From Father George's Desk 8/30/2026

It has been a difficult few weeks for clergy in the Diocese of Greensburg and for parishioners at several parishes around the diocese…

· Former pastor of St. John and my good friend, Father Bill Berkey, passed away rather unexpectedly on August 13.  I first met him when he started in the seminary formation program for the diocese in 1995.  Over the years we became very good friends; during my time as pastor at St. John the Baptist in Scottdale, Father Bill became my neighbor when he was assigned his first pastorate at Holy Cross Parish in Youngwood.  His “big”, outgoing personality and joyful spirit made him a wonderful co-worker among the priests of the diocese and a beloved pastor to the parishes to which he was sent to serve.  His illness severely limited his ability to serve over the past several years but he continued to inspire all who knew him by bravely and patiently carrying that cross.

· As the clergy of the diocese were preparing to gather for Father Bill’s funeral Mass, we got news late on the evening of August 19 that my classmate and dear friend, Father Michael Sikon, passed away after a years’ long battle with cancer.  He and I began our formation together at St. Vincent Seminary in the Fall of 1991.  Through five years of seminary and 30 years of priestly ministry together, we became like brothers. His    generous, joyous, and hopeful spirit made him a valued member of the presbyterate of the diocese and a beloved pastor in all the parishes he served, especially to the people of St. Barbara Parish in Harrison City, where he served for nearly 12 years until his illness forced him to retire earlier this year. 

· We also received the sad news that Mrs. Lorraine “Libby” Lamendola, mother of Father Sam Lamendola, passed away on August 14 at the age of 94.  Father Sam is our neighbor at St. Joseph in Derry and St.   Martin in New Derry, and is also remembered fondly by many parishioners at Holy Family from his time here as a parochial vicar in the 1990’s.  We extend our condolences to Father Sam and his family on their loss.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them!  May they rest in peace.

Earlier this summer, I extended the invitation for parishioners of both Holy Family and St. John to pray for our parishes’ needs to build up our parish pastoral councils. Three parishioners of St. John have expressed interest in joining our already existing pastoral council and I look forward to working with them and our existing members in the months ahead.  Several Holy Family parishioners have expressed interest in helping to reestablish a pastoral council. I have invited them to attend a first organizational meeting later this week to begin the work of forming a functional council.  Please pray for the success of this endeavor as we seek to build up our parish communities.

On Thursday the Church celebrates the great pope and doctor of the Church, St. Gregory the Great.  He was born into a wealthy and powerful Roman family in the year 540.  Gregory’s early years were a tumultuous time in Rome and the Italian peninsula; the Western Roman Empire had already fallen, the population of the city of Rome was decimated by an outbreak of the Black Death and Gothic tribes from the north raided and destroyed many parts of the once-glorious city.  Young Gregory, however, did receive a good education and was an excellent student, especially in areas of law.  By the time he was 33, he had become Prefect of Rome, like his father before him.  Gregory was also deeply devoted to his faith, turning his family’s estate into a    monastery after his father’s death.  He spent many years in the monastery—following the Rule of St. Benedict—before serving as a papal representative to the Byzantine Empire in Constantinople.  Gregory was selected pope by acclamation in 590 (this was long before papal conclaves and the papal election process we know today). His 14-year pontificate is noted especially for liturgical reforms, including the development of           Gregorian chant; almsgiving and emphasis on a deacon’s role as a minister of charity; and the evangelization of England by St. Augustine of Canterbury.  Gregory was also a prolific and profound writer; among his best known works are a Commentary on the Book of Job and The Rule for Pastors.  He also popularized the use of the papal title of Servant of the Servants of God, which has been in use ever since.  Gregory died in 604 and was named a saint by popular acclamation immediately upon his death.  He is venerated as the patron saint of musicians, teachers, and students.