St. John St. Joseph St. Mary...2020/05/24  · St. John St. Joseph St. Mary the Evangelist 668 Clearfield Road, Fenelton, PA 16034-9743 Phone: 724-287-7590 Fax: 724-287-3550 Parish

St. John St. Joseph St. Mary the Evangelist

668 Clearfield Road,

Fenelton, PA 16034-9743

Phone: 724-287-7590

Fax: 724-287-3550

Parish Office Email:

[email protected]

315 Stoney Hollow Road

Cabot PA 16023

Parish Office: 724-352-2149

Fax : 724-352-7174Parish

Office Email:

[email protected]

of the Assumption

821 Herman Road

Butler, PA 16002

Phone: 724-285-3285

Fax: 724-285-4715

Parish Office Email:

Saintmaryinherman

@zoominternet.net

Pastor: Fr. Ward Stakem, OFM, Cap. : 724-777-9432

Parochial Vicar: Fr. James Kurtz, OFM, Cap. : 412-421-3962

Parish Grouping Website: stsjjmcatholic.org

May 24, 2020

Page 2 St. John, St. Joseph, & St. Mary of the Assumption

) Readings for the week of May 24, 2020

7th Sunday of Easter: Acts 1:12-14/Ps 27:1, 4, 7-8

[13]/1 Pt 4:13-16/Jn 17:1-11a

Monday: Acts 19:1-8/Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

[33a]/Jn 16:29-33

Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27/Ps 68:10-11, 20-21 [33a]/Jn

17:1-11a

Wednesday: Acts 20:28-38/Ps 68:29-30, 33-35a,

35bc-36ab [33a]/Jn 17:11b-19

Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11/Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8,

9-10, 11 [1]/Jn 17:20-26

Friday: Acts 25:13b-21/Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab

[19a]/Jn 21:15-19

Saturday: Morning: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31/Ps 11:4, 5

and 7 [cf. 7b]/Jn 21:20-25

Next Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b

or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5/Ps 104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-28,

29, 30 [cf. 30]/Rom 8:22-27/Jn 7:37-39. Extended

Vigil: Gn 11:1-9/Ps 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15/Ex 19:3-

8a, 16-20b/Dn 3:52, 53, 55, 56 [52b] or Ps 19:8, 9, 10,

11/Ez 37:1-14/Ps 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [1]/Jl 3:1-5/Ps

104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-28, 29, 30 [cf. 30]/Rom 8:22-27/Jn

7:37-39. Day: Acts 2:1-11/Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

[cf. 30]/1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13/Jn 20:19-23

May 24, 2020 Seventh Sunday of Easter Page 3

Though regularly scheduled Masses are not being celebrated at our 3 parish locations, they are continuing to be celebrated daily by Father Ward and Father Jim at the Friary. Scheduled Mass intentions will continue to be celebrated as scheduled. Below are this weeks Mass intentions:

Saturday, May 23 - Parishioners of St. John, St. Joseph & St. Mary Georgina Mikolas by Ken & Vicky Mikolas

Sunday, May 24 - Evelyn Beggs by Family Paul Furey by MaryJane Tony Green by Family Service Persons by St. Joseph Christian Mothers & Women Monday, May 25 - Dean Schnur by Family Tuesday, May 26 - Mary “Ruth” Rodgers by Pat Rodgers Wednesday, May 27 - Dean Phillippi by Wife Thursday, May 28 - Ralph & Margaret Nebel by Family Friday, May 29 - Francis Imhoff by Family Saturday, May 30 - Judith Swarmer by Sue Georgic Family Ralph & Marge Nebel by Don & Josi Edward & Eugenie Prusick by Ken & Vicky Mikolas

Sunday, May 31 - Parishioners of St. John, St. Joseph & St. Mary Steve Blatt by Mary Shields Deceased of the Baptiste & Mitch Families by Clare & Family Marjorie Green Vincent by Family

When, for any reason, we cannot participate in Mass, the Church invites us to unite with Christ through this prayer of Spiritual Communion. Praying this prayer is a beautiful way to

unite our hearts to Christ's when we cannot receive him physically in the Eucharist.

May 24, 2020 Seventh Sunday of Easter Page 4

Please remember in your prayers the sick, suffering, and homebound of our parish community, especially those listed below from our parish grouping.

