“Each one should give, then as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.” ~ 2 Cor 9:7 -->

K. George Schoeppner - A Smiling Face in the Crowd 

We gather from near and far, family and friends, at St. John Capistran Church in Upper Saint Clair, Pa. to celebrate the Christian Funeral Liturgy of Thanksgiving for the life and the soul of K. George Schoeppner. George was called home to God on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the age of 75, most fittingly on the feast of one of the most acclaimed and treasured saints of Christianity who appealed to both religious and non-religious: St. Francis of Assisi, lover of God, creation, nature, animals, the poor, lepers and peace. 

When I received the telephone call last Thursday informing me that George was being taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh with an aortic aneurism, in having served as a hospital chaplain for many years, I knew this news was bad and perhaps fatal. My heart and my prayers leapt for him as I asked the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi to be with him especially in this most dangerous and critical time. Hours later his son, Mark called to inform me that I didn’t need to make the trip to the hospital following the blessing of the pets at St. Joseph Parish that day, as God had called his father home. But God’s timing is perfect - every time! God has specific purposes and plans for each of us, far beyond our own timing. I thought to myself, what greater homecoming could there be than in this fruitful ‘harvest’ season, after living such a faith-filled life? George lived life to the fullest, and I feel that God spared him and was merciful to him in calling him home so suddenly and unexpectedly. Early the following morning, while visiting a dying patient in the ICU of Sewickley Valley Hospital, I spoke to a surgeon about George. He informed me that 75% of those who have aortic aneurisms at home die. Those who survive the ordeal have a limited existence. That information gave me a sense of reassurance and calm. George’s life was so robust, that anything other than that would not have suited him. I pray that my presence to George’s family will be one of comfort and healing in the midst of their loss, sorrow and sadness. “What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion.” (Proverbs 15:23) 

I have known George for 2 decades, having met him while serving as an assistant priest at St. Thomas More Church in Bethel Park, Pa. It is only fitting that, we gather at a church to give thanks to God for the graces of making this journey together in faith, friendship and love. I am grateful for the many occasions to have been part of this family’s history, whether celebrating the wedding of a family member, sharing a dinner at the Duquesne Club, cheering for George’s alma mater, the Pitt Panthers at a basketball game at the Petersen Center, listening to a concert given by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, or just sharing a simple lunch in the cafeteria at Mercy Hospital, while I served as chaplain there. 

Whatever assignment I was given, every 6 weeks or so, George and his wife Barbara would follow me and say, “We’re just checking up on you! We’re making sure you are happy and healthy.” And with a twinkle in his eye, George would add, “God loves you and so do we! A good homily helps the visit!” 

He would always offer his signature bear hug as he whispered, “Love you, Fr. Rich, pray for our family.” I pray especially today for you as I stand with humble joy, blessed and honored to share and name some of the graces and lessons that I have gleaned in journeying with him. The following are some lessons learned from George’s life: 

1. He was a ‘God-fearing’, ‘faith-filled’ man, not foolish or reckless. Faith permeated all areas of his life. He was a happy man, a humble man, a holy man, a gentle man, a thankful man, a just man and a family man. “Those who fear the Lord will live because they have put their trust in the one who can save them. Fear the Lord, and you will have nothing else to fear.” (Sirach 34:13)

2. He was a “good-finder” not a fault-finder. I would ask him, “George, in your complex and busy life, how do you keep it together and balance it?” He found that the prescription was always kindness. Kindness picks others up when troubles weigh them down. He always found the good in people, in work, in every day, or in every situation.

3. He was a unifier, not a divider. He sought to include not exclude. Mass time, family meal time, and vacation time were important to him. As the family grew, his heart expanded with an inclusive love that left no one outside of its mantle. He was a ‘life-giver’, not a ‘death-dealer’. He strove for unity, oneness and harmony. 

4. He was a team-player, not a braggart, whether on the basketball court, on the baseball diamond, while being the coach of a Little League baseball team in Upper Saint Clair. He focused on team work and positivity with a ‘can-do’ winning attitude. He brought out the best in every player. He found the seeds of victory even in life’s little defeats. He gave a ‘thumbs up’ whether calling signals as a father, as a coach or for his clients in the boardroom. His delight was in serving and helping others. 

