CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH

Some Changes Coming at St. Susanna

If you were at Mass last weekend, you heard about some changes we are planning for the music ministry at St. Susanna Church. We have the opportunity to acquire a three manual Allen organ from the former St. Anselm Church in Swissvale. Along with bringing in the organ, we are planning to relocate the organ console to the rear of the church, where the organist can work more closely with additional singers and instrumentalists. We will continue to have a cantor leading from the front of the church.

Making room for this new arrangement will require the removal of three pews at the rear of the church. I realize that moving things around in a church, and especially moving pews, can get people’s attention! We do not make these decisions casually. The new arrangement will allow our musicians to work together more effectively, hear more clearly what the congregation hears, and give us much greater flexibility in supporting our prayer and singing. Ultimately, this is not about having a fancier organ or simply moving things around. It is about supporting the prayer of the Church and helping all of us sing, pray, and enter more deeply into the Mass.

There will be more information as the project develops. I am grateful to Josh Bandish for his work on this and excited to see it take shape.

Back to School!

Our students are officially back! It was great to see so many of our Divine Mercy Academy students, parents, and teachers at Back to School Night. There was a lot of excitement in the building, and probably at least a little disbelief among the students that summer could possibly be over already.

Please keep our students, families, teachers, staff, and principal in your prayers. I am grateful for all the work that goes into making DMA a place where our young people can learn, grow, make good friends, and, most importantly, grow in friendship with Jesus Christ. Have a great year!

A Lot Coming Up!

The Way Retreat is almost here! If you have been thinking about going, now is the time to sign up. Give the Lord some time and give yourself the opportunity to deepen your relationship with Him. I really believe you will be glad you did.

Our Parish Picnic is Sunday, September 13! Bring the family, bring some friends, and come spend a good afternoon together as a parish family. Please sign up soon. It helps tremendously with our planning!

And mark your calendar for Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m., when Bishop Mark Eckman will be with us at the Lourdes Center at St. Bernadette. Bishop Mark is coming especially to listen, to hear how our parish is living the Works of Mercy, where we see needs in our community, and how the Church can continue to serve more fruitfully. I would love for Bishop Mark to see a great turnout from Christ the Divine Shepherd. Please plan to join us!

As I mentioned last week, please know that I continue to keep you and your families in my prayers, especially those who are sick, homebound, or carrying particular burdens right now. Please keep me in your prayers as well. We need to pray for one another!

God bless you, and have a great week!

Father Mike