Mission Statement

We, the Catholic Community of the Epiphany are called through Baptism to be Disciples of Christ. We form a welcoming parish family that challenges each other to live God’s word through love, worship, education and service in our pursuit of holiness. We strive to preserve our rich cultural heritage. We aim to foster an atmosphere where vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life are encouraged. We are nourished by the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of all that we are. We are a people dedicated to the sanctity of all of human life, and to being good stewards of our time, talent, and treasures, both here and throughout the world.

Vision Statement

“The Catholic Community of the Epiphany envisions the presence and ongoing growth of a vibrant Catholic community of faith, hope and love serving Jesus Christ and His Gospel, both here and throughout the world.

Decision of Bishop Martino:

Epiphany, Sayre; St. Ann, Bentley Creek; St. John’s S. Waverly; St. Joseph’s Athens will consolidate no later than July 2009 at the Epiphany site. There will be an additional worship site (the possibility of one weekend Mass with occasional funerals and weddings) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church, Ridgebury, PA., this will be reviewed after two years. We are requesting July 26, 2009 for the closing Mass for Saint Ann Church pending the approval of Bishop Martino. Similar worship sites will be maintained at St. Joseph’s Athens and St. John’s S. Waverly until they are closed no later than July 2011.

Specific Directives

Accommodations will be made for the Pastoral Center to be located in the convent at Epiphany School. This has already begun in preparation for the newly created position of Director of Faith Formation.

Cluster parishes will study the need for parish staff to include, personnel for Youth apostolate, Religious Formation, Business Manager.

To study how to meet the needs of providing pastoral care at the hospital and nursing homes. Father Langan has agreed to lead this process.

Steps will be taken at Our Lady of Perpetual Help to provide for new restrooms and handicap accessibility. We have begun discussion on what will work best to accomplish this directive.

General Directives for EVERY Cluster and Parish in the Diocese

To develop and implement effective evangelization plans to be welcoming communities.
Transition/Implementation Committees are being formed.

To respond to the command of Jesus to serve by proclaiming in word and action the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and call to social justice. Transition/Implementation Committees are being formed.

To cultivate a culture of vocation, or “calling”, be educated to “live their lives as a vocation” to holiness and mission. Transition Implementation Committees are being formed.

To develop a new Mass schedule that reflects good stewardship of priestly resources and maximizes opportunities for larger assemblies to provide a more robust celebration of the liturgy. The Mass Schedule Effective July 2009, and the Proposed Mass Schedule Effective sometime 2011 have been drafted.

Pastors of the Catholic Community of the Epiphany

2009 – Present Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic