The Clergy Corner

Father George

4 min read

From Father George's Desk 1/5/2025

As the kids return to school this week and what the secular world considers “the holiday season” winds down, the Church continues its...

A New Year Striving for Peace, Hope, & Love

Michael Orange

2 min read

A New Year Striving for Peace, Hope, & Love

As we stand on the precipice of a new year, our Catholic reflection carries the weight of the world’s challenges, particularly the...

Father George

4 min read

From Father George's Desk 12/22/2024

As we light the final candle on the Advent wreath, I share these words of Pope Francis to reflect upon as we join with the Church...

Michael Orange

3 min read

Reconciliation and the Joy of Advent…

Last weekend, I had the privilege of witnessing my granddaughter Maisy receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. It was...

Father George

4 min read

From Father George's Desk 12/8/2024

On the middle two Sundays of Advent each year, St. John the Baptist takes center stage. In today’s gospel reading, Luke introduces us to...

Michael Orange

2 min read

The Ringing of the Bells

The sound of bells ringing from a Catholic church is a profound symbol of faith and tradition, echoing across time and space....

Father George

3 min read

From Father George's Desk 11/24/24

As the nation celebrates Thanksgiving this week, here’s a little history lesson on the true story of the first Thanksgiving in the New...

Michael Orange

2 min read

Fight the Good Fight

In the tapestry of faith, the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) serves as a clarion call...

Father George

4 min read

From Father George's Desk 11/10/2024

As we begin to prepare our homes and our families to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is an excellent opportunity to reflect on true...

Embracing Self-Compassion: Stewardship of the Heart in Christ’s Mission

Michael Orange

1 min read

Embracing Self-Compassion: Stewardship of the Heart in Christ’s Mission

In our journey as stewards of faith, we often think of serving others and fulfilling Jesus’ mission in the world. We recognize our call...

Father George

3 min read

From Father George's Desk 10/27/24

This week we begin the month of November by celebrating the twin observances of All Saints and All Souls. The celebration of All Saints...

Reclaiming Halloween: A Catholic Reflection on Life, Death, and Eternal Hope…

Michael Orange

2 min read

Reclaiming Halloween: A Catholic Reflection on Life, Death, and Eternal Hope…

Halloween, often associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky imagery, has deeper roots in the Catholic tradition that invite...

Father George

3 min read

From Father George's Desk 10-13-24

Many parishes focus on stewardship during the month of October. In the weeks ahead all parishioners will be receiving more information in...

Preparing for the Sacred...Why Fasting Before Mass Deepens Your Spiritual Experience

Michael Orange

2 min read

Preparing for the Sacred...Why Fasting Before Mass Deepens Your Spiritual Experience

Many people today are unaware of the requirement to fast for one hour before receiving the Eucharist. This practice, though sometimes...

Father George

2 min read

From Father George's Desk 9-29-24

This weekend we are taking the annual Diocesan Seminarian and Clergy Education Collection. This is part of the responsibility for...

The Sacred Importance of a Catholic Funeral

Michael Orange

2 min read

The Sacred Importance of a Catholic Funeral

A Catholic funeral holds profound significance, rooted in centuries of tradition and deep theological meaning. It serves as both a...

Father George

3 min read

From Father George's Desk 9/15/24

Labor Day Weekend marked one year since my arrival in Latrobe and, looking back through my files, I see that it was on this weekend last...

Reclaiming Reverence...Honoring the Sacred Name of God

Michael Orange

2 min read

Reclaiming Reverence...Honoring the Sacred Name of God

In today’s world, it is all too common to hear the name of God used carelessly, thoughtlessly, or even disrespectfully. This habit,...

Father George

4 min read

From Father George's Desk 9/1/2024

What a fantastic celebration we had at St. John last Sunday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the church! Thanks...

Finding Balance: Reflecting & Praying in Our Busy Lives

Michael Orange

2 min read

Finding Balance: Reflecting & Praying in Our Busy Lives

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the habit of constant activity, always striving to do more and achieve more. While being...