From the Pastor's Desk (8/17/25)

From the Pastor's Desk

8/17/25

100th Anniversary of the Feast of San Rocco Mass
Last Sunday, August 10, there were over 1,000 in attendance at St. Titus Church for the annual Mass in honor of San Rocco. Once again, we were happy to welcome back Msgr. Ronald Cellini, a native son of Aliquippa, from the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina, as Celebrant. Special thanks to everyone who attended this liturgy and all those who worked very hard behind the scenes to prepare for such a beautiful Mass. Viva, San Rocco!

Interested in the Permanent Diaconate?
Bishop Eckman has added two additional informational sessions for men who are interested in learning more about the Permanent Diaconate in our diocese. Both upcoming sessions will be held from 6:30PM to 9:00PM at the Diocesan Pastoral Center (2900 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205) on August 21 and September 11. Additional information can be obtained at www.diopitt.org/permanent-diaconate or by calling the Diocesan Diaconate Office at 412.456.3124.

Our Lady of Fatima School
It’s hard to believe, but students will soon be returning to school for another year of learning. OLF School resumes on Thursday, August 21, and the first Mass of the new academic year will be celebrated at 8:30AM at OLF Church on Friday, August 22.

Parish Feast Day Picnic
The annual celebration of our Parish Feast Day is quickly approaching! We will celebrate our patronal feast on Sunday, August 24 at the 11:00AM. Mass at St. Frances Cabrini Church, followed by our Feast Day Picnic on the church grounds. Please consider joining us for this special liturgy as well as for food, fellowship and fun at the picnic, from 12:30PM. to 4:00PM.

Solemn Vespers for The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Please consider joining on Thursday, August 28 at St. John the Baptist Church as we celebrate Solemn Vespers for the Passion of Saint John the Baptist. Eucharistic Adoration begins at 5:00PM and Vespers and Benediction will begin at 6:00PM.

Liturgical Updates
We have returned the Presider’s Chair on the Main Altar to face the congregation at St. Frances Cabrini, Our Lady of Fatima and St. Titus Churches (SJB’s liturgical design does not allow for this arrangement.) As the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) states: “The chair of the priest celebrant must signify his office presiding over the gathering and of directing the prayer. Thus, the best place for the chair is in a position facing the people at the head of the sanctuary” (GIRM, 310). Please stay tuned for additional liturgical updates coming in September as we, a Catholic parish of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, are expected to ensure and maintain the specific liturgical charisms of our local diocese. I will be addressing these important liturgical actions and ministries during the celebration of the Holy Mass on Sundays: Lectors, Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and the Presentation of Gifts (Offertory).

What is the GIRM?
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), is an official document of the Church explaining how the Eucharist is to be celebrated in the Roman Rite. It is currently in its third edition since its promulgation at the Second Vatican Council. The GIRM speaks clearly and beautifully about the centrality of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the holiness of the Eucharist, the various ministries at the Eucharist and highlights the role of the priest. It is both a “how to” manual and a deeply spiritual text that calls us to reflect more deeply on the mystery of Christ’s presence among us in the Eucharist. All ordained clergy in the Roman Rite must adhere to the specific liturgical instructions found in the GIRM when celebrating or participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

MQSP Winter Carnival 2026
It might be August and still 90 degrees outside, but our MQSP Winter Carnival Planning Committee is already hard at work preparing for next year’s event. I had the pleasure of meeting with the committee last Wednesday as they discussed and planned the special weekend of events at the SJB Campus. The Winter Carnival will take place February 13-15, 2026. Mark your calendars today! Watch the bulletin for additional information over the next five months.


Blessings on your week!
Fr. John B. Gizler, III
Pastor of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish