Staff. Safe Environment Coordinator. Scheduler of Ministries. Jeri Stotlemyer, (Vatican News)

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1 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 4, 2018 SAINT JOHN OF GOD Office Telephones Parish Office/Residence Parish Fax Deacon Leonard Thomas Music Minister Catholic Parish Cemeteries Association Social Hall (Bingo and Pizza Kitchen) Mass Schedule Celebration of the Sacraments Infant Baptism: Call office to schedule. Adult Baptism: The R.C.I.A. program sees to the needs of adults who wish to become Catholic. Reconciliation (Confession): 3:30 PM to 4:15 (Church) and following the 4:30 PM Mass (Church) and by appointment. Holy Eucharist: Available for those who are sick and confined to home. Call the Parish Office and we will bring the Eucharist to you. Anointing of the Sick: Available for those who are seriously ill or anticipating surgery after Mass every Sunday at the Church. Marriage: Anyone who wishes to marry should contact the Office at least six months prior to the desired date. Inactive Catholics: Are lovingly welcome back to the faith. New Parishioners are joyfully invited to join our community. Please call the Parish Office. ~ Low Gluten Hosts Available For Communion ~ ~ See Priest Before Mass ~ Saturday Vigil...4:30 PM Church Sunday...9:45 AM Church Weekday Schedule Monday Friday...9:30 AM Church Confessions: Saturday 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM and 5:30 PM Rev. Louis F. Vallone Rev. Robert J. Zajdel Parish Clergy Rev. Regis J. Ryan Deacon Leonard Thomas Staff Ms. Elna Johnson, Director of Music Mrs. Mary Ann Jones, Director of Finances Mrs. Janice Lipa, Parish Secretary, parish@sjogparish.com Mr. Wayne Summers, Maintenance Supervisor Safe Environment Coordinator Mrs. Karen Vinci-Stack, Scheduler of Ministries Jeri Stotlemyer, sjogscat@gmail.com (Vatican News) Bulletin Deadline: Tuesday Noon CHURCH: 1011 Church Ave. McKees Rocks, PA

2 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, March 3 to Sunday, March Saturday Vigil, March 3: 4:30 PM Church Joseph Milanak (Mary & Dave DiSanto & Family) Sunday, March 4: 9:45 AM Church Stella & Joseph Ravas (Joseph & Margaret Ravas) WEEKDAYS 9:30 AM CHURCH Monday, March 5: Bernie Walsh (Wife, Mia) Tuesday, March 6: Sister Adelina DiMare (Dominic & Adele Puppo & Family) Tuesday, March 6: St. Anthony Novena Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary s Church Wednesday, March 7: Louis J. Stanson (Bill & Patti) Thursday, March 8: Jimmie & Thomas Giuliani (Daughter and Tom & Mary Hutchins) Friday, March 9: Parish Family of Saint John of God Friday, March 9: Mother of Sorrows Novena Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary s Church Friday, March 9, Stations of the Cross,3:00 PM, Church Saturday Vigil, March 10: Susan Tutino (Mom & Dad) 4:30 PM Church Sunday, March 11: 9:45 AM Church Sister Theresa Kunzler (Eleanor Vith & Barbara Meyer) BIBLE STUDY Our Bible Study will continue this Monday, March 5 from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. in the Rectory at St. Mary s. For more information, please call Tom Adams at SECOND COLLECTION Next weekend, March 10/11, all parishes in the Diocese are asked to take up a combined collection to benefit three important projects with the Church in the United States. They are: Catholic Home Missions Appeal, National Collection for Black and Indian Missions, and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Please be as generous as your means allow. Thank you. AN OPEN INVITATION OF WELCOME Non-Catholics and non-parishioners are always welcomed guests. Inactive, unsure or irregular Catholics are lovingly encouraged to reconnect with the Faith. New parishioners are joyfully received in our community. Please call the parish office. Our hearts are large and there is plenty good room for all. Readings for the Week of March 4, 2018 Sunday: Ex 20:1-17/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 [Jn 6:68c]/ 1 Cor 1:22-25/Jn 2:13-25 Scrutiny: Ex 17:3-7/Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 [8]/ Rom 5:1-2, 5-8/Jn 4:5-42 Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15b/Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4 Tuesday: [cf. 42:3]/Lk 4:24-30 Dn 3:25, 34-43/Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9 [6a]/Mt18:21-35 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9/Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, [12a]/Mt5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28/Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 [8]/ Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Saturday: Next Sunday: STATIONS OF THE CROSS Stations of the Cross will be celebrated in St. John of God Parish every Friday during Lent (with the exception of Good Friday) at 3:00 PM in St. Mary s Church. (St. Malachy, 7 PM & St. Philip at Ascension, 7 PM if you are looking for an evening service). This Friday, March 9, come pray and reflect on Jesus way to Calvary and participate in one of the most important devotions honoring the passion of Jesus. BAPTISMAL PROGRAM FOR NEW AND EXPECTING PARENTS The class will be held next Sunday, March 11, from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. in the Gathering Place at St. Mary s. To register or for more information, please call Tom Adams, Hos 14:2-10/Ps 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9-17 [cf. 11 and 9a]/Mk 12:28-34 Hos 6:1-6/Ps 51:3-4, 18-21ab [cf. Hos 6:6]/Lk 18: Chr 36:14-16, 19-23/Ps 137:1-6 [6ab]/ Eph 2:4-10/Jn 3: Scrutiny: 1Sm 16:1b, 6-13a/Ps 23:1-6[1]/ Eph 5:8-14/Jn 9:1-41

3 YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS All teens in grades 8-12 are invited to attend the Silver Ring Thing: Explicit Truth Tour on Thursday, March 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Seton LaSalle High School. Silver Ring Thing is a radical response to culture s view of love and relationships. SRT defies the meet-up, hook-up, break-up culture of today and inspires teens to a pure life centered in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Tickets are $6 online ( or $8 at the door. PARISH WEEKEND ATTENDANCE February 24 / 25 Saturday Sunday Total Weekend Attendance PARISH FINANCIAL TOTALS For the Weekend of February 24 / 25 Regular Offertory... $4, (This is ordinary income from contributions for the general running of the parish. It is subject to a 17.6% tax to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.) PARISH SHARE PROGRAM PSP Assessment for $ 78, PSP Collected as of 12/1/17...(Thank You!)... $ 25, Remaining on 2018 Goal... $ 52, (You can see that we have received our 2018 Parish Share Assessment. We must remit this entire amount to the Diocese by Dec. 31. Any surplus then remains in the parish, tax free.) QUOTE FROM THE POPE We offer a gift pleasing to Jesus when we spend time with a person who has difficulties or we help someone for the sake of helping. Pope Francis The Rosary is prayed at 9:00 AM before the 9:30 AM Mass Monday through Friday in St. Mary s Church. THE WEEK AHEAD March 5 (Mon.) - Miraculous Medal Novena Prayers - Recitation of the Rosary begins at 6:30 P.M. in St. Mary s Church - held on the 1st & last Monday of each month. March 5 (Mon.) - Bible Study, 6:30-7:30 PM in Rectory at St. Mary s March 6 (Tues.) - St. Anthony Novena Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary s March 7 - WEDNESDAY NIGHT BINGO in MOS Social Hall - Doors open at 5 PM Early Birds, 7 PM and Regular Games begin at 7:15 PM. March 9 (Fri.) - Mother of Sorrows Novena Prayers recited following 9:30 AM Mass, St. Mary s Church. March 9 (Fri.) - PIZZA KITCHEN! To order please call on Fridays, 8 AM to 1 PM. Orders must be picked up by 3:30 PM. March 9 (Fri.) - Stations of the Cross, 3:00 PM, Church HOSPITAL Please pray for all parishioners who are in the hospital. Also for all those ill at home, in nursing homes, and shut-ins; that they may continue to receive the Lord s Blessings. SYMPATHY We wish to extend our sympathy to the Family of Jane Sacco, Claudia Gubba, Dorothy DelTondo and Jeffrey Cropper Hall whom God has called home. Please remember them and all our dearly departed and their families in your prayers. May the Angels lead them into paradise, may the martyrs receive them at their coming and take them to Jerusalem, the holy city. Please keep our Priests, Seminarians, Deacons and all Religious in your prayers. MARRIAGE MOMENTS by Susan Vogt How is your Lenten resolutions coming? Is it bringing you closer to your beloved? Consider that both God and your spouse are your beloved. Sacrificing for one can give you a window into how to become closer to the other. FEAST OF SAINT JOHN OF GOD This Thursday, March 8, is the Feast of Saint John of God, our Patron Saint. On this feast, we particularly pray for the elderly, sick, and less fortunate of our parish and community. Let us also continue to pray to Saint John of God and ask for his continued guidance and intercession in our parish and in all of our lives. Saint John of God, pray for us and our future.

