REV. JOHN A. SEDLAK Pastor/Trust Administrator

jsedlak@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Mass Schedule Weekday & Sat. Morning: 8:00 am Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 & 11:00 am Holy Days: As Announced

Sacrament of Reconciliation Weekday & Sat. Morning: 7:30-7:50 am Saturday Vigil: 4:00-4:45 pm Sunday: 8:30-8:45 am & 10:30-10:45 am

(30 minutes before all other Masses)

Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 8:15 am - 3:45 pm

Mailing Address PO Box 187 4263 Route 981 United PA 15689

Website www.saintflorian.org

Phone Numbers Parish Office/Rectory: 724-423-4431 FAX: 724-423-4438 Pastoral Emergencies: 412-582-0425 Catechesis, Faith Formation & Evangelization (CFFE) Office: 724-423-5087 Preschool: 724-423-4437 Social Hall: 724-423-9008 St. Vincent de Paul Helpline: 724-205-4406

Staff CFFE Director: Dr. Joseph Dreliszak Preschool Director: Lottie Hirak Preschool Aide: Karen Dlugos Music Director: Steven Makar Parish Secretary and Bookkeeper: Angela Reese

Pastoral Council Terry Foriska Tammy Sofranko* Mike Reese Nicole Stull Don Scekeres Dave Shimko *Recorder

Finance Council John Boggess Kathy Sobinsky Stephanie Soflak Jerry Yasher David Lazor* Emily Uhrin Mark D’Amico *Chair

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 2, 2020

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to build up the Kingdom of God by offering ourselves

with Jesus for the true good of every person.

EUCHARISTIC SELF-OFFERING PRAYER I am all Yours, O most loving Jesus, through Mary, Your Mother.

MASS INTENTIONS (Request Form on back of bulletin)

Sat., Aug. 1 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Sun., Aug. 2 9:00 AM 11:30 AM Mon., Aug. 3 8:00 AM Tue., Aug. 4 8:00 AM Wed., Aug. 5 8:00 AM Thu., Aug. 6 8:00 AM Fri., Aug. 7 8:00 AM Sat., Aug. 8 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Sun., Aug. 9 9:00 AM 11:30 AM

St. Alphonsus Liguori +Philip Budney by Pamela Ritson +Terry Cole by Bob Cole Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time For the Parishioners +Joseph & Patricia Ludvik by Becky Emanuele Weekday +Stephen Urban by Steve & Connie Urban & Family St. John Vianney +Walter Schmidt by Schmidt Family Weekday +Robert Larko by Jack & Joyce Klejka The Transfiguration of the Lord +Loretta Rutkowski by Becky & Family Weekday +Clare Grohal by Grohal Family St. Dominic +Betty Yothers by Family For the Parishioners Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time +Herb Walton by Greg Kuhar +John, Catherine, Cecelia & Teofil Ostrosky and Joyce Severa by Family

Page 2 August 2, 2020

ST. FLORIAN OFFERTORY STEWARDSHIP:

Due to an early bulletin deadline, last week’s offertory donations will be reported in next week’s bulletin.

Bulletin Deadline: submissions for the bulletin are due by Monday at 9 am to: areese@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

Readings for the week of August 2, 2020 Sunday: Is 55:1-3/Ps 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18 [cf. 16]/Rom 8:35, 37-39/Mt 14:13-21 Monday: Jer 28:1-17/Ps 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102 [68b]/Mt 14:22-36 Tuesday: Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22/Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23 [17]/Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14 Wednesday: Jer 31:1-7/Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 [cf. 10d]/Mt 15:21-28 Thursday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 [1a, 9a]/2 Pt 1:16-19/Mt 17:1-9 Friday: Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7/Dt 32:35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41 [39c]/Mt 16:24-28 Saturday: Hb 1:12—2:4/Ps 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 [11b]/Mt 17:14-20 Next Sunday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a/Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 [8]/Rom 9:1-5/Mt 14:22-33 ©Liturgical Publications Inc.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC — information can be found at www.coronavirus.gov

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 1, 2020 ~ 5:00 PM Lector ...................................................................... B. Mizikar Eucharistic Ministers ............................. J. Lawrence, J. Lesko Altar Server ............................................................... J. Lesko

