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Tag: Lent

Around the Parish – February 2, 2025

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

This Sunday, February 2, 2025, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. This feast commemorates the moment when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses. According to Jewish custom, every firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord, and the offering of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons was made in accordance with the law.

Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and proclaimed Him as the “light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” Likewise, the prophetess Anna, who had devoted her life to prayer and fasting in the temple, spoke of the child to all who awaited the redemption of Jerusalem. This profound moment reminds us that Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the true light that dispels the darkness of sin and death.

In recognition of Christ as the light of the nations, we bless candles and hold them during the first part of Mass, symbolizing Christ as the true light who has come into the world. The lighted candles also serve as a reminder of our call to carry the light of Christ into our daily lives, shining His love to all those we encounter.

Candlemas Candles

Blessed candles are available for purchase by the Sacred Heart statue for $5 per box of two candles. These candles serve as a beautiful reminder of Christ’s presence in our lives and homes.

Returning Old Palms

A friendly reminder that old palms can be returned to the baskets placed at the entrances of the church. The deadline for returning your palms is next Sunday, February 9. These palms will be burned and used for the ashes distributed on Ash Wednesday.

Eucharistic Adoration Sign-Ups

We invite you to sign up for Eucharistic Adoration, which will take place for 24 hours. We need at least two people per hour to ensure that our Lord is never left alone in the Blessed Sacrament. Sign-up sheets are available in the main vestibule of the church. Thank you to those who have already committed to spending time with our Lord in Adoration.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Lessons in life will repeat until they are learned. You are the artist of your own life: make it beautiful. Prepare your child for the road ahead, not the road ahead for your child. Stress comes from trying to do it all on your own; peace comes from putting it all in God’s hands.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.

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Around the Parish – January 26

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Proclaim a Year of Jubilee

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus boldly proclaim that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, declaring: “to bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” This passage is rooted in the ancient tradition of the Jubilee Year, a time of renewal, restoration, and freedom outlined in the Old Testament. A Jubilee Year was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was restored to its rightful owners. In the Church, the Jubilee Year is an opportunity to seek deeper conversion, reconciliation, and renewal of our faith. How fitting it is that we hear this message during our Jubilee Year of Hope! As we continue this year of grace, let us reflect on how we can experience the freedom and restoration that Christ offers us.

Eucharistic Adoration – 24 Hours for the Lord

More information is available in this weekend’s bulletin about Adoration, the Holy Eucharist, and our upcoming celebration of 24 Hours for the Lord. Sign-ups for Adoration are available both in the main vestibule of the church and online at ihmercer.org/24-hours. We encourage everyone to take part in this beautiful opportunity to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Return Your Old Palms

As we prepare for Lent, please remember to bring your old palms back to church so they can be burned for Ash Wednesday. The deadline to return them is Sunday, February 9. A collection basket will be available in the vestibule for your convenience.

The Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas

Next Sunday, our church will celebrate The Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. At the beginning of each Mass, we will bless the candles that will be used in our church throughout the coming year. Everyone will have the opportunity to hold a candle at the beginning of Mass, with candles available at the doors of the church. It is a long-standing custom to bring special candles from home for this blessing, and we encourage you to do so. Additionally, special Candlemas Candles are available for purchase by the Sacred Heart statue, with a suggested donation of $5 per box of 2 candles.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

As difficult as things may be, remember that what you’re going through right now won’t last forever; trust that better days are ahead; storms don’t last forever.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Real Presence Bulletin Insert Page 1
The Real Presence Bulletin Insert Page 2

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.

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Around the Parish – January 19

Written by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F. on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

“Do whatever He tells you.”

These words from Mary in this weekend’s Gospel are not just for the servants at the wedding in Cana—they are for all of us. Mary’s instruction is a timeless call to trust in Jesus and to follow Him completely. What is He asking you to do in your life today? What step of faith might He be inviting you to take? Trust that His plans will always lead to something far greater than we can imagine.

Mass Intentions Needed

Our Mass intention calendar has many openings, particularly for daily Masses. Having a Mass offered for the repose of a loved one’s soul or for someone’s special intentions is a profound act of charity. There is no greater gift we can give than the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. If you would like to schedule a Mass intention, please contact the parish office.

Return Old Palms

Starting this weekend, receptacles will be placed at the entrances of the church to collect old palms. These palms will be burned to make the ashes we will use on Ash Wednesday. Please return your old palms by Sunday, February 9, 2025.

24 Hours for the Lord

As we look ahead to Lent, our parish will host 24 Hours for the Lord, a special opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration, beginning Friday, March 21, 2025, after the 8:00 AM Mass and continuing until Saturday, March 22, 2025, concluding with a special 8:00 AM Mass.

