the roman catholic community of elizabeth, …...2019/02/24 · saint michael parish a pennsylvania...

The Roman Catholic Community of

Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic

February 24, 2019 Seventh Sunday in Ordinal Time

The Lord is kind and merciful. -Psalm 103

Saint Mark Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

1125 Romine Avenue McKeesport, PA 15133 Phone 412-678-6275

Fax 412-673-1393 Email: [email protected]

Saint Eugene Church (StE) 3210 Liberty Way - Liberty

Saint Joseph Church (StJ) 1125 Romine Avenue - Port Vue

Religious Education 412-678-6275 x 104

Youth Ministry: 412-678-6275 x105

Saint Michael Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

101 McLay Drive Elizabeth, PA 15037-2363

Phone 412-751-0663 Fax 412-751-2161

Email: [email protected]

Saint Michael Church (StM) 101 McLay Drive - Elizabeth

Religious Education 412-754-0886

Youth Ministry: 412-384-8356 [email protected]

Queen of the Rosary Parish A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

530 Michigan Avenue Glassport, PA 15045 Phone 412-672-7209

Fax 412-672-6390 Email: [email protected]

Queen of the Rosary (QoR) 530 Michigan Avenue - Glassport

Religious Education 412-872-5136 or 412-672-7209 Youth Ministry: 412-672-7209

Coming Soon - Website: ElizabethSouthAlleghenyCC.org - Coming Soon

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.

Accept God’s Love, and Live! Share God’s Love, and Thrive!

Implementation Phase Prayer

Father of Mercy, During this time of implementation help us to grow in unity

with St. Mark Parish, St. Michael Parish and Queen of the Rosary Parish.

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.

Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Area Grouping

St. Mark, St. Michael, Queen of the Rosary

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

Mary of Nazareth Catholic School Lynda McFarland, Principal

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 Celeste Cafasso, St. Michael Carol Gioia, St. Michael Pamela Whitney, St. Mark & 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, 412-754-0317, St. Mark

Advisory Councils

Pastoral Council

Jack Ferko, Facilitator Patty Smith, Co-Facilitator Zac Allan, Scribe

Glenn Bonczek Vickie Budd Elaine David Eric Davis Denise DeCapria Anne Laychak Michael Ksiazek Leah Meek Brian Phillips

Finance Council

Judy Zajicek, Facilitator Patricia Palmer, Co-Facilitator Barry Bisogni, Scribe

Kay Callear Loretta Dabruzzo Val McCarthy Sandy Palmer Judy Shriane Donald Similo

2 Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Catholic Community

Morning & Evening Mass Saint Eugene Church - Snow Cancellations For everyone’s safety, a delay or cancellation at Elizabeth or South Allegheny School Districts is our notice of Safety First. Mornings or evenings with a delay or cancellation of school or evening activities. There will be no Mass at Saint Eugene Church. Please listen to the radio or watch TV for delays or cancellations. Safety first! Be careful!

HEALTH CONCERNS at Mass The Flu Season in Western Pennsylvania is now upon us. In order to prevent the possible spread of illness, we ask parishioners who have symptoms of the flu or other contagious diseases to use prudence in taking the Precious Blood and shaking hands at Mass until you are recovered. Thank you for contributing to the health of our Church family!

When we work together for the sake of one another, we all benefit.

When we help someone else, we help ourselves.

Mary of Nazareth Catholic School Growing in Wisdom, Age and Grace

Time for Twos, Pre K 3 & 4, Kindergarten, Grades 1– 8 1640 Fawcett Avenue White Oak, PA 15131 Phone: 412-672-2360 Fax: 412-672-0880 Webpage: www.maryofnazarethschool.org

February Rosary Intention For a generous welcome of the victims

of human trafficking, of enforced prostitution and of violence.

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.

Mass & Adoration of the Eucharist St. Eugene Church, Liberty

Tuesday Evening - Mass - 6:30 pm Adoration - 7:00-7:30 pm Confession - 7:00-7:30 pm

Saint Mark Parish Saint Michael Parish Queen of the Rosary Parish 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 email your new address to the Parish Office.

Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-932-0313

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

February 24 - March 3, 2019

Saturday, 23, Vigil, Seventh Sunday of Ordinal Time

StM 4:00 pm M Anna Chasko - Bernie & Patsy

StE 6:00 pm T Mike & Stella Noreli - Paul & Maria Beisler

Sunday, 24, Seventh Sunday of Ordinal Time

StJ 9:00 am T Dolores Crossen - Mary Salopek

StM 9:30 am M Olga Pollack - Family Living & Deceased of the Parish Grouping Family

QoR 11:00 am T Elizabeth Grossi - DiFelice & Grossi Family

StM 12 Noon M Robert & Regina Maizer - Biehl Family

Monday, 25, Weekday

QoR 8:00 am Steve Ganchuk - Nancy Crinic Novena - Infant of Prague

StM 9:00 am William T. Murtha - Family & Friends

Tuesday, 26, Weekday

StM 9:00 am Paul & Sue Gemerchak - Daughter, Rita

StE 6:30 pm John & Mathilda Pucky - Pam Pucky Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions - 7:00 - 7:30 pm

Wednesday, 27, Weekday

QoR 8:00 am Jane Richard - Jim Chester Novena - Miraculous Medal of the Blessed Virgin Mary

StM 9:00 am Patricia Craighead - Children & Grandchildren Novena - Michael the Archangel

Thursday, 28, Weekday

StE 8:00 am Mildred L. Cmar & Joseph B. Cmar - Daughter, Joanne & Dave Jordan

StM 9:00 am Communion Service

Friday, March 1,

QoR 8:00 am Myrna Reynolds - Mary Will Holy Hour - 8:30 - 9:30 am

StM 9:00 am Communion Service

Saturday, 2, Vigil, Eighth Sunday of Ordinal Time

StM 4:00 pm M Trudy M. Faulk - Sandy Kirkman & Mark Maguda

StE 6:00 pm M Parents of Nell & Fran Gradich - Nell & Fran Gradich

Sunday, 3, Eighth Sunday of Ordinal Time

StJ 9:00 am M Joseph Stinson - Crossen Family

StM 9:30 am V Living & Deceased of the Parish Grouping Family

QoR 11:00 am M Mary Ann Urbanski - Son, Kent, Gina, Abbey, Luke & Emily

StM 12 Noon V James Ranchik - M/M John Lakovic

Low Gluten Hosts are available, please see the priest prior to the beginning of Mass.

Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.

— Psalm 103:8

Do No Harm We listen quite a while before we get to the punch line of the first reading today: even though it would be an easy thing to do, David will not harm the anointed one of

the Lord. We, of course, know that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one of God, but the Bible uses this term for many different people. It is scripture’s way of indicating who has been chosen by God for a special place and mission in salvation history. In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents a greatly enlarged list of those who, as children of God, we should not harm, but love instead: our enemies, those who curse us or do us harm, those who owe us money, the ungrateful, the wicked. The point of Jesus’ teaching is not to encourage these kinds of behaviors in others, but rather to form us in the image of our heavenly Father by increasing our opportunities to love unconditionally, expecting no return; to be merciful and forgiving, even when it would be easier not to. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinal Time February 24, 2019

This Sunday, Jesus continues his challenging Sermon on the Mount. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who

mistreat you ? Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Words like these are challenging! Many of us have grown up in a culture of independence and retaliation against those who harm us. Today's Gospel reminds us that the way of the world is not necessarily the way of the disciple. In many spiritual texts, saints describe the first stage of the spiritual life as mercenary love of God. That is, we love Him because he pays us with graces and good things. Consider for a moment, why do you do the good that you do? Take volunteering, for example. How often do we talk about the good feelings service evokes and how you get so much more than you give. This is still based on an attitude of return on our investment. Would we volunteer if we knew it was good to do, but we didn't feel good afterward? What if the people we helped seemed ungrateful, or if someone at the food pantry stole $20 out of our purse? It can be difficult to love people when we think we might not get anything back. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? As Christians, we are called to imitate God. We follow a God who loves not only His closest friends, but who loves betrayers, deniers, and crucifiers. The Christian walk is one of perseverance and sacrifice. What does your love look like?

© Liturgical Publications Inc

Read the Bible. Pray over Sacred Scripture.

You can keep whatever you find…

Reciprocity —Anonymous

If God loved us as much as we love God, where would we all be?


Spring Pre-Cana Program for engaged couples planning weddings. St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Center 1313 Fifth Avenue, East McKeesport

Saturday, April 27, 2019, 9:00 am-3:00 pm Registration $35.00 (includes materials & lunch)

Pre-Registration is necessary. Please call the Parish Office, 412-751-0663, for a registration form.

Ladies of Charity The Ladies of Charity will meet at St. Michael Church, Elizabeth. Lynda McFarland, principal of Mary of Nazareth School, will lead the morning beginning with prayer and Deacon

Dale DiSanto will discuss taking Holy Communion to the homebound. At this meeting, the Ladies will select the leadership for the Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Grouping Ladies of Charity (St. Mark, St. Michael, Queen of the Rosary) as they follow the Lord in the footsteps of Sts. Louise de Marillac and Vincent de Paul. All are welcome.

If you are unable to attend, and are interested in a leadership position,

please contact the parish office, 412-751-0663, with your name & phone number.

We need your help! The Ladies of Charity are accepting donations to fill Easter Baskets for the Sick & Homebound. We are kindly requesting that you place your donations in the baskets provided in each church. Please consider: Candy, Sugar Free Candy, Baby Powder, Hand Cream, Small Puzzle Books, Tissues and Toiletries. Please no alcohol-based products, mouthwashes or razors. Thank for your kindness!

Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish, Queen of the Rosary Parish 5

Lenten Challenge~#takebackSunday In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, we seem to lose more time to jobs, schooling and activities that take us and our focus away from our families. Most of us want and need more time in the day to get done whatever seems to be looming over us. That is why Lent is the perfect time to reset and refocus our energies onto more important things. Sundays used to be a day of faith and family, and now sometimes, with all the running and activities going on, there is nothing special about Sunday anymore.

This Lent, why not try to take back your Sundays, or at least some of them.

Take some time before March 6, (Ash Wednesday) and look at your family calendar. Is there at least one Sunday in which you can go to Church and religious education, and afterward just have some family time in the afternoon and evening-- A day where you don’t spend time picking up groceries after Mass or grabbing food from the drive thru while you are jumping from one activity to the next. It will take some planning, and let the family know that this is going to be the day that you are spending together. Plan out the activities; whether it is going to be blanket forts, popcorn and favorite movies or if you are all going to spend the day in the kitchen maybe making cookies and homemade personal pizzas--- make sure to turn off the devices and tune in to family fun. If you cannot find a Sunday where there is nothing going on? Make sure you do your running around and errands as a family, and create some great memories just by being together.

Focus on what matters most and #takebackSunday! -Julie Fleckenstein

On Mission For The Church Alive! Do to Others as You Would Have Them Do to You – This sentence taken from today’s Gospel is usually referred to as the Golden Rule.

Calling this life maxim golden would suggest that something about it is precious. In fact, it highlights that each and every human life is precious. If we didn’t believe that all life is precious, why would it be expected that we would respect and honor others and we expect to be respected and honored ourselves. The dignity and respect that the Golden Rule sets forth applies to all human life as we work to love and support the unborn, the elderly and everyone in between. At the same time, the Golden Rule also applies to every relationship and encounter of our lives. While we all have those people in our lives that are harder to love than others, Jesus calls us to a higher way of living, sacrificing and even suffering in order to love another as we expect to be loved ourselves. On Mission for The Church Alive! invites us to live out the Golden Rule in the context of our parish groupings: • to welcome as we would expect to be welcomed; • to encourage as we would expect to be encouraged; • to build up as we would expect to be built up. We are all precious to God and we should make the most of the opportunities we have to let each other know it. To learn more and to stay informed visit onmissionchurchalive.org

We remember . . . In your charity, please remember all those who have died,

especially: Helen Shalako, Joseph Franciscus, brother of Jim, all who will die today,

and those who have no one to pray for them. Resting in Paradise.

Grief Recovery Support Group Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 7:00-9:00 pm

Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Center Lounge 1313 Fifth Avenue, East McKeesport

Parish Stewardship - Time, Talent and Treasure Sunday, February 17, 2019

Saint Mark Parish Regular Offertory $ 3,574.50

Saint Michael Parish Regular Offertory $ 6,189.26

Queen of the Rosary Parish Regular Offertory $ 1,927.50

Thank You for Your Sacrificial Giving! Have you remembered the Parish in your Will.

Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Day of Fast & Abstinence

QofR 8:00 am Mass & Ashes StM 9:00 am Mass & Ashes StJ 10:00 am Liturgy of the Word & Ashes StE 5:00 pm Mass & Ashes QofR 6:30 pm Mass & Ashes StM 7:00 pm Mass & Ashes

Ashes will be distributed following the Liturgy of the Word.

Repent and Believe In The Gospel.

Stations of the Cross, Fridays of Lent QofR 11:30 am & 6:30 pm StE 5:00 pm StM 7:00 pm


Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ

Saint Mark Parish Religious Education Sunday Morning

10:00 - 11:30 am For information or questions, please call Julie at the Religious Education Office, 412-678-6275 x 104.

Youth Group will meet Wednesday, February 27, 2019 from 6:30 - 9 pm

in the Youth House, Port Vue.

Queen of the Rosary Parish Religious Education Sunday Morning

9:30 - 10:45 am For information or questions, please call Darla at the Parish Office, 412-672-7209 or 412-953-8119.

In Religious Education, the Second & Eighth Grades are preparing for Easter Sacraments. Please remember them and their teachers in your prayers.

Thank you for supporting our children!

