Bishop David Zubik Announces Clergy Assignments  for Saint Benedict the Moor Personal Parish

On June 19, 2020, Bishop David Zubik announced the forming of a personal parish for the Black Catholic community in the Diocese of Pittsburgh under the title of Saint Benedict the Moor Parish (Hill District) effective Monday, July 13, 2020.

Today, Bishop Zubik is pleased to announce the following clergy announcements for Saint Benedict the Moor parish:

• Father Thomas Burke, Pastor
• Father David Taylor, Senior Parochial Vicar
• Father Matthew Hawkins, Parochial Vicar

“It is important to note that today I ordained three new priests, among them, Father Matthew Hawkins. It is always special for me to give a new priest his first assignment. It is also special for a parish to receive a newly ordained priest. It is my hope that Saint Benedict the Moor parish rejoices in receiving one of our newest priests,” Bishop Zubik said.

These clergy assignments become effective on Monday, July 13, 2020. Father Burke will continue to serve as Pastor, with Father Taylor as Senior Parochial Vicar, and Father Hawkins as Parochial Vicar, of Saint Mary Magdalene parish, East End/Homewood/Point Breeze/Wilkinsburg. 

 “All three of these priests are gifted, faith-filled men who strive to offer a deeper relationship with Jesus and His church to those actively engaged in the church, those who have lost touch with Jesus or who have left the Church; and those who have never belonged to the Church but are seeking deeper meaning in their lives, said Bishop Zubik.

Barring any COVID-19 restrictions, Bishop Zubik plans to celebrate Mass at Saint Benedict the Moor Church on Sunday, July 12, 2020. 

“I am committed to the needs of Black Catholics in our community. I am grateful for the continued opportunity to work together to make sure that Black Catholics know that they do matter. I truly believe that at this moment, the Holy Spirit is bringing about new life in the Church of Pittsburgh and particularly with and through them,” Bishop Zubik said.