Merry Christmas

Last week, I thought about wishing everyone “Merry Christmas!” in my column, but then I reconsidered.  While the celebration of Christmas would be occurring the coming week, last Sunday was still Advent.  If we really want to appreciate Christmas, we first need to appreciate Advent.  We need the time to hope and wait that Advent affords us in order to enter into the full beauty of Christmas.  We can’t just take Christmas at face value because then it stays at the level of nice stories or even commercialism.  Instead, by taking the time to anticipate and prepare our hearts, then Christ is able to be reborn once again for us as an event of faith.
 
The same holds true for the merger of OUR Grouping.  After 2+ years, maybe WE just want to get the merger over and done with so that WE can move on.  Sometimes it may appear that WE do a lot of talking and hold a lot of meetings, and yet nothing has changed.  It’s important to remember that it’s not only about change, but about a change of heart.  WE all need the time to talk and to listen, and as WE do this, WE gain a deeper insight into what the Lord wants of US and of how WE can cooperate with Him in the power of the Spirit.  This is God’s Church for US, and this will only come about if OUR faith is truly personal with the Lord, OUR hope is built on trust and joyful expectation, and OUR love is not OURS at all but the love of Christ that WE share with Him and one another.
 
This means that Church is about relationships and relationship building.  This doesn’t happen overnight or by US merely wishing it to happen.  As is true of any relationship, it requires a maturity on both parts, a joyful dream of a future together, a willingness to give without counting the cost, and an openness to grow and develop into something/someone that the individuals could never be on their own.  The future will be strong provided the present is strong.
 
As Advent is a chance for US to peel back the layers of OUR heart to make full room for the coming of OUR Savior at Christmas, so too this time of preparation for a merger is a prime opportunity for all of US to understand OURselves and one another in a uniquely new relationship that only the Lord can and will unfold for US.  If WE are willing to hope in faith and love over the next year and beyond, OUR time together will be a joyful Advent of readying OURselves to welcome the birth of our Lord – a new Christmas – as WE become a new expression of the presence of Christ in OUR world.
 
Now that WE are actually in the appropriate season, I feel confident to say it, “On behalf of the Clergy Team and the Staffs of all of OUR three parishes, Merry Christmas and may the Good Lord bestow His abundant blessings upon you and your families!”
 


Christmas Wish List (Dec 20)

Did you ever notice that when we compile our Christmas wish list, we generally start off with the things that we want (the fun stuff).  Pressed a little harder, we might include the things we need (the boring stuff).  But if you noticed, this is all about “stuff.”  Stuff comes, and stuff goes.  There’s got to be more than that, especially for Christmas.  What is it that we really need?  What is it that we need – or need more of – that would sustain us, or even improve us, as stuff comes and goes?  Is this need merely about me, or should it not necessarily include others?  What do WE need for US to be US?
 
In a little over a year from now, WE will be coming together in a fashion that WE are still trying to work out with the insight of the Holy Spirit.  Sure, there will be a lot of “stuff” to manage, but WE are church, and so OUR planning – OUR wish list – has got to run much deeper than stuff.  What do WE need to make US into the Body of Christ?  May I offer some of my wishes:
Faith – Deacon Don reminds US that this is a personal relationship with the Lord.  May WE have this relationship with and through one another.
Peace – The angels proclaim to the shepherds “…and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Lk. 2:14)  Peace, in good times and bad, only comes upon US when WE allow that personal relationship with the Lord to define US, both individually and collectively.
Hope – Following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, WE need to trust that God has a plan for US, a plan that we might not be able to comprehend just yet, but God can.  WE need to place OURselves in His hands knowing that He has OUR best interests at heart.
Wisdom – Beyond the wisdom of the classroom, WE need the wisdom of the cross.  That tender infant in the manger would become the man who would lay down his life for US, his friends.  And through that total offering, he would rise above it all.  A life lived for others is the only life worth living.
Love – If the Way of the Cross is the way of OUR lives, may WE walk his way with him as WE see him in the lives of one another.
Sharing – As WE see the love of Christ made present in others, WE are drawn to them and they to US so that WE all become and stay US.  If WE can die with Christ, then WE can live and die for each other.
This is not the kind of wish list that WE mail off to Santa at the North Pole.  Rather, it is one that WE personally carry on OUR knees to the foot of the cross in prayer and beseech our Heavenly Father that WE might have the heart of Christ enlivened by the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is the gift that keeps on giving in and through US because it is first in and through God.  May these OUR truest wishes be granted not so much for US as for one another whom WE serve.
 
God Bless The Cities of God!
 


SAD ACTIONS.....BUT NECESSARY (December 12/13)

Who would have thought in Advent of 2019 that just a year later, in our nation alone, millions would be infected with COVID-19 and hundreds of thousands would die from it, that we would be wearing face masks, staying 6’ away from each other, and washing our hands to the count of 20 (or to the Hail Mary), that our office buildings would be well below capacity because most people are being encouraged to work from home, and that the obligation to attend Mass would be lifted and certain “compromised” classes of individuals would even be encouraged not to come to church? We have great promise for a vaccine coming soon, but until then, and even after then, we have to keep up our guard and maintain safe practices. We look at one another with suspicion and fear infection from family or stranger. We want to get back to living a “normal” life, but it may be that the definition of “normal” has now changed. Nonetheless, God is still with US!

As most, if not all, of you know, over the last couple of weeks, the staffs of OUR parishes have experienced several cases of COVID-19 with the accompanying possibility of contacting and infecting others. WE have tried to maintain high standards of cleanliness and caution, but sometimes OUR best efforts can only prevent but not prohibit. WE did what WE did in our parish offices to serve you as best as WE knew how, and now WE hope to do an even better job of keeping YOU safe and US safe while serving everyone as effectively as before.

