Partner Parishes of The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 11, 2018 Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
Parish Staff Pastor: Email: Parochial Vicar: Email: Business Manager: Email: Music Ministry: Religious Education: Youth Ministry: RCIA: Custodial Services:
Rev. Timothy Kruthaupt tkruthaupt@dioceseofgreensburg.org
Rev. Alvin Cabungcal
acabungcal@dioceseofgreensburg.org
Mrs. Shannon Sealy
ssealy@dioceseofgreensburg.org
Ms. Annette Buffer Mrs. Nikki Harvey Mr. Michael Bogden Dr. Melvin Sally Mrs. Tina Konter
Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. (St. Peter) Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m. (St. Peter); 9:30 a.m. (St. Cecilia); 11:00 a.m. (St. Peter) Sunday Evening: Regional Mass 5:30 p.m. (Sts. Cyril & Methodius, Fairchance) Reconciliation: The Historic Church of St. Peter: 3:00-3:45 p.m. every Saturday St. Cecilia: 8:30-10:00 a.m. every Saturday Sacrament of Baptism: Contact the parish as soon as you know that you are expecting a child. Baptismal prep is required. Anointing of the Sick: You are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. Those who are seriously ill, anticipating surgery, or weakened because of prolonged illness or advanced age, please contact the parish office. Sacrament of Matrimony: Those entering into Marriage must contact the pastor at least one full year in advance of the wedding. Sponsor Certificates: You must be registered and active in the parish at least 4 months to receive a certificate. Please don’t come at the last minute!
Historic Church of St. Peter 300 Shaffner Avenue Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Sexual Child Abuse If you have any suspicion about the sexual abuse (or any other type of abuse) of a minor child by anyone, please contact PA Childline immediately at 1-800932-0313. The Bishop’s Delegate may be reached at 724-837-0901, Ext. 1221.
Mailing Address: Partner Parishes of The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia 118 Church Street Brownsville, PA 15417 Phone: 724-785-7781/Fax: 724-785-0844 Websites: www.stpeterstcecilia.org and www.historicchurchofstpeter.org
Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Mission Statement United as the parish family, The Historic Church of St. Peter and St. Cecilia Catholic Church of the Diocese of Greensburg come together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to promote the mission of Jesus Christ and to live out our faith as Christians. Centered in the Eucharist, we are a welcoming community that exists to love, serve, and grow in our relationship with our Lord through prayer, worship and ministry. We strive to strengthen and inspire our parish family by understanding and passing on our faith.
St. Cecilia Church 1571 Grindstone Road Grindstone, Pennsylvania
Ministry Schedule February 17/18
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Saturday Vigil, February 10, 2018 4:00 p.m. P Pro Populo Sunday, February 11, 2018 8:00 a.m. P Connie Wertz (Cousin Donna Pouchek & family) 9:30 a.m. C Marty Vojacek (Ken & Stephanie Young) 11:00 a.m. P Birthday Remembrance Jill Famularo Wible (Kent & Maureen Ryan) Monday, February 12, 2018 7:30 a.m. P David Orbash (Wife Beverly) Tuesday, February 13, 2018 7:30 a.m. P Viola Valent Whetzel (Rose Garibaldi Lodge #1818) Wednesday, February 14, 2018—Ash Wednesday 8:00 a.m. C Month’s Mind Mildred Shenal (Parish family) 9:00 a.m. P Rosalie Barli (Michael & Lorraine Kelley) Noon P ASHES ONLY 7:00 p.m. P Daniel Chew (Danielle Palo) Thursday, February 15, 2018 7:30 a.m. P Birthday Remembrance Frances Sharpe (Phil & Karen) Friday, February 16, 2018 7:30 a.m. P Marie Hudak (Brother Frank & Karen Angelilli) 7:00 p.m. P Stations of the Cross Saturday, February 17, 2018 8:00 a.m. C Carol Vlasich (George & Carol Ross)
First Sunday of Lent Saturday Vigil, February 17, 2018 4:00 p.m. P Anniversary of Death Juliana Miller (Children Marianne & Jack Miller) Sunday, February 18, 2018 8:00 a.m. P Pro Populo 9:30 a.m. C Mary Kurnava (M/M Greg Golembiewski) 11:00 a.m. P Anniversary of Death Agnes Bashour (Carolyn Verszyla)
EM: Server: Lector:
Saturday, February 17 — 4:00 p.m. St. Peter C-Sr. James Ann C-Mark Galway H-Joanie Pagac Brionna Staggers Jolena Quarzo Christine Beck Cantor: Megan Behary
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, February 18 — 8:00 a.m. St. Peter C-Kim Gaydos C-Mark Moncheck H-Vicki Gallo David Ziglear Carmella & Gina DiFlippo Joe Gaydos Cantor: Rita Koffler