John Lorenz Viola “Min” Green Kathy Miller Joe Krall Lois Davanzati Elizabeth Rakarich Elizabeth Kriley Evelyn MacDonald Jeannie White

Agnes Widenhofer Karen Matichko John Prokopchak John Regan Mike Spohn Dick Leroy Carol Rowley Alice Spinneweber Dan Jonczak Jr.

Judy Convery Nicholas Miller Mary and Victor Carbin Jim Edwards C.J. Kriley Loretta Schnur Janet Biscetlia Fr. Victor Kriley, OFM, Cap. Fr. Gary Stakem, OFM, Cap

Pray for all members of our armed forces, especially those from our parish families

Michael Fritz Tylor Grant White Matthew McCandless Jimmy Adley

Russell Bauer Brandon Bauer Trevor Cottage Jordan Cottage

Nicholas Cottage Stephen Konyha Dustin Michel

Please call your Parish Office or email Jenn at [email protected] to add or remove names from the grouping prayer lists.

May 24, 2020 Seventh Sunday of Easter Page 5

St. Vincent de Paul & Butler Food Bank The food bank is stocked and anyone in need is encouraged to accept this assistance. The pickup is a no contact drive up system. The Food Bank is located at 146 North Monroe Street in Butler and is open from 8-10 AM, Monday thru Friday.

Prayer for First Communicants

Lord Jesus,

Bless the children coming forward to

receive Holy Communion

for the first time.

May this day be an initial step into a

life- long love of the Eucharist.

Give them a hunger for this sacred food

so that they turn to You for comfort,

guidance, and

wisdom

as they grow in full

discipleship.

Thank you for their

innocence and

goodness.

May they grow in

Christian maturity

and,

by the power of the

Holy Spirit, become Christ’s witnesses in

the world,

spreading and defending the faith.

Amen.

Prayer for Confirmation Candidates

Holy Trinity,

guide and protect the candidates

as they prepare to celebrate the

Sacrament of Confirmation.

Help them to discern

God’s will in their life and fill them

with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

wisdom,

knowledge,

right judgment,

courage,

understanding,

reverence,

wonder

and awe,

to empower them to serve God

as a true disciple through

Your grace and in Your love.

Amen.

Live Streaming Continues Go to: stsjjmcatholic.org to find the live streaming link

that will take you to the St. Joseph YouTube channel. Or you can go directly to St. JJM Cabot and it will take you to

the YouTube channel. We invite you to tune in and worship with us.

Livestreaming of Mass on Sundays is at 10am until June 7, when it will shift to 11am. Remember you can always access the Mass recordings on the YouTube channel to

view at anytime! First Communion Masses at St. Joseph will be livestreamed, the First Communion Mass at St. John location will be recorded and a link will be sent to

each child’s family.

A reminder that all 3 churches now have an online giving option! Signing up is simple and secure. Visit our group website, stsjjmcatholic.org, under the About tab, choose Online Giving at (Location Name), and follow

the link on that page. Of course your offerings can still be sent in the mail or dropped off in the secure drop boxes now located outside each office. Thank you all for continuing to give! You are

helping us keep our heads above water in these trying times. God bless you.

May 24, 2020 Seventh Sunday of Easter Page 6

Stay up to date on the

latest information and

announcements from

The Diocese of Pittsburgh by

visiting their website at

diopitt.org. There are many

resources for guiding your

spiritual needs accessible on the

website as well.

Census Update

There is much to be done to join our three parishes in the way of

office procedures and programs. As we have mentioned, updating the

information in our Parish Data System programs is one of those tasks,

making sure that we have current addresses, phone numbers,

household members, emails, etc. So, we need your help. When

someone from your parish calls you, or if you receive a request in the

mail, please offer the information that is needed. It sure will help us

out when merging the data bases for all three parishes in January. A

big THANKS to those we have already talked with. You have been so

receptive and cooperative. If you haven’t been reached yet, we will be

in touch soon, one way or another!

Reporting from St. Joseph’s- We have attempted to reach each

household in the database. Those we did reach were very receptive to

updating their information. However, some households were not

reached due to incorrect phone numbers. Perhaps families have

moved or maybe no longer use their land line but instead, use a cell

number. Those households were sent a letter asking them to supply

their phone number to our office so that we can connect with them.