5. He was a faithful friend to countless, and a foe to few. He didn’t dodge difficult situations. “An honest answer is the sign of true friendship.” (Proverbs 24:26) He won people by his contagious and joyful smile that would shatter the gloom and heaviness of life’s adversities. His ‘sunburst smile’ penetrated the darkest of days. “Smiling faces make you happy and good news makes you feel better.” (Proverbs 15:30.) He would sign all his greeting cards with 2 smiling faces, and the words, “Be happy! We love you!” He was a lover, not a be-grudger. 

6. He was humble, not pretentious. He made everyone feel loved, special and so important. Everyone knew they meant the world to him. “Be humble in everything you do, and people will appreciate it more than gifts. The greater you become, the more humble you should be, then the Lord will be pleased with you.” (Sirach 3:17-18) The 8th century prophet Micah (6:8), gave us the ‘masterpiece of life’: “This is what the Lord requires of us: to do what is just, to show constant love and to walk humbly with our God.” George lived this prophetic message every day.

7. He was a peace-maker, not a troublemaker. We all make choices in life for good or ill, but it’s best not to condemn ourselves mercilessly or blame others endlessly, instead accept the peace that comes through forgiveness. God’s love is the key to forgiveness.

 “Every day of your life, keep the Lord, God in mind. Never sin deliberately or disobey any of His commands. Always do what is right and never get involved in anything evil. Be honest, and you will succeed in whatever you do.” (Tobit 4:5-6) George’s goal was to live in peace with God, himself and others… always.

St. Francis believed, “Sanctify yourself, and you will sanctify society. It is not fitting, when one is in God’s service to have a gloomy face or a chilling look.” George chose to be happy, smile on the world, and live his faith daily. He was grateful in all things. God certainly smiled on us in the ‘gift’ of George! St. Francis, St. John Capistran, St. Thomas More, St. Joseph and St. George, come to his aid! Angels of the Lord, lead him to his everlasting home in heaven!

“Each one should give, then as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.” ~ 2 Cor 9:7

Life: Never take a breath for granted.

“Smile! Your mom chose life!”

~ from a bumper sticker

Life: Never take a breath for granted. 

A parishioner told me that the 4 days of the Parish Mission were the highlight of her 2012 year. It was inspiring that 904 people took the time to attend the mission with Fr. Albert Haase, OFM, and the Concert of Praise with Tom Franzak, (September 24-27, 2012), especially in a culture where time is at a premium. The polls tell us that only 10% of a parish will attend a mission. We took Fr. Albert Haase around Pittsburgh to see the sights as well as to St. Paul Seminary to visit the seminarians. We also went to St. John Vianney Manor, the retirement home for priests. The older priests there knew the importance of having a Retreat Master visit, and some even asked to receive the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with him. On Wednesday of mission week there were 7 priest confessors who listened for 75 minutes to approx. 150 penitents who came for confessions. 

The last night of the mission I travelled to Jefferson Hills to see a newly built church, St. Thomas a Becket Parish, that Bishop Zubik dedicated on September 23, 2012. As I went into that new building, which has a seating capacity of 850 and which cost over $8 million, I was drawn to the “Lord’s Supper” mosaic on the altar. It was taken from Sacred Heart Church in McKeesport. As I knelt before the altar I looked at the Lord as he shared the meal, passing faith on through the apostles, from century to century, generation to generation, culture to culture, community to community, person to person, and has made manifest Jesus’ enduring presence. With each participation of the holy sacrifice of the Mass we are to grow in more perfect charity and reverence for those who have gone before us, marked by the sign of faith, those on the pilgrimage now, and future disciples of Jesus yet to be named, that trod this holy path to the house of the Lord. 

Friday, September 28 was the 5th anniversary of the Installation of the 12th Bishop of Pittsburgh, David A. Zubik. In honor of this occasion, he offered a Mass of Thanksgiving at 11:00 am at the Little Sisters of the Poor, who provided a homemade lunch for him, his father, aunt, and all his diocesan staff. I was delighted to congratulate him on this very happy occasion and I thought to myself, “These past 5 years have been the happiest of my priesthood!” With every ounce of height and breath he has animated the Church of Pittsburgh in new and marvelous ways into being “The Church Alive!” The bishop was aware that we were having a Parish Mission at St. Joseph and he inquired how it went. I remarked that we had a “Bible Thumping’, New Orleans Franciscan, who “gave ‘em hell, fire, and brimstone!” His theme was “Signed and Sealed with the Cross.” For 1800 years Christians have traced the sign of the cross: God, the Father: whose love is unconditional; God, the Son: who took our flesh through the Incarnation and became one with us; who knows our story from the inside out. (We must trust, as we walk through the shadows of the darkness of the cross, that he will bring us to a brighter tomorrow when Jesus claims our greatest treasure - our heart’s love.) God, the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the ‘operating system’ of the Christian’s life, who enlivens and empowers us to heroically and courageously live the Christian call to be his witness.

