CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH

Bishop Eckman Is Coming
Bishop Mark Eckman will be visiting us on Thursday, September 17! This will be an opportunity for him to meet us, listen to us and get to know Christ the Divine Shepherd a little better. Please sign up and join us. I am looking forward to welcoming Bishop Eckman and would love to have a great turnout from our parish!
 
New Seminarian!
I am happy to share that seminarian Jared Koenig has been assigned to Christ the Divine Shepherd during his first year of seminary formation. Jared is a brand-new seminarian beginning what is called the “propaedeutic year,” a year focused especially on prayer, discernment and laying a strong foundation for the years ahead. We will see Jared at different points throughout the year: a week in September, another in November, a couple of days before Christmas and then all of Lent. Our parish will have the privilege of accompanying Jared during his time in seminary, beginning with this important first year. Please welcome Jared when he is here and, most importantly, pray for him!
 
Thank You for The Way
Thank you to everyone who participated in The Way this past weekend and especially to the many people who worked so hard to make it happen. Please keep everyone who participated in your prayers and pray that the good work begun this weekend continues.
 
Altar Server Training
We are looking for new altar servers and also want to continue training our veteran servers. If your son or daughter is interested, please check out the information in the bulletin and get them signed up for training.
 
Don’t Forget FEST
FEST Pittsburgh is coming up too. I especially encourage our families and young people to go! The event is free, but you do need to register for a ticket. Check out the information in the bulletin and make plans to be there.
 
A Little More Quiet Before Mass
A few people have mentioned that it can sometimes get noisy in both of our churches before Mass. I am grateful that we are a friendly parish and that people genuinely enjoy seeing one another. I certainly don’t want that to change. At the same time, the minutes before Mass are important for prayer and preparation. Please help us find the right balance. Say hello, be friendly, but especially as Mass approaches, let’s work together to preserve some quiet and give one another the opportunity to prepare our hearts for the Lord.
 
Sacred Vessels
We are having a chalice for each of our churches refinished, along with a few of the ciboria we use at Mass. If you or your family would be interested in sponsoring the refinishing of one of these sacred vessels, please send me an email. You could also sponsor one in memory or in honor of someone.
 
Our Homebound Parishioners
If you are homebound, or know a parishioner who can no longer regularly get to Mass, please let us know. We want to make sure our homebound parishioners are being visited and have the opportunity to receive Holy Communion and the other sacraments. Please contact the parish office so we can stay connected.
 
Have a great week! Please know of my prayers for you, and please pray for me too. See you next Sunday at the picnic!

God bless,
Fr. Mike