JENKINTOWN, Pa. – On March 16, the Ukrainian American Senior Citizens Association (UASCA) of Philadelphia had the honor and pleasure of welcoming the Very Rev. Dr. Ronald P. Popivchak as the guest speaker to its monthly meeting.
For the past 44 years, Father Ron, as he is fondly called, has been pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport, Pa. In fact, he is the longest serving priest in the Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy. Father Ron is the author of the book, “Bishop for a Day: Ideas to Heal and Renew the Catholic Church,” recently published by Infinity Publishing.
During the meeting, the author gave an interesting and informative presentation on the book, highlighting several challenges within the Catholic community and offering possible solutions. Among the challenges is the continuing need for priests and religious. Advertising the religious life as a rewarding and fulfilling service to God and community could be a final impetus to people who were already contemplating it.
Another focus, he said, is the need for a lay ministry and an enhanced and more significant leadership role for women. A pressing need exists for the church leadership to recognize and root out the evils of physical and sexual abuse, especially of the young. The Church needs to be more transparent and to make certain that it will never happen again.
A question and answer period followed the presentation and those present were able to purchase a signed copy of the book. Additional copies can be purchased at amazon.com.
Father Ron was engaging as always and the UASCA of Philadelphia gratefully acknowledged and thanked him for his continued service to the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the community.