April 5, 2020 Sunday Mass Times 4:00 p.m. Saint Alexis (Saturday Anticipated Mass) 7:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 9:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 10:00 a.m. Saint Alexis 11:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 5:00 p.m. Saint Alexis Weekday Mass Schedule 8:00 a.m. Saint Alexis (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) 9:00 a.m. Saint Alphonsus (Wednesday) 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF WEXFORD Welcome to . . . “Grow in Jesus, engage in community, and go forth to make disciples.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ALL MASSES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Saint Alphonsus & Saint Alexis
Transcript
April 5, 2020
Sunday Mass Times 4:00 p.m. Saint Alexis (Saturday Anticipated Mass) 7:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 9:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 10:00 a.m. Saint Alexis 11:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 5:00 p.m. Saint Alexis
Weekday Mass Schedule
8:00 a.m. Saint Alexis (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) 9:00 a.m. Saint Alphonsus (Wednesday) 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF WEXFORD
Welcome to . . .
“Grow in Jesus, engage in community, and go forth to make disciples.”
But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behol d, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
ALL MASSES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Saint Alphonsus & Saint Alexis
March 29, 2020
One of the priests in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh who had been in isolation after exposure to someone in the faith community who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) has tested positive for the virus and continues to follow quarantine guidelines. Father Adam Potter, Parochial Vicar of the Greenfield, Hazelwood, Oakland grouping, as well as chaplain for Oakland Catholic High School in Oakland received the news about his positive test today, March 29, 2020. Yesterday, another priest, Father Thomas Gramc, Parochial Vicar of the Dormont, Mount Lebanon, Scott Township grouping, as well as chaplain for Seton La Salle High School also began isolation, after he and Father Potter showed mild symptoms. Neither priest has had any contact with students or faculty of the high schools, since their closure on March 13. Information is being shared with those who may have had contact with the priests. Father Gramc is being tested for coronavirus. As a result, the entire clergy teams at the parish groupings of (Saint Paul Cathedral-Oakland, St. Regis-Oakland, St. Rosalia-Greenfield, St. Stephen-Hazelwood) and (Saint Bernard in Mount Lebanon, Our Lady of Grace-Scott Township) began 14-day voluntary quarantine yesterday, March 28, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution and concern that these situations could be replicated in other parishes and parish groupings, Bishop David Zubik yesterday issued modifications to the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s coronavirus response policies including the directive that all churches be locked until further notice, the suspension of the public celebration of all sacraments including reconciliation, and the immediate suspension of weddings, funeral services, and baptisms until further notice. “Although we are not able to celebrate the sacraments publicly due to extraordinary circumstances, Jesus is still with us and working through us,” Bishop Zubik said. Live-stream celebrations of Masses from the diocese and other parishes not affected by the quarantine will continue. More details on the new directives can be found in a letter from the Bishop to priests, deacons, and seminarians, available at www.diopitt.org.
Priest in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Tests Positive for COVID-19
Yes, We Will Celebrate the Saving Mysteries of God’s Love
With the mandate by public health officials prohibiting all gatherings of people in large groups, and the directives of our Bishop Zubik implemented out of sincere pastoral care for God’s people, this will be a very different expression of Holy Week. Though all public celebrations of the Mass are prohibited and the doors of our churches locked, the “celebration” of our salvation will continue to take place only “privately.” However, this does not preclude
the faithful from participating. In fact, during this time of crisis and uncertainty, all are encouraged to participate even more so! Here’s what you can do:
Set aside time for daily prayer, especially those times when you would normally find yourself in church participating at Mass or devotions. Prepare yourself for the liturgies by praying over the readings beforehand. They are referenced in the weekly bulletin which you find online or visit usccb.org. Engage in these beautiful liturgies by viewing them as they are live streamed from our parish. Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. Good Friday - The Passion of the Lord 3:00 p.m. Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil Mass 8:30 p.m.
Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from centering your life in the Lord. In fact, we have all the more reason to turn to Him in this time of universal need. Our loving God is always there for us!
