Join us tonight as we welcome Bishop Zubik to our Fish Fry at St. Alphonsus and Stations of the Cross at St. Alexis at 7:00 pm.
Next Generation Parish: Saint Aidan Parish
Update: You may remember that last spring, parishioners were invited and encouraged to complete a survey about their faith journey and the ways in which it is fostered and supported through St. Aidan Parish. Fr. Will then invited a team of parishioners (Deacon Al Heiles, Pam Surano, Barb Griffith, Greg Staresinic, Allison Alberts, Leslie Mitros and Christine Miller) to work with him, along with Jessica Adams, a consultant, from the Catholic Leadership Institute, to evaluate that data, identifying key areas for growth and improvement over the next three years. The team met on several occasions from August through December to articulate the Mission, Vision, and Priorities of the Parish. The results of those meetings follow. We look forward to the next steps of forming implementation teams to address the priorities that have been identified,
Saint Aidan Priority Plan
Purpose:
Saint Aidan Parish is a Roman Catholic community on fire with the Holy Spirit seeking to encounter the love of Jesus Christ.
Vision:
Saint Aidan Parish, through a commitment to outreach and encounter with Christ, will be a growing community of faithful disciples engaged in vibrant worship and joyful service.
Priorities
1) Sunday Worship
Scripture: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
Definition/Rationale: When the community of St. Aidan Parish gathers for Sunday Worship, we are nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, empowering us to go and share the Gospel in word and deed. Sunday Worship should provide for our spiritual growth and be a place of encounter for all who are seeking Jesus.
Goals:
- Of those who worship at Mass, 80% will report that they are growing spiritually through their encounter with the Word of God, Jesus in the Eucharist, music, and the homily.
- Of those who worship at Sunday Mass, 100% will have a growing sense of welcome and belonging.
2) Faith Formation
Scripture: “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32
Definition/Rationale: By virtue of our Baptism as beloved children of God, we are called to ongoing conversion through a commitment to prayer and growth in our relationship with Christ. Saint Aidan Parish will provide opportunities for all to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Sacred Scripture and Tradition.
Goals:
- When asked questions about their faith, 90% of parishioners will be able to respond confidently.
- Every parishioner will increase in his or her desire to grow in relationship with Jesus.
3) Engagement
Scripture: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Definition/Rationale: Called as members of the Body of Christ, the people of Saint Aidan Parish will cultivate increased stewardship and fellowship among our parish family, inspiring greater involvement and joyful service.
Goals:
- From the many opportunities for parish ministry and community service, 75% of parishioners will select one or more according to their gifts and talents and become actively engaged.
- Every parishioner will personally invite someone to worship or to a parish event.
Next Steps:
In the next few weeks, Fr. Will, assisted by the team, will identify Priority Leaders for each of the three stated Priorities. The individual committees will hold information and planning sessions so that parishioners can offer their thoughts on how best to achieve the stated goals. Look for more information in the weeks ahead about how each parishioner may participate in the process of stirring into flame the Holy Spirit that is already so very present in the life of St. Aidan Parish!
From the Desk of Darcy Osby
Witnesses of Conversion
Lent is traditionally a time for conversion, a transformation of our hearts as we turn away from sin and towards the Lord. The individuals in our OCIA and sacramental preparation are experiencing powerful conversations as they are choosing to dedicate their lives to following Jesus in the Catholic Church.
We have 87 children preparing for their First Communion in the Easter season. They began their Lenten journey with the sacrament of Reconciliation and will participate in a retreat this weekend. They remind us of the joy of encountering Jesus in the Eucharist and the importance of receiving the Eucharist in a state of grace through frequent confession.
We have two catechumens preparing for baptism: Pepper and Jonida. They share with us their joy of coming to know God and becoming part of the Family of God, the Church. They have been growing in knowledge and faith for the past several months. During Lent they enter a period of Purification and Enlightenment as they let go of anything that is holding them back from embracing a new life of faith in Jesus Christ.
We have eight candidates preparing to be received into Full Communion in the Catholic Church from various Christian denominations: Maddy, Jason, Cheyenne, Blake, Donna, Maggie, Jacob, and Mila. These candidates have examined their faith and have found the fullness of truth in the Catholic Church. They are especially eager to receive the Eucharist in communion with us. They remind us of the joy of the Catholic Church’s plan for our salvation.
