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Sunday, February 23, 2025
The Seventh Sunday
after the Epiphany
8 a.m. - The Holy Eucharist, Rite II
A said service of Holy Communion
in the Chapel
9 a.m. - The Holy Eucharist, Rite II
A service at the Crossing in the Church,
with congregational hymns and organ music
11 a.m. - The Holy Eucharist, Rite II
A service at the High Altar in the Church,
with music for choir, organ, and congregation
[This service will be Livestreamed]
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Beware of Email Scams!
Always be careful when you check your email since scams are on the rise again. Never give out your personal information. Your bank, utility companies, the Social Security Administration, and the IRS will never contact you for that information. Emails that appear to come from the Rector or Calvary staff that request “a favor” or gift cards are still happening. Don’t respond, simply delete it. Any email from Calvary always uses @calvarypgh.org, never @gmail.com.
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Deaths in Our Parish Family
All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Amidst the ever present hope of Christ’s resurrection, it is with sadness that we share news about the deaths of two faithful parishioners of Calvary Episcopal Church.
Jean Carver died peacefully on February 13, 2025. Jean was a professional singer and offered her gifts as a member of Calvary’s choir for a number of years. A service honoring Jean will be held at Calvary on Saturday, March 1 at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Nancy Denney died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on February 19, 2025. Nancy was a lifelong member of Calvary. She was very involved in the life of this parish over the course of her life. Among the many things she did were the Calvary Bazaar and the Altar Guild. Details about a service at Calvary to celebrate her life will be forthcoming.
Please join us in holding Jean, Nancy, and their families and friends in your prayers.
Rest eternal grant to your servants, Jean and Nancy, O Lord: And let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Lenten Retreat Cancelled;
Other Lenten Opportunities
We are sad to announce that we must cancel the Lenten Retreat that had been scheduled for March 15 due to unforeseen circumstances.
If you are looking for opportunities to enrich your Lenten observance, we have other offerings at Calvary this Lent. All are welcome! For more details, see the individual announcements about these.
Journey with Ruth: A Bible Study, now through the end of Lent on Wednesdays
Inquirer and Adult Confirmation Class, now through the end of Lent, on Wednesdays
Evening Prayer on Mondays and Wednesdays in Lent at 6 p.m. in the Lady Chapel
Lenten Book Study via Zoom, meeting on March 20 and April 1
Additionally, you might choose to use one of these online resources for your daily prayer during Lent.
Episcopal Relief and Development has a set of Lenten Meditations for 2025 by writer Jerusalem Jackson Greer, encouraging us to partake in “A Commonplace Lent.” For more information and to receive the meditations at https://www.episcopalrelief.org/church-in-action/lent/
Living Compass is offering a Lent devotional book, Living Well Through Lent 2025: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind, which you can download or receive by email for free. For more information and to get the book, visit https://www.livingcompass.org/lent
Lent Madness is a way to learn about some of the amazing people who have come before us in faith and have fun. Thirty-two saints are placed in a tournament-style bracket. Each day participants receive an email about two of the saints and vote for their favorite. The saint receiving the most votes moves on to the next round. Visit https://www.lentmadness.org/ for more information and to sign up.
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The Wednesday Classes began on February 19 and will continue through April 9. It’s not too late to join us! More details about the classes are below. Please email or call Kim Pieratt if you’d like to be part of either class (see her contact information below). Classes meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with a shared dinner beforehand at 6:30.
If you are interested in Bible study, curious about how to read and study the Bible, want to know more about women of the Bible, or have questions about the origin of the Old Testament, then Journey with Ruth: A Bible Study is the class for you! We will study the Book of Ruth, using it as a jumping-off point to examine larger themes and history in the Bible. All levels of biblical knowledge are welcome.
If you are a newcomer or new member curious about Calvary and the Episcopal church, the Inquirer and Adult Confirmation Class is for you. If you want to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church or reaffirm your baptism, the Inquirer and Adult Confirmation Class is for you. We will delve into church history, liturgy, church polity, the Bible and the creeds, and the purpose of the church.
Classes will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with a shared dinner beforehand at 6:30. Please register for the class for planning purposes. You can register with Kim Pieratt at kpieratt@calvarypgh.org or 412.661.0120.