4 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 4, 2018 GNOCCHI and HALUSKI AVAILABLE DURING LENT AT THE PIZZA KITCHEN The Gnocchi are available for sale on Fridays at the Pizza Kitchen at a cost of $7.00 for a 2 lb. bag during the Lenten Season. Remember during Lent we also offer Haluski, White Pizza, Pasta & Beans, and Spinach Rolls in addition to our other regular menu items. We will continue making gnocchi on Monday morning, March 5 & 12, at 9:00 A.M. in the Pizza Kitchen, Anyone interested in helping with this endeavor is most welcome. No experience is necessary! Any questions??? Call Eleanor Vith, THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU! The Light is On for You! is an initiative of the Diocese of Pittsburgh to encourage Catholics to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is a wonderful opportunity to set aside our sinful ways and to draw closer to our Lord. Confession will be available on Wed., March 21, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. in every Catholic parish in the Diocese, including St. John of God Parish, the Church at St. Mary s. CALLED BY NAME We re all called to holiness, but what does that mean? How does God invite us to holiness through His perfect plan for our lives? High school men and women: don t miss Called by Name with XLT, on Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 4:00 P.M.-8:30 P.M. at Saints John and Paul Church. Come to explore our universal call to holiness through an epic night of Mass, adoration, incredible talks, praise and worship and dinner. This event features Mark Hart of Lifeteen; Father Rick Martignetti, OFM; Katrina Buchko; and Bishop David A. Zubik. No cost. To register, visit PGHPriest.com by April 6. Zeal for Your House Will Consume Me - Jesus reacts passionately upon seeing the money changers and vendors in the temple area taking advantage of those who were coming to worship. After all, the temple was to be a house of prayer and sacrifice, not a place to make a profit off of the unsuspecting faithful. Jesus does not just sit back after witnessing such injustice. Instead, he acts confidently to bring about needed change. We can all think about things in the Church that are in need of change. Some may wonder why there are so many empty pews and why there are seemingly few young people and families active in the Church. Others may ask why the same people seem to be the ones who always do everything for the parish. Still others may feel that there are no opportunities for them to share their gifts and get involved. On Mission for The Church Alive! is an opportunity for us to be inspired, to be consumed with zeal for the Church, the house and family of God, so that we may act with confidence in sharing our lives for the good of the Church. We all have a part to play in strengthening the Church of Pittsburgh. Visit onmissionchurchalive.org to learn more and to stay informed. REGARDING ST. MARK & ST. MARY CEMETERIES All administration of St. Mark and St. Mary Cemeteries is being handled by The Catholic Parish Cemeteries Association. All cemetery inquiries should be directed to the Allegheny Regional Office, 1000 Logue St., Pittsburgh (located in former Guardian Angels parish center) Telephone numbers are: Office: Fax: cpca@cpca-pgh.org SANCTUARY CANDLE - WEEK OF MARCH 4 ST. MARY S - IN MEMORY OF LOUIS J. STANSON BY PATTI AND BILL A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE by Bud Ozar Today s Gospel says Jesus chased the merchants out of the temple, it doesn t say He was angry. Jesus teaches us to act from conviction and not from anger. He didn t condemn the merchants, only their business practice. Attack the behavior and not the person. SPRING FORWARD Daylight Saving Time begins next Sunday, March 11, at 2 AM. Don t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour next Saturday night before going to bed.

5 LADIES of CHARITY We have been making an effort to find a way to minister to the people in McKees Rocks, our hometown. The Brightside Academy is one such organization. It is a daycare center located at the F.O.R. which has many low income children and children from CYF. This is a time we are asking for your generosity. We will be collecting supplies to give to the Academy, and have boxes at each entrance for your donations. Suggested items are diapers, sippy cups, and wipes; but are not limited to these items. Anything you feel that the children can use will be welcomed even clothing. The age range of the children is from infants to 12 years of age. Thank you in advance for your help to our community. By the way did you know that the F.O.R. Library receives funding based on how many library cards they issue? So go down and get your library card! The library is located at 420 Chartiers Avenue next to the Fr. Ryan Arts Center. For more information, please call WEEK NOVENA TO ST. ANTHONY Throughout our lives we call upon the saints to intercede for us and help guide us on our way in life. We will begin the 13-week solemn novena to St. Anthony on Tuesday, March 20. The novena prayers will be recited after the 9:30 A.M. Mass and again at 6:30 P.M. in St. Mary s Church. Let us come together to honor St. Anthony and ask his help for the special needs that each of us has. LEADERS OF LAY APOSTOLATES Forming and supporting the leaders of Lay Apostolates is an important part of the work of the Secretariat for Leadership Development and Evangelization. Leaders of Lay Apostolates from every parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are invited to gather together on Saturday, April 14, for a one-day workshop, Called by the Spirit, to receive valuable resources for building up the Church Alive in Western Pennsylvania. The day begins at 8 AM with continental breakfast, and includes Mass and lunch before ending at 2:30 PM. If you re involved in the leadership of a Lay Apostolate, please register at For more information, visit apostolates@diopitt.org. OLSH SPRING MUSICAL OLSH s Theatre Arts Department will present Disney s Beauty and the Beast on March 9 & 10. March 9th presentation will be at 7:30 P.M. and March 10th will be at 2:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $12 and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Ticket orders can be submitted to The OLSH Main Office or made by phone at Most shows sell out quickly, so reserve your tickets today! CANDLELIGHT MASS Join your friends and neighbors for a monthly Candlelight Mass at Saint Stanislaus Church in the Strip District. The next Mass will be Friday, April 6, at 8:00 pm. If you can t make it this month, come any First Friday at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit facebook.com/beholdpittsburgh. Don t forget to take home a copy of your Pittsburgh Catholic Newspaper, a weekly gift to you from our parish for your enjoyment! LENTEN LAMENTATIONS The Annual celebration of Gorzkie Zale (Lenten Lamentations in Polish) will be held on Sunday, March 11, at 3:00 P.M. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Pittsburgh (Polish Hill). DIVORCED, WIDOWED OR SEPARATED? The loss of a spouse through separation, divorce, or death is a traumatic experience. The Beginning Experience weekend is intended to help widowed, divorced, or separated people who would like to pass through the grief and begin to move forward with their lives. Come to a safe place. The next retreat weekend will be March 9-11, at the Martina Spiritual Renewal Center, 5244 Clarwin Ave., Pgh, which is located in West View/Ross Township. Payment arrangements and possible financial assistance are available. For more information, visit the website or make a confidential call to Mary at or Rob at PARISH OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. (MONDAY THRU FRIDAY)

6 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 4, 2018 SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON The Athletes of Action Organization will be hosting the 9th Annual Memorial Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday, April 7, at Holy Trinity Parish Social Hall, Robinson Township. Luncheon includes a Meet, Greet, & Reconnect Social with coffee and donuts, a served catered buffet, guest speaker Carnegie- Mellon Head Football Coach Rich Lackner, door prize give aways, and golf package raffle. All $20 golf package raffle tickets include a foursome, 18 holes, and cart with an opportunity to win one of six package based six pulls from tickets sold. Only 300 tickets printed and winners need not be present. Golf packages are: ~ Aubrey s Dubbs Golf Course ~ Birdsfoot Golf Club ~ Montour Heights Country Club ~ Oakview Golf Club ~ Tanglewood Golf Club ~ The Club at Shadow Lakes Over the last eight years, the Athletes of Action awarded $33,000 to 31 athletes from the Montour and Sto-Rox School Districts. All of the proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. For luncheon and or golf raffle tickets information contact Bob Zitelli, or zitellir@hotmail.com. Please visit to learn more about the organization helping support our communities. Kindly remember Saint John of God Parish in your will. LEARN ABOUT MARRIAGE ANNULMENTS Divorced Catholics and everyone else who may be interested in learning about the annulment process are welcome to attend a free workshop with Jay Conzemius, JCL, judge and moderator of the Diocesan Tribunal. Topics will include: theology of marriage; ministry of the tribunal; marriage annulment types; why, when and how to start the petition for annulment process; and a process overview. Afterward participants can ask questions and/ or start the process. No reservations are required, but if you do plan to attend please AnnulmentsIntake@diopitt.org or call so that seating arrangements can be made. The presentations are scheduled on the following dates, time, and locations in the local parish hall: March 6 (Tues.), 7 PM at St. Bede (Point Breeze); March 7 (Wed.), 7 PM at St. Peter, Slippery Rock; and March 13 (Tues.), 7 PM at St. Ann, Waynesburg). All are welcome. SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL It is with great sadness we report that the time for our St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. John of God Parish is coming to an end. The primary reason for closing our conference is that our numbers have dwindled due to deaths among our membership and due to members leaving the parish. The secondary reason is that the needs of the community are too great for our diminished capacity. We would like to thank the generous donors of our parish for all of their contributions over the years. Last fiscal year we spent nearly $25,000 to aid those in need within our community. That aid came in the form of furniture, rent, utility assistance, food, and home repairs. We d also like to thank those neighboring St. Vincent de Paul Conferences who helped us financially when we needed additional funds to support the growing needs within our community. Some of these neighboring conferences will continue to help our community in the future. We will post more information on that as our plans take shape. We will also provide a final accounting of our activities once all is said and done. Until that time, please disregard us in your collection envelopes. Thanks again for your support and God bless you all. Labor without stopping; do all the good works you can while you still have the time Saint John of God PRINCESS TEA PARTY Calling all Princesses ages 2-9. The Royal Event will take place on Saturday, April 7, at Bishop Canevin H.S. (Gym), from 10:30 A.M.