Sunday, August 2, 2020 ~ 9:00 AM Lector ...................................................................... T. Jackson Eucharistic Ministers ....................... G. Kovacina, R. Mizikar Altar Server ........................................................... R. Mizikar

Sunday, August 2, 2020 ~ 11:30 AM Lector ................................................................... M. D’Amico Eucharistic Ministers ..................................... B. & R. Obusek Altar Server .............................................................. D. Reese

Saturday, August 8, 2020~ 5:00 PM Lector ........................................................................ M. Sopko Eucharistic Ministers ....................... G. Kovacina, D. Mizikar Altar Server ........................................................... D. Mizikar

Sunday, August 9, 2020 ~ 9:00 AM Lector ..................................................................... C. Stercho Eucharistic Ministers ........................... H. Szewczyk, S. King Altar Server .................................................................. J. King

Sunday, August 9, 2020 ~ 11:30 AM Lector ......................................................................... A. Reese Eucharistic Ministers ....................... W. Bossart, C. Gricheck Altar Server .............................................................. M. Reese

Parish Office Summer Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:15 am to 3: 45

(Angela)

Thursday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

(Dr. Dreliszak)

ALTAR FLOWERS are presented this week

In Memory of

Pauline Oplinger By Husband and Children

Income Expenses

Ordinary 25,590.90 26,249.78

Extraordinary (627.96) * 2,794.12 **

Other

DLA Refund 2,797.00

Parish Endowment 250.00 250.00

Capital Campaign 2,019.28 22.10

JBL Reimbursment 100.00

TCTH 20.00

Catholic Accent 35.00

Second Collections

DLA 947.00 947.00

Communications Media 60.00 60.00

Peter's Pence 133.00 133.00

TOTAL $31,324.22 $30,456.00*Extraordinary Income includes ($275.00) in Festival Tickets Expenses, ($125.00) in Small

Games Expense, ($299.00) in Oplatki Expense, $70.00 in outside donations and $1.04 in interest.

**Extraordinary Expenses includes $2794.12 in loan payments.

Operating Surplus / (Deficit) (658.88)

Overall Surplus/ (Deficit) 868.22

St. Vincent de Paul Donations for June 2020: $108.00

Financial Report for June 2020

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS Happy Birthday to the following who are Celebrating

their Special Day in August: 1 — Matthew Tlumack 14 — Bill Back 2 — Tyler Stercho 16 — Mark D’Amico 3 — Natalie Sanner 17 — Louise Koza 8 — Tom Gricheck 20 — Mary Ellen Teich 9 — Dr. Will Barber 28 — Esther Bucci 10 — Nikki Lewandowski 31 — Valeria Wolk 13 — Susie D’Amico

Please say a prayer for those listed on their birthday.

St. Florian Preschool

POSITIONS OPEN

ST. FLORIAN PRE-SCHOOL IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2 PART-TIME TEACHER AIDE POSITIONS FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL TERM. ONE POSITION IS FOR MONDAY-WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY FROM 7:45 AM - 3:00 PM AND ONE POSITON FOR TUESDAY & THURSDAY FROM 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM. THE SCHEDULE COINCIDES WITH THE SCHOOL YEAR AND IS A SEASONAL POSITION. CANDIDATES MUST BE PRACTICING CATHOLICS AND WOULD BE UNER THE GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION OF MRS. LOTTIE HIRAK, PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER. RESUMES SHOULD BE SENT TO ST FLORIAN CHURCH 4263 RTE. 981, P.O BOX 187, UNITED, PA. 15689 TO THE ATTENTION OF DR. JOSEPH DRELISZAK. ONCE RESUMES ARE RECEIVED, INDIVIDUALS WILL BE CALLED FOR AN INTERVIEW

SUMMER FESTIVAL CANCELLED FOR THIS YEAR Due to the ongoing pandemic and the many concerns involving “Social Distancing”, it is necessary to cancel this year’s summer festival that was set for August 9.

