It is the mid-point of November and the weather is changing, the leaves are falling and we are experiencing cooler temperatures. As we prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas Season, this is a good time to evaluate how the year 2019 has been for us: what have we done and where do we want to go for the New Year and how are we going to make a positive difference with our new parish forming in January? This is a good weekend to do some “internal soul searching,” to start making some goals to be a better person and also “thinking outside the box” and be open to our parish merger.
 
This weekend’s readings invite us to prepare for the end of the liturgical year and prepare for the end of times. In our first reading from the Book of Malachi, we read how a prophet speaks about what is in store for God’s people. They will find healing in the light of the world. In the second reading to the Thessalonians, we read how Paul urges us to be good and faithful servants of the Kingdom of God. In the Gospel of Luke, we read how Jesus sternly warns against following false prophets or worldly signs. Luke’s reflection on the coming the end of time is different from the other gospel writers focusing on the day to day Gospel living. Luke stresses that our security lies in God alone; he is our anchor and our strength.
 
Life as we know it will not last forever, we have to prepare for the future. We do not know the time or the hour of the end of our life, but we need to wake up and live each day to the fullest.
   
2020 Mass Intentions This year because of the merger we will open our books for 2020 Mass intentions the weekend of Saturday, November 30 from 5 pm to 7 pm, and Sunday, December 1 from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm in the St. Bede Activity Room. We will have a special flyer available to make reservations for one daily and one Sunday Mass, per family, at any of the three of our campuses. Please consider merging your intentions such as: “For the Burke and Dvorksy Families.  Please be patient with this new sign up system. No Mass intentions can be accepted until then. We appreciate your understanding.
 
Throughout this month we will offer our prayers for the names of our loved ones who are listed in the Memorial Board near the pulpit on the altar at all three of our campuses and the names listed in the “Memorial Book” also known as the Book of Remembrance. Please feel free to inscribe names of your loved ones in our Book of Remembrance located in front of the church.
 
Thanksgiving Day Mass - Thursday, November 28  9 am - St. James
**Please note we are only having one Mass on Thanksgiving Day. As we will soon become one parish family, what a great day to come together and give thanks for God’s blessings and breaking bread as one unified family.**
The rectory offices will be closed Thursday, November 28 through Monday, December 2. All three parish offices will reopen on Tuesday, December 3.
 
Second Collection this weekend is for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Please be as generous as possible.
 
Wedding Bells Congratulations to Caitlin Downs and Gianni Ricci who are celebrating Caitlin’s baptism and their wedding this weekend at CCEEP!
 
Happy Anniversary St. James! Next weekend at the 10 am Mass we will be celebrating the 150 ^th Anniversary of St. James Parish. Join us as we celebrate our past and look forward to the future.
 
Birthday Reflection As I prepare to celebrate my 49 ^th Birthday next Sunday, November 24, I would like to pause and say thanks to my parents Bill and Marge, for the gift of life! I am grateful for the morals and values my parents have taught me. I am honored to be your administrator here in the Catholic Community of the East End of Pittsburgh.
 
Happy Birthday also to Fr. David Taylor, celebrating his birthday next Monday, November 25!
 
Something to Think About…