In light of ongoing winter weather conditions across western Pennsylvania, Bishop Mark Eckman of the Diocese of Pittsburgh is reminding the faithful to prioritize personal health and safety when discerning whether to attend Mass this weekend.

Two highly experienced musicians have been chosen to be the music directors for the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Office of Sacred Music and Saint Paul Cathedral Parish. John Sittard will be the new director and Luke Ponce will be the associate director.

With the significant winter storm forecast to impact western Pennsylvania this weekend, Bishop Mark Eckman has granted a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for all Catholics in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Finding a Mass for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day has been made easier with our online resource. Be sure to check with parish websites for any changes.

This Advent season is a time to reflect on the love of Christ we share, to prepare for Christmas and look forward to finding new ways to build on hope with renewed zeal for acts of faith and charity in the coming year,” said Bishop Mark Eckman.

The Christian Leaders Fellowship, an ecumenical group of local bishops and denominational leaders, will lead a prayer service at the annual dedication of the Pittsburgh Crèche, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at noon in the plaza in front of US Steel Tower on Grant Street, Downtown. At the Crèche blessing, the Blessed Trinity Academy band and children’s choir will be performing seasonal music from 11:30am to noon.

While Church teaching recognizes the right of a nation to enforce its laws and control its border, it also uplifts and defends the rights and dignity of the human person, including the migrant. They have become people who are often unjustly scapegoated for the social ills of our nation and dehumanized, often referred to as “criminals” or “illegals."