From the Pastor's Desk

From the Pastor's Desk
6/21/26

Overcoming Fear
Isn’t it a waste of time to tell someone not to worry, not to be afraid? Putting the added burden of that demand on someone can make matters worse. Yet that is exactly what Jesus does in today’s Gospel (Mt 10:26-33) when he says, “Fear no one.” Why? Because Jesus is not delivering an ultimatum. Rather, he is giving us the power to overcome crippling fear in our life. Jesus’ mandate “Do not be afraid” is not a mere admonition (otherwise we would only become more afraid!). Jesus deflates three fears in this Gospel on the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The first is the fear of our secret self. We all have secrets, past sins, and things we are ashamed of that we do not want others to know about. And they can terrorize and disable us. Jesus gives us the grace today to confront the painful truth about ourselves so that we can live now in his glorious Truth. Jesus also outmaneuvers the fear of pain and death. Sometimes we let anxiety about our inability to deal with sickness, disaster, and death impair our relationship with God. However, not a single sparrow falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge. In delivering us from fear, Jesus wants to convince us that the Father knows and provides for the most minute matters of our life. Finally, in today’s Gospel, Jesus debunks those fears related to self-worth. The world wants constantly to dupe us into believing that we are worthless. The only way out is to acknowledge the Father in prayer, because in so doing we discover ourselves. To acknowledge the Father means to acknowledge his mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. Acknowledging Jesus is to become infallibly fearless. (Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P.)
 
Questions of Faith to Ponder

1. What fears hold you back from following God’s invitation to holiness?
2. When following God’s commandments is difficult, were do you look for inspiration?

 
A Prayer for Fathers on Father’s Day
Lord, we lift up every father and father figure, asking that You continue to guide them in their journey. Grant them the wisdom to lead with integrity and the patience to nurture with love. May they always find joy in the role they play and be filled with Your peace and comfort. Amen.
 
A Very Special Thank You
On behalf of the entire Mary, Queen of Saints Parish Family, I want to offer a profound thank you to the San Rocco Foundation for their recent donation of $20,000.00 towards the Saint Titus Church Roof Replacement Project. As you learned a month ago, this project, which had to be approved by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, will cost the parish $168,000.00. We are most grateful to the San Rocco Foundation for their faithful stewardship and generosity, as well as for their willingness to step-up and assist the parish with this project. It would be my hope that regardless of which church roof needs to be repaired, similar parish groups and parishioners would consider making a donation, big or small, to assist with being good stewards of our many church buildings. If any parish group or parishioner feels called to donate to this important project, please feel free to contact me or Dave Deiter, our Business and Facilities Manager at 724-775-6363.
 
Ordinations to the Priesthood
Next Saturday, June 27, five men from the Diocese of Pittsburgh will be ordained by Bishop Mark Eckman at Saint Paul Cathedral. Please pray for these men as they prepare to serve the Church of Pittsburgh: Deacon Brian Myler, Deacon Erik Pintar, Deacon Matt Selzer, Deacon Loc Tran and Deacon Nick Wytiaz.
 
A Farewell Celebration
Please do not forget to stop by O’Connell Hall (SFC Campus) next Sunday, June 28, from 12-2:30 PM to thank Fr. Celestine and Fr. Gilbert for their priestly service to Mary, Queen of Saints Parish. Light refreshments will be served. Even if you can only come for a short visit, please make every effort to attend to wish them well as they prepare for the next chapter of their priestly ministry. Their new assignments begin on July 13.
 
Parish Picnic Volunteers
We are currently looking for several parishioners to assist us in overseeing the upcoming Parish Picnic on Sunday, August 23, at the Center Township Municipal Park. If you would like to be part of this group, please contact Dave Deiter, our Business and Facilities Manager, at 724-775-6363. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated in helping us to make this year’s picnic a success. 
 
The Blessing of Air Conditioning
Sometimes we can take for granted just how blessed we are to have four church buildings with air conditioning. I could easily take you to countless churches in our diocese which literally become “ovens” in the summer months because of their lack of air conditioning. Trust me, you do not want to experience attending Mass in mid-August, when it is 85 degrees and 90% humidity. I’ve been there, done that. I even remember a few bridesmaids and groomsmen fainting in the middle of a wedding in some of our warmest churches. Therefore, please wear a sweater or light jacket this summer when you come to Mass if you are “too cold.” Mass is only one hour on Sunday and 30 minutes during the week. Also, having air conditioning does not mean you keep the thermostat at 78 degrees. Be thankful for comfortable, air-conditioned church buildings during the very warm months of summer.