Tag: Snow

Around the Parish – September 22, 2024

Written by on September 21, 2024. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Thank you to everyone who attended our planning meeting for our first annual spaghetti dinner. Excitement was in the air during the meeting as we come together to enjoy time together as a family to both raise money, but also joy, for our parish family. Part of the planning at our meeting was the discussion about dessert availability. To open the opportunity to allow for more people to help in ways that they are able to, we are taking donations of cakes like we used to do for our fish dinners. Sign up sheets will be at the entrances of church if you are able to lend us a hand and bake us a cake or two to offer for our desserts at the dinner!

Please help us spread the news about our upcoming spaghetti dinner. In the coming days, we will begin sending out tickets for our theme basket raffle. I am extremely appreciative for all those individuals and groups who have donated for these spectacular baskets for our raffle. These baskets will be the talk of the dinner, so make sure you get your tickets in as soon as possible! More tickets are always available by contacting the parish office, or by purchasing at the spaghetti dinner by either cash or card!

Don’t forget: help us prepare for the Spaghetti Dinner! Pre-order tickets on our website! You can find out more information here:

Spaghetti Dinner Tickets

Or by scanning the QR code found in the flyer in this weekend’s bulletin. There is a Facebook event on our parish Facebook page. Please consider sharing this event with your friends and families! Reminder that tickets WILL be sold at the door for both cash and card! By pre-ordering, we are able to have a better idea of how many to prepare for!

Make sure to get your reservations in for our next bus trip to the casino! Our bus leaves on Thursday, October 3 at 9am, so contact Marge in the office to reserve your seat.

Snow is just around the corner, no matter how much we try to ignore it! We are desperately in need of someone to shovel our sidewalks. If you or someone you know is looking for some extra cash this winter, please have them contact us! This IS a PAYING position!

Here are a few thoughts for the week ahead:

The key to being happy is knowing you have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go. Ultimately, it is not the things that we acquire in life that matter; rather, it is the hearts that we touch and strengthen that measure our success in life and family living. Just like our muscles, our faith is strengthened by use. Don’t do something permanently stupid just because you are temporarily upset. Who you are is entirely up to you.

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 – October 1, 2023

Written by on September 30, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

In the northern hemisphere, the arrival of fall heralds a profound transformation in the natural world. As the vibrant colors of summer give way to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitable passage of time. It is during this season that we are particularly attuned to the signs of death and decay that surround us. The once-lush foliage now falls to the ground, decaying and returning to the earth from which it came. The days grow shorter, and the chill in the air serves as a harbinger of the approaching winter.

In the Catholic Faith, this recognition of death and decay in the natural world is closely tied to the observance of All Saints Day on November 1st. All Saints Day is a time when Catholics honor and celebrate the lives of the saints, the holy men and women who have gone before us and serve as examples of faith and virtue. It is a day to remember those who have lived lives of great holiness and have now found eternal rest in the presence of God.

The connection between the changing seasons and All Saints Day lies in the symbolism of death and rebirth. Just as the fallen leaves will eventually give way to new growth in the spring, so too do the lives of the saints inspire us to strive for spiritual renewal and transformation. In the midst of the autumnal decay, we are reminded that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new and eternal life. This season of reflection and remembrance encourages us to emulate the saints’ virtues, seeking to lead lives of faith, compassion, and service to others. In doing so, we hope to one day join the ranks of the saints in the heavenly kingdom, where the eternal spring of God’s love and grace knows no end.

In the Catholic Church, we hold the lives of the saints in high regard, so much so that we sometimes keep relics of saints. Relics hold a significant place in the Catholic Church as tangible connections to the lives of saints and the divine. These physical remains or objects associated with saints, such as bone fragments, clothing, or personal belongings, serve as powerful reminders of the faith’s rich history and the lives of those who have exemplified devotion.

In the next few weeks in our bulletin, we will be talking more about Saints and Relics as we prepare for the celebration of All Saints and All Souls. We will talk about the specific relics present here in our church for veneration, and the lives of those particular saints.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is a very brave thing to do – even if you stumble a little on your way out the door. Stop beating yourself up. You are a work in progress, which means you get there a little at a time, not all at once.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – September 24, 2023

Written by on September 23, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

As you may have already heard, this past Monday, September 18, my maternal Grandmother Mary Church passed into eternal life. I truly appreciate all of the prayers and continued support and understanding during this time. I spent the week with family and friends in Erie as we prepared for the funeral services.

An important bit of information that we should all be aware of: on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 2:18 PM, FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Why am I telling you about this? Because it has not been widely publicized, and it can and will have ramifications even in our area. This alert that will be sent out is called the “Presidential Alert.” Every television and radio station will play the normal alert. The major difference is that every cell phone will receive a special push notification with vibration and sound. Even if the phone does not have cell service, any cellular telephone turned on will receive this message. Every phone, even if on silent, will buzz and make noise. If you know someone who has a secondary phone, make sure to alert them of this. To prevent receiving this notification, the cell phone will need to be turned off at least 30 minutes before the alert is sent and remain off for at least four hours after the test is sent. The message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” I share this with you so that when everyone’s phones goes off, you aren’t surprised! If for some reason the alert cannot go through on October 4, the makeup day for the alert is October 11.

