PD Matters of Faith

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday morning and continuing until 7 p.m. Monday, Trinity Episcopal Church of West Pittston will host a Day of Prayer to benefit Liam Schulze, an 18-month-old who is fighting for his life.

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Liam Schulze, 18 months, in his hospital room in Cincinnati.

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Son of Chris and Michelle “Shelley” Slezak-Schulze, of Greater Pittston, Liam has been diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis or HLH, a rare blood disorder and fatal if untreated.

Liam is in need of a bone marrow transplant to save his life.

The church, located at the West Pittston church located on the corner of Spring Street and Montgomery Avenue, will be open to the public for the entire 12-hour period for quiet prayer with the following three public prayer events: a brief organ recital, hymn of praise and Morning Prayers from 7 a.m. to 7:15 a.m., a brief organ recital, hymn of praise and Noon Day Prayers from 12 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. and Mass With Prayers for Healing from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Liam has already begun chemotherapy and is in Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital.

According to a statement released to Trinity Church by the family, “It could take months to determine if a transplant is successful and still years of recovery and throughout all that is happening, Liam still laughs, smiles, and loves to give and receive kisses.”

“Prayers from peoples of every faith are what have been asked for by our neighbors,” said Fr. John Major, pastor of the West Pittston parish.

“Rallying this kind of support during these days of tremendous challenge facing this child, his parents and all who know him and love him, may be a reminder to us all that we need not face any hardship alone.”