About Ascension · Jeannette, Pennsylvania
Ascension Parish in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant Catholic community rooted in Italian heritage, founded in 1914 to serve immigrant families. It has grown through generations of dedicated parishioners and clergy, evolving from a storeroom Mass to a thriving parish with multiple worship services, ministries, and cultural traditions like the annual Italian Festival. The parish now partners with Sacred Heart Parish and is led by Father Michael Sikon, with Deacon William Wilson as Administrator and Benedictine Father Job Foote as Parochial Vicar.
- Established
- 1914
- Rector
- Father Michael Sikon
- Diocese
- Diocese of Greensburg
Why belong here
Ascension Parish offers a warm, welcoming community built on Italian heritage and Catholic tradition. Join for weekly Masses in English and Spanish, vibrant ministries like the Italian Festival and Spaghetti Dinners, and active sacramental life. The parish is known for its strong faith formation, volunteer-driven outreach, and deep pastoral care — from the first Mass in 1914 to today’s thriving ministries.
Mass times at Ascension
Weekly Mass schedule
Ascension Parish History
Founded in 1914 to serve Italian immigrants, Ascension began in a storeroom on South Sixth Street. The cornerstone was laid in 1916, and the first Masses, baptisms, marriages, and funerals occurred in the early 1910s. Over decades, the parish expanded under successive Benedictine and diocesan priests, including Father Francis Mersinger, Father Angelus Klug, and Msgr. Nicholas A. Mitolo, who led the parish to debt-free status. In 2008, it merged with St. Boniface Church, and in 2013, it partnered with Sacred Heart Parish. The parish celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014 and its 125th anniversary in 2019.
Clergy and Leadership
Current leadership includes Father Michael Sikon as pastor, Benedictine Father Job Foote as Parochial Vicar, and Deacon William Wilson as Administrator. The parish has been served by a long line of dedicated priests, including Father Benedict Ingenito (first pastor), Msgr. Nicholas A. Mitolo (elevated to monsignor), and Father John M. Foriska (united the parishes).
Mass and Worship
Mass is celebrated in English and Spanish on multiple days. Sunday Masses include 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM (Spanish). Weekday Masses are held at 8:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Saturday Masses are at 4:30 PM (seasonal).
Community and Ministries
The parish is known for its Italian heritage, annual Italian Festival, Spaghetti Dinners, and strong faith formation. It also offers volunteer-driven ministries, including the Holy Name Society, CCD, and outreach to the community.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Benedict Ingenito1914–1922
First pastor; moved into church sacristy; served until 1922.
- Benedictine Father Francis Mersinger1922–1953
Served 31 years; formed Holy Name Society; expanded parish property.
- Benedictine Father Angelus Klug1953–1957
Tireless priest; beautified church; initiated weekly envelope system.
- Benedictine Father James Imhof1957–1963
Led addition to church; oversaw parking and property expansion.
- Father Joseph Pernatozzi1964–1969
Built parish house; converted Americanization Hall to Ascension Center.
- Father Nicholas J. Thomas1969–1970
Interim pastor for one year.
- Father Francis D. Pirulli1970–1978
Inaugurated Italian Festival; converted basement to CCD classrooms.
- Msgr. Nicholas A. Mitolo1978–2002
Reduced parish debt; served 24 years; elevated to monsignor by Pope John Paul II.
- Father John M. Foriska2002–2013
Restored church after flood; united Ascension and Sacred Heart parishes.
- Father Joseph L. Sredzinski2013–2019
Assisted pastoral duties for both parishes.
- Father Paul A. Lisik2013–2019
Administrator of Ascension; pastor of Sacred Heart; celebrated 100th and 125th anniversaries.
- Father Michael Sikon2019–present
Pastor of both Ascension and Sacred Heart parishes; also pastor of St. Barbara Church.