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, February 18 — 9:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Mark Konter Carl DellaPenna Jr. Carl DellaPenna Caleb DellaPenna Anthony DellaPenna Vincent DellaPenna
EM: Server: Lector:
Sunday, February 18 — 11:00 a.m. St. Peter C-Gary Ritz C-Nancy Ritz H-Kathy Miller Cole Lincoski Dylan & Madison Stowe Patty Columbia Cantor: Nicole Dainty
Collection Report St. Peter Church 2/4/18 ADULT ENVELOPES (178)......................... . ... $3251.00 STUDENT (8) ............................................... ......... $8.00 MONTHLY (26)…………………………… ........... $657.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ........... $247.00 CANDLES……………………………… ............... $121.00 CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE ..................... $297.00
St. Cecilia Church 2/4/18 ADULT ENVELOPES (97)................................ $1696.00 STUDENT (3) ......................................................... $4.00 LOOSE ................................................................. $28.00 CANDLES............................................................. $51.00 ACCENT ............................................................... $20.00 SVDP .................................................................... $20.00 UTILITY ................................................................ $20.00 CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE ..................... $180.00
Bible Study Schedule Change
There will be no class on Feb. 12. Beginning Feb. 19 at 6:00 p.m., the Bible Study Class at Crosskeys will be studying the topic, “The Bible through the Ages.” Come join the group as it studies the “Greatest Book Ever Written,” the Bible.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Our parish family mourns the loss of parishioners Francis Smith and Betty Duratz. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Attention Parents!
Your child’s envelopes are available in back of each church. Please pick them up this weekend. Thank you!
In our Reading from Leviticus this Sunday and throughout that book, there's included the in-depth instruction that Moses provided the people. He conferred to them the instructions he had received from the Lord. Moses describes what actions to take in the event someone is diagnosed with the disease of leprosy. At that time, leprosy was feared as a disease which could become a widespread plague affecting the entire community. The requirements of the law concerning how to respond were intended to protect the community from the spread of the disease. The people of that time of course had no knowledge as to the disease’s source--what caused it to occur or how to heal it. They took steps to separate and isolate the afflicted person in order to protect the community. However, they also made a commitment to leave food for those who were in need. If the lepers left the isolation area, they were required to cry out loud, "Unclean, unclean." The afflicted would stand back when provisions were delivered so that those providing food, etc., would not become ritually impure or contract the disease themselves. Today leprosy is known as Hansen's Disease. Hansen is the scientist who identified the cause of leprosy. In the U.S. there are now perhaps 3,000 known cases. Individuals who have the disease are treated on an outpatient basis. But throughout the world, in areas where there is a scarcity of good medical care, leprosy continues to be a scourge; even today it is a disease that people attempt to avoid at any cost. This account from Mark's Gospel reflects that Jesus was not in the least concerned with the taboos, with ritual impurity, or with the possibility of even contracting the disease himself. Moved with pity for the man, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper and made him clean. Our lesson, however, is not limited to how to respond to those who have Hansen's Disease. Today’s Gospel passage includes the unspoken truth that we are to be Christ in today’s world. As Jesus’ disciples, we are to extend his love by being his healing hands that reach out to those who are considered untouchables. There are still many in our world considered taboo, those not permitted to frequent “proper society.” We must be like Jesus, who was criticized by the religious leaders of the time for having contact with lepers. As we listen to the scripture each Sunday, we hear the Lord continually criticized. "Look! He eats and he spends time with sinners." And the Lord's response was: "I came to heal those who are sick, not those who are well. Those who are well do not need a doctor." His words and acts would confront the status quo that the Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes tried to maintain. They saw Jesus as a threat to their leadership positions which they protected at all costs. He would "push the envelope," as we would say today, reaching out to every person in need whom he encountered. Jesus, Son of God, our Creator, recognized in each person another individual made in the image and likeness of his loving Father. We too are called to respond to those in need. Our faith community has become involved in a number of ministries that bring healing to those without sufficient political clout or loud enough voices to be heard. Each month we provide food locally to those in need through the St. Vincent de Paul food bank. We go twice a month to the Boulevard of the Allies in Pittsburgh to feed the homeless. However, in these ministries our work is not just about providing food for those we serve. They could probably acquire food from another source. We are striving to strengthen their spirit, feeding their souls. We nourish their self-image by assuring them they are as worthy of respect as any other person. It is hard to count the number of times we have heard those we serve say, "I can't believe that you stay and talk with us, and share with us. Normally, when I'm walking down the street and someone sees me coming, he crosses to the other side." Just recently, one of those we serve made a comment to this effect, "You're wonderful! Not just for bringing us food but because you spend time and talk with us." We know they, too, are entitled to human respect. Last Saturday, we were at an abortion clinic in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh. We go there to witness to the value of life, but not just for the unborn child. We are there praying and singing, hoping to touch the hearts of the abortion clinic workers, the “escorts” and expectant mothers. The boyfriends or husbands often accompany those considering abortion. We attempt to encompass them with our prayers and thus the Lord's love. We are not there in condemnation, but seeking to touch their hearts with the knowledge that Jesus Christ loves them, as he loves all of his creation. He loves them with a deep and abiding love that says, "Come to me. Allow me to touch you with my healing hand. Come to me. I will smooth the rough paths; I will level the mountain; I will lift up the valley. I will enable you to bear your child and to live in peace." That is our message; that is our intent. All of us, children of God, recognize that there are individuals, perhaps in our own families, who are a little different. Maybe their hair is too long for a boy; perhaps they have all sorts of tattoos or use drugs; it could be any number of characteristics that make us uncomfortable with them. Yet they, too, are children of God. They may not realize that their gift of life comes from God, that they need to seek a relationship with him. Often they don’t know the path to follow. But we, as Christ's hands and feet in each of those circumstances, are to reach out. We always take measures to ensure our safety, but we need to reach out to touch our brothers and sisters with a loving and a healing hand. We are to be that model of the sacrificial love of Christ that will enable them to recognize that perhaps there is another path; perhaps there is a way that they can be restored to relationship with the community, with the Lord. We are to be Christ in the world today; we are the ones who must bring that healing to whatever form of leprosy is being experienced by those whom we encounter. We do so in Christ's love; we do so in the knowledge that it may ultimately cause us to be viewed by others as someone who is rather unusual, maybe even radical. This is always true if we associate with people who are on the outer fringes of society. The Lord says we will be persecuted but that we must persevere to the end. "If you believe in me, if you follow my commandments, my Father and I will come to you, and life-giving waters will flow from you." And those life-giving waters are no more than Christ’s Spirit within us, coming forth to touch, to heal, to guide, and to restore those lost children of the Father seeking to find the path home. We can be their guide; we can be their source of inspiration.
