Nearby: St. James Welcomes New Priest with Installation Mass
The Rev. Thomas Burke's installation was held this week at the Sewickley church.
St. James celebrated new beginnings this week with the installation of its new pastor in Sewickley.
The installation Mass for the Rev. Thomas Burke took place earlier this month, according to the church website.
Pittsburgh Catholic Bishop David Zubik presided over the Mass, which was also attended by the regional vicar, the Rev. Sam Esposito, and by Burke's family and friends.
He is the 18th pastor of St. James and replaces the Rev. Dan Valentine, who resigned last month following an investigation into a complaint about a Facebook post to a minor.
The Allegheny District Attorney's office concluded the online post was not criminal, but Valentine still chose to resign as pastor.
Ordained in 2001, Burke was formerly the pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Braddock. Burke officially started his new assignment as pastor of St. James on Aug. 27.
"I love to walk early in the morning to get my daily exercise so you may see me walking around the Village of Sewickley and I love Starbuck's coffee so I will be a regular customer," Burke said in a letter to parishioners.
Burke's new role comes just in time for the kickoff celebration for the 150th anniversary of St. James Parish and 100th anniversary of St. James School.
A noon Mass is planned for Sunday, Sept. 9, at War Memorial Park in Sewickley. Highlights include alumni lectors and the St. James Choir. A picnic celebration will follow in the park. Additional anniversary events are planned in celebration throughout the year.
In This article
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Saint James Catholic Church & Rectory
200 Walnut St, Sewickley, PA -
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St. James Catholic School
201 Broad St, Sewickley, PA -
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