Saint Gertrude Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust 303 Franklin Ave Vandergrift, Pennsylvania 15690 April 29, 2018 Fifth Sunday of Easter Fr. James Loew, O.S.B. Pastor, (724) 568-2331 Fax: (724) 568-2030 Fr. Arnel Estrella, Parochial Vicar Sr. Mercy Francis, S.M.I., Pastoral Minister Mr. James Peterman Coordinator of Religious Formation (724) 568-2331 or (724) 845-8191. Katie Tylinski (724) 212-6740 Youth Minister Coordinator ktylinski@dioceseofgreensburg.org Cardinal Maida Academy Mrs. Patricia Visnick, Principal School Phone (724) 568-3304 School Fax (724) 567-1900 Baptisms By appointment. Baptismal preparation is necessary. Call for classes Marriage Arrangements must be made at least 8 months in advance. No marriage dates will be given until meeting with the priest and all preparation is ready. Sunday Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil 4:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Weekday Mass Schedule Monday, through Friday 8:30 a.m. Wednesday 9:15 a.m. School Mass Holy Day Mass Schedule Holy Day ~ 9:00 am, 6:00 pm Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 Friday Closed Confessions Saturday ~ 3:15-3:45 pm or by appointment Pastoral Council Mission Statement We, the partnered parish communities of St. Gertrude and Christ the King, are faith-filled Catholics who have been called by our Baptism and empowered by the Good News of Jesus Christ to be Church for all. Although made up of multicultural faith communities we are ever united by our common faith. We are committed to building up the Body of Christ through Word, Worship, Evangelization, Leadership, Service, Stewardship, and Fellowship. Dedicated to deepening our love of Christ and one another, together we strive to become a living reflection of Christ for our region. We willingly accept our obligation to be the Light of the World for others and in that spirit we promise to use our resources to practice gospel justice, to heal divisive wounds among God s People and to join with all people of good will in addressing the spiritual and physical needs of all.
ST. GERTRUDE PARISH Treasures from Our Tradition Most languages take the name for this fifty-day season from the Lord's Passover: Pasqua in Italian, Pâques in French, Paach in Dutch, Pascha in Greek and Russian. English has a much newer name, the name of a pagan goddess, Eoster. For centuries before Christianity took hold, in both Germany and Britain the spring equinox was dedicated to her and the concepts of fertility and rebirth. She was said to be a playful spirit, following the Sun King's chariot, and ending the reign of winter. She had a magical companion, a rabbit who hid eggs in the fields to coax plants and animals to rebirth. It was believed that Eoster once came across a bird with broken wings and saved it by turning it into a rabbit--an egg-laying rabbit at that! Although they were baptized, most people didn't take to the new Latin name (Pascha Domini) too easily, and kept calling the spring equinox by the old accustomed name. For good measure, they kept a pagan name for Christmas, too: Yule. Today s Readings First Reading -- The church was being built up, and grew in numbers (Acts 9:26-31). Psalm -- I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people (Psalm 22). Second Reading -- Let us love not in word or speech, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18-24). Gospel -- Remain in me, as I remain in you. I am the vine, you are the branches (John 15:1-8). Readings for the Week Monday: Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-4, 15-16; Jn 14:21-26 Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a or (for the memorial) Gn 1:26 -- 2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58 Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn 15:1-8 Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14 Friday: Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-10, 12; Jn 15:12-17 Saturday: Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:1b-3, 5; Jn 15:18-21 Sunday: Acts 10:25-36, 34-35, 44-48; Ps 98:1-4;1 Jn 4:7-10 or 1 Jn 4:11-16; Jn 15:9-17 or Jn 17:11b-19 Saved by the one who was rejected Some city teenagers often scorn and reject farm kids. Yet it's no exaggeration to say that humanity owes its life to farmers who care for the world's crops and livestock. This week's scriptures remind us that Jesus was as rejected as a shepherd, a farm boy, yet we owe our very lives to him. In this Sunday's reading from the Acts of the Apostles Peter tells the people that salvation comes through Jesus Christ, the one who was rejected. In John's letter we hear that we have become God's beloved children through Jesus, whom the world did not know. Lastly, in the Gospel Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who "lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). Will you join Jesus in laying down your life for God's beloved flock? Prayer to Life and Hope Good and Gracious God, We ask you to send forth your grace so that we might help our sisters and brothers who suffer from addiction to opioids and other substances. We pray that they will not fear seeking help and that their loved ones will never give up. We pray for all people who help the addicted. And we pray for everyone who has lost loved ones. May we respond as the Church, proclaiming the Good News, filled with hope and gladness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of people with addictions to drugs, Pray for Us! Imprimatur The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, JCL Bishop of Greensburg June 29, 2017 Visit www.dioceseofgreensburg.org for information about the Diocese s drug initiative. Prayer revised March 2018
Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 May 5th & 6th Memorial Candle Louis Cocco By Don Cocco Memorial Candle Helen Loew 4:00p.m. ~ Renee & Casey Tomiczek 8:00a.m. ~ Domenic Dellemonache Lauren & Zack Paullet 10:30a.m. ~ Ashley & Brianna Scanga April 21st & 22nd Envelopes ~ $4,246.75 Loose ~ $320.00 Children s ~ $1.00 Utilities ~ $22.00 Church Restoration $11.00 Diocesan Lenten Appeal The total pledges and gifts received for this year s Diocesan Lenten Appeal is $52,405. Congratulations, we reached our diocesan goal of $45,126. All monies pledged or given going forward will be returned directly to our parish for the much-needed church hall bathroom renovations. If you haven t made your gift, return your pledge card at Mass next weekend or return it to the Parish Office. Diocesan FamilyFest The Diocese of Greensburg will host FamilyFest 2018 on June 2 at Hempfield Park. The day of fun, food and worship begins at 11 a.m. Bishop Malesic will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m. No admission fee. Go to www.familyfestgreensburg.or g for updated information and to register. Catholic Charities Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg offers faith-based assistance with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, interpersonal conflicts, recovery support, parenting and family issues, anger management and other personal and family issues. Counseling is provided by licensed, professional and experienced therapists. Low fees, and many insurances accepted. Offices are located in Greensburg, Indiana, Uniontown, Kittanning and New Kensington. For more information or an appointment, contact 724-837-1840 or email counseling@dioceseofgreensburg.org. Confirmation Attention youth in 7 th grade who are registered for Confirmation preparation: Our first session will be on Wednesday, May 16 th from 7:00-8:15 PM at St. James Hall. Parents are asked to attend this session with their 7 th grader(s). Protecting Human Life is the Cornerstone of Catholic social Teaching." "The abortion conflict has never simply been about repealing Roe v. Wade. And the many pro-lifers I know live a much deeper kind of discipleship than single issue politics. But they do understand that the cornerstone of Catholic social teaching is protecting human life from conception to natural death. They do understand that every other human right depends on the right to life. They did not and do not and will not give up and they won t be lied to." Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M Catholic Charities Catholic Charities will host a Longaberger Basket Bingo on Tuesday, June 5 th 2018 at the Fountain Mills Banquet Hall, 405 Porter Ave., Scottdale, PA. A light dinner will be served from 6-7PM. Bingo begins at 7. Tickets are $25 and include 20 games of bingo, dinner and door prizes. There will also be 50/50, basket raffles, dessert auction and cash bar. Each Longaberger basket will be filled with wonderful household and beauty items as well as other fun treasures! Call 724-837-1840 for tickets.
FUSED 4 ~ MAY EDGE CALENDAR (Grades 6 th -8 th ~ St. James Parish Underground/ Upper Room ~ 6:30-8:00 PM) May ~ 2 nd Session ~ 9 th Last session ~ 16 th NO SESSION ~ 23 rd NO SESSION ~ 27 th -- Youth Mass at 5 PM at St. James with AMP to follow in the hall ~ 30 TH NO SESSION FUSED 4 ~ MAY LIFETEEN CALENDAR (Grades 9 th -12 th ~Christ the King Parish ~ St. Joseph Room (lower level of church offices at CTK ~ 6:30-8:00 PM) May ~ 6 th Last session ~ 13 th NO SESSION ~ 20 th NO SESSION ~ 27 th -- Youth Mass at 5 PM at St. James with AMP to follow in the hall You will be receiving a mailing soon with our summer calendar! We are looking forward to many fun events this summer. A en on youth in 7 th grade who are registered for Confirma on prepara on: Our first session will be on Wednesday, May 16 th from 7:00-8:15 PM at St. James Hall. Parents are asked to a end this session with their 7 th grader(s).
Saturday, April 28, Vigil Fifth Sunday of Easter 4:00p.m. John & Angelina Palatella Sunday, April 29, Fifth Sunday of Easter 8:00a.m. Living and Deceased of our Parish 10:30a.m. Jane G. Fedorek Monday, April 30, Easter Weekday 8:30a.m. John Stefanik Tuesday, May 1, Easter Weekday 8:30a.m. Helen Loew Wednesday, May 2, St. Athanasius 9:00a.m. Frank & Kathy Bruno Thursday, May 3, Sts Philip & James 8:30a.m. Henrietta Martier Friday, May 4, Easter Weekday 8:30a.m. Rich Kardos Saturday, May 5, Easter Weekday 8:30a.m. Deceased Benedictines Saturday May 5, Vigil Sixth Sunday of Easter 4:00p.m. Jimmy Jo Dongiovanni Sunday, May 6, Sixth Sunday of Easter 8:00a.m. Louis & Mary Ann Scanga 10:30a.m. Living and Deceased of our Parish