June 21, 2020
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF WEXFORD
Welcome to . . .
“Grow in Jesus, engage in community, and go forth to make disciples.”
“Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.”
The Twelfth Sunday In Ordinary Time
Saint Alphonsus & Saint Alexis
FROM FATHER ZYWAN
The Forest or the Trees Chances are you’re familiar with the old adage that we can miss the forest for the trees. Put simply, sometimes we do not see the big picture because our attention is focused on the details. Frequently, if not daily, every pastor, administrator or parish staff member in every grouping of the diocese is asked: “When will the church(s) be reopening? And to that question, there is no clear answer. Direction is given us by state and Church leadership whose positions on the COVID-19 are formed by professional recommendations, scientific data, and an abundance of charity and concern. However, for some, these factors are not always found to be reasonable. You know what is said about opinions – everybody has one. What saddens me, in the majority of these conversations is too much of the focus is misdirected from the WHO to the WHERE. Let me explain. Jesus is always available to us. Period. Every grouping (soon to be new parishes) has the Eucharist available to the faithful. However, it seems that in some of these arguments, Jesus is not enough; Priests are expected to celebrate the Mass in specific locations. That is what is tragic. This concern is really not so much about the Jesus, but worshipping in “my” church. We all love the churches that we identify with, and that is not a bad thing. In fact, it is an expression of deep love. But friends, the times are changing, or have changed. Not only must we see ourselves beyond former parish identities, but as one new and larger parish, and as one community, we need to have our eyes and our lives focused on Jesus. The task of fulfilling the requirements imposed on any given parish, let alone entity are at the least, a BURDEN. The “deep cleaning” and sanitary mandates are costly in terms of supplies and the labor necessary to carry them out. No pastor, administrator, or priest in their right mind wants to not open a church at this time. However, it is not the old and familiar cleaning of the worship space for weekday and Sunday Masses that we have in the past. We have been instructed by the diocesan officials to not open a building unless the mandates at this time can be met. Besides that, we are not to engage volunteers in these tasks (though some parish leaders have chosen to do so). As an ordained minister, along with all the clergy, we have made a promise of obedience to our bishop at the time of our ordination. To this point, I will follow his direction. Dear people, I hear your anxieties and experience your frustrations. These are unusual -“crazy” times. This is not business as usual. Please, don’t let the evil one get the best of you. Focus. Focus solely on Jesus and the opportunities that ARE yours to embrace the love of God through your beautiful prayer life and the sacramental life of the Church. Though altered, all of this is still available to you. In a matter of days, a new and wonderful pastor will be assigned to the soon to be “Saint Aidan Parish.” If you haven’t, please begin to pray for him in his new responsibilities. He will bring his own vision, and the COVID-19 restrictions are changing weekly if not daily.
We all look forward to getting back to “normal,” or the new normal whatever that might be. In the meantime, go deeper into your spiritual life. With a spirit of gratitude, embrace the opportunities before you to draw closer to Jesus and the whole community. Don’t let the evil one divide us. And for God’s sake and one another’s, don’t overlook the forest for the trees.
In Jesus’ love, Fr. Zywan
From the Heart by Fr. Will
A Blessed & Happy Father’s Day
I send my blessings of a Happy Father’s Day to all our fathers. May you be filled with the grace and peace of the Lord today and always. In a particular way, I pray for the eternal rest of all fathers who have gone before us. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Fathers are a great blessing to us all. They offer their lives to their family and loved ones, and as mothers do, they offer self-sacrifice to love and protect their families. One of my life long patrons is Saint Joseph, who, among many other titles, is the patron of fathers and families. I have a great devotion to Saint Joseph as I grew up at Saint Joseph Church in Mount Oliver. Saint Joseph gives us an example of humility, dedication, and self-sacrificial love. He was chosen by our Heavenly Father to care for his Son and the Blessed Mother. The Holy Family shows us how our families, too, can be holy. There is a growing movement for greater devotion to Saint Joseph in our time. I encourage you to examine and consider the devotion of Consecration to Saint Joseph. I want to reflect on fathers. We have our natural fathers, our spiritual fathers (priests), and God Our Eternal Father in heaven. First, we