We have five adults who were baptized Catholic but have not yet completed their initiation with the sacrament of Confirmation: Alison, James, Charlie, Katie and Patrick. They have made a return to their faith and are committing their lives to the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit. They remind us to embrace the Gifts of the Spirit that we receive in the sacraments and to use those gifts to build the Kingdom of God on earth. We also have 65 youth currently preparing for their Confirmation which will take place in October.
Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they open their hearts to receiving the grace of the sacraments. May we follow their example and be reminded of our own need for conversion. May we be witnesses to them of a joyful faith as we all follow Jesus more closely each day.
Fish Fry
The Fish Fry will take place every Friday in Lent.
3/22 the Fish Fry is open 4:30-7:00 PM and is take out only due to the Passion Play. All other dates both dine in and take out are available.
Dine in is open 4:30-7:30 PM, Take out is open 4:30-7:00 PM.
The Fish Fry is located at the Ryan Center on the Saint Aidan & Blessed Francis Seelos Academy Property (201 Church Road).
Take out Ordering
If you'd like to order online please go to fish-fry.org
If you'd like to order online please go to fish-fry.org
If you'd like to call in your order please do so after 2 PM on the date of the Fish Fry by calling (412) 585-3915 or (724) 931-0596.
All proceeds are equally split between Saint Aidan Parish and Blessed Francis Seelos Academy!
Questions about sponsorship? Contact Brie Kemp fishfry@saintaidanparish.org.
Click Here to view the online sponsorship page.
Click here for a printable sponsorship form.
Click here for the volunteer sign up (MUST have complete and up to date clearances!)
Ministry News
Faith Formation
There is no Faith Formation on Wednesday, March 27th during Holy Week.
We will be collecting donations for Chimbote, Peru during Lent!
Life Teen Ministry
March 10
High school teens will meet for 5:00 pm Mass then immediately following Mass we will meet in the cafeteria to cook and eat our dinner. After dinner we will head over to St. Alexis for the Parish Mission scheduled from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Pick up will be in the church.
Young Adult Ministry
March 11:
All young adults will meet at St. Alphonsus for the second night of the Parish Mission. Please meet at 7:00 pm.
Mission Trip to Kentucky
The trip is set for June 23-29, 2024 in David, Kentucky. For more information please contact Christine Miller at cmiller@saintaidanparish.org use subject line: Mission Trip)
Men's Fellowship
What is Heaven’s Entrance Ticket?
“The existence of heaven, the desire for heaven, the nature of heaven, and the relevance of heaven are all important questions. But there is only one question that is absolutely essential: ‘What must I do to be saved?’ If anyone is unsure of the correct answer, then get out your Bible and study for your finals! To save you time --I will quote God's simple answer to the most important question in the world, ‘how to get to heaven’: ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved’ (Acts 16:91).” (Peter Kreeft) Join us on Monday, March 18 at 6:00 pm at The Ark & The Dove on Babcock Blvd to continue our exploration of what it means “to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” All men are welcome. For more info contact Paul Spence at 724-713-8633.
New Liturgy Scheduling System
Our new liturgy scheduling software will go live on April 1st for all Masses. Signup Genius will no longer be used after April 1st. All servers, lectors, and eucharistic ministers should have received an email from our Seminarian, Brian Myler, which contains your username and password. Training will be provided on how to view your schedule, set preferences, and request/accept substitutes. The Training times are below:
Sunday 3/17
8:30 am - Seelos Cafeteria
11:00 am - Alexis Library
12:30 pm - Seelos Cafeteria
If you did not receive an email with your account info or have any questions regarding the new system or training events, please contact Brian at bmyler@saintaidanparish.org or by calling the parish office.
Other Parish News
Hallow
Great news - we at Saint Aidan Parish are excited to announce that we are partnering with Hallow this Lent! Parishioners are invited to access all premium app content beginning now through Easter Sunday. We’ll have a specific Lenten prayer challenge starting Ash Wednesday, but you don’t have to wait. You can begin praying with Hallow today! Hallow is the #1 prayer app in the world. Through prayer and meditation rooted in the Catholic faith, Hallow helps people grow closer to God and find peace. Users are able to pray alongside Fr. Mike, Immaculee, Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, Bishop Barron, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, and many more. To join Hallow as part of our parish’s Lenten program, which gives you access to all premium app content for just $1, follow these steps:
If you do not already have an account:
- Scan the QR code or visit hallow.com/holyday.
