Pastor’s Note: February 27, 2019
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Be Merciful!
It is that time of year to make some Lenten goals and resolutions. Lent begins in just two weeks! What are you giving up for Lent? What do you want to do “extra” for the next Forty Days to become closer to Christ? What are the areas in your life that you want to do “differently?”
This weekend we celebrate the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings focus on being merciful and forgiving. In the first reading from the Book of Samuel, we read how David is merciful towards his enemy Saul. He values justice and faithfulness above all other virtues. David chooses love and forgiveness instead of hatred and revenge. In the Second reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we read how Paul speaks of Adam and of Christ. Through Adam we are bound to earth, through Christ we have hope in the eternal life in heaven. In the Gospel of Luke, we continue reading from last week’s passage of the “Sermon on the Plain.” Last week we heard Jesus teach us the Beatitudes; this week we read how Jesus sets forth the challenges of living in the Kingdom of God by reminding us to forgive and to “love” our enemies. This passage is often called the “Discourse on the Plain.” Jesus focuses on forgiveness and love. He says, be merciful as your father is merciful. Let us leave resentment and hatred behind and may our hearts be like God’s heart of mercy and put away harsh judgments and condemning thoughts. As Lent approaches in a just a few weeks, let us begin to pray about taking some time out of our busy schedules to slow down and reflect on how we act day in and day out what we say and do. Let us be transformed into the image of Christ. Let Go, and Let God!
Be Merciful!
End of the Year Tax Statements: Please note that all registered CCEEP parishioners should have already received their end of the year statements either in the mail or by e-mail. Thank you for your generosity to our three parishes. *
Please note that if you contributed to the “Our Campaign for the Church Alive! fund, the Diocese will be sending out end of the year statements separately.*
Pre-Marriage Mentor Couples: This Sunday, February 24 after the 11am Mass in St. Bede’s church, there will be an information meeting for couples interested in helping with our Pre-Marriage Mentor Couple program. If you are interested in this ministry please contact Rich and Diane Nocito at 412-821-0587 or at richardnocito@comcast.net.
Upcoming Activities:
Ash Wednesday: March 6. Masses will be held: 9am: St. Bede 9am: St. James 12 N: St. Charles Lwanga. Mother of Good Counsel Church 7pm: St. Bede 7pm: St. James
First Reconciliation for the CCEEP community will be on
Saturday, March 9 at 11am at St. Bede Church.
Confirmation Retreat:Wednesday, March 13 from 9am to 3pm at Martina Spiritual Renewal Center in West View.
Rite of Election for R.C.I.A. Candidates and Catechumen will be on Sunday, March 17, at 2pm: St. Paul Cathedral.
Confirmationfor the CCEEP community will be onTuesday, March 26 at 7pm at St. Bede Church with Bishop Zubik.
Taize and Penance Service: Sunday, March 31, at 3pm at St. James.
“Light is On for You”: Wednesday, April 10, 6pm to 9pm at St. Bede.
Living Stations: Palm Sunday, April 14, 7:30pm. St. Ferdinand Parish Youth Ministry Program performs “Living Stations” at St. Bede.
First Holy Communionfor the CCEEP community will be on Sunday, April 28 at 2pm at St. Bede Church.
Parking in front of St. Bede Church Please note that the front driveway of St. Bede Church is for drop off and pick up, especially the elderly and handicapped
and families with small children. Those who park in the driveway during a Daily or Sunday mass, please be considerate not to block the driveway! We ask that you please look to make sure the driveway is clear so cars can move through smoothly without blocking anyone in or out. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
In Memory of Theresa E. Puleo Special thanks to estate of Theresa Puleo for her generous beneficiary distribution check to St. Bede Parish. Please remember St. Bede, St. Charles Lwanga and St. James Parish in your Living Will.
Something to Think About…
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,
reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”