Patrimony

The word Patrimony is not often employed in the parlance of our day. Thus, it is only appropriate to ask for a concise definition of this under-utilized word.  In essence, the Church's Patrimony are those items and artifacts that have been brought into existence through the gifts and sacrifices of the faithful for the devotional life of the people, the celebration of the Sacraments, and for the greater glory of God. These items include, but are not limited to, stained glass windows, altars, pulpits, vestments, chalices, statuary, icons, Stations of the Cross, etc. Given the sacred nature of these temporal goods, the Church has a vested interest, governed by Canon Law, in the respectful handling, preservation, and protection of these objects.

The Office of the Patrimony was established by the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh, with the initiation of On Mission for the Church Alive! on October 15, 2018. As Catholics, we are an Incarnational People.  At the core of our belief is the recognition that Jesus Christ is the Word Incarnate.   We read in the Gospel of Saint John that, "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us."  Since the earliest days of the Church, there have been places, buildings, and objects that have been set aside as sacraficial gifts to God.    Thus, oversight of the patrimony of the church rests upon the understanding that, although the church is the custodian of these sacred objects, they principally belong to God.  It is the sacred nature of these "heirlooms" that bespeak of a convergance between God, who owns them; the Church, who protects them; and the faithful who are graced through them.  

There are both internal and external facets to the Office of the Patrimony. 

The internal aspects of the office are to inventory, catalog, photograph, properly document, and store patrimonial items that are accessioned into the Diocesan warehouse.  For the majority of ecclesiastical goods, the warehouse temporarily holds these items until such time as they can re-enter the service of God and his people.  For some artifacts that bear an historical, artistic, or cultural significance, they are preserved by the office and held by the Diocese in perpetuity. 

The external aspects of the Office of the Patrimony are manifold.  The office assists pastors and administrators of the Diocese in the transfer of liturgical patrimony from one juridic person to another, offers consultation in regards to creatively utilizing the patrimony of the parishes in the event of a merger, and aids in the development of a faith community's historical appreciation and awareness.  It is important to understand that these objects, belonging to God, and in the custody of the Church, bear a great weight upon the faithful, who's relationship to God has been fostered through and by these works of human hands.  

At this time, the Office of the Patrimony does not have hours of operation open to the public.  Visits to the warehouse are by appointment only.  If you have items to be brought to the office or are in need of items from the warehouse, please follow the contact information below.