Christ is Born!

Merry Christmas to all!


In August I moved into Holy Family Friary here in Pittsburgh, graciously welcomed by brothers from the Cincinnati province of Franciscans who have ministered to people in this area since the days of the independent Slovak Franciscans. The six of us have a wide variety of ministries--social justice, hospital and police chaplaincy, sacramental service to Roman and Byzantine parishes and convents. I am serving as deacon at Holy Ghost parish in McKees Rocks, pictured left. We have a radio liturgy each Sunday and for Christmas as well--so the Archbishop will be with us on Christmas morning.

(Photo: Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, McKees Rocks, PA)

Diaconal Service

In March, I was ordained deacon at the Byzantine Seminary by Metropolitan Basil, OFM. I'm enjoying serving at Holy Ghost Byzantine Church in McKees Rocks, PA--just across the river from Holy Family Friary where I'm now living. Holy Ghost Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in August this year, shortly after I started my assignment. I've been preaching almost every week, which takes a lot of preparation but is very worthwhile. Now that I've finished my coursework, I'm visiting parishioners in nursing homes and helping out with some of the other regular upkeep of the church buildings.

(Photo: Friars Camillus Janas, Bernard Kennedy, me, Ed Tlucek after my ordination)

Christmas in July

My Christmas celebration started this summer when I went to the Chapter for "young friars" in the Holy Land. The Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) asked each province to send two friars solemn professed less than 10 years...and I was selected to go from my province, with Br Craig Wilking, OFM, who is a nurse in Chicago. It was a great experience! The last day of the chapter we spent in Bethlehem, so we reflected on the birth of Jesus Christ and the rebirth or recommitment we made to our vocations as friars. I served as one of the deacons at Mass that day. (This photo shows the Minister General holding the Christ child for veneration.)