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Are you looking for a way to fully enter Lent this year? Join this year’s Lenten Book Group. We will read Praying the Stations of the Cross: Finding Hope in a Weary World by Margaret Adams Parker and Katherine Sonderegger. The book includes original artwork by Margaret Adams Parker. The book’s first half explores the Stations of Cross, and the second half includes a meditation on each Station.
The book group will meet twice during Lent via Zoom on Thursday, March 20, and Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. To sign up, please get in touch with Rev. Bonnie-Marie at byagerwiggan@calvarypgh.org. Even if you can only make one session, you are welcome. Copies of the book are available in the Calvary Bookstore with a 10% discount.
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The Lenten Series is a weekly program sponsored by the parishes in our district of the Diocese (which encompasses the East End and the immediate eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh). Each Tuesday in Lent one parish in our district will host a simple supper at 6 pm followed by a Eucharist at 7 pm. A different preacher is featured each week. Calvary will be hosting the series on Tuesday, March 11. We need volunteers on that day to help with the dinner – setting up and/or serving, and/or cleaning up. If you can help, please call or email Kim Pieratt (412.661.0120,
ext. 111; kpieratt@calvarypgh.org).
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If you are interested in the service of Evening Prayer (prayers at the end of the day’s work) at Calvary, consider joining a group of parishioners each Monday and Wednesday during the weeks of Lent (starting on Monday, March 10 and going through Wednesday, April 9) at 6 p.m. in The Lady Chapel. The service is about 20 minutes long and includes Psalms, Scripture, and Prayers for the day (but no sermon or music).
Praying at certain points of the day has its origins in Judaism and was practiced in the early church and monastic traditions, and it is one of the Daily Offices found in our Book of Common Prayer.
If you have questions
or are interested in helping to lead this service,
please contact Steve Shandor (steve.shandor@gmail.com)
or Michael Salmon (oriolefish@gmail.com).
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Join us on Thursday, March 13 in Levy Hall at
Rodef Shalom, 4905 Fifth Ave., 15213.
Star Trek costumes encouraged.
The Rector will be portraying Mr. Spock!
The Service starts around 6:30 p.m.
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Children’s Liturgy of the Word
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Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) at the 11 o'clock service is a special time for children to pray, ask questions, and hear the good news of God’s love. The Sunday scripture readings are proclaimed and explained on a level appropriate to children 4 years and older. Any child in this age group may participate - no registration is necessary.
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Children are invited to gather with adult leaders after the Opening Prayer and process to the Refectory. They return to their families at the time of the Peace. If you are running a little late and miss the beginning of the service, no worries! Drop in and join us in the Refectory. | |
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Calvary’s Calming Corner is a dedicated space designed to support families every Sunday from 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM and during special events. Whether your child needs a sensory break, a quiet moment, or a comfortable spot for nursing or feeding, this peaceful space is available for you.
Location: Level A (Downstairs, next to the Nursery and Faith Formation classrooms)
No registration or payment required.
Parents and guardians must remain with their children at all times.
We invite you to make use of this space whenever you need a moment of peace and comfort.
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Faith Formation Highlights
Last week, the Faith Formation students continued their lesson on What We Do in Church, with a special focus on Holy Communion. The younger classes explored the events of the Last Supper, when Jesus, on the night before he died, shared his final Passover meal with his friends. During this meal, he spoke new words over the bread and wine, saying, "This is my Body; this is my Blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many." Jesus gave his whole self—his Body and Blood—at the Last Supper, instituting the Eucharist as a memorial of his death and Resurrection.
The children spent time reflecting on Jesus' words and discussing how we continue to celebrate this memorial every Sunday during church. They then practiced setting the model altar and learned about the preparation of the cruets and lavabo. As a creative activity, each student made a banner depicting symbols of Holy Communion to take home as a reminder of the day's lesson.
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The older students in the Level III class enjoyed a special lesson on Holy Communion led by Mother Cameron. They discussed the different parts of the service and had the unique opportunity to see the high altar up close. Cameron led a discussion on the meaning of Holy Communion and how, as baptized members, they are invited to fully participate in this sacred sacrament.
The class also had a chance to see the aumbry, a small cabinet used for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament. Cameron also showed them the piscina, a special sink that empties directly into the earth rather than a sewer. The piscina is used for the reverent disposal of consecrated wine from the Eucharist, blessed water from baptisms, and water used in washing sacred vessels.
