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St. Alphonsus Parish
A Catholic family united in Jesus
Oct. 5
,
2016
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St. Alphonsus Parish is a Catholic family united by Jesus in the Eucharist.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we love and serve God in how we live
and in who we are as sisters and brothers in Christ.
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Dear St. Alphonsus Family,
This week we will see the initial
On Mission proposed models for the future of our parish and some of the surrounding parishes. The models unveiled on October 11th and 13th at 7pm in the Ryan Center will show only the proposals that St. Alphonsus is a part of
for now. (We are included in two models at this point).
There are a few things to consider:
One of these models is
not necessarily how we will "look" in the future; we have been told that these models can be tweaked. We have also been told that different models may be considered as we move through this process. The aforementioned depends upon our participation and the feedback that we give to the
On Mission personnel, those who ultimately advise Bishop Zubik, the final decision-maker.
After the October 11th and 13th parish consultation evenings, we will have time to reflect upon, pray over, and discuss what was presented to us. Our
On Mission Team Leaders - Tara Aiello, Alex Davis, Sue Eppley, Jim Jurkovec, Joe Calloway and Robert Shanahan -- will represent our parish as we move forward with meetings during early spring of 2017 with neighboring parishes' Team Leaders. Please feel free to contact any of them at
[email protected] with your concerns, fears, hopes, and ideas so they will be able to advise me, and therefore share this information with Bishop Zubik.
We will also have a follow-up meeting(s) for all parishioners in early December or January to share these thoughts, ideas, concerns, etc. I will be able to further fill you in with my own thoughts, hopes, concerns, ideas, etc. and how they have evolved since first seeing these models at the end of August. Stay tuned for dates and times when we will meet.
We are a hopeful people, united in Christ in the Eucharist. I pray that we remain faithful to our call as disciples, and that we continue to move forward, inching ever closer to Jesus' divine heart!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Kevin Fazio
Moving Forward
Regardless of the uncertainty of the future, we will continue to move forward with introducing new ministries and offering more opportunities for those who desire to serve the Lord and his church more deeply.
Greeters and Ushers
We are always looking for new folks to volunteer as greeters and ushers. Please contact Valerie Tarasovich at
[email protected] or Walt Opiela at
[email protected] if you are interested.
Disability Awareness Weekend
The weekend of Oct. 22-23 is Disability Awareness Weekend in the diocese. At each Mass we are asking families who have members with special needs to participate in the Mass as a greeter, usher, gift bearer, etc. Please contact Cindy Micco in the parish office at 724-935-1151 or
[email protected] if you are interested.
Support for Families of Children With Special Needs
Furthermore, we would like to begin a new ministry at St. Alphonsus as a Catholic Christian-based support group for families of children with special needs and their siblings. We have yet to hash out any details - we first want to gauge the interest level. Such great good and powerful experiences can come from sharing with and supporting those who find themselves in challenging, but loving situations of caring for a family member with special needs.
The show of strength by uniting ourselves in Christ in ways we never imagined is a beautiful testament to being called together out of love. Please contact Alison Alberts at 412-915-7230 or
[email protected] if you are interested. After gauging your response, we will further develop how this ministry can play a vital role in the life of the church. Thank you!
Connection Ministry
Additionally, a much needed ministry that I would like to begin may prove to be a key evangelizing tool for years to come. This ministry would reach out to couples who get married in the church and/or have their children baptized in the church. So often this proves to be a critical time in not only the sacramental life of the church and her believers, but for the couple's faith journey! I can reach out to and keep in touch with these folks to a certain degree, but I need your help to deepen their connection with the church.
In short, we are looking for married couples to be a conduit between the parish and these couples. We don't have details worked out yet, but would like to pique your interest and invite you to participate in this new ministry. I envision it as being a simple, yet effective way to meet and welcome new people to our parish, and to grow in love with each other and with Jesus. A simple phone call to the couple, an invitation to meet them at Mass, perhaps even for a meal; and then to keep in touch with them ... who knows what relationships will grow out of a simple invitation.
Men's Group
Is there any man, or men, who would like to revive the presence of a men's group here at St. Alphonsus? The opportunity is waiting for you. The church needs men who are willing to be followers of Christ and leaders of other men in ways that are based on charity and truth. Please give me a call or send me an email and we can discuss. Male role models in our society are dwindling and desperately needed!
