The Roman Catholic Community of Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny

Transcription

1 The Roman Catholic Community of Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Saint Mark Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 1125 Romine Avenue McKeesport, PA Phone Fax stmarkparishdiopitt@gmail.com Saint Eugene Church (StE) 3210 Liberty Way - Liberty Saint Joseph Church (StJ) 1125 Romine Avenue - Port Vue Religious Education x 102 Youth Ministry: x105 Saint Michael Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA Phone Fax stmichael11@verizon.net Saint Michael Church (StM) 101 McLay Drive - Elizabeth Religious Education Youth Ministry: sformicaym@comcast.net A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 530 Michigan Avenue Glassport, PA Phone Fax @diopitt.org Queen of the Rosary (QoR) 530 Michigan Avenue - Glassport Religious Education or Youth Ministry: Accept God s Love, and Live! Share God s Love, and Thrive! Website: ElizabethSouthAlleghenyCC.org Looking For A Parish? Wherever you are on your faith journey, we welcome you to join our community. You may register by contacting the Parish Office. Implementation Phase Prayer Father of Mercy, During this tie of implementation help us to grow in unity with St. Mark Parish, St. Michael Parish and. Grant us the wisdom and willingness to understand how our parishes will become stronger and more vibrant in fulfilling the mission of the Church. Assist us in opening our arms to welcome others as we continue to journey On Mission for The Church Alive! Help us, O Lord, to trust in the future you have planned for us. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. Learn Jesus, Love Jesus, and Live Jesus. 29th Sunday in Ordinal Time October 21, 2018 Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. -Psalm 33

2 2 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Pastoral Staff Clergy Team Reverend Thomas A. Wagner, Administrator Reverend Miroslaus A. Wojcicki, Senior Parochial Vicar Deacon Stephen C. Pikula, Permanent Deacon Deacon John E. Ragan, Permanent Deacon Religious Education Julie Fleckenstein, St. Mark Joan Kilgore, St. Michael Darla Losteter, Queen of the Rosary Youth Ministery Lori DiMarco, St. Mark Susan Formica, St. Michael Darla Losteter, Queen of the Rosary Safe Environment Emily Carlson, St. Mark Mary Jo Ignatius, St. Michael Music Ministry Brandy Irish-Gerjuoy, St. Mark Celeste Cafasso, St. Michael Carol Gioia, St. Michael Pamela Whitney, Queen of the Rosary Facilities Kevin Hopkins, St. Mark Patricia Muic, St. Mark Tony Hutskow, St. Michael Pastoral Secretary Lisa Mykeloff, St. Mark Jeannie Premozic, St. Mark Jan Kunkel, St. Michael Amy Megahan, Queen of the Rosary Parish Nurse Pam Curcio, , St. Mark Collaboration, Courage and Compassion Mary of Nazareth Catholic School Growing in Wisdom, Age and Grace Time for Twos, Pre K 3 & 4, Kindergarten, Grades Fawcett Avenue White Oak, PA Phone: Fax: Webpage: Religious Education Program Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ All children, Grades 1-8, are invited and encouraged to participate in a Religious Education Program. Youth Ministry All Youth, High School (9-12 grade) and Jr. High School (6-8 grade), are invited and encouraged to participate in the youth ministry program. Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil 4:00 pm St. Michael Church, Elizabeth 6:00 pm St. Eugene Church, Liberty Sunday Mass Schedule 9:00 am St. Joseph Church, Port Vue 9:30 am St. Michael Church, Elizabeth 11:00 am Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport 12 Noon St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Weekday Mass Schedule Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Tuesday 6:30 pm St. Eugene Church, Liberty Thursday 8:00 am St. Eugene Church Liberty Monday - Friday - 9:00 am St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Reconciliation Schedule Tuesday, 7-7:30 pm St. Eugene, Liberty Saturday, 11-11:30 am St. Michael, Elizabeth Saturday, 1-1:30 pm Queen of the Rosary, Glassport Saturday, 3:15-3:45 pm St. Michael, Elizabeth Saturday, 7-7:30 pm St. Eugene, Liberty Please remember that this schedule is interim, which means it will be evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Parish Stewardship - Time, Talent and Treasure Sunday, October 14, 2018 Saint Mark Parish Regular Offertory $ 3, Parish Share Goal $61, Received $37, Saint Michael Parish Offertory Envelopes $ 6, Offering Loose $ Utilities & Energy $ 1, Parish Share Goal $90, Received $68, Offertory Envelopes $ 2, Monthly $ Parish Share Goal $31, Received $15, Thank You for Your Sacrificial Giving! Have you remembered your Parish in your will?