Together We Build up God’s Kingdom on Earth In the Fall of 2017 we conducted a ministry fair by placing in the pews documents containing the many volunteer opportunities that currently exist, and others that we hope to implement in the near future. We asked parishioners to please complete the forms, place them in the collection baskets, or send them to the parish office. We suggested that even those currently involved in ministries in the Partner Parishes submit one of the forms. We did this in order that we can develop a more definitive list of those who are active in ministry. Our intent is to complete a project in which all of those expressing an interest will be included on the ministry schedule. We are continuing our request for the ministry form to be completed and submitted in order for our project to continue and achieve its purpose. We couldn’t celebrate a beautiful liturgy without our reader, cantor, altar servers, ushers, Eucharistic ministers, choir, sacristans, or our congregation participating by responding to the prayers of the Mass. We all know this in the depth of our hearts but sometimes fail to remind ourselves of this reality when we consider how we might serve. In 1992, when the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral letter on stewardship, they spoke forcefully of its purpose and intent. The purpose of stewardship is that all Christians be given an opportunity to fulfill their baptismal commission of service. The intent of stewardship is to remind us that, as disciples of Jesus, we are on a “journey toward” and “retreat from.” “It’s a journey toward the challenging ideal of the good steward found throughout the Gospels; it is a retreat from the ‘I-me-my’ selfishness that the world promotes as a laudable goal.” As members of the Partner Parishes, we are striving together to build up God’s kingdom on earth. We are strengthened by participation in the liturgy, the sacramental life of the Church, and then sent forth to fulfill our baptismal commission of service in God’s Vineyard. — Fr. Tim Liturgical Ministries: Altar Server Arts & Environment (Decorating) Eucharistic Minister ___Wkday ___Wkend Greeter Lector ___Wkday ___Wkend Linen Ministry Cantor Usher Minister to the Sick & Homebound Festival Choir (Christmas & Easter) Weekly Choir Instrumentalist ______ Instrument
Children’s Faith Formation: Catechist or Assistant Young Adult: Youth Group Coordinator CYO Athletics Adult Faith Formation: Faith Sharing Groups Scripture Study Parish Social Ministry: Meals on the Boulevard (2nd & 4th Thurs. evenings of each month) Coffee & Donuts Pickup or Setup Food Bank (3rd Wed. of each month) Clothing Collection Ministry
Prayer List
Ash Wednesday Masses Feb. 14 — Ash Wednesday St. Cecilia Church — 8:00 a.m. Mass The Historic Church of St. Peter 9:00 a.m. Mass Noon Ashes Only 7:00 p.m. Mass
BAMA Lenten Series 2018 Feb. 15 — BAMA Week One 7:00 p.m. worship followed by a time of fellowship
Host Site Calvin United Presbyterian Church 307 Spring Street Brownsville Preacher Rev. Douglas Wright Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Brownsville
Christian Mothers (St. Cecilia) Society of Catholic Women (St. Peter) Knights of Columbus Prolife Outreach (1st & 3rd Sat./month) Holy Name Society Prayer Chain Sacramental Formation Ministries: Marriage Preparation Sponsor Couple Helping Hands: Gardening/Grounds/Maintenance Crew Set up/Serve/Clean up for Events Kitchen Help (St. Peter/St. Cecilia) Labor & Craftsman Assistance with Construction of Parish Social Hall
Amelia Dascenzo Ann Jaworowsky Beatrice Kloock Bill Snodgrass Brian Tomecsko Carol Ashton Charlotte Katko Cheryl Furlong Chuck Britvich Cody Tylka Craig Alessio Daryl Hall David Ballant David Ostien Deb
Donna Fletcher Donna Hill Dru Vojacek Ed Balchon Elaine Helsel Eleanor Dando Fr. Bob Conley Fred Gnus George Lisac HeatherBeth Powell Helen Mendish Irene Franks J. A. Jackson Hodge James Harvey Jr. Janet Booker Janice Ritsko Jean Bohna Jerry Zalek Jim Belice
Jim Famularo Joe Angell Joe Shashura John Hlatky Jonathan Wallowicz Josephine Lagina June Robinson Karl Hennig Kathy Kim Harvey Kristin Craig Lillian Baroni Linda Medve Lisa Chancey Luella Sholl Matthew DeSimone Mike Dorobish Mike Fedutes Mildred Petro M. V.
Nancy Jenkins Patty Volek Robert Atz Robert Franks Robert Stringert Robert Sunny Sam Basile III Sarah Corebridge Sherri Zias Shirley Mae Mislo Stanley Sobek Susan Rountree Sylvia Walinski Veronica Stringert Virginia Conaway V. V. Wanda Burns William Gabonay
Feb. 14 – Mar. 25, 2018
Christians throughout Pittsburgh are invited to take part in the international 40 Days for Life campaign. The mission of 40 Days for Life is to unite the Body of Christ in the spiritual battle to end abortion. Through 40 Days for Life, 13,998 lives have been spared from abortion, 170 abortion workers converted and 90 abortion facilities have closed! Join us for 40 days of prayer and fasting and a peaceful vigil held every day from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. in front of Planned Parenthood at 933 Liberty Ave. So far, 60 local parishes have signed up to adopt a time slot at the vigil during the 40 days, but many open time slots remain in need of individual volunteers!
