June 28, 2020

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF WEXFORD

Welcome to . . .

“Grow in Jesus, engage in community, and go forth to make disciples.”

“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow af ter me is not worthy of me.” The Thirteenth Sunday

In Ordinary Time

Saint Alphonsus & Saint Alexis

FROM FATHER ZYWAN Looking Back, and Looking Forward

This year, the celebration of the Fourth of July has a very special meaning to me. That’s because it was on June 30, 1996, that I first celebrated a Sunday Mass as pastor of Saint Alexis. Transitioning from my then assignment in central administration and returning to parish ministry was life-giving. To be assigned as

a pastor was over the top! I remain grateful to Cardinal, then-Bishop Donald Wuerl, for entrusting to me this, my first pastorate. I had no idea of what it meant to shepherd a people and what would be asked of me. God, who is all good showed me the way. As an expression of the outpouring of His grace, I was welcomed by a family of faith who has, and have remained patient with me in all my limitations. You have no idea what your acceptance, love, prayers, and encouragement have meant to me. These blessings expanded after October 15, 2018, when the Wexford Grouping of Parishes was formed from Saint Alexis and Saint Alphonsus parish communities. For me, this year’s upcoming Fourth of July weekend is met with another transition - another change. The desire of the Lord, as spoken through the voice of our Bishop, I have called to “pull-up the stakes” and journey to another portion of the vineyard. Though the timing may not be ours, as a priest, this calling comes as no real surprise. That’s because when a priest is ordained, we know that we are marrying the Church, not a parish. I have been so blessed! When the journey to serve as a pastor began, I could never have imagined that I would remain in this assignment for 22 years! God has allowed me to experience a generation of blessings. We have accomplished much together of which I am so proud of you, my dear people. I still can’t believe that I was tasked to build a house for the Lord – a church, that will serve as a home to worship our God and gather to celebrate our greatest joys and deepest sorrows on this side of eternity. And that is exactly what we have done – together. However, as overwhelmed as I am having had this opportunity, this is not my greatest reason for sadness in moving on. It’s easy for me to walk away from a building. What is difficult is to say good-bye and until next time to you, my dear ones. Once strangers, we are now friends who will always remain one, united in Jesus who first brought us together. Truth be told, my greatest joy and deepest satisfaction have been to pray with you. That is why a bishop sends a priest to a parish, to lead the community in prayer. That’s what’s at the heart of shepherding a community. I have been so blessed to be a part of your lives and accompany you on a portion of this journey. I have had the privilege of celebrating the Holy Mass with you, administering the body and blood of our Savior. To claim infants at Baptism for Christ, in pointing to the richness of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in standing before couples professing their love for one another before God and His people, to minister to the sick, and be a conduit of God’s mercy and peace to those dying has been all gift. In countless ways, you have been the face of Jesus for me. God has so abundantly blessed and humbled me through these and so many other experiences for which I will be eternally grateful. On this weekend, I make one appeal to you, and that is to remain one in the love of Jesus and do all that you can

to build-up His body - the Church. This is all that matters. This is a very different period in time for all of us. We are separated by social distancing for safety’s sake. This year there are no firework displays or traditional celebrations due to COVID-19 pandemic. Our schools closed early this spring and we are visiting our relatives and friends in personal care facilities by peering through glass windows. Parish events have been scaled back or canceled. The Mass is beginning to be celebrated in many churches with fewer people allowed to be present. It all seems crazy! But God is with us in the midst of all things. Continue to do your part in fostering unity. Unity is the one gift that Jesus won for us through his passion, death, and resurrection. It is the evil one who divides. We foster unity by focusing on the needs of others and our whole community rather than implode with our own wants and desires. That is what the Lord is asking of us in building His Church. Jesus remains our model. One of the unfortunate by-products of change is to focus on our needs and not seek the big picture of what God wants and is calling us to. Trust Him. I firmly believe that this is a real-time of birth and renewal for our community and the whole Church. Standing with Bishop Zubik and following his lead, On Mission for The Church Alive! calls us to do just that. Across the Diocese, parishes are uniting and forming new identities, stronger identities. As we experience a declining population in our region and even more tragic, fewer priestly vocations, God calls us to unite to do greater things by better using our resources. In just days, the Wexford Catholic Community will be entrusted to the patronage of Saint Aidan. You will have a new intercessor who served as an evangelist to the people of Ireland. He calls you to do the same hear and now in the North Hills. This can only be accomplished by working together God is blessing this new parish born from two former parishes with new leadership. Father David Bonner begins his new role as your pastor on July 1. He is a good and holy priest. I know he is most anxious to begin his ministry with you. Pray for him. Along with Father Will who has been such a blessing and friend to me in my ministry, now walk with Father Dave in bringing to fruition what God is asking of all of us - to produce an abundance of fruit for the sake of the kingdom! Make disciples. As a Church, we can do this by, working together and seeking Jesus for our lives and for the whole Church. Commit yourself to getting souls to heaven. As we celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July 2020 next week, and the unifying of our nation, let this holiday serve as a reminder of what we are all called to do as citizens of the kingdom. In that same spirit, I ask that if I have ever offended anyone, either in my words or actions, I humbly ask your forgiveness for falling short of the love of Jesus. Let nothing stand between us. Please, continue to pray for me as I move into this new chapter of ministry as pastor of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish in the South Hills. Gathering around his holy altar, let us remain one in the love of Jesus both here on earth, and forever with our loving God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in heaven.

