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Pastor of South Hills parish named auxiliary bishop

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Pope Francis has named the Rev. Mark Eckman as auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh.

Eckman has been a priest in the Diocese of Pittsburgh for more than 36 years and serves as pastor of Resurrection Parish in Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. His ordination as bishop is scheduled for Jan. 11 at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland.

“I am honored that the Holy Father has placed such trust and confidence in me, and I will serve wherever needed,” Eckman said.

“I have chosen as my episcopal motto ‘To serve in faith and charity.’ I hope to faithfully live out this motto as I continue to minister in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.”

Eckman, 62, was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. He was born in Pittsburgh and attended St. Valentine Elementary School and the former South Hills Catholic High School, now Seton LaSalle High School.

A seminarian at St. Paul Seminary in Pittsburgh, Eckman is a graduate of Duquesne University and received a master of divinity degree from St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe

He is the son of the late Francis and Clarissa Eckman, and brother of Peggy Mannella of Bethel Park and the late Mary Haugen and Francis Eckman Jr.

Since his priestly ordination May 11, 1985, Eckman has served as parochial vicar, high school chaplain, administrator of two parishes, pastor of two parishes and episcopal vicar for clergy personnel. He has also been a member of several boards, including priest council, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops National Advisory Board, Permanent Diaconate Formation board and the seminary admissions board.

Eckman remains as pastor of Resurrection Parish.

“I only ever wanted to be a parish priest,” he said.

“I am also grateful to all the faithful in the assignments that I have had the privilege to serve.”

An auxiliary bishop is assigned to assist the diocesan bishop with the pastoral and administrative needs of a diocese. In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop William Waltersheid also serves as an auxiliary bishop.

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