Changes in personnel &amp; sacraments

by Fr. Joseph McCaffrey

Congratulations to Patrick Neve, our youth director. Patrick and his wife, the former Phoebe Johnson, were married by Fr. Anthony Sciarappa on August 1, 2020 at Ascension Parish in Melbourne FL.

Also, welcome, Thomas (T.J.) Belsterling, our new middle school Faith Formation Coordinator who provided the following information.

My name is Thomas (T.J.) Belsterling, and I most recently graduated from the University of Dayton with majors in Secondary Education, Religious Studies, and English Language Arts. I have been a parishioner of St. Gregory Parish in Zelienople my whole life, and I attended Quigley Catholic High School in Baden, Pennsylvania. I have taught students from middle school to college level ranging from English to faith formation/preparation. I have professional associations with the National Speech and Debate League, Mock Trial/ PA BAR Association, the National Council for Teachers of English, and the Arch-Diocese of Cincinnati.

On a more personal note, I grew up on a farm outside of Zelienople, PA. In light of this, I am particularly fond of what most people might recognize as "lack-luster" animals like my cows, chickens, pigs, horses, and cats. These animals, while nothing exotic or extraordinary to most, have accompanied me through all of my life and have become as much as part of my story as I have of theirs.

As a Pittsburgher my whole life, I am particularly fond of all sports teams associated with the city, but I have a particular affinity for the Penguins and Pirates. Some of my favorite past-times include water-skiing, sailing, power-lifting, and snowboarding.

I am looking forward to getting to know more about Holy Spirit Parish and the families that make up this vibrant and energetic community. I count myself more than blessed and thankful to be counted as part of this family as I grow and learn with each of the families that I serve. —T.J. Belsterling

Given continued Covid-19 restrictions, Bishop Zubik has given permission to all pastors and administrators to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation with those entrusted to their pastoral care. Our Faith Formation department is diligently working on a plan for a Confirmation retreat and also dates for Confirmation to be celebrated with our candidates with me as the celebrant. I hope you are not all too disappointed that I will be the confirming priest and it will not be the bishop of the diocese. These are certainly unusual times, but God provides! Please pray for the Confirmands and their families as they attend retreats on August 15 and August 21 as well as when they are confirmed on the dates below. Private services for the Confirmands are being planned for:
     Saturday, August 29, Mass at 4:00 p.m.,
     Sunday, August 30, Mass at 11:00 a.m.,
     Tuesday, September 1, Sacrament of Confirmation Service only (no Mass) at 7:00 p.m. ,
     Wednesday, September 2, Sacrament of Confirmation Service only (no Mass) at 7:00 p.m., and
     Wednesday, September 9, Mass at 7:00 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in any way in our matching donation fund drive for Holy Spirit Academy. I am extremely impressed with the number of people within and outside of our community who are generously contributing to this very worthwhile cause for Catholic education in Lawrence County. Through the generosity of an anonymous couple outside of our community, this matching gift of $125,000 can yield $250,000 in financial stability for Holy Spirit Academy.

God love you,