As of this past Tuesday, December 8, OUR parish offices are open with restricted access and reduced staffing. Normal office hours are being maintained to address the needs of OUR faithful parishioners, but, where possible, staff members are being encouraged to work from home virtually whenever they possibly can. Since many on the staff have already been teleworking to a certain degree, this new structure just means that everyone has to “up their game.” I would ask that everyone please consider contacting the office electronically (telephone, email, website, Facebook, etc.). Of course, the offices will still be open for inperson visits, but those visits might now be from a greater distance, through masks and plexiglass, and over intercoms. Nonetheless, God is still with US!

The place that WE want to be the most is also the place of OUR greatest exposure – inside the church. Who really likes tape on OUR pews and Confessions from a distance? WE’re family, but WE can’t give each other the Sign of Peace. Everyone in church, and especially everyone ministering in the Sanctuary - including the clergy - must wear a mask at all times. WE have to register for Mass in advance since OUR once-large churches have limited seating, which leads me to one more thing…it’s not just nice, but necessary, to register for seating at Mass. As of this recent Thanksgiving, it is now necessary, to register in advance for all Masses (with the exception of weekday morning Mass everywhere and Wednesday evening Mass at St. Ferdinand). Whether you call the office at the parish where you wish to attend or sign up electronically for St. Ferdinand, this is the only way we can ensure that there is space in the church to accommodate you and your family. WE don’t want to turn anyone away, but Bishop Zubik instructs us that limits must be observed. This will become even more critical at Christmas, when more of the faithful attend, and many may be unaware of the need to register in advance; therefore, pass the word along. In fact, WE’re anticipating a revision of the system starting with Christmas wherein only those registered will be seated until a certain amount of time prior to Mass, and after that any available seats will be opened for those not registered. Keep your eyes open for more on that. Nonetheless, God is still with US!

Being safe and being available may sound exclusive in OUR day and age, but they don’t have to be. This is the situation that the Good Lord has given us. He has also given us skills, talents, and abilities to address what WE’re facing. God wants us to make the most of what He’s given US. It’s new… but difficult. It’s sad…but necessary. Nonetheless, God is still with US! God Bless The Cities of God!

They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love

Back in the 1960’s and 1970’s, we were wont to sing a song by this name at Mass.  It had a twangy lilt to it and a cowboy bounce.  It’s not so much in musicians’ repertoires these days.  Nonetheless, its meaning is timeless.  Its title and theme are based on a quote from Jesus Himself: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:35)  Then, around the Year 200 AD, the North African theologian Tertullian reported the oft repeated astonishment by pagans toward the early Christians: “See how they love one another.”  These perceptions were not based on “warm and fuzzy” emotions but rather on faith in action.  The early Christians went out of their way to help and care for the needy, whether or not they were Christian.  Those first believers were willing to go this route even if it meant martyrdom.  Their love of God and neighbor were inspired by the death of Christ on the cross and their trust in the resurrection of those who had died in the faith.

OUR three primary communities, The Cities of God, far-flung though they are, are probably more similar than they are different.  All three have saints and sinners; all three have rich and poor; all three have white-collar and blue-collar.  All three have faith and love - a faith and love that can be tapped even further.  As WE grow in faith, WE grow in love, and as WE grow in love, WE grow in unity.  The early Church was known not only for giving of their possessions but more importantly for giving of their hearts, and always without counting the cost.  WE all have a heart for Christ, whatever worldly possessions WE may or may not have, and that Christ-like heart causes US to see Christ in each other.  With that heart and that vision, WE recognize that all is a gift given to US by God and that each gift is meant to be shared.  WE all have received many gifts throughout OUR lives, but one stands preeminent.  “So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13)

If and when WE love with the heart of Christ, WE create a community that works at removing distinctions and barriers and strives to build bonds of parity and trust.  WE recognize and live the fact that the three are actually one.  WE are, and will continue to become, more one than three.  WE sang back then as WE live today, “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord”, and because of that, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

God Bless The Cities of God!

PS.  If you haven’t been inside the church at Holy Redeemer Parish lately, may I invite you to make the trip to Ellwood City not only to celebrate Mass but also to see the recent upgrade in the sanctuary.  Through a very generous donation by the Special Activities Group (SAG) - a local fundraising organization - the worn-out carpeting was replaced by a hardwood floor.  Musicians will have an interest in this because the hard surface keeps the sounds alive.  The rest of US will appreciate how the new look lends to the solemnity of the space.  OUR deepest thanks go out to SAG!

PPS. WE all know that the COVID-19 is not a thing of the past but is very much a part of OUR present and foreseeable future.  In order to exercise the utmost caution, WE have begun registration for all weekend Masses, Holy Day Masses, and special occasion Masses at all three of OUR parishes (the only exception being no registration for weekday Masses).  The reasons for this are to maintain proper social distancing and to do contact tracing, if necessary.  This means that WE will have to monitor more carefully the number of people WE can safely squeeze into OUR churches.  Therefore, it is essential that you register at the appropriate parish in adequate time before coming to church.  Seating is limited!  This will become most obvious as WE enter into the Christmas Season.  Please extend the courtesy to OUR fellow parishioners by registering in advance and not just showing up.  (Thank You!)



To Be a Church or To Be Church

A church, by definition, is a building constructed of a variety of materials where people gather to join in sacred services of praise and thanksgiving to God.  Each of OUR three parishes has a church that reflects the community it serves in design, size, and furnishings.  Each church has a name received when it was consecrated or dedicated, and in the merger, each church will retain that name, while a new name will be given to the entire new parish.  So much of OUR faith life goes on within the walls of the church, filled with hopes and dreams, sorrows and joys.  Sometimes, WE even identify ourselves by the name of the church (e.g., I belong to _________ Church; this is a fundraiser for _________ Church, etc.).  Are WE just a building?  Do WE lose OUR purpose if/when OUR building is no more?  Or is there something else?