3 Sacraments Baptism of Infants & Children Baptism is a joyous event in the life of the parish. Baptism is celebrated any Sunday after Mass and during Mass on the Fourth Sunday of the Month. Previous arrangements are necessary. Instruction in the Faith - R.C.I.A. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program is offered for those interested in the Catholic Faith. For more information, please contact Fr. Wagner. Reconciliation St. Eugene Church, Liberty Tuesday, 7-7:30 pm St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Saturday, 11-11:30 am Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport Saturday, 1-1:30 pm St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Saturday, 3:15-3:45 pm St. Eugene Church, Liberty Saturday, 7-7:30 pm Marriage The prospective bride and groom are to make arrangements with the priest or deacon at least 6 months prior to the proposed date of the wedding. Diocesan regulations require all couples to attend an approved pre-marriage preparation program. Anointing of the Sick the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally on the Second Sunday of the Month. Ministry to the Sick and Shut In Homebound members of the Parish should call the Parish Office to make arrangements to receive Holy Communion at home. Sponsorship Forms Only registered, practicing, fully-initiated Catholics are eligible for sponsor certificates. Please call the Parish Office. Bulletin Information Deadline All information must be received 2 weeks in advance. Moving Please call or your new address to the Parish Office. Child Abuse Hotline Saint Mark Parish Saint Michael Parish 3 Mass Intentions For The Week StE St. Eugene Church, Liberty StJ St. Joseph Church, Port Vue StM St. Michael Church, Elizabeth QoR Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport October 20-28, 2018 Saturday, 20, Vigil, 29th Sunday in Ordinal Time StM 4:00 pm Andrew & Katherine Korona - Daughter, Helen & Family StE 6:00 pm Harold Buzz Phillips - Bernard & Mary Sunday, 21, 29th Sunday in Ordinal Time StJ 9:00 am Millie Osika - Donny & Amy Vetal StM 9:30 am Pat Minford - Bill & Carol Davis Living & Deceased of the Parish Family QoR 11:00 am Mary Hays - Gerry Lykowski Josephine & Vincenzo DiStasi - Giulia DiStasi & Family StM12:00 nn Frank, Sarah & Angie Bernadowski, Mary McNeil - Bernadowski Family Monday, 22, John Paul II, pope QoR 8:00 am Helen Trepanowski - Jim Chester) Novena - Infant Jesus of Prague StM 9:00 am Pauline & Edward Szczerba - Daughters Tuesday, 23, Weekday StM 9:00 am George & Helen Emsurak - Family Novena - Michael the Archangel StE 6:30 pm James & Mary Ann Thomas - Sister, Caroline Skrtic Eucharistic Holy Hour (6:30-7:30 pm) Wednesday 24, Anthony Mary Clare, bishop QoR 8:00 am Joseph Witkowski - Daughter StM 9:00 am Jerry Kunkel - Jan & Ryan Thursday, 25, Weekday StE 8:00 am Mayme & Jacob Eichler - Family StM 9:00 am Dorothy Gossman - Bill, Jackie & Gene Anselm Friday, 26, Weekday QoR 8:00 am Christa Shumber - Gert Ormand & Melissa Fleet StM 9:00 am Helga Procacina - Husband, Joe Saturday, 27, Vigil, 30th Sunday in Ordinal Time StM 4:00 pm Leslie Mitchell - Stasko Family StE 6:00 pm Ray Coleman - Jackie and Charles Galley Sunday, 28, 30th Sunday in Ordinal Time StJ 9:00 am Millie Osika - After Church Breakfast Group StM 9:30 am Bill Owens - Ushers Living & Deceased of the Parish Family QoR 11:00 am Richard Ferko - Jack & Joe Ferko & Denise Adams StM 12:00 nn Carol Gidel - Family QofR 8:30 am First Saturday - Immaculate Mary Devotion Low Gluten Hosts available - please see Priest before Mass

4 4 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community 29th Sunday in Ordinal Time October 21, 2018 What do you wish me to do for you? Jesus asks a similar question in different Gospel passages, but the request of James and John is not repeated on any other occasion. Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left. They ask not for knowledge of God, not for crooked limbs to be straightened nor for the blind to see. They ask for power and authority. Jesus' response should trouble them. You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink? Jesus asks. They said to him, We can. But what is Christ's cup? Could James and John have possibly known it or understood it here at the height of Jesus' ministry? Jesus' cup is the cup of trial, of difficulty, of public ridicule. His final, thirsting sip occurs as he hangs on the cross. In Christ's kingdom, drinking his cup and participating in his life are not the sharing of power the way we are accustomed. Jesus flips their paradigm. Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. The cup of Jesus is the cup of giving oneself. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. As Christians, how easy it can be to want the acclaim of good deeds, the gratitude for volunteering, the attention for donating to the church. "It shall not be so among you." If you are overlooked, offer thanks to God for imitating Jesus, rather than bitter complaint at someone else's oversight. Look for opportunities to do good needs unnoticed. This week, consider one way you can drink the cup of Jesus! Liturgical Publications Inc Learn Jesus, Love Jesus, and Live Jesus. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you October Rosary Intention That consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice. Scheduling Masses for 2019 The Mass Requests for 2019 will begin with the Mass Request Form in the bulletin on Sunday, November 4, Anyone celebrating their 25th and 50th Wedding Anniversaries in 2019 should call the Parish Office before November 12, 2018 to scheduled a Mass. No requests will be taken over the telephone Until Wednesday, December 12, Three (3)Mass Intentions per family (please only one weekend date). No Mass intentions will be accepted for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Mother s Day, Father s Day, All Souls Day or Thanksgiving Day. After Wednesday, January 9, 2019, you may call for any open dates. At that time, you will be welcome to schedule additional Mass Intentions. After Spring 2019 Mass Times Could Change. Too Much Information! There is a common expression: Too much information! We usually use it when people tell us details about their lives that we don t want or need to know. Today, when James and John ask Jesus a simple question, making their request for places of honor in the kingdom, a simple answer might have been in order. Instead, as he often does, Jesus answers a question with a question; today it s about drinking the cup of suffering. Then, once the others are indignant over James and John s outrageous request, he proceeds to give them what may have been too much information for followers who were simply interested in the pursuit of glory. But this information, though it can sometimes seem too much for us, is essential for our lives as disciples. In Isaiah, in Hebrews, and in Mark today, we learn this information. It is in suffering, in weakness, in self-giving service to others, that we come to understand the kingdom. It is the information we need to find our place and come to be honored in the reign of God. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. Whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.

5 Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, 5 October 18, 2018 Luke, Evangelist Greetings Brothers and Sisters, Today we begin a new chapter in the local Church of Pittsburgh. We begin a journey together in the implementation phase of On Mission for The Church Alive! All around the diocese, faith communities are gathering to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, meeting fellow pilgrims on the journey of faith. Greeted by some familiar faces and welcoming others. Together may we Learn Jesus, Love Jesus, and Live Jesus in the everydayness of our lives. May each one of us enrich our faith community with our gifts of courage, collaboration, and compassion. Today marks the beginning of the interim Mass schedule, which is a work in progress. Please remember that this schedule is interim, which means it will be evaluated and adjusted as necessary, after the clergy team has had sufficient time to celebrate Masses, and determine, with your feedback, how it best suits the pastoral needs of all the parishioners in our grouping. The interim Mass schedule was developed by me with input from the outgoing pastor, incoming clergy team and the regional vicars. The schedule accommodates, as best as possible, the number of priests assigned to a grouping, the seating capacity of the churches, parking availability, accessibility, Sunday religious education schedules, and geography and travel time between churches. We are embarking on a new endeavor to bring renewed energy around the practice of our faith here in the Elizabeth, Glassport and South Allegheny Area and in the whole Church of Pittsburgh. Even as we face changing schedules and new clergy, we are called as members of the Body of Christ to promote unity and share our Time, Talent and Treasure for the good of all God s people. I welcome, invite and encourage all of you to join me in renewing and building new relationships and fostering unity among the faith communities of Saint Mark, Saint Michael and es. With Prayer, Love and Compassion, Hospitality and Generosity, we will open our arms to welcome others as we continue to journey On Mission for the Church Alive! May God continue to guide and bless us on our Journey of Faith. Sincerely in Christ, Fr. Wagner Reverend Thomas A. Wagner Administrator Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ New Bulletin Format As we enter into the Transition Phase of our diocesan journey, On Mission for The Church Alive! Your prayerful support, assistance, patience and kindness gives me hope for the future. For this I Thank you! I would like to introduce to you our new bulletin, which is a work in progress. Please be patient as the bulletin develops over the weeks and months ahead. With that in mind, please submit all information for the bulletin 3 weeks in advance of the wanted publication date. Information received after that will be published on a space-available basis. As the Bulletin shares information among the three parishes, remember we are all invited, welcome and encouraged to take advantage of services, programs, organizations, etc. that are offered in our grouping. Together may we welcome each other as if it is Jesus himself. Offertory Collection Envelopes A question was raised concerning Offertory Envelopes. Offertory Envelopes can be placed in the offertory collection at any of the three parishes, Saint Mark, Saint Michael, Queen of the Rosary. The counters will separate and sort the offertory envelopes, then the offertory envelopes will be returned to the proper parish for deposit and recording.