In Jesus’ love, Fr. Zywan

To love is to learn to follow Christ with others. LOVE

WE PRAY FOR THE SICK

We entrust to the care of Christ the Divine Physician, those members of our parish families of Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis who are in need of healing in body, mind or spirit, especially:

Brian Bart Rachel Borck Jeannie Bukaukus Emma Bullick Rick Collins Connor Cunic Gloria Dudowski Nancy Greer Patricia Gross Stanley Hofstetter Betty Howell David Hoza Gilbert Huckestein John Hunsinger

Al Korade Eugene Mancino Gerard McArdle Liz McArdle Michelle Mehok Ron Mehok Diane Miller G. James Neelan Larry Sampietro Irene Schultz Janice Spowal Amber VanVickle David Zappa Prayer Shawl Recipients

If you know of a parishioner or have a loved one who is ill, please contact the Parish Center and let us know. We will place that person’s name on the prayer list for four weeks. Intentions may return to the list upon monthly requests. Contact the Parish Center at 724.935.4343 or 724.935.1151 to add a loved one onto the list.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading: Elisha promised, “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son.” (2 Kg 4:16a) Psalm: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. (Ps 89) Second Reading: Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus. (Rom 611) Gospel: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Mt 10:38) Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Sunday: 2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a/Ps 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19 [2a]/Rom 6:3-4, 8-11/Mt 10:37-42 Monday: Acts 12:1-11/Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [5b]/2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18/Mt 16:13-19 Tuesday: Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12/Ps 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8 [9a]/Mt 8:23-27 Wednesday: Am 5:14-15, 21-24/Ps 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12- 13, 16bc-17 [23b]/Mt 8:28-34 Thursday: Am 7:10-17/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 [10cd]/Mt 9:1-8 Friday: Eph 2:19-22/Ps 117:1bc, 2 [Mk 16:15]/Jn 20: 24-29 Saturday: Am 9:11-15/Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 [cf. 9b]/Mt 9:14-17

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE The Catholic Community of Wexford wishes to extend sympathy to those who mourn the loss of a loved one, especially the soul who recently passed through death: Mary Ann Rabick (89). May the choirs of angels welcome her and where Lazarus is poor no longer, may she find eternal rest. FOURTH OF JULY MASS

Please note that the regular morning Mass on Saturday, July 4 will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Alexis Church.

PARISH CENTER HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The Parish Center will be remain closed until further notice, but our staff will not be responding to phone calls or

emails on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Fourth of July. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!

Adding Live Mass Outside at Saint Aidan Parish! Beginning Saturday, July 4, Saint Aidan parish will begin offering live outside Mass in the parking lot of Saint Alexis church. Mass will be celebrated under the tent located in the front of the statue in the orchard. We invite you to join us, roll down the windows of your vehicle and participate in Mass! You may also listen to the Mass from the parking lot on your radio on an FM station to be announced. Distribution of the Eucharist will take place following Mass. Facemasks are required.

