PASTOR'S PAGE
Very Reverend John D. Byrnes, JV, JCL
Because it falls on a Monday, the Assumption of the Blessed Mother is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year. Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 AM as usual on August 15.
Catholic Christians have honored our Blessed Mother since the time of the apostles, and on this day we celebrate her entrance, body and soul, into the resurrected glory which Jesus promises us all.
We continue to discover how ancient Marian devotion really is! At Nazareth, the words Chaire Mariam “Hail Mary”…. are legible on a column of an ancient building found deep under the present day Byzantine basilica of the Annunciation. The name Mary was engraved (and added to the angel’s greeting as recorded in the Scriptures), so the words are undoubtedly intended as, and are a form of, an intercessory prayer from the first centuries of the Church.
Since the time of Fr. Gallitzin, our parish has always had a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother, under her titles Our Lady of Loretto, and Our Lady of the Alleghenies. Join in our weekly Devotions to Our Lady of Loretto every Monday morning following our 7:30 AM Mass. Let us continue to ask Mary’s prayers and follow her example of selfless service.
Catholic Christians have honored our Blessed Mother since the time of the apostles, and on this day we celebrate her entrance, body and soul, into the resurrected glory which Jesus promises us all.
We continue to discover how ancient Marian devotion really is! At Nazareth, the words Chaire Mariam “Hail Mary”…. are legible on a column of an ancient building found deep under the present day Byzantine basilica of the Annunciation. The name Mary was engraved (and added to the angel’s greeting as recorded in the Scriptures), so the words are undoubtedly intended as, and are a form of, an intercessory prayer from the first centuries of the Church.
Since the time of Fr. Gallitzin, our parish has always had a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother, under her titles Our Lady of Loretto, and Our Lady of the Alleghenies. Join in our weekly Devotions to Our Lady of Loretto every Monday morning following our 7:30 AM Mass. Let us continue to ask Mary’s prayers and follow her example of selfless service.
Christian Initiation of Adults - Do you know someone who wishes to become Catholic? It is time to begin preparation for the inquiry stage for those who wish to explore this possibility. If you, your spouse, or a friend/neighbor is interested in beginning or renewing your relationship with Jesus, learning more about the Roman Catholic Church and joining in our life of prayer and service at St. Michael Basilica, through the Christian Initiation of Adults you are welcome to call me (472-8551) here at the rectory or call our Director of Christian Initiation, Cindy McMullen (471- 6658). An inquiry session will be held in September.
Outdoor Masses at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Alleghenies- will continue through Labor Day weekend, September 4, 2021. Please bring a lawn chair. In the event of inclement weather, the Mass will be celebrated in the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.
Bishop’s Outdoor Mass for Recently Graduated and College Students is this WEEKEND (Aug 7) - Bishop Mark will celebrate the annual outdoor Mass for students entering or returning to college, work or military and their families at our Our Lady of the Alleghenies Shrine at 7 PM on Sunday August 7. Bishop Mark will offer a special blessing to the students. Recent graduates entering the workforce or the military are also welcome. Bring your own lawn chair. If it rains, the Liturgy will be celebrated inside the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel.
Bishop’s Outdoor Mass for Recently Graduated and College Students is this WEEKEND (Aug 7) - Bishop Mark will celebrate the annual outdoor Mass for students entering or returning to college, work or military and their families at our Our Lady of the Alleghenies Shrine at 7 PM on Sunday August 7. Bishop Mark will offer a special blessing to the students. Recent graduates entering the workforce or the military are also welcome. Bring your own lawn chair. If it rains, the Liturgy will be celebrated inside the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel.
The historic Prince Gallitzin Chapel House, next to the Our Lady of the Alleghenies Shrine, will be open on the following Sunday afternoons from 3:00 – 6:00 PM for self-guided tours, pilgrimages and visits:
August 14 and 28
Reminder - The following are the requirements to serve as a godparent for Baptism or sponsor for Confirmation- Be a baptized and confirmed Catholic. Be a registered member of a Catholic Church actively practicing the faith by participating at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and receiving the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly, and living a life in conformity with the moral law of the church (not cohabiting or being married outside of the Church. Please note if you are not registered in a parish, you more than likely will not be able to receive a Sponsor Certificate. The “church where you were baptized” does not make you a lifetime member of that parish. Your Parish membership is in the area in which you currently live, are registered and attend Mass.