A Christian is literally a ‘little Christ’, endowed with the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1. Wisdom: (Latin: “sapientia”), to savor; taste; the fruit of deep spiritual experience; not book-learning

2. Understanding: A ‘eureka’ experience of spiritual insight; to stand under
3. Knowledge: Traditionally called ’The Science of the Saints’

4. Council: Right judgment; the ability to respond to a situation; to size it up; to discern alternatives and not simply react. (Spiritual directors and counselors are t rusted advisors who guide us on the spiritual path. It is important to remember that we “vote with our feet”
.
5. Fortitude: (Latin), strength; courage; lights a fire in the belly; transforms ordinary people into prophets who stand up for what is right and defend their convictions. Fortitude is inner strength that gives one determination, assurance and confidence to make decisions even if one has to stand alone.

6. Piety: (Greek: “eusebia”), Godliness; devotion. The Latin word, “pietas” means responsibility and a sense of duty and devotion, where one loves others, not because one has to or should, but because God loves us.

7. Fear of the Lord: Traditionally we think fear means anxiety, dread or trepidation. But in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, it is really the response of “wonder and awe” of God’s presence, action and manifestation in our lives. Fear of the Lord means fascination; e.g., “the fingernail of the baby”, “the texture of soil” “a full moon in autumn”; to see the world of microbes which exist, as seen through the lens of a microscope. “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” -Proverbs 1:7.
Jesus, in today’s gospel (Mark 10:2-16), gives a theology class of ‘Marriage 101’. Jesus upholds His teaching that marriage is an “indissoluble, holy, blessed, life-long commitment between one man and one woman.” Marriage, in any age and in every age highlights personal commitment and sacrifice. The significance of a life-long commitment is many times not particularly appreciated in a culture where ‘anything goes’ and ‘doing my own thing’ is the name of the game. In the Sacrament of Marriage, as in the Christian vocation of love, Jesus calls us to a self-giving, permanent and life-fulfilling commitment that Christ calls us to embrace. In any vocation we must work through the rough patches. We must continue to learn and sacrifice self for another as we participate in love, in its purist and most unselfish and divine form.

When I returned home to the rectory after spending time with Bishop Zubik, I encountered a 22 year old girl with her arm around the pole, standing near the street. She was busy texting. She looked to be about 8 months pregnant, and her little boy was at her side clinging to her leg as the traffic flew by. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest as I watched them from my window. I thought, “What greater visual aid could the Lord provide me with on this Respect Life weekend, than a pregnant woman with a child at her side?” “Discipline your children while they are young enough to learn. If you don’t, you are helping them destroy themselves.” ~Proverbs 19:18

Our Greatest Title: “A Child of God”

“Love and do what you will. If you keep silent, keep silent by love. If you speak, speak by love. If you correct, correct by love. If you pardon, pardon by love. Let love be rooted in you, and from this root, nothing but good can grow.”

~St. Augustine of Hippo

Our Greatest Title: “A Child of God”

Recently the Knights of Columbus hosted an appreciation dinner in honor of all priests, religious, and lay persons in the local area. In 1882, in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, Fr. Michael McGivney (1852-1890), while serving as assistant pastor of Saint Mary Church in New Haven, CT, founded the Knights of Columbus. The firm foundation of the Knights of Columbus has made this organization the largest Catholic Fraternity in the world. On March 15, 2008, the Archdiocese of Hartford, Ct. opened an investigation into his life for the cause of his beatification and canonization.

Fr. McGivney was the son of Irish immigrants and ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop James Gibbons. His magnetic faith, positive spirit, compassionate brotherhood reached far and wide in his short 13 years as a curate and pastor. Pope Benedict XVI recognized Fr. McGivney as an individual possessing heroic virtue, thus giving him the title, “Venerable Servant of God.” Fr. McGivney’s life was cut short at the age of 38 due to complications from pneumonia.

The members of the Knights of Columbus await a miracle through his intercession. If canonized, he would be the first American-born parish priest to be formally sainted. Can you see the landslide deficit I have a as a parish priest to become a saint in America?