each have our natural fathers. The one who gives life and the mother receives that life to bring about new life. Remember the Commandment, honor your father and mother. (Ex 20:12) I am so blessed to have my father, whom many of you have met and know. He has been a pillar of faith and an example of Christian life for me, and I am happy to share his many life lessons with you from time to time. Happy Father’s Day, I love you, Dad. Priests are addressed as fathers as well. The title of father comes from Sacred Scripture. The Gospels refer to a number of the Old Testament figures as father, David (Luke 1:32), Abraham (Luke 1:73) Saint Joseph (Luke 2:33, 48), who is both spiritual and foster father. There are many other passages from scripture that refer to spiritual fatherhood. Saint Paul’s teachings show us the spiritual fatherhood of the priest when he says, “as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (1 Cor 4:14b-15) Priest through the understanding of spiritual fatherhood presented throughout the Sacred Scriptures are rightly called father, for they give life in the Spirit through the preaching of the gospel and feed their spiritual children through administering the Sacraments of Eternal Life. Jesus taught his disciples to call God, Our Father (Matt 6:9, Luke 11:2). God, Our Heavenly Father, is the source of all life. He has created all things through His Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. (see Gospel of John 1:1-14, Colossians 1:15-20). It is through Our Heavenly Father that natural and spiritual fathers are able to give life. First, in the natural order, then in the spiritual realm. Our Heavenly Father gives life, and humanity receives that life, “in order to complete the work of creation, to perfect its harmony for their own good and that of their neighbors” (CCC 307). Our Father calls fathers both natural and spiritual to a life of self-sacrificial love, just as Jesus Christ His Son showed us on the cross. To be a father is to live and give away the life and love of God. God bless our fathers, and have a Blessed and Happy Father’s Day.
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 Rick Collins Connor Cunic Gloria Dudowski Nancy Greer Patricia Gross Stanley Hofstetter Betty Howell David Hoza John Hunsinger Al Korade
Eugene Mancino Gerard McArdle Liz McArdle Michelle Mehok Ron Mehok Diane Miller G. James Neelan Larry Sampietro Irene Schultz Janice Spowal 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.
SCRIPTURE READINGS TODAY’S READINGS First Reading: “Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!” (Jer 20:13) Psalm: Lord, in your great love, answer me. (Ps 69) Second Reading: But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many. (Rom 5:12-15) Gospel: “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” (Mt 10:32) Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings For The Week Monday: 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18/Ps 60:3, 4-5, 12-13 [7b]/Mt 7:1-5 Tuesday: 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36/Ps 48:2-3ab, 3cd- 4, 10-11 [cf. 9d]/Mt 7:6, 12-14 Wednesday: Vigil: Jer 1:4-10/Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17 [6b]/1 Pt 1:8-12/Lk 1:5-17. Day: Is 49:1-6/Ps 139:1-3, 13 -14, 14-15 [14a]/Acts 13:22-26/Lk 1:57-66, 80 Thursday: 2 Kgs 24:8-17/Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 [9]/Mt 7:21-29 Friday: 2 Kgs 25:1-12/Ps 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 [6ab]/Mt 8:1-4 Saturday: Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19/Ps 74:1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21 [19b]/Mt 8:5-17 Sunday: 2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a/Ps 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19 [2a]/ Rom 6:3-4, 8-11/Mt 10:37-42
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 souls who recently passed through death: Edward Kovanic (89), husband of Rosemarie and Margaret Rose Remy (96), mother of Mary Ann and Patricia Remy. May the choirs of angels welcome them and where Lazarus is poor no longer, may they find eternal rest.
REMINDER Please remember to join us for our live streamed Mass every Saturday at 4:00 p.m. on or at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday on Facebook.com. Distribution of the Eucharist is available after watching the Mass for approximately 45 minutes immediately following the live streamed Mass. you can watch it on our website later that evening or Sunday.
FATHER’S DAY PRAYER
God our Father, you govern and protect your people and shepherd them with a father’s love.
You place father in a family as a sign of your love, care, and constant protection.
May fathers everywhere be faithful to the example shown in the Scriptures: steadfast in
love, forgiving transgressions, sustaining the family, caring for those in need.
Give your wisdom to fathers that they may encourage and guide their children.
Keep them healthy so they may support a family. Guide every father with the Spirit of your love that
they may grow in holiness and draw their family ever closer to you.
Amen.