6 6 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community On Mission For The Church Alive! Whoever Wishes To Be Great Among You Will Be Your Servant The request of the sons of Zebedee, James and John, to be seated one on each side of Jesus when he reigns in glory sets off a firestorm among the Apostles. They argue about who is the greatest and are quickly focused on who has more power and authority than the others. Jesus reminds them that, while this may be the way of the world, they must be different. Whatever power and authority is theirs is given to them by God and must be used for the service of others. As the implementation of On Mission for The Church Alive! begins we will be looking to discover what our parish groupings need to best serve the faithful of our parishes and the communities where we live. We all love our parishes, but our love for Christ and the Church as a whole is even stronger. It may be a challenge to put aside what we are familiar with for the sake of the good of all, but we are called to trust in God s guidance as he works to build up the Church. Visit onmissionchurchalive.org to learn more and to stay informed. Marriage Moments by Susan Vogt, SusanVogt.net Do something unexpected for your beloved today that shows you appreciate them. For example, Place a love note in their purse or lunch; send a message; saying, I appreciate you because... Parenting Pointers by Susan Vogt, SusanVogt.net Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant (Mk 10:43). Kids naturally like to be first, the boss, to be served. Ask your kids if they d be willing to turn the tables for 1 day or 1 hour? They might get you a snack, bring you the paper, etc. A Family Perspective by Bud Ozar Advice books abound on marriage and parenting. Jesus tells us in today s gospel the real secret: satisfying relationships depend on how well we sacrifice our needs to serve others. It is not about getting, it s about giving ourselves. If you feel like you are a servant to your children and spouse, then you are doing it right. Saint Mark Parish Coffee House Common Grounds COFFEE HOUSE is open after 9:00 am Mass at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. Please join us! Masses of Remembrance Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 9:00 am The names of the deceased will be read after the homily and a candle will be lit for each of the deceased. All are invited and welcome to gather and pray for our beloved dead. Light refreshments will be served in the Social Hall. Sponsored by the Ladies of Charity St. Mark Parish - Remembrance Mass Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 6:30 pm St. Eugene Church, 3210 Liberty Way Please note this year s date, time and location. All are welcome to attend this Mass. Families and friends who have lost a loved one since 2017 Remembrance Mass are especially invited. Invitations were sent to the families of those who have died. If you know of someone who should be invited to this year s Remembrance Mass, please contact the Parish Office. In your kindness, please continue to pray for our loved ones who have died, and please continue praying for all who have lost a loved one this past year. St. Michael Parish - Remembrance Mass Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm Cookies & Apple Cider will be available after the Mass in the Gathering Space. Scheduling of Funeral Service A Mass of Christian Burial (in church) or a Blessing Service (in the Funeral Home or at the Cemetery) will be scheduled at the time of need by the Funeral Director handling the arrangements for the family with the parishes. The Mass of Christian Burial or Blessing Service will be scheduled according to the needs of the family and the availability of the clergy team. The Mass of Christian Burial can be scheduled for any church building (Saint Eugene, Saint Joseph, Saint Michael or Queen of the Rosary) that is available on the requested day and time. Please note that at this time no church buildings are closed for worship. If you have any questions, please call the Office. Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

