Archbishop William C. Skurla – Hierarchical Homily at the 87th Annual Pilgrimage
Read Archbishop William C. Skurla’s Hierarchical Homily at the 87th Annual Pilgrimage here: 87th Annual Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pilgrimage
BASILIAN SISTERS CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARIES OF RELIGIOUS LIFE
The Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Uniontown gather for community meetings and celebrations in July. As is customary during this time, the Sisters commemorated the Jubilarians during Community Week. This year Sister Euphemia Kopa celebrated 75 years of religious life and Sister Margaret Kapusnak, 70 years.
The Jubilee Divine Liturgy was held Tuesday, July 20, at the monastery with Chaplain Rev. Jerome Botsko officiating. The Sisters renewed their vows in a spirit of thanksgiving amidst the prayers of all the community. A celebratory dinner followed with a program of remarks and reminiscences.
Sister Euphemia Kopa entered religious life from Assumption of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church in Weirton, West Virginia. Sister first served at the newly established St. Basil Home for Aged Women for two years and then dedicated her teaching years to the youngest children, kindergarten through second grade. Sister Euphemia was also a principal, the Administrator of the former St. Basil’s Home, and also served in the bishop’s residence. Of late Sister has assisted in the monastery baking department and the medovniki project for the Pilgrimage as well as with hospitality.
Sister Margaret Kapusnak arrived from St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Sister served as a teacher in the elementary and high school level for several years and was also the editor of The Voice magazine and Novice Directress before she began ministry in the Passaic Office of Religious Education. Later, Sister served for six years in the General Administration of the Order in Rome. After her return she was elected Provincial Superior in Uniontown in 1990. Following her term in leadership, Sister taught English in Trebisov, Slovakia in the newly established high school of the Greek Catholic Eparchy. From 1997 to 2001 she was the Development Director for the Province, and since then, Sister served as the Province Secretary at the monastery.
Sister Susan Sisko, Provincial Superior, acknowledged the faithful service of these Sisters for a combined 145 years, as well as their diversity of talents offered joyfully to the Lord.
Religious Gift Shop Holiday Hours
The Religious Gift Shop will be closed July 4-12. Please have a blessed and safe holiday.
Updates: Helping Hands Day
We look forward to welcoming our volunteers this Saturday, June 5, for Helping Hands Day!
Just an important note: ALL WORK WILL BE DONE OUTSIDE. MASKS ARE NOT REQUIRED. See you on Saturday!
Memorial Day Commemoration – Mount St. Macrina Cemetery
Thousands of Catholic Cemeteries across the United States will participate in services honoring those brave men and women who died while serving in the armed forces, as well as recognizing our active military and retired veterans who have generously served our country.Mt. St. Macrina will participate through the celebration of a Prayer Service according to the Byzantine Catholic tradition. This Service includes special petitions for our deceased and our living military men and women. The local AM Vets 103 Honor Guard will pay tribute with their presence and participation is procession, military salute, and taps.
The Service is scheduled for Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st, at Mt. St. Macrina Cemetery. The Service will begin at 10:30 am, weather permitting. The main Celebrant will be our Metropolitan Archbishop, William C. Skurla, D.D. along with Father Jerome Botsko, Chaplain to the Sisters of St. Basil.
We Sisters are honored and blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate the men and women who have sacrificed so much in order to defend the rights of all to freedom, justice, and peace!
Path of the Warrior (Video honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.)
Volunteers Needed: Helping Hands Day – June 5, 2021
The annual Greek Catholic Union Helping Hands Day at Mt. St. Macrina in Uniontown, PA, to assist the Sisters of St. Basil, will resume this year. We ask anyone interested in assisting to complete the form below and return to the Sisters. They would like an accurate count of volunteers to insure that COVID-19 guidelines in place at the time of the event, can be followed.
Virtual Young Adult Retreat – June 11-13, 2021
Discovering Truth: Navigating the Battle of Moral Choices
SPONSORED BY THE SISTERS OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT
Ages 18-39
Offering: $50 Donation • Registration Due: June 4
Register by June 1 to receive your copy of the book: “Making Choices” in time for the retreat.
Retreatants will meet by computer in five sessions, each 60-90 minutes beginning 7:30 pm Friday ending by 2:00 pm Sunday. The schedule will be posted on Facebook at this site: thesistersofstbasilthegreat
Conferences on Christian life, reflection sheets, breakout sessions for discussion; prayer services will be provided; optional “Emmaus Walk” for those with past experience of the retreat.
Offering: $50 Donation. Register by email: hpmsm@verizon.net or send to House of Prayer, 510 W. Main Street, Uniontown PA 15401. The donation supports the House of Prayer. Please pay by check and send in with your registration.
Download the registration flyer: Young Adult Registration Flyer
Sisters of St. Basil Announce New Administration
The Sisters of St. Basil are pleased to announce our new administration. Sr. Susan Sisko is our new provincial. Sr. Carol Petrasovich is assistant provincial. Sr. Barbara Jean Mihalchick and Sr. Joanne Lickvar join them on the council. We ask for your prayers as we begin this new and exciting chapter of our community.
A Message from Sr. Ruth Plante
The Sisters will hold their Chapter of Elections, April 17 & 18.
Please follow the link for a special message from Sr. Ruth Plante, Provincial: Chapter Request