Tickets are no longer available in the back of Church. Extra tickets are available at the Rectory during summer office hours or you may leave a message for Dr. Dreliszak and arrangements will be made for you to get yours. You may also contact him is you need additional tickets to sell. Stubs may returned by placing them in the collection basket or dropped off at the rectory during summer hours. The office is open from Monday – Wednesday from 8:15 – 3:45 and on Thursdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please do not return them by mail. This too is not permitted by the US Postal System.

Thank you for your support. We will be giving periodic updates on the tickets throughout the summer!

MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY PICKED UP THEIR TICKETS AND/OR HAVE REQUESTED

ADDITIONAL TICKETS TO SELL TO HELP US MAKE THIS TICKET A GREAT SUCCESS.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS… 2021 FESTIVAL IS SET FOR AUGUST 8!!!

Faith Formation News

K to 7 Faith Formation:

Plans are being made to hopefully resume “on site” Faith For-mation Classes for students in Grades K-7. Parents received a survey this past week and are asked to return it to the Rectory or church collection basket by the end of July. Your response will assist us in our decision. CATECHIST NEEDED FOR KINDERGARTEN CLASS/GRADE 1 ALONG WITH TWO AIDES – ONE FOR KINDERGARTEN/GRADE 1 AND ONE AIDE FOR GRADE 2. APPLICANTS MUST HAVE ALL NECESSARY DIOCESAN CLEARANCES. IF INTERESTED IN SERVING IN THIS MINISTRY, PLEASE CONTACT DR. DRELISZAK

Celebration of First Communion & Confirmation

Dates have been chosen for First Communion and Confirmation. Both were canceled due to the pandemic. First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, August 2 at the 11:30 am Mass and Confirmation will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 pm. Both celebrations, this year, will take place at our church. Parents have received other dates concerning classes, practice times and interviews with Fr. John prior to each sacrament. Please contact Dr. Dreliszak if you have any questions.

Connectionsby Joe Lesko

The Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

The focus for the paired passages for today uses food as the connecting theme. Isaiah is delivering God’s message to the Jews who are still exiled in Babylon. He is speaking message from the Lord who expresses the joy the exiled shall face on their return to Jerusalem. God Himself urges the lavish banquet. In Matthew’s Gospel, God, through Jesus, effects a miracle that feeds 5,000 men. Just as in the Isaiah account, God is at the fore for these feasts. Anticipating repatriation at some future time to Jerusalem, Isaiah provides words that project a glorious celebration. The food shall be special, not the ordinary everyday food, for this food and drink shall announce a new life. The source for this celebration comes from the Covenant already established between God and those already invited to the feast. A covenant is always sealed with a meal where both parties to the covenant meet in harmony and agreement. Those who accept God’s invitation to this banquet (really experiencing the presence of God in Jerusalem) have life through the covenant and make God’s glory shine through them. This special banquet is a metaphor for God’s words of teaching. A key to understanding the figurative language is the word “Heed me”. The Lord wants the invited to listen and practice the teachings He is providing. His words are the food to sustain a spiritual life in eternity. That is why this special non-everyday food will give life and entrance into an “everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.” Such words are given to these detainees in Babylon to give them hope. This life of exile will end and they can expect a return to Jerusalem. The opening verse by Matthew reveals news of John the Baptist. This moves Jesus to seek privacy and pray. Isaiah the prophet does not mention Jerusalem specifically. He writes the text to be interpreted to man Zion which is the only place where an authentic meeting with God can take place. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord attests to His promise to bring the Jews back to Zion where they shall see woe diminish and there the future is to be successful. The prophecy is to give hope to the exiles. Babylon will eventually perish to allow the anticipated return to Jerusalem. The opening verse of the Gospel reveals that John the Baptist is killed. In contrast to Herod’s gruesome and deadly feast, Herod satisfies his own needs, whereas Jesus sees a vast crowd who have followed Him. The hour is late. His grief stricken heart overflows with compassion for this crowd. It is the same God filled with fidelity who provides manna and quail for the wondering Israelites in the wilderness and who provides through Elisha food for a starving crowd. This same God through Jesus will bring food for all people. Jesus has already stated that man shall come from all directions to eat with Israel. Even a greater parallel occurs from the Last Supper. There Jesus takes, blesses, breaks bread for the Apostles. These events of food suggest the end time banquet envisioned by Isaiah. Jesus refers to what the disciples already have in the fish and loafs of bread. Matthew makes it clear that women and children are not included in the 5,000 men specified. The message from both passages becomes one of

God’s constant and consistent fidelity to care for His people. Be it to give hope to an exiled people as in the Isiah’s

divine-driven prophecy or to feed those who are hungry as in Matthew’s Gospel. God sees and hears the sighs of the needy

and acts.

