Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh

Good Works Report to Donors 2020-2021

The faithful of the Church of Pittsburgh responded overwhelming to Bishop David Zubik’s call to provide sacrificial gifts to meet pressing needs in parishes and across the diocese. This final report to donors details how donations have made an impact today and for years to come.

Thank you for your trust in the clergy and volunteers who led the Campaign, and our Lord who gives us all that is good.

MISSIONARIES TRUSTING IN GOD

Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood lost most of its Catholic population in recent decades. Young urban missionaries see that as an opportunity for outreach.

“I think the Lord has called us here and I’m confident he has great plans for us,” said Tiana DeLorge, 24, leader of a Vagabond Missions team that is beginning its ministry in Allentown. “People have been very welcoming and they’re glad to have us here.”

Spiritual awakening program expanding to schools

As a cradle Catholic, Mike Sealy thought he understood what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus. That was before ChristLife came to his parish.

"It was a life changing experience," said Sealy, who helped to lead the evangelization program at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Hopewell Township, Beaver County. "I always got the Catholic faith intellectually but it wasn't in my heart. I learned how to make myself available to Jesus through prayer."

Grant aids parish youth ministry

Amanda Filotei, 16, admitted that her life had gotten too busy. She didn't always make time for God. Joining a new youth group helped to get her priorities straight.

"I've learned that no matter what, God is always there for you," she said. "I'm looking forward to growing closer to Him so I don't stray again."

Young people key to Duquesne's renewal

Father Tom Lewandowski remembers growing up in Duquesne when the sprawling steel mill employed thousands, pews were packed every Sunday in the city's four Catholic churches and students filled three Catholic schools.

Today, U.S. Steel's Duquesne Works is long gone, shuttered in 1984 and later torn down. The Catholic schools closed, and Duquesne's parishes are now joined with two neighboring churches in West Mifflin. But as parish administrator, Father Lewandowski has high hopes for a spiritual renewal.

OUR CAMPAIGN FOR THE CHURCH ALIVE!

'DEPAUL SCHOOL HAS MEANT SO MUCH TO US'

The prenatal visits gave no sign of problems. But soon after Luke Worgul was born, doctors came back with the diagnosis: Luke had moderate hearing loss. At two months old, he was fitted with a hearing aid.

April is beginning the process of having her marriage annulled in the Catholic Church. Cathleen was just granted an annulment. Both feel a spiritual healing as they are fully welcomed into their faith communities.

After returning from an innovative diocesan course about spiritual gifts and roles, a group of parish staff members decided to put into action what they had learned about leadership for effective ministry.