The Catholic Community of Rankin and Swissvale MADONNA DEL CASTELLO PARISH 2021 S. Braddock Avenue Swissvale, PA 15218 March 20, 2016 Word of God Catholic Parish 7446 McClure Avenue Swissvale, PA 15218 Administrative Office: 2021 S. Braddock Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15218 MASS SCHEDULE Daily: Monday (Madonna)... 7:00 P.M. Tuesday (Word of God)... 9:30 A.M. Wednesday (Madonna)... 8:00 A.M. Thursday (Word of God)... 9:30 A.M. Friday (Madonna)... 8:00 A.M. Saturday (Word of God)... 9:30 A.M. Saturday Vigil (Madonna)... 4:00 P.M. Saturday Vigil (Word of God)... 6:00 P.M. Sunday (Word of God)... 9:00 A.M. Sunday (Madonna)... 11:00 A.M. Consult the bulletin for Holy Day and Holiday Mass schedule PARISH STAFF Fr. John Lynam... Pastor Keith Kondrich... Deacon Ron Demblowski... Deacon/Pastoral Associate Edward Kapsha...Madonna Music Director Michael Burke...Word of God Music Director Kelly James... Madonna Parish Secretary Karen Flynn... Word of God Parish Secretary Marcia Murello... Coordinator of Religious Ed. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday, 12:00 Noon (Word of God church) SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Contact the Parish Office for an appointment at least 6 months before the wedding SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Contact the Parish Office for an appointment SACRAMENT OF THE SICK Available after Mass and upon request CONTACT INFORMATION Parish Office (Madonna)... 412-271-5666 Parish Office (Word of God)... 412-241-1372 Parish Office Fax... 412-271-2335 Religious Education Office... 412-271-5666 Music Ministry (Madonna)... EKAPD5965@gmail.com Bp. Dattilo Social Hall... 412-271-3959 Madonna Website... www.madonnadelcastello.org Word of God E-mail... wordofgod1994@verizon.net Church Street Convent... 412-271-3346 Parish Prayer Line... 412-371-3173 East Catholic School... 412-351-5403 2001 Ardmore B1vd., Pgh., PA 15221 Sr. Judith Stojhovic, RSM... Principal School Website... www.eastcatholicschool.org A member of the East Catholic School Consortium Bulletin Deadline Monday at Noon.
PALM SUNDAY MARCH 20, 2016 A NOTE FROM FATHER JOHN Thank you to all who planned and participated in the Confirmation preparation program and ceremony. It was a blessing for the parishes. Please continue to pray for our newly confirmed and their families. Many thanks to the anonymous donor of very very generous gifts that will be used to help the mission of St. Vincent de Paul. Dr. Justin Arner will be confirmed at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 26 th, 7:00 p.m. at Madonna. Please keep him in your prayers. Blessed Palms Disposal: Do not throw them in the garbage since they are a blessed sacramental that you can display in your home as a blessing. You may bring them to church for burning or burn them yourself in a fire that is not used as fuel for cooking. Bury the ashes. Chrism Mass: Holy Thursday, 10:00 a.m., Cathedral. The Bishop will bless the sacramental oils and the priests of the Diocese renew unity with the Bishop. No Eucharistic Adoration before the Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil ceremonies and the Easter Sunday Masses. Holy Thursday and Good Friday Notes: The tabernacle will be empty for the Holy Thursday Mass (the Blessed Sacrament will be reserved at the Blessed Mother altar) and the Good Friday Celebration of the Lord s Passion. Please do not genuflect to the tabernacle; bow to the altar instead. Good Friday is a day of fasting (ages 18-59, one full meal and 2 lighter meals) and abstaining from meat (14 and older). Good Friday Stations of the Cross at noon at Word of God. Good Friday Holy Land Collection is used to maintain the holy shrines and assist the Franciscan missionaries who serve in the Holy Land. Good Friday Veneration of the Cross: The rite calls for the use of just one cross instead of several. Since the practice began centuries ago by venerating the wooden relics of the True Cross, it is appropriate to use a cross instead of a crucifix. People will approach the cross in 2 columns. They may bow, kiss, or touch the wood of the cross. A genuflection is optional. Incense: The cloud of incense smoke symbolizes prayer rising to God (see Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3-5). It also honors sacred persons and things in liturgical worship. Incense will be used on Holy