Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation

Every great endeavor begins with a hope and a plan. Our Byzantine Catholic heritage has been passed down through the generations by the hard work and generosity of those who have come before us, but now, we are faced with many questions about the future of the faith we share. For many years we have enjoyed the freedom to celebrate the sacraments without ever considering that it would be any other way, but what if we no longer had a place to worship or a plan for our children’s futures? The Apostles were faced with uncertain times as they began their mission to spread the Gospel, but still they pressed on with the knowledge that they had been called for the Great Commission.  If we look beyond this present moment, we can see that every seed that we plant will ripen in its due season. If every parishioner contributes to the field in even the smallest of ways, our families will share in a great harvest one day. We are all one in the Body of Christ, and each member lays a brick that forms the whole. The groundwork that we now build together, will ensure a strong future for the Eparchy of Parma. 

In May 2019, Bishop Milan Lach S.J. formed the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma Foundation and assembled a Board of Directors. Communication with you, the parishioners of the Eparchy, is a key strategy for understanding and ensuring the success of the Foundation in order to help strengthen and grow our parishes. By being totally transparent about the Foundation’s goals and mission, we can work together and have a greater understanding of what it will take for us to succeed. When our ancestors migrated to these lands, they built their places of worship with faith from a place of near poverty, but soon, as the years progressed, the Eastern Church flourished. The Foundation can be seen as a renewal of sorts, that brings to light the most important areas of concern that we need to address going forward in the Church’s future. Let’s take a look at what needs to be done, and how we can help.   

What is the purpose of the Foundation? 

As with any foundation, the purpose is to develop a body that can both collect and distribute funds to support the greater mission of the parent organization, in this case, the Eparchy of Parma. 

What is the Foundation’s focus in supporting parishes of the Eparchy? 

There are four key areas that the Foundation will focus on as it raises and distributes funds to strengthen and grow parishes of the Eparchy. That work includes:  

1. Parish and Mission Development – The continued upkeep and renewal of our home parish needs will ensure that we always have an abundant place of worship and hope.  
2. Vocations and Seminary Education – To contribute to the next generation of religious communities, so that there is never a shortage of priests or consecrated vocations.  
3. Works of the Apostolate (evangelization, ministries, etc.) – We are called to spread the Good News through our works and presence, so that we can make new disciples and be the face of Christ for others. We know that the youth is the future of the Church, and through the emerging media technologies, we must cultivate a strong presence that ministers to the family, the youth, and the whole world. 
4. Support for Active & Retired Priests – To support any extraordinary needs of active priests and to ensure that those who have given their lives for the Church can retire in peace and continue to serve. 

Who are the members of the Foundation Board of Directors? 

• John Shirilla, Chairperson & President, St. Joseph Parish in Brecksville, OH 
• Albert Matyas, Secretary, St. Joseph Parish in Brecksville, OH 
• Edward J. Kiss, Treasurer, Eparchial Finance Officer, Eparchy of Parma 
• Allyn Pytel, Assumption Family Parish in Broadview Heights, OH 
• Michael Kenes, St. Stephen Parish in Allen Park, MI
• Kelly Locke, St. Michael Parish in Merrillville, IN
• Rev. Andrew Summerson, Administrator of St. Mary Parish in Whiting, IN
• The Most Reverend Robert M. Pipta, Bishop, Eparchy of Parma

The members of the Board of Directors are volunteers and receive no compensation for their time, guidance, and governance. 

Openly communicating with you, our faithful parishioners, is important to help everyone fully understand the impactful work being done to strengthen the parishes of the Eparchy both spiritually and financially.

Please keep the members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors in your prayers so that God will guide them through the Holy Spirit to be successful in their efforts on His behalf.