From the Pastor's Desk

From the Pastor's Desk
10/11/26

Come to the Feast
Sometimes in order to move forward, one has to look backward. To understand the parable Jesus tells in today’s Gospel (Matthew 22:1-4) and embrace its meaning for each of us, it helps to look over the paths we’ve already trod. Each of us is a pilgrim – a person who journeys a long distance to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion. Today each of us can take down the book of our lives and reflect on all the invitations that God has sent us. Some of them came with gilded edges and we failed to respond because, like the people in today’s Gospel, we had things to protect and work to do. Some invitations were simply torn up. Other invitations seemed less formal, and we found ourselves among both the good and the bad as the wedding hall filled with guests. Uncomfortable with sharing the banquet hall with all the “street people,” we were careful not to identify with the mob. In the midst of all those missed opportunities, however, we remember that “one man loved the pilgrim soul in you and loved the sorrows of your changing face.” Our God also reminds us of all the times we did not respond well. All the times we came to the Eucharist and recognized the faces of our brothers and sisters. All the times we heeded the dismissal challenge at the end of the Eucharist, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” All the times we responded affirmatively to the RSVP enclosed within the invitation. That’s why we are still pilgrims. We close the book, pray that we find the God who “hid his face amid a crowd of stars” and carefully open the next envelope: “God requests the honor of your presence…” (Reflection by Sister Barbara Jean Franklin, ASC)

BRIDGE Program/Catholic Foundation For Greater Pittsburgh
I am pleased to share that at the request of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Mary, Queen of Saints Parish has partnered with the Catholic Foundation for Greater Pittsburgh to establish an endowment fund for our faith community. This endowment is an important step in securing our parish’s future. Each year, we will receive a perpetual distribution from this permanent fund, helping us support our ministries now and for generations to come. The parish endowment will be held at the Catholic Foundation For Greater Pittsburgh and stewarded in accordance with our Catholic values. You can leave a gift to our parish that continues to sustain beyond your lifetime. We all hope that Mary, Queen of Saints Parish remains vibrant for our children, grandchildren, and generations yet to come. Our parish endowment will make this possible by growing over time and providing annual support in perpetuity. Each of us, even those with modest means, can leave a lasting gift to our parish fund at no cost during our lifetime. You can help it grow through planned gifts, and although that may sound complicated, it is actually quite simple – and anyone can participate. Regardless of your age or income, you can leave a gift that supports our ministries for generations. For additional details please see the ad on page 3 of today’s bulletin or visit CFGPitt.org. 

Safe Environment Office
I want to thank Marilyn Chesko who has concluded her tenure as the Director of our Safe Environment Office, effective October 5. At the same time, I would like to announce the appointment of Coleen Seery, the new Director of this important office. Colleen will continue in her other role as Administrative Assistant in our Religious Education Office. You will find Colleen’s contact information on page 2 of today’s bulletin.

All Souls Memorial Mass 
Our annual All Souls Day Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 2 at 6:30 PM in St. John the Baptist Church. At this special liturgy, we gather to pray for and remember the faithful departed of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, most especially those who were buried from one of our four churches since last November. All are welcome to attend.