We realize that some households may be worshipping at another

church in which case we will remove them from the parish census

database. While others, may have moved with no forwarding address.

We will play a little “detective” here to reach each family. Thanks to

those who are involved as Census callers. You’ve helped to make a

huge job manageable. God bless you for giving so much of your time

to help with this project.

St. Joseph Church Roof— Project Completed!

Thanks to Todd Trettel for overseeing the project. Great job– Tom McCormick Roofing!

+ Rest In Peace + Our sympathy and prayers to Sue Carnahan on

the passing of her father, Louis Pacchioni. May his soul and the souls of all of our loved

ones rest in peace forever. Amen.

All are invited to join Alpha Online meetings Alpha is a 10-week Christian video series that

explores basic questions about faith. Alpha focuses on relationships - especially having a

meaningful connection with God. Alpha is for anyone and everyone, at any point in their faith

journey - from non-believers to regular active participants in church. Online Alpha begins with

social time in your small group, is followed by a short video, and then a small group discussion

occurs about topics set forth in the videos. The small groups allow for wonderful sharing. There isn’t

an obligation to say anything, and there is nothing you cannot say. Alpha is not about “preaching or

teaching”. It is an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in a friendly

and open environment. Sessions begin Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 27, 7-8:30pm.

To learn more or sign up visit this site: https://www.stmaryglenshaw.org/alpha

Page 7 St. John, St. Joseph, & St. Mary of the Assumption

The Children’s Faith Formation Office will have limited office hours in June and July. Please check your email during the summer for information concerning plans for the start of our 2020/21 CFF year. Please email at [email protected] or a message at 724-352-3030 and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Have a safe and blessed summer!

CFF Summer Office Hours HOPE AND HEALING ARE POSSIBLE!!!

Our families and friends need our prayers during this time of uncertainty, fear, anxiety and unemployment. Those struggling with

addiction or substance abuse are extremely vulnerable!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR ROSARY AND SPECIAL INTERCESSIONS

TUESDAY, May 26th , 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: ABBA’S HOUSE, 320 W. MAIN ST., SAXONBURG, 16056

***PLEASE WEAR A MASK OR FACE COVERING*** I love you, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my

deliverer. –Psalm 18:2-3 Information: [email protected]

Moving Forward Together

Last week Bishop Zubik held a virtual meeting with all the clergy in the diocese to discuss reopening phases and guidelines. As you

may have seen through various media outlets, the projected date to resume public Masses within our diocese is June 1st for

weekday Masses, June 6/7 would be the first weekend Mass celebrations. There are of course many rules, regulations and

guidelines that we will have to navigate and adjust to as we proceed with reopening our doors. Each parish is working on plans to

ensure thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all facilities in accordance with the directives, as well as laying out clearly marked traffic

flow and seating plans to maintain safe social distancing. Obviously the plans may continue to change as the situation is fluid. At

this point, we do not know for sure how many people will be permitted at each weekend Mass, we will continue to receive more

information from the diocese as we get closer to June 6/7. We do know that the weekday Masses, resuming on Monday, June 1,

will be limited to 25 people. As of right now, the plan for our grouping is to resume Masses at their regularly scheduled times and

locations. Livestreaming will continue, it will be at 11am rather than 10am beginning on June 7th, as 11am is the regularly

scheduled Mass time at St. Joseph, where the livestreaming is done from. Please note that the obligation of attending Mass is and

will continue to be suspended for the foreseeable future and those age 65 and over and anyone with an underlying health issue are

encouraged to stay home for their own safety. We continue to pray that reopening will go smoothly and that soon we can all be

reunited to celebrate Mass and receive the Eucharist. God Bless and stay safe.

Below are some of the requirements for public Masses.

