Jesus, and those desperate for an encounter with this gift from the Father, following along. Jesus spent a great deal of time at the beach. It is a good place.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Greensburg - 2
Continuing the days of the journey at Saint Paul Parish (which we unofficially renamed The Church of Saint Paul) I would like to speak of the church renovation that we modestly brought about. The church school complex was built at the same time, with what would have eventually been the gymnasium used as the church. It was the size of a large gym, with an upper tier of windows of inexpensive colored glass that opened by means of a large crank handle on each side. They did not always work and were always coming "off track". The altar was at the far end, with the pews facing front, the organ and choir on the left side where the side altar would be and the tabernacle on the right side by the side door and sacristy. It was a long way from the altar to the back of church. The sanctuary was carpeted and the rest of the flooring was tile.
What we did was to rearrange the pews to provide a space in the midst of the assembly, build a one step platform to provide some height, place the organ and choir in the old sanctuary area, and build a visible reserved area for the tabernacle, picking up on the screen pattern behind the crucifix. We used the old baptismal font for the tabernacle base, used oak from the old altar for the new square altar and ambo, oak from unused pews for trim, and purchased carpet for the aisles and green ceramic tile for the sanctuary floor. We built a baptismal font and placed it where the tabernacle had been, including a pool with running water. All of this was done with volunteer help by dedicated parishioners and others, and done for little cost (carpet & tile). I have included a few pictures. It worked out well, and is a more intimate setting for liturgy, although you do have to get used to surround visual eye contact.
What we did was to rearrange the pews to provide a space in the midst of the assembly, build a one step platform to provide some height, place the organ and choir in the old sanctuary area, and build a visible reserved area for the tabernacle, picking up on the screen pattern behind the crucifix. We used the old baptismal font for the tabernacle base, used oak from the old altar for the new square altar and ambo, oak from unused pews for trim, and purchased carpet for the aisles and green ceramic tile for the sanctuary floor. We built a baptismal font and placed it where the tabernacle had been, including a pool with running water. All of this was done with volunteer help by dedicated parishioners and others, and done for little cost (carpet & tile). I have included a few pictures. It worked out well, and is a more intimate setting for liturgy, although you do have to get used to surround visual eye contact.
The sanctuary before renovation
The crucifix with background painted to match the ceramic tile of the sanctuary.
Painted by Father Stephen West who was in residence.
View of the new set up, with tabernacle area on left, organ in former sanctuary area, and altar nearer the people.
A direct view.
A view in the opposite direction - during the blessing of Easter Foods.
We did many other fine things over those years, including festivals, dinners, the building of a picnic pavilion on the grounds, lighting in the parking areas. As I mentioned in the previous post, the Saint Paul School became a part of a Regional Catholic School named Aquinas Academy that strengthened our programs and continues to provide a strong Catholic School presence in Greensburg. We took an empty classroom on the first floor and created a Children's Liturgy of the Word gathering space and built an Atrium for the Good Shepherd program. And before my time was finished in Greensburg, we entered into a Campaign to eliminate the debt and provide seed money for the future, which proved successful. My successor, Father Dan Mahoney built upon that, stressed good stewardship and left the parish in solid financial shape. He also replaced those inefficient windows and even more importantly air conditioned the church.
There were many other things done, countless moments of blessing and grace, friendships built and strengthened, and the Kingdom lived. For it all, on this part of my journey, I am most grateful to God and to his people.
Friday, July 19, 2013
The move to Greensburg
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ..." So says Charles Dickens in the beginning of his "A Tale of Two Cities". As I reflect upon my move from Masontown to Saint Paul Parish in Greensburg on a bitterly cold January day in 1992, I would embrace this quote but with a minor change - "It was the worst of times, it became the best of times".
Let me explain the situation upon arrival. My predecessor was a good man who had served the parish well and was loved. He was to be moved by the bishop, but left active ministry instead. The concern and anger of the people was not dealt with well. When I arrived, as one sent by the same administration, I was welcomed by some, tolerated by most, and resented by a few. The bitter cold of the day was a reflection of some of what I felt. The installation Mass was nice, but it was a difficult transition.
