Wisdom 7:7-11    Hebrews 4:12-13    Mark 10:17-30

Life is a choice. Each day we have many decisions to make and these decisions speak a whole lot about who we are and where we are going. One of the Old Testament Prophets said “As for me and my house I will serve the Lord.” Solomon as well as the “rich man” and the disciples had to make a decision of who they were going to serve.

Next week Saint Bede, Saint Charles Lwanga and Saint James are challenged to move in new directions. We move by faith, but also with some unknown challenges. Father Tom and I will continue to work together as we have over the last several months. Our roles will be somewhat different, but our commitment in service remain the same. As I have told you a number of times, I will do everything that I can to serve these three parishes, and to help bring us to one faith community.

Next week our Sunday bulletin will take on a new format and front page. It will be a joint bulletin between Saint Charles Lwanga and Saint James. Later on Saint Bede will also be a part of the bulletin for The Catholic Community of the East-End. We look forward to this.

These are challenging times not only for our three parishes but for every parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Over half of our priests in the diocese are moving from one faith community to a new parish grouping. Needless to say this is a real challenge for each of them and we wish them the best. I hope to see many of you at our Fall Harvest Dinner and I hope that it will be a great time of prayer, reflection, and enjoying a good meal together.