In the Gospel of Matthew, WE hear Jesus proclaim, “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (Mt. 16:18)  These words are emblazoned in the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  Is Peter (a name that means rock) meant to be a literal stone forming the foundation of this grand basilica?  Or is Jesus saying that the faith, teaching, and leadership of Peter (and his successors) would be set as the base upon which Jesus Himself would establish His community of believers – known as His church?  The faithful are the “church”, not the building.  What is housed in the church building is the same as what is housed in the church as faithful – the living and breathing God in Word and Sacrament.  However, there are certain distinctions.  The bricks of the building are held together by mortar, but the faithful are united by their Baptism.  The church as building welcomes US in, but the church as the faithful sends US forth.  WE own the buildings, but the Lord owns US.

At the time of the merger, WE will still have three church buildings, but will WE become one church?  Since OUR unity comes from OUR common Baptism into Christ, WE will become church not only among our fellow parishioners but also across the Diocese and around the world.  At that point, which notion of church is really most important?  Church anticipates allegiance not to a name or to a building but to a person, Jesus Christ.  It is Jesus who built us upon the rock solid foundation of Peter.  It is the Blood of Christ flowing through OUR collective heart that gives us life.  It doesn’t matter in what church building WE are seated or next to which church person WE are seated, because the true church sends US out to be church and to grow church.  WE are fed in the church as building, but WE grow as church in US and among US.  May WE be church in and for Christ Jesus.

God Bless The Cities of God!


One Parish Grouping Under God

As I’ve been making my way around to the various parish churches among The Cities of God, I’ve noticed quite a few signs and posters in the lawns of many people, one of which particularly caught my attention.  It contained a simple phrase lifted directly from the Pledge of Allegiance – “One Nation Under God”.  I believe it was originally meant as a reminder to all passersby to make a presidential voting selection based upon a well-formed and faith-filled conscience.  Since the sign has stayed up beyond the election season, I would guess that the intention now is to impress upon folks that, regardless of the election’s outcome, our country is founded upon God, and so we need to carry on life in our nation based upon the values set forth by God, and God alone.

Those simple, yet very direct, words need to set the tone for OUR activities as WE plan for and eventually become a merged parish.  WE are commissioned by God through His Church to this task, and so it is essential that WE see OURSELVES as “One Parish Grouping Under God”.  Yes, the process will involve many practical and mundane responsibilities: sharing buildings, combining databases, merging assets and liabilities, configuring staffing, and so much more.  Nonetheless, WE must continually remind OURSELVES that WE are not a commercial operation.  WE do not produce a product with the sole interest of turning a profit.  WE are Church, and may WE never forget this!  WE are the People of God.  Whether WE are clergy, staff, volunteers, or the faithful in the pews, WE are all called to bring Christ to one another and to see Christ in one another.  OUR service is service to Christ through the mediation of His people.  WE can only accept Christ if WE are willing to accept His people.

Okay, it may not always be easy to “play nice in the sandbox”, but OUR mothers taught US that anything worth having is work working for.  OUR goal is unity in God, and all of the effort is worth it.  WE strive for a participation in the Kingdom on this side of eternity where WE can live out OUR new reality as a united City of God.  With the Spirit as OUR driving force and the Eucharist as OUR food for the journey, this is not a pipedream but a reality within OUR grasp.  Some might say it’s coming too soon; others might say it’s not coming soon enough.  Well, it’s important to remember that it comes in God’s time, and so WE must cooperate with the Good Lord’s plan.  The efforts will bear fruit as WE see faith and compassion, community and service grow and mature, unceasingly.  What WE are today is The Cities of God.  What WE envision OURSELVES becoming is The City of God.  This will only happen as WE join together under the banner of OUR one God.

God Bless The Cities of God!

The Cities of God  (Redux)

What’s in a name?  Plenty! When we know the name of someone, we have a certain level of control over that person.  (Just think of how we attempt to protect our username and password on the internet.) Undoubtedly, the greatest name identifying of all time was when God revealed His name to Moses from the burning bush. At that point, God allowed Himself to be vulnerable and available to humanity. This was completed when Jesus, the Son, made the identity of the Father know to all times and places, and Jesus displayed the vulnerability of God by His willingness to love us, even to the point of dying for us and then allowing us to have access to the Father through the Holy Spirit. God revealed Himself as a bond of love in a Trinity of Persons.
 
Since 15, October 2018, OUR amalgam of parishes, parishioners, geography, and faith has been identified as Grouping #444. While that title serves a purpose of ordering US amidst the other parish Groupings across the Diocese, it does nothing to say anything about who WE are. WE need to continue thinking more and more as a family, even before WE merge. WE need to call OURSELVES something before WE achieve the merger point and are assigned an official name from the Bishop. WE need a name, or a brand, that WE all share and that WE are and can become. It should symbolize OUR working together and become OUR trademark in terms of a logo, a letterhead, and a rallying cry that will inspire US on to January 2022.
 
You may recall my bulletin article all the way back on 30, August 2020.  It was there that I first spoke of a name that was dear to my heart for OUR Grouping – The Cities of God. I reflected upon the faith of OUR three principle cities (Cranberry Twp., Ellwood City, and Zelienople) and all the many other communities in between. The goal, of course, would be to build one day a united City of God upon OUR common faith, hope, and charity. WE sing about this in Church, and so it’s time for US to witness to this and put it into practice. I’ve used the name quite frequently, and it has been received very favorably. Therefore, I am honored to present OURSELVES to each other and to the Diocese as “The Cities of God” for the remaining months of OUR merger process. Of course, please let me state this very clearly, this will not become OUR final parish name but just something to carry US over until then.  The final, official name comes only after a large parish process and a selection by the Bishop. “The Cities of God” will give US meaning and purpose in the interim. May WE strive to live up to this name with conviction and humility as we share the faith of OUR common Baptism and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
 

God Bless The Cities of God!