The welcome dinner for family and priests scheduled by the administrator never happened, the bank gave me problems with the signature cards, both myself and my assistant were brand new and finding our way, Lent began soon after, the Sunday before Holy Week the Music Director quit, leaving us to scramble. This turned out to be a catalyst for a renewed liturgy and music program which continues to be an envy of many. I did what you are never to do, I changed things in the sanctuary within the first six months of arrival, making the setting more intimate. Using volunteer help and reusing materials, we did it for next to nothing. In June we received a young new associate, with the previous one staying on in residence. The associate challenged me in creative and at times frustrating ways, as I learned to live "in community". We are the best of friends to this day. My secretary quit, necessitating the continued restaffing that ultimately proved beneficial. We continued to be in debt and suffering from deficit spending, a debt that had been there since the building of the complex in the 1960's. A few years into the pastorate, we consolidated the three Catholic Schools in Greensburg into a regional Catholic school named Aquinas Academy, using our building as part of the entity, but necessitating the closure of Saint Paul school. At one point someone was interested in purchasing our campus, and while we entertained the thought of selling and rebuilding elsewhere, it was not possible with what they offered without going further into debt, and I said no.
It took me over two years to begin to make inroads and to win the support of the majority of the people. But when it happened, this assignment became "the best of times". The support of many from the beginning, of a great support staff, and the knowledge that this is where the Lord had placed me, kept me going and brought me blessing. I will share a few more thoughts and experiences from my days at the Church of Saint Paul soon, along with a few pictures.
Let me explain the situation upon arrival. My predecessor was a good man who had served the parish well and was loved. He was to be moved by the bishop, but left active ministry instead. The concern and anger of the people was not dealt with well. When I arrived, as one sent by the same administration, I was welcomed by some, tolerated by most, and resented by a few. The bitter cold of the day was a reflection of some of what I felt. The installation Mass was nice, but it was a difficult transition.
The welcome dinner for family and priests scheduled by the administrator never happened, the bank gave me problems with the signature cards, both myself and my assistant were brand new and finding our way, Lent began soon after, the Sunday before Holy Week the Music Director quit, leaving us to scramble. This turned out to be a catalyst for a renewed liturgy and music program which continues to be an envy of many. I did what you are never to do, I changed things in the sanctuary within the first six months of arrival, making the setting more intimate. Using volunteer help and reusing materials, we did it for next to nothing. In June we received a young new associate, with the previous one staying on in residence. The associate challenged me in creative and at times frustrating ways, as I learned to live "in community". We are the best of friends to this day. My secretary quit, necessitating the continued restaffing that ultimately proved beneficial. We continued to be in debt and suffering from deficit spending, a debt that had been there since the building of the complex in the 1960's. A few years into the pastorate, we consolidated the three Catholic Schools in Greensburg into a regional Catholic school named Aquinas Academy, using our building as part of the entity, but necessitating the closure of Saint Paul school. At one point someone was interested in purchasing our campus, and while we entertained the thought of selling and rebuilding elsewhere, it was not possible with what they offered without going further into debt, and I said no.
It took me over two years to begin to make inroads and to win the support of the majority of the people. But when it happened, this assignment became "the best of times". The support of many from the beginning, of a great support staff, and the knowledge that this is where the Lord had placed me, kept me going and brought me blessing. I will share a few more thoughts and experiences from my days at the Church of Saint Paul soon, along with a few pictures.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Unexpected leaders/heroes
For the last few weeks in our daily Mass readings we have heard the story of two individuals that lived different lives generations apart, yet were destined by God to be great leaders and unexpected heroes to their people.
The first was a young man, the last of many sons, who was the apple of his Father's eye. He was a shepherd like his brothers, but because of his father's affection for him, his brothers were angry and jealous. They even plotted to kill him, but then changed their minds and sold him into slavery. He ended up in Egypt and unexpectedly a slave in Pharaoh's court. God had a watchful eye on him. His name was Joseph.
He came to the attention of Pharaoh, and with blessing and insight given him by God he saw an impending worldwide famine. Pharaoh placed him in charge of the preparations for these hard times. Thus Egypt had plenty, while most of the world starved. Joseph was given responsibility to share the bounty.
