JOHNSTOWN, PA [Tribune-Democrat] - Sixty-seven altar boys from 13 states are in Johnstown this week for a retreat that mixes faith and fun. The three-day event brings together altar boys, who range in age from 8 to 18, and leaders of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese for education, prayer and fellowship. The retreat is being held at Christ the Saviour Cathedral on Garfield Street and this year focuses around the theme of “To Serve is to Love.” “I want you to not be just an altar boy, but be the best altar boy and be ready to service the Lord,” Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese, said to the boys after celebrating Divine Liturgy with them on Tuesday. “Take the theme of this retreat and put it in your heart and love the Lord.” The retreat balances spiritual and fun activities and shows the boys that the priesthood is a viable and worthy vocation. Participants also have the opportunity to bond and learn how to be leaders. Bishop Gregory said the purpose of the retreat is to encourage the boys to pursue the priesthood. “Our priests are getting older and retiring, and we will need new priests, and if they aren’t coming from this group then where?” he said. Read more...

JOHNSTOWN, PA - Plans are underway for the Annual Altar Boy Retreat which will take place from Sunday evening, June 28th (Registration is from 6pm till 8 p.m.) until Wednesday, July 1st. The Retreat will once again take place at Christ the Savior Seminary, Cathedral and Education Center in Johnstown and SS. Peter & Paul Church facilities in Windber. This year's outing will be to Outdoor Odyssey, a leadership academy located in Windber, PA. Read more...