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We warmly welcome Fr. Casimir to Holy Cross this weekend as part of our cooperation with the Diocese of Greensburg Mission Appeal Cooperative.

Last weekend the tradition of the Holy Cross Festival continued in grand style. The weather was perfect, the crowds were huge and a good time was had by all. I wish to say "thank you" to all who worked hard in preparing the festival and those who worked in the many different areas of the Festival. A special "thank you" to the festival committee for another year of great dedication and hard work coordinating all the events for the festival. With everyone’s hard work and effort and God leading us, the festival would not have been the great success that it was! May the tradition continue in 2012!

Tuesday is the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, patron saint of charities. He is renowned for his compassion and generosity. Thank you for your contributions throughout the year in helping those in need in our local community.

Thursday is the Feast of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Michael is the protector of police officers. Gabriel, patron of postal workers and ambassadors, delivers divine messages to those who listen to God’s word and keep it. Raphael, guardian of the blind and of teenagers, is the companion we seek in the confusing times of our lives. Don’t leave home without your guardian angel.

Our Psalm response this week, "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me," encourages us to ask God to teach us and guide us to God’s truth.

Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven... Go Steelers!

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Our celebration at Mass this weekend reminds us of God’s lavish and generous love. As we celebrate our annual parish festival this weekend, a big "thank you" to all who are sharing their generosity through their time, talent and treasure!

The first words of today’s first reading are “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near.” In the proclamation of the sacred word we find the Lord, whose justice and compassion reach out to all. Today’s gospel reminds us that it is never too late to seek God’s mercy. As the sacred word is proclaimed, let us pray that God’s mercy will reach even the hardest hearts.

Next weekend we will welcome Fr. Casimir from the Holy Ghost Fathers who will be here as part of the Diocese of Greensburg Mission Appeal. Also next weekend we will kick off our Faith Formation year. All are asked to meet in the church at 9:00 AM for a special blessing to begin the new year.

This Wednesday is the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle. Matthew left his customs work when Jesus called him. What might we need to leave behind to follow Jesus today?

Wednesday is also the International Day of Peace. How will you celebrate, share the spirit of peace?

Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "The Lord is near to all who call upon him," reminds us that our gracious Lord is only a prayer away.

Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... Go Steelers!

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We gather this weekend very much mindful that it has been ten years since that terrible day when the Twin Towers fell in New York, a plane crashed in western Pennsylvania, and yet another jet breached the walls of the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Recalling that devastation and loss of life, today’s lesson of forgiveness is challenging indeed. Let us pray for the courage and strength to meet the challenge. On this National Day of Mourning and Remembrance: We Remember, We Celebrate and We Believe. God Bless America!

This Wednesday is the Feast Day of Holy Cross Church, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. “The cross has set free all who were slaves of sin. It has redeemed all humanity.” We celebrate our Feast Day each year with a festival: the Holy Cross Festival. Yes, next weekend is our festival. Your help is greatly needed with set-up this week, with working the festival on Saturday and Sunday as well as inviting your family and friends to stop over and enjoy the food and entertainment... and to watch the Steeler game in the Black and Gold Szone. Please pray for nice weather!

Today is Grandparents Day ... if it were not for our grandparents, where would some of us be? If it were not for their sacrifices, where would some of us have landed? And so, let's pray for all of our grandparents (Big Mama & Paw-Paw, Memaw & Pop Pop, Grams & Poppie, Nanna & Grandpa).

Our Responsorial Psalm this weekend, "The Lord is kind, merciful, and rich in compassion," reminds us to be thankful that God’s mercy and kindness are limitless.

Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... GO STEELERS!

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Happy Labor Day weekend! They say it’s the end of summer, but it’s my favorite time of year: autumn and football! On this Labor Day weekend, we gather to praise and thank God even as we remember with gratitude all who work to make it possible for us to live the way that we do. In today’s scriptures we hear of the importance of using the appropriate processes to address grievances and determine responsibilities. As we celebrate this final summer holiday let us keep in mind these lessons in justice and pray to be able to apply them to the working world around us.

Printed materials have been placed on our vehicles (including mine) throughout the summer by Fr. Bernie Survil. Please note that these messages are not from me or a reflection of Holy Cross Church. Fr. Survil makes his way through the area on Sunday mornings and it is hard to stop him. So, I apologize for my brother priest for placing these printed materials on our vehicles.

This Thursday, September 8, is the Feast of the Nativity (Birth) of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Mary’s birth constitutes a fundamental stage for the Family of Nazareth, cradle of our redemption, an event that touches all of us, because every gift that God has given her, the Mother, God has given thinking also of each one of us, her children.”

Faith Formation classes will begin on Sunday, September 25. Registration forms are available at the entrances to the church and online. Parents are reminded of their responsibility of making sure your child is trained in the practice of the faith. New to Faith Formation this year will be Sunday Morning Chat for youth in grades 7-12. More information to follow.

Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts..." reminds us to open our hearts and pay attention to God’s presence in the world all around us.