Event Calendar

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, we invite you to join us for GriefShare, a special 13-week support group designed to help you rebuild your life.

The program is designed to create a place for grieving people to find comfort and encouragement after a loved one’s death. We want this to be a friendly caring group of people who will walk alongside each other through one of life’s most difficult experiences. No one should have to go through the grieving process alone. Just as when He walked this earth, Jesus continues to bring healing to us when we are in need. It is important for us, as his body the church, to gather in prayer and support, walking through the pain of loss together.

There are 13 video seminars on DVD featuring respected Christian counselors and leaders who share wise insights about grief-related topics. These dynamic videos also include personal testimonies from people who have lost a loved one. The workbooks contain a note-taking outline for the video sessions, a daily Bible study that reinforces the information presented in the videos, a gospel presentation, helpful articles, and insights from Christian experts.

The group will be meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday evenings at Immaculate Conception in the Children’s Liturgy room in the church. The program will run weekly from September 30 to December 9, 2024.

Please register by emailing Gerri Dornin at gdornin@comcast.net or call the church office at 724-863-9550.

**NOTE: Alternative sessions will be held during the day at St Agnes Church starting on Thursday, October 3 to December 12, 2024 from 1-2:30 p.m. Contact Audrey Quinlan at audrevquinlan@comcast.net to register for the St. Agnes sessions.

More info

• Weekly session topics
• Learn more about the GriefShare program

It’s time again for our annual Breakfast with Santa!

Santa is getting ready for a Merry Christmas. He’s checking his list for those who are naughty or nice, and what things to do before Jesus’ birthday. So, don’t forget to get your tickets for our annual Breakfast with Santa.

Saturday, December 14 in Our Lady’s Plaza from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Children are free, and adults may purchase tickets for $5.00 each.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets will go on sale after Masses beginning the weekend of Nov. 23/24 and then in the parish office until December 6. Tickets will NOT be available at the door.

2024 REGIONAL PENANCE SCHEDULE

• Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton — Monday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.
• Immaculate Conception — Tuesday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m.
• Ascension, Jeannette — Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saint Agnes — Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m.

PREPARING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

A penance service calls the parish family together as sinners. We recognize that we have sinned against one another and God. We reflect together on the Scriptures and our need of reconciliation. We pray an act of sorrow before individually approaching the priest for the sacrament. Preparing ahead of time helps us to be ready to confess our sins. Please find this Examination of Conscience as a guide to be used prior to going to confession at one of the local penance services.

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

A helpful pattern of conscience is to review the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church:

1. Has God and the pursuit of sanctity in Christ been the goal of my life?
2. Have I avoided the profane use of God’s name in my speech?
3. Have I honored every Sunday by avoiding unnecessary work and by celebrating Mass?
4. Have I shown Christlike respect to parents, spouse, children and others?
5. Have I cared for bodily health and safety of myself and all others?
6. Have I been chaste in thought and word? Have I used sex only within marriage while remaining open to new life?
7. Have I stolen anything from another, from my employer, from the government? If so, am I ready to repay it?
8. Have I spoken ill of any other person? Have I always told the truth?
9. Have I permitted sexual thoughts about someone to whom I am not married?
10. Have I desired what belongs to other people?
11. Have I been faithful to sacramental living? (Communion and Reconciliation)
12. Have I helped make my parish community stronger and holier?
13. Have I done penance by abstaining and fasting on obligatory days?
14. Have I been mindful of the poor?
15. Have I been responsible in being an example of faith through my words and actions?

ACT OF CONTRITION

O my God, I am heartfully sorry for having offended thee,
and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment,
but most of all because I have offended Thee my God,
who is all good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve,
with the help of Thy grace,
to sin no more,
and to avoid the near occasion of sin.

Amen.