In order to prepare ourselves for Easter, the Regional Communal Reconciliation Services in our region will be held on the following dates:

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1 Coat of Arms of The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, J.C.L. Bishop of Greensburg In order to prepare ourselves for Easter, the Regional Communal Reconciliation Services in our region will be held on the following dates: Sunday, March 18, :00 PM Holy Cross, Youngwood 7:00 PM St. Bruno Church 7:00 PM St. Paul Parish 7:00 PM St. Benedict Parish 7:00 PM Our Lady of Grace Church *Saturday, March 24, :00 AM Blessed Sacrament Cathedral *PLEASE NOTE: March 24 will be the last opportunity for Confession before Easter in our Region. Are you ready to explore ways to use your talents to serve God and His people? Our first group meeting will be on Monday, April 9 in the Social Hall from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM to do just that. Nothing has been finalized because we need your opinions And input to make this group successful. The first step will be to form a group to knit and crochet for charity. We would love to teach you to knit or crochet easy items, such as scarves, prayer shawls, hats and afghans, and welcome the help and companionship of those who already have this talent. The possibility of expanding this group to other areas of arts and crafting will be happily explored. Please call or text Vera Hisker at or June Hoehler at if you have any questions or are interested in joining us. We look forward to seeing you on April 9 th as we use our time and talents to serve God. Parish Office Hours Monday- Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Phone (724) Fax (724) Greensburg Catholic Cemetery Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Phone (724) Aquinas Academy Phone (724) Website Online Giving: Blessed Sacrament Cathedral 300 North Main Street Greensburg, PA Sacrament of Reconciliation Every Saturday at 11 AM till completed or by calling to make an appointment. Daily Rosary Monday - Friday 11:30 AM Daily Mass Schedule Monday - Friday 12:10 PM and Saturday: 8:00 AM Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 7:00 PM Holy Day Vigil Mass 5:30 PM

2 Jeremiah 31:31-34 The new covenant of flesh is on its way, to be written in our hearts. Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, Our hearts are made clean, by the mercy of God, to house the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 5:7-9 A very human Jesus cries to God and is saved from death. John 12:20-33 Jesus recognizes that his hour of suffering and glory has arrived. Keeping in our prayers and trusting that God will bring to their families comfort in the days ahead, we commend to your prayer the souls of: Joan Sacket Jane E. Harrington Susan Mahoney Elizabeth Coletti Know that the Lord has welcomed our loved ones into the home of Heaven. Our parish community extends its deepest sympathies to their families and relatives on their loss. Saturday, March 17, :00 AM Rita Sleowsky (Lazor - Wilson Families) 11:00 AM Sacrament of Reconciliation 5:30 PM James J. Coletti Jr. (Sandy - Wife) Sunday, March 18, 2018 The Fifth Sunday of Lent 7:00 AM Eric Tepper (Family) 9:00 AM John Markulin and Family (Family) 11:30 AM For the Living and Deceased Members of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish 7:00 PM Rita Vaccaro (Tish Bisignani - Daughter) Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 12:10 PM Alphonse and Dorothy Vigliotti and Kathy (Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Henderson) 12:10 PM Elmer Klinger (Linda Cooper - Daughter) 12:10 PM Bridget Riley (Nonie Riley) 12:10 PM Paul Jacobsen (Jacobsen Family) Friday, March 23, :10 PM Carl and Mary Denezza (Family) 2:00 PM Aquinas Academy Stations of the Cross 5:30 PM Blessed Sacrament Stations of the Cross Saturday, March 24, :00 AM Liz Jacobsen (Ruth McDonald) 11:00 AM Regional Sacrament of Reconciliation ~ Last Opportunity for Confessions before Easter ~ 5:30 PM Andrea Siard (Bill and Flo Siard) Sunday, March 25, 2018 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 7:00 AM For the Living and Deceased Members of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish 9:00 AM Philip Skergan (Bobbie Skergan - Wife) 11:30 AM Deceased Members of the Stauffer and Rozinsky Families (Stauffer Family) 7:00 PM Andrew Benedict (Family) If you are scheduled to serve the 9:00 AM Mass on Palm Sunday please arrive to the sacristy NO LATER THAN 8:20 AM for rehearsal with Fr. Matthew. Thank you! In acknowledging the Real Presence of Christ, the Tabernacle Candle will burn from March 17 through March 23 in memory of James Martz from the his loving wife Nancy. A child is a precious gift from God and baptism is God s gift wrapping. We recently welcomed Branden Andrew Yaremko into the parish community through the saving waters of Baptism. We rejoice for him, his parents and all who celebrate their newborn lives in the family of God. I have held thee in the palm of my hand ~ Isaiah 51:16