Women's Group
Are there any women who would like to revive a women's group that played a critical role in the life of St. Alphonsus for many years? I was told that the group faded away in recent years due to lack of interest and lack of anyone willing to lead. Perhaps someone would like revive that group or start anew.
Young Adults Group
Do we have any young adults in their 20s and 30s, single or married, who would like to form a young adult group? Years ago a North Hills Catholic group was instrumental in my journey of faith, and even my vocation.
"Busyness"
I realize that we are all busy these days, but I wonder if our relationships have been compromised because of our "busyness." Perhaps we need to re-visit and re-create ministries that at one time provided for a Christ-centered way to come together to share, to serve, to lead, and to love.
For God all things are possible. --
Matthew 19:16
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TONIGHT!
Join us for heavy hors d'oeuvres and fellowship starting at 6 p.m.
See you there!
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On Mission
Parish Consultations Sessions:
Oct 11 & 13 at 7 p.m. in Ryan Center
Wondering what On Mission for The Church Alive! is all about and how it will affect St. Alphonsus Parish?
Please plan to attend one of St. Alphonsus' parish consultation sessions that will be held on Oct. 11 and 13 at 7 p.m. in the Ryan Center. The presentations at each session will be the same - you only need to attend one.
After years of consultation and study with clergy and lay leaders throughout the Church of Pittsurgh, the On Mission process is now ready to present DRAFT proposals for your input and consultations. These models were designed at the request of the clergy using extensive research on population, finances, and effective ministry and outreach.
Every parish in the diocese has been asked to hold two consultation sessions. These two-hour gatherings will be opportunities for you to review the proposals and provide feedback so the ideas can be refined and altered to best serve the needs of our diocese in the future.
This meeting will not address a regionalization plan for schools in the North Hills. Separate meetings will be held for that.
To Prepare Prayerfully:
Father Kevin will lead Eucharistic Adoration
on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 6 to 7 p.m.
on Old Side of church.
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On Mission
for The Church Alive!
This Sunday's bulletin will include the On Mission flier below.
If you are having trouble reading it,
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RSVP Now
For Senior Breakfast
On Saturday, Oct. 8
A free breakfast for our senior citizens will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, in the school cafeteria. Our Youth Ministry is sponsoring this event.
Please RSVP to the parish office by today (Wednesday, Oct. 5) at 724-935-1151.
(We need to get a head count to ensure we have enough food.)
Who is a senior citizen? We leave that up to you. No age limit.
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Rededication of Mary Statue
Saturday, Oct. 8
11 a.m.
All are invited.
Parishioner Jonathan Kim created a beautiful new area for our Mary statue as an Eagle Scout project this summer. The statue is now located close to the entrance to the New Side of the church.
Previously, the statue was located between the church and school, in an area surrounded by brickwork that was crumbling.
Hunts Stained Glass refurbished the statue during the summer; an anonymous donor paid for the refurbishment.
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Baptisms
Please Welcome These Children to Our Parish Family
Drew Craig Laurenson (Sept. 11)
Luke David Moritz (Sept. 11)
Luke Michael Sanderson (Sept. 11)
Mason Anthony Sanderson (Sept. 11)
Abigail Rose Mulvey (Sept. 25)
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Baby Items Needed
for Catholic Charities
In honor of Respect Life Month, we are collecting baby items that will be donated to Catholic Charities. Collections will be held at Masses during the weekends of Oct. 16 and 23.
Suggested items: Baby food and formula; diapers, especially sizes 5 and 6, and pull-ups; shoes and winter clothes; larger items, such as swings and pack 'n plays. Please bring baby items to the Old Side of the church and place them on the altar in front of the Holy Family wall sculpture.
Catholic Charities offers support and assistance to women who are possibly pregnant, pregnant, or parenting an infant up to age two, and to the biological fathers. Services are available at all Catholic Charities county offices and sites including the Roselia Program for homeless, single, pregnant and parenting mothers 18 or older and their infants.
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Curious About What A Retreat is Like?
Here's your chance to find out!
New and former retreatants are having a get-together on
Thursday, Oct. 6, and would love for you to come!
We invite you to spend a half hour or so at Eucharistic Adoration with Our Lord between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at St. Al's, and then head over to Eileen Minnock's house at 697 Mt. Pleasant Road, Mars, for drinks, treats and conversation.