SATURDAY, JULY 4: 9:00 a.m. Live Mass Outside - Saint Alexis parking lot 4:00 p.m. Live Anticipated Mass Outside – Saint Alexis parking lot

SUNDAY, JULY 5: 7:00 a.m. Live Stream Mass – Saint Alphonsus church. Due to multiple other opportunities to receive the Euch rist, there, there will be no distribution of Communion following live streamed Mass. 8:00 a.m. Live Mass Outside – Saint Alexis 10:00 a.m. Live Mass Outside – Saint Alexis

Weekday Mass Schedule - Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – Saint Alexis Church

Beginning Monday, July 6, weekday in-person Mass will be offered at Saint Alexis church. Distribution of the Eucharist will follow Mass in the narthex of the church. No re-admittance to the church is permitted after the distribution. Face masks are required.

Confessions Saturday, July 4, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Confession will be offered outdoors at the Saint Alexis location. They will be undercover in case of rain. The exact location on the grounds is still being determined, so stay tuned for more information!

2020 Parish Share Assessment: $ 133,380 Collected: $ 45,806

June 8 through June 14, 2020 Saint Alphonsus Income

2020 Parish Share Assessment: $ 151,696 Collected: $ 95,262

Regular Electronic Twice/month

Total

Offertory $ 5,893 $ 8,691 $ 14,584

Parish Share $ 2,170 $ 797 $ 2,967

School $ 28 $ 80 $ 108

Ascension $ 130 $ 0 $ 130

Catholic Relief $ 10 $ 0 $ 10

Votives $ 52 $ $ 52

TOTAL $ 8,353 $ 9,733 $ 18,086

Peter’s Pence $ 70 $ 165 $ 235

June 15 through June 21, 2020 Saint Alexis Income

Regular Electronic Total Offertory $ $ 6,255 $ 6,255

Parish Share $ $ 886 $ 886

School $ $ 135 $ 135

Major Maintenance $ $ 265 $ 265

Ascension $ $ $

Peter’s Pence $ $ 116 $ 116

Future Diocesan Collection $ $ 20 $ 20

Votives $ $ $

TOTAL $ $ 7,697 $ 7,697

Holy Days $ $ 20 $ 20

See the full list of our advertisers on our website under “Our Current Bulletins.”

Mass Intentions Due to the quarantine, Father Zywan and Father Will are still celebrating daily Masses privately. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, we are unable to invite you to join us at the actual celebration of the Mass. We will include all previously scheduled Mass Intentions at their private Mass.

† John Labrise - The Family Swati DiDonato’s Spiritual and Temporal Needs - John and Marianne DiDonato † Mary Ann Merzlak - The Family † Larry McCabe - The McCabe Family † George Lyons, Jr. - Ruth Lyons † Mary M. Schuler - Jack and Marilyn Schuler † Timothy Grzywacz - Valerie and Dolores Grzywacz † Larry McCabe - The McCabe Family † Marylisa Bucci - John F. Long

Offices Remain Closed We continue to have our parish offices remain closed to the public until further notice. If you have an emergency you may call the office at 724.935.4343 or 724.935.1151 ext. 221.

OUR ADVERTISERS

Thanks to our bulletin advertisers for supporting our parish this week: Please offer your patronage

to our sponsors or be sure to thank them when you have the opportunity to do so. It is through their support that our weekly bulletin is made possible!

Saint Alphonsus: Owl Cleaners Saint Alexis:

The Lightning Bug - Fresh Food & Fun

Giving to Saint Aidan Parish

First and foremost, thank you to all who have supported both Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis Parishes! Your faithful stewardship, most especially during this crisis, has been remarkable and humbling. As we look forward to July 1, 2020 we ask that you please take the following steps relative to you weekly contributions: • On and after July 1, please make all checks payable to

Saint Aidan Parish • Review your online giving account. Duplicate funds

from both parishes have been combined or eliminated. You may have to adjust your giving allocation.

• If you give by way of a bank generated check, please change the "made payable to" name to Saint Aidan Parish and mail to 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090. Thank you for making these adjustments and support.

STAY IN TOUCH If you would like to stay in touch with Father Zywan, his new address will be:

Reverend Paul J. Zywan, Pastor Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish

139 Gill Hall Road Jefferson Hills, PA 15205

At Father Zywan’s request, plans are underway for a proper farewell party once we can gather under more normal circumstances, later this summer. Please stay tuned for additional details as they become available!

