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Former Marble man honored in special Mass

Brian Schill of Upper St. Claire and formerly of Marble and Clarion was honored recently during a special Mass at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland.

Bishop David Zubik bestowed the Manifesting the Kingdom Award for distinguished service to Schill, Recipients are recognized for "proclaiming Christ in their communities" and are nominated by parishes, religious communities and the diocese.

Schill, a member of St. Louise de Marillac Parish in Bethel Park, is a graduate of Venango Catholic High School and Clarion University.

He was nominated by St. Louise pastor, the Rev. Michael Caridi. Father Mike, as he is known at St. Louise, said Schill's Catholic faith motivates his actions.

"Brian has served our country in the military, and is actively involved in the community with a number of civic organizations," said Father Mike. "And as a lector here at St. Louise, Brian loves proclaiming the word of God."

One of the most compelling reasons for the award presentation, noted the church, was the way Brian dealt with cancer.

Almost two years ago, Schill was diagnosed with stage four mantle cell lymphoma, and had a stem cell transplant in November 2009.

"Brian confronted his illness with a lot of grace," said Father Mike. "...It was a great witness to me personally. He inspired a lot of people in the parish through his illness."

Schill, who is in remission, said he feels very blessed. "If you had the support I did, there was no option but to survive."

According to Schill, receiving the Manifesting the Kingdom Award was a "very humbling experience."

"I was surrounded by all these ordinary people who did all these extraordinary things and I am proud and excited and privileged to represent St. Louise," he said.

A retired Lt. Colonel from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard 171st Air Refueling Wing, Schill has been actively involved with numerous community organizations. He serves as president of the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary, is on the Clarion University Alumni Association Board, and is a Wings over Pittsburgh ambassador.

Brian is married to the former Linda Lynam of Marble and they have three children. He is the son of the late Bernard and Margie Schill.

Originally published in The Derrick on March 5, 2011.