July 12, 2020

Welcome to . . .

“But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfol d. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Fifteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Saint Aidan Parish

“Grow in Jesus, engage in community, and go forth to make disciples.”

From Father Dave One of the common misconceptions about life is that everything can be accomplished instantly. Some of the products we purchase at the supermarket feed into this mentality. They have the word “instant’ written all over them. In the end, however, I think we all come to a realization that life, particularly growth and success, does not happen instantly. It all takes time. In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus tells a parable about the sower. This is a story about growth that delivers two poignant revelations. First, growth takes time. As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.” In the midst of this process, there always needs to be patience and trust. Anyone who has started something new can appreciate this concept. For example, during these last few weeks of moving there was a part of me that just wanted to snap my fingers and have everything done as instantly as possible. Of course, this is not possible. What is more, in the case of moving things seldom go quickly or smoothly. Some weeks ago I changed my personal address to 201 Church Road, only to discover that it needed to be changed again to a newly established address of 221 Church Road. I purchased a new printer for my computer and even after spending nearly three hours on the phone with a tech person could not get it to work. On that same day I parked my car in the garage and it would not fit. I share these instances not to beg your pity, but to illustrate that growth can be painstaking and certainly not instant. Growth and development take time. The second poignant revelation to today’s Gospel parable is that the soil needs to be right for the growth to take place. The seed needs to be rightly planted. It does not have a chance if it is merely scattered on the ground or placed in a cliff. This gospel story has great implications for our journey together as co-founders of Saint Aidan Parish. While the two previously storied parishes have been disbanded and a new parish has been formed, there is still more work to be done. There is a saying, “Change is external, transition is internal.” We have begun to see some of the external changes with a new name, temporary signs noting that name and a combined staff, not to mention a new pastor. We also have one database and one office. We continue working on all of the externals. Very soon I will be forming new pastoral and finance councils. But this takes time, so please be trusting and patient. The internal dimension of this moment cannot be denied. We all have to pause and look at the soil of our heart and insure that it is ready to embrace this new growth. We are all in this together now and forever. The best is yet to be I truly believe. What I ask of from you is your trust and patience in this effort. Above all I ask for your prayers. Please pray for the success of our new parish. We all need to let go of what was and embrace what is and can be. Our roots are now as members of Saint Aidan. I cannot tell you how proud I was to celebrate the first public Mass of our new parish. Thirty-six years ago I had to embrace a new beginning as I was sent to Rome to do my studies for the priesthood. At that time the rector said to me, “Dave, Rome is going to be different. It is not anything good or bad. It will just be different.” Life as we live it never stays the same. It can’t. When we learn to live with the differences we not only change but we grow. What may appear to some as an obstacle can become a golden opportunity for growth. This is our moment. God is inviting us all to change and move out of our comfort zones. This change while external in many ways cannot happen without the internal. We all need to change in three ways. First, we need to change our minds. When a family member becomes married, our concept of family becomes broadened. With all due respect to the previous parishes, we need to live in the present moment, which for so many of us is clearly different. Second, we need to change our hearts to become more like the heart of Christ—compassionate, understanding, empathetic and forgiving. All that we are and all that we do must be rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. We all have to follow that command, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” Finally, together we need to change the world, most notably the world of Wexford. Faith is never meant to be private or exclusive. Moreover, parish life must never be self serving. At the end of each Mass we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News. One of the images of our beloved patron, Saint Aidan, is that of light. He is often depicted with a torch. Together let us go forth to embrace this moment and let our torch of faith shine for the whole world. Like the old song, let us join in chorus, “This little light of mine, I am going to let it shine.” Let’s light up the world!

To love is to learn to follow Christ with others. LOVE

WE PRAY FOR THE SICK

We entrust to the care of Christ the Divine Physician, those members of our parish families of Saint Aiden who are in need of healing in body, mind or spirit, especially: Brian Bart Rachel Borck Jeannie Bukaukus Emma Bullick Rick Collins Connor Cunic Gloria Dudowski Nancy Greer Patricia Gross Stanley Hofstetter Betty Howell David Hoza Gilbert Huckestein John Hunsinger

Al Korade Lois Leahy Eugene Mancino Gerard McArdle Liz McArdle Michelle Mehok Ron Mehok Diane Miller G. James Neelan Irene Schultz Janice Spowal Amber VanVickle David Zappa Prayer Shawl Recipients