OUR Vision  (November 1, 2020)
Recently, I was part of a Zoom call discussing the state and the progress of the merger of OUR Grouping parishes.  One of the participants asked me what my vision is for the merger – what it would look like.  My response was that it’s not really my vision at all since it’s not about me and will need to be in place for years beyond me.  Rather, it needs to be the vision of the Bishop, or more specifically the vision of the universal Church, which is meant to reflect the vision of God for His Church.  This may sound pretty lofty, but in all honesty, this vision is bigger than any of US since WE don’t own it and WE don’t control it.  WE are stewards of it as a gift to US from God that WE are charged to make real so that future generations might grow in the faith.  Empowered by the Spirit, WE are to take up the Spirit’s work.

With that said, I was again asked what I thought this might look like.  Being in the midst of World Mission Sunday considerations, I stated that WE need to reflect the needs and the hopes of OUR sisters and brothers from around the world.  As a truly Catholic (Universal) Church, we are scattered around the globe with differing cultures and resources.  Nonetheless, we all believe in the one same God, and we support one another so that we can all grow in our common faith.  There are no “haves” and “have nots”, but only those possessed by the power of God’s love.  It is the responsibility of each and every believer to make sure that everyone knows and grows in this experience.  What we have is entrusted to us by God to assist others.

One more time, I was asked what this might look like.  My thought is that WE are to be both “mirror” and “model”.  There is no question about it, OUR “global” community, OUR three Cities of God, have distinctly identifiable cultures and resources.  However, WE are all Cities of God!  Each has a mandate from God Himself to take what has been given it and use it to enable all to grow in praise and glory of God.  In OUR unity in the midst of diversity, WE are called to “mirror” the universality of the Church right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  At the same time, it’s not just about US in our Grouping.  What We do needs to have a faith-filled impact on the larger Church.  Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Mt. 5:14)  I believe that WE are called to be that “light”, WE are called to be that “city”.  It is OUR responsibility to “mirror” to others what a global Church can and does look like.  This is not vanity; this is humility; this is servant leadership.  WE accept the responsibility from God and lead the way so that others can see and do as well.  WE work to build up the Church – in OUR own cities and for others too.

When do I foresee this coming about?  NEVER!  This is a work of God and as such will always be a work in progress; it’s called the growth in faith.  What WE do today may take years and generations to realize, and those years and generations will be called upon to undertake even more growth, until Jesus Himself returns in glory.  However, it all needs to start sometime, and that time is now.  OUR first marker is the anticipated merger date of 1 January 2022, and WE need to be working on that vision right now.  Whether WE do it in church committees or in prayer, WE need to change hearts (OURS and others) for Christ and His people.  I recently began work with OUR three Pastoral Councils to craft a survey/questionnaire of 10-15 questions that will gauge the level of understanding and willing acceptance of this vision from the parishioners of OUR three parishes.  Hopefully, this can be out to you soon in order to continue refining where the Good Lord wants US to go and what He wants US to become.  Your prayers and support will be OUR strength.  Thank You!

God Bless The Cities of God!

WE Are Here to Serve US (Part 3)  (October 25, 2020)
WE can mean many things and many people.  WE have seen that WE can mean the clergy of OUR Grouping as well as OUR staff of employees and volunteers.  At the same time, WE ultimately means OUR three parish families working together as one.  At the Last Supper, Jesus prayed to His heavenly Father that His followers “may be one” just as He and the Father are one. (Jn. 17:11)  Being one means that WE respect the uniqueness and individuality of each while each of US contributes to making OUR Grouping and OUR new parish an expression of the one Body of Christ.  This unity WE have in Christ will not be based upon winning or losing but upon service.  Jesus clearly reminds US, “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.  For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many”. (Mk 10:43-45)

How do WE serve?...Let me count the ways.  Numerous parishioners serve on a variety of consultative groups to help advise me on the management of the parishes and the merger process.  Many parishioners volunteer to clean and sanitize our facilities and to beautify our grounds.  There are those who organize events to raise funds so that OUR works of faith and charity may continue and grow.  There are those who minister in OUR liturgical services.  There are those who are catechists and assistants in OUR variety of formation programs.  There are those who provide outreach in many pastoral, spiritual, and practical ways.  There are those who offer the gifts of financial resources that give the temporal means for OUR spiritual mission.  Lastly, the largest, and hopefully the most powerful, category is those who pray – those who pray gathered around the altar or remotely for whatever reason; those who pray for OUR welfare present and future; those who pray for US individually or collectively; those who are united with US in storming heaven with prayer that we may be one.

That oneness will come only when WE are willing to serve, but not as a means of being awarded, honored, or thanked.  Rather, true service comes only when WE selflessly give without counting the cost or anticipating the payback.  True service comes only when WE make the decision to look into the face of the other and see the face of Christ, as Jesus says, “’Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’”. (Mt. 25:40)  It is then that WE become the one Body of Christ because it is then that WE acknowledge that Christ is in all of US to be honored, respected, and served.  My prayer is that WE will continue to grow in recognizing Christ in our very midst and thus grow in OUR service to US.  I encourage you and I beg you to join me in this prayer of thanks and hope.

God Bless The Cities of God!

PS. Please Remember…next weekend (10/31-11/1) Standard Time returns, and so turn your clock back one hour to get an extra hour of sleep.

