October 20, 2019

Mission:
 
On Mission for the Church Alive! - Moving Forward…
         Soon we will begin the process of choosing a new parish name for the parish grouping of Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis.  This is one of the important steps we take as we draw closer to our merger date in July, 2020.  Be assured that we will be asking parishioners for their input.  There are however, guidelines set forth by the diocese for names that groupings are permitted to use.  This information will be made available to all parishioners.  If you have not already begun to do so, please pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you and the members of our community in this process. Prayer and openness are key to our lives and certainly this endeavor. 
     Along with parish leadership and staff, I am committed to sharing with you all the steps that are necessary for our official target date in nine months.  Soon this information will be available along with the timeline for the merger process which will include a month to month schedule of all that we need to do.
     Lastly, in regard to the financial status of the two parishes, I look forward to having the end of the year reports made available to parishioners in the near future.  These are being prepared by staff and members of the respective Finance Councils.  An overview will be presented at weekend Masses at a future date.  A word of gratitude to the many generous benefactors of our community – Thank you!  Keep in mind that generosity has not so much to do with the amount of one’s gift, but the size of one’s sacrifice.  The poor widow in scripture who paid the temple offering continues to serve as a model of generosity for all of us.  Thank you again!
 
Maintenance:
 
Mark Your Calendar
     The annual Saint Alexis Day of Caring/Fall Clean-up is scheduled for next Saturday, October 26 following the 8:00 a.m. Mass and will continue throughout the day.  We need your help!  Join us in caring for what has been entrusted to our care.  This semi-annual event promises to be rewarding; working with fellow parishioners and the satisfaction of what we are able to accomplish together.  This year, we hope to remove seasonal flowers and provide a general winterization of the grounds.  We also need a few volunteers to pick up supplies beforehand and to provide hospitality in the serving of lunch.  All individuals and family members are welcome!
We can use a pick-up truck or two, steel rakes, gas weed wackers, straight-edge shovels and gardening tools in general.  Any amount of time you can give will be most appreciated!  Please RSVP by calling the Parish Center at 724.935.4343, ext. 221 so that we can gauge the scope of projects and have an adequate amount of refreshments available for our guests. 
     In the event of rain, we will convene at the same time on Saturday, November 2.  Thank you for your assistance and practice of good stewardship!
 
Why Not?
     The Day of Caring/Fall Clean-up has been an annual tradition at Saint Alexis for more than twenty years.  Like the Annual Day of Caring/Spring-Clean-up, it gives parishioners and friends of the parish an opportunity to come together and care for our second home, the church and parish grounds.  In reading the article in the bulletin about this event, a parishioner at Saint Alphonsus asked if we offer the same opportunity for parishioners and friends at Saint Alphonsus.  After all, most parishioners love their spiritual home and are willing to take care of it in practicing good stewardship, using our time, talent and treasure in relation to God.
     Therefore, I am happy to announce that a Day of Caring/Fall Clean-up is being scheduled at Saint Alphonsus for Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to whenever.  All are welcomed to participate!  Refreshments and lunch will be offered.  Come, and join old friends and make some new ones as we accomplish a few tasks and share the pride of working together for the glory of God.
     Any amount of time you can give will be most appreciated!  Even one hour can make a big difference.  Please RSVP by calling the Parish Center at 724.935.1151 ext. 210, so that we gauge the scope of projects and have an adequate amount of refreshments available for our guests. 
     In the event of rain, we will convene at the same time on Saturday, November 9.  Thank you for your prayers and assistance as we care for what the Lord has entrusted to our care!