Deacon Michael Ackerman has always known that God wanted him to teach. But instead of helping junior high school students learn history and economics, he will be helping families to understand and deepen their faith as a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Category Archives: Our Campaign
SEMINARIAN FORMATION
“IT MAKES ME FEEL GREAT TO HELP”
Colin and Caleb Fitzhenry, brothers who attend Saint Agnes Parish School in West Mifflin, are no strangers to helping others in need.
“Mom always says it’s better to volunteer than to get paid,” said Caleb, a 5th grader who is helping raise money for Our Campaign for The Church Alive! With guidance from their principal, Sister Cynthia Wessel, students have enthusiastically joined a fundraising drive that will last five years and benefit children across our Diocese through programs such as the Bishop’s Education Fund.
IN CITIES, OUT IN THE COUNTRY, A CHURCH ALIVE!
Father John Bauer is the first to admit he was worried about inviting his parishioners to participate in Our Campaign for The Church Alive!
The pastor of St. Hugh and Our Lady of Consolation parishes in Greene County knows the difficulties facing his flock. The local economy is still struggling as coal mines cut production and power plants shut down. Father Bauer thought the timing of the campaign was off.
‘ENCORE’ FOR RETIRED PRIESTS
When Father Jeremiah O’Shea began thinking about retirement, he looked forward the next stage of his priestly ministry but he also wondered if there would be a void.
The longtime pastor of St. Winifred Parish in Mt. Lebanon had been busy as a senior priest in recent years, celebrating Mass, presiding at baptisms, weddings and funerals and doing some counseling.
THE DREAM OF JESUS
Folks in Webster Springs, West Virginia, don’t have much. Jobs in coal and timber are scarce. Nearly a third of the 776 residents live below the poverty line. They need help.
That’s why Father Jay Donahue has led a group of young people the past two summers on mission trips to Webster Springs to help rebuild homes. As administrator of Saints Simon and Jude Parish in Scott Township, it’s one of his dreams—that we reach out to people in need and center our lives on Christ.
EMBRACING CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
St. Bernard Parish in Mt. Lebanon held a ministry fair in 2012 for parishioners who wanted to get more involved in their church. It was a tremendous success, with more than 200 people volunteering for about 50 parish ministries.
BRIAN ON BROADWAY
Brian McGhen opened his four piggy-banks to give everything to his church. Parishioners at Saint Patrick Parish in McKeesport and others opened their hearts and helped fulfill Brian’s dream to see a Broadway show.
PASSING ON THE GREATEST GIFT
What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
A child might say an iPhone or an Xbox 360. Adults might remember that surprise gift of expensive jewelry, or maybe a vacation trip.
What’s the best present you’ve ever given?
DISCIPLESHIP
Something special is taking place in Our Campaign for The Church Alive! that goes beyond the important work of raising funds for extraordinary needs across our diocese.
Father Jim Murphy has witnessed it in Butler. So has Father Frank Almade in New Castle, Father Paul Grunebach in Fredericktown/ Marianna, along with dozens of their brother priests.
PARISHES ALREADY BENEFITING AS CAMPAIGN MOMENTUM GROWS
The firstfruits are being harvested in parishes across the Diocese of Pittsburgh, as Our Campaign for The Church Alive! gears up for 2014.
Thanks to the generosity of the faithful, stained glass windows and church organs already have been repaired, roofs replaced, and new technology will bring the Mass to thousands more people.