St. Benedict Kicks Off Yearlong Fiftieth Jubilee

In May of 1962 the Diocese of Pittsburgh authorized the formation of St. Benedict the Abbot Church in Peters, then made a gift of 15 acres of land where the church would be built.

Fifty years later, the parish, the only Roman Catholic Church in Peters, has nearly 10,000 parishioners and 3,500 families.

This month kicked off the yearlong Fiftieth Jubilee festivities to celebrate “love and camaraderie, spiritually and socially.”

Event chairperson Ellie Puskarich has events planned through June 3, 2012—the day of the closing ceremony and banquet, including a Mass conducted by Bishop Donald Zubik, followed with a dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe.

Social committee member Jane Sarra recognizes the important connection between the jubilee activities and the parish’s mission.

“There’s a lot of diversity in what’s being done,” she said. “There are many people involved and what we’re doing is much in the area of hospitality.”

The church’s mission statement reads, “St. Benedict the Abbot Parish is a vibrant family of
 believers, part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh,
whose goal is to foster liturgy, prayer, service and hospitality 
in the spirit of our patron. We are committed to receiving 
all as Christ—as we strive to grow in faith, hope and charity.”

“We’re always looking for ways parishioners can be more active,” Sarra said. “This opportunity will allow that.”

Following Father Sam’s reassignment as Regional Vicar, the parish welcomed its sixth priest in February—Father Robert Miller.

Having studied in Rome for five years and a winemaker, he’s particularly excited for “A Night in Tuscany,” an Italian dinner planned for Sept. 24. Mostly, he looks forward to “learning where we’ve come from."

“It’s a chance for all of us to look back at our humble roots,” he said. “There are so many people here who remember when St. Benedict the Abbot Parish was formed. They can remember building the first church.

“Each event is geared toward one aspect of who we are and bringing together certain parts of the parish,” Miller said. “Over the course of a year hopefully everyone will have the opportunity to be touched by something.”

The Vigil of Pentecost Social is the next event on the list, happening June 11. It will be celebrated with a 5 p.m. Mass followed by a social.

For a list of jubilee events, click here—continue to check back to St. Benedict the Abbot Church's website for "save the dates," as a few of them are still TBA.

Volunteers are always welcome. Please contact chairperson Ellie Puskarich at 724-941-4686 or ecpuskar9@yahoo.com if interested.

As always, the church offers doughnuts, coffee, tea and juice at the weekly Abbey Coffee House following the 7:45 and 9:30 a.m. Sunday masses.