Special Announcement

A special edition for the weekend of December 3-4, 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we continue through this season of Advent, I have a special announcement to make:

A few years ago, the Benedictines of Saint Vincent Archabbey responded to a request from Bishop Michael Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to provide pastoral care for the St. John University Parish community until the Diocese was able to resume responsibility for the pastoral care of the parish.  That time has come; Bishop Bransfield informed the Archabbot of Saint Vincent that the Diocese is now able to provide such pastoral care once again.

We Benedictines are pleased to join the parish community in extending a warm welcome to Father Walter M. Jagela.  On December 1, 2016, Father Jagela and I were informed that he has been appointed the pastor of St. John University Parish and chaplain of the Campus Ministry program effective January 4, 2017.  His vision and enthusiasm to work with the parishioners and students will be a great blessing to the parish and university communities.

Archabbot Douglas asked me to pass along to you that the Benedictines are honored that we have been able to assist this community during the past several years and are pleased that the Diocese is now able to provide a pastor.  Father Pio Adamonis, who has assisted us on weekends, will continue his assignments at Saint Vincent.  Likewise, I will return to the Abbey to continue my academic preparation for graduate studies in Business.

On behalf of the Archabbot and all of my Benedictine confreres, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Diocese and to the parishioners and students for the kindness and thoughtfulness that have been extended to me in my first two years of priesthood and to my Benedictine confreres who have served this community.  We are deeply grateful to you.

Be assured of our continued prayers for each one of you, and know of our gratitude for the blessings of working with the St. John University Parish community, a community of student and non-student disciples.  I ask you for your continued prayers as we continue to journey in this season of Advent, particularly the prayer of Mary, the Mother of God, “Be it done unto me according to thy word.” 

Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus – That in all things God may be glorified,

Fr. Isaac Haywiser, O.S.B.
Temporary Administrator and Director of Campus Ministry
Mountaineer Catholic at Saint John University Parish