Along comes his family to seek help. They come to Pharaoh's steward, whom they have no clue is their brother. He recognizes them, but keeps it a secret until at last he reveals that "I am Joseph, your brother". He welcomes his family, reunites and forgives their envy and treachery, and invites them to Egypt where he places them in the most prosperous Nile delta in the land of Goshen, and they prosper. Joseph, God's chosen and anointed, Egypt's leader and his family's hero, takes center stage and becomes an unexpected leader/hero.
From Israel's descendants comes another unexpected leader/hero whose name is Moses. Born in a time of hardship and dread for his people, his very survival is secured through treachery. Set adrift in a reed basket to save his life, he is found by Pharaoh's daughter and raised as her own. Even as a foreigner, he is accorded rank and privilege in Court. He is blessed by God with a role of leadership but through an identity crisis and series of events finds himself out on his rear and fearing for his life.
He leaves what he knows, becomes a shepherd of flocks, and encounters a God in a fiery bush that would not give up on him. He becomes a spokesperson for his people, once again in the Court of Pharaoh, but this time as the voice of God, a voice of challenge, sharing a call for freedom, and meeting hostility on all sides except God's.
We know the story ... we know the exodus ... we know the struggle of the reborn People of God ... and we see a man, touched by the hand of God, who becomes an unexpected leader and hero of another sort.
What does this say to us? Maybe this - that God works with what he has, that his ways are marvelously mysterious, and that he provides the moment with his blessings, even if it comes through unexpected leader/heroes.
The first was a young man, the last of many sons, who was the apple of his Father's eye. He was a shepherd like his brothers, but because of his father's affection for him, his brothers were angry and jealous. They even plotted to kill him, but then changed their minds and sold him into slavery. He ended up in Egypt and unexpectedly a slave in Pharaoh's court. God had a watchful eye on him. His name was Joseph.
He came to the attention of Pharaoh, and with blessing and insight given him by God he saw an impending worldwide famine. Pharaoh placed him in charge of the preparations for these hard times. Thus Egypt had plenty, while most of the world starved. Joseph was given responsibility to share the bounty.
Along comes his family to seek help. They come to Pharaoh's steward, whom they have no clue is their brother. He recognizes them, but keeps it a secret until at last he reveals that "I am Joseph, your brother". He welcomes his family, reunites and forgives their envy and treachery, and invites them to Egypt where he places them in the most prosperous Nile delta in the land of Goshen, and they prosper. Joseph, God's chosen and anointed, Egypt's leader and his family's hero, takes center stage and becomes an unexpected leader/hero.
From Israel's descendants comes another unexpected leader/hero whose name is Moses. Born in a time of hardship and dread for his people, his very survival is secured through treachery. Set adrift in a reed basket to save his life, he is found by Pharaoh's daughter and raised as her own. Even as a foreigner, he is accorded rank and privilege in Court. He is blessed by God with a role of leadership but through an identity crisis and series of events finds himself out on his rear and fearing for his life.
He leaves what he knows, becomes a shepherd of flocks, and encounters a God in a fiery bush that would not give up on him. He becomes a spokesperson for his people, once again in the Court of Pharaoh, but this time as the voice of God, a voice of challenge, sharing a call for freedom, and meeting hostility on all sides except God's.
We know the story ... we know the exodus ... we know the struggle of the reborn People of God ... and we see a man, touched by the hand of God, who becomes an unexpected leader and hero of another sort.
What does this say to us? Maybe this - that God works with what he has, that his ways are marvelously mysterious, and that he provides the moment with his blessings, even if it comes through unexpected leader/heroes.
++++++++++++++++++++
Your Prayers Requested
I attended the funeral Mass for Mrs. Margaret Berkey at Saint Rose Parish in Latrobe. Mrs. Berkey is the mother of one of our priests - Father Bill Berkey. Many family and friends were there, along with about thirty-five of Bill's brother priests and Bishop Brandt. May she rest in peace.
Father Bill presided and preached, and provided a wonderful send off for his Mom. Having done that for both of my parents, I can attest that it is not easy. I'm sure Bill's Mom was very proud of her son.
Father Bill is the new pastor (since June 25th) of the new parish of Saint Francis of Assisi in Western Fayette County - a monumental task of pulling together six parish communities into one. Maybe he is one of those unexpected leader/heroes for that community at this moment in time. Say an extra prayer for him in the days ahead. Thanks.
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