We Are Here to Serve US (Part 2)   (October 18, 2020)
Across OUR Grouping, WE have a paid staff of over 40 people. A number of the staff are employed in more than one parish. They all willingly share their time, know-how, and “stuff” across the board. OUR senior staff consists of accredited and dedicated individuals, and we meet as a team every Wednesday afternoon in order to swap ideas, encourage one another, hold each other accountable, stay on task, efficiently use our time, and encourage OUR common vision. I’m in each of OUR three offices at least once a week with scheduled and “off-the-cuff” meetings, to say nothing of phone calls, emails, and text messages. In addition to this, there are volunteers too numerous to count, who interact with the staff and with me on an on-going basis. As I travel across OUR Grouping, I never stop in to any of OUR parishes when I don’t find multiple good people putting in time. They’re doing this not because they want to impress me or because they hope to receive a sizeable raise (which they already know WE can’t afford) but because they see what they do as ministry. They see it as a ministry to God and His people because in serving those most in need they serve Christ directly. It doesn’t matter if it’s the person who answers the phone or sanitizes the church or the person with degrees on the wall or initials after their name. They don’t do it for their own personal aggrandizement (look that word up…I did), but for the greater honor and glory of God. This is a vocation for each and every one of them. This is a call and a gift from God, and each member of OUR staff and every volunteer is answering that invitation in order to assist the journey of faith for each of OUR 19,500 parishioners in 7,300 families. The work for the present and ahead of us is long and arduous, but never thankless. The thanks comes not necessarily in a fat paycheck or extra hours of sleep; rather, it’s in the gratitude of one who has been enabled to meet the Lord and in the gratitude of our God who acknowledges us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Early one recent morning, I was stirred from my sleep with a little rhyme that seems most apropos for these most dedicated souls: We will light a lot of darkness. We will heal a lot of pain. We will preach the Gospel message, ‘til OUR Savior comes again. Thank you for all that you do, and know that my prayers are with you as you serve all of US. God Bless The Cities of God!

We Are Here to Serve US (Part 1)  (October 11, 2020)
OUR clergy team consists of 4 priests in full-time active parish ministry (with no parish chaplain and no priest in residence) and 1 deacon.  This is one of the largest teams of clergy in any parish or Grouping across the Diocese.  At least one of OUR priests resides at each of OUR 3 rectories.  2 of OUR priests are former Pastors of the parishes where they reside.  1 of OUR priests only knows priesthood through service in our Grouping.  OUR deacon began his ministry at 1 of OUR parishes.  I was previously the Regional Vicar of the former Vicariate IV that included all of the parishes in OUR Grouping.

What I’m trying to get at is this…As WE approach 15 October 2020, the 2^nd anniversary of the creation of OUR Grouping (Grouping #444 – The Cities of God) with a path toward merging the parishes in January 2022, I want to be perfectly clear that all of OUR clergy are entirely committed to serving all of OUR faithful across all of OUR parishes.  Sure, some of OUR clergy have been affiliated with only one of OUR parishes for many years past and so know that area, its people, and its traditions better, but in these last 2 years, all of OUR clergy have joyfully extended their ministry and opened up their hearts to all as WE grow closer together in becoming one.

Let’s make no mistake about it, it all requires some maneuvering.  The distance between OUR churches on the farthest ends is around 18 miles with a driving time of around half an hour.  OUR church in the center essentially splits the difference – it’s backcountry roads in one direction and multiple traffic lights in the other.  The schedules are worked out to enable all of OUR clergy to rotate through all of OUR liturgies in all of OUR parishes based on scheduling availability and, of course, weather conditions. No one necessarily likes an early morning or late night drive from one end to the other, but OUR clergy team is committed to walking with OUR faithful wherever they might be and whatever is the need.  If someone on the team is off, out of town, or ill, someone else steps up and steps in.  I’m proud of our men and their acceptance of God’s call.  I would ask you please to join me in prayer for them because we are here to serve US.

God Bless The Cities of God!

PS. This coming weekend (17/18 October) we celebrate World Mission Sunday.  It is an opportunity for US to appreciate that the WE of us as Church is worldwide.  While we enjoy a higher standard of living in our country with a commensurate level of opportunity in Church life, this is not the case globally.  The Lord has given to all for all, and we are called to share and support.  It is traditional that the World Mission Sunday collection be taken up each year in mid-October.  In addition, it has been a tradition in our Diocese to conduct the Missionary Cooperation Plan appeal in mid-summer with a speaker representing a specific Diocese or religious community from a specific country.  Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Missionary Cooperation Plan speaker did not visit, and no collection was taken.  Therefore, our Diocese is combining these two collections on World Mission Sunday and giving ½ of the collection to each appeal.  The missionary Diocese for St. Ferdinand Parish is the Diocese of Mexicali with Fr. Rudy Valenzuela, fsp, and the religious community for St. Gregory Parish and Holy Redeemer Parish is the Vincentian Congregation in India and East Africa with Fr. Francis Cheru.  I would ask that you please open your hearts to OUR sisters and brothers in the less fortunate circumstances around the world.  Thank you!

PPS. Good news spreads fast, but it may not always be clear.  I think many of OUR parishioners heard the news that Bishop Zubik granted permission to open up our churches to 50% capacity; HOWEVER what may not have been heard is that we are still required to maintain 6’ social distance, wear masks, and properly clean and sanitize.  By continuing the necessary 6’ social distancing, WE are unable to increase seating potential at St. Ferdinand Church.  At the same time, WE have measured again the seating space at both St. Gregory Church and Holy Redeemer Church and have discovered that WE can open up 8 more pews at each church.  Still, I would ask that everyone planning to come for worship at one of OUR churches for weekend Mass please make reservations in advance according to the procedure in place at each parish.  WE will do our best to accommodate all with reservations as well as those who make a last minute decision to attend without a reservation.  All are welcome; we just need to ensure that all can participate safely.  Thank you!