Cameron concluded the session by answering questions and encouraging students to continue deepening their understanding of the liturgy. She emphasized that their participation is not only welcome but a vital part of our community of faith.
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When Is My Child Old Enough to Receive Communion?
Any baptized person is welcome to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church—including children and even infants.
When we gather for the Eucharist, we come together as a family to be fed with the spiritual food of Christ. Just as we nourish our children at the family table, we also welcome them to be nourished at God’s table.
In the Episcopal Church, as in the ancient Christian tradition, Baptism is the only requirement for receiving Communion. Through Baptism, a person is fully incorporated into the Body of Christ and welcomed to participate in the sacraments. No additional rite or requirement —such as First Communion, Confirmation, or reaching a certain age – is needed.
Faith is a lifelong journey, and we continually grow into our Baptismal vows, deepening our understanding of Christ’s real presence in the bread and wine. To support this journey, instruction about the meaning of Communion is woven into the Faith Formation curriculum at various points, helping children engage with this sacred meal in age-appropriate ways.
Additionally, the clergy and I are happy to meet one-on-one with families who would like to learn more about Communion with their young children. These conversations offer an opportunity to discuss the nature of the sacrament, what happens during the Eucharist, and why this meal is so special.
If you would like to learn more or schedule a time to talk, please contact Vicki Rispoli, Director of Children's Faith Formation, at vrispoli@calvarypgh.org
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Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join us every second Saturday of the month as we prepare and serve a meal for the guests at the East End Cooperative Ministry Shelter.
Next Service Date: Saturday, March 8
● Cooking: 3–5:30 pm in the Calvary Kitchen
● Serving: 6–7:30 pm at East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM), 6140 Station St, 15206
Click HERE to sign up.
Contact zach.rispoli@gmail.com for more information.
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The Rector and Rabbi Aaron Bisno will continue a discussion on the book of Ecclesiastes. Join the class live at 10 a.m. in McClintic Hall. The class is recorded and posted on the Calvary YouTube page. | |
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Thank you for the Winterwear!
Thank you to everyone who donated coats, mittens, beanies, and blankets for the Trinity Cathedral Walk-In Ministry. Mike Radziwon, the Ministry's director, asked me to share their thanks, too. Every coat Calvary has donated has gone to a client. Calvary has donated about 75 coats and many other winterwear items. Given the need, we will continue to collect coats and winterwear through the end of February 2025. The donation bin can be found in the lobby, across from the reception desk.
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We are continuing to schedule hosts for coffee hours after the 11 a.m. service. Your group can sponsor a coffee hour by bringing, plating and arranging small sweet and savory snacks. If you are interested, please sign up with Kathy Farrington at farringtonk@me.com or use the sign in the Parish Hall.
Early Service Coffee Connections
Our church community enjoys a beautiful tradition of
offering coffee hours following the 11 a.m. service. During February, a group of early service participants trialed a
simple offering to provide limited hospitality following the 8 and 9 a.m. services. Volunteers provided at least one plated snack following the early services for people to enjoy in the Parish Hall or to take along to an adult program. We are interested in understanding if the idea is sustainable and how best to coordinate efforts. Your feedback is welcome. Please contact Wendy Lomicka - Early Service contributions; wenlom@gmail.com
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Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s Inauguration Prayer Service sermon made headlines and sparked lively discussions. Her book Receiving Jesus: The Way of Love, available in the Bookstore, is an invitation to experience a loving, personal relationship with God through seven spiritual practices.
A few days remain to save 20 percent on all jewelry this month. Stop in and check out our beautiful selection! The celebration of our 20th anniversary continues in March – stay tuned for more information on next month’s special discount.
E-books are now available on Bookshop.org! If you haven't heard, Bookshop.org is a way to shop for most any book online while supporting the Calvary Bookstore. Just type zip code 15206 in the Bookstore Near Me box, click on Calvary Bookstore, then the red Support the Shop! Order any book and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Bookstore.
The Bookstore is open Sundays from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you can’t stop by, call the Bookstore at 412-661-0120, ext. 133 (please leave a message) or email bookstore@calvarypgh.org and we will contact you.
