September 22, 2019

Mission:
Sealed With a Gift!
       Congratulations to the 81 young people of our community who were “sealed with the Holy Spirit” this past Tuesday evening by Bishop Waltersheid.  It was great to welcome Bishop Waltersheid back to the Catholic Community of Wexford – the Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis parish families.  Much has taken place in our community since his last visit with us.  We are grateful for the additions of Fr. Joe, Dave VanVickle, Director of Evangelization, David Piccirilli, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries to our pastoral team, and so many families who have joined the community over the past year.  Special thanks to Louis Bosco, Director of Religious Education; Paula Green, Program Manager, and the many volunteer catechists who assist in sharing the Good News with our young people.  Our parishes are truly blessed by the faith, love, and assistance of so many in serving God’s people.  God bless you!
      Please continue to pray for our young people, that now and throughout their lives, they make good use of the holy gifts God has given them.  Even more so, please pray for their parents, that they might first know God’s love for them, be transformed by it, and share Christ with others, beginning with their families.  Parents are the first and most impactful role models for their children in all things and certainly the ways of the Faith   Our focus on the importance of a truly Catholic culture is not just important for today, or even tomorrow, but for all eternity.  May we trust and seek the Lord in all that all we do!
 
The Church Alive!
     It was great to see our middle school students gather for the kick-off event for 2019 - 2020 season this past Sunday evening.  Over 55 young people were present for an evening with friends, fellowship, and food!  It promises to be a year of prayer, learning, service and fun!  Parents, please continue to direct your middle school students to these engaging evenings.  It’s all about leading our young people into a deeper relationship with Jesus.  We need to continue to “cast the net” and welcome our young people, their families and friends into the life of Jesus and his Church!  Thanks for all that you do to promote this spirit of mission.  Discipleship is a lifelong journey for all of us.  God’s blessings! 

Maintenance:
Sound System Update
With much work and adjustments being made on the sound system at Saint Alexis, a path of permanent correction may now have been identified.  It will require the replacement of the current speakers with a new line of speakers that absorb any reverberation and bring clarity to the amplification.  The proposed system was temporarily set-up in the church a few weeks ago for the Sunday celebrations of which many guests commented on the significant improvement.  Praise God!
     We are learning more about this proposal and are in need of funding for implementation.  Right now the proposal looks like it will cost an estimated just under $70,000.  It sounds expensive, but it’s a fix that is a MUST.  This expenditure is one that hasn’t been budgeted for but the sooner it is purchased and installed, the better the quality of the Sunday experience will be.  I think you would agree.  If you would like to learn more about how we can make this happen, please see me, or contact Chuck Goetz, Business Manager for the Wexford Catholic Community at [email protected].

Triennial Priests’ Convocation
       Beginning on Monday September 30 thru Thursday evening, October 3, nearly all priests of the Diocese of Pittsburgh will attend the Triennial Priests’ Convocation at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia, for a prayer, reflection, instruction, and fraternity. 
         Since fewer priests will be available, each regional vicar compiled a list of parishes in their vicariate where daily Mass will be available while the priests are away.  In lieu of the absence of Fr. Joe and myself, Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis will have the opportunity to pray the Liturgy of the Hours during the usually scheduled Mass times with the exception of Wednesday’s 9:00 a.m. Mass time at Saint Alphonsus.

     The parishes nearest to Wexford area where Masses will be celebrated are as follows:
Saint Kilian Parish, Adams/Cranberry Township
                                             October 1-3 7:00 a.m.
Holy Sepulcher, Glade Mills October 1 9:00 a.m.
                                             October 2 7:00 p.m.
                                             October 3 9:00 a.m.
Saint Joseph, O’Hara Township
                                              October 1-3 8:00 a.m.
Saint Juan Diego, Sharpsburg (Madonna of Jerusalem site)
                                               October 1-2 9:00 a.m.

     This is a time of adjustment for all of us as Church.  There are fewer priests while we experience a greater urgency in our ministry and demand for service.   We appreciate your understanding for the importance and need to step away to pray and heal together that we might be more closely yoked with the Lord so as to better serve you, our people.  Please begin praying for the presbyterate of the diocese of Pittsburgh as we anticipate this time together.  In God, all things are made possible.  With us, trust Him.