Having completed the celebration of the Easter Season with last weekend’s great Solemnity of Pentecost, the Church returns to the observance of Ordinary Time for the next six months. But before we resume the “wearing of the green” and counting off the Sundays of Ordinary Time, we celebrate two wonderful and ancient solemnities: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and today’s observance of the Most Holy Trinity. The origins of today’s feast can be traced back to the early centuries of the Church and it has been observed on the Church’s universal calendar for nearly 700 years. Today’s readings call us to contemplate the mysterious, intimate relationship of Father, Son, and Spirit: love so pure that three distinct persons constitute one God. By virtue of the grace of baptism, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell in us and invite us to participate in their life and love. [2012 Sourcebook for Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays, LTP, p. 233]
This weekend our nation celebrates Memorial Day The first official national celebration of Memorial Day took place in 1868 as the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery were decorated with flowers (thus the designation “Decoration Day”, as the holiday used to be called). Following World War I all of America’s war dead came to be honored on this day. Sadly, even with all the turmoil in the world today and the continued engagement of our nation’s armed forces overseas, many Americans view this national day of remembrance only as the unofficial start of the summer season. Enjoying a three-day weekend with some relaxation and fun and kicking off the summer season is fine, but please take some time to remember the meaning of this holiday. And thank God for the millions of Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice that we may have the freedom we so often take for granted.
I arrived in Latrobe just as the Summer of 2023 was winding down. Nine months later, as we launch into the Summer of ‘24, I am looking forward to working on a number items over the next few months…
¨ Repair work at the St. John rectory is rapidly progressing. In the months after the initial clean-up and assessment of the damage last winter, I really didn’t have much to report. But over the last few weeks, repair to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems has been happening. Damaged drywall has been replaced and painting and other interior work is underway right now. I do not have a timeline for when the work will be completed but once it is…
¨ I will be moving my residence to the St. John rectory. This is actually a move I have been contemplating since before last winter’s damage occurred. The Holy Family rectory currently has so much inefficiently utilized space. Since it was built to house four or five priests, much of the building is dedicated to living space. Offices are cramped and rectory meeting space is practically non-existent. The move will allow Holy Family to address some of those needs and it strengthen my pastoral presence at St. John.
¨ I look forward to working with both finance councils and other parishioners to establish a joint Buildings & Grounds Committee, made of up of three or four parishioners from each parish. I envision this group developing a list of physical needs around both parish complexes and prioritizing those needs, so that rather than reacting when something happens, we can become more proactive.
¨ As many at Holy Family are aware, our parish secretary, Sandy Sutton, is planning to retire in mid-August. We will be looking to hire her successor and give that person time to work with Sandy to ensure a smooth transition.
¨ Since many parish programs slow down during the summer, it is a great opportunity to work on strengthening and building our various ministries and activity groups. Stay tuned as plans develop.
The active phase of the 2024 Diocesan Lenten Appeal has wound down. As of May 18…
¨ St. John has received $45,114 in pledges and gifts (96% of our parish goal of $46,825) from 132 households (52% of our parish). Our parish share is currently $8289 and grows with each gift...100% of everything we raise for the rest of the year remains in our parish—assessment-free—to do work that we need to do here at the parish: to do some needed repair work to our main entry doors to the church and to add an automatic opener to improve access.
¨ Holy Family has received $112,510 in pledges and gifts (109% of our parish goal of $103,190) from 232 households (25% of our parish). Our parish share is currently $39,320 and grows with each gift...100% of everything we raise for the rest of the year remains in our parish—assessment-free—to do work that we need to do here at the parish: updating of the church’s security and fire alarm systems.
¨ Even though the active phase of this year’s appeal has wound down, it’s not too late to contribute. You may return your pledge or gift by mail, in person during office hours, drop it in the collection basket, or online.
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