Lent has begun! This penitential season of abstinence, fasting and increased prayer is an excellent time to examine our relationship with the Lord. If we have gone off course, stopped praying or attending weekly, Mass we can make a renewed effort to restore and strengthen our commitment to walk with Jesus. This first Sunday of Lent the Gospel presents Jesus in his temptations in the desert after having fasted and prayed for 40 days. Satan attacks Jesus in every dimension of human weakness in order to cause him not to fulfill his mission of achieving our salvation. Jesus is subject to all the limitations of humanity except for sin. Satan attempts to exploit the weakness resulting from his fast to cause him to fall. We experience similar weakness during our 40 day Lenten sojourn. Our commitment to abstain, to fasting and increased prayer is constantly challenged by the tempter. When we have a bad day or perhaps have over done our Lenten commitment beyond our human strength, the opportunity for failure arises. Just as he did with Jesus, Satan whispers in our ear, “Why should you continue causing yourself to suffer or why should you forgo these simple pleasures?” On our difficult days it is easy to give in, to submit to our human weakness. Did you pay close attention to the last line of the today’s passage from Luke’s Gospel? It said that “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.” Satan’s absence may not have lasted too long. What about when Jesus was confronted by the people in his hometown of Nazareth who refused to recognize him as a prophet or even consider that he might be the Messiah? They actually intended to cast him down the hill upon which Nazareth was built. Perhaps succumbing to anger Jesus could have responded by striking out against them. Do you remember when the Pharisees accused him of driving out evil spirits by the power of Beelzebub, or how they constantly harassed him for healing on the Sabbath? Any of those circumstances might cause us to strike out. Jesus did not succumb to those temptations. The most compelling example of temptation Jesus was subject to was during his passion. At the last supper he had instituted the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. In effect, Jesus said he was the fulfillment of all the Passovers. No longer a non-reasoning animal would be sacrificed, but the true unblemished lamb Jesus, whose body would be broken and blood poured out for the life of man. The meal is followed by his passion in the garden during which he is conscious of the physical abuse, the degradation of his person and humiliation he will suffer at the hands of the Romans and Jews. In the movie the “Passion of the Christ,” Satan is depicted as an “androgenous” figure in the Garden of Gethsemane tempting Jesus. As Jesus suffers the devil whispers in his ear: “It’s really not worth all this suffering, you can’t save humanity.” “Humans are too weak they will never repent and follow you.” “People are not worthy to be saved; they fail and sin constantly.” Jesus did know that people would fall and sin. He was aware that many would refuse to accept the sacrificial gift of his body broken and blood poured out for the life of the world. Jesus knew that so many throughout history would turn their backs, their faces from him and the sacrifice of love he would endure for us. His passion was so deep that perspiration poured forth from him like drops of blood. It caused him to say: “Father if you are willing take this cup away from me; still not my will but yours be done”. His Father would ask him to drink deeply of this bitter cup. Jesus would say yes, in spite of the temptation to avoid suffering, and he would enter his crucible on our behalf. Our commitment to abstain, fast and pray more during Lent represents a challenge to us but does not even correspond to the depth of sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. The Lenten practices we follow such as: attending daily Mass, participating in weekly Stations of the Cross, abstaining from bad habits that hurt us physically or spiritually, etc. may seem hard particularly when we are feeling weak or maybe depressed. However, when we offer them to the Lord or are strengthened by the knowledge his grace will enable us to persevere, we can indeed fulfill our commitment. This Lent we should continually unite our sacrifices to those of Christ on our behalf. We like Jesus, in love, offer our sacrifices in fulfillment of our Heavenly Father’s will for our lives. Our abstinence, fasting and prayer are redemptive for us and those for whom we offer them. Daily Mass Early in Advent we experienced a nice increase in attendance for our weekday Masses. However, as Christmas drew near, the numbers returned to our typical attendance. Hopefully, there will be a good number throughout Lent who will commit to this wonderful practice. We recognize the weather can be prohibitive, but if we exercise good judgment on when to attend, the Lenten practice of Daily Mass participation can be safe and will be greatly rewarding in this life and the life to come.
