ST. JAMES CHURCH - stjameswilkinsburg.org

ST. JAMES CHURCH
718 Franklin Avenue Wilkinsburg, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221
15221--2990
Phone: 412.241.1392
Parish E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 412.241.6625
Parish Website: stjameswilkinsburg.org
Facebook: Saint James Catholic Church Wilkinsburg PA
New Parishioners We welcome you to our community, and we invite you to introduce yourselves to us.
4th Sunday of Lent
March 6, 2016
Scripture Reflections
Dear Church Family: Our Holy Father Pope
Francis has declared this to be “A Year of Mercy.”
To be sure today’s gospel has everything to do about
mercy and forgiveness. If there is one thing we really
need in this world for healing is the sense that none
of us are perfect and when we make mistakes we deserve another chance. To be sure God never denies
the reality of sin. God does not close His eyes to our
Mass Schedule
Your Pastor,
Father David Taylor
Parish Administrator:
Fr. David Taylor
Prayers for the Sick and Tele-Care
Sunday: 8:30 am, 11:30 am
Saturday Evening: 5:00 pm
If you know of some one who is temporarily ill or
homebound please inform the rectory.
Novena Monday, 12:00 Noon Mass.
Rosary Daily after Noon Mass.
Sacrament of Matrimony Please contact a
priest at least six months before the intended date.
Sacrament of Baptism Contact the Rectory
two months prior to the birth.
(Fulfills Sunday Obligation)
Monday through Friday:
12:00 Noon, Chapel
We are Handicapped Accessible
Sacrament of Reconciliation
(Confessions) Monday through Friday
before 12:00 Noon Mass.
Please call ahead to the Rectory.
Mini-Van Parishioners needing trans-
weaknesses and short comings. He is saddened and indignant
when He sees some of the things we do especially as we hurt
one another, the least of our brothers and sisters.
In today’s Gospel parable Jesus gives us an example
as how to temper justice with mercy. He tells us that we
must always be ready to forgive and to not be insistent on
calibrating the scales of justice. This parable story is one of
the most popular ones in the gospel because there is a place
for everyone in it. In a world full of injustice, crime, terrorism, war, and more there is so much righteous indignation. It
is sad to say this leads many to believe that we need revenge.
But justice has to be tempered with mercy. As God’s children we have to be willing to walk the extra mile. Someone
has to be willing to forgive. This Year of Mercy is the time to
do it. Without reconciliation there can be no peace. As we
gather around the altar today God gives us a little bit of His
great big heart of forgiveness. Let us pray for His help to
hate sin but never hate the sinner and to overcome an urge
for vengeance. We all have been the Prodigal Son, let’s pray
that we can sometimes be the forgiving father it’s all in the
family.
Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic Academy
portation for Mass, please call the Rectory.
412-242-3515 Principal: Mrs. Rita Canton
Parish Staff:
Parish Business Manager - Robert R. Adams
412.241.1318
Parish Social Minister - Josie Bryant
412.241.1309
Director of Religious Education - Jim Kennedy
412.242.2246
Director of Music Ministry - David C. Orme
412.242.2258
Health Ministry: Call Rectory
RCIA Coordinator - Dee Vecchiola
PARISH REMEMBRANCE IN YOUR WILL - You may wish to include the parish in your Will. The suggested wording is as follows: I give and bequeath to St. James Parish,
718 Franklin Ave., Pgh., PA 15221 the sum of ___________ dollars, real estate, and/or stock for the purpose of assisting the parish in its various ministries.
