Off and Running Today, we begin the 2020 Parish Share Campaign+. Friends, I can’t over emphasize the importance of this 10-month campaign for our parish and the good of the entire Church of Pittsburgh.
Keep in mind these three components needed for our collective success.
Pray: Prayer is where it all begins and it’s where discipleship leads us. Discuss with the Lord what it means to practice good stewardship of what has been entrusted to your care.
Proportional: Always strive to give the Lord your best gift in proportion to your income. Be a leader.
Pledge!: One-time gifts are appreciated, but gifts that are spread out over a ten month period can make a sizable difference. For example, to make a $500 gift in a one-time payment may be impossible, but to break that gift down to $50 a month over the 10-month period of the campaign can make it absolutely doable! Leveraging your gift over ten months might do the most good!
This coming week, you will be receiving information about this annual campaign.
Thank you for your commitment and generosity to being a Church Alive!, knowing that in all things, giving always benefits the giver.
Let Your Lenten Retreat Begin!
The season of Lent is the great annual retreat of the Church! This a wonderful time to fall more in love with Jesus and simply be more aware of Jesus’ passionate love for you. The traditional disciplines that help us accomplish a deeper unity with the Lord, are to PRAY MORE, EAT LESS, and GIVE to the POOR. (By the way, eating less is not about dieting, or feeling better about yourself, but about demonstrating our dependence on God and our solidarity with those who are suffering). Here a few suggestions to consider as a part of your Lenten retreat:
Give something away – everyday! Does your closet need thinning out? Whether it’s your wardrobe or some other items, consider giving something away every day.
Don’t interrupt people. Try it. Maybe it’s one of those bad habits that you want to avoid.
Stop complaining. Wow! What a difference this can make in the world. Find constructive ways to talk about difficulties. Look for good in people rather than focus on their limitations.
Spend time with Jesus. Sitting in a quiet church is a beautiful experience – just you and the Lord. There’s something very powerful about that time alone with Jesus.
I pray this Lent will be a fruitful time of drawing closer to the One who is the source of true and lasting joy.
Make this your best Lent ever!
Back in the Neighborhood Father Peter Murphy, former pastor of Saint Alphonsus, is again with us in the North Hills. After retiring, Father Murphy took up residence at Saint John Vianney Manor, the retirement home for many of our diocesan priests on the grounds of Saint Paul Seminary.
In recognizing the need for additional support services like physical therapy, Father Murphy has relocated to Vincentian Home in McCandless.
I spoke with Father Murphy this week and he has settled into his new home. He welcomes visits from parishioners and friends. I think an occasional card or note would also serve him well. His new address is:
Father Peter P. Murphy
Vincentian Home Room 34
111 Perrymont Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
When visiting Father Murphy, it may be helpful to know that his room is located in Building 5.
Thank you for all your prayers and acts of kindness to Father Murphy and all the priests and sisters who have dedicated their lives to God and loving service to us In a special way, we are the family that they have been blessed to be a part of as well. Blessings to you all.