SPRING CLERGY CONFERENCE

April 01, 2023

On Monday, March 27th, the Clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia gathered for a meeting at the Cathedral Hall. This was the first “in-person” clergy meeting since the lifting of COVID regulations. Prior to Monday’s meeting, the Archeparchy held online Zoom meetings to explain and discuss the pertinent topics of the day.

The meeting was opened with a prayer to the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Borys Gudziak. The archbishop greeted all the priests present and thanked them for their attendance. The moderator of the meeting was Msgr. Peter Waslo, Vicar General and Chancellor of the Archeparchy. Msgr. Waslo introduced the key speaker, Most Rev. Timothy Senior, Auxiliary Bishop and Chancellor of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Besides these duties, Bishop Timothy also promotes vocations. He expressed his prayerful concern for the present situation in Ukraine and prayed for peace through the intercession of the Mother of God and all the saints.

Bishop Timothy Senior’s presentation was titled: “Promoting Vocations in the Contemporary World.” Bishop Timothy spoke about strategies for establishing “a culture of vocations.” The role of the FAMILY is most important in the promotion of vocations. The promoting of vocations is to begin from the earliest years of life. Students already in elementary school should begin to become aware that God calls from amongst the faithful to consider a vocation to the priestly or religious life. This consideration of a vocation could and should continue throughout a person’s life. Those who recruit vocations should establish and maintain a means of personal contact with a potential viable vocation.

Within the Latin-rite Archdiocese, a retreat is offered to students on the 7th and 8th grade level, as well as those in high school.

Bishop Timothy noted that the persons who express an interest in the priestly or monastic life have a desire to participate actively in certain pastoral ministries of the Church. Those expressing an interest are basically “joyful, faithful, curious, inspiring, and very often have a keen concern for the poor, the homeless. Many of them make sandwiches then distribute them to the poor and homeless.

The seminarians come from different family backgrounds and ethnic groups. Many are from rather “traditional” Catholic families where the members actively accept and participate in the traditions and ministries of the Church. However, not all family members are supportive in fostering a vocation. These seminarians require special attention, care, and nurturing of their vocation. In general, the seminarians tend to be “more conservative.” Some are even drawn to the traditional Latin Liturgy (Mass). They often seek to find and obtain order and clarification in their faith. One can say that they are reacting to the disorder found in today’s society.

Seminarians undergo a period of “formation,” during which the spiritual guides have the person look inwardly to discover his own strengths and weaknesses. The person needs to seek to become “Christ-like.” He is to seek ways of bringing the Gospel message of Love and Truth to the faithful they will one day serve.

Native vocations are vital to the Church. St. John Paul II called native vocations a sign of the Church’s life and vitality, the Church’s development and growth in that locality. Bishop Timothy noted that the Church has always sought and accepted vocations from outside a particular diocese or eparchy.

Archbishop Borys noted that in the past, certain parishes within the Archeparchy have provided us with numerous vocations to the priesthood and monastic life. Special mention was given to SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Olyphant, Pa. The Olyphant parish has provided a total of 24 vocations throughout the years: twelve (12) to the Priesthood and twelve (12) to the monastic life.

The next presentation was given by Rev. Ostap Mykytchyn who serves at St. Michael’s Parish in Jenkintown, Pa. His presentation was about Youth Ministry in the Archeparchy.” Much of the presentation was focused on World Youth Day 2023. The gathering is scheduled to be held in Lisbon, Portugal. The dates for this are August 1-6, 2023. All youth between the ages of 18-35 are encouraged to register and attend. One can register on-line.

After the presentation on World Youth Day 2023 and parish youth ministry in general, the Clergy prayed the “ninth Hour” in the Cathedral.

After the lunch, John Drozd, Finance Officer of the Archeparchy, presented the clergy with a financial update, Sean McLaughlin, Safe Environment Coordinator for the Archeparchy, explained some of the requirements of Safe Environment, Mariana Karapinka, Director of Communications for the Archeparchy presented some projects of the Way Newsletter and the Archeparchy webpage. Next was a presentation given by Marta Rubel, who has recently joined our Chancery Staff as an outreach director.

The last presentation of the day was given by Rev. Roman Oliynyk, pastor of St. Mary’s (Patronage) Parish in McAdoo, Pa. and of St. Michael’s Parish in Hazleton, Pa who shared with the clergy some details about the Metropolia Humanitarian Aid Fund. In summary, the report states that a total of $8,621,277 was collected and $6,8685,807 of which was distributed.

Father D. George Worschak