David Zubik

PITTSBURGH — The Diocese of Pittsburgh has announced a special “Service of Apology” in the wake of two Catholic bishops who covered up years of sexual abuse by religious leaders in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

Bishop David Zubik announced that he will lead the service at 7 p.m. March 21 at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland.

“It (service) is a moment for me as Shepherd of this local Church to say those three very important but oft forgotten words, 'I am sorry,' and in so doing to seek forgiveness of anyone hurt by the Church,” Zubik said in a statement.

A grand jury issued a report Tuesday that the two bishops, Joseph Adamec and James Hogan covered up the sexual abuse of hundreds of children by more than 50 priests and religious leaders during a 40-year period in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.

No criminal charges are being filed in the case since some abusers have died, the statute of limitations has expired or victims are too traumatized to testify, state Attorney General Kathleen Kane said this week.

Zubik said that while the church as the “Body of Christ” is divine, church leaders also know the church is “also very human.”

“We also know that over the years the Church in its humanness has been the cause of harm or pain to some of the faithful,” he said. “It has happened anywhere in the world. It has happened in our diocese.”

Zubik invites those who have been harmed by the church “in any way” to the service.

The prayer service on the Monday of Holy Week is open to all.

“There will be nothing expected of you but your presence and your willingness to pray with me. No one will bother you,” Zubik said.

Philip Farrell, regional vicar for Butler County, Lawrence County and northern Allegheny County, said the special service is not meant to point out individual situations or cases.

“It's hopefully meant to be healing,” Farrell said. “We as a church have to accept our failures and apologize for them.”

Michael Roche, priest for St. Gregory Catholic Parish in Zelienople, said while the church itself will not hold any special services, it encourages people to participate in the special service.

“What the bishop (Zubik) really wants to do is unite us as a diocese as we collectively repent for our sinfulness,” Roche said.

“Anytime someone in a position of trust abuses that trust, it's a cause of tremendous sadness and horror,” he said. “I pray that God will heal us of our self-inflicted wounds.”

Harry Bielewicz, priest for Saint Paul, Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Peter parishes in Butler was unavailable for comment.