WAYS TO GIVE

During this time of closures throughout the church, please consider keeping up your weekly contributions to

St. Florian. Sunday Masses have resumed but the obligation to attend is still commuted. If you are not attending Mass,

please consider these options for giving.

ONLINE GIVING: Our parish offers Online Giving, a web-based electronic contribution application. This service is safe and secure. And it is convenient for you and for our parish staff. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at www.saintflorian.org and selecting the “Donate” link in the top right hand corner.

US MAIL: Contributions can be sent through the mail service to: St. Florian Church

PO Box 187 United, PA 15689

STOP BY THE PARISH OFFICE: The parish office is open Monday—Thursday, 8:45 am to 3:45 pm. Feel free to drop by anytime with your offertory envelope. A locked mailbox is available outside of the Rectory Front Door.

Prayer Chain

Those with prayer intentions are asked to contact the FAITH

FORMATION CENTER. Please call 724-423-5087 and your

request will be forwarded to those who have agreed to take part

in this special ministry. New members on our Parish Prayer

Chain are always welcome to join.

Joe Sophie Cory Becky Jason Evelyn Glenn Joya Ray Lynn Mike Joshua Wendy Christine Karen Paul Jeremy Rich Ed Anna Karen Debbie Paul Fred David Ron Joe Joan Jill Ryan Kimberly Patrick Bishop Malesic Those Suffering from the Corona Virus Health and well being of ALL throughout the world

May we continue to remember these individuals in our daily prayers!

Thank you to The Community Foundation of Fayette County, who have generously donated the extra face masks that we have present for those who need them at Mass.

Page 5 August 2, 2020

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK ATTORNEY MICHAEL A. JOHNSON Please support our sponsors.

PARISH UPDATE

Our average total attendance at our three “Sunday” Masses last October was 310. During this pandemic and with the

obligation to attend Mass suspended, our total attendance of 165 for July 18-19 was 53% of that.

PRAYING THE ROSARY aloud, star ting 30 minutes before Masses, has resumed. The spir itual benefits of this far outweighs any added Coronavirus risk that is minimized by the participants wearing face masks and keeping safe distances. Let’s place ourselves under Mary’s protection and ask Our Lady to intercede with her Son for a swift end to the pandemic. ROUTINE PASTORAL VISITS TO THE HOMEBOUND and to persons in care facilities is still not permitted under Diocesan guidelines for the pandemic. However, upon request, Fr. John will readily visit anyone who feels a need for the sacraments. Just call the parish office. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VERY GENEROUS ON-GOING WEEKLY SUPPORT of St. Flor ian Par ish during

the COVID-19 restrictions. May Our Lord continue to bless you and your families and our Parish Family as well!

Read Fr. John’s Homily at www.saintflorian.org under the “Parish Life” tab.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION is like an audience with a great King. In these words of Jesus

spoken by way of locution to a Benedictine monk, we are assured that our requests made during

these audiences get a favorable response” “When you appeal to My Eucharistic Heart, I cannot

refuse what you ask of Me. At times My Heart will give you a better gift than the one for which you

ask, because you ask with the shortsightedness and limitations of your mortal nature, and I give

according to the wisdom and benevolence of My Heart. I bless those whom you present to Me. The

light of My Eucharistic Face will shone upon all of them, and I bless you out of the depths of my

pierced Heart.” (In Sinu Jesu p. 47) For July 21-22, the following hours had only one adorer: 1 am,

2 am, and 3 am. At least two adorers should be present for each hour . Thank you.

To Become a TOP Student, please call 724-552-2565 or visit www.catholicschoolsguide.org