Parish Resources Pastor/Administrator: Email: Sr. Priest Active: Business Manager: Email: Music Ministry: Religious Education: Youth Ministry: RCIA: Custodial Services:
Rev. Timothy Kruthaupt Tkruthaupt@dioceseofgreensburg.org
Rev. James Petrovsky Mrs. Shannon Sealy Ssealy@dioceseofgreensburg.org Mr. Eric Blanda Mrs. Maryann Sawka Mrs. Maryann Sawka Dr. Melvin Sally Mrs. Tina Konter
Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil: 4:00 P.M. (EST); 5:00 P.M. (DST) (St. Peter) Sunday Morning: 8:00 A.M. (St. Peter); 9:45 A.M. (St. Cecilia); 11:00 A.M. (St. Peter) Reconciliation: St. Peter: 3:00 - 3:45 Every Saturday St. Cecilia: 12:00-12:30 on the 2nd & 4th Saturday
Mailing Address: Partner Parishes of St. Peter & St. Cecilia 118 Church Street Brownsville, PA 15417 Phone: 724-785-7781/Fax: 724-785-0844 Office Hours: Mon thru Fri-9:00a-12:00p & 1:00p-4:00p
Save the Date St. Cecilia’s Spaghetti Dinner Sunday, March 6, 2016 Adults $8.00/Child $4.00 A sign up sheet is the back of each Church for volunteers to help! Even a few hours on any of these days would be helpful.
Schedule of Preparation:
Mon. Feb. 29th 10:00am Prep items for sauce & meatballs Tues. Mar. 1st & Wed. Mar. 2nd 9:00am Prepare Sauce Thurs. Mar. 3rd 10:00am Prepare meatballs Sun. Mar. 6th 10:00am to 5:00pm Workers for the Dinner Sun. Mar. 6th 5:00pm Clean Up Anyone who would like to bake a cake for the spaghetti dinner. If anyone would like to donate a basket or items for the Chinese Auction please contact Millie Shinsky 724-677-4426.
Diocesan Announcements Year of Mercy lectures at Bishop Connare Center Feb. 23 and March 1; Year of Mercy exhibit opens March 1 The Diocese of Greensburg will host two lectures at the Bishop Connare Center as part of its Jubilee Year of Mercy observance. Greensburg Bishop Edward C. Malesic will reflect on the mercy of God and our need to receive it and extend it to others in a Feb. 23 talk. Maronite Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, former pastor of St. George Parish, Uniontown, will address the plight of Christians in the Middle East in his talk March 1. Both programs will be held in St. Joseph Chapel and begin at 7 p.m. with evening vespers. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is cosponsoring Bishop Mansour’s lecture. Both events are open to the public, and admission is free. Prior to the March 1 lecture, an opening will be held at 6:15 p.m. at the Diocesan Heritage Center for a Jubilee Year of Mercy exhibit that will highlight artistic and historic pieces from throughout the diocese that represent the mercy of the Father.
40 Days for Life Begins Ash Wednesday and Continues through Palm Sunday Watch the Monthly Calendar and Join Fr. Tim in this Powerful Pro-life Ministry Catholics and members of other Christian faiths throughout Pittsburgh are taking part in the national 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. Join us for 40 days of prayer & fasting, a peaceful vigil held every day from 7am – 7pm in front of Planned Parenthood at 933 Liberty Avenue, and community outreach. To find out more, and to sign up to receive the daily devotional prayers via email, go to www.40daysforlife.com/pittsburgh. 40 Days for Life is a peaceful, prayerful – and proven effective – pro-life campaign that has been joined by more than half a million people worldwide, saved 11,165 babies from abortion, led to the conversion of 124 abortion workers, and helped close 64 abortion clinics.
Departure from St Peter’s will be at 7am (Sats.) & 10am (Weds.)
