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April 25, 2021
Good Shepherd, First Communion and Holy Orders
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On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we are blessed to acknowledge and promote Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This amazing catechetical program designed for children 3 – 5 years old is directed by Vicki Pavalko. For more information please contact Vicki at 724-652-3422 X 2712 or [email protected] and see our website under Faith Formation – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Congratulations again to our children who received First Holy Communion last weekend and this weekend. We are very grateful to their parents for bringing them to this sacrament. We are also very grateful to our Faith Formation coordinators, Cathy Frank and Kathy Gabriel, as well as all of the volunteer catechists and catechist helpers who have assisted these children in preparing for this most wondrous sacrament.
I particularly want to express my gratitude to the non-Catholic spouses and family members who have supported these children along the way. I want you to know how much I personally appreciate your encouragement and participation in these little ones’ lives relative to their Catholic faith. I also want you to know that you are always welcome in our midst. If there is ever any way we can help you to feel more comfortable or if you would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, I encourage you to call upon any of the priests, deacons or Sr. Annie. We would all be very delighted to meet with you and discuss any of your concerns or questions. And, of course, you’re always welcome to consider becoming part of our R.C.I.A program, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Joining this program or coming to it does not mean that you have decided to become Catholic. It simply means that you are inquiring about the Catholic faith and would like to learn more. Of your own free will and in your own time, you can make your decision to either join us in the faith and receive the sacraments of initiation, or just continue to learn and be involved as you desire. Fr. Brendan Dawson leads our R.C.I.A. program and he can be contacted at [email protected] or 724-652-3422.
As you know, we are very blessed to have two men preparing for Holy Orders. Chris Baker is our seminarian at St. Paul Seminary in Crafton studying for the priesthood. Dr. Joe Ross is studying to be a permanent
deacon. Congratulations to Dr. Joe Ross who recently was installed into the Ministry of Lector. I have asked Dr. Joe to share with us his journey to the permanent diaconate when his studies permit. So hopefully you will see information from both men in this bulletin and on the website from time to time. Chris writes, ”Here we are, it’s late April and classes are wrapping up. Can you have senioritis as a freshman?” See Page 13 for more of Chris’ and Dr. Ross’ stories, and photos.
Please pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service. Amen
God love you,