The following narrative may be helpful in directing your focus on Jesus. Without a doubt, know His compassion and presence with you. Cling to Him and know His love. Celebrating Palm Sunday – The Passion of the Lord Friends, the Palm Sunday liturgy offers us a view of the mysteries that we are invited to share in during Holy Week: the institution of the Eucharist, the passion and death of Jesus, and the prediction of his Resurrection. The reading during the processions with palms has a different tone than the readings during Mass. Upon arriving at Jerusalem, Jesus is greeted with joy and praise by the crowd that had come to believe and to have faith in him as the Prophet of God. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” But all of this stays behind at Mass as we focus on the moment
when Jesus celebrates the Passover with his closest friends. Jesus gives us the gift of the Eucharist, how He wants us to remember Him and makes Himself present to us. Then we witness Judas’ betrayal though he later regrets it. We also see betrayal by Peter who rejects Jesus three times lest he suffer the same fate. The weakness of Peter and the other apostles is again the focus when the apostles cannot even stay awake and pray with Jesus in the Garden of Olives. Jesus repeatedly invites them to stay awake and pray with him. It’s obvious that it isn’t out of merit or strength that Jesus has chosen them for the mission and that without the Holy Spirit, they can do nothing. The same can be said of us. In the Garden of Gethsemane as on the cross, Jesus feels alone. His suffering is announced in the psalm that Jesus will shout from the cross: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” In his humanity, Jesus is tempted by doubt: You too, my God have forsaken me? Does all of this suffering make any sense? But Jesus draws strength from weakness and, in his final act of faith, he again gives himself to the Father: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” The readings today leave us in suspense that will only be resolved at the great Easter Vigil. What’s going to happen? Jesus is dead and buried. However, the readings still offer us something powerful! The Gospel reminds us that the story doesn’t end there. The priests and Pharisees, knowing that Jesus said he would rise from the dead in three days, take every precaution to prevent anyone from stealing the body and claiming that Jesus has risen! Not only do they request guards, but the seal the tomb. The readings are preparing us to recognize on Easter Sunday that if the tomb is empty, it’s not the work of men. May we emerge from these high holy days of the liturgical year with renewed faith, hope, and love. Jesus continues to renew lives. May you personally experience newness of life through our risen Lord in this week to come.
Thank You and Right Back at You! Personally, and on behalf of Father Will, thank you to the many parishioners and friends who have expressed their concern for us, their commitment of prayers and offers to be of assistance in these times of social isolation. Your kindness means so very much! Be assured that our prayers and well wishes are with you as well. Know that you and your families are remembered in our daily prayers and in celebrating the holy sacrifice of the Mass. We are one in the Lord and we will get through this - together. God’s blessings . . . In Jesus’ love, Father Zywan
From Father Zywan
To love is to learn to follow Christ with others. LOVE
WE PRAY FOR THE SICK
We entrust to the care of Christ the Divine Physician, those members of our parish families of Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis who are in need of healing in body, mind or spirit, especially: Brian Bart Rachel Borck Jeannie Bukaukus Emma Bullick Joseph Borza Rick Collins Connor Cunic Gloria Dudowski Nancy Greer Patricia Gross Stanley Hofstetter Betty Howell
Al Korade Eugene Mancino Michelle Mehok Ron Mehok Diane Miller G. James Neelan Larry Sampietro Irene Schultz Amber VanVickle David Zappa Prayer Shawl Recipients
If you know of a parishioner or have a loved one who is ill, please contact the Parish Center and let us know. We will place that person’s name on the prayer list for four weeks. Intentions may return to the list upon monthly requests. Contact the Parish Center at 724.935.4343 or 724.935.1151 to add a loved one onto the list.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK Sunday: Mt 21:1-11/Is 50:4-7/Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 [2a]/Phil 2:6-11/Mt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54 Monday: Is 42:1-7/Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14 [1a]/Jn 12:1-11 Tuesday: Is 49:1-6/Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17 [cf. 15ab]/Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Wednesday: Is 50:4-9a/Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34 [14c]/Mt 26:14-25 Thursday: Chrism Mass: Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9/Ps 89:21-22, 25 and 27 [2]/Rv 1:5-8/Lk 4:16-21 Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14/Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18 [cf. 1 Cor 10:16]/1 Cor 11:23-26/Jn 13:1-15 Friday: Is 52:13—53:12/Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25 [Lk 23:46]/Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9/Jn 18:1—19:42 Saturday: Vigil: Gn 1:1—2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a/Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35 [30] or Ps 33:4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20-22 [5b]/Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 [1]/Ex 14:15—15:1/Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18 [1b]/Is 54:5-14/Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13 [2a]/Is 55:1-11/Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 [3]/Bar 3:9-15, 32—4:4/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 [Jn 6:68c]/Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28/Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 [42:2] or Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 [3] or Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 [12a]/Rom 6:3-11/Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23/Mt 28:1-10 Sunday: Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 [24]/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8/Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10]
Prayer for Palm Sunday
Lord Jesus Christ, on the first Palm Sunday,
you entered the rebellious city where you were to die.