All of US are Welcome (October 4, 2020)
I always find it very heartwarming when I go to a home and find the word “Welcome” on the mat outside of the front door.  I just hope and pray that the family inside really means it.  Of course, the word itself can be rather confusing.  Sometimes, a host or hostess will graciously invite us in, telling us to make ourselves at home – to sit wherever we like, to go to the refrigerator and take out whatever we like, etc.  We’re made to feel as if we are one of the family with all of the perks that come with it.  At other times, when a host or hostess greets us at the door, we get the sneaky feeling that we’re allowed in only on the condition that we don’t touch anything or break anything.  In this instance, we’re expected to be on our best behavior and made to feel as if our presence is merely tolerated.  In other words, the word “Welcome” actually carries with it two very different connotations.
There is an important reality that we all need to keep in mind: On Day 1 of the merger of our parishes, “mine” becomes “OURS”.  All of the assets of all three parishes, as well as all of the liabilities of all three parishes, will become the possession and the responsibility of all of the parishioners of the new parish.  All of the money, all of the debts, all of the buildings, all of the stuff, all of the projects and plans will become the entire reality of the entirely new parish.  A familiar pew seat or parking space could now be up for grabs by a larger audience.  When someone greets us at the door for Mass, it will no longer be “Welcome to my church” but rather “Welcome to OUR church”.  OUR plans for even now can no longer be about what we will do at my parish but instead must be about what WE can do for all of US moving forward into OUR new parish.  Just as the Kingdom of God begins even here on earth, so too OUR final City of God must begin when OUR present Cities of God cooperate in faith, hope, and love.
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to look at life quite differently.  We’ve come to a heightened awareness of the value of life and the insignificance of other things that we once thought were important.  That may be a glimmer of light in this dark time – that even through this tragedy the Good Lord can teach us lessons of solidarity and peace, and isn’t that what parish life is meant to be anyway?  There’s a song that we occasionally sing at Mass entitled All Are Welcome by Marty Haugen.  During these times when we can’t have music books in our hands, we need to hear and read the lyrics with conviction and faith.  They speak of building a house where love dwells based on hopes, dreams, and visions and the love of Christ ends all divisions.  I invite you to Google the song and use the words as a prayer.  This is the kind of parish that WE want to build; this is the kind of home that WE want for all of US, where Jesus is the host, and we welcome one another in His name.

God Bless The Cities of God!

Stronger Together than Apart (September 27, 2020)
Recently, I met again with a combined session of the Pastoral Councils of OUR three parishes in preparing for OUR merger in January of 2022.  One small group had been working on identifying the various pastoral, service, and social ministries in each of the parishes.  Amazingly (or maybe not so), there are over 130 of these ministries on the books, and the majority of these continue to be active during the Covid-19 pandemic.  That speaks volumes for the faith and commitment of OUR members across the board.  Just think about what it would be like if the creativity in one parish could germinate into a ministry for all of US.  In some instances, there were the same or similar ministries exercised in more than one of OUR parishes.  Just think about what it would be like if the duplication of energies could evolve into the sharing of efforts and resources in order to establish stronger and more effective ministries for all.  St. Paul reminds us that when WE unite OUR individuality into one, WE become the one Body of Christ – “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another”. (Rom 12:4-5)
There is a profound beauty in all of this.  The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is attributed to have said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.  WE know that all that WE have and all that WE are is a gift to US from God.  Then, the best way to accept that gift is to return the gift in thankfulness to God by becoming a gift to God through others.  As complicated as this might sound, ultimately, by sharing our life of faith with others, OUR combined efforts are more fruitful than if all of US tried to live our faith alone in a bubble.  Through OUR combined efforts and with the power of the Holy Spirit, WE, as a new parish, can be and become so much more than we could ever imagine ourselves to be as individuals or individual parishes.  That is the beauty of the fully alive and fully functioning Body of Christ!  OUR differences are OUR new strength, and OUR similarities are OUR path into the future beyond US and for generations yet to come.
In this time of the Church and OUR parishes, WE are called by God to be OUR best selves, OUR truest selves.  The gift of OUR lives is meant to be shared in unity with others and for others.  What WE become is a new reality that fosters and furthers faith.  It’s not about strength in numbers but about the strength of one heart that beats with the heart of Christ.  Together WE become a much more visible and vibrant expression of the living and breathing love of Christ.  It can be and will be possible, but only in His name.

God Bless The Cities of God!

Why do WE Pray the On Mission Prayer ? (September 20, 2020)
I hope everyone’s noticed that WE pray the On Mission prayer all of the time, and so most likely the question has arisen: “Why do WE have to pray that so often? “ Well…I’m glad you asked!  There are a couple of easy answers.  First, do you remember asking parents the persistent question “Why?” so that out of annoyance and frustration your parents simply responded, “Because I told you so”?  In a similar vein, WE join in this prayer because Bishop Zubik has asked all of the parishes of our Diocese to incorporate it into our liturgies as we began, and continue with, the On Mission for The Church Alive! planning process.  The prayer becomes a source of unity and solidarity across the Diocese as we together plan for and implement whatever it takes to become a more faith-filled Diocesan Church.  Perhaps you remember the Gospel passage from Labor Day weekend.  It would do US all good to pray about the concluding words of Jesus:  “If two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”  I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds like another one of those “Nothing is impossible with God” moments!
Okay, maybe you’ll accept that answer, but then another question easily comes along: “Why do WE have to mention all six counties?”  Here again, WE are not just one parish, but WE are three parishes in a Grouping, which is a part of the Diocese, which is a part of the universal Church.  BTW, OUR Grouping serves three of those six counties (Beaver, Butler, Lawrence) within OUR territorial boundaries, and because of our proximity to Allegheny County, WE most likely serve faithful from there as well.  Then, if WE take into account OUR internet presence, WE have the potential for identifying with faithful from around the globe.  I guess, then, my question is, “Why shouldn’t WE pray with and for OUR Diocesan, and even global, community?”
Through the On Mission prayer, WE implore God to “…endow us with your gifts of collaboration, courage and compassion.” These are virtues that WE will all need in moving forward to ascertain and implement the will of God for US.  May WE be one in prayer!!

God Bless The Cities of God!