We need at least two adorers for each hour to ensure the Blessed Sacrament is never left alone. Sign-ups will begin next weekend, January 25-26. Please be generous with your time—if you spend even one hour with Him, I am confident He will bless you abundantly in return.

Praise and Worship Adoration

Also on Friday, March 21, at 7:00 PM, we will host a special Praise and Worship Eucharistic Adoration. This experience will include music, moments of vocal praise, and quiet prayer. It is a powerful way to connect with God and deepen your relationship with Him.

Over the next few weeks, our bulletin will include reflections and materials about Eucharistic Adoration and its importance in our spiritual lives. I encourage you to take time to read and pray with these resources.

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

Don’t close the book when negative things happen in your life; just turn the page and begin a new chapter. Remember, even your worst day has only 24 hours. When you choose to forgive, you heal and when you let go, you grow.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions

The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.

Offering Masses for the Deceased:

Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.

The Mass: Center of Christian Life:

Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.

Requesting a Mass Intention:

Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.

Offering a Mass Stipend:

The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.

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Around the Parish – April 2, 2023

Written by on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday, because we hear an account of the passion of Jesus Christ during the liturgy. Most churches also share this reading in common. Many Catholic parishes use multiple lectors to proclaim the Gospel, while it is not uncommon for a similar reading or even a performance in many mainstream Protestant churches.

The commonality found in the worship on this particular Sunday seems to highlight the fundamental truth in the observance: Jesus Christ died for everyone. He did not die on a cross for just Catholics, or just Orthodox, or just Protestants. Whether one acknowledges it or not, he was crucified for all those who are born of man. Today, we rejoice not just for what he has done for us but also for what he has done for all of creation.

On Holy Saturday, church regulation does not permit any Masses to be celebrated before sunset. This is the case so that the church is dark for the lighting of the Easter Fire and Paschal Candle. Consequently, we cannot have the 5:00 pm mass that day. The Easter Vigil will begin at 8:30 pm. This is the earliest time permitted by the diocese.

On Holy Thursday, morning Masses are not permitted. Our Mass will be at 7:00 pm. It will be followed by Adoration until 11:30 pm. The Passion of Our Lord and Holy Communion service will be at 12:15 pm on Good Friday.

On Holy Saturday, we will be decorating the church at 9:00 am. A word of gratitude and appreciation goes out to all those who donated for the Easter Lilies. Those names will be in next weekend’s bulletin. The blessing of Easter foods will take place on Holy Saturday at 12:00 pm in church.

In May, our Sunday Mass schedule is set to return to 8 am and 10:30 am. Before we make that decision, we want to make sure that is the best time for summer. In the bulletin for the next few weeks, a form will be available to select your favored option for the Summer Sunday Schedule. We ask that you only return one form per family. You can place the form in the collection basket or mail it to the parish office.

For the months of May—August, our Mass schedule is set to change from 11 am to 10:30 am. We are asking all parishioners to circle their preferred option below and return to the parish office via the collection or mailing in your response.

Option 1: 8:00 am & 11:00 am

Option 2: 8:00 am & 10:30 am

Option 3: 8:00 am & 10:00 am

Here’s a thought for your week: Get into the habit of asking yourself, “does this support the kind of life God wants me to create?”   

 Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

The IHM 300 Club will be a special 6 month raffle, and more information about this can be found in today’s bulletin, as well as on our website. Tickets will begin being sold this weekend, April 1 & 2 after all the masses. Tickets can also always be purchased through the parish office after next weekend.

Click here for more info on the 300 Club
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Around the Parish – March 26, 2023

Written by on . Posted in News, Around the Parish.

The last two weeks in the season of Lent are called Passiontide which begins on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. This is when the Church shifts her focus from Christ in the desert (the Gospel for the First Sunday of Lent) to Christ during His Passion.

During this period of Passiontide, the crucifix and other statues and images around the church have been veiled with a purple cloth.

In the Roman Missal we find the instruction, “In the Dioceses of the United States, the practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from [the fifth] Sunday [of Lent] may be observed. Crosses remain covered until the end of the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, but images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.”

Why do we veil images? The practice of veiling images alerts us that something is different, it can be startling at first, but the last two weeks of Lent are a time of immediate preparation for the celebration of the Sacred Triduum. The veils are hard to miss and they serve as a reminder to get ready!

The veiled images build within us a longing for Easter Sunday. The veils seem out of place, and even counterintuitive. It can seem strange that the crucifix is covered up during Passiontide. Through this absence of images, our senses are heightened and we become more aware of what is missing. Similarly, the suppression of the Alleluia during Lent effectively demonstrates that we are in exile from our true Home, where the angels sing Alleluia without ceasing.

