Hey there! Let me tell you about St. Catherine Laboure Parish—a pretty new Catholic church in Pittsburgh that's already making waves. Established on January 4, 2021, this parish sits at 320 McMurray Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, under the Diocese of Pittsburgh. But its story actually goes back a few years before that.

Why a New Parish Was Needed

Back in 2015, the Diocese of Pittsburgh noticed something worrying—fewer people were showing up for Mass, and participation in sacraments (like baptisms and weddings) was dropping. It was like seeing your favorite local diner slowly empty out—you just know something's gotta change.

So, Bishop David Zubik launched this big initiative called "On Mission for The Church Alive!" in April 2015. Think of it as a spiritual renovation project—figuring out how to keep parishes strong, engaged, and sustainable for the future.

The Merger That Started It All

By 2018, the diocese began grouping parishes together to combine resources. Two churches—Saint Joan of Arc (in Library, PA) and Saint Louise de Marillac (in Upper St. Clair)—started sharing a clergy team. They worked side by side before finally merging in 2021 to become St. Catherine Laboure Parish.

The cool part? Both church buildings stayed open. That means longtime parishioners didn't lose their spiritual homes—it was more like two friend groups coming together while keeping their favorite hangout spots.

Welcome to Upper St. Clair

If you're not familiar with the area, Upper St. Clair is a chill suburban township just south of Pittsburgh. It's got great schools, nice parks, and a tight-knit community vibe—kind of like living in a place where everyone knows their neighbors but you're still close enough to the city for fun nights out.

The parish fits right into that community spirit, offering Masses, events, and outreach programs that bring people together.

What Makes This Parish Special?

St. Catherine Laboure isn't just another church—it's a hub for faith, service, and connection. Here's what they're all about:

• Evangelization & Renewal – Helping people grow in their faith, whether they're lifelong Catholics or just checking things out.

• Fellowship – From men's groups to volunteer opportunities, it's like a spiritual version of a pickup basketball game—you bond while doing something meaningful.

• Education – The parish has a school that's been around since 1949 and keeps growing (they've had to add classrooms multiple times!).

• Outreach – They're big on helping the community, whether through charity drives or just being there for people in need.

Wanna Check It Out?

If you're in Pittsburgh, why not stop by? They've got:

• Multiple Mass times (including live-streamed options if you can't make it in person).

• Confession and adoration for those deeper spiritual moments.

• Community events where you can meet people and get involved.

How to Connect

• Call 'em up: (412) 833-1010

• Find them on Tabella for updates and event schedules.

Whether you're a longtime churchgoer or just curious about faith communities, St. Catherine Laboure Parish is worth a visit. It's proof that even when things change, faith and community can grow stronger than ever.