Youth Group meets on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm

in the Social Hall. New members are always welcome.

What is Youth Group? Youth Group empowers young people to learn to be disciples of Jesus Christ in today's world. We hope to enable them to serve others and to work towards a world built on the vision and values of God mixed with friendships and fun. Youth Group is always open to new members. If you are in the 6th-12th grade and are interested, stop by a meeting, or call Darla, 412-953-8119 or the Parish Office, 412-672-7209 for more information.

Queen of the Rosary Fish Fry Meeting Their will be a Q of R Fish Fry

Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 7:00 pm

in the Q of R Social Hall. Hope to see you there!

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 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, 412-754-0886.

Family Mass Sunday March 3, 2019 at 9:30am

The Third Grade will assume the roles of liturgical leadership: greeters & ushers, lectors, gift bearers, etc. for the 9:30 am Mass.

May the Lord Bless All of Our Children!

Senior Youth Group will meet Sunday, March 3, 2019 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm

in Archangel Hall.

Junior Youth Group will meet Friday, March 8, 2019 from 7:00-9:00 pm

in Archangel Hall.

Confirmation Candidates will participate in a Confirmation Retreat on Saturday,

March 2, 2019 from 9 am - 5 pm at Divine Redeemer Motherhouse.

Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Grouping St. Mark, St. Michael, Queen of the Rosary

Vacation Bible School - Adult Volunteers Adult Volunteers are needed for the Vacation Bible School—people who love working with children, love sharing their faith and are ready for some fun! Anyone 18 years or older and who has flexibility in their schedules for a week or two this summer, is invited and encouraged to volunteer.

An informational meeting for Adult Volunteers will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2019,

at St. Eugene Church, at 7 pm (after 6:30 pm Mass).

If you cannot attend, but want to volunteer, please call Julie, 412-678-6275 ext. 104.

No Greater Love - A Lenten Series Tuesdays, March 12 - April 16, 2019 - 6:45 pm

Light dinner followed by praise, prayer & song, a DVD presentation by Dr. Edward Sri and small group discussion. A study pack is available ($25).

Journeying through the Holy Land, we will be lead through the Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism and historical context as we strive to delve into the mystery of Christ’s passion and death.

Contact Sue, 412-384-8356, or [email protected] to register.


Saint Mark Parish Youth Ministry is holding a Bingo at the Little Sisters of the Poor on Saturday, March 9, 2019. The Youth are in need of Personal care items and/or monetary donations for Bingo prizes. Suggestions: baby powder, body lotion, creams, soap/shampoo, brushes, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, Efferdent, hard candy or chocolates. Also crafts, candles, jewelry or trinkets are also needed for door prizes. Donation boxes are at the back of each church. Any questions, call Lori, 412-678-6275 (ext.105). Thank You!

Saint Mark Parish Festival Flea Market is in need of gently used, but loved items, that you may have found in your spring cleaning and would like to donate to the flea market. All donations must be in good working condition. These items will not be accepted: clothing, draperies, tires, computers or broken electronics and unclean items. Drop-off in July; dates to be announced. Thank you!

Attention All Crafters - It’s festival time! We need You and Your Talents!!!!!

We are in need of your talents for making flower arrangements, wreaths, afghans, pillows, fleece blankets, wood working, sports blankets/pillows and any other craft items that you can share for the craft baskets. We also need blankets and pillows to be made. Fiberfill is available for your use or drop-off information, call Cathy, 412-980-2918. Thank You!

Treasures From Our Tradition When the Roman Empire turned a favorable eye toward the once-persecuted Christians, among the effects was a population explosion in the baptismal font, as Christian sympathizers stepped from the shadows. With more and more people becoming Christians, laws were passed to protect Sunday as a work-free day. Soon, it became possible to celebrate Mass later in the morning, rather than the older custom of gathering before dawn to celebrate Eucharist. Amazingly, despite the increasing numbers of Christians, there was great resistance to adding to the number of worship events; the Eucharist that began as a few friends around a table soon was transformed into a more formal event with throngs crowding a large hall. All the Christians in a city or town would gather around the bishop for the one Sunday Eucharist, and only when the crowds became unmanageable was there an impulse to divide the assembly by splitting off a new bishop and flock. Now, sixteen hundred years later, many parishes see a need to trim or combine Mass schedules. This is often seen as tough surgery. Yet our forebears in the faith would see it as a gain: a filling up of the Eucharist with a large and vigorous assembly, a fullness of ministry, an opportunity to make the Church more fully visible and stronger for service.