When images are unveiled before the Easter Vigil, we are reminded that we, in a sense, live in a veiled world. It is through our own death that we are able to see our true home, and the veil is lifted. Christ lifts the veil through His Resurrection.

In last weekend’s bulletin, as well as this weekend’s bulletin, there is a full page advertisement about IHM’s newest fundraiser. The IHM 300 Club will be a special 6 month raffle, and more information about this can be found in today’s bulletin, as well as on our website. Tickets will begin being sold next weekend, April 1 & 2 after all the masses. Tickets can also always be purchased through the parish office after next weekend.

Click here for more info on the 300 Club

We have the totals from our Saint Patrick Day Bingo and Bake Sale! Big drum roll please! The total is $2,744. Last year, we made just $466 on bingo alone. This year, the Bingo brought in $2020 alone. A massive thank you to the Knights of Columbus for sponsoring the Bingo, to the anonymous donor for the kitchen costs, and for all the amazing baked goods! Another wonderful event for our parish family!

Here’s a thought for your week: We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that God has waiting for us.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – March 19, 2023

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Today we celebrate Laetare Sunday. This Sunday is noted as different in our liturgical celebration of lent in a few ways. First, and most obvious, is the color of vestments that the clergy wear. While some will continue wearing violet, the recommended color is rose. This lighter color reminds us of the joy that is coming at Easter. Second, in the liturgical norms of the day, the entrance antiphon starts with the word “Laetare!” which is Latin for “Rejoice!” We are now at the midpoint of our Lenten journey, and our focus today is a reminder to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Heb 12:1b) With Easter just around the corner, let us now spend these last days of Lent focused on the sacrifice of the Lord, especially as we journey toward Holy Thursday and Good Friday where we journey with the Lord toward His death and receive Him in the Eucharist.

Our Deanery Penance Services are upon us. Today, Sunday March 19, Our Lady of Fatima’s Penance Service is at 1:00pm. Saint Bartholomew is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday March 20 at 6:30pm. Good Shepherd is on Wednesday March 22 at 6:30pm. Saint Joseph is on Thursday, March 23 at 6:30pm. Our Parish service is next Sunday, March 26 at 2:00pm, and the final service will be at Beloved Disciple on Sunday, March 26 at 5:00pm. As a reminder, confessions are available every Friday of Lent from 6-7pm as well as every Saturday from 4-5pm. If these times do not work for your schedule, call me at the office and we can schedule a time that works for our schedules.

Mark your calendars! On Holy Saturday, April 8, at 9am we will decorate Church for Easter! Many hands make light work, so any help that you might be able to give would be greatly appreciated!

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: Don’t wait for the right time; make the time right now. Life is short; time is fast: since there is no rewind or instant replay, enjoy each moment as it comes.   

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – March 12, 2023

Written by on . Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Congratulations to all of our Confirmation Candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at a special mass on Monday March 6 at Beloved Disciple Church. The mass was a wonderful time for our young adults to be with our Bishop, Lawrence Persico, and other young adults from our Diocese. In this weekend’s bulletin, there are the biographies of each student from our Confirmation Cohort. Again, a very special thank you goes out to Cindy Wilpula and Katlyn Gable for their dedication to our Faith Formation program and to our students.

This week is our Saint Patrick Day Bingo and Bake Sale! Doors open at 6 and Bingo begins at 7! Thank you in advanced to all those who have helped, either by your volunteering at the event, or making all the wonderful baked goods! All baked goods can be dropped off at Gallagher Hall by noon on Friday, March 17.

If you’re looking for a fun way to shed those extra few pounds, try joining the Zumba group! Zumba meets in Gallagher Hall on Tuesdays at 5:30pm, the second and fourth Thursdays at 5:30pm, and Saturday Mornings at 8am. If you have any questions, contact Heather Corvino at (724) 813-3594.

The Easter Basket Raffle is coming up quickly! We currently have 73 lottery tickets, and we are hoping to have 100 tickets total, 50 per basket. If you are able to give a few tickets to help us meet our goal, feel free to place them in the collection basket at mass, mail them to the office, or drop them off at the office Monday through Thursday, 9:00am-3:00pm.

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: Staying positive and faith filled does not mean that you have to be happy all the time. It just means that even on hard days, you know that better days are coming. When everything seems to be going against you, remember that airplanes take off against the wind. The best views in life come after the hardest climbs.   

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – March 5, 2023

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We are still in need of lottery tickets for our baskets for the Easter Basket raffle. You can drop them in the collection basket, mail them to the office, or drop them off at the office Monday through Thursday 9a-3p. Thank you again for your support and help!