On October 7 at noon in the upper parking lot at church, we will have a pet blessing. All pets are welcome for a quick blessing, but please make sure to leash your animals!

Don’t forget! The DME retreat is this November! All are welcome to register. More information is in today’s bulletin!

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones that we’ve missed. Excuses will always be there for you; opportunities won’t.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – September 17, 2023

Written by on September 16, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Join us this Thursday as we embark on a captivating journey into Bishop Robert Barron’s enlightening series, “The Mass.” We extend a warm invitation for you to participate in these enlightening sessions, held every Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm, within the welcoming confines of our conference room, situated in the office building. Don’t worry if you didn’t register; it’s never too late to join us! Simply arrive at 6 pm this Thursday to be part of this transformative experience. Should you have any queries or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated church office.

On the upcoming Wednesday, we will dispatch the Parish Census forms to your homes, ensuring that you have an opportunity to review the contact information we currently have on record for your family. We kindly request that you take a moment to verify and, if necessary, update any information contained therein before returning the completed forms to our parish office. Even if your information remains unchanged, we kindly ask that you confirm this by returning the forms marked “No change needed.” Please remember, failing to respond will indicate your desire to no longer be a registered member of our cherished church community.

While reviewing your information, we urge you to double and triple check email addresses and phone numbers. Recognizing the changing landscape of communication, we now also request your cell phone numbers in addition to home phone numbers.

In the context of the parish census, please make a note if an adult child has left your home. Each adult should be registered within their own household. If your adult child has moved away, encourage them to register at their local church where they regularly attend mass.

All completed parish census information must be returned to our parish office no later than Friday, October 20, 2023. You can conveniently submit your forms by placing them in the collection basket during mass or by mailing them to the parish office. Should you have any inquiries or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our parish office at your earliest convenience. Your prompt response and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work together to strengthen our community.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Being challenged in life is inevitable; being defeated is optional. With faith, we can turn our wounds into wisdom. Often, through adversity we discover strength that we never knew we had.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – September 10, 2023

Written by on September 9, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Another year has gone by, and yet, every year we are always surprised with how fast time goes by. Tomorrow we remember again the attack on America. The remembrance of 9/11 is a solemn occasion that also carries a message of hope and resilience. On that tragic day, our world was shaken to its core, and we witnessed the worst of humanity’s cruelty. However, we also saw the best of humanity emerge in the form of countless acts of courage, compassion, and heroism. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens selflessly rushed to help those in need, showing the indomitable spirit of unity in the face of adversity. In the years that have passed, the scars from that day remain, but so does our commitment to never forget the lives lost and the lessons learned. The remembrance of 9/11 reminds us that even in our darkest hours, we can come together as a nation, support one another, and rebuild stronger than before. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a pledge to honor the memory of those we lost by continuing to strive for a more peaceful and just world.

On November 10, 11, and 12, The Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat Program will be hosting DME #106. In November of 2008, I participated in TEC 51, which is what DME is the spiritual successor of. This amazing weekend retreat lasts three days at Saint Joseph Church in Erie where participants encounter our Lord through His Invitation, Encounter, and Commissioning. Each day has a different focus: Friday is the Day of Invitation, focusing on how God is inviting us into relationship. Saturday is the Day of Encounter, where we encounter God through the sacraments, Adoration, and others. Sunday is the Day of Commission, where we as a community are empowered to evangelize and share our faith. The weekend includes talks, exposure to different types of prayer, Mass, community, and much more. The weekend runs from 10am on Friday to 5pm on Sunday, and retreat participants stay onsite for the weekend.

I look forward to this special weekend this November as I will be the main priest running the weekend with my home parish pastor, Father James McCormick. I encourage everyone to consider participating in this retreat! For more information visit https://divinemercyencounter.com

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Archabbot Wimmer, the first abbot of Saint Vincent Monastery in Latrobe, PA had a motto of “Forward, always forward, everywhere forward!” This is an excellent motto for the spiritual life. Always look forward to the future with Christ, for He is already there, preparing for us the joys of Heaven.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – September 3, 2023

Written by on September 2, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

The air is abuzz with anticipation as we gear up for the upcoming Second Annual Simply Sweets Fundraiser. Keep an eye on your mailboxes this week, for soon you’ll receive the forms that mark the commencement of this delectable endeavor. Join hands with us in support, ensuring those forms with payment find their way back to our parish office by October 9, 2023. Together, we can weave sweetness into our community initiatives. Thanks again to Mrs. Peck and her dedicated team for their outstanding contributions, crafting delectable treats that have become the cornerstone of this fundraiser’s success.