Please call Eileen at 724-816-9570 to RSVP and get directions.
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Save the Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
Please Join Us As We Pray for An End to Abortion
St. Alphonsus Parish volunteers will stand peacefully in prayer on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Planned Parenthood in downtown Pittsburgh as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.
St. Alphonsus parishioners will pray that, with God's help, this national 40 Days for Life effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in our city and throughout America.
The vigil involves periods of prayer and reflection for women and their babies at risk for abortion in the Pittsburgh area. Christians throughout Pittsburgh are taking part in the 40 Days for Life campaign.
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Altar Server Training
Will Be Held Oct. 24
Altar Server training will be held for students in grades 4 and up on Monday, Oct. 24.
For students at St. Alphonsus School, training will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the church. For CCD students and school kids unavailable during the day, training will be conducted from 6:45 until 7:30 p.m.
Girls and boys in fourth grade through high school who have made their First Communion are eligible to assist the priest as altar servers during liturgical celebrations. Besides assisting at the Mass, servers are called upon during special liturgies and functions in the church as well as funerals and weddings.
We welcome and encourage young people to become altar servers. For more information, please contact Katrina Schlichtkrull at
[email protected]
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Anointing Mass
Set for Saturday, Oct. 29
Those who wish to receive this sacrament because of chronic illness or recent or future planned surgery or medical care should enter the New Side of the church by the side entrance.
Recipients of the Sacrament of Anointing will be seated in alternate pews (to permit the priest to come to you for laying on of hands and anointing) on the parking lot side of the New Side of the church.
We welcome all others who will be attending this Mass to pray for our brothers and sisters who will receive the anointing. This is the main purpose of the communal celebration of this Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Mass - that we may join in prayer for one another.
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Donate Winter Coats!
Let's Not Leave Our Brothers and Sisters in the Cold
St. Alphonsus is collecting new and gently worn winter coats for distribution to local families in need.
We will have collection boxes for the coats in the back of the church (both sides) through Monday, Oct. 17. Please place each coat in a plastic bag marked with size and whether coat is for male or female.
All sizes are appreciated; children's and adult XL - 4X are especially needed. Coats should be clean and have working zippers and fasteners. Hats, gloves and scarves are also welcome.
We will deliver the coats to North Hills Community Outreach for its annual drive.
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Pie Drive to Benefit North Hills Community Outreach
We're dedicating October to our annual Pie Drive that will support North Hills Community Outreach's dessert collections for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
The drive also will benefit St. Alphonsus School as a fundraiser - we will make a 30 percent profit if we order anywhere from 100-599 desserts, and a 43 percent profit if we go over 600 desserts!
This year, we have a new vendor to supply our desserts -- Joe Corbi, a family-owned fundraising business. Joe Corbi offers pies, cheesecakes and cinnamon rolls.
Brochures with order forms are available at the back of the Old Side of the church and near the bulletin board on the New Side. You may drop the order forms off in the parish office with checks payable to "St. Alphonsus". The last day to drop off order forms is Monday, Oct. 31.
Please consider ordering a few desserts -- for
your holiday dining and for needy families served by North Hills Community Outreach.
Joe Corbi will deliver directly to the school; pickup will be on Nov. 15 if your order contains non-donated desserts.
For information, please contact Kristen Wentling at
[email protected] or 216-904-0768.
Thank you for your support and generosity in advance!
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October 5
Feast Day of Blessed Francis Seelos
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (1819-67) served our fledgling parish back in the 1800s. When you look through baptismal records, you will see the signature of this Redemptorist priest who is on the road to becoming a saint.
Blessed Seelos came to Pittsburgh and worked with St. John Neumann in the 1840s at
St. Philomena Church in Pittsburgh's Strip District, which is where the Redemptorist order was centered.
Born in Bavaria, he was known for his power to heal body and spirit. After serving in the Pittsburgh area, Blessed Francis Seelos moved to New Orleans, where he died of yellow fever at the age of 48. He was proclaimed blessed by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
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St. Alphonsus School News
St. Alphonsus School to Perform "Annie Jr."