- Type in Saint Aidan Parish. Follow instructions to redeem offer/download app.
- Log in w/ same email/password you used to create account (Do not click Google/Apple/phone).
If you do already have an account:
- Visit hallow.com/holyday.
- Type in Saint Aidan Parish. Follow instructions to redeem offer.
- Choose the last option: “Already have an account? Log in.”
- Log in using your current email address and password.
Faith Direct
This is a time of year when keeping our new year’s resolutions may become challenging, if we even made any. Well, here’s an easy new year’s resolution to feel good about: streamline your offertory giving and simplify your support for St. Aidan Parish! Now is a great time to stop using checks/envelopes and switch to eGiving – it’s simple to sign up from your computer, smartphone or tablet to set up a recurring donation or make a one-time gift.
Recurring gifts help give our parish a steady, consistent offertory that strengthens the programs, services, and ministries we lead for our church families and for those in need throughout the community.
Recurring gifts help give our parish a steady, consistent offertory that strengthens the programs, services, and ministries we lead for our church families and for those in need throughout the community.
Register today by:
• Visiting faith.direct/PA47
• Calling Faith Direct Customer Service at 866-507-8757
• Texting “Enroll” to (724) 932-6440
• Visiting faith.direct/PA47
• Calling Faith Direct Customer Service at 866-507-8757
• Texting “Enroll” to (724) 932-6440
Peace and blessings to your family!
Ladies of Charity Food Drive
The Food Drive ends on Sunday, March 17. Please be as generous as possible. We can use any non-perishable food, household products or grocery store gift cards. “We should assist the poor in every way, and do it both by ourselves and be enlisting the help of others.” St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Candy Needed for Parish Easter Egg Hunt
We need donations of wrapped candy that will fit in a plastic egg for our Egg Hunt! Please place candy in the bin in the back of the old side or new side of St. Alphonsus Church, the bin in the narthex of St. Alexis Church, or the bin in the vestibule of the Parish Center. The Egg Hunt will be held on the playground at St. Alphonsus on Saturday, March 30, at 12:45 pm. In case of rain, we’ll gather in the school cafeteria. Please bring a bag or basket to collect eggs.
The Knights of Columbus Say Thank You!
Did you know that there are over 2,000 ways that your Social Security benefits can be calculated and that the Social Security Administration is not permitted to help you in making that determination?
Come to our no cost, no obligation, totally free seminar on Tuesday, March 12 beginning at 7:00 pm in the Ryan Center at Blessed Seelos Academy on the St. Alphonsus Campus to find answers on how you can maximize your Social Security Benefits. Neil Mager, Senior Financial Advisor from Secure Money Advisors will help you understand how Social Security works and how to maximize your benefits. No one will contact you after the seminar, it is totally free and without obligation as the Knights’ Council 3907 way of saying thank you for all of the support you have given to our charitable works. The seminar is open to everyone.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our final seminar on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm at the Ryan Center where Lisa Lauro, Senior Healthcare Specialist from Secure Money Advisors will be discussing Medicare and Supplemental Medicare Plans.
We look forward to seeing you at these informative seminars.
Lenten Parish Mission: The Love of God & the Cross of Jesus Christ
Sunday, March 10 & Monday, March 11
On Sunday, March 10, and Monday, March 11, Dave VanVickle will lead us in a two-night Lenten parish mission about the timeless story of a soul’s relationship to God, from conversion to transformation. This message of hope will be illustrated by Dave’s powerful personal testimony and the testimony of his family. The first night of the mission will take place at St. Alexis, starting at 7:00 PM, and the second night will be held at St. Alphonsus, also starting at 7:00 PM. Please join us — you will not want to miss this parish mission.
Eucharistic Adorers Needed at St. Aidan Parish
Will you prayerfully consider being a permanent or a substitute adorer at:
- St. Alphonsus Church on Mondays (Adoration is from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm)
- St. Alexis Church on First Fridays (Adoration is from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm)
Email devotions@saintaidanparish.org or call the Parish Office at 724-935-4343 and provide your name, phone #, email address, the church and the time slots that you will cover and if you can be a permanent adorer or substitute adorer.
