For the last four weeks we have been traveling this journey hopefully making some changes in our life. Now that we have reached the mid-point of Lent, let us look at those people in our life that we need to forgive.
The Fifth Sunday of Lent can be seen as a turning point in the Lenten journey as we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Triduum in two weeks. Today’s readings reflect on our need for redemption and the need to open our eyes to the new things God wants us to do. In the First Reading from Isaiah we read how the prophet encourages the exiled people to trust that God will restore them to their homeland. In in the Second Reading from Paul to the Philippians, we read how Paul accepts loosing earthly things so as to share in heavenly things. Like Paul, we need to forget the past and reach forward for what is to come. In the Gospel of John we see how Jesus shows compassion to a woman caught in adultery and avoids a trap set by the Scribes and Pharisees.
The Pharisees are not interested in the woman or her alleged crime; they are more interested in trapping Jesus. He reminds us that all people are capable of changing if given a chance.
Jesus demonstrates Gods forgiving love and new life that love offers to all willing to receive it. The compassion and forgiveness of Jesus gave life. The woman went away free- free to change her behavior and to regain her self-respect.
As we prepare for Palm Sunday and the last few weeks of Lent let us come clean of our burdens and make these last few weeks of Lent a life changing experience.
Under Construction, Spiritual Renovation!
Living Stations- NextSunday, April 14, 7:30pm in St. Bede Church, St. Ferdinand Parish Youth Ministry Program will perform “Living Stations.” Over 60 High School Students will perform this wonderful passion play. Please join us to prepare for Holy Week.
Light is On for You The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great time to get refreshed and renewed. St. Bede Church will be open from 6pm to 9pm this coming
Wednesday, April 10 for the “Light is On for You.”
School Registration Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy in Wilkinsburg and St. Bede School in Point Breeze are currently accepting registration for the 2019-20 school year. There is a Three Year Old Half Day Preschool program and Half Day and Full Day Four Year Old Preschool Program. Scholarships and Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Sister Thea Bowman and St. Bede schools are excellent places to start your child’s journey through social awareness, academics, and faith in a safe, loving environment. For more information and for a tour of the school please call Sister Thea Bowman at 412.242.2460 or St. Bede School at 412.661.9425.
Mass Survey Members of our Joint CCEEP Pastoral Council have been meeting the past several months developing a Parish Survey to obtain parishioners input for the future weekend Mass time options. In the next few weeks we will be distributing these surveys. With six weekend masses in our grouping (based on having two full time priests assigned to the grouping) we will gather input from parishioners on what they would suggest the new mass schedule could be. While it is impossible to make everyone happy, it will give the Joint Pastoral Council, staff and clergy some options of what the weekend mass schedule could be. Stay tuned in the next couple weeks for the survey to be available.
Parish Improvements The front wooden doors of St. Bede Church have been repaired.
New lights have been installed near the candle racks at St. Bede Church.
A glass panel at the St. Bede Rectory Door Entrance has been repaired.
Congratulations Congratulations to our 45 Eighth Graders who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last week by Bishop Zubik. Special thanks to Teresa Maynor our Religious Education Coordinator, Sister Daniella Bronka our School Principal, and our Teachers and Catechists for preparing our youth. Also thank you to our Office Manager Terri Price for typing up the program and printing the Confirmation Certificates.
Something to Think About… Anger can be an expensive luxury. Italian Proverb