—James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

May God Bless Our Service Personnel If you would like to add or update an active

Service member, please call the Parish Office. As a faith community, we pray for and remember our Service Men and Women who are serving on active duty in the Armed Services, especially: Pvt. Peter A. Barrante, USMC; Maj. Damian Baskerville, USAF; Capt. Perry Cansick, USAF;

Col. Richard Collage, PA NG; Staff Sgt. Nicholas DeLuca, Army; Cadet 1/C David DeMaio, USCGA, Capt. Craig Dolhi, Army; Capt. Anthony Formica, Army; 2nd Lt. John Formica, Army; T/Sgt. Michael Goodman, USAF; E5 Sgt. Brian Imundo, Army; Sgt. Russ Langley, Marines; A1C Timothy Oeler, USAF; ENS Timothy Ragan, USNA; Sgt. Brandon R. Smith, USAF Pararescueman; Amn. Adam Stitt, USAF.

Saint Michael, protect them. May We Never Forget . . . Freedom is Never Free!

St. Mark Parish Festival - August 1-3, 2019.

Needed: Facilitator & Team for Craft Baskets Facilitator and Team Members are needed for the Festival. For information or interested call Cathy.

Festival Specialty Baskets

It’s six (6) months until our Saint Mark Parish Festival! Our specialty baskets are one of the most popular attractions at the festival. The baskets would not be possible without your donations. We are accepting new items (never been used) which can be placed in the labeled baskets at all churches in our grouping.

THANK YOU in advance for any donation.

BASKET THEMES:

• Holiday Themes: Valentines Day, St. Patrick Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, etc.

• Cleaning: cleaner, sponges, soaps, dusting items, etc. • Going Green: environmentally friendly product. • Puzzle Basket: crossword, word search, sodoku, etc. • Hot Wheels Basket!

If you are interested in being involved with the festival please contact Cathy Esack

at: 412-980-2918 or 412-672-8666.

Maintenance/Buildings & Grounds Collection The Diocese has granted St. Mark Parish an exemption on our Maintenance/Buildings/Grounds Collection.

This exemption will end on June 30, 2019.


Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time.

Sunday, Feb 24; 1 Sm 26:2-23; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38; Seventh Sunday In Ordinal Time

Love without distinction An enemy is defined as someone who’s against you. The word springs from the Latin inamicus—literally, not friend. If someone’s not interested in being your amigo, why should you be amicable in return? While contrary to instinct, loving enemies is one of the hallmarks of following Jesus, who chooses to lay down his life even for the sake of those who are killing him. Is it risky to open your arms to an enemy? Yes: see crucifixion, above. But if we refuse to love those who hate us, what makes us any different from those who hate? Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.

Monday, Feb 25; Sirach 1:1-10; Mark 9:14-29 Clean from the inside out

Most people may think they’ve left behind those old-fashioned notions of “unclean spirits” found in the Bible and religious texts of an earlier age, but have they really? Researchers have found that a lot of ancient associations about clean and unclean are still with us, only now we have translated them into the realm of science, health, or nutrition. Think of how concerned people are about the purity of their food and whether their environment is antiseptically clean. It’s all well and good to promote health and guard against disease, but don’t forget Jesus taught that purity and impurity ultimately are questions of the heart. Everything is possible to one who has faith.

Tuesday, Feb 26; Sirach 2:1-11; Mark 9:30-37 The last will be first

Will you let me be your servant? Let me be as Christ to you. The Richard Gillard hymn with this line has become familiar to many Catholics. Sung at funerals, weddings, Holy Thursday foot washings, and Sunday Mass, the lyrics touch human hearts in their eloquent call to humbly serve the needs of others. Pope Francis, who serves the poor in word and deed, calls us to share in this journey. How can I surrender my need for recognition? How can I serve the needs of others? They had been arguing about who was the most important.

Be merciful, just as your Father

is merciful.

Wednesday, Feb 27; Sirach 4:11-19; Mark 9:38-40 Respond to the need, not the creed

A few years back, Bishop Gerald Kicanas, former bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, addressed the question of whether Catholic organizations are still actually Catholic if they provide services to all people, Catholic or not. His response was clear and pastoral: The heart of Catholic outreach and social doctrine has been that we are here to serve all, and don’t make distinctions. So in our Catholic schools there are young people who are non-Catholic. In our Catholic charities, we serve people who are in need. May the measure of your service and outreach always be love. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.

Thursday, Feb 28; Sirach 5:1-8; Mark 9:41-50 Gone but not forgotten?

One of the most significant documents the American Roman Catholic bishops issued in the 20th century was Justice for All. Issued in 1986, it calls fulfilling the needs of the poor the highest priority of economic policy and employment the most urgent priority for domestic economic policy. Economic rights are fundamental human rights, as much as freedom of speech and religion. Some on Wall Street responded: What can a group of bishops know of high finance? A living Christianity, however, will always speak economic justice to economic power. Speak up for human values as expressed in public budgets. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ . . . will surely not lose his reward.

