Apr 16, 2021
The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak’s episcopal ordination on Monday, April 19. He was ordained a Bishop and installed as the eighth Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown on April 19, 2011, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.
Among the highlights of Bartchak’s episcopacy are his dedication to nurturing the youth of the diocese, his commitment to Catholic education, and his efforts to promote vocations to the priesthood, religious life and the permanent diaconate, stated Tony DeGol, the bishop’s secretary for communications.
“As we celebrate the past decade of Bishop Bartchak’s leadership and service, the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown also looks forward to the next decade,” DeGol said. “As we emerge from the pandemic, the Bishop wants to seize the opportunity to reach out to those who are lost and hurting and invite them to encounter the Lord. He is calling on everyone clergy, rel
pkeith@altoonamirror.com
Garvey Manor administrator Sister
Joachim Anne Ferenchak, of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, entered religious life in 1967. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
In Youngstown, Ohio, a large portrait of St. Therese of Lisieux, a French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun, hung in the bedroom of Joseph and Mary Tokasz Ferenchak. Today, the same portrait provides solace to their daughter, Theresa Ann, now known as Carmelite Sister M. Joachim Anne Ferenchak, administrator and CEO of Garvey Manor and Our Lady of the Alleghenies Residence.
Sister Joachim is overseeing Garvey’s second major expansion during her 24-year tenure at the Hollidaysburg home.
Buccicone
The state Attorney General’s Office has closed its investigation of a Cambria County priest, according to the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
Tony DeGol, secretary for communications for the diocese, said that no further action will be taken about a complaint concerning the Rev. Ananias Buccicone, OSB, who will resume his assignment as pastor of Queen of Peace Parish in Patton effective today.
“I think just about everyone is happy to have him back,” Patton resident and Queen of Peace Church member Barbara Barnosky said. “He really holds us all together, and he was very missed.”
Buccicone had been on leave since October after an accusation of inappropriate conduct involving minors.
Churches Celebrate Easter
Many families gathered for Easter Sunday services, but churches still had COVID-19 guidelines in place.
At St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown, every other pew was blocked off by blue tape to space people out.
In a statement from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, all clergy and parishioners were asked to wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
“The Catholic faithful are invited to safely participate in the upcoming Triduum/Easter observances at parishes throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown,” the statement said.
“The faithful are reminded that the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses remains waived by Bishop Bartchak until further notice.”
npowles@altoonamirror.com
The Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-
Johnstown, carries the cross for communal adoration during the liturgy of the Commemoration of the Lordâs Passion at noon on Good Friday at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak, Bishop of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese carries the cross the front of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament for communal adoration during the liturgy of the Commemoration of the Lord s Passion at noon on Good Friday.
MIrror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
A day to celebrate resurrection and new life, this Easter some local churches are celebrating their own new life and new beginnings.