7 Treasures From Our Tradition As election campaigns move into high gear, sometimes the phrase the Catholic vote is heard. It s an interesting concept, since Catholics started out in this country as a very fragile group: fewer than forty thousand of us at the time of the first census in 1790, and only about 2 percent of the population by It was a priestless church for all intents and purposes, lay-led clusters of Catholics waiting patiently for the occasional visit of a priest, sustained by gathering when they could on Sunday for devotional prayer like litanies and the rosary. They tried to hold on to their ancestral faith as best they could. Archbishop Jean- Louis Cheverus told one family in Maine to every day say your prayers on your knees with affection, and every Sunday gather to hear the Gospel, to pray in common, and to quiz the children on the catechism. Inevitably, some became Protestant, but many more stayed Catholic from generation to generation, with very little encouragement or sacramental ministry from the clergy. Archbishop John Carroll, the first American bishop, tried to make Church law flexible: shortening the length of the fast before Communion, easing the Lenten fast, and even relaxing the rule of Sabbath rest at harvest time. Catholicism in England had been quietly sustained in this way for two centuries, and the first American Catholics carried on as had their ancestors, providing a fertile soil for the unprecedented success and phenomenal growth of the Church in our country. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch We remember... In your charity, please remember all those who have died, especially: Stearl Cauley, Wilma Brletic, Ronald Marraccini, Richard Vezzani, all who will die today, and those who have no one to pray for them. Resting in Paradise. Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord. And let Perpetual Light Shine upon them. Grief Recovery Support Group Wednesday, November 21, :00-9:00 pm Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Center Lounge 1313 Fifth Avenue, East McKeesport Anyone who has experienced a loss is invited. No pre-registration. For information, Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, 7 Adult Faith Formation Faith, Fellowship and Food Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother This seven week series will run from Tuesdays, November 6 - December 18, Saint Michael Church, Archangel Hall 6:45-9:00 pm Dr. Edward Sri takes us on a journey through the Holy Land, providing a captivating look into the life of the Blessed Mother. The evening begins at 6:45 pm with a Light Dinner, Music & Prayer, Video Presentation and Small Group Discussion. There is no cost to attend, a good will offering will be accepted for the dinner expenses. For information or to register contact Sue, sformicaym@comcast.net or Read the Bible. Pray over Sacred Scripture. You can keep whatever you find The Greatest Test Robert Ingersoll The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart. Knight s of Columbus Scholarship The St. Michael Knights of Columbus are now accepting applications for their scholarship program for any high school graduate. To apply you must be a resident of the Elizabeth Forward School District. Information and applications are available by contacting the Parish Office, Earl, or Regis, Applications are due by Thursday, November 1, CCM/WG Scholarship Applications Scholarship Applicants must be a graduating High School Senior (2018) or a current student attending an accredited post secondary school and a registered member of Saint Michael Parish. There are two $500 scholarships available. Applications can be obtained at the Rectory Office. Scholarship Applications must be returned by Monday, December 31, Error Free Anonymous A mistake doesn t become an error until I refuse to correct it.

