Pastor’s Note
May 5, 2019
Third Sunday of Easter
   
Today is the Third Sunday of Easter. All of the readings this weekend focus on keeping the faith and following Christ. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read how efforts were being made to stop the Apostles from spreading the gospel. Peter and the Apostles were reprimanded for teaching and preaching in Jesus’ name, but they did not stop, they kept the faith despite threats and opposition. The Apostles were arrested, imprisoned and miraculously released to proclaim the Gospel. In the Second Reading from the Book of Revelation we read how in a vision, John sees God’s heavenly throne surrounded by the elders. In the Gospel of John, we read how Jesus appears to the Apostles after the resurrection; waiting to share breakfast with them. After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him then gives Peter a mission and foreshadows the manner in which he would die. As a human being, during Jesus’ arrest, Peter denied knowing Jesus out of fear and death, but then seeks out love and forgiveness and proclaims his loyalty to Jesus.
 
Easter time fills us with great joy in our ministry. As we renew our Baptismal promises during the Easter season, let us be refreshed with the Holy Water and recommit to follow Jesus even when we face tough times.
 
Let us not have fear, but have faith!
   
First Holy Communion Congratulations to our fifty students who received their First Holy Communion last weekend. What a glorious day it was for our children to receive the Body and Blood Christ for the very first time. The church was packed and it turned out to be a beautiful day.
 
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.
 
PARISH ASSEMBLY  Last Sunday we held a Parish Assembly in Mother of Good Counsel Church of St. Charles Lwanga Parish.  Fr. Taylor and I, along with the Advisory Councils, presented the long-term maintenance needs of Corpus Christi church and the financial challenges the parish is facing with regard to necessary repairs. Upon reviewing the state of financial situation that St. Charles Lwanga Parish is facing, I along with the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils am  recommending that Corpus Christi Church be closed and relegate it to Profane Use, meaning that the building could be sold at a later date.
 
We are submitting the necessary paper work to the Diocese of Pittsburgh to begin the process to close the building. We will keep you posted on the process.
 
As we continue to move forward to become one parish family in January 2020, we as a grouping face many unknown challenges of finances, and the upkeep of the properties. Please continue to keep an open mind of how best we can utilize the three campuses that we are currently using. Also, we are continuing to discuss the future use of Holy Rosary Church which sits vacant and unused but we still are paying insurance and utility bills which are causing a financial drain and burden to St. Charles Lwanga Parish.
 
STREAM LAB Update We are pleased to announce that renovations to St. Bede School will begin Thursday, June 6 to install the much anticipated STREAM Lab. Our school, gym and outdoor play ground will be closed for summer camps and other activities throughout the summer to ensure safety. We are very grateful for all the financial support from major donors, families, parishioners and friends of St. Bede School to make this project a possibility. Stay tuned for further details and information about this wonderful project.
 
Happy Anniversary This weekend, Saturday, May 4, we congratulate Fr. David Taylor celebrating his 45 ^th Anniversary of Priesthood. Congratulations Fr. Taylor and many, more years ahead!
 
Happy 57 ^th Wedding Anniversary to my parents Bill and Marge Burke, celebrating their special day this Sunday, May 5.
 
Congratulations to Irabella Alice Morgan, daughter of Tim and Jennifer Dick Morgan, who was baptized last weekend!
 
Enjoy the new look for our CCEEP bulletin  which debuts this weekend!
 
Something to Think About…
Not truth, but faith it is that keeps the world alive.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
 
With God All Things Are Possible!
 
Fr. Tom Burke, Administrator
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