Bishop Zubik Does Ice Bucket Challenge To Help Friend
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese Bishop David Zubik has accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge to help a dear friend.
A total of 800 people showed up for the 11 a.m. Mass Saturday at the Christ the Light of the World Parish in Duquesne.
It wasn't just about the Mass though, their main reason for being there is the parish priest.
"I can't believe how much I am loved. But I think it's… I told them I thought I loved them more than they loved me; but obviously, it's pretty equal," said Fr. Dennis Colamarino.
They came to support Fr. Dennis in his struggle with ALS - better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Bishop Zubik came, too. Afterwards, he took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
How'd the Bishop feel afterwards?
"That's cold!" he said.
Not to be outdone, Fr. Dennis took the challenge, too.
"I'm the pastor and they're parishioners, but it's more than that. We are family and we love each other like family," said Fr. Dennis.
Bishop Zubik compares the ice dump to a baptism.
"Water is a sign of Jesus. We take it beyond that sacrament to say what we do here and how we're supposed to help people who are struggling, that becomes a sign of Jesus within us," he said.
For Fr. Dennis, it was a blessing for Duquesne.
"It brought the community together, and I hope you all print this, something good happens in Duquesne," he said.
Parishioners have started the Team Father Dennis Fund and have raised more than $10,000. Some will take part in the Walk to Defeat ALS on Sept. 6.
Click here for more information on how to donate to the Team Father Dennis Fund.
The Ice Bucket Challenge also made its way to a local high school football field this weekend.
The Central Catholic Vikings accepted a challenge from Pine Richland High School.
They sent a challenge to the Fox Chapel, North Catholic and Woodland Hills football teams.
To donate to the ALS Association, visit their website here.
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