When Susan and Frank Vietmeier were married on September 12, 1959, in the parish they grew up in, the current church didn’t even exist. More than a half century later, they’re leaving a lasting legacy.
“When Holy Trinity church was built, we were in our 20s and raising our son,” Susan remembers. “We weren’t able to donate then. Now it’s our turn to give. We want to make sure that we pass the faith onto the next generation.”
Pat James grew up with a burning desire to share her Catholic faith, but never dreamed she would go on to become a master catechist and help bring Christ to thousands of young people.
Mother Teresa’s lifelong devotion to caring for the poor and sick inspired millions worldwide, and her holy example lives on in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
A benefactor was deeply moved by a story about how a sister with the Missionaries of Charity told Mother Teresa one day that there was not enough food in the kitchen to feed those begging at the door. She was instructed to go pray, and not long afterwards they were blessed with a large donation of food.
Rebekah Grinnen teaches in a public school district but is grateful for the opportunity to send her four children to Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Ellwood City, thanks to support from the Bishop’s Education Fund and other assistance.
“Not only are my children receiving a quality education, but the opportunity for them to openly give praise to God is precious,” Mrs. Grinnen said. “As a public school teacher, I come into contact with hundreds of students on a daily basis. I can easily spot those who have attended Catholic school. Their morality and presence truly stand out from all of the rest.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.