We live in a world plagued by division, conflict and quarrels. It seems like everyone is fighting and arguing with someone who does not agree with their beliefs. We just had Election Day last Tuesday for local and state offices and next year’s Presidential Election is in full swing with local talk radio and television news shows holding town hall meetings and opinion polls. Our nation, state, and even in our own families seem divided on various issues.
 
This weekend we celebrate the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The readings focus on being united. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read the death of Stephen the first martyr in our church. In the Second Reading from the Book of Revelation, we read the final words of the Bible. John ends with a confident prayer saying Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. In the Gospel of John, we continue to read the “farewell discourse” at the Last Supper. Jesus prays for all who will come to faith through the word of the disciples and asks that his followers be united as one, as he and his Father are one. 
 
As we prepare for Pentecost next weekend, let us pray that we all be one.
   
Parish Improvements
 
A new hot water tank was purchased and installed at Mother of Good Counsel Church. Thank you to a very generous Anonymous Donor for purchasing this wish list item so we could get it replaced!  
 
John Sommers Construction installed s new screen door in the St. James Ministry Center. Funds from “Our Campaign for the Church Alive” helped make this project a possibility.
 
Raimondo Restoration Contractors of Greensburg has completed the concrete work around the St. James Campus. Also new hand rails were installed in front of the Ministry Center along Rebecca Avenue and new handrails were installed at the Chapel entrance and front entrance of the church. Funds from “Our Campaign for the Church Alive! and several anonymous donors made this project possible!
 
Wish List Items
 
We are in need of several items at our three campuses. If you would like to help contribute to a specific project please let me know. We are in need of the following:
 
St. Bede Church main entrance vestibule restroom is in need of upgrades with removing the outdated wall paper.
 
St. Charles Lwanga Rectory is need of upgrades with new carpeting, windows, blinds and painting.
 
Please contact me either by calling 412.661.7222 ext. 207 or e-mail at [email protected] for more information on how to help contribute to these wish list projects.
 
Summer Daily Mass  Because Fr. James, Fr. Augustine and Fr. Cajetan will be traveling most of the summer, we will be just having 9am Daily Mass Monday thru Saturday at St. Bede from June 3 thru August 31. There will be no 8am Daily Mass at St. James or Mother of Good Counsel during the summer.
 
Catholic Education Plus on KDKA RADIO 1020AM Tune into KDKA Radio, 1020am Sunday, June 9, for “Catholic Education Plus” my guests will be: Tori Fedora- religion teacher and campus minister at Serra Catholic High School, and Rebecca Sullivan – a Junior at Serra Catholic High School.
 
Deacon Formation I am pleased to announce that CCEEP member Dr. John S. Maier has been accepted by Bishop Zubik to start the aspirancy (beginning) phase of the diocesan Deacon Formation Program. Dr. Maier and his family have been very active over the years at St. Bede School and Parish. We will continue to pray for him as he begins this very important journey.
 
Deacon Ordination Next Saturday, June 8 at 10 am at Mary, Mother of the Hope Church in New Castle, Michael Faix and Matthew Hawkins will be ordained Transitional Deacons. Matt has helped out at St. Charles Lwanga Parish the past several years. We pray for both of these men as they are ordained to serve the Church of Pittsburgh!
 
Congratulations to Mia Matesa Andrulonis who is being Baptized this weekend.
 
Welcome A special welcome to Mario, Gina, Luke and Peter DePasquale and Michael, Tracy, Grant, and Patrick McClancy who recently registered at CCEEP.
 
Something to Think About…