Last week, on Ash Wednesday, I received a notice on my cell phone that a patient at Lifecare on Penn Avenue in Wilkinsburg needed to be Anointed. As I walked into the patient’s room I was greeted by the daughter and social worker. The daughter told me her mom was “ready to go home with the Lord.”
I prayed over the woman and administered the Sacrament of Anointing and then she smiled and whispered “thank you.” It was a very powerful visit.
This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent. The readings focus on communication, change, and having total trust in God. In the First Reading from Genesis, we read how the Lord makes a covenant with Abram. God gives him the assurance of faith he needs that his descendants will enjoy the Promise Land. In the Second Reading to the Philippians, we read how Paul encourages his beloved Philippian community to keep firm in the Lord. In the Gospel of Luke, we read the Transfiguration. (Every year on the Second Sunday of Lent we read about the Transfiguration). Peter, James, and John travel up to Mount Tabor and Jesus is physically changed. They get to see a glimpse of the past: Moses and Elijah, and the future: that Jesus is truly the Messiah, the Son of God.
As we continue our Lenten journey, today’s scripture passages give us hope and encouragement.
"Under Construction, Spiritual Renovation”
First Reconciliation Congratulations to our Fifty students who received their First Reconciliation last Saturday. Special thanks to
Melissa Viator, Bridget Kelly, Kaethe McGonigle, and Isabella Viator for preparing the children. Thanks to
Teresa Maynor our CCD Director and
Sister Daniela Bronka our School Principal for their leadership.
Rite of Sending This weekend at the 11am Mass, we welcome our
R.C.I.A. Candidates now called
“the Elect” as we officially send them to St. Paul Cathedral this afternoon for the Rite of Election to be introduced to Bishop Zubik as they become closure to joining us in the Catholic Faith at the Easter Vigil. The Class of 2019 includes:
Kristen McFadden-Catechumen for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation and
Ken Tullar and
Taylor Jensen- Candidates for Eucharist and Confirmation.
Pastor Verification Forms Any Catholic parent who has a child in a Catholic Elementary School needs to set up an appointment with me to sign the Pastor Verification Form verifying that their children listed are baptized and that the family is a registered participating member of one of the parishes of the Catholic Community of the East End of Pittsburgh. These individual appointments also help me get to know the parents and families.
If you are not officially registered at one of the CCEEP parishes please contact the offices of St. Bede, St. Charles Lwanga or St. James to officially register.
Upcoming Lenten Activities
Lenten Day of Reflection- Sunday, March 24, 1 to 3pm- St. Charles Lwanga- Mother of Good Counsel Church with Fr. Thomas Burke and Fr. David Taylor.
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.
Lenten Day of Reflection- Sunday, April 7, 1 to 3pm- St. James with Fr. Thomas Burke and Fr. David Taylor.
“Light is On for You”- Wednesday, April 10, 6pm to 9pm at St. Bede. (church will be open for Private Prayer, Meditation and Confession).
Living Stations- Palm Sunday, April 14, 7:30pmSt. Ferdinand Parish Youth Ministry Program performs “Living Stations” at St. Bede.
Spring Cleaning Since the basketball season is winding down and more weekend athletic and social activities will be moving outdoors in the coming weeks, we are going to do some internal “Spring Cleaning” around the St. Bede Campus. On
Saturday, March 23 the St. Bede School and Gym will be closed all day. Tarax Cleaning Services will be here to do some “detail cleaning” to the cafeteria, kitchen, floors and restrooms. We ask that no activities be scheduled that day to allow the cleaning crew full access to the building to clean.
Congratulations Congratulations to
Isabella Colette Wisinski and
Lucas James Wisinsksi who are being Baptized this weekend!
Something to Think About… May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door. An Irish Blessing