8 8 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ Candidates for Sacraments Candidates for Sacraments should be adequately prepared to receive these gifts, and a proper understanding of the Sacrament should be gained and demonstrated. Generally, two (2) consecutive years of instruction is necessary for the reception of the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. Saint Mark Parish Religious Education Sunday Morning 10:00-11:30 am For information or questions, please call Julie at the Religious Education Office, x 102. Youth Group will meet Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 6:30-9:00 pm at St. Joseph, Port Vue. Youth Group Harvest Party The Saint Mark Youth Group is planning a Harvest Party at the Salvation Army in Homestead on Saturday, October 27, They are in need of costumes for children ages 6 months through 17 years. They are also requesting candy for the children. There will be labeled boxes at the entrances to both sites. Thanks so much for your kindness and generosity! Youth Group Holiday BINGO Friday, November 16, 2018 Saint Eugene Church, Father Rowan Hall 3210 Liberty Way, Liberty Borough Doors open 5:30PM Early bird games 6:30PM Regular Games 7:00PM All paper format. Advance Tickets $20 Tickets at the Door $25 For tickets or for special needs seating, call Lori, (x105). Go Bongo for Bingo! Youth Group News - Queen of the Rosary Fall Fun Night - Youth Group will meet Tuesday, October 23, 2018, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Social Hall. Stop by or for more info call Darla, Saint Michael Parish Religious Education Sunday Morning 8:00-9:20 am & 10:30-11:50 am For information or questions, please call Joan at the Religious Education Office, Family Mass Sunday November 4, 2018 at 10:00am The Eighth Graders will assume the roles of liturgical leadership: greeters & ushers, lectors, gift bearers, etc. for the 10:00 am Mass. May the Lord Bless All of Our Children! Confirmation Candidates will meet Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 from 4 6 pm in Archangel Hall. Senior Youth Group will meet Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the Walk for the Poor. Junior Youth Group will meet Friday, November 9, 2018 from 7:00-9:00 pm In Archangel Hall. Youth Group- Walk for the Poor sponsored by Catholic Charities Sunday, November 4, 2018 Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Coats, Diapers & Wipes will be collected until November 1st. Please place your donations in the Gathering Space. Religious Education Sunday Morning 9:30-10:45 am For information or questions, please call Darla at the Parish Office, or Veteran s Day- This is your invitation to honor our Veterans. Religious Education students and Youth Group would like to honor and remember Veterans in a special Mass on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 11:00 am. A small reception will follow in the Social Hall. All are welcome! The church will be adorned with our Honor and Remembrance banners. If we have your Veteran s name and info from previous years, there is no reason to resubmit. To add a new Veteran to our wall, or for changes to a Veteran banner, call Darla, May God Bless All Veterans!

9 Daily Bread, Celebration Publications Monday, October 22; Eph 2:1-10; Lk 12:13-21 For though one may be rich, one s life does not consist of possessions. Parents and teachers often counsel young people to choose carefully with whom they spend their time, warning them that they can be judged by the company they keep. We may be unaware of the influence, for good or for bad, that those nearest to us have upon our ideas and actions. Our closest companions reflect our personality and our values. The same can be said about our possessions and our spending habits. How much or how little we need to feel content reveals our character. It s not the amount of the bottom line that makes us rich. How, on what and with whom we share God s gifts is the better indicator of who we are and what we value. Generous Father, help us to see the richness of your love in acts of mercy and charity. Patricia Russell Tuesday, October 23; Eph 2:12-22; Lk 12:35-38 Through him the whole structure is held together One need only to listen to the news on any given night to conclude that the whole world is falling apart. While the Father personally, closely keeps loving watch over all his children and all creation, lack of Christian unity tears at the seams of this structure. Our Creator brought the universe into existence, set it into motion and sent his Son for whom all things were made. How is Christ magnified in our bickering and division? To be a Christian one must love others and work together for the common good. We may have differences, but the love of Christ and his mission must remain as our foundation. Christ Jesus broke down the dividing wall of enmity. There s nothing Christian in trying to put that dividing wall back up. Jesus, our brother, guide us to true fellowship as members of the one household of your beloved Father. Patricia Russell Wednesday, October 24; Eph 3:2-12; Lk 12:39-48 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. While most of us are not specifically descendants of those originally known as God s chosen people, we re all called. The first-century Jewish people were stunned that God deemed the Gentiles, whom many equated with dogs, as being included in his plan for salvation. They restricted his reach, grace and mercy to those like themselves. When we question who belongs or when we push people away, we limit a limitless God. We are a universal church not only in our global scope but in our extensive outreach. We must embrace those on the margins, those wounded and questioning, those unique and different, near and far, and include them as one with us just as Christ welcomed all. Gentle Jesus, who embraced foreigners and outcasts, guide us to break down barriers and build communities where all feel Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, 9 your welcoming love. Patricia Russell Thursday, October 25; Eph 3:14-21; Lk 12:49-53 That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength. Having a truly compassionate heart