2020 Parish Share Assessment: $ 133,380 Collected: $ 44,920
June 8 through June 14, 2020 Saint Alphonsus Income
2020 Parish Share Assessment: $ 151,696 Collected: $ 95,262
Regular Electronic Twice/month
Total
Offertory $ 2,405 $ 30,150 $ 32,555
Parish Share $ 16,225 $ 6,844 $ 23,069
School $ 18 $ 1,037 $ 1,055
Ascension $ 45 $ $ 45
Catholic Relief $ 40 $ $ 40
Votives $ $ $
TOTAL $ 18,783 $ 38,896 $ 57,679
Peter’s Pence $ 50 $ 865 $ 915
June 8 through June 14, 2020 Saint Alexis Income
Regular Electronic Total Offertory $ 2,232 $ 5,510 $ 7,742
Parish Share $ 15,280 $ 916 $ 16,196
School $ 30 $ 1,122 $ 1,152
Major Maintenance $ 11 $ 209 $ 220
Ascension $ 50 $ 1 $ 51
Peter’s Pence $ $ 56 $ 56
Future Diocesan Collection $ 30 $ 39 $ 69
Votives $ $ $
TOTAL $ 17,633 $ 7,880 $ 25,513
Holy Days $ $ 27 $ 27
See the full list of our advertisers on our website under “Our Current Bulletins.”
Mass Intentions Due to the quarantine, Father Zywan and Father Will are still celebrating daily Masses privately. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, we are unable to invite you to join us at the actual celebration of the Mass. We will include all previously scheduled Mass Intentions at their private Mass.
† George Lyons, Jr. - Ruth Lyons † Eugene and Irene Heckmann - Steve and Joyce Heckmann † Audrey Schrauder - The Schrauder Family † Debbie Errington - Joan Cerny and Family † Deceased of the Heilman and Gazdik Families - Patti and Dick Heilman † Darryl Tarasovitch - The Cicco Family
Offices Remain Closed Even though our church is open for twice a week daily Mass, we continue to have our parish offices remain closed to the public until further notice. If you have an emergency you may call the office at 724.935.4343 or 724.935.1151 ext. 221.
OUR ADVERTISERS
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!
Saint Alphonsus: Kennihan Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning
Saint Alexis: Dormont Appliance
Giving to Saint Aidan Parish
First and foremost, thank you to all who have supported both Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis Parishes! Your faithful stewardship, most especially during this crisis, has been remarkable and humbling. As we look forward to July 1, 2020 we ask that you please take the following steps relative to you weekly contributions: • On and after July 1, please make all checks payable to
Saint Aidan Parish • Review your online giving account. Duplicate funds from
both parishes have been combined or eliminated. You may have to adjust your giving allocation.
• If you give by way of a bank generated check, please change the "made payable to" name to Saint Aidan Parish
Thank you for making these adjustments and your support of our parish Saint Aidan!
SAYING FAREWELL TO FATHER ZYWAN At Father Zywan’s request, plans are underway for a proper farewell party once we can gather under more normal circumstances, later this summer. Please stay tuned for additional details as they become available!
Administrator Reverend Paul J. Zywan /ext. 224 /[email protected]
Senior Parochial Vicar Reverend William D. Wuenschel /ext. 233 /[email protected]
Deacons Deacon Albert Heiles /[email protected] Deacon Jeffrey J. Ludwikowski /[email protected]
Director of Parish Operations/Business Manager Chuck Goetz /ext. 223 /[email protected]
Director of Evangelization Dave VanVickle /ext. 232 /[email protected]
Office Manager MaryEllen Pendel /ext. 221 /[email protected]
Directors of Music Christopher Brewer /ext. 226 /[email protected] Mary Heagy/[email protected] Assistant Music Director - Lisa Hoffman
Director of Religious Education Louis Bosco /ext. 215 /[email protected] Religious Education Program Manager Paula Green /ext. 225 /[email protected]
Coordinator of Youth Ministry /Young Adults David Piccirilli /ext. 227 /[email protected]
Bookkeeper/Safe Environment Coordinator Mary King /ext. 212 / [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]
Receptionist/Secretary Gail Clendaniel /ext. 210 / [email protected]
Volunteer Ministry Coordinator Barbara Griffith / [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.
Principal Robert Reese - [email protected]
School Secretary K-8 Patty Anfang - [email protected] 724.935.1152
School Secretary Pre-K Chris Schlieper - [email protected] 724.935.3940
DIOCESAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR 412.456.3093 (Office)
1.888.808.1235 (Hot Line) PA Child Line - 1.800.932.0313
Call 911 immediately if a child is in danger.
