Bethel Park’s Eckman eager to assume role of bishop of Pittsburgh Diocese
Bethel Park native Mark A. Eckman said he is ready for the challenge of being the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
“In my book, it’s obviously a very awesome responsibility,” the native of Bethel Park said in a recent interview. “I try not to think too much about everything because it gets overwhelming, but this is my hometown, and I’m very honored to be there.
“I’m typically an organized person and a planner, so it’s a matter of me going around to listen to people and talk to people and see what’s happening throughout the six counties of the diocese and working with the staff and putting together some goals that we can accomplish to help proclaim the Gospel.”
Pope Leo XIV appointed Eckman to the position on June 4, replacing Bishop David A. Zubik, who had reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.
Eckman, 66, will be installed July 14 during a special Mass at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. Bishops and cardinals from across the country will be in attendance. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, will present the papal bull, the official document indicating Eckman has been appointed by the pope. The day before, a vespers service will be held at St. Paul Cathedral.
Eckman now serves as the general secretary and vicar general of the diocese, which entails overseeing the diocese’s day-to-day operations. He will appoint a successor for that role, along with many other duties he will undertake upon his installation.
Eckman was ordained to the priesthood in 1985 by Archbishop Anthony Bevilacqua. In 2009, he became pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park, where he remained until 2021, when he was named an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. During his time at St. Thomas More, Eckman was named an episcopal vicar for clergy personnel by Zubik.
“I’ve been a priest for 40 years, and most of that time has been spent in parish ministry,” Eckman said. “I know what parish life is about, what it’s like to raise a family, the needs parents have and the struggles people have in their lives. I think that’s a pastoral approach that (people) will appreciate. I like to collaborate with people. They’ll be involved in making the plan happen.”
Eckman’s roots are in the South Hills. Born in Bethel Park, he attended St. Valentine Grade School in Bethel Park and was a 1977 graduate of South Hills Catholic High School, now known as Seton LaSalle Catholic High School, where Eckman also taught for six years.
His alma mater is proud to see one of its graduates chosen to serve as bishop.
“He’s literally one of the best examples of what we can hope for from our graduates,” said Will Merchant, Seton LaSalle principal. “He’s the best example of what can happen when someone receives a good education and listens to God’s call in their life and says ‘yes.'”
Eckman has served in a number of parishes around the South Hills. Along with St. Thomas More, he has served at St. Valentine’s in Bethel Park and St. Winifred in Castle Shannon.
Eckman knows he has a formidable predecessor in Zubik, who was ordained as bishop in 2003. He intends to tap his wealth of experience.
“It will be interesting to see how he lets go,” Eckman admitted with a chuckle. “He’s been used to being in charge. The good side is he’ll be around. I’m going to have questions.”
Jennifer Antkowiak, diocesan spokesperson, said Eckman’s appointment has been well-received by the church community.
“Our social media pages have been on fire with well wishes and prayers for Bishop Mark,” she said. “He has worked directly with a lot of them and they know him and love him.”
She said Eckman led a recent pilgrimage to Italy.
“He filled two buses of people,” she said. “They all went because he was leading it as our spiritual guide. He has a lot of love and prayers coming for him. The staff is excited. It’s honoring the legacy of one with excitement in joyfully welcoming a new page in the history of the diocese.”
Eckman looks forward to continuing his spiritual journey.
“At the end of the day, that’s what we’re all about, to make sure the Gospel is preached and people know about the love of God in their lives.”