Diocese of Pittsburgh Abuse Hotline 1.800.808.1235
ST. JAMES - WILKINSBURG, PA
MARCH 6, 2016
Finding Our Way Home, Seeking God’s Mercy
SATURDAY - Vigil: Fourth Sunday of Lent
5:00 P.M. Living and Deceased Members of the Parish
SUNDAY - FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
8:30 A.M. Thomas Connors (Jedinak Family)
11:30 A.M. Bill Lenaghen (Lectors)
MONDAY - Lenten Weekday, Saints Perpetua and Felicity
12:00 P.M. Robert J. DeWitt (Family)
TUESDAY - Lenten Weekday, St. John of God
12:00 P.M. Leonard A. Schockling (Family)
WEDNESDAY - Lenten Weekday, St. Frances of Rome
12:00 P.M. Anniversary Roger Mularkey (Family)
THURSDAY - Lenten Weekday
12:00 P.M. Jim DeWitt (Family)
FRIDAY - Lenten Weekday
8:30 A.M. All School Liturgy Living Intention Stanley Hopkins
12:00 P.M. Joe Lyden (Sister, Catherine)
SATURDAY - Vigil: Fifth Sunday of Lent
5:00 P.M. Living and Deceased Members of the Parish
SUNDAY - FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
8:30 A.M. Helen & Clark Ryan
(Norm & Helen Stock)
11:30 A.M. Al Edgar (Wife & Family)
“ …. This is from God, who has reconciled us to himself
through Christ and given us the ministry of
reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians5:18)
Today’s readings ask us to reflect on reconciliation. In the first
reading the Israelites have completed their forty year pilgrimage
through the desert. The reprimand of slavery in Egypt has been
removed and they are in the Promised Land. And although they
no longer need to rely on the manna God provided, they now rely
on his continued blessings and can offer God thanksgiving with
the produce of their labor.
The parable of the “Prodigal Son” found in the Gospel offers
many examples of the need for reconciliation for our reflection.
Consider the contrast in the hard hearted scribes and Pharisees
and the openness of God’s heart; the rift between the wayward
but humbled son and his obedient but proud brother, and of
course the sinful errors of the younger son and the extravagant
welcome home of his loving father.
St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, describes the mission of
Jesus and his own ministry as reconciliation. Paul understands
that the continuation of God’s mercy and reconciliation has been
entrusted to him and all who are “in Christ”. We too are
ambassadors for Christ. God wants us to be his representatives as
we go about our daily lives.
This week try to locate and reach out to someone who is lost to
you, to your family, to the Church or to society. Strive to share
the love and mercy so freely given to you by our loving Father.
Lenten Activities

Scripture Readings
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Reading I Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
Reading II 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Reading I Isaiah 43:16-21
Reading II Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel
John 8:1-11
A Family Perspective
(by Bud Ozar) We may feel like
the Prodigal Son but the gospel wants us to focus on the father
who was forgiving and understanding. We all make mistakes and
need forgiveness. Who in your family needs your forgiveness and
acceptance this Lent
Parenting Pointers
(by Susan Vogt) Jesus fed the hungry and bids us to do the same. (Mt. 25:35) But people need pots,
pans, and other kitchen utensils to cook meals to feed themselves.
Do you have any duplicate kitchen supplies that you can pass on
to a needy family, perhaps a newly arrived immigrant?


Stations of the Cross every Wednesday, 7 pm in the Chapel.
(Led by the Worship & Stewardship Ministries on March 9)
Place your Lenten prayers and petitions on the Prayer Cross at
the break in the pews in the church and or in the chapel.
Take home an envelope for your Alms Collection for Catholic
Charities. (Located by the alms box at the break in the pews.)
“FAITH IS A GIFT”
86 Pledges received = $ 64,879
The 2016 Parish Share Program (PSP) annual diocesan program,
is combined with our yearly fund drive, the St. James Campaign.
(You can elect to have this deducted through the Faith Direct
Program.) You can find additional pledge envelopes at the ends of
the pews. If you have any questions please call the Rectory at
412.241.1392. Please keep in mind that anything over and above
the $48,294.00 diocesan assessment remains here in the parish
(assessment free).
Hospitality Weekend
All are invited to
the chapel next Sunday, March 13, following the
8:30 & 11:30 Masses for Donut Sunday. Share
some time with fellow parishioners and catch up
on what is new with everyone.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
The St. James Food/Paper Bank is requesting donations of pudding
and jello for the month of March. Thank you for your support of
our parish social ministries. Please place your donated items in the
containers at the break in the pews.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
March 6 - 12, 2016
Sat.
Presentation on Fasting
Sun.
Social Justice & Peace Ministry
All are welcome to
participate in this week’s meeting on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 pm, in the
School Library. Rob Conroy, director of CEASE Fire PA, will speak at the
meeting about efforts to curb gun violence in PA. Please consider coming out
to be a part of this important conversation.
