Support in times of uncertainty

It’s a stressful time for the people of God.

Many are feeling anxiety or grief as they anticipate parish mergers that will take place over the next several years as part of the On Mission for The Church Alive! initiative.

Accounts in the recent grand jury report on sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy dating back 70 years make it challenging for priests to build trust in their new parishes.

The religious sisters want to help.

Members of six congregations have offered to lead healing prayer services, listening sessions and discussion groups in parishes, or to host a “day away” at one of their facilities. Support is available from the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God, School Sisters of St. Francis, Sisters of Mercy, and the Congregation of Divine Providence.

Mercy Sister Patricia McCann knows it’s a difficult time to ask people to be positive and hopeful, but she’s seen from their own reorganization that change can lead to new possibilities.

“Our congregation is now making better use of our resources, and there are similar opportunities in parishes if we’re really willing to look at the future and not just preserve the past,” she said.

New, interim Mass schedules recently went into effect across the Diocese of Pittsburgh as 70 percent of priests moved to new assignments. Clergy serve in parishes, hospitals, nursing homes, colleges, high schools and correctional institutions.

Father Brian Welding, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life, asks parishioners to be patient and understanding of their priests and deacons, many of whom are now responsible for multiple parishes.

For instance, Father Al McGinnis used to be the pastor of one parish in the North Hills. Now he is the administrator of five parishes in Greene County. Father Tom Burke had led a single parish in Sewickley. He’s now responsible for three parishes in Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg.

“I tell parishioners that we’re all in this together,” Father Tom said.

To learn more about support offered by the religious sisters, contact diocesan Parish Services at 412-456-3180 or [email protected].