Father Sparacino honored with Good Shepherd Award

The Serra Club of Pittsburgh honored Father Thomas Sparacino with its Good Shepherd Award at the 63rd Annual Ordinati Dinner Aug. 22 at the LeMont Restaurant in Pittsburgh's Mount Washington neighborhood.

Also recognized were the newly ordained priests of the Diocese of Pittsburgh -- Fathers Fred Gruber, Kevin Fazio and Michael Sedor.

Father Sparacino, pastor of St. Richard in Richland Township, credited his family for instilling his faith. He is the son of Marie and the late James Sparacino. His mother and a number of other family members joined him for the celebration.

"It's all in how you're raised," he told the gathering. "The people who nurture the love of Christ in you, and that's my family."

Father Gruber was joined by his mother, Mildred; Father Fazio by his mother, Bernadette; and Father Sedor by his mother, Virginia. Also present was Father Fazio's father, Donald.

Bishop David Zubik offered brief remarks and introduced seminarians from St. Paul Seminary in Crafton.

A record crowd of 206 attended the event. Co-chairs for the dinner were Jack and Dolores Warwick.

The primary mission of the Serra Club is to promote vocations. Other elements of the organization include spiritual growth, religious education for the laity, responsive lay leadership and association in Christian fellowship.

"We all must live our faith," said Brian Hardy, president.

The Serra Club was introduced to the Diocese of Pittsburgh and received its charter on Feb. 9, 1945. In additional to the Ordinati Dinner, the organization holds an annual holy hour in the summer and a memorial Mass in the fall, sponsors monthly dinner programs and holds an annual Christmas party at St. Paul Seminary.

More information on the Serra Club is available by calling 412-456-3000.