Pastor’s Note: March 3, 2019
Eight Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
   
As we enter into the month of March, and prepare to begin the season of Lent, this good time to evaluate what we want to do during these forty days of Lent. Some people like to “give something up” such as a favorite food or beverage, or do something extra like coming to daily mass or Stations of the Cross. Whatever we do these next forty days, let it be a time of internal change and reflection on becoming a better person. This time of year is a great time to do some internal “Spring Cleaning.”
 
This weekend we celebrate the Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time. The readings focus on listening and reflecting on things before jumping to conclusions or judging others. In the first reading from the Book of Sirach, we read how a wise teacher offers advice that appearances can sometimes be deceptive. The reading reminds us to listen carefully before judging. In the Gospel of Luke, we continue reading from the “Sermon on the Plain” as Jesus warns against hypocrisy and criticizing others without first looking at themselves. Jesus uses the parable of the blind leading the blind to show there is a difference between what is good and what is evil. Jesus teaches us that our own short sightedness and prejudice can prevent us from understanding the true meaning of another’s acts. To really get to know people is to listen and observe.
   
Our combined CCEEP Worship and Faith Formation Committees are planning wonderful events during the Lenten Season to get spiritually enriched. Please take every opportunity to participate in our various activities at all three of our campuses. The theme this Lent is “Under Construction, Spiritual Renovation.”
 
Upcoming Lenten Activities
 
Ash Wednesday: March 6.
Masses will be held:     9 am  St. Bede
                                      9 am  St. James
                                       Noon  St. Charles Lwanga, Mother of Good Counsel Church
                                      7 pm  St. Bede
                                      7 pm  St. James
 
First Reconciliation for the CCEEP community will be on Saturday, March 9,  at 11 am at St. Bede Church.
 
Lenten Day of Reflection:  Sunday, March 10, 1 to 3:00 pm at St. Bede Church. Guest Speaker: Mimika Garesche
 
Confirmation Retreat: Wednesday, March 13, from 9 am to 3 pm at Martina Spiritual Renewal Center- West View.
 
Rite of Election for R.C.I.A. Candidates and Catechumen: Sunday, March 17, 2 pm at St. Paul Cathedral.
 
Lenten Day of Reflection: Sunday, March 24, 1 to 3 pm at St. Charles Lwanga., other of Good Counsel Church.
 
Confirmation for the CCEEP:  Tuesday, March 26,at 7 pm at St. Bede Church with Bishop Zubik.
 
Taize and Penance Service:  Sunday, March 3,1 at 3pm at St. James.
 
Lenten Day of Reflection: Sunday, April 7, 1 to 3pm atSt. James.
 
“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, 7:30pm.   St. Ferdinand Parish Youth Ministry Program performs “Living Stations” at St. Bede.
 
Congratulations to Owen Michael Lang who made his “Profession of Faith” last Saturday. A Profession of Faith is when a Baptized Christian from a non Catholic Christian Church wants to become Catholic. Owen is a Second Grader at St. Bede School and will be receiving his First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in the next few weeks with his classmates. He is the son of Andrew and Melissa Lang.
 
Parish Share 2019
The Annual Parish Share 2019 Campaign has begun.  All registered parishioners should have received their pledge and payment cards. Parish Share helps operate the offices at the Diocese of Pittsburgh supports our Seminary and Hospital Chaplaincy and College Campus programs. Please be as generous as possible.
 
Parish Improvements
A new Motion Sensor Light on the outdoor side entrance of the St. James Rectory and new updated kitchen ceiling lights were installed this past week by Buch Electric.
 
New candle racks are now in place inside St. James Church on the side altars.
 
A new security alarm panel has been installed by Guardian Protection
Services in the main entrance of Mother of Good Counsel Church-
St. Charles Lwanga Parish.
 
We have selected Eastern Oil as our distributor for our candles and wine supplier for all three of our campuses. A new Rose Blend Red Wine will soon be offered at all of the masses.
 
Something to Think About…
You change your life by changing your heart. - Max Lucado
 
With God, All Things Are Possible!
 
Fr. Tom Burke
Administrator
E-Mail:[email protected]
www.cceepgh.org