Thursday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil fulfills the Sunday Mass obligation. Fire Fund: We are grateful to our St. Vincent de Paul conference and the people of the parishes for donating over $3,000 to those left homeless by the March 1st fire in Swissvale. Donations will be accepted until Monday, March 21st. Please make checks out to Swissvale Ministerium and memo Emergency Fund. You may put them in the collection or mail/deliver to the parish offices. Families displaced by the recent apartment fire in Swissvale are in need of furniture. You can help with any unused furniture that you would have. Please call St. Vincent de Paul to schedule a pickup, 412-321-1071. WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS Saturday - March 19 - Vigil 4:00 PM For the People 6:00 PM Andrew Haydu (Family) Palm Sunday - March 20 9:00 AM Norm DeLuca, Death Anniv. (Wife, Betty) 11:00 AM Gloria & Dominic Sciulli (Margie/Joel Williams) Monday - March 21 7:00 PM M/M Raymond Albani (Andrea & Scott Eicher) Tuesday - March 22 9:30 AM Ann Rajakovich (Anna Marie Barbarino) Wednesday - March 23 8:00 AM Geraldine Lisjak (Family) Holy Thursday-Mass of the Lord s Supper-March 24 7:00 PM (M) Dec. Bishops, Priests, Deacons/Religious Good Friday - March 25 12:00 PM Stations of the Cross 12:30 PM (W) Celebration of the Lord s Passion Holy Saturday - March 26 - Easter Vigil 7:00 PM (M) RCIA Candidate Easter Sunday - March 27 9:00 AM For the People 11:00 AM For the Youth & Elderly THIS WEEK Palm Sunday 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Gift Shop open, Parish Center 3:00 PM Living Stations - Word of God Church Presented by the East Catholic Fine Arts Club Monday - Deadline for Easter Flower Donation Envelopes 7:00 PM Word of God Choir Rehearsal - Word of God Tuesday 7:00 PM Holy Hour, Rosary/Lenten Reflection-Madonna Wednesday 10:30 AM Legion of Mary - Dattilo Hall Holy Thursday 7:00 PM Evening Mass of the Lord s Supper - Madonna followed by Seven Church Walk 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM - Word of God & Madonna Adoration and Prayer Good Friday - Holy Land Collection Parish Office Closed 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM Ecumenical Via Dolorosa begins at Word of God 12:00 NN Stations - Word of God 12:30 PM Celebration of the Passion of the Lord followed by Divine Mercy Novena-Word of God Holy Saturday 11:30 AM Blessing of Baskets followed by Divine Mercy Novena - Word of God 12:00 PM Reconciliation - Word of God Parish 7:00 PM Easter Vigil in the Holy Night - Madonna Easter Sunday 9:00 AM Mass Word of God 11:00 AM Mass Madonna Monday Parish Office Closed Tuesday Holy Hour Reflection: March 22nd, The People at a Distance. Stay connected with Madonna del Castello and Word of God Parishes through our Catholic Community of Swissvale and Rankin's Facebook Page at: www.facebook.com/pages/catholic-community-of-swissvale- Rankin/1448072735511686
MADONNA DEL CASTELLO & WORD OF GOD PARISHES SWISSVALE, PA LOOK FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE MEDIA KIOSK AT BOTH PARISHES Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God The one whom we seek is the humblest of servants to US for love that is our ultimate gift from our loving Father.whether it be the joy of welcoming Him with palms, or watching in horror the sufferings He offers. Please be sure to place your suggested donation in the money slot on the display so the ministry can be selfsupporting. SWISSVALE FOOD PANTRY LENTEN OFFERINGS: As a Lenten sacrifice, you can bring to church non-perishable food/ non-food items each Sunday, which will be given to the Swissvale Community Food Pantry. Ideas for needed items: Palm Sunday-March 20-pancake/muffin, cake mix, jam/jelly preserves, snacks (crackers, pretzels, chips & nuts). Pictorial Directory short-term help needed: Please see the last page of the bulletin for opportunities to help with the new directory. Please return it to the parish office by Monday, March 28 th. There is a particular need for people to assist with sign ups after Masses in April and May, people who can make reminder phone calls, and people who can be on hand in shifts to greet people during the photography sessions which will take place from 2:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on May 24-28 and June 6-11. Details will be provided to those who volunteer. PRAYER AND PRAISE GROUP meeting times in