People Who Instructed and Inspired Me Along the Path of My Journey to Faith

One of the trends of thought among secularists is a form of radical indivIdualism in which families and the community are seen as unnecessary baggage that prevent the individual from living a full life. There is even an element of exaggerated individualism in the theology of some Christian groups that proselytize on university campuses. They call people to individual conversion experiences while neglecting the importance of spiritual formation within the community of the universal body of Christ. I have been blessed, over the years, not to have fallen, or remained for long, in the trap of Christian or secular individualism. I have had the guidance, encouragement, instruction and support from many clergy and lay ministers from within the church, most of whom are still living but a few who have since passed away.

I appreciate the spiritual direction, early on, that I have received from Oratorian Fathers Drew Morgan, Michael Darcy and, particularly, David Abernethy, who inspired me toward a deeper prayer life and put me on the road to Lectio Divina, Eucharistic Adoration, and praying the liturgy of the hours. Father David also encouraged my occasional writing in the Newman Center’s Catholic Anchor magazine. This was later followed by the example and instruction of Fathers Donald Breier and Thomas Burke at St. Paul Cathedral, who encouraged me to step up and serve in the parish as a Eucharistic minister, a lector and as a member of the parish pastoral council. I am thankful that our scheduler at the Cathedral, Pat Pope, keep me engaged in the lay ministry through thick and thin. I also appreciate Father Breier for encouraging my occasional writing on spiritual matters in the Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper. I was inspired by the early morning Masses and homilies of Fathers Brian Welding and Daniele Vallecorsa at the Cathedral, and was frequently challenged to “shape up”, during confession, by Father Kim Shreck, whom many of the parishioners affectionately referred to “God’s marine.”

Other priests who have given me inspiration and guidance over the years include Fathers Lou Vallone and Carmen D’Amico, when I was a parishioner at St. Benedict the Moor; and Father Kris Stubna, who is currently the pastor at St. Paul Cathedral. Conversations with Father Joe Carr, whom I knew long before he began discerning his call to the priesthood, and Father Barry O’Leary were very helpful in providing me with insights into the special challenges and blessings awaiting older men who consider the calling. While Father David Abernethy introduced me to the Liturgy of the Hours, Father Barry taught me how to pray using the Breviary. Father David Taylor, of St. Charles Lawanga parish, has always offered his encouragement and support as have the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver in Pittsburgh.

I received early encouragement to discern a calling from Father William Clancey, at the Oratory, 35 years ago, shortly after my conversion to Catholicism, and, more recently from Father Joe Freedy and Deacon Toby Gaines. I particularly appreciate the time Father Joe has taken to counsel me about the process of discernment and his encouragement to listen to voice of Christ. I also received consistent encouragement and support, at critical moments, from Father Joseph Mele.

I have received encouragement in the form of opportunities to grow through service to the church by working with Dr. Mary Ann Gubish, in the Office for Parish Advisory Councils, from Greta Stokes Tucker, in the Department of Black Catholics, Ethnic and Cultural Communities, and from Dr. Veronica Morgan Lee in the race and reconciliation interparish committee. I was introduced to the inspiring and insightful work of Father Luigi Giussani and the Catholic lay movement, Communion and Liberation, through Father Michael Roche, while he was still a seminarian. I am forever grateful to Matthew Craig, my brother in faith, for leading me back to the church during a critical period in my life, following my mother’s passing and taught me essential Catholic prayers. Matthew has also encouraged me, repeatedly, to write about my conversion experience. I sorely miss John Hannigan, whom I worked with on social service, social justice and human development issues and who knew my father.

One of the strongest and most consistent sources of support and inspiration has come from Bishop David Zubik, with whom I have served during the Good Friday liturgy at the Cathedral for the past six years, and who took time, during a discernment retreat in Ohio in December of 2010, to meet with each participant individually.

These good men and women of faith, and many others, have helped my formation through instruction, spiritual guidance, their living example and by encouraging me to walk through the doors to serve the church. They have all helped to nurture my spiritual growth and maturation.

(From my Spiritual Autobiography)