The Knights are men of faith and men of action. Through countless acts of charity they bring the eyes of faith to our world both nationally and internationally. This organization fostered strength through social benefits, and financial security. Most of us are familiar with the pageantry and regalia of the Knights in colorful attire. Their presence graces many occasions throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh as they attend numerous functions at St. Paul Cathedral as well as churches throughout the diocese.

They enjoy such charitable partnerships with Special Olympics, the Global Wheel Chair Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Food for Families, and Coats for Kids among others. Locally, the Knights help out with the St. Anthony Programs for special needs children by conducting penny drives at local parishes throughout the year. I felt Fr. McGivney’s spirit in our gathering that night through our meal sharing, faith-fellowship, and humorous stories. The Knights bestowed a token of appreciation on the religious and clergy gathered there for communicating God’s love and spreading His gospel in our communities.

There were 2 Felician sisters who were celebrating their 50th Golden Jubilee's and 1 sister celebrating 70 years. The spokesperson at the banquet mentioned that Sr. Felicity, who was celebrating 70 years in religious life would now be able to retire. At my table sat Sr. Philip, whose nephew is Fr. Bernie Hebda of Gaylord, MI. She piped up, “No, no, no! He said it wrong, Father. Correct him! We don’t retire, we only expire when God calls us home.” Sr. Philip was born and raised in the South Side of Pittsburgh, where she attended St. Adalbert Parish and she lived in Rome for 6 years as well as in Brazil where she taught French and Spanish. Sr. Philip also taught at the former St. Joseph School in Coraopolis as well as serving as Pastoral Associate at St. Louise de Marillac in Upper St. Clair, PA.

As I walked into our school on Catechetical Sunday, there was new excitement in the air as we welcomed new students to our CCD program, especially in a parish whose school recently closed. As I went from room to room, asking students their names, I inquired, “What name do we all share in common through our Baptism? The name of Jesus Christ— and being a Christian.” Our name is important. We are called that name throughout our lives. But the name “Christian” is far more important, as we make known His presence to others that we meet each day.

Jesus told his disciples, “Whoever wants to be first, must place himself last of all and be servant of all.” This was revolutionary (there was no pecking order.) Then he took a child and had him stand in front of them. He put his arms around him and said to them, “Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me, but the one who sent me.” (Mark 8:35-37) In Aramaic, the word, “talya” means “both child and servant.” Jesus says in effect, the least of all, the servant, (the child) is the greatest. Jesus invites his disciples to this kind of selflessness and powerlessness so true Christian greatness is found only in loving service of others.

The American Bishops’ Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization recently wrote a document “Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization.” It gives alarming stats that only 23% of US Catholics attend Mass each week which means 77% are absent from the Eucharistic feast. But these are not strangers. They are our parents, siblings, spouses, children and friends. The document states that the ’exodus’ from the Mass is not related to controversial issues but rather a gradual slipping away of the faith. It mentions that Catholics stop attending Mass because they:

1. Have busy schedules, or lack of time

2. Have family responsibilities

3. Have health problems or disabilities

4. Have conflicts with work

5. Do not believe missing Mass is a sin

6. Believe that they are not very religious people

As all the CCD children filled the church with parents and families, I reminded them how important God’s house is to our Christian formation throughout our entire life. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit within a Christian community that a person is formed as a disciple of Christ.

“Be proud that you are helping God to bear the cross, and don’t grasp at comforts. It is only mercenaries who expect to be paid by the day. Serve Him without pay.” ~St. Teresa of Avila


Discipleship—No Side-Stepping the Cross

Nothing in my priestly ministry grounds me more than when I visit the sick at the hospital. Many of my siblings have also dedicated their lives to the service of others in the healing professions. Several times a week I visit people in the hospital. Inevitably I find myself on the rehabilitation floor of the orthopedic department. I’ve shared many stories with Dr. Amy D’Antonio, whose specialty is Physical Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation. She serves as the physician for Central Valley High School in Center Twp., Beaver Co. It is good to share stories of faith from our respective positions.

Recently I met two patients who were in the same room, had the same doctor, belonged to the same parish, and shared the same pain: one had a hip replacement and the other a knee replacement. As I walked in to visit them, I was delighted that there was family there to give them courage and strength under trying circumstances. Both patients communicated to me that their lives had come to a screeching halt and the only answer was relief through surgery. But there would be a long charted course of rehabilitation, in order to reach the ‘end’ and arrive at a ‘new beginning’ .

