By Tony DeGol
Proclaim!
There are some new faces at a few parishes this summer as four seminarians of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown begin their summer assignments. Meanwhile, another seminarian is marking a milestone in his priestly formation.
Deacon Mark Groeger, a member of Saint Peter Parish in Somerset, will serve this summer and throughout his diaconate year at Sacred Heart and Saint Mary Parishes in Altoona. Deacon Michael Pleva is assigned to Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown this summer and throughout his diaconate year. He belongs to Holy Rosary Parish in Altoona.
Bishop Mark ordained Deacon Groeger and Deacon Pleva transitional deacons on May 30. Both will resume their seminary studies at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe in the fall. Their anticipated ordination to the priesthood is next spring.
Brian Norris attends Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore and is serving a summer assignment at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown this summer. Norris will continue his Theology studies at Saint Mary in the fall. He is a member of Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg.
A seminarian at Saint Vincent in Latrobe, Justin Treon is assigned to Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Bellefonte and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Spring Mills this summer. A parishioner at Saint Aloysius in Cresson, he will resume his seminary studies in the fall.
Jacob Gindhart, a fifth seminarian of the diocese, graduated from Gannon University/Saint Mark Seminary in Erie in May and will attend major seminary this fall. He is a member of Queen of Peace Parish in Patton.
[Photo: Diocesan Director of Vocations Father Peter Crowe (front center) poses with diocesan seminarians (left to right) Deacon Michael Pleva, Jacob Gindhart, Brian Norris, Justin Treon, and Deacon Mark Groeger.]
