Sunday Mass Times 4:00 p.m. Saint Alexis (Saturday Anticipated Mass) 7:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 9:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 10:00 a.m. Saint Alexis 11:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 5:00 p.m. Saint Alexis

Weekday Mass Schedule

8:00 a.m. Saint Alexis (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) 9:00 a.m. Saint Alphonsus (Wednesday) 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

March 29, 2020

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF WEXFORD

Saint Alphonsus & Saint Alexis

Fifth Sunday

Of Lent

ALL MASSES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN

For Release: March 19, 2020

Bishop David Zubik Issues New Directives Regarding Confession, General Absolution, and Lenten Friday Obligation

In continuing response to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, and with a heart to preserve the Mission of the Catholic Church, Bishop David Zubik announced the following directives for the Diocese of Pittsburgh today. All directives are effective immediately and until further notice. Priests are Permitted to Offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Church Parking Lots Priest are permitted to hear confessions in church parking lots, following specific guidelines to preserve the sanctity of the sacrament. The guidelines for priests include directions for a set up that allows for anonymity and privacy. “Our faithful need reassurance of God’s mercy now more than ever,” Bishop Zubik said. Bishop Zubik is also asking that members of the media respect the sacred nature of the sacrament, and the confidentiality of the penitents, and not appear at any parish sites. General Absolution Today, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, Prefect of the Apostolic Penitentiary, issued a note regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the current pandemic of COVID-19. He addressed the possible need for general absolution. He noted that general absolution without prior individual confession cannot be imparted except where there is an imminent danger of death because there is not enough time to hear confessions of individual penitents. He then went on to write: “This Apostolic Penitentiary believes that, especially in the places most affected by the pandemic contagion and until the phenomenon recedes, the cases of serious need mentioned in can. 961, § 2 CIC above mentioned, will occur.” This means that the Apostolic Penitentiary recognizes the need in some places for the use of general or collective absolution. However, it is for the diocesan bishop to determine if and when the grave necessity exists for the use of general absolution. Bishop Zubik believes that this necessity does exist in some places in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. “Therefore, in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, where a priest is not allowed to personally interact with patients or staff due to COVID-19 restrictions, he may grant general absolution. The faithful are to know that he is offering absolution and his voice should be able to be heard by those receiving absolution, this could be over a PA system or by some other means. If a priest imparts general absolution, he is to inform penitents of the need to confess serious sins at the earliest possible moment,” Bishop Zubik said. Anointing of the Sick in Care Facilities Diocese of Pittsburgh Priests have expressed concerns about restrictions being placed on them being able to celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in nursing homes and hospitals. Today, Bishop Zubik contacted the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and asked that they intervene with the Governor, requesting an exemption to clergy from the current ban. Obligation to Abstain from Meat on Lenten Fridays with the Exception of Good Friday Bishop Zubik is dispensing from the obligation to abstain from meat on Lenten Fridays with the exception of Good Friday. “As you are aware, many of the shelves and cases in our supermarkets are sparse if not empty. This is a time when pastoral necessity has informed my decision effective today,” the Bishop said.

To is to learn to follow Christ with others.

LOVE

WE PRAY FOR THE SICK

We entrust to the care of Christ the Divine Physician, those members of our parish families of Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis who are in need of healing in body, mind or spirit, especially:

Dick Anderson Brian Bart Rachel Borck Jeannie Bukaukus Emma Bullick Joseph Borza Connor Cunic Gloria Dudowski Nancy Greer Patricia Gross Stanley Hofstetter Betty Howell Al Korade

Eugene Mancino Loretta Marchese Michelle Mehok Ron Mehok Diane Miller G. James Neelan Larry Sampietro Irene Schultz Janice Spowal Amber VanVickle David Zappa Prayer Shawl Recipients

