St. Basil Catholic Parish, under the leadership of the Reverend James Torquato, is a house of worship and Catholic community center located in the Carrick neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The parish is named after St. Basil the Great, a respected Christian priest, bishop, and theologian during the formative years of the Church. During the fourth century A.D., St. Basil worked alongside his brother to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and to explain their belief in Jesus as the Incarnate Son of God. In his writings, St. Basil the Great particularly expressed the importance of charity and good works.

Rev. James Torquato serves as an advisor and resource to the more than 3,800 members of the parish. With over two decades of service in the Catholic Church, Rev. James Torquato represents an established source of guidance for his parishioners. Under the guidance of Rev. James Torquato, various programs at St. Basil Catholic Parish strive to live up to the standards of charity set forth by St. Basil the Great. One such program, the Ladies of Charity, has worked since 1987 to provide assistance to homebound parishioners as well as those in nursing homes. By sending get-well cards and birthday greetings to fellow parishioners, the Ladies of Charity extend messages of hope and love to those in need. Members of the Ladies of Charity consistently express their gratitude for the rewarding opportunity to help their fellow community members.

Before becoming the Pastor at St. Basil Catholic Parish, Rev. James Torquato held a number of ministerial positions across Pennsylvania. Rev. James Torquato received his theological education abroad, studying at two different pontifical universities in Italy. Rev. James Torquato also served as a member of the United States Air Force Chaplain Candidate Program from 1986 to 1990.