If you know of a parishioner or have a loved one who is ill, please contact the Parish Center and let us know. We will place that person’s name on the prayer list for four weeks. Intentions may return to the list upon monthly requests. Contact the Parish Center at 724.935.4343 or 724.935.1151 to add a loved one onto the list.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading: So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. (Is 55:11) Psalm: The seed that falls on the good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. (Ps 65) Second Reading: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. (Rom 8:18) Gospel: “But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Mt 13:8-9)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Sunday: Is 55:10-11/Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14 [Lk 8:8]/ Rom 8:18-23/Mt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9 Monday: Is 1:10-17/Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 [23b]/ Mt 10:34 - 11:1 Tuesday: Is 7:1-9/Ps 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8 [cf. 9d]/ Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16/Ps 94:5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15 [14a]/Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19/Ps 102:13-14ab and 15, 16-18, 19-21 [20b]/Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8/Is 38:10, 11, 12abcd, 16 [cf. 17b]/Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Mi 2:1-5/Ps 10:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14 [12b] Mt 12:14-21

Making a Spiritual Communion

If you do not have the ability to drive to our outdoor Masses, it is important to still keep the Lord’s Day holy! You can do this by intentionally praying the rosary, singing hymns or praise and worship songs, praying with Scripture, and making a spiritual communion, like the one below.

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE Saint Aidan Parish wishes to extend sympathy to those who mourn the loss of a loved one, especially the soul who recently passed through death: Lawrence T. Sampietro (76) husband of Theresa (Terri). May the choirs of angels welcome him and where Lazarus is poor no longer, may he find eternal rest.

OUR NEW TEMPORARY MASS SCHEDULE SATURDAY: 4:00 p.m. Live Anticipated Mass Outside – Saint Alexis parking lot

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. Live Stream Mass – Saint Alphonsus Church. Due to multiple other opportunities to receive the Eucharist, there will be no distribution of Communion following live streamed Mass. 8:00 a.m. Live Mass Outside – Saint Alexis parking lot 10:00 a.m. Live Mass Outside – Saint Alexis parking lot

WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE

MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. – Saint Alexis Church Distribution of the Eucharist will follow Mass in the narthex of the church. No re-admittance to the church, face masks are required.

CONFESSIONS Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Confession will be offered outdoors at the Saint Alexis location.

OUR ADVERTISERS

Thanks to our bulletin advertisers for supporting our parish this week: Please offer your patronage to our sponsors or be sure to thank them when you have the opportunity to do so. It is through their support that our weekly bulletin is made possible!

Schellhaas Funeral Home

See the full list of our advertisers on our website under

“Our Current Bulletins.”

Mass Intentions

2020 Parish Share Assessment: $ 285,076 Collected: $ 147,712

July 1 through July 5, 2020 Saint Aiden Income

Regular Electronic Total

Offertory $ 13,323 $ 3,350 $ 16,673

Parish Share $ 2,220 $ 135 $ 2,355

School $ 190 $ 15 $ 205

Maintenance $ 45 $ 10 $ 55

Mary Fund $ 175 $ $ 175

Catholic Education $ 158 $ $ 158

Peter’s Pence $ 215 $ 77 $ 292

Catholic Relief $ 52 $ 2 $ 54

Other Holy Days $ 49 $ 50 $ 99

Future Diocesan Collection $ $ 116 $ 116

Votives $ 15 $ $ 15

TOTAL $ 16,442 $ 3,755 $ 20,197

Offices Remain Closed We continue to have our parish offices remain closed to the public until further notice. Our staff is still working and will return calls or emails during regular office hours. If you have an emergency you may call the office at 724.935.4343 or 724.935.1151 ext. 221.

Saturday, July 11 - St. Benedict, Abbot 4:00 p.m. † Tony Chmura - Cindy and Bill Hepfinger

Sunday, July 12 - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

For the Living and Deceased Members of St. Aidan Parish † James P. Bond - Susan Vukson † Joan Conroy - The Stokes/Conroy Family

8:00 a.m. † Hank and Beverly Evers - Mary Evers Tuesday, July 14 - St. Kateri Tekakwitha

8:00 a.m. † Francine Konen - Lois Jencka Wednesday, July 15 - St. Bonaventure

8:00 a.m. † Virginia Bagnato - Marilyn, Jack and Amy Thursday, July 16 - Our Lady of Mount Carmel

8:00 a.m. † John Rabick - Mary Ann Rabick Friday, July 17 – Weekday

8:00 a.m. † Donna Marie Okopal - Steve and Joyce Heckmann Saturday, July 18 - St. Camillus de Lellis

8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

In Honor of Thomas M. Clogan - Linda Clogan † William Obrycki - Christine Ebken

Sunday, July 19 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

In Celebration of George and Kathleen Lyons’ 63rd Anniversary - The Family † For the Living and Deceased Members of St. Aidan Parish In Celebration of Harry and Mary Ann Harrison’s 50th Anniversary

Monday, July 13 - Saint Henry Stewardship Prayer Oh Lord, giver of life

and source of our freedom, we are reminded that Yours is

“the earth in its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it.”

