February 2, 2020

Exciting News!

   News Flash:  There is exciting news for our parish and St. Vitus School. Bishop Zubik has approved our request to change the name of the school to Holy Spirit Academy. This approval will become effective on July 1, 2020.  It is a definite sign to the Lawrence County community of our commitment and that of the Diocese to support Catholic education in Lawrence County.

We are also very proud and grateful for our Catholic School. The many children, parents and faculty who   participated in Catholic Schools week did a marvelous job of reminding us of Catholic education. A huge thanks to Geoff Measel and family for spearheading the family praise and worship service held at St. Vitus School last Monday evening as part of Catholic Schools week. This is a wonderful family prayer experience that I hope will catch on and continue throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our outreach to those in need this weekend. We are very grateful to Dr. Stephen Conti and his wife, Carol, of Our Hearts to Your Soles, who provided the occasion for us to care for the needy in our midst, giving away over 240 pairs of boots to men and women in need. I am thankful to Catholic Charities, with their medical director, Dr. Michael Lamb, his wife, Dr. Kathleen Lamb, and all the Catholic Charities team who assisted our Healthcare Ministry in providing medical screening. Also, thank you to our many volunteers who cooked the delicious pasta dinner for all who were hungry, serving over several hundred meals!

This kind of community outreach is the very hallmark of what it means to be a Catholic parish! I am so proud of all of you and in a special way, our healthcare ministers of the parish who were so eager to participate. This is a tangible illustration of our quest “to put our faith into action!” It is not enough to say that we believe in Jesus Christ or even celebrate the sacraments of the Church, we are called to live the sacraments and the faith we profess by action.

We had over 90 wonderful volunteers of all ages assisting with the outreach event. Speaking of our wonderful volunteers, it was a delightful time to be able to thank so many of you who give of yourselves in the name of Christ to our parish and wider community! Watch for some photographs on our website and in next week’s bulletin from the volunteer appreciation reception that was held on January 29.

God love you,