CHRIST THE DIVINE SHEPHERD PARISH  

                                                            I thank God for another full and beautiful week at our Parish! In a particular way I thank Bishop David Zubik  for coming to confirm our thirty-three young people. 

An update on the status of the rectory demolition. We have slowed down the process of demolition in order to  make sure we have thought through again all of the possible options before it is razed. Razing is still the likely  outcome, but of course once it occurs it cannot be undone. In the meantime, Father Ken has graciously agreed to move to our Saint Susanna Rectory along with me and Father Thom Miller. While we hope this will work  in the short term, it doesn’t diminish our need for a priest residence in Monroeville. We are still praying to St. Joseph for his assistance! 

The month of October is the month of the Holy Rosary. I realize the month has already started but it is not too  late to renew this practice in your life if it has waned. It is a powerful prayer that enables us to pray through  the life of Our Lord and Savior Jesus accompanied by His Mother, Mary.  Please pray the Rosary! 

Also, October is Respect Life Month. As Catholic Christians, we have a particular insight into the infinite  dignity of the human person, and we proclaim this to a culture that more and more denies this dignity. While  not exclusively, we especially make mention of the human dignity of the unborn, and call for their legal  protection. We were all once unborn children, and we were not less human then. We also pray for those who  are pressured by our culture to deny the truth of this dignity. We especially pray for those tempted to abortion  due to their circumstances. 

We hear today Jesus teaching us about marriage. This is an opportunity to take the time to pray for the married  couples in our parish and our larger community. We also want to pray for our young people, that they discern this holy and wonderful vocation wisely.                            

                                                           I hope you enjoy getting your pets blessed this weekend, and hope the Steelers beat the Cowboys tonight… 

                                                                  Come Holy Spirit, Come through Mary,