Enter our hearts, we pray, and subdue them to yourself.
And as your disciples blessed your coming, and spread garments and branches
in your way, make us ready to lay at your feet
all that we have and are, that we too may bless your coming
In the name of the Lord. Amen.
"May Palm Sunday be a day of decision for you, the decision to say “yes” to the Lord and to follow him all the way. The decision to make his Passover, his death and resurrection, the very focus of your Christian lives. It is the decision that leads to true joy."
Words From Our Pope
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE The Catholic Community of Wexford wishes to extend sympathy to those who mourn the loss of a loved one, especially the soul who recently passed through death: Loretta Marchese (85), wife of Michael. A memorial Mass in memory of
Loretta will be celebrated at a later date which has not yet been determined. May the choirs of angels welcome her and where Lazarus is poor no longer, may she find eternal rest.
* * Updates will continue to be posted on our website, as well as our Catholic Community of Wexford Facebook page. Please be assured of our continued prayers and support for you during this time.
Discontinuing the “Printed” Bulletin With the restrictions we currently experience, there is not much to place in the parish bulletin, nor can we leave them in the church since it is now locked. Details about important information is already found on the Parish website. This publication is not possible to continue during this current health emergency. Therefore, beginning this weekend, we will cease publishing the bulletin but it can still be viewed on our website until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Sacramental Information Until Further Notice
• All opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in churches or church parking lots are immediately suspended at all parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
• All church buildings in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are to be locked until further notice, due to the fact that we are told that the virus can live on surfaces for an extended period of time.
• All Funeral Masses or services in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, inclusive of those at funeral homes, are immediately cancelled until further notice. Direct burials of the deceased should be celebrated with memorial Masses to occur at a later time.
• All Baptism ceremonies in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are suspended immediately and until further notice. In cases of emergency (in danger of death), people should contact their priest for guidance.
• All Wedding ceremonies in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are suspended immediately and until further notice. Parishes will be working directly with all couples who have scheduled weddings.
• The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick may occur only in the case of immediate danger of death.
Original Prayer to St. Michael Taken from the Raccolta O Glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare, which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, and spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already Thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist Thee, nor was there place for them any longer in heaven. That cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan, who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men; his depraved mind, corrupt heart, his spirit of lying, impiety, blasphemy, his pestilential breath of impurity and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the Spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on Her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be scattered. Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate Thee as their protector and patron; in Thee Holy Church glories as Her defense against the malicious power of hell; to Thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, do Thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.
V. Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered, hostile powers. R. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered, the root of David. V. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord. R. As we have hoped in Thee. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy name, and we humbly implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel St. Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen. Submitted by Dave VanVickle, Dir. of Evangelization
MONDAY, March 23 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Handbell Choir at Saint Alexis Church Support Group RCIA TUESDAY, March 24 Small Groups at St. Alexis Education Center Tuesday Hope Children’s Choir at St. Alexis Church Passion Play Rehearsal in St. Alphonsus Church Women’s Endow at St. Alexis Education Center
WEDNESDAY, March 25 Men’s Prayer Group Eucharistic Adoration at St. Alphonsus Church Divine Mercy Devotion at St. Alphonsus Church Bible Study at St. Alexis Education Center Reconciliation at St. Alphonsus Church Adult Choir at St. Alphonsus and St. Alexis Churches
THURSDAY, March 26 Passion Play Rehearsal in St. Alphonsus Church Lenten Penance Service at St. Alexis Church Small Groups Off Campus Support Group B FRIDAY, March 27 Sanctuary Committee cleaning at St. Alphonsus Church Support Group Stations of the Cross at St. Alphonsus Church Fish Fry at St. Alphonsus Stations of the Cross at St. Alexis Church Support Group
SATURDAY, March 28 Penance Service for Blessed Seelos Academy Students Small Groups at St. Alexis Education Center Emmaus Group at St. Alexis Education Center Breakfast Club Support Group
SUNDAY, March 29 Children’s Choir Practice at St. Alphonsus Life Night Support Group
Thanks to our bulletin advertisers for supporting our parish this week: Please offer your patronage to our sponsors or be sure to thank them when you have the opportunity to do so. It is through their support that our weekly bulletin is made possible!