April will be taken up by the Life in the Spirit Seminar. Life in the Spirit Seminar Easter to a New Pentecost April 7,14, 21 & 28. The Holy Spirit fills us that we may know God s love in the abundant life that Jesus brings. Come and be blessed with intimacy with God by a new release of the Holy Spirit. Evenings will include praise, singing, personal witness talks, group discussions and individual prayer for a greater release of the Holy Spirit. Thursdays, 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. - Madonna del Castello Church, 2021 S. Braddock Ave, Swissvale. For more info. or to register call the parish office, 412-241-1372, or Mike, 412-241-1254, or email rekindlethespirit@gmail.com. On Mission for Church Alive Update is on blue colored paper in the racks and on the tables. On Wed., March 23rd, every one of our 200 parishes is asked by Bishop Zubik to hold Eucharistic Adoration as we pray for a victory for religious freedom. On that day, Bp. Zubik will be present at the U.S. Supreme Court as the Justices hear arguments challenging the HHS Mandate. Our parishes will be holding Eucharistic Adoration Tues., March 22, 7:00p.m.- 8:00p.m., at Madonna; and Wed., March 23, before the 8:00a.m. Mass (7:00a.m.-7:45a.m.) at Madonna. Please come and spend some time in the presence of Jesus, praying for religious freedom. Seven Church Walk: Holy Thursday, March 24 th, approximately 8:15 p.m., bus leaves from the Madonna Locust Street exit. We plan to visit St. Mary of Mercy, Epiphany, St. Benedict the Moor, Our Lady of the Angels and St. Paul s Cathedral/Holy Door as well as local parishes. Bus space is limited and reservations required. Contact the Word of God Parish Office at 412.241.1372. Free will offering for the bus driver accepted. Via Dolorosa ("Way of Sorrows ) Walk: Good Friday, March 25 th. The walk is a 1/2 mile prayer walk in imitation of the 1/3 mile that Jesus Christ carried His cross through the streets of Jerusalem. The walk begins at 11:30 a.m. in Word of God Church, 7446 McClure Ave., continues through the business district, and ends at noon on the steps of Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, 2018 So. Braddock Ave. Rain or shine. You can also join along the way or at the end. Sponsored by the Swissvale Churches. Questions: Deacon Ron Demblowski, 412. 241.1372. Music & Prayer Reflections on the Stations of the Cross- March 25, 7:00p.m., St. Athanasius Parish, 7 Chalfonte Ave., West View, PA 15229. Featuring the St. Athanasius adult choir with guest instrumentalists. For more info. call 412-931-4624. MEN S SPRING WEEKEND RETREAT-April 22-24: One of the best ways to deepen your Relationship with God (or any friend) is to spend time together. Bathe in God s Presence on Holy Ground and share faith with participants from other parishes. For info. call Retreat House, 412-381-7676 or Rege Rhodes, 412-351-3298. Child Protective Services Law: Report any acts of child abuse to Commonwealth of PA Hotline 1-800-932-0313. Diocesan Victim Assistance Hotline: 1-888-808-1235 Diocesan website, www.diopitt.org, under Protecting God s Children. Sessions available on-line. Diocesan Safe Environment Certification: Contact Kelly James
Madonna del Castello The Tabernacle Lamp is for The DeFrank & Ciao Families from Josephine Ciao.. The Altar Candles are in memory of Mr. & Mrs. William Burkhardt from Vince & Karen Balistreri. Rest in Peace: Wilma Franko, wife of the late Albert. Offertory for March 13 $3,793.00 Anyone who would like to have any or all of the gifts celebrated in memory of or tribute to a loved one(s) at Madonna del Castello Parish, should complete the form below, place information and money in a plain envelope and deposit the sealed envelope in the collection basket, mail it to the parish office or deposit in the mail slot. - - - - - - - - - - Madonna del Castello Memorial/Living Tribute Request I would like to offer: Altar Flowers ($50) Altar Candles ($10) Altar Bread ($25) Tabernacle Lamp ($10) Altar Wine ($25) Complete Offering ($120) In Memory of In Tribute to From Phone St. Vincent de Paul: The monthly meeting will be on Mon., March 28, 6:00 p.m. in Dattilo Hall. If you ve been wondering if this ministry is for you, please join us. For more information call 412-519-3675. Readings for March 27, Easter Sunday 1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43 Peter preaches about Jesus life, death, and resurrection. 