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Spiritual Reflection –
Lost in Wonder
Adult spiritual formation may be described as the step-by-step discovery of God’s presence in our lives and our personal transformation along the way. Calvary’s Spiritual Reflection meetings continue to be a regular and familiar forum for small group sharing and prayer.
For this term we use “Lost in Wonder: Rediscovering the Spiritual Art of Attentiveness,” by Esther de Waal. A foremost scholar in the Benedictine and Celtic traditions, de Waal has published extensively in both fields. In Lost in Wonder, she uses the everyday circumstances of our lives - the restrictions and frustrations as well as the gifts and opportunities - as our own way to God.
Meetings are held in the Conference Room from 7-8 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday evening of each month. The meetings are hybrid, allowing “in person” conversation while others join remotely using Zoom. Upcoming meeting dates are March 4 and 18.
Email Matt Muldoon (mattmuldoon@msn.com) or Sondra Krimmel (sskrimmel@gmail.com) for information or to be added to the email list. Please feel welcome to join us at any time.
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The Contemplative Prayer group meets for silent prayer and reflection, both in person and on Zoom Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Evans Room. For more info and a Zoom invitation, contact Lucy Weingartner at lweingartner20@gmail.com | |
What’s coming up in 2025?
2025 is our year of cultivation at Incarnation. We will begin to gather as a group, small but ever-growing, to be formed in community by the presence of God in our midst. These events will also be a way for you to get to know the Episcopal tradition and Incarnation in particular.
Our hope for Incarnation is that it would be a place of welcome and a harbor of spiritual safety for all who are yearning for good news and the deep belonging and abundant life that comes with it. With that in mind, please share this email with anyone who may be interested in taking this journey with us. “Let anyone who is thirsty, come” (Rev 21:6).
Questions? Visit our website or contact the Rev. Deanna Briody at deanna.briody@incarnationbc.org
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Ashes, Fish Fries, and Fasting:
What is Lent All About?
Third Friday in Lent / March 21 / Details to be announced
The Church Year is not something that most people think about on the day to day, but against all odds Lent has become a cultural staple. As we share a Lenten meal together (a twist on the classic fish fry), we’ll explore the theological meaning of Lent and the invitation that Jesus holds out to us through traditional Lenten disciplines.
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How Did We Get Here?
The Origins of the Church, its Shattered Witness,
and its Role in God’s Plan of Salvation
April-May / Meeting weekly for 6 weeks / Details to be announced
One of the most convincing arguments against Christianity is the Church—its division, its abuses, its lack of coherence across denominations. In this course, we will dive into the Church’s origins, uncover its evolution through the centuries, and explore its current state of disrepair. Our goal? To understand the role of the Church in God’s plan of salvation, that we might answer Isaiah’s call to “seek the Lord where he wills to be found” (Isa 55:6).
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Lukas Hasler (born 1996) currently lives and works as a doctoral student at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he studies with Cherry Rhodes. He graduated with distinction in 2022 from his organ studies under Ulrich Walther at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria. In 2020 he spent a year abroad at the Académie Supérieure de Musique de Strasbourg in France under the tutelage of Johann Vexo. Further stays abroad also took him to New York City. Lukas completed his studies in cultural and media management at the University of Hamburg, Germany, where he finished in 2019 with a Master’s degree. READ MORE at www.LukasHasler.com.
With more than 80,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, he is one of the world’s most successful organists on social media. Mr. Hasler will display his meticulous technique on the four-manual 137-rank Casavant Frères organ at Calvary Episcopal Church.
Tickets available at the door (cash, check, or card).
General admission $20 | Student free with valid ID.
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Bach’s Markus Passion Panel Discussion
Passion for Bach Coffeehouse Chat
Saturday, February 22 • 2:30-3:45 p.m. at Calvary
Join Chatham Baroque and our panel of expert for an engaging discussion on the world premiere of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Markus Passion in Pittsburgh. Enjoy a mix of history, music, theology, along with coffee and German-style pastries for an informative and fun afternoon. Together, we’ll explore the story of how Bach’s publisher lost the music manuscript, how musicologist Malcolm Bruno recreated it using Bach’s original music, and set some liturgical context for the piece.