Friday, Mar 01; Sirach 6:5-17; Mark 10:1-12 The graceful gift of friendship

The church’s current sacramental system designates seven ritual moments in the life of the church as occasions of particular grace. Any parochial school child can recite them: the initiating sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist; the healing rituals of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick; the vocations of Marriage and Holy Orders. But if there’s ever room for an eighth candidate, many might vote for a sacrament of friendship. Who hasn’t experienced their closest friends as occasions of grace? And didn’t Jesus institute this sacrament just as obviously in the choice of his companions from Galilee to Jerusalem? Express your gratitude to a friend today. Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant.

Destroying One’s Enemies —Abraham Lincoln

Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?

http://www.usccb.org/upload/economic_justice_for_all.pdf


Saturday, Mar 02; Sirach 17:1-15; Mark 10:13-16 Mother, may we?

When parents today chauffeur their kids everywhere or buy them the latest fashion item or cell phone, it’s hard to fathom how invisible kids were in Jesus’ day. While he built an entire ministry on reaching out to the least of these, children were the least of the least—as we see from the perturbed reaction of the apostles. But Jesus says, Let the children come to me. Could it be that Jesus learned his technique at the knee of Mary, his mother and ours, who so often is depicted with her arms held wide to welcome us all? Let the little children come to me; for it is to such as these the kingdom of God belongs.

Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to

PrepareTheWord.com.

Marriage Moments by Susan Vogt, SusanVogt.net

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things … (1 Cor 13:7). Which of these characteristics does your beloved especially have? So, faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Cor 13:13). Appreciate each other today and every day.

Parenting Pointers by Susan Vogt, SusanVogt.net

You need only do three things in this country to avoid poverty - finish high school, marry before having a child, and marry after the age of 20. Only 8% of the families who do this are poor; 79% of those who fail to do this are poor.

Do your kids/grandkids know this?

A Family Perspective by Bud Ozar

In studying the effects of religion upon family relationships, researchers inform us hostility and prayer can’t coexist. You cannot be hostile toward someone for whom you are praying. Today’s gospel encourages us: Bless those who curse you.

Pray for those who treat you badly.

Blessing of Expectant Families We bless expectant families after all the Masses next Sunday. Families are asked to come forward to the front of the church, and as soon as Father can return after greeting the faith community, he will give the blessing to all expectant Moms and Dads.

May the Lord Jesus Bless All Our Families!

Come, Holy Spirit! Set my life on fire with your Love.

Lenten Fish Fry St. Michael Parish, Every Friday of Lent

(Not Good Friday) from 4:00-7:00 pm Queen of the Rosary Parish

Ash Wednesday & Every Friday of Lent (including Good Friday) 11 am-7:00 pm

For the annual Parish Fish Fry to be a success, a great number of hands are needed to carry the load. If we all work together as a family, the Fish Fry will continue to be such a great success. We are in need of bakers, kitchen workers, servers, order takers, and clean up crew just to name a few positions available. Please help in any way you can. Spread the word about the Fish Fry.

Bakers Needed Bakers needed to make their favorite sweets (the delicious sweets the Fish Fry is known for), and bring them to Archangel Hall or the Social Hall all the Fish Fry Days of Lent.

Thank you for baking!

Fish Fry Volunteers If you are able to work the Fish Fry, please complete the Volunteer Form below and return to the Parish Office as soon as possible. Thank You for making our Fish Fry's Special!

Fish Fry Volunteer Form, 2019 (Please Print)

Name ________________________________________

Phone Number _________________________________

____ St. Michael ____ Queen of the Rosary

I am available to work Ash Wednesday or Fridays:

Ash Wednesday (Q of R), Mar 06 ____ Mar 08 ____

Mar 15 ____ Mar 22 ____ Mar 29 ____ Apr 05 ____

Apr 13 ____ Good Friday (Q of R), Apr ____

I would like to work:

____ Fish Fry Prep (Friday morning)

____ Kitchen Help (Must be 18 +)

____ Wait Staff or Table Busing

____ Order Taking

____ Other Duties (Bake Shop, Baskets, etc.)

____ Clean Up (Washing Dishes)

Please return completed form to the Rectory Office.

Upcoming Events

St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Queen of the Rosary meeting room. All parishioners are welcome to join us.

Knights of Columbus will meet on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm

in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room. Any men interested in joining the Knights

are welcome to attend the 2nd meeting of the month.

Catholic Men’s Fellowship will meet on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 7:00 am

in St. Michael Church & Meeting Room.