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Paul tells them to celebrate the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9 Mary Magdala sees that the tomb of Jesus is empty and runs to tell Peter and the other disciples, so Peter and the other disciple come and enter the tomb and see the burial cloth but Peter does not yet understand about the Resurrection. Question for reflection: What does the Resurrection of Christ mean for you as his disciple? PRO-LIFE CORNER: God suffered for unlovable and unloving sinners! God died! God rose again! God wins! Sin, death, Satan defeated! God reigns over all! That s the most positive and powerful shocking For Life news I can think of. -Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb WORD OF GOD THROUGHOUT THIS WEEK IN WORD OF GOD PARISH LITURGIES, we will use the Altar Bread, Wine, Candles & Sanctuary Lamp in memory of the Furry & Mondry Families from Larry & Pat Furry. IN YOUR CHARITY, please pray for the soul of Paul Rebstock, husband of the late Beatrice, who was buried recently from Word of God Parish. May his soul rest in peace with Christ. WORD OF GOD COLLECTIONS March 13...$5,269.00 Utilities...$821.00 Please consider remembering the parish in your will. Canterbury Corner Gift Shop will be CLOSED on Easter Sunday, March 27. Hours of operation resume on the weekend of April 2-3: Saturday, April 2: 6:30p.m. 7:30p.m. for the Parish Family Social. Sunday, April 3: 9:00a.m.--11:00a.m. Visit the Gift Shop in its new location on the first floor of the Word of God Parish Center. Look at the unique and new designs of greeting cards and special remembrance gifts for the celebrations of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. There are some new prayer cards (I Said a Prayer for You Today, God is in Control, Acceptance, Holy Spirit, and Just a Memory Away)--perfect for placing inside get-well or sympathy cards for sending just a little extra kindness. Mark your calendars for the weekend of April 9/April 10! A Grand Re-opening event is planned for the Gift Shop with refreshments, door prizes, and a huge clearance sale! MEMORIAL EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES are in your envelope packet. Please return them by Mon., March 21. MEMORIAL OFFERING: Any or all of the gifts at Word of God Parish can be celebrated in memory of a loved one(s). Please fill out the form below and drop it off at the parish office, send through the mail or put it in the collection basket. You may request a particular week. Dates requested will be scheduled on a first-come/first served basis. WORD OF GOD PARISH MEMORIAL OFFERING REQUEST FORM I would like to offer: ALTAR BREADS $30 SANCTUARY LAMP $ 5 ALTAR WINE $15 COMPLETE OFFERING $60 ALTAR CANDLES $10 IN MEMORY OF FROM WEEK PHONE
EAST CATHOLIC SCHOOL Are You Looking for a faith-filled, value-centered, quality education for your child in a safe and caring environment? Come join us and be a part of East Catholic School on 2001 Ardmore Blvd. in Forest Hills. For more information call the office at 412-351-5403, 8:30a.m. 2:00p.m. to schedule a tour of the school, request information or discuss registration requirements. We provide Pre K, full day kindergarten through grade 8 programs. Pre-school: 3 year old program on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m. The 4 year old program is daily, 12:30p.m.-3:00p.m. Box Tops: The school recently received a check for $1,321.80 from Box Tops for our school s earnings from March-November 2015. Thank you to everyone who supports our school through the Box Tops for Education program. Continue to save Box Tops, Campbell s Labels, Sunny D and Coke Rewards. Shop n Save will still be offering free assemblies through the SEED program, but you don t have to save your receipts. Check www.shopnsavefood.com/education/seed Program/ SEEDRegistration.aspx, register your card and designate East Catholic School as the recipient of the points. They will automatically be added to our account. The Living Stations of the Cross will be presented at Word of God Church, 7446 McClure Ave., Swissvale Sunday, March 20 by the 6 th, 7 th and 8 th graders, who are members of the East Catholic School Fine Arts Club, under the direction of Miss Mary Beth Koontz. This is an experiential musical journey through Christ s Passion, as well as a spiritual wake-up call that provides a