Diocesan Photo Gallery
Photo Galleries of the Various Institutions and Ministries of the Diocese
2008 Diocesan Altarboy Retreat - Sun. June 29, 2008
The 50th annual Altarboys Retreat took place at Christ the Saviour Seminary and Cathedral in Johnstown, PA from June 29-July 2, 2008. This year there were nearly 80 participants from parishes as far away as Connecticut and West Virgina. The theme of this year's retreat was "Christ Strengthens Me" and the retreat participants were given an opportunity to learn more about the life and writings of St. Paul the Apostle.The posted photos show scenes from the well-balanced program of prayer, instruction and fellowship. This year's retreat master was the Very Rev. David Cochran, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Bridgeport, CT. He was assisted by The Very Protopresbyter John Fedornock, the Very Rev Fathers Michael Macura, Luke Mihaly, Peter Paproski, Michael Zak and Miles Zdinak, the Rev. Fathers Andrew Bartek, Michael Chendorain, Andrew Fetchina, and Stephen Loposky.
Fr. Andrew Fetchina blesses the food prior to the opening pizza party.
The altarboys wasted no time eating the pizza.
Fr. David explained the rules to the altarboys, the most notable of which was that they were to treat one another as brothers, acting at all times in a Christian manner.
Very Rev. Fr. David Cochran, Retreat Master, welcomes the altarboys to Encounter 2008
The altarboys played an "ice-breaker game" which required that they each share some interesting facts about themselves.
The altarboys take time to get acquainted.
Altarboys Jonah and Simeon were happy to be among the participants this year.
The altarboys listened intently to the presentation.
Fr. Andrew Bartek led the altarboys in evening prayers and preached about St Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus.
It did not take long for the altarboys to fall asleep after having travelled from near and far to come to the altarboy retreat.