Holy Name Society will meet on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 9:30 am

in Queen of the Rosary Social Hall. We will begin planning for the Mother’s Day Family Breakfast and participation in Holy Week Services and then attend 11 am Mass as a Group.

All Men from our grouping are welcome to attend.

Ushers will meet on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room.

Rosary Makers will meet on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 9:30 am

in the St. Michael Church Meeting Room.

Christian Mothers/Women’s Guild Covered Dish Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 6:00 pm

at Saint Michael Archangel Hall. All Women of the Grouping are Welcome!

Saint Mark Parish, Saint Michael Parish and Queen of the Rosary 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!

St. Mark Parish Music Ministry Hand Bell Choir will meet on Monday,

from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue.

Adult Choir will meet on Monday, from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue.

Any questions, stop and see Pam after Mass. New Members to both Choirs are welcome!

Quilting Club meets on Monday, from 11 am-2 pm at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue.


Crochet Club meets on Tuesday morning, from 9:30-11:30 am at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue.

Spaghetti Dinner - Glassport Sons of Italy Sunday, February 24th, 2019 - 12 Noon - 6:00 pm Homemade Gnocchi & Cheese Ravioli includes

meatballs, salad & dessert. Eat in or take out. Call 442-673-3915 for take out.

Mardi Gras Dinner Dance Sponsored By Knights of Columbus

Saturday, March 2, 2019 - 6:00 - 10:00 pm An evening of good food, good music,

good entertainment. Tickets: $25 per person, call Bernie, 757-544-0690

Will be selling tickets after the Masses.

Saint Patrick’s Day Cash Bash Total of $6000 up for grabs

Saturday, March 16, 2019, 6 - 10 pm Elizabeth VFD Station 139 Hall

107 Market Street, Elizabeth Boro Number drawn every twenty minutes starting at 7 pm

and final number at 10 pm. Must be 21 to attend. Winner will be notified – winner need not be present.

Food/beer included in ticket price. BYOB. Tickets $30 for 3 numbers Guest ticket: $15.00.

For tickets call, Debby, 412-670-0015 or Cathy: 412-980-2918.

Benefits Saint Mark Parish. Thank you for your continual support!

Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope,

where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven. -Pope Francis

Common Grounds COFFEE HOUSE is open after 9:00 am Sunday Mass

at St. Joseph Church, Port Vue. Please join us!

St. Mark Parish, St. Michael Parish Queen of the Rosary Parish

Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm in

Queen of the Rosary Meeting Room, Glassport.

Finance Council Meeting will be held on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm in

Queen of the Rosary Meeting Room, Glassport.

If you are unable to attend, please call Jan, 412-751-0663.

Mary of Nazareth Catholic School Open Enrollment is currently underway.

Preschool through Eighth Grade. Please visit us at maryofnazarethschool.org or call, 412-672-2360, for information or schedule a tour.

We also invite you to follow us on Facebook.

http://maryofnazarethschool.org


Lancaster

sponsored by Elizabeth, Glassport, South Allegheny Grouping

Join Fr. Wagner on a Bus Trip June 18, 19, 20, 2019 (Tuesday-Thursday)

Reserve Your Seats Now (Adults Only - 18 years +) Deposits of $100 must be received by March 15, 2019

Join us for fun, laughter, and a spiritual experience. For more information,

contact Lynda McFarland at 412-672-2360.

• Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation • Two Nights Accommodations with Breakfast • Create Your Own Ice Cream Flavor at Turkey Hill Farm • Dutch Apple Dinner Theater - Camelot • Sight and Sound Theater - Jesus • Dinner at Miller’s (included) • The Amish Experience & Theater • Wilbur Chocolate Factory

Cost Per Person: Double Occupancy $579.00 Triple Occupancy $525.00 Quad Occupancy $497.00

Single Occupancy $745.00

Must be paid in full by April 2019. Payments are available. Make Checks Payable to ST. MICHAEL PARISH.

Please Print Clearly Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Number of Reservations: __________________ Total Cost: __________________

Make All Checks Payable to ST. MICHAEL PARISH and Return to St. Michael Parish Office


Saint Mark Parish - July 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018

Operating Income Actual Year to Date Budget Year to Date Budget - 2018-2019

Collections at Offertory 89,100.80 100,619.00 314,800.00

Donations & Bequests 780.00 17,960.00 63,187.00

Bingo - 2,000.00 4,000.00

Festival 64,616.78 60,000.00 60,000.00

Raffle 1,000.00 1,168.00 3,500.00

Other Fund Raising - 668.00 2,000.00

Investment Income 4.14 8.00 20.00

Other Operating Income 1,255.00 682.00 2,050.00

Total Operating Income $ 156,756.72 $ 183,105.00 $ 449,557.00

Operating Expense

Liturgical (10,883.48) (12,212.00) (36,639.00)