If you know of a parishioner or have a loved one who is ill, please contact the Parish Center and let us know. We will place that person’s name on the prayer list for four weeks. Intentions may return to the list upon monthly requests. Contact the Parish Center at 724.935.4343 or 724.935.1151 to add a loved one onto the list.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — Thus says the Lord GOD: I will open your graves, have you rise from them, and settle you on your land. Then you shall know I am the LORD, O my people! (Ezekiel 37:12-14). Psalm — With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption (Psalm 130). Second Reading — If Christ is in you, the spirit is alive even if the body is dead because of sin (Romans 8:8-11). Gospel — Lazarus, dead for four days, came out of his tomb when Jesus called his name (John 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45]). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62]; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:1-11 Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Mt 21:1-11 (procession); Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14 — 27:66 [27:11-54]

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK GOD

With so many uncertainties in our daily lives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an important time for all of us to lean into the Lord. He, and He alone, is our consolation and peace. I ran across an article this past

week about our Holy Father Pope Francis from a talk he gave on December 12, 2018. It spoke to me, and I share that message, in part, with you. Emphases are my own.

“No one should be afraid to turn to God with prayer, especially in time of great doubt, suffering, and need… Jesus does not want people to become numb to life’s problems and ‘extinguish’ those things that make them human when they pray. He does not want us to smother our questions and requests, learning to put up with everything. Instead, He wants every pain, every apprehension to rise up to Heaven and become a dialogue with God the Father. With this prayer, Jesus shows an ‘audacious’ way to address God immediately as ‘our Father’ without any pomp and ‘preambles.’ He doesn’t say to turn to God calling him ‘O, the All-Powerful’ or ‘O, the One on high,’ or ‘O, You who are so far from us and I am wretched one…”

“No. He doesn’t say that, but simply (uses) the word, ‘Father,’ with great simplicity, like children who turn to their daddy. This word, ‘Father,’ expresses intimacy, filial trust. The prayer invites people to pray in a way that lets all the barriers of subjection and fear fall away. While the Our Father is rooted in ‘the concrete reality’ of every human being, prayer, in essence, begins with life itself.”

These words of faith and encouragement are timeless for all of us. Let us continue to pray, and to pray with confidence. Our loving God is ever near and hears all our pleas. Stay close to Him. In light of the imposed restrictions on our taken for granted gifts and freedom, humbly embrace them. Allow this to be a time of self-growth in faith, trust, and charitable concern and service to neighbor.

In Jesus’ love,

Fr. Zywan

MONDAY, March 23 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Handbell Choir at Saint Alexis Church Support Group RCIA

TUESDAY, March 24 Small Groups at St. Alexis Education Center Tuesday Hope Children’s Choir at St. Alexis Church Passion Play Rehearsal in St. Alphonsus Church Women’s Endow at St. Alexis Education Center

WEDNESDAY, March 25 Men’s Prayer Group Eucharistic Adoration at St. Alphonsus Church Divine Mercy Devotion at St. Alphonsus Church Bible Study at St. Alexis Education Center Reconciliation at St. Alphonsus Church Adult Choir at St. Alphonsus and St. Alexis Churches

THURSDAY, March 26 Passion Play Rehearsal in St. Alphonsus Church Lenten Penance Service at St. Alexis Church Small Groups Off Campus Support Group B

FRIDAY, March 27 Sanctuary Committee cleaning at St. Alphonsus Church Support Group Stations of the Cross at St. Alphonsus Church Fish Fry at St. Alphonsus Stations of the Cross at St. Alexis Church Support Group

SATURDAY, March 28 Penance Service for Blessed Seelos Academy Students Small Groups at St. Alexis Education Center Emmaus Group at St. Alexis Education Center Breakfast Club Support Group

SUNDAY, March 29 Children’s Choir Practice at St. Alphonsus Life Night Support Group

5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

6:45 a.m.

12:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Regular Electronic (11th & 22nd)

Total

Offertory $ 295 $ 6,417 $ 6,712

Loose Cash $ $ $

Parish Share $ 3,025 $ 4,347 $ 7,372

School $ $ 80 $ 80

Catholic Campaign $ $ 133 $ 133

Easter Flowers $ 10 $ $ 10

Votives $ 251 $ $ 251

TOTAL $ 3,581 $ 10,977 $ 14,558

2020 Parish Share Assessment: $ 151,696 Collected: $ 36,271

2020 Parish Share Assessment: $ 133,380 Collected: $ 11,591

Regular Electronic Total

Offertory $ 135 $ 5,654 $ 5,789

Parish Share $ 1,700 $ 1,651 $ 3,351

School $ 8 $ 235 $ 243

Major Maintenance $ $ 285 $ 285

Easter Flowers $ 35 $ 5 $ 40

Catholic Campaign $ $ 155 $ 155

Future Diocesan Collection $ $ 126 $ 126

Holy Days $ $ 160 $ 160

Votives $ $ $

TOTAL $ 1,878 $ 8,271 $ 10,149

March 16 through March 22, 2020

Saint Alphonsus Income

March 16 through March 22, 2020

Saint Alexis Income

All Masses Are Cancelled Until Further Notice

Everyone is invited to come inside for personal prayer time.

The Churches will remain open Monday through Friday:

7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Weekend hours: Saint Alphonsus: Saturday, 6:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Enter in the old side ramp door.

Saint Alexis: Saturday, 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Enter in the bell tower side door.

Thank you for your patience during this difficult time!

Help Is Available For You

If you are vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, are a senior citizen, and/or are currently sick, or know of

anyone who is, we want to help with picking up groceries and/or medications if you live in the Wexford

area. Please email your specific need and contact information to: parish@stalexis.org

OUR ADVERTISERS

Thanks to our bulletin advertisers for supporting our parish this week:

Please offer your patronage to our sponsors or be sure to thank them when you have the opportunity to do so. It is through their support that our weekly bulletin is made possible!

Saint Alexis Simons Funeral Home

Saint Alphonsus Erik V. Scully. Esq., CPA

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Until further notice, Confessions will be heard on an individual basis by appointment only.

Please contact the Parish Center at

724.935.1151 or 724.935.4343

extension 233 for Father Will or

extension 224 for Father Zywan

Making a Spiritual Communion

Without access to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, it is important to still keep the Lord’s Day holy! You can do this by intentionally praying the rosary, singing hymns or praise and worship songs, praying with Scripture, and making a spiritual communion, like the one below.

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Prayer to End Coronavirus Pandemic

O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,

who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, and we are sure you will

provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead

us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. -Pope Francis

Online Prayer Resources

During this time, our parish is working hard to bring you resources to continue to grow in Jesus. On our website, catholicwexford.org, under “Events/Resources,” you can find daily prayer reflections on that day’s Mass readings, written reflections by our clergy and staff, and links to other great resources online, like the readings from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. You can also sign up for our email newsletter on our website, where you can be challenged to grow in Jesus, engage in community, and go forth to make disciples. New resources are distributed every week.

Livestream Masses

If you would like to watch livestream Masses in our diocese, you can visit christianassociatestv.org. At 8:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. Sunday, you can view Mass at Saint Paul Cathedral. Mass is also available on the television at the same times, 8:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. Sunday, on Christian Associates Channel (Channel 95 for Comcast). Please consider these options for prayer to keep Jesus at the center of all you do.

* * Updates will continue to be posted on our website, as well as our Catholic Community of Wexford Facebook page. Please be assured of our continued prayers and support for you during this time of trial.

ONLINE GIVING

As updates and precautions regarding the Coronavirus continue to unfold, we recognize that the cancellation of Mass and social activities have become challenging for everyone. However, as with you, we, The Catholic Community of Wexford still have obligations and payroll responsibilities to meet. With Masses being suspended indefinitely, if you are not already participating in online giving, we strongly encourage parishioners to do so at this time. E-giving is of great convenience to you and helpful in cost savings to the parish.