visual realization of what Christ went through on His way to the Cross. The music evolves and propels the participants through the story so that each feels present at the foot of the cross, not just as an observer, but as an active participant in salvation history. These Stations reflect deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Jesus Christ s Passion to help us prepare for Holy Week. Admission is free. - Holy Week Triduum: (No Eucharistic Adoration before Triduum Masses & Services) Holy Thursday (March 24th) 7 pm, Evening Mass of the Lord s Supper (M) Seven Church Walk after Mass (Word of God Church is open 8:30pm-10:00 pm for prayer) Good Friday (March 25th): 11:30 noon, Ecumenical Via Dolorosa (Begins at Word of God) 12 Noon-Stations (WG) 12:30 pm, Celebration of the Passion of the Lord (WG) Divine Mercy Novena following the Passion of the Lord (WG) Holy Saturday (March 26th) 11:30 am, Blessing of Baskets (WG) Divine Mercy Novena: (WG) (following Blessing of Baskets) Noon, Confessions (WG) 7 pm, Easter Vigil in the Holy Night (M) Easter Sunday (March 27th) 9 am Mass (WG) 11 am Mass (M) SERVICE OF APOLOGY-March 21, 7:00p.m., St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. Bishop David Zubik will be leading a special service. If you, a loved one, friend or family member has been harmed in any way by the Church, please prayerfully consider attending. As Church we seek forgiveness from Jesus and at the same time as church we seek to exercise forgiveness like Jesus. When we forgive and are forgiven, we are healed. When we are healed, we are healthy, strong, and able to truly celebrate Easter, and to live the mission that God designed for each of us. SEMINAR-HOW TO GET A JOB & KEEP IT, Tues., March 22, 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m., CCAC South Campus, 1750 Clairton Rd., West Mifflin, PA 15122, Building B, 4th Floor Commons area. Includes prizes and resource fair, free breakfast and lunch. To register or for more info. call 412-829-7112 or email dbird@hscc-mvpc.org. Online registration available: www.tinyurl.com/mvpcgetajob. SEDER DINNER-Tues. March 22, 6:30 p.m., Parish Social Hall, Corpus Christi Parish, 2515 Versailles Ave., McKeesport, PA 15132. The Seder is an occasion for praise and thanksgiving. Advance registration ($12/person) is required by contacting Mary or Wayne Fleckenstein, 412-678-1723; deadline is March 20. Hosted by the South Central Cursillo Ultreya. CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC-Good Friday, March 25, 7:30p.m., St. John Fisher Church, 33 Lewin Lane, Churchill. Presented by the University of Pittsburgh Men s Glee Club. All are invited to this sacred and uplifting evening of music marking the death of Jesus Christ. A free-will offering will be taken. For more information call 412-241-4722. EASTER EGG HUNT-Holy Sat., March 26, 1:00p.m., on the church grounds, St. John Fisher church, Churchill. This fun-filled experience for the children will be their special way to begin the celebration of Easter. Registration (no cost) deadline is Wed., March 23. For more info. call the church office, 412-241-4722. EASTER BLESSING OF FAMILIES-March 27: Bishop David Zubik, Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid & Retired Auxiliary BishopWilliam Winter will welcome families of the Diocese of Pittsburgh beginning at 2:00p.m. at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. All are welcome to the Cathedral to receive this special Blessing imparted by our bishops as they also take the opportunity to thank families for the beautiful witness of love and faith that they share with us. ROW ON FOR BRENDAN-Thurs., March 31, 7:30p.m., a concert in tribute to Brendan Foley and fundraiser for the rowing team at Central Catholic H.S., 4720 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Featured will be Cherish the Ladies, Garrett Coleman, Jason Oremus & Colin Aikins. Tea and scones served at 6:00 p.m. For tickets check www.irishnight.org. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS BACK: June 13-17, 9:00a.m.- 1:00p.m., at the former Word of God grade school. We will once again be spreading the Word of God among 6 to 9 year olds in our church and community. We need youth counselors and adult helpers. If you can help one day or all five days, contact Dario Donatelli c/o Deacon Ron at the parish office, 412-241-1372. No experience necessary.