We know that it is from your hand that we have received all

we have and are and will be. Gracious and loving God,

we understand that you call us to be the stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all you have

entrusted to us. Help us always to use your gifts wisely and teach us to share

them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness

to the love of Christ in our lives. We pray this with grateful

hearts in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Enrolling for 2020-2021 Academic Year Blessed Francis Seelos Academy is now enrolling students for preschool through 8th grade for the 2020-21 school year. Located on two campuses in Wexford, Blessed Francis Seelos Academy is committed to graduating academically prepared students who are also exemplary Christians. We are offering virtual or in-person tours. Call 724.935.1152 or email Principal Robert Reese at rreese@seelosacademy.org for more information.

Blessed Francis Seelos Academy

God’s Word for Children

Pastor Reverend David J. Bonner, STB/ dbonnar@saintaidanparish.org/x 224 Senior Parochial Vicar Reverend William D. Wuenschel/ wwuenschel@saintaidanparish.org/ x 233 Deacons Deacon Albert Heiles/aheiles@diopitt.org Deacon Jeffrey J. Ludwikowski/jludwikowski@diopitt.org

Director of Parish Operations/Business Manager Chuck Goetz/cgoetz@saintaidanparish.org/x 233

Director of Evangelization Dave VanVickle/dvanvickle@saintaidanparish.org/x 232

Office Manager MaryEllen Pendel/mependel@saintaidanparish.org/x 221

Bookkeeper/Safe Environment Coordinator Mary King / mking@saintaidanparish.org/ x 212

Directors of Music Christopher Brewer/cbrewer@saintaidanparish.org/x 226 Mary Heagy/mheagy@saintaidanparish.org Assistant Music Director - Lisa Hoffman

Director of Religious Education Louis Bosco / lbosco@saintaidanparish.org/x 215 Religious Education Program Manager

Paula Green /pgreen@saintaidanparish.org/x 225 Coordinator of Youth Ministry /Young Adults David Piccirilli / dpiccirilli@saintaidanparish.org/x 227

Receptionist/Secretary Gail Clendaniel / gclendaniel@saintaidenparish.org /x 210

A Parish of the Diocese of Pittsburgh - diopitt.org

SERVED BY OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (temporarily closed)

JOIN US!

To become a registered member of the parish family, please visit our website at www.saintaidanparish.org. Introduce yourself to us at Mass!

MARRIAGE

Arrangements must be made with a priest at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date.

HOLY ORDERS For information about the priesthood or the vowed religious life, please contact Fr. Dave or the Vocation Office of the diocese at 412.456.3131 or visit pghpriest.com.

BAPTISM Celebrated on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. or at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Alexis during the COVID-19 by appointment. Arrangements should be made through the Parish Center several months in advance. Parents need to be registered parishioners and complete a pre-baptism class before scheduling a baptism.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND

Communal anointing is celebrated periodically. Anyone who is anticipating surgery is encouraged to request this sacrament prior to being admitted to the hospital. Individuals who are unable to attend Sunday Mass and want to receive the sacraments are asked to please call the Parish Center.

Website: saintaidanparish.org Phones - 724.935.1151 or 724.935.4343 Fax - 724.935.1270

A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

* Bulletin announcements and flyers are due by 12:00 p.m. Friday, a week in advance of publication. *

We Welcome You Home!

North Hills Regional School Board - www.nhrces.org

BLESSED FRANCIS SEELOS ACADEMY

S A P D Parish Office: 10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090

PRAYER

Eucharistic Adoration Every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Saint Alexis old bell Tower during COVID-19.

Prayer Ministry- To initiate a request for urgent prayers contact the following people: Barb Busi at 412.366.4829, Norma Heyl at 724.935.1094 or Jo Labrise at 724.935.3826. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry to pray for others, please contact them.

RECONCILIATION

Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Saint Alexis. Confessions will be held outside during COVID-19.

Principal Robert Reese - rreese@seelosacademy.org

School Secretary K-8 Patty Anfang - panfang@seelosacademy.org 724.935.1152

School Secretary Pre-K Chris Schlieper - cschlieper@seelosacademy.org 724.935.3940

DIOCESAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR 412.456.3093 (Office)

1.888.808.1235 (Hot Line) PA Child Line - 1.800.932.0313

Call 911 immediately if a child is in danger.