Benedictine sister marks 50 years of monastic profession

WARREN, Ohio — Byzantine Catholic Benedictine Sister Mary Martha Kacmarek celebrated her golden jubilee of monastic profession this past summer. Sister Mary Martha is a member of Queen of Heaven Monastery in Warren, Ohio. Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla of Pittsburgh celebrated the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving for her 50 years of monastic profession at Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Parish June 24. Father Simeon Sibenik, pastor of the parish, concelebrated and preached the homily. Monsignor George Appleyard and Abbot Leo Schlosser also attended. READ MORE.

Pope calls for world meeting of bishops on preventing abuse

by Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis is calling the presidents of every Catholic bishops’ conference in the world to Rome Feb. 21-24 to discuss the prevention of the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. The Vatican made the announcement Sept. 12 after the pope and members of his Council of Cardinals wrapped up three days of meetings. The members present “extensively reflected together with the Holy Father on the matters of abuse” during their deliberations Sept. 10-12, the council said in a written communique. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, also updated those present with the commission’s ongoing efforts. READ MORE.

Women of St. Macrina Guild mark patronal feast day, parish holds picnic

by Anita Cipa

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — Members of the St. Macrina Guild of St. Basil the Great Parish celebrated their patron’s feast day July 15. Guild members participated in the Divine Liturgy, carrying the candles for the proclamation of the Gospel. After liturgy, a prayer to St. Macrina was read. Guild members received a flower of appreciation. The pastor, Father Mychail Rozmarynowycz, acknowledged the good works of the guild. READ MORE.

Year-end shows more spending, loss in net assets, investments

by Laura Ieraci

CHICAGO — The audited financial statements of the Eparchy of Parma for the fiscal year July 1, 2016-June, 30, 2017, indicate a net asset decrease and an increase in spending. In a letter dated Sept. 6, the eparchy’s CFO, Martin F. Kopmeyer, said the eparchy’s net assets decreased by $465,505 and spending increased by $138,419 from the previous year. In 2015-2016, the eparchy had reported an increase in net assets of $23,235. READ MORE.

Mayor declares Aug. 15 ‘St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church Day’

by Father Andrew Summerson and Laura Ieraci

WHITING, Ind. — The oldest Eastern Catholic parish in the state of Indiana celebrated the centennial of the laying of its cornerstone this summer. Civil authorities recognized the valuable contribution of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Parish, proclaiming Aug. 15 “St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church Day.” “The parish has contributed through Christian witness, charitable outreach and formation of members, both young and old, in service to the local community,” said Whiting Mayor Joseph M. Stahura in reading the official proclamation after the festal Vespers service, Aug. 14. More than 150 people attended, including past parishioners who returned to their home parish for the celebration. READ MORE.