SAINT JOHN OF GOD Office Telephones

Parish Office/Residence.......................................412-771-5646 Parish Fax.............................................................412-331-0678 Deacon Leonard Thomas.....................................412-812-4557 Music Minister.....................................................412-812-4549 Cemeteries (St. Mark’s/St. Mary’s) ................... 412-331-1309 Social Hall (Bingo and Pizza Kitchen) .............. 412-331-8530

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD � AUGUST 6, 2017

Mass Schedule

~ Low Gluten Hosts Available For Communion ~ ~ See Priest Before Mass ~

Saturday Vigil........................................................4:30 PM Church Sunday...................................................................9:45 AM Church Weekday Schedule Monday—Friday....................................................9:30 AM Church Confessions: Saturday 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM an 5:30 PM

Celebration of the Sacraments

Infant Baptism: Call office to schedule. Adult Baptism: The R.C.I.A. program sees to the needs of adults who wish to become Catholic. Reconciliation (Confession): 3:30 PM to 4:15 (Church) and following the 4:30 PM Mass (Church) and by appointment. Holy Eucharist: Available for those who are sick and confined to home. Call the Parish Office and we will bring the Eucharist to you. Anointing of the Sick: Available for those who are seriously ill or antici-pating surgery after Mass every Sunday at the Church. Marriage: Anyone who wishes to marry should contact the Office at least six months prior to the desired date. Inactive Catholics: Are lovingly welcome back to the faith. New Parishioners are joyfully invited to join our community. Please call the Parish Office.

Parish Clergy Rev. Louis F. Vallone Rev. Regis J. Ryan Rev. Robert J. Zajdel Deacon Leonard Thomas Staff Ms. Elna Johnson, Director of Music Mrs. Mary Ann Jones, Director of Finances Mrs. Janice Lipa, Parish Secretary, parish@sjogparish.com Mr. Wayne Summers, Maintenance Supervisor Safe Environment Coordinator Mrs. Karen Vinci-Stack, 412-303-7745 Scheduler of Ministries Jeri Stotlemyer, sjogscat@gmail.com www.news.va/en (Vatican News) Bulletin Deadline: Tuesday Noon

CHURCH: 1011 Church Ave. McKees Rocks, PA 15136 � www.sjogparish.com

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017

Saturday Vigil, Aug. 5: 4:30 PM Church Anniv - Eugene J. Ritter (Jason & Kristin Ritter & Family and Anna, Sister) Sunday, Aug. 6: 9:45 AM Church Vincent & Mary Celidonia (Children) _____________________________________________

WEEKDAYS — 9:30 AM CHURCH Monday, Aug. 7: Stanley Borkowski (Joan) Tuesday, Aug. 8: Elsie Neal (Leah Caulfield & Family) Tuesday, Aug. 8: St. Anthony Novena Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary’s Church Wednesday, Aug. 9: James Cosgrove (Leo & Kathy O’Donnell) Thursday, Aug. 10: Mathilda Stangl (Wayne & Kathy Cropper) Friday, Aug. 11: Parish Family of Saint John of God Friday, Aug. 11: Mother of Sorrows Novena Prayers recited following 9:30 AM Mass, St. Mary’s Church. _______________________________________________ Saturday Vigil, Aug. 12: 4:30 PM Church Anniv - Elsie Neal (Patrice & Gary Theobald) Sunday, Aug. 13: 9:45 AM Church Anniv - Bridgett McDermott & Deceased Family Members (Family)

AN OPEN INVITATION OF WELCOME Non-Catholics and non-parishioners are always

welcomed guests. Inactive, unsure or irregular Catholics are lovingly

encouraged to reconnect with the Faith. New parishioners are joyfully received in our

community. Please call the parish office. Our hearts are large and there is plenty good

room for all. ����������� HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A CATHOLIC?

The R.C.I.A. Program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process within the Church for welcom-ing and initiating new members into the Catholic Faith. The program is for those who want to become Catholic or for a Catholic adult who has not received First Communion or Confirmation. If you or someone you know are interested, please call Tom Adams at 412-999-2985 or the parish office at 412-771-5646.

