August 12, 2013 - Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013 Page 13PRIESTS’ DAY: The third annual Priests’ Day, a time for interaction between Bishop Mark and the presbyterate, was held Monday, July 29, in Loretto. The Bishop addressedthe assembled priests before dinner in Our Lady of Loretto Community Hall (photo at left). The day began with prayer in the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel (photoat right). Among those participating were (left to right) Monsignor Bernard Przybocki, Father Donald Boslett and Father Joseph Fleming.Bishop Hosts Third AnnualPriests’ Day GatheringPhotos And TextBy Msgr. Timothy P. SteinApproximately 60 priestsgathered in Loretto on Monday,July 29 as Bishop Mark L.Bartchak hosted the third annualPriests’ Day.Bishop Mark initiated theyearly gathering in the summerof 2011, a few months after hisepiscopal ordination and installationas Bishop of Altoona- Johnstown. The day is an opportunityfor him to interact withthe priests - - those actively ministeringand those enjoying seniorpriest status - - in a fraternalenvironment.The day began with Mid- day Prayer from the Liturgyof the Hours in the Basilica ofSaint Michael the Archangel.The gathering then moved toOur Lady of Loretto CommunityHall for social time, a questionand answer session, and dinner.At prayer, the assembly listenedto words from Saint Paul’sLetter to the Philippians:“Fill your minds, my brothers,with those things that aregood and that deserve praise:things that are true, noble, right,pure, lovely and honorable.“Put into practice what youlearned and received from me,both from my words and frommy actions. And the God whogives you peace will be withyou.” (Philippians 4:8 - 9)Bishop Mark called SaintPaul’s final words, about God’speace, the “punch line” of thereading, and noted that if wekeep the proper perspective“surely we will have God’speace.”The reading from the Letterto the Philippians, in the contextof a day of sharing and socializing“helps us look at our perspectiveas priests; who we areand where we are heading.”He urged the priests to readcarefully “Lumen Fidei,” the recentlypublished first encyclicalletter of Pope Francis, which hesaid provides a clear perspectiveon faith and its relevance to dailylife. The encyclical, BishopMark said, “reminds us to giveserious thought to what we believeto be true and worthy ofrespect.”Bishop Mark concludedby telling the priests how goodit was to gather with them forprayer and for fellowship. “It’sgood for us to have a day likethis,” he said.