In his 18 years as Catholic bishop of his hometown, Bishop Donald Wuerl visited parishes in good times and bad, was deeply involved in civic matters and often led the community in mourning at times of great crisis and grief. Many people, Catholic and non-Catholic, had the opportunity to meet him or were affected by his ministry.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette invites you to share your memories of Bishop Donald Wuerl and his ministry.

Send us an e-mail. Please include your full name and hometown.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Dear Bishop

We will miss you so much here in Pgh. where you drew so many young Catholics to the Church. You served us well and seemed so smart and loving. You helped us heal after we lost our dear Pope. Your dedication to God and this community were amazing. I learned a lot from listening to your wise words and good example. As an Irish Catholic who works with troubled youth in Pgh. I appreciated your fine example. May you always have peace and continue to reach Gods people.

-- Annie Zak, Greenfield

-- Donald R. Vance, Upper St. Clair

As luck would have it, as I attended Central Catholic, I had the opportunity once more. Students from Central regularly assisted with an annual Mass and breakfast to raise funds for the St. Anthony programs -- aimed at helping students with special needs.

I remember talking with the Bishop after the Mass, and he inquired as to where I was from, as I looked familiar. I told him I was from St. Rosalia's -- and that we had met before. He then asked if I had served at our Pastor's funeral -- then 6 years previous. I was stunned.

We talked a bit more, and he asked what I had planned to do for college... I mentioned that Duquesne University and Catholic University (In Washington, DC) were on the top of the list. He said that he would recommend both highly, and that he also worked with the boards of both -- so he was in a very good position to make such a recommendation.

I hadn't expected him to take an interest, but was highly grateful for the time I got to spend with him, and for our conversation. I have since graduated Duquesne's Sacred Music program (I was actually accepted at both universities, but chose to remain close to home), and work locally as a musician and organist.

-- Stephen J. Lipnichan, Greenfield

-- Agatha Doyle, Wadsworth, Ohio (formerly of Pittsburgh)

-- David Jerome Marks, Duquesne

He is a hyprocrite and cares not for the poor, contrary to what Christ taught his shepherds. He already has his reward here on earth, with the media in lock step with their one sided view of Christianity. I say, Bishop shepherd physician, heal thyself. You already have your reward.

Continue in your ceremonial pomp; for the poor see you for exactly what you are.

I WAS a catholic for 75 years and I found my salvation OUTSIDE of the catholic church; no thanks to you. John 3:16 -- YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

-- John D. Hoelle, Bethel Park