CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH

Welcome to the Church!
Last Sunday at the 9:00 Mass at St. Susanna, we had the great joy of welcoming Barbara Ann Fields into the Catholic Church. She received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion, and I wish you could have seen the joy on her face! She was absolutely glowing. She was so happy to become Catholic that more than a few people in church were moved to tears.
Seeing her so happy to become Catholic was a reminder to me of what a tremendous gift our faith is. Those of us who have been Catholic our whole lives can sometimes take that gift for granted. Barbara Ann’s joy reminded us of how blessed we are.
Perhaps her experience might encourage someone who has been thinking about becoming Catholic. If that’s you, or if you know someone interested in the Church, please reach out. You don’t need to have everything figured out or be ready to make a commitment. We would be glad to have a conversation.
Please keep Barbara Ann in your prayers!

Welcome Back, Jared!
Our seminarian, Jared Koenig, returns this weekend and will be with us through November 22. Jared is in his first year of seminary formation and will join our youth ministry gathering Sunday evening to talk about his journey of faith and discernment. Please make him feel welcome, and continue to pray for him and for all those considering the priesthood.

Discover Catholic Schools Week
This week is Discover Catholic Schools Week, a good opportunity for families considering Catholic education to visit Divine Mercy Academy. Catholic education is about much more than academics. We want our children to come to know and love Jesus Christ and to grow in faith alongside their classmates.
I am grateful for Nikole Laubham, our teachers, staff, and families, and for all they do for our school. DMA is offering tours Monday, November 16, and Wednesday, November 18. If you know a family who might be interested, encourage them to come and see the school for themselves! Details are available at dmapgh.org/admissions.

Thanksgiving and Advent
Thanksgiving is nearly here, and I am grateful for the generosity of so many people in our parish. Our Breaking Bread Ministry is preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who would like to join us, especially those who might otherwise spend the day alone. Thank you to everyone who cooks, serves, contributes, and makes this gathering possible. I know how much work goes into it!
We also have opportunities to provide food and other necessities to neighbors in need. Thank you for responding so generously.

Finally, please consider joining us for our Advent Mission, November 30 through December 2. Michael Tenney will lead three evenings around the theme It’s a Wonderful Life. With all the busyness of preparing for Christmas, I hope you’ll make time to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ.

Have a blessed week!