Ordinary Time 18

Wow, the end of July is upon us. Where did that month go? As August begins so does back-to-school shopping, and before you know it the stores will be celebrating “creeping Christmas.” As we try to beat the heat during these summer days, think back to February 7 and 8 when we were shoveling snow and the temp was frigid. Enjoy the summer!

Thursday, August 4 is the memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests. Please take a moment to pray for all priests in the Diocese of Greensburg, especially those who have faithfully served Holy Cross over the years: Fr. John Szczesny (1998-2010), Fr. Al Pleban (1973-1982), Fr. Tom Lukac (1985-1992), Fr. Damian Warnock, OSB (1988-2002), as well as the deceased pastors of Holy Cross. Also take a moment and say a prayer for an increase in vocations to the priesthood.

We need to build the Liturgical Ministry team. So if you have an interest in becoming a lector, Minister of Holy Communion, cantor, or music minister (instrumentalist or vocalist), please see me!

Hampered by the security of food they have at hand, the disciples of Jesus are unable to feed the hungry crowd. Jesus takes and blesses the loaves and fish, the disciples themselves do feed the crowd and “all ate and were satisfied.” This miracle is essentially a sign of God’s kingdom. In that kingdom there is never scarcity or lack of power to respond to others but always the superabundance of God’s nourishing and satisfying presence among and within us. There were twelve baskets left over – an image of the abundance God gives us and the fullness of life we are offered.

Ordinary Time 17

Many, many, many thanks for making my 44th birthday happy! A special thank you for all the well wishes, the gifts, and for the ice cream social that included 3 birthday cakes, including one decorated in M&M’s! God bless you all for your kindness and generosity!

In today’s first reading the Lord asks Solomon, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Rather than asking for riches and long life, Solomon humbly asks for an understanding heart. This becomes a real treasure for him. In the Gospel, the kingdom of God is compared to a great treasure buried in a field and a pearl of great price. Let us be attentive to the treasures God shares with us daily in our lives.

Monday is the Feast of St. James the Apostle. He is known as James the Greater to distinguish him from the other apostle of the same name. Patron saint of Spain and of pilgrims, he is venerated at Santiago de Compostela, a famous medieval pilgrimage destination in Spain. May we imitate his eagerness to follow Jesus and change our lives in order to make this happen.

Tuesday is the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we imitate their example as loving parents and do all we can so that children might flourish as Mary did.

Friday is the Feast of Saint Martha. She is a model of hospitality as well as of fidelity in her discipleship. She is the patroness of housewives and of waiters and waitresses. May we imitate her care for others needs and trust in Jesus’ power to give new life.

Continue to have a blessed summer! Let's Go Bucs!

Ordinary Time 16

“God reigns” is the message of the scriptures this weekend. God’s word assures us that the rule of God is a reality, though it might not seem that way. The gospel speaks of the patience and power of God. Jesus says God’s active presence in the world is something as small as a mustard seed and as fragile as a pinch of yeast, yet each contains a power that, when released, will bring about growth and expansion. We are called to reflect God’s patient kindness in life.

As we near the completion of the interior renovation of the church I would like to thank you for your patience during this capital campaign and DLA project. I am well pleased with the outcome and I hope that you are, too!

It is hard to believe, but our festival is only two months away. This year’s entertainment will include the local country music band Saddle Up, playing on Sunday from 3-7. Also the Knights of Columbus will be hosting the Black 'N Gold Zone in the Church Hall, which will include Big Screen TVs to (hopefully) watch the Steeler game. There will also be Adult Table Games. It may be too early to get excited but start to spread the news to family and friends about the Holy Cross Church Festival on September 17 and 18!

Our weekly collections have increased steadily throughout the year compared to last year. Thank you for your generosity and keep up the good work! God bless you!

Finally, Faith Formation on all levels will begin in September, and we are in need of a kindergarten and 4th grade instructor as well as classroom aides. Please pray and see if this is where God may calling you to ministry. If interested, please contact me in person or e-mail.

Continue to have a blessed summer!

Ordinary Time 15

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Independence Day holiday weekend! As the summer moves along, I look forward to attending the Pirate game on July 19. The response was great and we sold all the tickets! I also am looking forward to traveling with the youth to Sandcastle Water Park for some "fun in the sun" on July 25. The trip is free for all altar servers and chaperones and $20 for youth and guests. I also look forward to the Youngwood Fireman’s carnival this week. Let us show our support to this courageous group by supporting the carnival!

Beginning this weekend in the bulletin we will list the names of those on the parish prayer list. We will include their names in the bulletin once a month. If you have a name to place on the list please call Helen Brown (724-925-9226) or Mary Lou Allemeier (724-925-2427). This ministry is part of the Holy Cross Ministry of Care. Soon we will introduce some new ideas for this ministry and we hope you will answer the call to serve in this very important ministry in our parish.

Monday is the memorial of St. Benedict. He emphasized moderation, humility, obedience, prayer and manual labor as the way to holiness. Let us pray for the Benedictines from St. Vincent Archabbey in nearby Latrobe who have faithfully served Holy Cross and the former St. Gilbert in Hunker for many years.

Thursday is the memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. She had a strong devotion to the Eucharist and a deep concern for others. She died in 1680, and was the first native American to be beatified (blessed). She is called the “Lily of the Mohawks” and is patroness of ecology and the environment. May we follow her example of courageous dedication to faith.

Saturday is the Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!

Ordinary Time 14

Happy birthday, America! July 4th, Independence Day is not a liturgical occasion, but it is a good time to reflect on all the blessings we have in this country. It is a time to consider what we might do for those who are less fortunate. The inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty proclaims, “Give me your tired, your poor.” The call to care for refugees and those who suffer poverty and injustice is not a political agenda but a gospel imperative. July 4th is much more than a day for fireworks; it’s a day to remember that “to those to whom much has been given, much will be expected.”

A Blessing for the Fourth of July

While the red flame of sunset warms each of you and snow white clouds point to heaven’s door, may you be wrapped in Mary’s mantle blue that your land be free forever more. May God grant you long years of life and liberty to serve each other’s need. May happiness chase all foolish strife. May you seek his peace in each word and deed. Amen.

A special word of gratitude to all who attended the Holy Cross Family Picnic last Sunday. And a special word of thanks to all who volunteered! A good time was had by all!

In the Gospel this weekend uses the words, “Learn from me.” Each week the sacred word of God is shared in this holy place as a means of instruction. Each week in the bulletin is a section called "The Inner Word," questions and reflections for your personal use based on the readings. I hope you take time out each week to reflect on the Word of God and its impact on your life.

The interior church renovation is coming along. Thank you for your patience! I’m sure you will be pleased with the finished product!

Enjoy a safe Independence Day weekend!