November 24, 2019

Christ IS King!
         Celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI  in 1925 with his encyclical Quas primas in response to the growing secularism movement.  In the early twentieth century, in Mexico, Russia and in many parts of Europe, atheistic régimes threatened not just the Catholic Church and its faithful, but civilization itself.  Pope Pius XI’s encyclical gave Catholics hope and –while governments around them crumbled–the assurance that Christ the King shall reign forever!  Pope Pius XI says that Christ “Reign(s) ‘in the hearts of men, both by reason of the keenness of his intellect and the extent of his knowledge, and also because he is very truth, and it is from him that truth must be obediently received by all mankind.”  He recognized that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations.
In 2019, the Church faces pressures from without and crisis from within.  In addition to the challenges that we as Christians in a secular society must confront, the body of Christ must also tend to the wounds inflicted on the Church by priests and bishops who either committed acts of sexual abuse themselves, or failed to respond to abuse with justice when they had the opportunity.  This solemnity reminds us that Jesus reigns as King of the entire world forever! 
Let us rededicate ourselves to recognizing the reign of Jesus and his Sacred Heart in every aspect of our lives.  Let him reign in our minds, our wills, our hearts, our homes, our faith communities and throughout the world!
 
On Mission for the Church Alive! – Clarification of the Naming Process for the New Parish
     Friends, I have been receiving a lot of questions and comments on the “naming process” for the new parish that is currently underway.  First, we are NOT renaming any buildings.  Saint Alexis and Saint Alphonsus church buildings will retain their current names as per location.  What will change is that both of these parishes as they are currently identified will close – and a new parish will be born from the two entities.  We are currently seeking YOUR INPUT on the name for the new parish that will be legally and canonically established next July (2020). 
     So, just to be clear, the Catholic Community of Wexford will be under one new name, with two church buildings – Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis.  Please take a moment to read the insert in today’s bulletin to help you, and through you others, to be clear on where we are headed and what the naming process is all about – not the two buildings, but the one parish that we are forming.  Remember that all selections made either online or using the paper form must be received no later than December 1.  Thank you.
 
Give Thanks!
     There’s no better way to give thanks to the Giver of every good gift than gathering to celebrate the Eucharist and give the thanks to God!  Start your Thanksgiving Day by gathering around the table of the Lord with friends and fellow parishioners at the 9:00 a.m. Mass at Saint Alphonsus.  This will be the only Mass celebrated within the Wexford Catholic Community on Thanksgiving Day. 
     Following the liturgy, the celebration will continue with a light reception next door in the entranceway of Blessed Francis Seelos Academy.  For a number of years, this has been a wonderful tradition at Saint Alphonsus.  This is a great way to welcome home our young people from college, see old friends, and make some new ones!
     Can you help by bringing some homemade baked goods for the social?  Perhaps two dozen or so baked muffins or cookies. Beverages will be provided.  Baked goods may either brought the school building lobby before Mass that day or if necessary, dropped off at the Parish Center (at Saint Alexis) on Wednesday, November 27, before 4:00 p.m.  Father Joe and I are looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving Day with you.  Plan on joining us and be a part of this holy and happy celebration!
 
Extend the Bounty of Your Table
     We are sooo richly blessed by God.  Can you share from your bounty to help others who are less fortunate?  A tradition at Saint Alexis has been to partner with the Little Sisters of the Poor by taking a collection of food and paper products to help the Sisters in providing for their guests, the elderly poor, who they welcome into their home in the Brighton Heights section of Pittsburgh.
     For a list of suggested items needed by the Sisters please see the insert in today’s bulletin. Anyone who brings donations are asked to wait until the offertory procession during Mass to bring your gifts around the altar.  
Thank you for participating in this expression of gratitude for God’s blessings.  Know that your donation is appreciated and that you will be gratefully remembered daily at Mass and in the prayers of the Sisters and the residents.  Thank you.