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Students are learning an unexpected lesson as they work with their teachers and parents to receive a quality Catholic education during the coronavirus pandemic.

This morning, Catholic elementary students stepped back inside classrooms across the Diocese of Pittsburgh for the first time in nearly six months.

Long before a free milk giveaway began at Good Samaritan Parish in Ambridge on Thursday, cars were lined up around the block. Volunteers sprang into action when the milk truck arrived, handing out up to two gallons per family.

When COVID-19 prevented parishioners from the Diocese of Pittsburgh from making their annual mission trip to Appalachia, they decided to help their cash-strapped parishes and needy families close to home.

Like many principals, Ed Sharbaugh was struggling to fill classrooms and pay bills in the midst of a pandemic. Then a miracle happened.

Mike Stack kept teaching as he directed the young people who were preparing for one last dramatic presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross. “Remember to show the love that Jesus has for each of us,” he instructed.

Through changes and challenges, Lauren Little’s commitment to quality Catholic education has never wavered.

Beau Quattrone’s love for learning began in a Catholic school, where he later taught his three children. Today he shares that passion with his daughter Anna, who is following in his footsteps as she helps to promote Catholic education.

Vagabond Missions began its inner city ministry to Pittsburgh youth five years ago with two missionaries in the city’s Garfield neighborhood. Today, thanks to strong support and prayers, 14 staffers serve at four mission sites, and Pittsburgh has become the organization’s national headquarters.

More than a century after a Catholic elementary school in New Castle first welcomed students and 70 years after it reopened, educators and faith leaders are ready for another new beginning. St. Vitus School officially becomes Holy Spirit Academy on July 1.

“This memorial Mass allows everyone who has grieved without a funeral to pray together for the souls of their loved ones and to receive comfort in God’s promises of mercy and salvation,” Bishop Zubik said.

Deacon Jeffrey Craig’s journey to the priesthood has given him a deep desire for sainthood, both for himself and for the people he will minister to as a priest.

Deacon Matthew Hawkins often felt unsure that he could make the sacrifices required by the priesthood, but the Lord repeatedly surprised him by opening his heart and showing him the way forward.

It was fitting that Deacon Michael Faix spent one of the weeks leading up to his priestly ordination conversing with God on a silent retreat. His journey to the priesthood began through dedication to daily prayer.

Today the Little Sisters of the Poor pulled out all stops with a drive-by parade for two widowed residents as Kay Canyock turned 100 and Mary Sahayda turned 103.

During COVID-19, the Ladies of Charity of the Diocese of Pittsburgh have continued to do what they always do: looking after the elderly and ill, feeding the hungry, providing older people with emergency funds, clothing children and more.

Catholics throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh experienced brilliant blue skies on June 1 for the first public Masses since the COVID-19 lockdown began in mid-March.

As churches in the Diocese of Pittsburgh gradually reopen for Mass, each pastor will decide how best to protect the faithful while allowing as many as possible to join in the celebration.

Hundreds of preschool and kindergarten students have been starring in their own parades this month, riding in their family car around schools and churches as teachers stand and cheer.

After winning the 50/50 raffle at an Ash Wednesday Fish Fry, Laverne Johnson was sure that Jesus wanted her to use the winnings to do something special for him. Her faith resulted in a billboard of the Divine Mercy Image of Jesus that is impossible to miss on a drive through Burgettstown.