SUNDAY | MAY 3, 2020

ALL PUBLIC MASSES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER

NOTICE

ALL ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR ONLINE MASSES ON OUR WEBSITE

www.marymotherofgod1.org Monday—Friday 9:00 A.M.

Sunday 10:00 A.M.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Reconciliation Schedule Until Further

Notice *

Thursdays, 5 - 6 p.m.,

St. Angela Parking Lot

Saturdays, 12 - 1 p.m.,

St. Robert Parking Lot

*All those confessing must wear a mask. Thank you!

CLERGY TEAMPastor

Rev. Terrence P. O’Connor

toconnor@diopitt.org

Parochial Vicar Rev. Jack E. Demnyan

jdemnyan@diopitt.org

Parish Chaplain Rev. Joseph C. Beck

jbeck@diopitt.org

In Residence Rev. Pius Nwankwo

Deacon Reynold Wilmer rwilmer754@gmail.com

PARISH STAFF Business Manager

Cathy Nola

cnola@marymotherofgod1.org

Family Faith Formation/ Safe Environment Coordinator

Krista Sudyk

ksudyk@marymotherofgod1.org

Director of Music Ministry Ian Michael Brown

ibrown@marymotherofgod1.org

Assistant Director of Music Ministry

Sharon Sisley

ssisley975@gmail.com

Youth Minister Emily Belchick

ebelchick@marymotherofgod1.org

Maintenance Dan Hearn, A.J. Minyon

Administrative Assistant Kathleen Strangis

secretary@marymotherofgod1.org

SACRAMENTS Please contact the parish office as to the

following sacraments:

Sacrament of Baptism

Prior to having your child baptized, both

parents must attend a

pre-baptismal seminar.

Sacrament of Matrimony Arrangements should be made at least six

months prior to your wedding date. A

date will be set only after contacting the

priest.

Sacrament of the Sick (You may also see a priest after Mass)

Holy Communion for Shut-Ins

R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

This is the process to become Catholic or

for Catholics to receive the rest of their

Sacraments of Initiation. We also offer

programs for children.

St. Angela Merici 1640 Fawcett Ave. White Oak, PA 15131

Corpus Christi 2515 Versailles Ave.

McKeesport, PA 15132

St. Patrick 310 32nd Street

McKeesport, PA 15132

St. Robert Bellarmine 1313 Fifth Avenue

E. McKeesport, PA 15035

ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER 1640 Fawcett Ave

White Oak, PA 15131 P: 412-672-9641 | F: 412-672-1576

secretary@marymotherofgod1.org Administrative Center Temporarily Closed

For assistance, please call or email the office at the above address

Mass Readings and Intentions

MASSES TO BE OFFERED

Jean Dickey

Paul Serbak

Chester Mols

Mary Skender

Margaret McCaffrey

Steve Sawchak

Living and Deceased Mothers

of Our Parish

MASSES OFFERED LAST WEEK

The Moore and Davis Families

The Betters and Kisner Families

Paul Ruggier

Dolores Francetic

Kenneth Kohl, Jr.

Diane Detore

Anna F. Martin

Sarah and William Lane

Alice and Nick Rodman

Stanley and Florence Welesko

Living and Deceased of Our Parish

Sunday

May 3

4th Sunday of Easter World Day of Prayer for Vocations Acts 2:14a, 36-41/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [1]/1 Pt 2:20b-25/Jn 10:1-10

Monday

May 4

Easter Weekday Acts 11:1-18/Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4 [cf. 3a]/Jn 10:11-18

Tuesday

May 5

Easter Weekday Acts 11:19-26/Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 [Ps 117:1a]/Jn 10:22-30

Wednesday

May 6

Easter Weekday Acts 12:24—13:5a/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8 [4]/Jn 12:44-50

Thursday

May 7

Easter Weekday National Day of Prayer Acts 13:13-25/Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27 [2]/Jn 13:16-20

Friday

May 8

Easter Weekday Acts 13:26-33/Ps 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab [7bc]/Jn 14:1-6

