Navada Pociernicki knew from early childhood that music would dominate her life.

But the organist and music director at St. Bartholomew Parish in Penn Hills also possessed another talent -- and a lifelong desire to help others.

That second ministry blossomed when her oldest child, now age 41, grew out of the infant clothing Pociernicki had been given at her baby shower.

She remembered the sewing machine her mother had given her as a high school graduation gift, pulled it out of the closet and got to work, sewing all of the baby's clothes.

Officials hope that a collaborative effort between the Natural Family Planning Ministry sponsored by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Catholic Medical Association will help educate health care students and medical professionals on the benefits of NFP programs.

More than two dozen students and professionals gathered for the inaugural meeting Nov. 10 at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood.

"They're the future," said Judy Kirk, director of the Department for Religious Education, of the students.

Responding to Pope Benedict's request to "open the door of faith" in this Year of Faith, Bishop David Zubik made his own call in a letter for the diocese to "recognize and celebrate the many lay ministers that open the 'door of faith' for others throughout the Church of Pittsburgh in our parishes, schools and Catholic agencies."

The bishop designated Nov.

Bishop David Zubik said St. Marianne Cope was able to meet the needs of lepers in Hawaii for 35 years because she was moved by the Holy Spirit within her.

It was a power that helped her to step outside of herself and embrace others with the face of Jesus Christ.

“What an intense love,” he said. “It was precisely that intense love that has captured the attention of the entire church.”

The bishop spoke of the loving example set by one of North America’s two new saints during a Nov. 4 Mass at the Sisters of St.