Category Archives: Our Campaign

When Saint Victor Parish in Bairdford began as a mission nearly a century ago, many of its founders were farmers. Without realizing it, parishioners today are following their example of sowing seeds.

“For the first time we have a seminarian from Saint Victor, and through Our Campaign for The Church Alive!, our parish will be able to help those studying for the priesthood,” said Father Charles Speicher, pastor of Saint Victor. “Before the campaign, parishioners here hadn’t thought much about the cost of educating seminarians. On a practical level, that will bear fruit for future generations.”

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Thomas A. Edison once remarked, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Father Paul Grunebach didn’t miss out.

The pastor of Saint Oliver Plunkett Parish in Greene County seized an opportunity last year by taking part in the initial phase of Our Campaign for The Church Alive! In all, 11 pilot parishes provided a powerful example for the other 188 parishes to follow. Father Grunebach’s fellow priests took note.

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Rose Altemare may be elderly but she’s not afraid of change.  So when her family bought her a computer tablet, she quickly learned a new way to take part in the daily Masses from Saint Paul Cathedral and Saint Mary of Mercy Church.

Once shown only on Comcast channel 95 in the City of Pittsburgh, Masses are now live-streamed on Christian AssociatesTV.org, thanks to sacrificial gifts to Our Campaign for The Church Alive! from the late Rita M. McGinley and Ann & Frank V. Cahouet Foundation.

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More parishioners are entering the doors these days at Prince of Peace Parish on Pittsburgh’s South Side, and Father Bernard “Mike” Harcarik thought that would be a good place to begin renovations.

Funds from Our Campaign for The Church Alive! are being used to repair doors and paint the vestibules at the parish’s two worship sites, Saint Adalbert and Saint Peter. Other interior improvements are ahead, along with plans to reduce the parish debt.

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Jeff and Lauren Heiger didn’t think of themselves as evangelists when they signed on as campaign volunteers. But one year later they remain energized, fully alive in their faith and taking to heart Bishop David Zubik’s new pastoral letter, The Church Evangelizing!

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Justin Puharic has Down syndrome but would be the last person to believe he’s different than anyone else.

The 17-year old leads an active life. He loves school, takes part in extracurricular activities and enjoys time with his family and many friends.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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