To find out more about how you can be involved, go to www.40daysforlifepittsburgh.com or www.40daysforlife.com/pittsburgh. Contact Nikki Bruni, 412-926-9413, nbruni@40daysforlifepgh.com.
Fr. Tim is planning group trips to the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Pittsburgh for interested Partner Parishes members during 40 Days for Life, Lent 2018. Please see the schedule at right for the actual times we’ll be at the clinic. Departure time from the parking lot at The Historic Church of St. Peter will be at 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. Contact Fr. Tim, 724-785-7781, if you have additional questions.
Date Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 Saturday, Mar. 3, 2018 Wednesday, Mar. 7, 2018 Saturday, Mar. 17, 2018 Wednesday, Mar. 21, 2018
Time 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
She Helps the Brownsville Area … Now She Needs Our Help
Spaghe
Dinner Fundraiser
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018
5:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Hugo’s Restaurant, 687 Na onal Pike, Brownsville Adults: $8.00, Children under age 12: $4.00 Take-outs available! Basket Raffle! As many of you in our community know, Rev. Aleda Menchyk’s home suffered a devastating fire last month. Her house was extensively damaged and most of its contents lost. Rev. Aleda is the pastor of Brownsville’s Calvin United Presbyterian Rev. Aleda Menchyk Church and BAMA Food Bank Coordinator. The Bentworth Ministerium Community Choir, the Elizabeth Forward Choir, Calvin United Presbyterian Church, and the Brownsville Area Ministerial Association (BAMA) are joining together to sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Rev. Aleda. There also will be a basket raffle.
To purchase tickets or donate a basket, please call Annette Buffer at 724-561-5616.
We All Can Contribute to Healthier, More Successful Community Fayette County Commissioner David Lohr sent invitations to all churches in our county inviting leadership of the various congregations to attend a meeting initiating the “Fayette Faith Initiative.” On Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, ministers representing 60 churches and 25 different denominations met with Commissioners Lohr and Vicites. You may have read the article in the Community Section of the Feb. 1, 2018, Herald-Standard. Below is the article printed in its entirety. Commissioner Lohr talked extensively about the impact of poverty on Fayette County. According to Lohr, many county initiatives suffer because so much funding must go into maintaining the criminal justice system such as the District Attorney and Public Defender offices. Additionally, Lohr said that the cost of maintaining the county jail has increased seven-fold during his time in office. He said the impact of poverty on county residents has been severe. Lohr spoke at length about social concerns related to children as a result of the low standard of living in Fayette County. During his time in office and while carrying out youth ministry as a leader at his church, Lohr has encountered many young people with difficult home lives. He referenced specifically that some children don’t know what, or if, they will eat day-to-day. Many children grow up in households that are dysfunctional, in which parental involvement is limited and not always positive. “Scripture tells us to take care of widows and orphans. Are we doing it?” asked Lohr, who noted there’s a generation growing up “with no stability.’’ Lohr suggested churches offer support to members of their congregations who are interested in foster parenting and adoption. On Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, the Herald-Standard ran a front-page story captioned, “Lack of state funding may force Fayette emergency shelters to close.” Representatives of the county and social service organizations gathered to brainstorm about how to respond to this threat to the homeless population’s support services. We know from Catholic Church history all the significant contributions made by our leaders who responded to the Lord’s admonition that we care for the “least among us.” U.S. saints such as Mother Cabrini, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mother Catherine Drexel and Bishop John Neumann created hospitals, orphanages, schools and other social service institutions to respond to those in need, particularly immigrant populations. Today’s needs for youth are different but possibly even more profound. We will do what we can to cooperate with Commissioner Lohr’s initiative. However, recognizing that our resources are limited, we will utilize mostly our goodwill and the wonderful gifts of our membership’s time and talent to respond. A good example is our planned Social Hall/Rec Center to provide recreational activities for youth from our community. St. Mary’s Hall will be a safe, secure and wholesome environment for young people to learn foundational principles and values that will help equip them to make a positive contribution to our broader society. Our initiative will involve parishioners who are from the surrounding counties of Fayette, Washington and Greene. Therefore, it won’t be a solely Fayette County-focused effort, as we will engage with interested parties from both sides of the Mon. It is important that the Church be a positive force for good throughout the Monongahela Valley. Here in the greater Brownsville area we will provide opportunities for young people to experience positive role models, strong faith-based instruction and disciplined recreational activities. We will have standards of conduct for all parties that will be made known and enforced. The Partner Parishes can indeed make a positive contribution to creating a healthier, more successful community. In response to the Lord who asked us to evangelize on his behalf, we will reach out and encourage others to join us in serving one another.
