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From the Pastor's Desk (9/21/25)
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From the Pastor's Desk
9/21/25
Parish Finance Council
In consultation with our Clergy Team, Parish Staff and current council members, and in an effort to align our organization and financial processes, we are moving in the direction of creating a new Parish Finance Council. Information regarding the process and timeline for the creation of a new Finance Council will be posted in next week’s bulletin. A joint meeting was held on September 9, 2025, with existing Finance Council members to communicate my gratitude for the years of service and dedication each has offered to this important work. I wish to offer a heartfelt thanks to Karen Chuhran, Jacqueline D’Alessandris, Tim Egnot, Joe Kusnir, Loretta Martella, Piera Masciantonio, Shawn McCreary, Mel Mikulich, Jack Salvetti and Jack Skrlac. As current Finance Council members, they will continue their work until December 31, 2025. The new Finance Council will be established and in place by January 2026. This change in membership on the Finance Council was due to long-expired term renewals, as well as the recent change in parish leadership, which is permitted according to Canon Law.
Ministry of Sacristan
A Parish Sacristan serves quietly behind the scenes in a parish, ensuring that everything needed for the celebration of the Mass and other liturgies is prepared with care and reverence. Their ministry supports the smooth and prayerful flow of worship, allowing the priest, deacon and congregation to focus fully on the sacred mysteries. The responsibilities of a Sacristan are centered around preparing the altar, sacred vessels, linens, liturgical books and other items before Mass. They are also responsible for maintaining the Sacristy and ensuring an atmosphere of reverence. A Sacristan must have a deep respect for the Holy Eucharist and the sacredness of the liturgy. They must be reliable, punctual, and pay attention to detail. Their work is done quietly and does not seek attention. A Sacristan would be expected to serve 1.5 hours in this ministry each time they assist. Candidates for this ministry should be willing to learn liturgical procedures and follow parish and diocesan guidelines. They must be a registered parishioner, a practicing Catholic, and meet all of the requirements needed for Safe Environment Clearances. We are in need of trained Sacristans at all four of our churches and are looking for interested candidates for this important ministry. If you feel called to this particular ministry, please contact Judi Dalton in the Parish Office at 724-775-6363 (EXT. 101). An introductory meeting for interested candidates will be scheduled and training will be provided for those seriously considering this ministry.
Ministry of Wedding Coordinator
A Parish Wedding Coordinator works directly with the Priest or Deacon and the engaged couple preparing for their wedding. The Wedding Coordinator is the resource for questions about the couple’s wedding day: church environment (flowers, decorations, etc.), logistics (where to dress, where attendants stand/sit), photography and videography guidelines, and any other unique requirement for the bride and groom. They make contact with the bride about one month prior to the wedding, reviewing details associated with the wedding day at the church. The Wedding Coordinator is present at both the Rehearsal and the Mass or Ceremony, in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly. A total of four hours per wedding are required for this ministry. Candidates for this particular ministry should be punctual, organized, detail-oriented, a natural leader, and comfortable working with different types of people. They must also be a registered and active parishioner and meet all of the Safe Environment Clearances required by the parish and diocese. We are in need of additional Wedding Coordinators for each of our churches. If you feel called to this particular ministry, please contact Judi Dalton in our Parish Office at 724-775-6363 (EXT. 101). An introductory meeting for interested candidates will be scheduled and training will be provided for those seriously considering this special ministry.
Convocation of Diocesan Priests: 2025
Priests of Hope is the theme of a convocation for all priests of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, beginning Monday, October 6, and concluding on Thursday, October 9. The convocation is held every three years at the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia. It is an important opportunity for our diocesan priests to join with Bishop Mark Eckman for spiritual renewal, pastoral and professional development, and priestly fraternity. Please keep me and my brother priests in your prayers as we prepare for the upcoming convocation.
An October Preview
Saturday, October 4, is the annual Blessing of Pets. We will gather in the parking lot at 1 PM at St. Frances Cabrini and 2 PM at Our Lady of Fatima. On Thursday, October 23, at 6:30 PM, we will celebrate a special Mass with the Anointing of the Sick at St. Frances Cabrini Church. On Sunday, October 26, at 6 PM, a special Praise and Worship Service for our Middle and High School Youth Ministry will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church to celebrate the recent canonization of St. Carlo Acutis. Additional details coming soon!