This is how you can register:

1. Visit catholicwexford.com 2. Click “Events and Resources” and click on “Giving” 3. Click on your parish name 4. Create a username and password to register your account You can make a one-time donation or sign-up for recurring donations. If you choose to continue using traditional offertory envelopes, please mail them to the address below:

Saint Alphonsus or Saint Alexis 10090 Old Perry Highway

Wexford, PA 15090

For those parishioners who are now facing financial hardship due to the pandemic, know that we, as Church, understand your challenges

and are there to offer assistance to you beginning with the commitment of our prayers.

ASCEND April Event Calendar

(all event are held int the Youth Room on Saint Alexis)

• 4/12 – EASTER NO LIFE NIGHT (High School)

• 4/18 – Confirmation Retreat, 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Fr.

Rodgers Hall at Saint Alexis

• 4/19 – EDGE Night (7th Grade only!), 6:30 p.m. to

8:30 p.m. in Fr. Rodgers Hall at Saint Alexis

• 4/23 – Young Adult "Tacos and Theology," 6:30 p.m. to

8:30 p.m.

• 4/26 – Life Night (High School), 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact David Piccirilli, Coordinator of ASCEND at lifeteen@stalexis.org or 724.935.4343. ext. 227

Marriage Preparation Class

The next Marriage preparation session will be held on Friday evening, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. and then continues from 8:30 a.m. through the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, April 18, in Friendship Hall at Saint Alexis. The cost is $35.00 per couple. Please visit our website at Catholicwexford.com and register under

Faith Formation.

Easter Flowers

Although Easter flower donations will be accepted through Easter, in order to have your intention published in the booklet, the donation must be received in the Parish Center no later than Wednesday, April 1.

Saturday, March 21 - Lenten Weekday

4:00 p.m. † Osvaldo and Rose Marie Fontecchio - The Children and Grandchildren

Sunday, March 22 - The Fourth Sunday of Lent

7:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Living and Deceased Members of St. Alphonsus and St. Alexis

† Catherine Thoma - Peggy Thoma † Catherine A. Young - August W. Young

† Jean Dzialowski - The Gibron Family † Mildred Fassinger - Nancy and Steven Reid

Monday, March 23 - Lenten Weekday/St. Turibius of Mogrojavo, Bishop

8:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

† Lilyan Swearingen - Nancy Swearingen

† Paul Turnley - Laurie and Glenn Craig

Tuesday, March 24 - Lenten Weekday/St. Oscar Romero, Bishop and Martyr

8:00 a.m. † Patricia Ignelzi - Betty and Joe Merz

Wednesday, March 25 - The Annunciation of the Lord

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

† Paul V. Cunningham - Richard and Kathleen Mihm

† Miles Wilson - Laurie and Glenn Craig

Thursday, March 26 - Lenten Weekday

8:00 a.m. † Margaret Hoffstetter - Stanley Hoffstetter

Friday, March 27 - Lenten Weekday

8:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

† Virginia and Anthony Kummer - Don and Carolyn Gaus

† Helen Wessel - The Children

Saturday, March 28 - Lenten Weekday

8:00 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

† Raymond and Anne Lukitsch - Duane and Linda Lukitsch

† Helen Chezosky Gogal - Andrea Hoffman

Sunday, March 29 - The Fifth Sunday of Lent

7:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

† Frank L. Lavia, Jr. - Lillian and Robert Jordan

† Living and Deceased Members of St. Alphonsus and St. Alexis † Charles Watts - Bill and Marian Marquis

† Virginia Gallo - Phil and Hazel German †

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

* * Key codes for Masses: Blue - Saint Alphonsus and Red - Saint Alexis

Administrator Reverend Paul J. Zywan /ext. 224 /pzywan@diopitt.org

Senior Parochial Vicar Reverend William D. Wuenschel /ext. 233 /wwuenschel@diopitt.org