Saturday

May 9

Easter Weekday Acts 13:44-52/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [3cd]/Jn 14:7-14

Sunday

May 10

5th Sunday of Easter Mother’s Day Acts 6:1-7/Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 [22]/1 Pt 2:4-9/Jn 14:1-12

FROM FATHER TERRY J+M+J

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, we always hear a gospel referring to Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Today we hear Jesus say, “[T]he sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” (Jn 10:4) They recognize his voice! So much is contained in that statement. Here we are in the Easter season. Here we are in the midst of tension and uncertainty. Are we able to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd? Jesus would never abandon us. We need to hear his voice filled with assurances of his love and mercy. We can hear his voice through such things as prayer, in which we truly try to listen. Sometimes we are very good at talking in prayer, but how are our listening skills? We can also recognize Jesus’ voice by watching Mass, meditating with the Scriptures, partaking in spiritual reading, and hearing Jesus’

affirmations and challenges through others. Many of us have newfound time on our hands. Let us be sure to put our free time to good use. Is there anything more important than recognizing the voice of the Good Shepherd?

In light of Good Shepherd Sunday, we rejoice in the 57th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2) In this year’s message, Pope Francis tells us, “We will succeed in discovering and embracing our vocation once we open our hearts in gratitude and perceive the passage of God in our lives.” Please pray that men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes. The Lord also asks that you create a setting in your homes that inspires vocations. Do you believe that your children think that you would be honored if the Lord called them to the priesthood or consecrated life? This year, the pope focuses on vocations in general, such as marriage and single life. May we create a home where happy and healthy vocations, in all areas, can blossom. For the pope’s full message, please visit the Vatican’s website at www.vatican.va. You can find many resources on the internet to promote a culture of vocations. For our diocese, please visit www.pghpriest.com and the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishop’s vocations site is www.usccb.org/vocations.

We have recently had some relaxation in precautions connected with the sacraments. Reconciliation is back! We will be having parking lot Reconciliation on Thursdays and Saturdays until further notice, the schedule is in the bulletin. Please be aware that all those confessing must wear a mask. Bishop Zubik’s press release concerning the update on sacraments is in the bulletin. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the administrative center.

This Friday, May 1, at 3:00 p.m. there is a special renewal of the consecration of the United States to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The consecration will call on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, which is a recent memorial established by Pope Francis. This is a splendid idea. We need to turn to our heavenly Mother to help us during this trying time. Please find information in the bulletin on how you can participate, via livestream, in this monumental occasion. Please keep in your daily prayers an end to the virus, those suffering with the virus, those who have died from the virus, and our frontline workers.

As we speak of our heavenly Mom, Mother’s Day is next Sunday. I feel bad that we will not be having our normal socials after Mass. However, we will be praying for all moms, living and deceased, at Mass. I hope you can do something special for mom in light of the various precautions we are facing.

Finally, I am glad that many of you are following our livestream Masses/liturgies. It has been a joy for us to celebrate with you via livestream. Although we cannot see you, we do feel a sense of connection, especially as we receive your positive feedback. We are anxious to physically worship together, but we are happy that we have this type of alternative. Please pray that we can come together soon.

I thank you for remembering the offertory in your giving. The offertory is the lifeblood of any parish. The offertory helps the parish with daily operations, such as staffing, bills, and upkeep of the churches and grounds. As you know, our offertory dramatically declined once public Masses were cancelled. Still, we have made tremendous strides since then, to which I say, “thank you.” Despite our gains, we are running behind about $3,000 each week. As you can see, it is a challenge not having public Masses. You are welcome to spread the word that we are falling short on our offertory. Below is a list of ways to give to the parish. In the end, I thank you for your generosity and look forward to seeing you soon. God bless, Fr. Terry

• Mail your offertory to the Administrative Center, 1640 Fawcett Ave., White Oak, PA 15131. • Place your offertory in the mail slot at the main door of the Administrative Center. • Join our Online Giving, which is easy to do. You can sign up through our website, www.marymotherofgod1.org or by filling out a physical form which is in the bulletin. If you need any assistance in signing up, please contact Cathy Nola at cnola@marymotherofgod1.org or call 412-672-9641. Please also note that the diocese has set up a Coronavirus Emergency Fund to help parishes and schools in general and the various diocesan ministries.