St. Alphonsus School will present "Annie Jr.," a musical based on the "Little Orphan Annie" comic strip, on Nov. 4 and 5 in the Ryan Center.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door. Advance orders may be sent to the school - include your name, the number of tickets and which performance (Nov. 4 or 5) that you would like to attend. Make checks payable to St. Alphonsus PTG and send them to St. Alphonsus School, 201 Church Road, Wexford, PA 15090 ATTN: Annie Jr. tickets.
Please Join Us for Open House
St. Alphonsus School invites you to its Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Established in 1889, St. Alphonsus provides a dynamic education deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and philosophy for preschool through eighth grade, including full-day kindergarten. We have a strong proven academic record, competitive athletics, extracurricular clubs and a band program. Also, we offer before- and after-school care.
Please join us and invite prospective students and their families to the Open House to take a personal tour to see what a great school we have! For information, please call 724-935-1152.
Luke's Team Raises Money for American Heart Association
St. Alphonsus School students are raising money for Luke's Team, which will participate in a Heart Walk on Oct. 16 in North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.
Students will pay $1 each to participate in a Dress Down Day on Oct. 7 - they don't have to wear their uniforms that day.
Luke's Team was started in support of St Alphonsus sixth grader Luke Ball, who has survived numerous heart surgeries, a stroke, seizures, and received a heart transplant. Since his transplant, Luke is able to play soccer, baseball, and basketball.
We are blessed to have received so much support from the St Alphonsus community! Many other families at St Alphonsus have dealt with other heart-related problems or know other family and friends who have battled heart disease.
Last year, more than 100 people walked as part of Luke's Team!
If you are interested in attending the walk or joining Luke's Team, click here.
Volleyball Teams Win Oakland Catholic Tournament
Congratulations to our JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball Teams for winning their respective Oakland Catholic Girls Volleyball Tournaments on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The JV Team defeated St. Thomas More in the championship match.
The Varsity Team, undefeated in all games played in the tournament, was victorious over St. Louise in the championship game.
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St. Alphonsus School's Girls JV Volleyball Team
Row 1: Aniela Balog, McKenney Martha, Alex Sepcic
Row 2: Allison Feczko, Megan Becker, Abbie Voettiner, Seraphina Myron
Row 3: Head Coach Steve McKinniss, Aislin Daugherty, Hayley Baranowski, Julianna Butler, Mary Zagrocki, Maya Wanamaker |
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St. Alphonsus School's Girls Varsity Volleyball Team
Row 1: Riley Might, Sarah Stager, Anna Myron, Audrey Pohlod, Allison Andrews
Row 2: Elizabeth Feczko, Brittney Carmazzi, Liana Morreale, Elizabeth Mitchell,Isabella Madonna
Row 3: Assistant Coach Paul Pohlod and Head Coach Steve McKinniss |
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Please Pray for the Sick
especially those in our families and parish family
Lois Brust
James Daniel
Joan Daquelente
John Drzemiecki
Paddy Drzemiecki
infant John Garber
Dorothy D. Greb
Robert J. Greb
Charles Hosick
Margaret Klubert
Evelyn Little
Kathy Love
Ron Mehok
Bob Miller
Pat Miller
Joseph Munizza
Patrick Pajak
Beverly Polenick
Mary Ryan
Mary Lou Sweeney
Barbara Ann Young
If your loved one is ill, please call the Parish Office at 724-935-1151 to let us know and we will place that person's name on the prayer list.
Also, please notify us when the person's name should be removed from the list.
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Thursday, Oct. 6 and 20 - 9am to 7pm
WE HAVE MANY OPENINGS FOR OCT. 6!
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Please Pray for the Faithful Departed
Mary Pegher Richwalls, longtime parishioner
Ann Lenhart, wife of Walter Lenhart, mother of Mary Lou (Louis) Bosco, and grandmother of Maria, Theresa and Michael
Thomas J. Price, father of Lawrence (Renee) Price, and grandfather of Emily, Jacob, Nicholas and Matthew
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This Week's Calendar of Events
Wednesday, Oct. 5 - Feast of Blessed Francis Seelos
9am School Mass -- All are welcome.
6pm Doors open for Faith on Fire. Come enjoy food and fellowship in the Ryan Center.
6:30-8pm Faith on Fire! in Ryan Center with Father Joe Freedy as guest speaker
8am Children's Choir practice in school music room.
