Keeping Faith in College

Transcription

1 July 10, 2016 Keeping Faith in College Faith Forward by Katie Denk Being in college is your first time living out of the house, so you have decisions to make. One is, do I want to continue practicing my faith? I wouldn t say I was challenged about whether to continue. For me, it was more like, What is the next step I wanted to take with my faith? Because I attended a Catholic university, there was Mass on campus. But one of the most important experiences for me was participating in campus ministries groups offering cross-cultural mission experiences. One mission was in Pittsburgh itself in the Uptown area historically called the Hill District to learn about the different challenges that people in that neighborhood are experiencing. Our focus was on homelessness and hunger. We were given a dollar a day to provide for our own meals: $4 to feed ourselves 3 meals for 4 days. When you go shopping, you see that the food that is less expensive is also the food that not the most (continued inside) I Staying Connected by Henry Tanguay I m not a huge fan of the church that we have at college. Because it s on a college campus, it s an all-faith center. It s not actually a church, so it s not exactly dressed as a church. It s a neutral environment that each group can tailor during their services, then everything is taken down. With the church that we have here, I ve been spoiled. With Father Waldron and Monsignor King between the two of them, I m used to basically the best. To me, a different church that s not really as good, seemed detrimental to my faith. What I found was the most effective way to keep my faith at the level that it was when I left for school was to join a group of people who had the same views as me. The fraternity that I joined is based on Christian values, so the people that are in it have those values instilled in them. To me, the most important thing, if you want to keep your faith in school, is to find the people who are going to keep your faith strong in school. (continued inside)

2 Faith Forward (continued) nutritious. So you understand better, when you see people in the grocery store and they don t pick up the healthiest food. You never really know what people are working with until you walk in their shoes. We also did a tour of the Hill District. We went to a Mass there and then learned some history of the area. It was really the birthplace of jazz and a lot of great culture. This understanding has been lost over the years, but the people who were born and raised there lived with that culture. They have a different perspective than outsiders. We also traveled to Florida to learn about the situation of migrant workers in the tomato fields. I think these different cultural mission experiences showed me how you can practice your faith in ways outside of simply going to church. It was not necessarily a process it was an experience. You go out, then you come home and reflect about how that experience really ties to your faith. It gave me insights into how I want to practice my faith going forward into adulthood. Sometimes students think, I don t have time to go to church, so I don t have time to practice my religion. Going to church is important, but learning how to practice your faith in your everyday life is just as important. My advice to college students? Don t be afraid to try things that your friends aren t doing. None of my friends went on mission trips, but this is something I wanted to do for myself. Yes, have a great group of friends with good people, but step outside of it sometimes. The lessons learned will be of value throughout your life. Parishioner Katie Denk is a 2013 graduate of Duquesne University in health management. I Staying Connected (continued) Our church family and our church home is so much more loving and caring than any other church that I ve even been to and far and beyond the church that I have at school. That s what really grew my faith: the fact that our church is so connected. Then along with that, Life Teen kind of grew my faith here. The church at school is not a strong connection. I have an alarm set on my phone that goes off at nine o clock every day to remind me to pray even if it is just, Thank you for my day, thank you for my life, thank you for my family. I m praying once a day, at least. I usually have a tab open on my phone that has the daily Mass readings, an interpretation, and a prayer for the day. Sometimes I ll look at that. I think the thing that challenges faith most at school is just the influence to not care about it as much. A lot of people go to school and literally forget their faith; they just don t remember it anymore who loves you, who loves you the most, all of that. And seeing other people not do that makes it hard for you to do that. I think the biggest threat to my faith is just the people who don t remember. As long as I remember who I have surrounding me to help me with remembering that, it s easy. When I see the members of my fraternity, it reaffirms my belief. And the people who support my faith the most are my girlfriend and my mom. The two of them combine to be my rock at home. If I can t talk to anyone at school, I just text them. And at school, three-quarters of my fraternity brothers are Catholic, if I need to talk to someone face-to-face. Parishioner Henry Tanguay is studying ocean engineering at Florida Institute of Technology. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE BEEN BLESSED to work with fellow parishioner and Newman Club Advisor Cathy Poiesz and some wonderful Catholic students at Messiah College. Although I am now leaving my position as Newman Club coordinator, I will continue to pray for them in their ongoing journeys. College is meant to be a wonderful time for growth, learning, and opportunity. Obviously, it s a time to study and learn for a successful future; it s also a time for independence and decision-making. The choices everyone makes during their time in college have a profound effect on both their college and future lives: friends, studying, partying, relationships... going to Mass, faith, God. As priorities and lifestyles are being figured out, is it easy to remember to pray before choosing? How about putting God first before all the other obligations and demands? How does social media fit into it all? As students become more involved in campus life (clubs, sports, activities), their days become full of distractions. There are influences beyond what they have experienced in high school. Sometimes going to Mass drops to a low priority or misses the to-do list completely; other denominations may become more appealing or seem more fun; explaining or standing up to Catholic beliefs is not easy for everyone to do. It isn t easy to avoid the pressures from the outside world, especially when social media finds a way to immortalize just about everything. Finding the strength to remain true to who God created us to be isn t always an easy battle, especially during a time when students are trying to figure out what that means. As many of us have gone through many similar challenges these young people face today, I ask that we pray for their continued growth in the Catholic faith and their trust in the Lord in all things. College is an extremely important and exciting time in the lives of young men and women, and our hope and prayer is that the love and mercy of our Savior is at the heart of it all. Cristina White