Please remember in your prayers :

Marlene Corazzelli and Dolores Trocksa

May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

OFFERTORY NEEDED AND THANK YOU!!!

OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS

APRIL 26, 2020

Offertory $ 14,727.00

Monthly Maintenance $ 1,198.00

Parish Share $ 1,286.00

Good Friday $ 135.00

Easter $ 1,214.00

Outreach $ 25.00

*We are now reporting our electronic giving on a weekly basis. This week’s electronic giving is included above.

Thank you for your generous donations and continued support.

JUNE RAFFLE

Due to the current closure of our church buildings

and the difficulty in selling tickets,

our June raffle has been cancelled.

We thank our parishioners for their

support of this fundraiser and we

hope to be able to continue again in August.

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 3

Daily Mass Mon.-Fri. 9:00 A.M.

Weekend Mass Sunday 10:00 A.M.

Rosary and Tuesday 5/5 7:00 P.M.

Consecration of our Parish to Mary

Holy Hour Thursday 5/7 7:00 P.M.

2020 Lenten Fish Fry Results

We are happy to report that, although we had an abbreviated fish fry, we were still able to make a nice profit. A big shout out to the entire fish fry team: all the volunteers, team leads, and chairpersons. Fantastic job! We offer a heartfelt “thank you” to all who supported the fish fry week after week by enjoying all the delicious food.

Financial Report

Income Receipts from Fish Fry (Feb.28, Mar. 6 & Mar 13) $64,975.95 Credits/Refunds/Sale of Extra Items 7,386.08

Total Income $72,362.03

Expenses Cellone’s Bakery 2,168.15 Curtze Co. 30,908.02 Jordan Banana 2,519.68 Laurel Graphics 1,252.50 Polar Leasing (refrigeration) 6,061.00 St. Stephen’s (Rental for extra cooking) 540.00 Tube City (Sodas) 431.10 Turner Dairy (Beverages) 910.48 Waste Management 387.04 Misc. Expenses 5,538.50

Total Expenses $50,716.47

Net Income $21,645.56

10% of net proceeds to Greater Pgh. Food Bank 2,165.00

2020 Total Profit $19,480.56

We were also able to help our local community with our “tips for the hungry”. $400.00 was distributed to each of the following: Intersection, MA’s Pantry, Sonshine Ministries, and Sampson Mills Cupboard.

Reconciliation is Back!

Bishop Zubik has announced that the Sacrament of Penance may be

celebrated outdoors where social distancing is absolutely respected.

Reconciliation Schedule Until Further Notice :

Thursdays, 5 - 6 p.m., St. Angela Parking Lot

Saturdays, 12 - 1 p.m., St. Robert Parking Lot

*All those confessing must wear a mask. Thank you!

THE LITANY OF THE

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us. God, the Son, Redeemer of the world: Have mercy on us. God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. (repeat at end of each phrase.) Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, Mother of Christ, Mother of divine grace, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, Mother undefiled, Mother most amiable, Mother most admirable, Mother of good counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Savior, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venerable, Virgin most renowned, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Seat of wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Singular vessel of devotion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, Tower of ivory, House of gold, Ark of the covenant, Gate of Heaven, Morning star, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners,

Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of angels, Queen of patriarchs, Queen of prophets, Queen of apostles, Queen of martyrs, Queen of confessors, Queen of virgins, Queen of all saints, Queen conceived without original sin, Queen assumed into heaven, Queen of the most holy Rosary, Queen of peace. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us O Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

Let us pray: Grant, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, that we Thy servants may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, through the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be freed from present sorrow, and enjoy eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Joyful Mysteries

Prayed on Mondays and Saturdays

Annunciation The angel Gabriel announces to Mary her role in salvation history. Mary cooperates with God’s plan and obediently renders her yes to Almighty God. During these days of quarantine, we pray for the grace to be humble and obedient to what others ask of us, so that the virus may be contained in a timely manner.

Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and offers the aged woman help during the last weeks of her miraculous pregnancy. Just as Mary immediately went in haste to help, we ask for the grace to help others when their needs becomes apparent. We also pray for those who will attend to the sick and dying—for the clergy who will anoint; the first responders who will transport; the medical professionals who will diagnose and treat. Please protect them O Lord.

Nativity of our Lord Mary accompanies Joseph to Bethlehem for the census which must have been a difficult journey for her since she was so close to giving birth. We entrust all pregnant women to the Lord and Mary’s intercession; may they bring their child safely and healthily to birth. May these families rejoice as Joseph and Mary did when they adored their child for the very first time.

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple Simeon tells Mary that a sword of sorrow will pierce her heart. The evangelist Luke adds that this happens so that the thoughts of many hearts might be revealed. Mary, as our mother, understands our sorrows, anxieties, and emotions. Let us pray for those who now mourn and are filled with sorrow, may the Lord console them and comfort them in this hour.

Finding of Jesus in the Temple During these days of quarantine and pandemic, we seem lost

ourselves. We are unable to worship on Sundays as a Christian community. In these trying times, we turn to

our faith and find hope. Let us pray for people who had previously turned away from God, that in this moment

of trial, they find Jesus once again, and in Him find their comfort and peace.

Good and gracious God,

You call each person by name

and invite them to follow you.

On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations,

may each person hear and respond

to the call they have received.

We pray for all discerning marriage,

the chaste single life, consecrated life,

or ordained ministries,

that your Holy Spirit would guide,

inspire, and strengthen them.

May your Church and the world

be enriched by the "yes" of your children.

Amen.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

My Jesus, I believe that You

are in the Blessed Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I long for You in my soul.

Since I cannot now receive

You sacramentally, come at

least spiritually into my heart.

As though You have already

come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to

You; never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen

LOOKING FOR A GOOD MARIAN BOOK?

Fr. Terry suggests:

• True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort

• The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus Liguori.

Renewing the Consecration of the United States to the Care of Our Blessed Mother

As the world continues to face the ongoing effects of the global pandemic of the coronavirus, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the USCCB has announced that the U.S. bishops will join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on May 1, 3:00 P.M. EDT in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of our Blessed Mother. Through a collective dedication or entrustment of a nation to Mary, an act of consecration is meant to be a reminder to the faithful of the Blessed Mother’s witness to the Gospel and to ask for her effective intercession before her Son on behalf of those in need.

The renewal of consecration does not change the designation of Mary as the Patroness of the United States under the title of the Immaculate Conception. Rather, this prayer reaffirms and renews previous Marian entrustments, and unites us in solidarity with our Holy Father, who recently established the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, as a source of protection and strength.

To pray along with Archbishop Gomez, log on to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles website at:

https://lacatholics.org/consecration

The service will also be livestreamed via the USCCB’s website at:

http://www.usccb.org/consecration

“...as the mother knows the needs better than the babe, so the Blessed Mother understands our cries and worries and knows them better than we know ourselves.”

― Fulton J. Sheen, World’s First Love

ST VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY

412-385-3753

MEALS ON WHEELS:

McKeesport, 412 672 1998

Serves White Oak, McKeesport and Port Vue area.

East Allegheny, 412-327-6908

Serves East McKeesport and North Versailles

INTERSECTION:

provides qualified applicants with rent and utility assistance and a Food Pantry Club 412-678-6948.