The doctor conveyed that physicians ‘overhaul’ and ‘re-toll’ the parts of the physical anatomy. She hoped that they would also have a renewal or restoration of faith. She would say, “Fr. Rich, we repair the physical parts and send them out to continue their journey at home. You do the important part of preparing their hearts and souls for their journey to their eternal home.” Isn’t it humbling to walk and help one another as disciples of the Lord? I believe that the spiritual life is one of making progress and back-sliding. We are either moving forward or we’re losing ground. But there is no standing still in neutral with discipleship.

The gospel of St. Mark has a brief introduction and then it makes us come face to face with the identity of the cross. Jesus begins to show his disciples that the road to fulfillment is through suffering. This picture of suffering, death, and resurrection puts everything into perspective. Three times, Jesus repeats this prophecy and three times they appear dense, dumb, and clueless. Caesarea Philippi is the turning point and the middle of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus turns and asks the Twelve: “Who do you say that I am?” ~Mark 8:27

The Mediterranean culture of the Middle East was an ‘honor-shame’ culture. They depended on their families for everything. Their rule was, “Take care of family first.” In our western culture we say that it doesn’t matter what others think of us—just what we think of ourselves. We pride ourselves on individualism, self-reliance, independence from others, and personal competencies. The western culture supports a so-called ‘narcissistic kingdom of Caesar’ approach to life: “Go for the power! Revel in the position! Enjoy popularity! Seek out all the glory and notoriety that you can!” But Jesus reminds us that discipleship is not about attaining power, glory, fame and honor. We are not to follow him as a great military leader who will be victorious in battle. For this Messiah, the Son of God, real life comes only through death and defending other’s lives for the sake of the gospel.

In Sr. Melannie Svoboda’s book, “Jesus, I’m a Teacher, Too—Guidance and Inspiration from the Gospels” she states, “Jesus must have told them something like, ‘Well, Jesus, 30% say you’re John the Baptist, 28% say you’re Elijah, 20% say you’re one of the prophets, and the rest are undecided.’”
But then Jesus asks a more difficult question - one that mattered most: “Who do you say that I am?” Yes, that means we must answer the question for ourselves. Peter gave the proverbial right answer, but he had no understanding of the implications of what a Messiah meant. ‘Cross-accepting’ always requires self-denial, world-denial, and sin-denial.

Jesus had to explain the cost of discipleship. We learn the theology of the cross and everything that flows from it. First Jesus predicts his Passion, Death and Resurrection; secondly, the disciples misunderstand what he is saying; and thirdly Jesus presents a corrective teaching unfolding the meaning of the theology of the cross. ~Mark 8:27-30, 9:30-37, 10:32-45.

Jesus wants us to do a cross-examination and even a confrontation upon deciding to follow him whole-heartedly. He calls us to the heights of an un-aesthetical and penitential life that does not mirror the culture’s false beliefs. As he shares and embraces the cross, so too, we must deny ourselves and pick up our cross to follow in his footsteps. Being a disciple is not always pretty, easy, or glorious but we must do God’s will and not our own will.

Sometimes like Peter, we get too big for our own britches and we forget that Jesus is the Master and we, the disciples. We can’t follow Jesus on our own terms. Again like Peter, we need to be put back in line—rebuked, chided, and corrected. What else would have brought Peter’s life to a great screeching halt than when Jesus turned on him and said, “Get behind me, Satan!” which means adversary, opponent, saboteur, contradictor, dissident, tempter and blocker of God’s work. Are we thwarting God’s design or yielding to His plan? Are we goaded by the culture’s puppets or are we real, embracing the cross in love? Is the cross life’s great teacher or its enemy? What new life has the cross brought you? Jesus did not deny his Messianic vocation. Why should we?

“Every person has a right to the Good News, and we should leave no stone unturned to announce it to them.”
~Cardinal Thiandoum of Senegal



The Year of Faith - Opening New Doors

A person upon reading the newspaper from cover to cover might conclude that the world is a mess! We are bombarded daily with bad news, crimes, violence, wars, prejudice, natural disasters, tragedies, and political sparring. Yes, the world needs the Good News that Jesus Christ preached more than ever!

But the message of evangelization remains the same: “Repent and believe in the Good News!” The audience is different, the world is different, the cultures are different, the times are different. But we must proclaim the same Jesus to all peoples in a new way with greater zeal, ardor, and clarity using modern means of communication.