Today, following the 11 am mass, we extend an open invitation to all our students. Gather your cherished book bags and step into our sanctuary. Here, we’ll share a special book bag blessing, infusing the tools of knowledge with the spirit of learning given to us from God. Let this ritual guide you through the pages of wisdom that await.

Heartfelt gratitude flows to all who’ve embraced the convenience of Flocknote. If you’re yet to join this interconnected web, worry not. Registration details are still in this weekend’s bulletin and church entrances.

Our thoughts turn to the recent unveiling of the Diocese of Erie’s pastoral plan for Erie County. While our parish, county, and deanery remain unaffected, let’s embrace our fellow believers undergoing change. As we unite in prayer, let this serve as a reminder that change is inevitable. Yet, through proactive planning, we unlock potential for a brighter tomorrow. To explore these proposed changes, visit the Diocese’s website, and will be available on our parish website as well.

Pray for our students as well as their vocations. In a particular way, please pray for Parishioner Joseph Dumais who entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City this past week. It is a special joy for a parish to claim a man as he studies and discerns religious life and priesthood. Please continue to remember him in your prayers in a particular way as you pray for more vocations to come forth from our parish community.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Don’t ruin a good day by thinking about the possibility of a bad day in the future. Just enjoy the present moment. Scars tell where we have been. They do not have to dictate where we are going. No matter who gives up on you, don’t you ever give up on yourself or God.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – August 27, 2023

Written by on August 26, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Enclosed within this weekend’s bulletin, you’ll find instructions on how to enroll with Flocknote. I wholeheartedly encourage you to contemplate participating in Flocknote’s registration process. This communication channel will hold significant importance as we progress through the year. Our parish office will have the capacity to connect through both text and email, with text messaging proving invaluable for swiftly disseminating urgent updates, especially in times of emergencies.

Click Here for information on how to register for Flocknote

With the approaching school year, please be aware that our Sunday Mass schedule will change. Starting the first Sunday of September, our Sunday morning Masses will return to 8 am and 11 am. We kindly ask for your help in spreading the word about this change.

We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Second Annual Simply Sweets Fundraiser, scheduled to commence this September. Anticipation is building as we prepare for another fantastic fundraising event this year. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to Mrs. Peck and her dedicated team for their outstanding contributions, crafting delectable treats that have become the cornerstone of this fundraiser’s success.

In an exciting first, we will be holding a special backpack blessing ceremony next Sunday, September 3 after the 11:00am mass for all those embarking on a fresh academic year or entering a new chapter in life. Whether you carry a book bag, a briefcase, a tool bag, or any symbol of your journey, you’re invited to join us as we mark the commencement of this significant new phase in our lives.

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: At any given moment you have the power to say: this is not how the story is going to end. Be proud of who you are, instead of ashamed of how someone else sees you. Don’t dwell on those who hold you down. Instead, cherish those who helped you up. If you need a confidence booster, then remind yourself of all the difficult things you’ve endured and overcome.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Around the Parish – August 20, 2023

Written by on August 19, 2023. Posted in News, Around the Parish.

Our Faith Formation Schedule for this school year is in this weekend’s bulletin. This schedule is also available on our parish website. If any changes need to be made, we will make sure to send those updates home as well as change the website, post on social media, and try to update the bulletin. The bulletin due date is on Tuesday by 3pm, so if a change comes up after Tuesday end of day, we will not be able to make changes in the up-coming weekend’s bulletin.

Click here for more information for Faith Formation

This past week, we changed some light bulbs and fixed some light fixtures. You might need to bring some sunscreen! The church is so much brighter, and now it is easier to see. Thanks to Mr. Mike Shomin for all his work on our campus updating all the electric and making necessary upgrades!

Although no one wants to think about it, winter is just around the corner…not one of my favorite thoughts…BUT, with winter coming, we are in need of some help with the white stuff that comes with winter. We are in need of someone to shovel the sidewalks of church. If you are able and willing to assist us with this task, please contact the parish office as soon as possible!

On the organ, there are slips of paper in a basket. If there is a particular hymn or song that you might like Mr. Sankey to play before mass, feel free to fill out the form and leave it on the organ.

A heads up, Saint Anthony’s Rummage Sale is soon. Please help our neighbors in Farrell and let others know about their fundraiser:

Wed., Aug. 30 / 2pm to 5pm

Thurs., Aug. 31 / 9am to 2pm

Fri., Sept. 1 / 9am to 2pm

Sat., Sept. 2 / 9am to Noon

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: One day, if not already, your refusal to give up will inspire someone else. Faith and hope are two of the most powerful emotions a person can have. Combine them with determination and there’s no stopping you. In any given moment, we have two choices: to step forward into growth, or step backwards into safety. Stepping backwards may make us feel better in the short term, but stepping forwards will undoubtedly make us feel better in the long term.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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