Enrolling for 2020-2021 Academic Year Blessed Francis Seelos Academy is now enrolling students for preschool through 8th grade for the 2020-21 school year. Located on two campuses in Wexford, Blessed Francis Seelos Academy is committed to graduating academically prepared students who are also exemplary Christians. We are offering virtual or in-person tours. Call 724.935.1152 or email Principal Robert Reese at rreese@seelosacademy.org for more information.

Blessed Francis Seelos Academy

Administrator Reverend Paul J. Zywan /ext. 224 /pzywan@diopitt.org

Senior Parochial Vicar Reverend William D. Wuenschel /ext. 233 /wwuenschel@diopitt.org

Deacons Deacon Albert Heiles /aheiles@diopitt.org Deacon Jeffrey J. Ludwikowski /jludwikowski@diopitt.org

Director of Parish Operations/Business Manager Chuck Goetz /ext. 223 /businessmanager@stalexis.org

Director of Evangelization Dave VanVickle /ext. 232 /evangelization@stalexis.org

Office Manager MaryEllen Pendel /ext. 221 /parish@stalexis.org

Directors of Music Christopher Brewer /ext. 226 /music@stalexis.org Mary Heagy/musicdirector@Saintalphonsuswexford.org Assistant Music Director - Lisa Hoffman

Director of Religious Education Louis Bosco /ext. 215 /religioused@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org Religious Education Program Manager Paula Green /ext. 225 /reled@stalexis.org

Coordinator of Youth Ministry /Young Adults David Piccirilli /ext. 227 /lifeteen@stalexis.org

Bookkeeper/Safe Environment Coordinator Mary King /ext. 212 / bookkeeper@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org or safeenvironment@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org or safeenvironment@stalexis.org

Receptionist/Secretary Gail Clendaniel /ext. 210 / secretary@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org

Volunteer Ministry Coordinator Barbara Griffith / Ministryservices@stalexis.org

A Parish of the Diocese of Pittsburgh - diopitt.org

SERVED BY OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

JOIN US!

To become a registered member of the parish family, please visit our website at www.stalexis.org or at www.SaintAlphonsusWexford.org . Introduce yourself to us at Mass!

MARRIAGE

Arrangements must be made with a priest at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date.

HOLY ORDERS For information about the priesthood or the vowed religious life, please contact Fr. Zywan or the Vocation Office of the diocese at 412.456.3131 or visit pghpriest.com.

BAPTISM Celebrated on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. at Saint Alexis or at 12:45 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus by appointment. Arrangements should be made through the Parish Center several months in advance. Parents need to be registered parishioners and complete a pre-baptism class before scheduling a baptism.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND

Communal anointing is celebrated periodically. Anyone who is anticipating surgery is encouraged to request this sacrament prior to being admitted to the hospital. Individuals who are unable to attend Sunday Mass and want to receive the sacraments are asked to please call the Parish Center.

saintalphonsuswexford.org or stalexis.org

Phones - 724.935.1151 or 724.935.4343 Fax - 724.935.1270 A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

* Bulletin announcements and flyers are due by 12:00 p.m. Friday, a week in advance of publication. *

We Welcome You Home!

North Hills Regional School Board - www.nhrces.org

BLESSED FRANCIS SEELOS ACADEMY

S A S A C - T C C W Parish Office: 10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090

PRAYER Eucharistic Adoration Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saint Alexis: First Friday of every month from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Devotion: Wednesday 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus

Prayer Ministry- To initiate a request for urgent prayers contact the following people: Saint Alexis - Barb Busi at 412.366.4829 Saint Alphonsus - Norma Heyl at 724.935.1094 or Jo Labrise at 724.935.3826. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry to pray for

RECONCILIATION Saint Alexis: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Saturday - 7:30 a.m.-7:55 a.m. Saturday - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Principal Robert Reese - rreese@seelosacademy.org

School Secretary K-8 Patty Anfang - panfang@seelosacademy.org 724.935.1152

School Secretary Pre-K Chris Schlieper - cschlieper@seelosacademy.org 724.935.3940

DIOCESAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR 412.456.3093 (Office)

1.888.808.1235 (Hot Line) PA Child Line - 1.800.932.0313

Call 911 immediately if a child is in danger.