-12 P.M. Admission includes having your hair, nails & make-up done; Craft corner; enjoying Tea & Cookies; Meeting several Disney Princesses for autographs & a Sing- A-Long. $25 per Princess (adults are free). Reservations are required by Monday, April 2. Please call Cindy, or maholoteaparty2011@gmail.com. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT CURESEARCH-fighting Childhood Canter. LEO MEYER MANOR 1015 Church Avenue McKees Rocks, PA Phone: Fax: leomeyermanor@verizon.net

7 PASTOR'S CORNER Fr. Lou Vallone Guest Columnist: Pope Francis (I have often said that I begin each day by reading the Pope's homilies from his daily Mass at Santa Marta Guest House in Rome. I had intended to write about confessions this week, but Papa Cesco beat me to it. So I am stealing the summary of his homily for my Pastor's Corner from my Pastor. I hope this encourages everyone to receive the Sacrament of Penance during Lent.) Pope: there are no threats in the confessional only forgiveness. "The Lord never grows weary of calling each of us to change our lives, to take a new step towards Him by being converted; and He does it with the sweetness and confidence of a Father. Confessors do the same. This was the heart of Pope Francis homily at the Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on Tuesday. Lent is a time that is helpful for conversion, for growing close to God, for changing our life and this is a grace we should ask for from the Lord. Jesus calls us with the sweetness and confidence of a Father Pope Francis homily began with the first reading, from the book of Isaiah, which he described as a true call to conversion. This reading, he said, shows us the special attitude Jesus takes with regard to our sins: He does not threaten, the Pope said, but instead, calls us with kindness, gentleness, giving us confidence. In the reading, after having pointed out to them the evil they should avoid and the good they should do, the Lord says to the rulers of Sodom and the people of Gomorrah: Come, let us reason together. And, the Pope said, He does the same with us: Let s talk for a while. He doesn t frighten us. He is like a father of a small child who has pulled a prank, and he has to correct him. And he knows that if he approaches him with a stick in hand, things will not go well. He has to approach him with trust and confidence. In this passage, this is how the Lord calls us: Come on, let s have a coffee together. Let s talk this over, let s discuss it. Don t be afraid, I m not going to beat you. And since he knows his child is thinking But I did something wrong, he immediately [adds], Even if your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow. If they be crimson red, they may become like wool. Just like the father confronting his young child, Jesus begins by inspiring trust and confidence, to lead and bring us to forgiveness, and a change of heart. He acted in the same way, the Pope said, when he called Zacchaeus and Matthew; and He acts in this way in our lives, too. He helps us to see how to take a step forward along the path of conversion. Let us thank the Lord for His goodness. He does not want to beat us and condemn us. He gave His life for us and this is His goodness. And He is always looking for a way to get to the heart. And when we priests, in the place of the Lord, have to hear confessions, we too should have this attitude of goodness. As the Lord says: Come on, let s discuss this. It s no problem, there is forgiveness. And from the beginning, there is no threat. Come to the Lord with an open heart: He is a Father who is waiting for you The Pope spoke about the experience of a cardinal who heard confessions. When faced with sins that he understood were very serious, the confessor didn t dwell on them, but moved on, continuing the conversation: And this opens the heart, the Pope emphasized, and the other person feels at peace. The Lord does the same with us, saying, Come now, let us discuss it, let s talk. Receive forgiveness. There is forgiveness : It is helpful to me to see this attitude of the Lord: the [attitude of a] father with the child who thinks he is big, that he is all grown up, and yet is only halfway there. And the Lord knows that all of us are halfway there, and often we need this, we need to hear these words: Come on, don t be afraid, come. There is forgiveness. And this encourages us. Go to the Lord with an open heart: He is the Father who is waiting for you. COLLEGE DISCERNMENT NIGHT Are you wondering what to do with your life? Do you think that God might be calling you in a unique way? Come learn how to better hear His voice at the College Discernment Night, Monday, March 19, from 5:45 P.M.-8:30 P.M. at St. Paul Seminary. Father Mike Ackerman will speak on discernment, and the night will include prayer, dinner with the seminarians, and fellowship. All college and post-college men welcome. To register, tsullivan@diopitt.org by Monday, March 12. Diocesan Victim Assistance Hotline