Father Tom Burke is one of two Co-Vocation Directors of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Fr. Tom is Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Cathedral in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. Among Fr. Tom’s responsibilities as co-vocation director is assisting those men who are in high school discerning a possible vocation to the diocesan priesthood. This is called the High School Program.

The Bishop's Latin School Alumni Association again hosted a Mass, luncheon, and tour of St Anthony's Chapel in Troy Hill. Many of the high school affiliates and their families attended the Mass, tour, and luncheon at Most Holy Name rectory. BLS Alum, Fr Dave Schorr ('65) led the tour of the chapel and answered many questions about the relics.

The High School Program is a gathering of young men discerning priesthood that meets four times a year; two Sunday Open Houses in the fall semester, and two in the spring semester. The High School Open House consists of Sunday Mass with the seminarians, a delicious brunch, and a discussion session. Parents and siblings of the students are also welcomed.

If you are interested in contacting Fr. Tom Burke concerning the High School Program, contact him at 412-456-3123 or at St. Paul Cathedral Parish at 412-621-4951 ext 13 or e-mail him at tburke@diopitt.org

Prior to the tour, alumni president, Tony Fisher, explains the history of the Latin School and our goals for vocations. During the luncheon, Tony presented the high school students with a small gift.

Fr. Dave Schorr gave the history of the near life size hand carved Stations of the Cross. Fr. Dave also reviewed the history of the relics, and different classes of relics.

This year, freshmen who are in the High School Affiliate Program, and who attend a Catholic High in the diocese, will eligible for the Albert F. Franc, Jr. Memorial Scholarship. This Scholarship was set-up and funded by a Latin School Alumnus, Pat Franc, (73) in honor of his father. Pat has established the inaugural award of $1,000 in the name of his father which will be awarded annually to a deserving young man who is about to enter high school and is seeking similar rewards of a Catholic education with a potential interest in entering the priesthood. The candidates will be nominated by the Bishop's Latin School Alumni Association and Father Thomas Burke. All candidates are asked to submit a written essay as to what their interests and goals are at this stage in their lives with regard to continued service to God and their fellow man.