Priests assigned to Catholic parish in Pittsburgh's Hill District

Three priests have been assigned to the church in Pittsburgh’s Hill District that has been designated to serve Black Catholics in the area.

Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik announced the clergy assignments Saturday for St. Benedict the Moor personal parish.

The church was designated a “personal parish” last week to serve the spiritual needs of Black Catholics in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. A personal parish, Zubik said, is one that responds to the specific needs, often related to a particular culture.

The Rev. Thomas Burke will serve as its pastor. He will be assisted by the Rev. David Taylor and the Rev. Matthew Hawkins.

The church will be Hawkins’ first assignment following his ordination as a priest.

“It is always special for me to give a new priest his first assignment. It is also special for a parish to receive a newly ordained priest,” Zubik said in a statement. “It is my hope that Saint Benedict the Moor parish rejoices in receiving one of our newest priests.”

The clergy assignments will be effective Monday, July 13.

The three priests will continue to serve at St. Mary Magdalene parish, which serves the East End neighborhoods of Pittsburgh and Wikinsburg.

Zubik plans to celebrate Mass at the new parish on the preceding Sunday, July 12.

“I am committed to the needs of Black Catholics in our community,” Zubik said. “I am grateful for the continued opportunity to work together to make sure that Black Catholics know that they do matter.”