Saturday February 20, 2016 Wednesday February 24, 2016 Wednesday March 2, 2016 Saturday March 5, 2016 Wednesday March 16, 2016 Saturday March 19, 2016
8am to 10am 11am to 1pm 11am to 1pm 8am to 10am 11am to 1pm 8am to 10am
Ministry Schedule February 20/21
First Sunday in Lent Saturday Vigil, February 13, 2016 4:00 p.m. P Sister Joachim Blosl OSF (Sister James Ann Germuska OSF) Sunday, February 14, 2016 8:00 a.m. P Pro Populo 9:45 a.m. C Birthday RemembranceJimmy Angelilli (Father, Frank & Karen Angelilli) 11:00 a.m. P James & Anne Brady (Children & Grandchildren) Monday, February 15, 2016 7:30 a.m. P Month’s Mind Jayne Loveland (Sister James Ann) Tuesday, February 16, 2016 7:30 a.m. P 1st Anniversary of Death Ann Vulcan (M/M Anthony Dedola 8:00 a.m C Helen Loya (Maureen Dudash) Wednesday, February 17, 2016NO MASS 7:00 p.m. C Stations of the Cross Thursday, February 18, 2016 7:30 a.m. P Aunt Suzanne Kruthaupt (Eddie Wirtz & Family) 8:00 a.m. C Ann Lawrence (Helen Stanish) Friday, February 19, 2016 7:30 a.m. P Frances Sharpe (Christian Mother’s Former Church of Madonna) 6:00 p.m. P Stations of the Cross Saturday, February 20, 2016 8:00 a.m. C Anges King (Daughter Aggie & Family) Second Sunday of Lent
Saturday Vigil, February 20, 2016 4:00 p.m. P Birthday Remembrance George Onesko (Daughter Nadine & Family) Sunday, February 21, 2016 8:00 a.m. P Pro Populo 9:45 a.m. C Anniversary of Death James G. Richards Sr. (Children) 11:00 a.m. P Maryann Borsody (Husband Joe)
EM: Server: Reader: EM: Server: Reader: EM: Server: Reader: EM: Server:
4:00 p.m. St. Peter Marlene Ricco Gloria Wheeler Mark Galway Emily Myers Madelyn Myers John Ball 8:00 a.m. St. Peter Cora Lent Joanie Pagac Andy Tressa Carmella DiFlippo Gina DiFlippo Joe Gaydos 9:45 a.m. St. Cecilia Mark Konter Nancy Sebeck Carl DellaPenna Jr Caleb DellaPenna Anthony DellaPenna Carl DellaPenna 11:00 a.m. St. Peter Diane Sheridan Bert Smith Kathy Miller Shane Ziglear Samantha Ziglear
Paul Cech, Sr. Jill Wible David Ballant Patty Sluk Bruce Brady Sammy Basile III Nancy Heinbaugh Lacy Neff Tisa Lach Josephine Bogorae Rhonda Liggett Chuck Smith Joseph Nehela Carl Butler Beverly Berish Alex McCune Eleanor Dando Jerry Zalek Christopher Liebietreu Maryann Olenik Barbara McNeeley Christine Rose
Darla Stump Liliana Orris Rosalie Barlie Ann Baker Lenny Zielinski Conner McClelland Sylvia Walinski Linda Brand Laura Garee Emma Null Patricia Knight Mary Williams Mary Barber Sharon Smith Fred Gnus Michael Climes Sr. Serena Snodgrass Bill Snodgrass Charlotte Katko Bob Behary
Veronica Stringert Robert Stringert Bryan Tomecsko Brandon Tomecsko Allison Sallade Shane Urbine Joel Shumar Cody Tylka Dolores Sarrocco Ron Andreani Ronald Sabo Jr. Joseph Jagoda Margie Linzmeier Bob Simmons Steve Runyon Melvin Wence Jeff Melhorn All living and deceased members of our parish and their families.
Collection Report St. Peter’s Church 2/7/16 ADULT ENVELOPES(260)..…………… ...... $4601.00 STUDENT ENVELOPES(17)..…………………$29.00 MONTHLY(30)…………………………… ....... $670.00 LOOSE…………………………………….. ...... $292.00 CANDLES………………………………… ....... $121.00 DISASTER RELIEF….………………………...$530.00
St. Cecilia’s Church 02/7/16
ADULT ENVELOPES(79)……………….. ….$1716.00 STUDENT ENV(12) ......................................... $12.00 LOOSE………………………………………... …$30.00 CANDLES………………………………………...$44.00 DISASTER RELIEF ....................................... $111.00
December 29, 2015 Sr. James Ann Germuska, Executive Director CrossKeys Human Services, Inc. 302 Shaffner Ave. Brownsville, PA 15417 Dear Sr. James Ann, In 1998, the diocese established a special recognition for individuals whose deeds exhibit a significant level of time, talent and treasure. People who were nominated for this acknowledgement were measured by how they embrace the mission of the Church in our diocese, reflect the essence of Catholic Charities, and help to make visible the teachings of Jesus. It is with great pleasure that I inform you of the selection of Crosskeys Human Services, Inc. as the recipient of the 2016 Communities of Salt and Light Award in the field of Outstanding Human Service Organization. This award will be presented to you and your representatives at the Catholic Charities Communities of Salt and Light Award Dinner, to be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon, Pa. Ms. Heather P. Rady, Director of Community Relations and Special Events for Catholic Charities will be contacting you regarding the award and to respond to any concerns or questions you may have. I extend my deepest gratitude for your many gifts that this tribute of praise reflects. I hope that you will be available on the date indicated so that I may present the award personally. Fraternally your in Christ,
† Edward C. Malesic The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, JCL Bishop of Greenburg
Congratulations!