PS. If you have been to St. Gregory Church lately or watched the Mass on the internet, you may have noticed that the chairs in the sanctuary are different, yet they will be familiar to some.  I was recently in the small hall at the St. Matthias site.  Many items from the former church are still in storage there.  While looking through what was on hand, these three beautiful chairs caught my eye.  After laundering the seat covers and brushing off debris from the fire, the chairs look brand new.  The chairs that were in St. Gregory Church were beginning to show their age, and so I felt that the St. Matthias chairs would be a worthy replacement and also a reminder that OUR predecessor parishes are not forgotten.  Since there have been several series of chairs at St. Gregory, may I extend on behalf of OUR entire parish family a word of thanks to the generous benefactors and then a word of gratitude to the St. Matthias benefactors for enhancing OUR sacred space.
PPS. Perhaps you’ve seen the Confirmation banner still hanging in St. Ferdinand Church and wondered, “Why is that still there since our last Confirmation was on August 29^th?”  It’s a reminder to all of US of who WE really are.  OUR young people from St. Gregory Parish and Holy Redeemer Parish are being Confirmed either this coming Monday, August 21, or next Saturday, August 26.  Let US continue to hold all of OUR young people in prayer because they are the future of OUR world and OUR Church.  May God bless them!!

Nothing is Impossible with God (September 13, 2020)
Perhaps WE recognize this as Bishop Zubik’s motto.  Better yet, maybe WE even remember these as the words of the Archangel Gabriel spoken to Mary as he invited her to become the Virgin Mother of God and followed up with the sign of her aged relative Elizabeth being with child.  These may have been the only angelic words that Mary would ever hear again until her assumption into heaven.  Nonetheless, Mary held fast to these words and reflected on them in her heart.  These words sustained her through the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of her Son, Jesus.  These words, and the truth they stand for, are meant to sustain US as well.
WE have been invited, challenged, and commissioned to do something that was not on OUR radar and in a timeframe that WE had not anticipated.  WE have been called to give birth to a new reality – a merged parish – that until two years ago was not even heard of or contemplated by US.  Yet, as proof that this is necessary and possible, WE are given the testimony of many other parish Groupings that have successfully merged into one new parish.  In fact, WE are set to be in the last wave so as to benefit from the witness of these other new parishes and the experience of OUR Diocesan guides.  WE can treasure in OUR hearts what WE have seen and what WE have heard to guide and sustain US.
Yes, there will be a new life, of which WE will all be proud, something that is a part of all of US.  WE will all see a little of ourselves – OUR faith composition or genetic material – in  this new parish.  However, as with a marriage and newborn, some of whom we are as individual parishes must give way to whom WE shall become as a new merged parish.  The way we think for today will need to broaden into the way WE think for the future of OUR tomorrow.  What is comfortable and familiar for us today may need to give way to what is necessary and possible for God tomorrow.  My time, my place, my pew, and my parking space will of necessity transition into OUR (whatever).  WE live out the dying with Christ so that WE can live out the rising with Christ.
The goal is not new for new’s sake but a rising to a resurgence of new life that keeps US on a trajectory that continues US on OUR journey of faith to the Lord.  WE are embarking on a journey that leads US –collectively and individually – to what God wants of US and where God wants US to be.  Under God’s watchful eye, WE will change so that WE can grow.  WE will look at life in better ways and utilize OUR resources for better outcomes.  WE will collaborate in seeing the value and uniqueness of one another.  WE will be willing to die so that WE can live.  The birth, death, resurrection, and ascension will no longer be mere stories or symbols but will become OUR life of faith that WE ponder over deep within OUR hearts.  They are, and will forever be, fact because Nothing is Impossible with God.
God Bless The Cities of God!


Travel Abroad (September 6, 2020)
     This Summer, many people have had to alter their usual vacation plans due to the pandemic, economic issues, employment concerns, etc.  Some have opted for a “staycation” in “Porchville”.  However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t visit interesting places and experience new people.  How about taking a drive to one of the cities in our Grouping that you haven’t been to before?  Sure, maybe you’ve seen around the altar at one or more of our churches when watching Mass on TV, but nothing beats a live visit, up close and personal, to appreciate the people, the setting, and the architecture of another parish and it’s church building.  Why not call up the office at any one of our parishes and make reservations to attend one of the weekend Masses?  In the time it takes to drive to the Pittsburgh International Airport (or less), you can be at our churches.  It’s only about a half hour between Cranberry Twp. and Ellwood City, and about 15 minutes between Zelienople and either of the other two.  The simple thing about this is that it’s pretty much a straight shot to get to any of them.  Our cities are basically along a right angle – with Zelienople and Cranberry Twp. running North and South, Zelienople and Ellwood City running East and West, and Zelienople at the angle.  Each city has it’s own flavor.  One is a bustling suburban community awash with commercial opportunity; another is a small bohemian town surrounding by the beauty of the rural countryside, and the last is another small town filled with Old World ethnic charm.  (I’ll let you figure out which is which.)  What’s not to like and love?
     If you’ve ever looked at travel brochures, you know that a visit to any destination also provides a chance to make side trips and excursions.  Your travel to any of our cities is no different.  While on the road, why not visit the locations where some of our current parishes had their roots.  Though we may no longer celebrate Mass and sacraments there since the buildings have been sold or razed, these communities and the people of faith are still a part of our Grouping and our cities.  Holy Redeemer Parish was first created from the merger of Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish (the present location) and St. Agatha Parish (Ellwood City) and St. Joseph Parish (Ellport – a suburb of Ellwood City).  In more recent years, Holy Redeemer Parish was expanded with the addition of Queen of Heaven Parish, which itself was a merger of St. Teresa Parish (Koppel) and St. Monica Parish (Wampum).  St. Gregory Parish, as it stands today, was expanded with the recent addition of St. Matthias Parish (Evans City).  Maybe the names and/or geography of these locations are foreign to us, but this provides us all the more reason to visit and experience all that “We” really are.
     We encompass the heavily compacted southwest corner of Butler County, the lower third of Lawrence County, and part of northern Beaver County.  We are not far from each other in distance, and we are not far from each other in faith.  If we take the time to respect what makes us unique, we will honor the beauty of what makes us one.  The richness of the Cities of God will give root and flower into the one City of God!
God Bless The Cities of God