can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Our world is so broken and needy. Even those passionately committed to charity and justice can find themselves wondering how to sustain their material resources and personal strength. Luckily, we do not have to do this alone. Being truly rooted and grounded in love comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is an experience of the Lord s love that goes beyond an understanding or a feeling. May we trust that the Holy Spirit is so rooted within us that we can always show others a heart like God s. Tender and compassionate Lord, you give us your Spirit to bear the weight of those with heavy hearts. Patricia Russell Friday, October 26; Eph 4:1-6; Lk 12:54-59 I, a prisoner..., urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received. A popular bumper sticker reads, If Christianity were illegal, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Christianity is not an honorary title; it is a lifestyle. We don t follow an idea. We imitate Christ and lead others to him. What do our deeds say about our beliefs? Do they reflect a radical message of Christ s love, mercy and inclusion? Do they reveal a commitment to life of discipleship and oneness with Christ and our brothers and sisters? To call ourselves a Christian, our actions must reflect the traits Paul urged the young church at Ephesus to practice humility, gentleness, patience, love, unity and peace. Christ our teacher, guide our everyday actions to faithfully model what it means to be your disciple. Patricia Russell Saturday, October 27; Eph 4:7-16; Lk 13:1-9 And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers. Christ offers his church many and varied gifts. We are one body in a single Lord that thrives through the diversity of the individual gifts that we ve received. We are all vital, and while we haven t all received the same gifts, one is not more significant than another. Each gift is dependent on the others. They interact and take turns leading, supporting, teaching and sustaining each other. We cannot, and need not, go it alone. Where we are weak, others are strong. We minister to each other, build each other up, and show each other how to live together in unity and fellowship. Jesus, who embodies the best of all these gifts, draws us together in union with him and each other. We are made to complement and complete one another. Each individual talent contributes to the ultimate gift of unity as the one body of Christ. Christ, our head, make us one in you. Draw all your children together, and unite us in a spirit of love and acceptance. P Russell

10 10 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community Upcoming Events Knights of Columbus will meet on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room. Catholic Men s Fellowship will meet on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 7:30 am in St. Michael Church & Meeting Room. Crochet Club will meet on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 9:30-11:30 am at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. Adult Choir Practice will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 7:00-8:30 pm at St. Eugene Church, Liberty Borough. Christian Mothers/Women s Guild Covered Dish Dinner will be on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 6:00 pm in St. Michael Archangel Hall. All women are welcome to attend. Handbell Practice will be on Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 10:15-11:15 am at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the Queen of the Rosary Church meeting room. All are welcome and invited to attend. St. Mark Fundraising Group Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 7:00PM in St. Joseph Meeting Room, Port Vue. All are welcome! Ushers will meet on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7:30 pm in St. Michael Archangel Hall. Christian Mothers/Rosary Society will meet on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 2:00 pm in Queen of the Rosary Social Hall. Christmas Party, Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 2 pm Rosary Makers will meet on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 9:30 am in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room. Saint Mark Parish 50/50 In your offertory packet, there is a special envelope marked 50/50 Drawing--Donation $5.00. At the end of each month, one lucky winner is drawn to win half of the proceeds. Thank you for your support! St. Mark Parish, St. Michael Parish Pastoral Council & Finance Council Meeting This combined Councils meeting will be held on Monday, November 5, 2018 in St. Michael Archangel Hall. If you are unable to attend, please call Jan, Glassport Sons of Italy Spaghetti Dinner Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 12 Noon-6:00 pm Gnocchi or Cheese Ravioli, Meatballs, Salad & Dessert on Eat in or take out, Spaghetti Dinner Benefits Veterans Telescope Project Sponsored by the St. Michael Knights of Columbus Saturday, November 3, :30-8:00 pm Archangel Hall, St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Adults $10.00 Children $6.00 Collaboration, Courage, Compassion Have you heard the good news? St. Mark Parish Festival August 1, 2 & 3, Please be sure to mark your calendar! All the wheels are in motion! It's going to be a great festival as always! Once again THANK YOU to all who helped make Festival 2018 such a great success!!! The Basket Team thanks you again for all your generous donations that helped make our 2018 festival such a great success. Now that the dates for the festival are officially set, the Basket Team would like to get started earlier this year. With the Autumn season here and Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, we would like you to keep our festival baskets in mind. You can get many nice items for these holidays when the clearance sales begin, in most cases the day after the holiday. In fact, Walmart discounts their items drastically after any major holiday. Please drop your items off, year round, at either St. Eugene, Liberty or St. Joseph, Port Vue, in the specially marked baskets in the Gathering Space. And as always, THANK YOU for your generosity!