Administration (39,132.55) (41,708.00) (125,118.00)

Operations & Maintenance (46,004.72) (44,952.00) (134,846.00)

Rectory (6,159.84) (5,280.00) (15,838.00)

Property & Liability Insurance (16,759.75) (16,684.00) (50,063.00)

Religious Education Program (5,302.87) (5,132.00) (17,903.00)

Youth Ministry Program (1,373.54) (1,154.00) (4,223.00)

Social Service Program (4,746.80) (4,748.00) (14,240.00)

Community Programs & Donations 850.00 1,950.00 3,900.00

Social Activities (1,248.03) - -

Other Parish Programs - 200.00 400.00

Rental Property Operations 1,707.12 2,368.00 7,100.00

Total Operating Expense before Subsidy $ (129,054.46) $ (127,352.00) $ (387,470.00)

SubTotal Operating $ 27,702.26 $ 55,753.00 $ 62,087.00

School Subsidy (21,014.00) (20,696.00) (62,086.00)

Total Operating $ 6,688.26 $ 35,057.00 $ 1.00

Non-Operating Expense

Fund Raising 2,127.85 - -

Campaign Interest Income 20.99 - -

Parish Share 1,370.00 - -

Diocesan Collections (60.50) - -

Investments (2,148.87) - -

Accounts Payable (23,301.57) - -

Total Non-Operating (21,992.10) - -

Total Operating $ (15,303.84) $ 35,057.00 $ 1.00


Saint Michael Parish - July 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018



Donations & Bequests 14,070.20 5,225.00 12,300.00

Other Fund Raising (159.54) 8,230.00 19,750.00

Investment Income 1,625.95 1,875.00 4,500.00

Other Operating Income 2,076.03 1,915.00 4,600.00


Operating Expense

Liturgical (22,031.58) (23,755.00) (56,994.00)

Administration (65,955.61) (74,955.00) (179,905.00)


Rectory (8,781.93) (10,515.00) (25,243.00)



Youth Ministry Program 222.10 (7,195.00) (17,271.00)

Adult Education Program (4,392.41) (4,375.00) (10,500.00)

Community Programs & Donations - (655.00) (1,600.00)

Social Activities (2,109.15) (2,500.00) (6,000.00)


SubTotal Operating $ 31,402.24 $ (14,953.00) $ 62,136.00

School Subsidy (15,000.00) (26,670.00) (64,000.00)

Total Operating $ 16,402.24 $ (41,623.00) $ (1,864.00)


Education Funds (434.61) 7,500.00



Parish Share (6,633.28) - -

Diocesan Collections 3,977.93 - -

Insurance Settlement 5,000.00 - -

Extra Ordinary Maintenance Expense (6,538.30) - -

Investments (10,560.28) - -

Accounts Payable (3.24) - -

Transfer & Exchange (1,301.00) - -

Adjustment to Fund Balance 861.86 - -

Total Non-Operating (9,016.98) - 7,500.00

Total Operating $ 7,385.26 $ (41,623.00) $ 5,636.00


Queen of the Rosary Parish - July 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018

$45,966.04 Amount taken from Savings

to balance the First Three Months of the 2018-2019 Budget.



Donations & Bequests 3,440.00 4,400.00 13,200.00

Bingo - 900.00 2,700.00

Raffle 907.50 2,800.00 8,400.00

Other Fund Raising (100.00) 12,460.00 37,375.00

Investment Income 2,259.73 3,000.00 9,000.00

Other Operating Income 1,116.10 1,000.00 3,000.00


Operating Expense

Liturgical (7,760.35) (7,948.00) (23,835.00)

Administration (31,499.26) (32,160.00) (96,485.00)


Rectory (9,192.19) (11,252.00) (33,750.00)



Youth Ministry Program (2,101.84) (68.00) (200.00)

Social Activities (492.89) - -


SubTotal Operating $ (22,775.70) $ (1,023.00) $ 38,855.00

School Subsidy (14,529.36) (12,332.00) (37,000.00)

Total Operating $ (37,305.06) $ (13,355.00) $ 1,855.00




Parish Share (2,172.00) - -

Diocesan Collections (1,021.00) - -

Investments 45,966.04 - -

Accounts Payable (9,285.12) - -

Total Non-Operating 35,262.15 - -

Total Operating $ (2,042.91) $ (13,355.00) $ 1,855.00

the roman catholic community of elizabeth, …...2019/02/24 · saint michael parish a pennsylvania...

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