Saturday Vigil, St.Wendelin 
 July 31, 2021 - 4:00 pm 
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Obligation to Attend Mass Reinstated

Bishop David A. Zubik is overjoyed to join all the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania in reinstating the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, starting August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Since public health restrictions have relaxed, “More and more people are returning to our churches to celebrate the sacraments and for other events that reflect who we are as the Body of Christ,” Bishop Zubik said. “I thank God for their faith and for this opportunity to worship Him together, and to receive His healing grace in the Eucharist.”

 A statement from all Pennsylvania bishops said that, “Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, has been with us throughout this very difficult period and is most especially near to us when we encounter him in the Eucharist.  The Eucharist offers us his healing and peace, his mercy and reconciliation.  It is time for everyone to return to the Eucharist with renewed faith and joy.”

Ordinarily, Catholics have an obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation, unless illness, disability, severe weather or another pressing circumstance prevents them from going. “Dispensations” may be issued in extraordinary situations, such as blizzards, to reinforce that people should not go to Mass when it is unsafe to do so. In March 2020, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the bishops issued the statewide dispensation that will lift on August 15.

“The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days comes from our Baptism as Christians.  Baptism compels Christians to unite themselves with Christ at the altar in his saving Sacrifice of the Cross,”  the Pennsylvania bishops wrote.

Bishop Zubik is encouraging parishes to continue live-streaming Mass. “Many, many shut-ins have come to appreciate such beautiful opportunities for them to be connected to the Church,” he said.

As always, people who are ill, who suspect that they may have been exposed to a contagious disease, have caregiver obligations or have serious anxiety about being in a large group at this time are not required to attend Mass. People who are ill or who may carry a contagious illness are strongly encouraged to stay home.

“Those who are legitimately excused from Mass on Sundays and Holy Days are encouraged to spend time in prayer, meditating on the Death and Resurrection of the Lord, reading the Sacred Scriptures, and uniting themselves to Christ in his worship of the Father of us all.  Those who are legitimately excused are also encouraged to view a broadcast of the Mass which is intended for those who cannot participate in person.”
 

Please note that there will be NO confession at  Mater Dolorosa or  St. Wendelin on Saturday, July 31st.

Is Faith Formation the same thing as CCD?
The term Faith Formation envisions the process of formation in faith from womb to tomb. Therefore, it is a lifelong process. It brings all into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ by bringing all the faithful together to learn, share, experience, and fully participate in the life of the Catholic Church. CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) by definition, is a specific organization that has written materials for use in instruction. It became the term used for religious teaching program of the church for those to learn the basic doctrine of their faith.
Over the years the title for religious instruction has changed, but the meaning hasn’t.
So, YES, Faith Formation and CCD mean the same thing. Please sign your children up for Faith Formation 2021-22 by August 23^rd. Forms have been mailed and Mrs. Brown will be available after Masses at Mater Dolorosa/St. Joseph’s on July 31^st and August 1^st. St. Wendelin site on the weekend of August 7^th/8^th.
 

Raffle Baskets
There are currently 59 raffle baskets. If you have a basket or donation, please contact Nicole before August 2nd!!

Sell Raffle Tickets Now!
Tickets may be turned in at the office, or in the collection box anytime and will be accepted at the picnic!

Tube Float on the Clarion River in Cook Forest.
All High Schoolers Invited!!
Friday, July 30th
Departing from the St. Wendelin
parking lot at 9:30am
Estimated time 5-7 hours
(2.5 hours on the river)
Friends are welcome!
Food & Drinks provided
$10/person
Contact Sue by July 28th to
reserve a spot!
724-445-3713 or
email: sue@saintclareparish.com


 

                      
                                      
  Saint Wendelin School has been chosen to participate in piloting the STAR, Student Tuition Assistance Resource, Scholarship Program for the 2021-2022 school year.   This program is funded by a generous anonymous donor that wants to help our school to make Catholic Education affordable for everyone.  Saint Wendelin School has provided a strong, faith based education in northern Butler County for 176 years.  Through this resource, the school will continue to thrive for many years to come.  To schedule a tour or to set up an appointment to find out how to participate contact Mrs. Clouse at stwend@zoominternet.net or visit the website for more information.

 

Congratulations to our St. Wendelin School Principal, JoLynn Clouse, who is one of seven educators at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh who have received the 2021 Golden Apple Award. This award recognizes their excellent performance in the classroom, church and community. Go to www.diopitt.org to read JoLynn’s feature story on the Pittsburgh Catholic Online. Congratulations JoLynn on your much deserved award!
 

 

Follow the link to order St. Clare apparel. Various styles of shirts and hats available! This link will be available for orders now through August 2nd, orders made by August 2nd will be available to pick up at the picnic, on August 15th. 

RCIA SESSIONS TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER     RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Sessions will begin on Thursday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m at St. Wendelin Rectory.  The sessions are for anyone who wants to know more about the Catholic Faith.  All who are not baptized, baptized into another faith denomination, or baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation are invited to attend. If you are interested or if you know of someone who may be interested, please invite them to attend!

 
Please contact Cathy Rodgers for registration or any questions at Cathyrodgers77@gmail.com or by phone 724-388-5207.
 
 

Knights of Columbus Council 14103 are once again participating in Wreaths Across America.
Sponsorship forms are requested by October 10, 2021. Print a form below, or sponsor online at, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org (Click Local Sponsorship Group, Enter sponsor   PA0269P)

Print a Wreath Sponsorship Form