Making a Spiritual Communion
Without access to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, it is important to still keep the Lord’s Day holy! You can do this by intentionally praying the rosary, singing hymns or praise and worship songs, praying with Scripture, and making a spiritual communion, like the one below. My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Saint Alexis Simons Funeral Home
Saint Alphonsus Erik V. Scully. Esq., CPA
Wills, Trusts & Estates
* * Due to the early submission deadline for the Palm Sunday bulletin, the financial
information remains unchanged * *
Poor Boxes In the month of March a total of $993 was donated through the poor boxes and special donations to assist the Ladies of Charity of the Catholic Community of Wexford in caring for members of the community facing serious hardship.
Please know that through your generosity, three needy families in the area received hope and resources.
Thank you for your generosity!
ONLINE GIVING As updates and precautions regarding the Coronavirus continue to unfold, we recognize that the cancellation of Mass and social activities have become challenging for everyone. However, as with you, we, The Catholic Community of Wexford still have obligations and payroll responsibilities to meet. With Masses being suspended indefinitely, if you are not already participating in online giving, we strongly encourage parishioners to do so at this time. E-giving is of great convenience to you and helpful in cost savings to the parish.
This is how you can register:
1. Visit catholicwexford.com 2. Click “Events and Resources” and click on “Giving” 3. Click on your parish name 4. Create a username and password to register your account You can make a one-time donation or sign-up for recurring donations.
If you choose to continue using traditional offertory envelopes, please mail them to the address below: Saint Alphonsus or Saint Alexis
10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090
For those parishioners who are now facing financial hardship due to the pandemic, know that we, as Church, understand your challenges
and are there to offer assistance to you beginning with the commitment of our prayers. Please contact the Parish Center with questions or for assistance with creating your online account at 724-935-1151 or 724-935-4343.
Gold Club Shows Some Green Despite the coronavirus pandemic and the inability of Gold Club members to be present at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation on St. Patrick's Day, we were able to drop off all of the cards and gifts prior to St. Patrick's Day and they still played Bingo (while adhering to the safe distance guidelines)! Each resident got a customized St. Patrick's Day card, a bear, a coaster, a holy card and other gifts for Bingo prizes. The Seelos Samaritans made cards for the residents.
Men’s Fellowship Parish life still continues, even during this shutdown. The Men’s Fellowship on Wednesday morning found a creative way to still have their prayer time and talk with a "virtual" men's group meeting. Great way to stay connected!
Director of Religious Education Louis Bosco /ext. 215 /[email protected] Religious Education Program Manager Paula Green /ext. 225 /[email protected] Media Coordinator Riley McCullough /ext. 211 /[email protected]
Coordinator of Youth Ministry /Young Adults David Piccirilli /ext. 227 /[email protected]
A Parish of the Diocese of Pittsburgh - diopitt.org
SERVED BY OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
JOIN US!
To become a registered member of the parish family, please visit our website at www.stalexis.org or at www.SaintAlphonsusWexford.org . Introduce yourself to us at Mass!
MARRIAGE
Arrangements must be made with a priest at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date.
HOLY ORDERS For information about the priesthood or the vowed religious life, please contact Fr. Zywan or the Vocation Office of the diocese at 412.456.3131 or visit pghpriest.com.
BAPTISM Celebrated on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. at Saint Alexis or at 12:45 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus by appointment. Arrangements should be made through the Parish Center several months in advance. Parents need to be registered parishioners and complete a pre-baptism class before scheduling a baptism.
MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
Communal anointing is celebrated periodically. Anyone who is anticipating surgery is encouraged to request this sacrament prior to being admitted to the hospital. Individuals who are unable to attend Sunday Mass and want to receive the sacraments are asked to please call the Parish Center.
saintalphonsuswexford.org or stalexis.org
Phones - 724.935.1151 or 724.935.4343 Fax - 724.935.1270 A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
* Bulletin announcements and flyers are due by 12:00 p.m. Friday, a week in advance of publication. *
We Welcome You Home!
North Hills Regional School Board - www.nhrces.org
BLESSED FRANCIS SEELOS ACADEMY
S A S A C - T C C W Parish Office: 10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090
PRAYER Eucharistic Adoration Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saint Alexis: First Friday of every month from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Devotion: Wednesday 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus
Prayer Ministry- To initiate a request for urgent prayers contact the following people: Saint Alexis - Barb Busi at 412.366.4829 Saint Alphonsus - Norma Heyl at 724.935.1094 or Jo Labrise at 724.935.3826. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry to pray for
RECONCILIATION Saint Alexis: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Saturday - 7:30 a.m.-7:55 a.m. Saturday - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
