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.
Back in the 1980s, the director of religious education at St. Winifred Parish in Mt. Lebanon saw leadership qualities in Mrs. James, who was teaching mentally disabled students, and urged her to pursue religious studies. With support from the newly-established Fathers Farina Fund, she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Duquesne University, then a master’s in religious education—while raising five children.
“We all did our homework together,” Mrs. James said. “I wanted it so badly, helping other catechists to be as excited as I was. The faith gets into your blood and you want to do more.”
Founded by Rev. Edward Farina as a memorial to his four older brothers who also became priests in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Fathers Farina Fund has invested in catechetical administrators, helping with the cost of studies to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees or an undergraduate theology certificate to teach the faith to children who do not attend Catholic schools.
Today, the fund is nearly depleted. Our Campaign for The Church Alive! will infuse $4 million to endow an annual income stream of approximately $200,000 for professional development of catechetical administrators.
“This will be like heaven; the fund is so important,” said Judy Kirk, director of the diocesan Department for Religious Education. “Not every child goes to a Catholic school, and we’re all entitled to the faith through our baptism.”
Over the past three decades, 27 program managers have benefited from the scholarship fund, and eleven of them have gone on to pursue graduate studies. More than 80 parish program managers currently lead about 4,500 volunteer catechists across the diocese.
Father Edward Farina was an early supporter of parish religious education. Appointed pastor of Christ the King Parish in Ambridge in 1958, he enlisted the support of the Sisters of St. Joseph to help teach the children. Sister Frances Rooney became the first parish coordinator the following year and served until 1975.
“What Father Ed Farina did for the catechetical ministry was amazing,” Mrs. Kirk said. “Before the fund was established, there wasn’t any way to help out. Afterwards, priests and their families were able to contribute to the fund in honor or memory of relatives.”
The need for parish religious education is stronger today than ever.
“Times have changed,” Mrs. Kirk observed. “We live in a secular society. Our parents care, but they don’t always know their responsibilities in teaching the faith. Some attend Mass, some don’t. Children learn from example, especially their parents’ example.”
Pat James, who went on to serve as director of religious education at St. Winifred’s for 11 years after receiving her education, agrees with that assessment.
“Parents are the first teachers of the faith and they get a boost from the catechists,” Mrs. James said. “Today our parish teaches family catechesis, where the children, parents and grandparents all grow in the faith together.
“The Fathers Farina Fund was very important. I put that education to good use, helping to train catechists as well as teach the children.”
“Parents need that spiritual nourishment. God is attracting them to the faith,” Mrs. Kirk said. “The desire is there, but they don’t know what to do about it. Faith is a gift and they need to use it.
“With the Fathers Farina Fund fully endowed, we can soar,” Mrs. Kirk concluded. “That gives me hope. As Bishop Zubik asks, ‘Are you excited about your faith?’ If you are, others will catch it.”
