Meet Father John Hissrich
Anyone who has had the pleasure of getting to know Father John Hissrich, Pastor of Nativity and Parish and School since 2005, can honestly say that they know 4 aspects of his life that bring him abundant joy; that being, his love of God, his devotion to teach Jesus' message to children, the opportunity to act in theater productions, and his undying enthusiasm for the Pittsburgh Pirates!
At Nativity, he is known as Father H, and he knows all the children by name. Not only did he teach religion classes to the students since 2006, he could often be found eating his lunch with the them in the cafeteria.
"I find being around children refreshing. Their innocence and conversation just makes me smile."
Father Hissrich grew up in Wilkinsburgh, PA and attended St. James School. He speaks highly of Father Robert Murphy, who spent time teaching in the classrooms.
"I was an alter server and Father Murphy inspired me because he seems so happy in his vocation."
Father H attended Central Catholic High School. Upon graduation, he attended St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, MD, where he acquired a Theology degree. Prior to becoming Pastor of Nativity, he served at various parishes and schools, including St. Francis de Sales, St. Gabriel's and Guardian Angels. He also gives credit to Father John Haney from St. Gabriel's for influencing his life in a positive way.
"Father Haney was also a strong influence on my life. He once told me that a school is 'the life of a parish', and that is a statement that I will always remember because I feel the same way."
Although St. Katharine's will require a short drive rather than a short walk, Father H will remain an integral part of the school. He will continue his devotion to children by regularly teaching the students about Jesus.
"I am amazed at the dedication of the St. Germaine and Nativity parents. They are working together for the good of the children; they have the same goals, they believe strongly in Catholic education. The parents, teachers, and students from both schools are so eager to build the best school possible. I am proud of them for they are embracing change for their children, with Jesus at the center of their lives."
As Father ponders, he remembers a classroom poster from his days at Central Catholic High School that highlights the very attitude he hopes to promote at St. Katharine Drexel.
"What you are is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God."
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Meet Father John Baver
Humble, respectful, and appreciative are words that come to mind upon meeting Father John Baver, Pastor of St. Germaine Parish since 2005, and also now one of our two pastorial leaders of Saint Katherine Drexel School. Those that have the opportunity to get to know Father Baver quickly realize that his devotion to God and his commitments to spreading Jesus' message are at the center of his life.
"One of the most joyous times in the life of any priest is ordination day. That day for me was May 18, 1991."
Father John grew up in Greenfield where he lived with his parents and sister, Rosemary, all of whom belonged to St. Rosalia Parish. He remains close with his family and values them greatly.
"As is true with most people, I value my faith, my God-given vocation, and my family." And his belief that God has a calling for all of us is a reflection of his demeanor.
"All of us are given a mission in life, and I believe God has called me into the ministry, and part of my ministry is to spread Jesus' message that we are all children of God. All of our gifts, talents and abilities come from God and should be returned to God using our best efforts."
Prior to his appointment of Pastor at St. Germaine, Father Baver's ministries included Pastor of Transfiguration, Monongahela, Sacred Heart Parish, Pittsburgh, St. Vitus, New Castle, and St. Alphonus, Wexford. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Duquesne University, and acquired his theologian studies from Pontifical College Josephinum, Master of Divinity, 1991.
Father is just as excited about St. Katharine Drexel School as Father Hissrich.
"It is a great joy to work with faculty, students and parents in this new endeavor. I am happy that Mrs. Patricia Bibro will be the first principal of our new school, and look forward to working with everyone to educate the next generation, and instill in them the importance of service to God, country, and family. I want St. Katharine Drexel's children to walk in the Church's legacy."
Lastly, ending this copy without mentioning Father Baver's quick wit and sense of humour would be just wrong. One of his God-given talents lies in his ability to remain focused on the positive aspects of everyday issues, and he uses this talent well. Sometimes humor is all that is needed to remind us that life is a blessing in and of itself.
Father John feels that the best part of being able to educate children is the fulfillment of the words of Jesus in sharing the Good News. He quotes scripture from the Gospel of Matthew that reads, "Go out to all the world and proclaim the Good News."
"It is always a joy to me," remarked Father John, "to share the mission of Jesus with others."
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