3 READINGS FOR THE WEEK MON Is 1:10-17; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, and 23; Mt 10:34 11:1 TUE Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8; Mt 11:20-24 WED Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Ps 94:5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27 THU Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab, and 15, 16-18, 19-21; Mt 11:28-30 FRI Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10, 11, 12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 SAT Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 SUN Gn 18:1-10a; Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42 SUMMER OFTEN BRINGS A CHANGE OF PACE along with the change of seasons. Long before we knew that Father Swamy would be transferred and that our new resident priest wouldn t arrive until mid- August, my summer was crowded and the calendar filled. I apologize that I will be slow in returning phone calls and even slower to make appointments until late August. Every July I teach in the canon law school at Catholic University in Washington, DC. I m at the university several days each week. July 11 to 13 is the annual meeting of the National Association of Priest Pilots, then it s back to DC until Friday. Periodically I also do legal consulting with dioceses and Catholic health care systems, and during the first week of August I ll be in a southern US diocese. The second and third weeks of August bring vacation with Bishop Malesic and two other priests. Throughout these weeks, I ll be in touch with the office via phone and ; emergencies and Masses will be covered. (Please call the parish office for any emergencies.) However, time in the parish is very limited until after August 23, and I ask for your patience during the summer. Then the busy season for parish life begins with our Eucharistic Devotions, Apple Festival, religious education, and the full slate of parish activities. Our new resident priest, Father Anthony Eseke, professor of communications at Messiah College, will arrive in mid-august to help us with Mass and sacraments. Blessings on your summer, PARISH FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP Tithing: June 2016 = $71, (Last year = $69,912.47) Capital Campaign: Total amount pledged: $2,492, Amount paid in June: $32, Gifts and Bequests: $93.00 in June ($4, year-to-date) Mission Project for Saint Francis of Assisi Parish: $ in June ($3, year-to-date) WHEN PILGRIMS AND VISITORS ENTER SAINT PETER S BASILICA in Rome, they are reminded by the ushers that they are entering a place of prayer. Even though summers in Rome are hot and humid, everyone coming before the Lord is expected to be dressed not for comfort but for the Lord. Now that summer heat is upon us, it s a good reminder for us all that we dress to present ourselves to the Lord when we enter His presence in church. Here s what Saint Peter's Basilica considers appropriate attire for entering a church: Pants and skirts are long enough that knees are covered when sitting. Shoulders are covered at all times. Necklines are modest and not plunging. In your charity please pray for the repose of the souls of Joan Harkins, sister of parishioner Mary Ellen Bertolino; and Peggy Burke, sister of parishioner Ernie Nettleton. ALTAR SERVERS July :00 PM Jonah Jaroch, Chad Cherok, Nate Cherok 7:30 AM Joshua Micsky, Luke Micsky, Ethan Rensel 9:00 AM Garrett Brownawell, Trevor Diehm, Noah Diehm 11:00 AM Jacob Saar, Kylie Saar, Brady White + MASSES + + DAILY PRAYERS + CONFESSIONS+ SATURDAY JULY 9 VIGIL, 15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 5:00 PM Joseph Jurewicz SUNDAY JULY 10 15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 7:30 AM Frances Fullen 9:00 AM Alexander Holmes *11:00 AM People of the Parish MONDAY JULY 11 MEMORIAL OF SAINT BENEDICT, ABBOT No Mass TUESDAY JULY 12 WEEKDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 6:45 AM Morning Prayer 7:00 AM Ronald Roble WEDNESDAY JULY 13 WEEKDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 8:40 AM Rosary 9:00 AM Mary Small THURSDAY JULY 14 MEMORIAL OF SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN 6:45 AM Morning Prayer 7:00 AM Phillip Angeli FRIDAY JULY 15 MEMORIAL OF SAINT BONAVENTURE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH 8:40 AM Rosary 9:00 AM Nora Baldini SATURDAY JULY 16 VIGIL, 16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 3:00 PM Confessions 5:00 PM Dale Moritz SUNDAY JULY 17 16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 7:30 AM Donald Wargo 9:00 AM Donald Wayne Hand 11:00 AM People of the Parish * Choir singing at Mass CONTACTS OFFICE: /parish_office@steas.net Monsignor William J. King, Pastor Deacon David L. Hall, Pastoral Associate Religious Education Pastoral Assistant Deacon Hall (cell)