DO YOU NEED MATERIAL ASSISTANCE? Annual Second Collection - May 16-17, 2020

May 16-17, is the annual second collection for the following four charitable causes. First, Catholic Relief Services Collection, which offers support for six major Catholic agencies working on international relief and development, immigration services and resettlement, advocacy for the poor, peace, reconciliation, and justice. These agencies are: Catholic Relief Services; Migration and Refugee Services; Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.; Justice, Peace, and Human Development; Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, and the Holy Father’s Relief Fund. Second, the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, with proceeds going to seminaries, social service programs, youth ministry, pastoral centers, church restoration, and the spreading of the Gospel through mass media. Third, the Church in Latin America, with proceeds supporting such things as catechetical and lay leadership programs, youth ministry, evangelization programs, and formation programs for religious priests and deacons. Fourth, the Church in Africa, the fastest growing part of the Universal Church, which faces tremendous challenges including the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, war-torn countries, extreme poverty, and rapid population growth. This holds a special place since our own Fr. Pius is from Nigeria. Please be as generous as possible to this very important collection which will serve to help so many.

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN

If you suspect any child is being abused or

neglected call 1-888-808-1235. If

you suspect a child is in imminent

danger from abuse please call 911

immediately.

Hello everyone! Welcome back to this section of our bulletin. I miss you so much and I am praying for all of you and a speedy end to COVID-19. I hope you are staying safe and healthy during these strange and difficult times.

As you begin to receive your envelope packets for May and June, I wanted to bring to your attention the new design of our monthly envelope. Previously the envelope just stated monthly offering as opposed to monthly maintenance, this was an error and has been just been corrected with the May and June envelopes. As stated back in January, this envelope was specifically designed for maintenance expenses. As our buildings age, we experience higher maintenance and replacement costs. This collection each month will help us to offset those higher costs.

This envelope is in addition to the weekly offertory envelopes. For those parishioners that wish to give their regular offering monthly you can do so by utilizing one of the weekly envelopes.

Thank you so much for your generosity and your continued support of our parish. May Mary, Mother of God intercede for all your needs and please be assured of my continued prayers.

Love and Peace,

Cathy

BUSINESS MANAGER UPDATES

Bishop David Zubik Announces Changes in Sacramental Offerings in the Diocese of Pittsburgh

As local, state, and national health authorities are developing gradual reopening plans for our communities

and economies, Bishop David Zubik of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is announcing new directives that

allow for limited public celebrations of certain sacraments.

“We have been examining how we can best carry out our mission and ministry while maintaining compliance

with government restrictions. These changes represent a safe way for us to begin. We will continue to

evaluate the evolving situation and update everyone about further changes,” Bishop Zubik said.

The following changes are effective immediately in the Diocese of Pittsburgh:

• Weddings: As announced last week, in exceptional circumstances, weddings may be celebrated with no

more than ten people including the priest/deacon officiant. Couples must be advised that once the

ritual of matrimony is celebrated it cannot be repeated. As such, a Mass of Thanksgiving sometime

after the actual wedding ceremony may/should be planned if the couple wishes for more than ten

people to gather for a celebration.

• Funerals: In exceptional circumstances, funerals with a Mass may be scheduled but with the limit of ten

people or fewer. It should also be noted that the cemeteries are still closed for public interments until

the restrictions are lifted.

• Confessions: The Sacrament of Penance may be celebrated but only outdoors, either in parking lots or

another place where social distancing (six feet apart) is absolutely respected. Confessions cannot be

celebrated in church, in the rectory, or within any parish building.

Until further notice, church buildings cannot be reopened, and the suspension of the public celebration of the

Holy Mass remains in place out of concern for the protection and safety of the faithful.

Carrying out these directives will be at the discretion of individual parish administrators, who will

communicate with families to determine the best way to assist them with their needs. People should contact

their pastor with questions. Of course, besides these directives from a religious perspective, all local, state,

and federal guidelines must be observed.

“As we look forward to the day when we can all join together in our parishes to celebrate Holy Masses again,

I remain concerned for the protection of the health of our community. We want to keep everyone healthy, and

we want to make sure that we do not put ourselves in a position to advance the contagion,” Bishop Zubik said.