Mentioning the Easter Basket raffle, don’t forget to turn in your tickets! There is still time, but, as we all know, time moves fast! The drawing for the baskets will be on Palm Sunday after the 11a mass. There is only one bucket that we pull from, so you have a chance to enter in for all the baskets at once!

Our neighbors at Saint Anthony’s Church are having their Easter Bread Sale. Options are Plain Bread: $7, Raisin Bread: $8, Plain Pogach: $5. To place an order, call either Launa: 724-342-2489 or Linda: 724-866-7488. Pickup is Tuesday, April 4. Please help support our neighbors, and enjoy some great Easter Bread!

Please do your best to help us reach our Catholic Services Goals for this year. You should have received a letter and response card from me asking for your support. Please prayerfully consider helping to whatever degree you are able. All gifts, no matter the size, count and will be greatly appreciated.

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: Life does not need to be perfect to be wonderful. Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. The finest souls are those who gulped pain and avoided making others taste it. Remember, your direction is more important than your speed. If you see someone without a smile today, give him yours. It is how you deal with failure that will determine how you will achieve success. It takes just as much energy to wish as it does to plan. Take your victories, whatever they may be, cherish them, use them, but don’t just settle for them.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – February 26, 2023

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Lent is one of the five seasons of the Catholic liturgical calendar, along with Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Ordinary Time. It precedes Easter and is a solemn period centered on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While Lent is often associated with the Catholic faith, many Christians–including Protestant and Orthodox–observe it. There is no better time to reconnect with or deepen one’s faith than Lent. During this time, we can draw closer to God as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter.

Where does Lent come from? Lent draws its inspiration from the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. The Gospels tell us that after his baptism, Jesus fasted in the desert and then was tempted by the devil. He resisted these temptations and then went to Galilee to begin his public ministry.

Lenten sacrifices can be valuable if they help increase our reliance on Jesus and if the void we create by giving something up opens up space in our hearts for God to fill. As much as we consider something to abstain from during Lent, we ought to consider what we can commit to as well. What outside actions can we take to better ignite the flame of our faith within us?

In just little over a week, our students in tenth and eleventh grade will be confirmed by Bishop Persico at a special mass on Monday, March 6, at Beloved Disciple Church at 7:00 pm. A special thank you to Cindy Wilpula and Katlyn Gable for teaching our confirmation classes this year. While Confirmation classes will be done for the year (including ninth grade), the rest of our students will continue their formation.

Please note a change for our Faith Formation schedule. On Sunday, March 12, we will have At Home Faith Formation instead of a Family Day.

Please do your best to help us reach our Catholic Services Goals for this year. By now, you should have received a letter and response card from me asking for your support. Please prayerfully consider helping to whatever degree you are able. All gifts, no matter the size, count and will be greatly appreciated.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead. We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are. Good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who are patient, and the best things come to those who do not give up.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – February 19, 2023

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Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent this week. Our Mass Schedule for Ash Wednesday is 8am and 6pm. Lenten regulations and reminders about fasting and abstinence are in this weekend’s bulletin. A reminder that beginning this week Adoration will be on Fridays from 6-7pm with Stations and Benediction beginning at 7pm.

From left to right: Melanie, Joseph, and Greg

I am very excited to announce that we have a new Faith Formation Director. Mr. Greg Cummings has agreed and is now the Faith Formation Director for our parish. Officially, his work will begin with the fall semester, but he has already begun work to prepare for the fall.

Greg is a native of Grove City, where he currently lives with his wife Melanie and his son Joseph. He was raised as a Protestant, but entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass in 2013 where he was baptized, confirmed, and received his first Holy Communion. He has a B.A. in philosophy and English literature from Grove City College and is currently finishing his Master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. In his free time, Greg enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family. If you run into Greg, please make sure to thank him for his yes to God and to our parish. Please make him feel at home!

The Catholic Services Appeal Commitment Sunday is upon us. Along with funding all of the different departments and services that the Diocese of Erie is able to provide for us, any overages that we collect will be used in our parish to help continue our mission. This collection is essentially a tax that we must pay the diocese. Even if we do not meet our goal, we will still have to pay this sum of money. This year, any overages will be used to repair the window wells and the outdoor stairs in the Parish Office building. These window wells and stairs are collapsing and need immediate attention. I truly appreciate your continued support in our parish.

Here’s a few thoughts for your week: It takes the same amount of energy to worry as it does to be positive and faith filled. Use your energy to be faith filled and positive things will happen. Don’t stumble over something that is already behind you.         Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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