Deacons Deacon Albert Heiles /aheiles@diopitt.org Deacon Jeffrey J. Ludwikowski /jludwikowski@diopitt.org

Director of Parish Operations/Business Manager Chuck Goetz /ext. 223 /businessmanager@stalexis.org

Director of Evangelization Dave VanVickle /ext. 232 /evangelization@stalexis.org

Office Manager MaryEllen Pendel /ext. 221 /parish@stalexis.org

Directors of Music Christopher Brewer /ext. 226 /music@stalexis.org Mary Heagy/musicdirector@Saintalphonsuswexford.org Assistant Music Director - Lisa Hoffman

Director of Religious Education Louis Bosco /ext. 215 /religioused@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org Religious Education Program Manager

Paula Green /ext. 225 /reled@stalexis.org Media Coordinator Riley McCullough /ext. 211 /mediacoordinator@stalexis.org

Coordinator of Youth Ministry /Young Adults David Piccirilli /ext. 227 /lifeteen@stalexis.org

Bookkeeper/Safe Environment Coordinator Mary King /ext. 212 / bookkeeper@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org or safeenvironment@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org or safeenvironment@stalexis.org

Receptionist/Secretary Gail Clendaniel /ext. 210 / secretary@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org

Volunteer Ministry Coordinator Barbara Griffith / Ministryservices@stalexis.org

A Parish of the Diocese of Pittsburgh - diopitt.org

SERVED BY

OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

JOIN US!

To become a registered member of the parish family, please visit our website at www.stalexis.org or at www.SaintAlphonsusWexford.org . Introduce yourself to us at Mass!

MARRIAGE

Arrangements must be made with a priest at least six months in advance of the desired wedding date.

HOLY ORDERS

For information about the priesthood or the vowed religious life, please contact Fr. Zywan or the Vocation Office of the diocese at 412.456.3131 or visit pghpriest.com.

BAPTISM

Celebrated on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. at Saint Alexis or at 12:45 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus by appointment. Arrangements should be made through the Parish Center several months in advance. Parents need to be registered parishioners and complete a pre-baptism class before scheduling a baptism.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND

Communal anointing is celebrated periodically. Anyone who is anticipating surgery is encouraged to request this sacrament prior to being admitted to the hospital. Individuals who are unable to attend Sunday Mass and want to receive the sacraments are asked to please call the Parish Center.

saintalphonsuswexford.org or stalexis.org

Phones - 724.935.1151 or 724.935.4343 Fax - 724.935.1270

A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust

* Bulletin announcements and flyers are due by 12:00 p.m. Friday, a week in advance of publication. *

We Welcome You Home!

North Hills Regional School Board - www.nhrces.org

BLESSED FRANCIS SEELOS ACADEMY

Saint Alphonsus and Saint Alexis Churches - The Catholic Community of Wexford

Parish Office: 10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090

PRAYER

Eucharistic Adoration Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saint Alexis: First Friday of every month from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Devotion: Wednesday 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Saint Alphonsus

Prayer Ministry- To initiate a request for urgent prayers contact the following people: Saint Alexis - Barb Busi at 412.366.4829 Saint Alphonsus - Norma Heyl at 724.935.1094 or Jo Labrise at 724.935.3826. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry to pray for

RECONCILIATION

Saint Alexis: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Saturday - 7:30 a.m.-7:55 a.m. Saturday - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus: Wednesday 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Principal Robert Reese - rreese@seelosacademy.org

School Secretary K-8 Patty Anfang - panfang@seelosacademy.org 724.935.1152

School Secretary Pre-K Chris Schlieper - cschlieper@seelosacademy.org 724.935.3940

DIOCESAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR 412.456.3093 (Office)

1.888.808.1235 (Hot Line) PA Child Line - 1.800.932.0313

Call 911 immediately if a child is in danger.