Friday, Oct. 7
7am Mass
7:30am Merry Marthas meet in church
2:30pm Rosary on Old Side of church
9:30am Senior Breakfast in cafeteria hosted by Youth Ministry
11am Rededication of Mary Statue outside church
Noon-1pm Reconciliation
2pm Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Pegher Richwalls
5pm Vigil Mass
Sunday, Oct. 9
7:30am Mass
9:30am Mass with Children's Liturgy of the Word
10:30am Children's Choir practice on New Side of church
11:30am Mass
12:45pm Baptism of Carter Max King
6pm Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration with Father Kevin
Monday, Oct. 10
St. Alphonsus School closed.
7am Mass
7:30 and 9am Merry Marthas meet in church
No CCD classes
Tuesday, Oct. 11
7am Mass
8am School instrumentalists practice in church
7pm Legion of Mary meeting in cafeteria
7pm On Mission parish consultation session in Ryan Center
Wednesday, Oct. 12
9am School Mass -- All are welcome.
7pm Adult Choir practice in rectory
7pm RCIA meets for tour of church
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Gathering of Catholic Men
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Nearby
Halloween Kids' Bingo at St. Victor
Halloween Kids' Bingo will be held at St. Victor Parish Activity Building on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. St. Victor is located at 527 Bairdford Road in Bairdford. Admission is $5.
Sponsored by the St. Victor Women's Guild, the event includes toy prizes for winners and a Great Pumpkin Raffle. All ages are welcome. Those who come in costume will receive a special treat. Refreshments will be on sale. For information, contact Mary Ann Maholic at 724-882-3192.
Newman Institute Lecture Set for Oct. 24
The National Institute for Newman Studies will host a lecture by internationally known church historian Eamon Duffy on Monday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. in Heinz Memorial Chapel at 4200 Fifth Ave. in Pittsburgh.
The lecture is titled "Words in Season: Newman's Preaching Reconsidered." Duffy is an Emeritus Professor of the History of Christianity in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge.
Professor Duffy will lead a follow-up workshop the next morning, Oct. 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Newman Institute, 211 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh. RSVP for the workshop at
[email protected].
Want to Win a Corvette Stingray?
St. Sebastian Parish is raffling off a 2016 racing yellow Corvette Stingray with a black convertible top. Tickets are $20 each or 3 tickets for $50 or 7 for $100.
The drawing is Saturday, Oct. 29, based on the First PA Pick 4 Lottery Number drawn at 7 p.m. No room in your garage? Then choose the $40,000 cash option!
Tickets are available at the St. Sebastian Parish office or by mailing a check to St. Sebastian Parish, attn. Car Raffle, 311 Siebert Rd, Pittsburgh 15237 or online at
www.SaintSebastianParish.org/carraffle. All major credit cards are accepted.
St. Richard's Ladies Group to Host Card Party
St. Richard's Ladies Group will host its annual fall card party on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the social Hall. St. Richard Church is located at 3841 Dickey Road, Gibsonia.
Tickets are $12 and that includes a catered luncheon. There will be a Chinese Auction, door prizes and 50/50 raffle. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For reservations, call 724-444-0650.
Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality
Under the guidance of Sister Catherine Higgins, St. Joseph Spirituality Center in Baden will offer a program throughout this year that will give an introduction and a beginning experience of Ignatian Spirituality.
In the first year, participants will be shown how to pray while contemplating the presence of God in the everyday world. Through individual and small group instruction, people are led through scriptural meditations, reflective conversations with a spiritual director and small group sharing.
For those who wish, Sister Catherine will offer a second year of the actual experience of The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life through daily prayer and weekly meetings from September to May.
In the first year, there are three phases to the Introduction, with evening and daytime options to accommodate varied schedules
The initial program, Introduction to Ignatian Prayer, will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon or on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This time of prayer is a two-hour interactive session that introduces Ignatian Spirituality, with an overview of the Spiritual Exercises and time for reflection.
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St. Alphonsus Church & School
St. Alphonsus is a Pennsylvania Charitable Trust
201 Church Road, Wexford, PA 15090
724-935-1151 (church) and 724-935-1152 (school)
Sunday Masses: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am and Saturday Vigil at 5pm
Monday, Tuesday and Friday Masses: 7am
Wednesday Mass: 9am
Reconciliation: Saturdays from noon to 1pm or by appointment
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