Back on Sunday, May 26, (my Eighteenth Anniversary of Priesthood) my good friend Aggie went home to the Lord after a short battle with cancer. She was very supportive of my vocation and a dear friend of mine for over twenty-six years. She was a talented graphic artist who designed my Priesthood Ordination invitations and first Mass program and did various work for other local parishes. Recently, my friend Fr. Steve Kresak, and I were at Aggie’s house in Carnegie helping her family clean out her personal belongings. We packed up furniture, computers, tools, clothes and papers. After her family took the items they wanted, Fr. Steve and I donated the extra items to Goodwill and a local Christian Thrift Store. My nephew Keegan even did a scout project landscaping her front and back yard. Now after two months of cleaning out the house, it is ready to be put on the market for sale. It is hard to remove items from a friend’s home but this process has taught me that “Less is More.” Letting go of material items is not as important as holding on to good memories of friends and family.
This weekend we celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings this weekend focus on simplicity, humility, and looking forward at what is truly important in our life: family, friends, and our relationship with God. In the first reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes, we read how the valuable lesson of time places limits on the things we do. The opening words of today’s reading “vanity of vanities” is at the heart of the preaching of this author. In the Second reading to the Colossians, we are reminded that in Christ, each of us has put on a new self. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a parable emphasizing what true security is and where it can be found. A variety of people approach Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem asking challenging questions. In Luke’s Gospel, wealth and poverty, rich and poor, are an important theme. Jesus gives a firm warning “take care to guard against all greed.”
As we begin the month of August, the summer season will be winding down in a few weeks. As we prepare to get back to school, work, and the busy fall activities, let us simplify our life by letting go of any extra things that block us from becoming closer to God.
Less is More!
RCIA Do you want to learn more about the Catholic faith? Are you baptized in another faith and would like to be Catholic? Are you baptized Catholic but need communion and or confirmed? The Rite of Christian Initiation Program (RCIA) will be starting next month. Please give me a call at 412. 661.7222 ext. 207 or email me at
[email protected] to discuss.
The Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother is a Holy Day on Thursday, August 15. Mass will be held at 9 am and 7 pm at the St. Bede Campus.
Mission Appeal The weekend of September 14 and 15 we will have the annual Diocesan Mission Appeal. Fr. Peter Mushi from the Apostles of Jesus will be speaking at all of the masses. Please be as generous as possible.
Becoming One Over the next few weeks, parishioners will have an opportunity to submit suggestions for our new parish name. Parish Assemblies will take place the weekends of September 21 and 22 and 28 and 29. Stay posted for further information.
Financial Realities In last week’s Pittsburgh Catholic Newspaper, it was reported that decreased offertory income will impact both parishes and diocesan operations, and both will have to reduce their expenses. We have been restructuring our CCEEP Staff and services over the past several months to keep within our tight budget. Please support CCEEP by using your envelopes and online giving. Your support is appreciated.
Congratulations John Davidson and John Parker and who are being Baptized this weekend.
Happy Birthday to our St. Bede School Principal, Sister Daniela Bronka, who celebrated her birthday August 1 and St. Charles Lwanga Secretary, Joyce Broaddus, who is celebrating her birthday this coming Tuesday, August 6.
Wedding Bells Congratulations to Colleen Pegher and Jeffrey Childs who are celebrating their wedding this weekend at CCEEP.
Welcome to Thomas, Lauren, Thomas, Nicholas and John Davidson who recently joined CCEEP.