Number of attendees will be designated by state and federal guidelines

CDC guidelines will be posted and must be followed, stay home when sick

Wear facial covering/mask

Sanitize hands when entering and exiting at provided sanitizing stations

Must follow facility protocol in order to enter and remain in the facility

A few notable changes within the celebration of Mass

No missals or hymnals are permitted to be in the pews

No choir is permitted

The sign of peace will be omitted

The Blood of Christ will not be distributed at Communion

Distribution of Communion will take place after the Mass

Page 8 St. John, St. Joseph, & St. Mary of the Assumption

Back When . . . An elderly gentleman stopped by the office recently. He was looking for a copy of his marriage record. The certificate was lost sometime in the last 70 years of raising kids, educating kids, moving, transitioning and downsizing. As I retrieved the sacramental register, he was quick to engage in conversation. He said that he felt like Biblical Job with so many bad things happening around him and to him. He remarked that he was happier “Back When.” … Back When he and his wife enjoyed better health. (She now has Dementia.) Back When his kids all lived at home and the worst thing they had to deal with was not liking Mom’s meat loaf for dinner. (He chuckled.) Back When he didn’t have to remember passwords and emails and where he put his keys. (I could relate to the key thing.) Back When his body would do want he wanted it to with ease. (He now has Stenosis.) I asked how old he was. He proudly announced 93. I thought, 93—he’s remarkable—still driving, has all his faculties, a beautiful smile and may I add- a full head of white, wavy hair. He was really quite interesting. I found his records. He offered to pay for my “service.” I told him that our conversation was more than payment in full. He smiled, shook my hand and wished me a good day. After William left, he had me thinking about the “Back Whens” of my own life. As I reattached my memories. I could clearly see that life is our own personal book of “Back Whens” and that each one is dependent on the other. They are stepping stones to where we are right now in the place we are in. I believe that as we get older, we tend to remember only the good things. That surely holds true when someone passes. We talk about all the good that they did and gently forget any of their shortcomings. We should all rejoice in that blessing. The Back Whens make us smile, make us cry, give us stability and character and define the differences in the decades of our life’s story. I quickly turned to the more recent “Back Whens” that we all think about in this unusual time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back When we could attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, everyday if we chose. Back When we could greet each other with a hug, a hand shake. Back When we didn’t worry if our temperature increased a point. Back When our office doors were open. Back When “social distancing” was an unknown phrase. Back When we all didn’t look like the Lone Ranger. Back When toilet paper, paper towels and meat were not rationed. Back When our grandkids could greet us in our home not from the windows outside. Back When athletes in all sports entertained us weekly. Back When yellow school buses dotted our highways each morning. Back When. All the Back Whens make interesting chapters in our book of life. They teach us not to take the ordinary for granted, to appreciate those who protect us and look out for our well being. They remind us how blessed we are and that the bond we share right now across our towns, our country and across the world will never be diluted. We don’t know how many chapters we will be blessed to live or how many “Back Whens” we can talk about. We probably won’t live as long as Moses, but we can plan to make the most of our chapters, the most of every page we live. Do we braille the world and the people we encounter? Are we open to the miracles God presents us? Each one of us is the author of our own life’s story. No one else can write it. No one else can own it. So, make your story profound. Write it in technicolor. Make your chapters pleasing to our Creator. Make your book of life a treasure for those who will come after you. Make it a best seller!

Page 9 St. John, St. Joseph, & St. Mary of the Assumption

The phrase "To Jesus Through Mary" rose to prominence through St. Louis de Montfort's book True Devotion to Mary. He used

these words to explain that devotion to Mary is the best way to grow closer to Jesus, because Mary herself will lead us to her Son if

we ask her to do so.

In True Devotion to Mary, St. Louis de Montfort outlines the steps of total consecration to Jesus through Mary. This beautiful

devotion allows us to present our entire lives, our selves, and the merits of our prayers to Mary, for her to give to Jesus. Mary and

Jesus are united so closely that giving ourselves to Mary ultimately brings us to Jesus.

That's why we're using these words to focus our diocese-wide devotion to the Blessed Mother in May 2020. As we continue to

navigate the changes and the struggles that the coronavirus brings, we're taking this month to ask the Blessed Mother to present

our cares to Jesus, who will never forsake us.

O Mary,

You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the foot of the cross,

were united with Jesus’ suffering, and persevered in your faith.

“Protectress of the Roman people,” you know our needs, and we know that you will provide,

so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love,

to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us.

For he took upon himself our suffering, and burdened himself with our sorrows

to bring us, through the cross, to the joy of the Resurrection.

Amen.

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God;

Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always

from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God”. In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection. Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment. Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust. Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health. Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone. Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus. Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity. Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer. Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course. To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

Page 10 St. John, St. Joseph, & St. Mary of the Assumption