Vatican Council II mentions the Gospel 157 times. Blessed Pope John Paul II (1983) issued new calls for a “New Evangelization”, a new “Springtime of Christianity”. “Despite the voices of the prophets of pessimism, I would like to repeat once again with emphasis… God is preparing a great Christian springtime, the beginning of which can already be glimpsed.”

Pope Benedict XVI invites us to walk through the perpetually ‘open door of faith’ as a new way of “finding direction for life’s journey.” (Acts 14:27) The pope, in his Apostolic Letter, “Porta Fidei” (Oct. 11, 2011) announced the Year of Faith to begin October 11, 2012, and end November 24, 2013. As part of this special year, he calls all Catholics to renew their faith. In this Year of Faith we will celebrate 3 occasions:

1. The beginning of the Year of Faith marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Oct 11, 1962). What better way than to revisit the text of the documents themselves? Especially “Lumen Gentium” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) and “Dei Verbum” (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation).

2. The 20th anniversary of the publication: The Catholic Catechism (Oct 11, 1992) - Let us open up the school of the wisdom to the Church’s indispensable tool in order to synthesize our Catholic doctrine. The Catholic Catechism has 4 pillars: “The Profession of Faith” (centering on the Creed), “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery” (focusing on the sacraments), “Life in Christ” (emphasizing the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments), “Christian Prayer” (focusing especially on prayer traditions and the “Lord’s Prayer”).

3. The Synod of the New Evangelization which will take place in October of 2012 - (So that Christians may radiate the word of truth because of the love of Christ which will cause them to evangelize. Our faith grows as we experience the love we receive and we communicate it as an experience of grace, thanksgiving, and joy.)
Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that, “During this time we will need to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus Christ, the Pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” ~Heb 12:2

What one adjective would describe the status of your faith in its present state: alive, enthusiastic, engaged, life-changing, mature… or wrecked, scandalized, amateur, fractured, stagnant, deteriorating, irrelevant, stale and dormant? It’s safe to say we all need a renewal of faith. What better time than the Year of Faith?

With my 25th anniversary on the horizon it makes me ponder on this mysterious gift. As a priest I am called to ignite the hearts and souls of God’s people placed in my care. I am renewed and empowered by not simply taking more time off or attending more continuing education classes, seminars, or convocations, but looking more deeply into myself to discover the true identity by entering into the heart of Christ - the Christ who prays to the Father, who admits his vulnerability and who is empowered by the Spirit to bring forth the Kingdom of God. As a servant leader, we must embark on that journey and teach others by example that the Kingdom of God is in our midst. The stakes are high: eternity in heaven or hell!

There are 204 parishes presently in the diocese that make up the vast Church of Pittsburgh. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the mosaic. Our congregations vary in size, history, finances, age, resources, nationalities, and leadership. No two parishes are alike. There is no ‘cookie cutter’ or ‘carbon copy’ approach to evangelization. But our God is not looking for perfect parishes or parishioners. There are none! God is looking for willing parishes and parishioners to be available to His grace to proclaim His Good News to others!

The older and busier I get, the more I value the necessity of developing my faith and making time for prayer. Evangelization is the privilege and the duty of each of us. Throw away your watch! Stop counting sheep! The Good News must be a real response to a real people, and their concerns, aspirations, and needs, whether physical (food, clothing, housing), psychological (wanting to be loved, accepted, supported, welcomed), spiritual (hope, mercy, forgiveness, understanding), or social (a place to belong or gather).

Evangelization takes the participation of every Christian. It means invitation, inspiration, and perspiration! It’s hard work! Even when things do not go well: disappointments, difficulties, challenges, rejection, and even persecutions do not sever the relationship with Jesus Christ. Through perseverance and persistency, like Jesus, we will be victorious.

Catholic evangelization is not a one time or ‘once and for all’ experience but a continual process of conversion with the Lamb of God who washes away our sins, who gives us a new heart, mind and new abundant life. Evangelization is living and sharing this great gift of faith with energy and enthusiasm. It means to accept Jesus Christ and share Him with others; His life, His love, His truth, His goodness, His values, His compassion, and His integrity.

In a growing society of secular values, there are many signs of spiritual hunger in the hearts of people. Our faith is a special gift. As I age, I see the wonder of this faith that is far more valuable than any material possession and one that will out last any human relationship. May the Holy Spirit empower us with divine energy and supernatural ability to get up and go!
“Go and make disciples of all nations! Matt 28:19