 | 2004 Serra International Convention + June 24 - 27Diocesan Staff |
Rev. James A. Wehner, S.T.D.
Rector, St. Paul Seminary
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Reverend James A. Wehner is a native of Pittsburgh’s North Side. He was raised in the section of the city known as Troy Hill where he attended Most Holy Name School and North Catholic High School. He entered the seminary in 1989, graduating from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Degree. He completed his studies in Rome at the North American College and, in 1995, was ordained to the priesthood by Most Reverend Bishop Donald Wuerl.
Father Wehner served as Bishop Wuerl’s p ersonal secretary from 1996-1998. He returned to Rome in 1998 to pursue doctoral studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in dogmatic theology with a specialization in evangelization. After earning his doctorate, summa cum laude, Father Wehner returned to Pittsburgh in 2001 as Vice Rector of St. Paul Seminary and as Director of the Department of Clergy and Ministerial Formation.
In the summer of 2002, Bishop Wuerl named Father Wehner Rector of the Seminary as well as Director of the newly created Department for Evangelization. He was also appointed Director of the Office for the Diaconate.
In addition to his other duties, Father Wehner serves as Chaplain to the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center where he works with at risk children. It is an assignment, he says, that, along with his work as rector of the Seminary, helps him to appreciate the connection between priestly formation and pastoral ministry.
Rev. Thomas J. Burke
Co-Director of Vocations
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Reverend Thomas Burke was ordained at St. Paul Cathedral in 2001 by Most Rev. Donald Wuerl, Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He is presently Parochial Vicar at St. Alphonsus Parish in Wexford, a suburb of Pittsburgh. As co-director of vocations, Father Burke will work to help high school age individuals discern whether or not they might have a vocation to the priesthood or the vowed religious life.
A native of Pittsburgh, Father Burke is the youngest of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. William Burke and grew up in the Carrick neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Before entering St. Paul Seminary in 1995 he was a District Executive (public relations and marketing) for the Greater Pittsburgh Council - Boy Scouts of America. He is also an Eagle Scout. Father Burke’s father, Bill is a retired City of Pittsburgh police officer. His mother, Marge, is retired from ALCOA and Children’s Hospital.
Father Burke holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Clarion University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Duquesne University and a Master of Divinity Degree from St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA. In addition to his duties at St. Alphonsus Parish, Father Burke serves as Chaplain for the Serra Club of Mars, PA, a confessor for the Benedictine Sisters on the North Side of Pittsburgh and an active counselor for the Boy Scouts of America.
Father Burke enjoys outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, bike riding and keeping up with the news. He also enjoys visiting State capitols. He once had aspirations of being a radio and television broadcaster. Now he is broadcasting the Good News!
Rev. Thomas Sparacino
Co-Director of Vocations
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Reverend Thomas Sparacino was born in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, but was raised in West Pittsburg, PA, (Lawrence County). He is the son of Mrs. Marie Sparacino and the late James J. Sparacino, who passed away in June, 2002. Father Sparacino says he realized his vocation to the priesthood through the people with whom he lived, ministered and worked.
His parents, he says, were very much involved in parish life. This led to Father Sparacino being very active in the church. He grew up in Holy Cross parish, now a part of St. Vincent DePaul Parish in New Castle/West Pittsburg, PA. After graduating from Lawrence County Vocational Technical High School, Father Sparacino worked as a pharmacy clerk and volunteered his time to the church and agencies dealing with handicapped children.
He later attended Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) where he earned an Associates Degree in occupational therapy. He worked at the Communtiy Mental Health Center of Beaver County before entering St. Paul Seminary and then moving on to St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA, where he earned a Master of Divinity Degree. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Duquesne University. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1998, by Bishop Donald Wuerl.
Father Sparacino is currently assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Valentine Parish, Bethel Park, PA, as well Co-Vocations Director of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He had previously served as Parochial Vicar at St. Sebastian Parish in Ross Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, and as Chaplain to the School Community of North Catholic High School.
As co-director of vocations in the Diocese of
Pittsburgh, Father Sparacino will focus his
efforts on individuals who are post-high
school age. In his spare time, he enjoys the
theater, cooking, hiking and trying to get to
the beach when he can.