Fayette Faith Initiative focuses on social conditions and role of the Church By Frances Borsodi Zajac fzajac@heraldstandard.com
Fayette County Commissioner Dave Lohr values the work local churches are doing in their communities and is asking them to do more. “The purpose of today, more than anything,’’ said Lohr, “is to get the church involved in what’s going on in our county, government and world.’’ Lohr addressed 49 ministers representing more than 60 churches from more than 25 denominations at the Fayette Faith Initiative, recently held at Cherry Tree Alliance Church in Uniontown. Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites also attended the meeting. Debra Evans-Rhodes, Lohr’s assistant, collected contact information to provide a conduit for the ministers to keep in touch. A lifelong member of Connellsville Alliance Church where he is an elder and has led a youth group for 25 years, Lohr was introduced to the ministers by his pastor. The Rev. Jim Turnbull said of Lohr, “He’s a servant of all kinds. He says, ‘Where can I serve? How can I serve?’’’ In his remarks, Lohr talked about the impact of poverty on Fayette County. “You guys live with it. People coming into your churches are dealing with poverty,’’ Lohr said. “Those are the things we’re dealing with on a county level.’’ Lohr explained county costs of programs related to social conditions, including the prison, continue to grow and that moves funds away from other services, such as building and infrastructure. (Herald-Standard article continued next page)
(Herald-Standard article continued)
Vicites noted prison costs were under a million dollars when he first began serving as county commissioner 20 years ago. Now, they are more than $7 million. “It takes away from our ability to fund other programs,’’ Vicites said. Lohr also talked about the impact poverty and other social concerns have on the lives of Fayette County residents. “I had a wonderful life,’’ said Lohr, comparing his childhood to classic television programs of the time, such as “Leave it to Beaver’’ and “Father Knows Best.’’ “Those programs were real to some degree. Now, they’re not.’’ Lohr mentioned meeting youths with difficult home lives who wonder what they’re going to eat. “Scripture tells us to take care of widows and orphans. Are we doing it?’’ asked Lohr, who noted there’s a generation growing up “with no stability.’’ Lohr suggested churches offer support to members of their congregations who are interested in foster parenting and adoption. “I would encourage you to give them encouragement, even funding to help with adoption,’’ Lohr said. Lohr talked about the prison, offering to take pastors on a tour. He said of the prisoners, “They are still God’s children and I know many people who have been turned around.’’ Lohr has no agenda of what churches can do, but said, “My vision is that Fayette County sparks a revival of the world. I’ve prayed about it and thought about it many times.’’ And he believes it’s possible. Lohr said that Fayette County has been a leader in the past, including the coal and coke industry of the 20th century and being part of the National Road, the first federal highway that was built in the 19th century. “We all need to take a step forward and reach out,’’ said Lohr. “Why can’t Fayette County be a leader for revival across the world?’’ And for those who think otherwise, Lohr said, ““I hate with a passion the statement, ‘What do you expect from Fayette County? Reverse it. When they ask, ‘What do you expect from Fayette County, say, ‘Great stuff, right?’ We don’t need to beat ourselves up. Do we have a speckled past? Yes, we do. But as you make the change, things start to happen.’’ The Rev. Timothy Kruthaupt, pastor of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in Brownsville, asked about visiting the prison, saying he’s tried but has run into problems. The Rev. Terry Sanders, of Genesis House, a transitional living facility in Uniontown for men leaving prison, noted prison staff must deal with issues. “Their job is care, custody and control,’’ said Sanders, but noted, “If you call me, I’ll do my best to get you in.’’ Sanders said of Genesis House, “We’re changing lives.’’ But also noted “We’re struggling to be able to keep programs afloat.’’ Sanders asked for help, noting he has a list of people who want to come to the program but don’t have the money. Sanders said the cost per individual is $650 a month for nine to 12 months. This includes treatment, housing and job training. But he added that usually after about four months, the men are able to find jobs and pay their own way. The Rev. Kerri Clark, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Connellsville, suggested volunteer chaplains could serve with local ambulances. Other ministers noted there are already some programs in place that offer support to the county. Kruthaupt said the Brownsville Area Ministerial Association has an annual service for first responders “to lift them up in prayer and strengthen them any way we can.’’ The Rev. Don Smith, senior pastor of World Christian Outreach Ministries in Connellsville, explained his church established a program for youths in a neighborhood where they were four drug houses. “We went there not as a church but as people caring for their kids. Those drug houses are gone,’’ said Smith. “It’s making your presence known.’’ Ministers talked about the power of prayer and reported that Great Bethel Baptist Church in Uniontown is offering prayer for Fayette County on the last Sunday evening of each month. The Rev. John Cruikshank, rector of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Uniontown, urged ministers to be active with their local clergy associations. Lohr asked pastors and church leaders to talk to their congregations about revival. He said he knows it’s difficult as the number of people belonging to churches has dropped. But Lohr offered help as he ended the discussion, saying, “Thank you for giving me this opportunity and the time to listen to me and to allow me to listen to you. If anything is needed, get hold of me.’’ Several pastors rose to end the meeting with prayer, including prayer for Lohr and Fayette County. “This is overwhelming,’’ commented the Rev. Mark Van Bibber, pastor of New Life Fellowship in Connellsville and a social worker for the county, after the meeting. “I’m so glad everyone is here.’’ “I’m encouraged,’’ said the Rev. Dan Guittap of Connellsville Alliance and Abundant Life in Uniontown, adding of a revival, “How awesome would it be that it starts here?’’ Frances Borsodi Zajac — Herald-Standard
Partner Parishes of Historic Church of Saint Peter 300 Shaffner Avenue St. Peter Brownsville, Pennsylvania 118 Church Street & Brownsville, PA 15417 Saint Cecilia Church 1571 Grindstone Road O: 724-785-7781 Grindstone, Pennsylvania
#770350
H: 724-785-7604 Parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg C: 724-984-6983*** “Pennsylvania Charitable Trusts”
Contact: Shannon Sealy MESSAGES:
Mailing Address: Partner Parishes of St. Peter & St. Cecilia 118 Church Street Brownsville, PA 15417 Phone: 724-785-7781 Fax: 724-785-0844
Pastor: Rev. Micah E. Kozoil; Sr. Priest Active: Rev. James Petrovsky Office Manager: Mrs. Virginia Galway: Music Ministry: St. Peter: Daniel Kovacic; St. Cecilia: Eric Blanda Religious Education Coordinator: Mrs. Anita LaMendola: Youth Ministry: Patty Columbia Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil 4:00 P.M. (EST); 5:00 P.M. (DST) (St. Peter) Sunday Morning 8:00 A.M. (St. Peter); 9:30 A.M. (St. Cecilia); 11:30 A.M. (St. Peter) Reconciliation: Noon to 12:30 p.m. St. Peter: 1st & 3rd Saturday St. Cecilia: 2nd & 4th Saturday Sacrament of Baptism Contact the parish as soon as you know that you are expecting a child. Sacrament of Matrimony Those entering into Marriage must contact the pastor at least one full year in advance of the wedding Sponsor Certificates You must be registered and active in the parish at least 4 months to receive a certificate. Please don’t come at the last minute! Sexual Child Abuse If you have a concern about sexual abuse of a child or young person by anyone in a parish or diocesan position — clergy, volunteer or paid staff — please contact Bishop Brandt’s delegate for matters of sexual misconduct. He may be reached at 724-837-0901 Ext. 221