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                                                                                 Faith and Culture

Why Are So Many Young People Becoming Catholic?

There has been a noticeable rise in Catholic conversions recently, especially among young people. What’s the cause of it? And how does the New Atheist movement play into it? Matt Petrusek and Bishop Barron discuss these questions and more in this week’s episode of the Word on Fire Show.


Please Pray for Vocations!

The above list is the latest update from the diocese as of August of 2025 from Susan O'Neil.

Jan 2025: Bernadette Rolewski, Marie Smetanka, Thomas Krupski, Patricia Carusone, Adolfo Marche, Barbara Linko Brown

Feb 2025: William Mason, Helen Rock, Marie Heinrichs, Frances Lewandowski

March 2025: Nancy Lee Schoedel, Rita Wapenski, Glenna Holt 

April 2025: James Jordan, Peg Elsner, Sr Concetta Fabo

May 2025: Mary Moncini, Ronald Lotz, Larry Naugle, Sr Catherine O'Halloran

June 2025: Robert Koch, Patricia Buck, Joseph Ianotta, Charles Baer, Ralph Buzzelli

July 2025: Lucy Paulin, Clara Bayne

Aug 2025: Mary Bauer, Ronald Rademacher

Sept 2025: Mary Ann Skinger, Alison Wilson, George Brown

Oct 2025: Barbara Imhoff

You gotta love love the word perseverance! Defined as “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success,” I believe this powerful character trait is of utmost importance as we stand on the threshold of a new liturgical year. Though the verses above may be familiar to you, there’s something in them Hannah pointed out to me that I think is very significant. Look at the phrase, “let perseverance finish its work.” Did you notice that it’s passive? In other words, without interference, perseverance will have its way in your life, and you will get to where you’re supposed to be. But why would you not let perseverance finish? I can think of one major reason — it’s uncomfortable, sometimes excruciatingly so.

The tendency when you come up against obstacles and challenges in the coming year will be to shortcut to the finish line or simply stop moving forward. This may look like compromising, giving up, dwelling on the past, turning from a hard thing, or refusing to admit it when you have a problem. Regardless of the form it takes, I can tell you one thing for certain — choosing any of those roads is relinquishing the abundant life you have in Jesus. When you encounter hills and mountains that look foreboding, and you feel as if you can’t move forward, above all else, pray for wisdom and maturity. Keep looking at your Lord, cast your concerns fully on Him, and allow His strong and loving Hand to lead you over the rough roads one step at a time.

-from Pastor Bobby Schuller

                                                    Memory Lane!            

We'll call this collection of pictures a "Potpourri of Faith Formation Memories from St Athanasius." These pictures come from a variety of sources and events. Many of these came from a stash provided by former Director of Religious Education, Mary Reichel - remember her?  Some of the events include: Lent Event Crafts, Pumpkin Bingo, Faith Formation Opening Day in the Church, Power Week, Bunco (we don't remember what that was exactly), Faith Formation Family Dinner, Jesus Day and the Lent Event Family Bingo, plus of course, your run-of-the-mill CCD Classes. As an added bonus below is a video from 20 years ago celebrating the 8th grade class at St Athanasius School. See anyone you know?

Deacon Bill Homily Archive

Here are four recent homilies. Hover over the icons below to see the dates and topics.

Step Back and Reflect - An Essay

Thanks for visiting, and remember...

God loves you right where you are!

                                                                                        Deacon Bill Palamara 412-596-3370

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