Thanks to all who took time to be a part of our monthly
letter writing activity last weekend. 92 letters were
mailed to PA House leaders regarding the unpassed PA
budget for 2015-16. PA has been without a budget for 8 months and the
situation is causing hardship to those who rely on state funding.
Mission at St Bernadette (Monroeville) Fr. Jean Luc Zadroga
O.S.B. will be presenting a three-day mission: “New Mercy at Every Dawn”.
Please come and join us at 7 pm each date. March 14, God is Merciful;
March 15, God shows us His Mercy; March 16, We reflect God's Mercy.
Holy Thursday Pilgrimage of Faith
Fr. Joe Freedy in the
Office of Vocations invites you to join us and pilgrims from all across the
diocese on Holy Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Come and pray to Jesus as
we make this a pilgrimage of faith on foot to Seven Churches. It all begins at
St. Mary of Mercy Church and will conclude at Historic St. Patrick Church in
the Strip District with climbing of the Holy Stairs. We will gather at Lawless
Hall of St. Mary’s for a quick lunch at noon if you so choose. If you plan to
attend or would like more information please call Janet Roberto at
724.941.9587 ext 112 by Monday, March 21.
Easter Blessing of Families
On Easter Sunday, March 27,
Bishop David Zubik together with his brothers Auxiliary Bishop William
Waltersheid and Retired Auxiliary Bishop William Winter will welcome
families of the Diocese of Pittsburgh to the Annual Blessing of Families at
Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland at 2:00 pm. All are welcome to the Cathedral
to receive this special Blessing imparted by our bishops as they also take the
opportunity to thank families for the beautiful witness of love and faith that
they share with us.
JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGE
Join Fr. Nick Vaskov for a
pilgrimage to Italy to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy from May 12 - 23.
Highlights include Loreto, Assisi, Florence, walking through the Holy Door
in Rome, and much more. Cost is $3850 per person and includes airfare,
hotels, ground transportation, and two meals each day. For a complete
itinerary and more infor mation, co ntact Fr. Nick at
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or (412) 295-8876.
Empty Bowls Dinner
This fundraising event for the Gr. Pgh.
Community Food Bank and Just Harvest, Empty Bowls Dinner, is scheduled
for Sunday, March 20, with two seatings: 1:30 – 3:30 and 4:30 – 6:30 pm, at
Rodef Shalom, Oakland. For presale tickets of $22, go to showclix.com/
event/EmptyBowls2016. Tickets are also available at the door for $25 on the
afternoon of the event. This is a great family Lenten activity and helps these
organizations addressing the hunger issue in our region.
Mon.
Parish Life Meeting
Chapel 3-5 pm
Chapel 9:30 am
Faith Formation
Panera 6:30 pm
“Queen of Peace” Prayer Group
Chapel 7 pm
Tue.
Wilkinsburg Vigil & the Environment
Chapel 7-9 pm
Wed.
“Light Is On” Reconciliation Chapel 6-9pm
Stations of the Cross
Chapel 7 pm
Peace & Justice Ministry Library 7 pm
Worship Ministry
Chapel 7:30 pm
Thurs.
Adult Choir
Music Rm 7:30 pm
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Daylight Savings Time
CCD
Religious Education Office 9:45 am
Donut Sunday
Chapel
STEWARDSHIP
Feb. 28
Faith Direct
for February
Offertory
$ 3,578.00 $ 5,227.00
Parish Debt Reduction
$ 72.00 $ 269.00
PSP/St. James Campaign ’15
$ 120.00 ----PSP/St. James Campaign’16 $ 3,705.00 $ 2,747.00
Campaign for Human Dev.
$ 42.00
----Easter Flower Offering
$ 560.00
----Good Friday
$ 10.00
----Easter Sunday
$ 25.00
----Social Services: Donation
$ 50.00
----Winter Utilities
$ 30.00 $ 315.00
Haiti/ PIP
$ 60.00 $ 126.00
St. James Campaign Pledges
that were mailed last month may have incorrect
information on the amount of your last year’s
pledge. If you have questions, please contact the
rectory at [email protected] or 412.241.1392.
Church Alive! Questions concerning your
statement or cashed checks? Please contact
Letter Concepts at 860.828.5101.
Please remember St. James Parish in your Will.
This assures the parish of continued financial strength.
See the bottom front of our bulletin for legal wording.