4 A BIG THANKS to the many volunteers who brought the Under Construction program to 70 young members of our church during our Summer Bible School. SITE LEADERS: Christina Bull, Joseph Creavey, Donna England, Brad Fischer, Sue Fletcher, Camille LaVoie, Ginny Mizrahi, Becca Olinger, Julie Ritts, Elizabeth Smith, Steve Stringer, Drew Tanguay, Cristina White GROUP LEADERS: Sally Bogdanoff, Jen Balda, Joann Fetrow, Crystal Fink, Brenda Fludovich, Pete Fludovich, Carmen Grabowicz, Jean Hileman, Kristen Morrow, Katie Noss, Adam Pivovarnik, Joe Pivovarnik, Kathleen Pivovarnik, Sharon Sheridan DECORATING & PREP: LaDawnna Clancy, Patricia Rebovich, Maureen Lee and the American Heritage Girls & leaders STUDENT AIDES: Katie Dudding, Kim Dudding, Marissa Duggan, Tess French, Maria Halecki, Tim Kelly, Makenna May, Mary Millar, Kylie Miller, Zach Mowchan, Elizabeth Mulligan, Brandon Olinger, Colin Porter, Rebecca Ritts, Brian Sheridan, Isabelle Smith, Audra White, Christen Zuvich SPORTS & REC FAMILY FUN NIGHT: This Sunday, July 10, we will be kicking off the use of the terrific new gym aspect of Waldron Hall with a fun night to introduce some of our new parish activities. Specifically, on the 10 th we will start with some all-ages kickball and wiffleball from 7 PM till 8 PM, followed up by adult (including older kids that can play in an adult game) basketball from 8 PM till 9:30 PM. All are welcome, and we look forward to some terrific fellowship and fun! LIFE TEEN He who has the most, wins, right?? Do you have So Much More? Do you really need it? Let s talk about materialism, wealth, and sharing on Sunday, July in the Café, Upper Room, and Waldron Hall. Then join Life Teen on Saturday, July 23 as we host students from Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, MA. We are a pit stop on their summer mission trip. Join us for Mass at 5, followed by pizza and Lights Out Dodge Ball in Waldron Hall. Bring a friend!! Life Teen is open to all teens who finished grades 8-12 in June. There is no registration, no fee, and no telling how much fun you ll have with Jesus. Life Teen s mission is to Lead Teens Closer to Christ. Come with us on that journey! Don t forget Wake Up Wednesday Mass and Breakfast at 8:55 AM every Wednesday all summer long! TRAIL LIFE SUMMER CAMP! The Woodlands Trail guys (Fox, Hawk, and Mountain Lion troops, ages K-5th grade) are preparing for their summer camp July 28 to 30. The outing is open to all Woodlands Trail members, their parents, and any older brothers in Trail Life. Parents are encouraged to attend. Activities will include hiking, swimming, possibly canoeing, and water battles. Contact Tim Fink ( ) as soon as possible to allow planning for food and accommodations. CAREGIVERS: COME FOR HELP, REASSURANCE, AND KNOWLEDGE. Come with your questions or come to spend some refreshing time with other caregivers, away from responsibilities. Bring a friend or family member. The CAREGIVERS GROUP meets, Monday, July 11, at 3:30 PM in Room 10, and normally the first Monday of every month. Contacts: Pastoral Assistant Donna Nebistinsky ( , dnebistinsky@steas.net) or Facilitator Ernie Nettleton ( ). Join us on Wednesday, July 13, at 7:00 PM in the Bayley Conference Room as we begin the 8-week series, Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John, with Dr. Edward Sri. We will learn how the Gospel of John provides us with a blueprint to follow Christ. Participant workbooks are not required, but are available for purchase at or by contacting Donna (dnebistinsky@steas.net, ). A sample copy of the workbook is in the Faith Matters (Evening) mailbox at Connections Corner if you would like to see it before ordering. MEN! TREAT YOURSELF TO A RETREAT THIS SUMMER. Join the men of our parish on the beautiful campus of Mount Saint Mary s University, Friday evening, August 5, until early Sunday afternoon, August 7. Father Glenn Sudan, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, will talk about the role of Divine Mercy in our lives. Make your reservations now to ensure a room; you ll be glad you did! Contact: Joseph Bytof ( ). OUR PARISH IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A FULL-TIME PARISH ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER (application deadline July 18). A full description of the position is on the parish website, under Parish Life > Job Openings. SPONSOR OF THE WEEK We wish to thank Hilton º Diminick Orthodontic Associates for sponsoring an ad in our weekly bulletin.

5 On behalf of our son, we would like to thank the parishioners of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish for your prayers and support throughout Father Richard Mowery's 8 years of Seminary and his subsequent Ordination and Mass of Thanksgiving. It is impossible to thank all the individuals, but we would like to list the many groups and organizations involved in the Mass of Thanksgiving and Reception. Our many thanks to the StEAS staff, the Knights of Columbus, the Reception Planning Committee, the Choir, Trail Life, Funeral Luncheon Committee, American Heritage Girls, Columbiettes, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and the many others involved the preparation of food and the beautiful flowers and decorations in the church and Father Waldron Hall. God bless you all. It is an honor to belong to a parish that cares so much.