When you see Sr. James Ann and her fellow staff take a minute and thank them for their dedication to the community and their mission. Save the Date for April 21st. All members of the parish are invited to attend. Transportation will be provided. More details to follow!
Sausage Sale
Holy Name of Monessen is sponsoring the sale. Fr. Vince’s Father’s Recipe for Italian Hot, Sweet, Hot-Hot Sausage Cost is $4.50 per pound. 2lb Minimun per item. Orders due by February 29th. 724-785-7781 Delivery on March 17.
Music Notes
The third verse of our closing hymn, Again We Keep This Solemn Fast, sets the tone for our Lenten selfdenial. “More sparing, therefore, let us make the words we speak, the food we take, Our sleep, our laughter, every sense; Learn peace through holy penitence.” We are accustomed to fasting from food, but what’s this about fasting from speaking? Perhaps it is meant to encourage us to examine our communication. Does our speech offend God? Do we spread gossip? Do we really need to constantly express our opinions on social media? What about laughter? No, we are not called to be sour-faced saints, but are we too focused on constant entertainment, without giving God much thought? Verse four tells us to “avoid each harmful way”. We do this by “watchful prayer.”
Lenten Fast and Abstinence Guidelines Save the Date for Vacation Bible School! When: June 13-17, 2016 Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Who: All youngsters entering Preschool-5th Grade Where: St. Cecilia’s Social Hall Adult Volunteers Needed! Youth Volunteers Needed! (6th grade and up) Please call the office 724-785-7781.
2016 DLA How Your Gifts Are Used Education Weekend 25.1% Catholic Schools Providing support to Catholic Elementary and High Schools, and the Office for Catholic Schools. 21.7% Support to Parishes Each parish will receive all funds it raises over its goal for local needs as determined by the pastor and parish leadership. This may include funds for outreach, youth ministry, facility improvements or other needs.
Your church envelopes serve many purposes. Through your generosity, they help contribute to the financial needs and growth of your parish. In addition, they are also used as a way to keep track of your active participation in receiving the Word of God each week at mass. The participation records are very important especially when you are asked to serve as a Godparent or would like to be married in the church. Sponsorship carries many requirements, including living your life as an active Catholic by attending church. Please remember to bring your envelopes to church so that we are able to fulfill your sponsorship request when you are asked to serve in this wonderful capacity.
12.9% Catholic Charities Meeting the emotional and material needs of others, especially the poorest and most vulnerable among us with utility assistance, food and clothing vouchers, counseling and adoption services. 11.0% Ordained Ministry The funds for ordained ministry are used to educate seminarians, prepare men for the Permanent Deaconate, provide continuing education and ongoing formation for our priests and care of our retired priests.
15.9% Diocesan Ministries The DLA funds the important work of the Offices for Evangelization and Faith Formation, Worship, Lay 7.8% Stewardship Ecclesial Ministry, Planning, Marriage and Tribunal Stewardship is a way of life for the Christian disciple. These efforts help the faithful grow in their love and Hospital Ministry. of the Lord, understand their gifts and talents and
encourage them to participate and give back to the Church. 5.5% Diocesan Administration The funds are used to pay for services provided by the Diocese to parishes, catholic schools, Catholic Charities and the Bishop Connare Retreat Center; this includes Information Technology Services and Support, Facilities Management Assistance and Financial Services.
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