Uncategorized

In this year, called for by Pope Francis as the Year of Consecrated Life, jubilees are an opportunity for all the Sisters to thank God for the gift of their vocation. After two days of presentations and discussion during their annual Community Days, the Basilian Sisters paused to honor three of the Sisters celebrating significant years of religious dedication.

Celebrating their 70^th Anniversary of religious life were Sister Martha Elizabeth Moyta and Sister Leocadia Sevachko; celebrating her 60^th Anniversary was Sister Barbara Swindells. The hallmark of every such celebration is the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving offered for the intentions of the Jubilarians. Joyful voices were raised in praise and thanksgiving for the gift of the fidelity of these three Sisters. This joy continued during the festive meal following, a time which is always punctuated by a lot of laughter and reminiscing.

Sr. Martha Elizabeth Moyta entered the Sisters of St. Basil from Holy Ghost Parish, North side Pittsburgh, Pa. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from College Misericordia in Dallas, Pa., and a Master of Science degree in Religious Education from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pa.  Sr. Martha Elizabeth spent almost 25 years in elementary education before being assigned to the Diocesan Religious Education Office in Pittsburgh, Pa. During her years in this ministry, Sister worked with others on the “God With Us” catechetical series where her expertise was methodology. Following her years in religious education both in the Pittsburgh Archeparchy and the Eparchy of Parma, Sister Martha moved on to pastoral ministry in St. Therese parish in St. Petersburg, Fla. before retiring to the monastery at Mount St. Macrina.

Sr. Leocadia Sevachko entered the Sisters of St. Basil from St. Nicholas parish in Youngstown, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Carlow College (now Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, Pa., and her Master of Science in Education from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pa. Sr. Leocadia’s teaching assignments spanned 57 years in elementary education. Her assignments also included a number of years when she served as both teacher and principal. The first to enter the community, Sr. Leocadia has the distinction of being one of three sisters in community; Sr. Dorothy, now deceased, and Sr. Bernarda. With her sister, Sr. Bernarda, Sr. Leocadia continues to serve in catechetical and parish ministry in the five parishes in the Youngstown area.

Sr. Barbara Swindells entered the community from St. Mary Church in Chicago, Ill. She earned a Bachelor of Arts.in Secondary Education in 1968 from Mount Mercy College in Pittsburgh, Pa., and a Master of Arts in History from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. For 23 years, Sr. Barbara’s energy was devoted to education from the elementary level through high school; at times serving as principal or assistant principal. Following these years, Sister engaged in ministry in the Religious Education Office of the Archeparchy as well as in the Eparchy of Van Nuys. She was elected to the Provincial Council in 2000 and was re-elected to a second five-year term. Presently Sr. Barbara is the Administrator of Mount St. Macrina Cemetery and Mausoleum, a position she has held since 2001.

For the combined 200 years of faithful service, warm congratulations were offered to the Jubilarians by Sr. Ruth Plante, Provincial, and by all the Sisters. May God grant them many more spiritually fruitful, happy and blessed years!

The first ever GCU Farewell to Summer Charity Golf Scramble will be held on Friday, September 4, 2015, 1 p.m., at the Seven Oaks Country Club, Beaver, Pa. For further information about sponsorships or registration, please refer to Farewell to Summer Charity Golf Brochure.

The Pilgrimage invitation will mail soon. But for those of you who would like to see the schedule now, here it is! 81st Annual Pilgrimage Invitation

Recently, members of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light stayed at the Mount overnight on a return visit.  The new religious community serves the Maronite Church from southeastern Massachusetts. The Sisters and Postulants were on their way from the annual Maronite Church assembly held this year in Cleveland,  to the annual Youth Retreat being held at St. Vincent’s Archabbey in Latrobe, Pa.

The brochure will be mailed this month. In the meantime, here is 81st Annual Pilgrimage Schedule.

The Sisters of St. Basil are in the process of baking and icing medovniki for the 81st Annual Pilgrimage. Thanks to all of our Sisters and volunteers for helping!

Several Sisters attended the annual fundraiser for Mount Macrina Manor Nursing Home, a golf outing and luncheon at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort June 5.   Sisters and several residents were sponsored by the donations of benefactors for the meal held at Falling Rock.  Over 65 golfers attended; a large basket raffle completed the occasion.

Thanks to everyone who came to Mount St. Macrina for Helping Hands Day last Saturday. It was great to see so many volunteers come out and support our preparations for the Annual Pilgrimage. Our next work day is Saturday, August 22. If it rains that day, we will hold it on Saturday, August 29. Thanks again!

A Young Adult Catholic Retreat was held at the House of Prayer at the end of May. Father Will Rupp of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Hawk Run, PA, Kevin Barry, a Youth Minister of the Diocese of Greensburg/Connellsville Area Roman Catholic Churches, and Rachel Pawluszka, a Byzantine Catholic student at Drexel University, Philadelphia, directed the weekend program together with Sister Barbara Jean, OSBM.  Father Bob Lubic, Pastor, Connellsville Area Catholic Churches, was a guest presenter.  Attendees came from Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The theme was “The Call to Discipleship” according to Pope Francis’ document, “The Joy of the Gospel.”  Each participant received a copy of the book as well as an examination of conscience based on the teachings of the document.  Conferences, small and large group discussions, social and free time, liturgical services and confessions formed the schedule. The retreatants joined the Sisters of St. Basil at the monastery for Sunday’s Divine Liturgy. Evaluations were very positive; the group requests another retreat weekend next year and plans to bring other young adults to experience a retreat at the Mount.  For more info, please call the House of prayer at 724-438-7149.