Passion Play Rehearsals
Passion Play practices will take place Tuesday and Thursday in the Ryan Center from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm (see below for the specific dates). The week of March 18 will be our tech week and we will be in the Ryan Center all week.
Tuesday, 3/12 Thursday, 3/14
Performance dates are Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, March 22 and March 23
Nursing Home EMHC Volunteers Needed
Did you know that our parish serves nine Nursing Care/Senior Living Facilities?! We provide Mass to each facility under the direction of our wonderful chaplain, Fr. Daniel Straughn, and many volunteers take Holy Communion to various facilities during the weeks when we do not have Mass. We need a few more volunteers to join our Advance Team which helps Fr. Daniel by getting to the facility early to set up and assist him at Mass. In addition, as our list of requests grows, we need more volunteers to take Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners. If you are interested in helping, please contact Barb Griffith at ministries@saintaidanparish.org.
St. Alphonsus Men’s Golf
St Alphonsus Men’s Golf League is looking for golfers of all skill levels for the 2024 season. League play is on Mondays from April 1st thru the end of August at Rittswood Golf Course in Valencia. The league is open to new and returning golfers, ages 18 and over. New golfers can contact Nathan Bennett at 412-852-8800 or Don Dietz at 412-855-6139. Preseason meeting is Monday March 11 at 7:00 pm in the Seelos Academy (St. Alphonsus) school cafeteria or go to the course Monday April 1. Tee times start at 4:00 pm weather permitting.
Heartfelt Thank You
Dear Parishioners of St. Aidan Parish,
The Knights of Columbus Council #3907 thanks you for your support of our Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) Program which was recently completed at St. Alexis and St. Alphonsus Churches. Your generosity resulted in over 680 items collected to support the mothers and their children at Angels' Place. In addition to the items collected, monetary donations were made to be utilized as needed at Angels' Place. Angels' Place has been serving single parents and their children through two locations in the Pittsburgh area since 1984. All of the items were transported to their Swissvale location on February 23.
May God Bless you for making this program a success and for your continued support of the mothers their children at Angels' Place.
Around the Diocese
Join the Lenten Challenge
Are you looking for a daily Lenten inspiration to help you draw closer to Jesus through prayer and sacrifice? Register for the 2024 Lenten Challenge by texting LENT2024 to 84576 or visiting diopitt.org/lent. Last year, 7,500 people participated, and many shared their experiences:
- “Your texts have been such a blessing to me this Lent! You offered practical ideas on how to grow spiritually!”
- “It drew me closer to my Lord’s sufferings and made me think that any sufferings I might experience could never be as bad as the torture He went through, all for the love of me.”
40 Days for Life
From February 14 - March 24, you are invited to join other Christians for 40 Days for Life - 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You’re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40 day vigil in the public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood, 933 Liberty Avenue, and help to spread the word about this important community outreach. If you’d like more info or if you’d like to volunteer, contact Nikki, nbruni@40daysforlifepgh.com.
Visit 40daysforlife.com/Pittsburgh for more info or check out our blog at 40daysforlifepittsburgh.com.
Young Adult Men’s Summit
Join us for a conference on Saturday, March 23 entitled Young Adult Men's Summit: Strengthening Masculine Leadership to be held at the Diocese of Pittsburgh Pastoral Center. The target audience is men ages 20-50. "We must strengthen and build up younger men in our parishes and families. They are the future!" Go to www.cmfwpa.org for more info and registration.
Saint Aidan Parish is selling Sarris Easter Candies to help raise funds for the 2024 Mission Trip to David, Kentucky. Supporting our sale is sweet and simple!
Visit SarrisCandiesFundraising.com and enter our Group ID# 10-1175 to shop. Browse from hundreds of your favorite Sarris Candies products and checkout online. Online Ordering is open through Friday, March 22. Your order will be shipped directly to your house and our group will earn 25% profit! There is a flat U.S. shipping rate of $5 per address (warm weather and expedited shipping are extra).
We appreciate you supporting the Saint Aidan 2024 Mission Trip and helping us reach our fundraising goals!
Deadline for reserving rooms at the
National Eucharistic Congress is March 15