3 In order to meet our budgetary needs, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral requires an average of $18,000 per week in the regular offertory collection. Sunday Offertory $15, Votive Candles $ Families receiving envelopes 1,635 Envelopes used this week 333 Parishioners using Online Giving 78 Thank you for your generosity and support! 2018 Diocesan Lenten Appeal *Diocesan Goal Actual % Achieve Dollar $106,135.8 $78,204 74% No. of Gifts % *Please note that totals are received from the Diocese and published every Monday. These totals are as of March 12, The second collection on March is to help individuals and families recover from the tornado that hit Uniontown on Feb. 15. The proceeds from the collection will first go to Catholic Charities Relief efforts in that community, and any remaining contributions will be placed in a Diocesan Disaster Fund to help meet future needs. Please pray for those in need. The Propers and the Ordinary of the Mass When liturgists speak of the Propers and the Ordinary of the Mass, they are referring to specific prescribed words we sing and say each week at Liturgy. The Propers are those things that are proper to each Sunday of the year: the hymns, the Responsorial Psalm, the Prayers recited by the Celebrant, just to name a few. The liturgical books (the subject of my next article) provide these for every Sunday and Feast Day of the liturgical year. The Propers change from week to week, however the Ordinary are those things that do not change from Sunday to Sunday: the Glory to God, the Holy, Holy, Holy etc. During the penitential season of Lent, we have been singing paraphrases of the Introit Propers as our opening hymn. The opening hymn (Introit) as given in the liturgical books, takes a responsorial form with an Antiphon (refrain), verses taken from the Psalms, a Doxology (a brief hymn of praise Glory be to the Father ), and finally the Antiphon again. The rubrics (instructions) given in the liturgical books provide other options for music more suited to the pastoral needs of a parish, however this holy season offers us an opportunity to experience the depth and richness of our liturgical tradition by singing these ancient antiphons. By doing so, we enter more deeply into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Cathedral Resurrection Celebration Sunday, April 8, 2018 Immediately following the 11:30 AM Mass until 2:30 PM The good news of our salvation should be celebrated by the Church not just on Easter Sunday, but throughout the entire Easter Season. Please join us on Sunday, April 8 as we celebrate the Easter Season together as a parish family. Immediately after the 11:30 AM Mass, come to the Cathedral social hall and enjoy a delicious buffet and fellowship. Jesus wanted the Good News to be shared, because it is meant for everyone! Return your RSVP and enjoy a meal with family and friends. All are welcome to attend! Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Clair Park At 3:00 PM on that same Sunday - April 8, 2018 Bishop Malesic will lead the prayers for Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Clair Park, Greensburg PA. This celebration will be held rain or shine. After our celebration of the Resurrection at the Cathedral, everyone is invited to walk/go to St. Clair Park and attend this wonderful Diocesan event. No reservations are needed for this portion of the celebration. Please plan on making this a great afternoon at the Cathedral and the park! Help prepare our worship space for the Easter Season! We need volunteers to help set up the Social Hall for the Chapel of Repose after the Chrism luncheon on Thursday afternoon, March 29 at 1:30 PM and/or help to decorate our Church for Easter on Saturday, March 31 at 9:00 AM. Please give of your time and your talents, two very priceless gifts that contribute to the beauty of this season. Let us prepare for this sacred celebration together as a parish family. Call the Parish Office at to let us know you will be helping.

4 Sunday, March 18, :10 AM Faith Formation 1:00 PM Marriage Prep. [Social Hall] 2:00 PM Regional Penance Service - Holy Cross 6:00 PM Youth Ministry 7:00 PM Lenten Series [Social Hall] 7:00 PM Diocesan Choir Rehearsal [Church] 7:00 PM Regional Penance Service - St. Bruno Church 7:00 PM SVdP Meeting [FC-EAS] 7:00 PM Regional Penance Service - St. Paul Parish 9:00 AM Bible Study [Social Hall] 7:00 PM Cathedral Choir Rehearsal [Church] 7:00 PM Bible Study [Social Hall] 7:00 PM Regional Penance Service - St Benedict Parish 7:00 PM Women s Faith Sharing [FC-EAS] 7:00 PM Regional Penance Service - Our Lady of Grace Friday, March 23, :00 PM Aquinas Academy Student Confessions [Church] 5:30 PM Parish Stations of the Cross [Church] Saturday, March 24, :45 AM Catholic Men s Fellowship Meeting [Social Hall] 10:00 AM Raingutter Regala [Social Hall] 11:00 AM Regional Sacrament of Reconciliation [Church] Sunday, March 25, :00 PM Blue & Gold Banquet [Social Hall] The Bereavement Support Group at Saint Vincent Basilica Parish in Latrobe will meet on Monday, March 19 at 7 PM in the Parish Center Conference Room. Anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one is invited to attend. For more information contact Teri Pomerleau at teri.pomerleau@stvincent.edu or (724) , ext. 15. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in North Huntingdon will be holding a Night at the Races on Saturday, March 24. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:30 PM, with the races immediately after. The price is $20 admission which includes great food, dessert, unlimited soft drinks, beer and the naming rights to one horse/ jockey. You must be 21 or older to attend, and it is BYOB. Also available is 50/50, For more information, contact the parish office at or visit the website at Saint Vincent College will host a lecture by Dr. Paul Kengor March 21 at 7:30 PM in the Fred M. Rogers Center titled A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the Twentieth Century. Admission is free. Religious Life Chat Room for women interested in talking about consecrated religious life. March 21 and April 25 are the next gatherings at Seton Hill university small dining room. We begin with dinner at 5 PM, share prayer, and discuss a topic related to discernment, religious life and following Jesus footsteps. Meet the Sisters and Nuns from the Greensburg Diocese. Contact Sr. Barbara Ann Smelko, SC at basmelko@scsh.org or call ext for more details. Applications being accepted for Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program. Applications are now being accepted for the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program for classes beginning in late August. The program is a partnership between the Diocese of Greensburg and Seton Hill University designed to meet the educational and formational needs of adults who are committed to the mission of Christ and feel called to serve publicly in the name of the Catholic Church. Parishioners interested in lay ecclesial ministry or the permanent diaconate should contact Marsha Kable at mkable@dioceseofgreensburg.org or call for more information. The May - June schedules will soon be prepared by the schedulers before you know it! In order to better assist them and so that there are no scheduling conflicts, please submit when you or your child will be unavailable to be scheduled in M ay and June. Please Julie at jstauffer@dioceseofgreensburg.org no later than MONDAY, April 9. Please remember that sign up sheets for Holy Week and Easter are available in the sacristy. We need everyone to assist and help at all Masses during this Blessed and Holy Season. Have a Blessed Holy Week! Calling ALL young adults (single, married, parents, etc.)! Join us for Theology on Tap in the A-K Valley on Thursday, March 22 at 7 PM at the KNEAD Community Cafe (1011 Barnes Street, New Kensington.) The topic of the evening is: From Death to Life: What does the Resurrection teach us about living? presented by Katie Zuzik. Dinner will be provided, no charge! BYOB and invite a friend! Babies in carriers are welcome at all A-K TOT events. Theology on Tap is a program for Catholic Young Adults and their friends to meet together at local bars, cafes, and restaurants to listen to a speaker, share conversation, and gain new insights into the faith. For information, please contact Elizabeth Haberstroh: EHaberstroh@dioceseofgreensburg.org or Ariel Schroeder: ASchroeder@dioceseofgreensburg.org or find us on Facebook at Theology on Tap in the A-K Valley (@akvalleytot). No need to RSVP, just show up!

