Congratulations, Fr. Matthew and Sr. Barbara

This is a glorious weekend for us at Holy Spirit Parish. Deacon Matthew Hawkins was ordained   Fr. Matthew Hawkins on Saturday, June 27 ^th, at           St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh by Bishop Zubik. We look forward to his return to celebrate his first Mass with us on Sunday, July 5 ^th, 2:00 p.m. at St. Vitus. Seating will be extremely limited due to coronavirus restrictions. Everyone who attends will have to wear a mask and sign in as part of the Diocese required protocol.

Congratulations to Sr. Barbara Ann Johnston on her retirement after many years of service. In addition to her time at St. Camillus, we are all very grateful to     Sr. Barbara for her years of service to the region.  Sr. Barb had been with               St. Camillus and Holy Spirit for over 20 years. She has been a Sr. of St. Joseph, Baden for 60 years. She would have celebrated her 60 yr. Jubilee in March but for the Covid-19 pandemic.

During her time at Camillus, Sr. Barb initiated the Advent Walk, the Haggadah Seder Meal, brought a prison ministry to the New Castle jail, and created many joyful memories. She has been a grief counselor, annulment advocate, teacher of adult Bible studies, marriage prep organizer, and RCIA coach. She has delivered Communion and flowers to homebound/nursing home residents; given blessings and compassion to grieving families while assisting them in planning funeral services for their loved ones; brought joy to new parents planning for their child's Baptism; and always friendship, love and laughter with her family, friends, and co-workers. Anyone who has ever spent any time with Sr. Barb has truly been given a gift!

In addition, Sr. Barb’s retirement drive-thru  parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 27th at St. Camillus from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Parishioners are/were invited to make a sign, decorate their car—or just drive by and wave! Sister Barb will be sitting under the canopy in the front parking lot. Weather permitting, we will honor Sister Barb at the 9:00 am parking lot Mass today, June 28 ^th.

God love you,