PANELISTS:
James Cassaro, Musicologist and University of Pittsburgh Music Librarian Emeritus,
The Rev. Cameron J. Soulis, Senior Associate Rector, Calvary,
Andrew Fouts, Chatham Baroque Co-Artistic Director,
Scott Pauley, Chatham Baroque Co-Artistic Director
Order your free tickets at
https://www.showclix.com/event/markus-passion-panel-sat
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Speech and Hearing Screenings
We’re excited to partner with our neighbors at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech to offer free screenings for families in the local community! To learn more about DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, visit DePaul School Website.
Link to register here: Screening Registration Form
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The online Epiphany Prayer Course has begun! And, here is what you need to know:
The entire course will be offered online via an easy to register Zoom link here.
It will meet every Sunday till the end of the Epiphany season on Sunday, March 2. Each gathering should last about an hour.
If you don’t like to pray, or if you need some encouragement to renew your efforts to pray, or if you are already a faithful person of prayer, your participation is welcome. If a participant has to miss a session, it is okay to pick up on the next session and continue the course. It's also okay to join as a new participant anytime.
Please join fellow travelers in this time of learning together as we draw our hearts closer to God and strengthen our ministry partnerships with Jesus and each other.
This gathering is also a wonderful lead up
to a diocesan-wide 24-hour online prayer vigil
to be held on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
Click here to register
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Bishop Ketlen's Schedule:
February 23: Nativity, Crafton
March 2: St. David's, Peters Twp.
March 5: Trinity Cathedral (Ash Wednesday)
March 9: All Saints, Brighton Heights
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Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
AA: Alcoholics Anonymous; CLASP: Calvary Lincoln After school Program;
CYAM: Calvary Young Adult Ministry; ESL: English as a Second Language;
FLMH: Functional Literacy Ministry of Haiti
Friday February 21, 2025
6:00 p.m. Concert Dinner
7:30 p.m. McVay Organ Recital: Lukas Hasler
Saturday February 22, 2025
Margaret of Cortona, Monastic, 1297
2:30 p.m. Chatham Baroque: Bach Panel Discussion
Sunday February 23, 2025
The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
The Holy Eucharist at 8, 9, and 11 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Children/Youth Formation
10:00 a.m. Gospel and Breakfast (GAB)
10:00 a.m. Priest/Rabbi Class
10:00 a.m. Calvary Creation Care
10:00 a.m. Choir Warm-up
11:00 a.m. Children’s Liturgy
12:00 p.m. Coffee Hour
Monday February 24, 2025
Saint Matthias the Apostle
6:15 p.m. Vestry Dinner
7:00 p.m. Vestry Meeting
7:00 p.m. Contemplative Prayer
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Emily Malbone Morgan, Lay Leader and Contemplative, 1937
11:00 a.m. Staff Meeting
7:00 p.m. AA Meeting
Wednesday February 26, 2025
Photini, the Samaritan Woman, c. 67
10:00 a.m. ESL Conversation Class
12:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist
6:00 p.m. Interlude Group
6:30 p.m. Dinner in the Refectory
7:00 p.m. Inquirer’s Class
7:00 p.m. Bible Study Class on Ruth
Thursday February 27, 2025
George Herbert, Priest and Poet, 1633
6:00 p.m. Shadyside Community Interest Group Meeting
6:30 p.m. Mahjong
7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
Friday February 28, 2025
Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, Educator, 1964
Saturday March 1, 2025
David of Wales, Bishop, 672
11:00 a.m. Jean Carver Funeral
Sunday March 2, 2025
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
The Holy Eucharist at 8, 9, and 11 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Children/Youth Formation
10:00 a.m. Gospel and Breakfast (GAB)
10:00 a.m. Priest/Rabbi Class
10:00 a.m. Choir Warm-up
11:00 a.m. Children’s Liturgy
12:00 p.m. Coffee Hour
12:45 p.m. CYAM Sunday Brunch
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Ash Wednesday: March 5
The Holy Eucharist, Rite II, will be celebrated at
7 a.m., Noon, and 7:30 p.m. Imposition of Ashes at all services
Ashes To Go will be available at 12:15 p.m. at the front steps on
Shady Avenue, and at 6 p.m. in the front driveway circle.
Sundays in Lent
March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6
The Holy Eucharist, Rite II,
will be celebrated at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.
The Great Litany in Procession on March 9 at 11 a.m.
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An archive of the past months weekly email blasts
may be viewed on the Calvary website at
www.calvarypgh.org
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