RETREAT CENTER TEAM
A native of Pittsburgh, Father Gerald Laba, C.P. grew up in the South Side and was a member of Saint Adalbert Church, now Prince of Peace Parish. He completed his theology studies at Saint John’s University in New York, where he received a Master of Arts degree in 1973. Following ordination, he served in the ministry of religious formation and education for the Province of Saint Paul of the Cross for fifteen years as Director of Students and Director of Novices. During this same time, he also taught in two high schools in Philadelphia and in New England and conducted directed, guided, and preached retreats.
For many years, Father Gerald assisted at the Catholic Church of Preston County, Preston County, West Virginia, a county-wide parish served by the Passionists from 1981 to 2010. Prior to returning to Pittsburgh in 2006, he served in leadership as Vicar Provincial for the Province of Saint Paul of the Cross for eight years. His responsibilities included the province admissions process, religious formation and education, personnel, programs for laity associated with Passionist ministries (Mission Fulfillment, Passionist Associates, Domestic and International Volunteer programs), and pastoral planning.
In addition to philosophy and theology, Father Gerald has had the opportunity to pursue studies in religious education, Passionist studies, and Church History. He studied Christian spirituality and spiritual direction at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. Father received a Master of Arts degree in Church History from the Catholic University of America in 1993 and has completed his academic work and much of his research for the Ph.D. program.
In October 2010, Bishop David Zubik appointed Father Gerald to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council. Father Gerald is happy to be back in Pittsburgh where he is currently serving as rector of the local Passionist Community and as retreat director.