CHICAGO — The Eparchy of Parma’s 2019 “I Believe” Stewardship Appeal has raised 25 percent more at its halfway point this year compared with last year. In 2018, the appeal had raised $91,458 by the end of January. This year, the campaign has raised $122,487, as of Jan. 7. Donors can still give to the campaign, whose “I Believe” theme is linked with a yearlong, eparchy-wide adult faith education program, until June 30. READ MORE.
PITTSBURGH — The Greek Catholic Union (GCU) gave its support to the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius once again this year, with the presentation of a $110,000 donation to Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla of Pittsburgh Dec. 9. GCU president and CEO George Juba made the presentation at the 62nd annual St. Nicholas Charity Dinner at St. John the Baptist Cathedral Center in Munhall, Pennsylvania. The GCU has donated $3.26 million to the seminary since 1960. READ MORE.
CHICAGO — Experience the universal Catholic Church — both East and West — at its very heart, with Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma, on Horizons’ 2019 pilgrimage to Rome in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Eparchy of Parma. The May 13-22 pilgrimage will highlight the Byzantine Catholic aspects of Rome, often unseen on usual tours of the Eternal City. READ MORE.
EUCLID, Ohio — One of three seminarians for the Eparchy of Parma was ordained a deacon Dec. 27. About 60 people gathered at St. Stephen Parish to witness Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma ordain Nathan Adams to the diaconate. “Approaching the diaconate is a humbling experience,” Deacon Adams told Horizons Media. He said the diaconate elicits for him the ideas of “servanthood” and “martyrdom.” He asked for prayers, as he offers himself in service to the eparchy, that he will develop “in holiness and service to the church.” READ MORE.
by Laura Ieraci, with contributions from Loretta Nemeth
Father Joseph Raymond Radvansky, a faithful priest of the Eparchy of Parma, died on Christmas Day 2018, in Palm Desert, California; he was 85. Father Radvansky was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Feb. 28, 1933, to Joseph and Mary (nee Buksar) Radvansky, the fourth of five children. He completed high school at St. Procopius Academy in Lisle, Illinois, in 1950, and graduated from St. Procopius College in 1954. READ MORE.
HAMMOND, Ind. — Lake Michigan, one of the world’s largest bodies of fresh water, was blessed in commemoration of the baptism of Jesus, in an ancient custom for the feast of Theophany in the Byzantine Catholic Church. Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, kneeling on a dock at the Hammond Marina, dipped ceremonial candles, then his right hand, and then his wooden hand cross below the surface of Lake Michigan’s frigid waters Jan. 6. READ MORE.
In my personal experience, when I have invited someone to a celebration and it was clear that he was available to come and yet started making excuses, I was sad. But, I had to respect his decision, because everyone has freedom. Freedom is the biggest gift we receive from God, and this freedom was violated in paradise by Adam and Eve. READ MORE.
The clergy and faithful of the Eparchy of Parma mourn Father Joseph Radvansky, who died Dec. 25, and celebrate his life and priestly ministry. Community prayers and the funeral liturgy for Father Radvansky will be held Jan. 11-12. READ MORE.
BEDFORD, Ohio — Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, of Parma will celebrate the final Divine Liturgy for St. Eugene Parish, 264 Warrensville Center Road, Jan. 13, 2 p.m. At a meeting with parishioners Oct. 1, Bishop Lach said the parish would be closed due to a decline in membership and the parish’s financial burdens. READ MORE.