September 6, 2023

Bishop Zubik announces the following clergy appointment:

PASTOR

The Reverend Thomas J. Lewandowski from Senior Parochial Vicar of Saint James Parish, Washington County, and Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, Southeast Washington County to Pastor of Saint Matthias Parish, and as Chaplain to Waynesburg College, Greene County, for a term of six (6) years, effective Monday, September 18, 2023. At the same time, Father Lewandowski is relieved of his responsibilities as Chaplain to Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, PA and PennWest University, California, PA.

ADMINISTRATOR (pro-tem)

The Reverend Lawrence D. Adams is appointed Administrator (pro-tem) of Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, East End/Point Breeze/Wilkinsburg, and Saint Benedict the Moor Parish, Hill District, effective Sunday, October 1, 2023. At the same time, Father Adams will maintain his assignment as Associate General Secretary for Special Projects with continued residence at Saint Philip Parish, Crafton.

The Very Reverend Philip Farrell’s assignment as Administrator (pro-tem) of Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, East End/Point Breeze/Wilkinsburg, and Saint Benedict the Moor Parish, Hill District, is rescinded, effective Thursday, August 31, 2023, in light of Father Adams’ assignment as Administrator (pro-tem) of Saint Mary Magdalene parish and Saint Benedict the Moor Parish. Father Farrell retains his assignment as Regional Vicar for the North Vicariate.

SABBATICAL

The Reverend James B. Farnan, has been granted permission to begin a six (6) month period of sabbatical. At the same time, his resignation as Pastor of Saint Matthias Parish, Greene County, has been accepted. Both his sabbatical and resignation are effective Tuesday, September 5, 2023. His sabbatical will end on Monday, March 4, 2024.

RELEASE

The Reverend Michael John Lynam is released from priestly service in the Diocese of Pittsburgh effective Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Father Lynam will take up priestly ministry in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, as Pastor of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Altoona, PA, for a period of three (3) years, effective Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

Deacon Stephen C. Pikula is released from assignment to assist in the Ministry of Service and Charity at Mount Vernon of Elizabeth nursing home in light of its closure, effective immediately.

RETIREMENT

In accordance with the provisions of the Deacon Personnel Policy, and at his request, Deacon Frederick N. Eckhardt has been granted permission to resign from his current assignment to the Ministry of Sacrament, Ministry of Word, and Ministry of Service and Charity at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Dormont/Mount Lebanon/Scott Township, effective Saturday, October 7, 2023.

In accordance with the provisions of the Deacon Personnel Policy, and at his request, Deacon Thomas W. Raymond has been granted permission to resign from his current assignment to the Ministry of Sacrament, Ministry of Word, and Ministry of Service and Charity at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, Southeast Washington County, and Saint James Parish, Western Washington County, effective Friday, September 1, 2023.