The Cities of God  (August 31, 2020)
          It’s been a number of years since I took my last Civics class in high school or grade school, and so I’m a little rusty in this area. When I need answers to my questions along these lines, I refer them to our resident local government official, Deacon Don Pepe – the Borough Manager of Zelienople. Now, he tells me that the term “municipality” is a generic expression covering a number of different governmental designations (e.g., city, borough, town, township, village).  Each of these is, by definition, different, but each is ultimately a grouping of individuals for a common purpose.  Our three parishes are centered in three different municipalities – Cranberry Township, the Borough of Ellwood City, and the Borough of Zelienople.  Surrounding these municipalities are a number of smaller municipalities in our Grouping.  Oftentimes, these municipalities share services that they could not provide independently (e.g., police, fire, education).  Each has an individual character, but there is very much of a shared reality as well.  All local government falls under a county government (in our case, three counties); all county government falls under the state government; and all state government falls under the federal government. Enough with the Civics lesson…my head’s spinning!
          In order to level the playing field, I just prefer to call all of the municipalities “cities”. Our Grouping is comprised of three larger cities and a wide variety of smaller cities of varying size. Each city not only has its own governmental structure, but each also has its own character and flavor. That character and flavor extend to the way in which the faith is lived and celebrated. Let’s be honest about it, each city belongs to   a parish, which belongs to the Grouping, which belongs to the Diocese, which belongs to the Church, which means that we already have a structural unity; nonetheless, each city in its faith brings to the Table of God a unique quality, or charism, that benefits the whole and without which we would all be lacking something.  It’s like a beautiful mosaic with a variety of pieces of differing size, shape, color, and texture.  The mosaic needs each piece to become truly a masterpiece.
          The presence of God and the faith of the believers in each city enriches the awareness of God and the strength of faith in all of the cities. Sure, in any merger, the assets and liabilities are shared across the board, which will apply to us come January 2022.  The most valuable and important asset that we will share (and even do now) is the unique local experience of the faith that will (and does) open up the eyes and hearts of each other to new appreciations of the faith that can only help us to grow from our multiple Cities of God into the one City of God.  You might recall a song sung in Church for many years called
"City of God”. The first line of the refrain goes, “Let us build the city of God”. Let this be our rallying cry and anthem as well. May we, as The Cities of God, work in one faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit to build the City of God!
God Bless The Cities of God!

The Meaning of "We" (August 23, 2020)
          That They May All Be One These are Jesus’s words at the Last Supper from chapter 17 of John’s Gospel. Here, Jesus is praying that all will come to believe in Him and will be united as He and the Father are one and will be united with Him and the Father. This is a grand and noble undertaking that’s possible if Jesus says it’s possible. Jesus firmly states that through the presence of the Holy Spirit, the love between Jesus and His Father and even the very life of Jesus Himself will be in the hearts of all who believe. With the loving presence of God, all will be one.
          On 15 October 2018, Bishop Zubik commissioned us – our three different parishes in three different communities that are not necessarily contiguous – to be one in word and deed, in faith and practice. While much good work has already been done, it doesn’t just culminate in a merger in January 2022 but extends globally to all people and eternally into the Kingdom. What we do now keeps us on the road to our final destination. What we share now is much more important than how we differ. We share our four priests and one deacon. We share staffs, leaders, and programs. We share councils, committees, and insights. We share a variety of communications. We will soon share one bulletin. We share the Mass and Sacraments. Above all, we share in the life and love of Jesus Christ, and that is truly what makes us one.
          It is said that, “Actions speak louder than words”, and St. Francis of Assisi is attributed to have said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words”. Yes, our lives should be a canvas on which our faith is painted, but our words aren’t cheap, nonetheless. Our words can clarify and define what we mean by our actions. Our unity will make sense by how we talk about it. “We/Us” can be a great expression of unity, unless it is placed in opposition to “You” or “They/Them”. We use these pronouns innocently enough, but perhaps without thinking, such words can unnecessarily convey a sense of difference and not belonging. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’ mean ‘No’”. (5:37) Perhaps, in our context, we could say, “Let your ‘We’ mean ‘We Three’ and your ‘Us’ mean ‘All Three of Us’”. If we speak the unity and live the unity, then with the one love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we will experience the unity.                                                          
God Bless

Moving Forward Together (August 16, 2020)
           I recently met with the Pastoral Councils of all three of our parishes. The purpose was primarily to be a “meet & greet” and to receive an update on the progress that has been made for the On Mission merger. I spoke with the members of my desire that all of our parishioners continue to see the importance of speaking about and working toward a common sense of unity and belonging. With that, the members responded that the only way this would happen is if this message were communicated to everyone from one source – in other words, me. Therefore, I told them that I would (try to) write an article each week to appear in the bulletin of each of our three parishes that would provide updates and encouragement for our efforts in becoming more fully what it means to be Church. After a month and a half of being Administrator of our Grouping, this article is the fruit of that discussion.
          Another positive note that came from that evening was the enthusiasm and support for the merger. I felt it was important to advise the Council members that the merger date had been moved up sooner by the Diocese. Rather than being anticipated for the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024, the new date assigned to us is now January 2022. This revision has come about because of the struggles presented to us by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as by the Diocese’s refinement of the merger process. The members reacted to this news by telling me that we could be ready sooner than that if necessary. I attribute this to the good work of so many committees and councils, as well as to the leadership of Fr. Gallagher, to which I am deeply indebted. Now, it’s time for all of us to step it up a notch and up our game. I’m ready if you are.
          Nonetheless, this is not just about organization; more importantly, it’s about faith, which is where another aspect of the parishes has been very encouraging to me. As I move about our three parishes to celebrate Mass on the weekends, there is always a petition at Mass naming and praying for our three parishes and the work of growing together as Church. If we can all keep our focus on the Lord and on the work that has been presented to us by the Lord, then there will be success – the Lord’s success. That success will be gauged not in terms of money or programs but will only be evident as we become more obvious witnesses to Christ and strive more intently to see Christ in one another. These are the kind of “success” stories that I hope to be able to talk about weekly as we move forward together.
God bless.