5 Baptisms: By appointment only. Please call the Katie Zuzik in the Parish Office at least three months in advance of the Baptism. A class for parents is required to reflect on the meaning of the sacrament, to review the ceremony, and to highlight the importance of the family s commitment to practicing the Catholic Faith. Sponsorship Forms: Forms for our parish members to serve as sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation must be filled out in person at the Parish Office. To serve as a sponsor, you must be at least 16 years old and a practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. If you are married, it must be within the guidelines of the Catholic Church. Please call the Parish Office to make an appointment to fill out the form. Weddings: Please call Msgr. Riffle or Deacon Bill Hisker in the Parish Office at least six months in advance. Do not set a date until you have contacted the Parish Office. Pre-marriage prep. classes are required. Internship in Diocesan Office for Communications The diocesan Office for Communications is looking for a photography/multimedia intern, a part-time, paid position. See Employment Opportunities at for job description and application information. Monsignor Raymond E. Riffle Rector ext.12 rriffle@dioceseofgreensburg.org Matthew J. Morelli Parochial Vicar ext.25 mjmorelli@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mr. William J. Hisker Permanent Deacon ext.27 bhisker@dioceseofgreensburg.org Katie Zuzik Pastoral Associate ext.11 kzuzik@dioceseofgreensburg.org Christopher Pardini Director of Liturgy and Music ext.21 cpardini@dioceseofgreensburg.org Parish Finance Council John Kline Judy Komarinski Ed Nemanic Nancy Rottler SVdP Membership Betty Rua: SVdP Food Pantry Prayer Chain JoAnne Hudock Faith Formation Office Tammi Rzempoluch ext.35 Linda DeFrancesco Financial Secretary ext.23 Julie Stauffer Receptionist ext.10 jstauffer@dioceseofgreensburg.org Cindy Cope Coordinator of Cemetery Services ext.16 ccope@dioceseofgreensburg.org Bill Wilson, Maintenance ext.24 wwilson@dioceseofgreensburg.org Jan Brubaker, Custodian Contact the Parish Office jbrubaker@dioceseofgreensburg.org Parish Pastoral Council Mark Bartels Andy Benedict Linda Cooper David Fidazzo Kirsten Lieberum Judy McChesney John Mickinack Paul Niemiec Betty Rua Mike Rezempoluch Make your 2018 contribution a bit easier by checking out the Online Giving website at If Online Giving is not an option for you, please consider writing a check for added security as opposed to putting cash in your weekly envelope. Become a Member of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Welcome! It is a great joy to welcome new members to our parish community. Please register as soon as possible in order to participate in our various programs, ministries and activities. Drop this form in the collection basket and we will send you a detailed registration form. If you are already a member and have changed any of your personal information please call the Parish Office or return the changes on the form below. Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Membership Request / Change Form Please drop this form in the collection basket or mail to: Blessed Sacrament Cathedral 300 North Main St. Greensburg, PA Name: Address: Contact Number: Address: Registration Moving Change Address/Phone