When Father Harry Bielewicz learned that the Diocese of Pittsburgh was launching a historic initiative to grow the Church Alive, he looked beyond the walls of his three Butler churches and into the faces of the faithful and others in need.

Our Campaign for The Church Alive! will allow Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Michael the Archangel parishes in Butler to expand outreach efforts to the poor in the local community and in Appalachia, help area families afford a Catholic education, teach the faith to adults, and evangelize. Important building renovation projects also are planned.

The way Father Harry sees it, the Campaign is a unique opportunity to invest extraordinary resources in people and programs as well as places.

“We have a chance to give back to ourselves and our community, as well as to our diocese,” he said. “Our parishioners are very generous. Working together we can do great things.”

Set to begin their parish campaigns in September, all three churches will strive to increase their support to the Center for Community Resources, Butler County Emergency Relief Initiative, Community Health Clinic of Butler County, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Charities.

In addition, plans are underway to set aside funds for evangelization, a Jesus Alive and Living (JAL) mission trip to Appalachia, a special project in a foreign country, scholarships for Catholic elementary and high school students, and adult education.

Our Campaign for The Church Alive! will meet the extraordinary needs of parishes and our diocese, according to Bishop David Zubik, above and beyond regular offertory support, by investing in the future of our Catholic family’s spiritual, educational and charitable ministries.

The goal is to help address the urgent needs in the life of our church—to sustain and strengthen parishes, invigorate evangelization, revitalize sacramental life, support education and formation in the faith, train clergy and lay leaders, and serve the poor and marginalized.

A Faith Across the Centuries

Saint Peter was the first parish in Butler County, founded in 1821. Saint Paul parish followed in 1867. Saint Michael the Archangel was established in 1909.

All three current church buildings have been maintained over the years, but there are needs. Saint Peter requires a new boiler in the parish hall, and pew repairs and carpeting in the church. Restoring the beautiful stained glass windows at Saint Paul parish is a major endeavor, along with the hall kitchen and restrooms. Saint Michael the Archangel is in need of repairs to its school and office.

Plans are to use campaign funds for all of these projects. However, the “case statements” for the three parishes is balanced between infrastructure development, spiritual needs, and charitable works.

Working in collaboration with other agencies, the Center for Community Resources coordinates local supportive services for mental health, substance abuse and other human service needs. The Butler County Emergency Relief Initiative helps local residents whose lives have been impacted by a significant emergency, as well as providing utility assistance, financial literacy and home weatherization. The Community Health Clinic of Butler County serves working families who lack health insurance, offering primary and preventive medical care and free medications when possible.

“The gospel message is clear,” said Father Harry. “Jesus told us, ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you did it to me.’ And we’re going to try to do that.”