Readings for the Week of August 6, 2017 Sunday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/Ps 97:1-9/2 Pt 1:16-19/ Mt 17:1-9 Monday: Nm 11:4b-15/Ps 81:12-17/Mt 14:13-21 Tuesday: Nm 12:1-13/Ps 51:3-13/Mt 14:22-36 Wednesday: Nm 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26-35/Ps 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-23/Mt 15:21-28 Thursday: 2 Cor 9:6-10/Ps 112:1-2, 5-9/Jn 12:24-26 Friday: Dt 4:32-40/Ps 77:12-16, 21/Mt 16:24-28 Saturday: Dt 6:4-13/Ps 18:2-4, 47, 51/Mt 17:14-20 Next Sunday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a/Ps 85:9-14/ Rom 9:1-5/Mt 14:22-33

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. (MONDAY THRU FRIDAY)

Our Parish Family of St. John of God wishes to extend special thanks and appreciation to Lucille Coppola who chaired our Fabulous Indoor Flea Market.

Lucille and her dedicated helpers worked very hard and many long hours to make the Flea Market the success it was. Great job!!! THANK YOU! We, along with Lucille, are very grateful to those who donated their “treasures” and a HUGE thank you to those who purchased them! THANK YOU also to everyone who donated the great, yummy treats for our Bake Sale (chaired by Eleanor Vith) and all those who helped with our Breakfast and Lunch menu. THANK YOU to everyone who helped in any way! Your help and support of this important fundraiser for the parish is very much appreciated! We are happy to report that a total of $6,888.25 was realized from the Flea Market and Bake Sale.

Saint John of God, Pray for us. GREEN GROCER

There is a Green Grocer at 5 Generation Bakers (old Foodland, Bottom Dollar) parking lot every Tuesday from Noon to 1 P.M., June to Sept. The Green Grocer is like a Farmers Market vendor. Lots of good, fresh veggies.

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA � QUOTE FROM THE POPE �

“To be faithful, to be creative, we need to be able to change. To change! And why must I change? So that I can adapt to the situations in which I must proclaim the Gospel. To stay close to God, we need to know how to set out; we must not be afraid to set out.” Pope Francis

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

Fridays are fun days! Join us on the following Fridays for fun activities: August 11 - Carnegie Science Center August 18 - North Park Pool August 25 - Carnegie Museum of Natural History All teens entering grades 9-12 are invited! To sign up or get more information (times, cost, etc.) please contact Steven Swank at 412-771-7480 or swan-kymca@gmail.com.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

Attention young people entering fifth to eighth grade: “412” is coming! This new program for middle schoolers gets its name from 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” More information will be announced in the coming weeks so stay tuned! Adults are needed to help with this new program. If you enjoy working with children please contact Steven Swank at 412-771-7480 to find out how you can get involved!

PARISH WEEKEND ATTENDANCE July 29 / 30

Saturday ........................................................ 405 Sunday........................................................... 285 Total Weekend Attendance ........................... 690

PARISH FINANCIAL TOTALS For the Weekend of July 29 / 30

Regular Offertory Collection ............................$ 5,014.00 (This is ordinary income from contributions for the general running of the parish. It is subject to a 17.6% tax to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.)

PARISH SHARE PROGRAM

PSP Assessment for 2017 ............................ $ 87,265.00 PSP Collected beginning12/1/16 ..Thank You!.. $ 74,756.00 Remaining on 2017 Goal .............................. $ 12,509.00 (This is the tax paid to the Diocese. We must remit this entire amount to the Diocese by Dec. 31. Any surplus then remains in the parish, tax free.)

The Rosary is prayed at 9:00 AM before the 9:30 AM Mass Monday through Friday in St. Mary’s Church.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Aug. 7 (Mon.) - Miraculous Medal Novena Prayers - Recitation of the Rosary begins at 6:30 P.M. in St. Mary’s Church - held on the 1st & last Monday of each month. Aug. 8 (Tues.) - St. Anthony Novena Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary’s Aug. 9 - WEDNESDAY NIGHT BINGO in Social Hall, Norwood - Doors open at 5 PM Early Birds, 7 PM and Regular Games begin at 7:15 PM. Aug. 11 (Fri.) - Mother of Sorrows Novena Prayers recited following 9:30 AM Mass, St. Mary’s Church.

PIZZA KITCHEN IS ON SUMMER BREAK!

HOSPITAL

Please pray for all parishioners who are in the hospital, especially: Mary (Mia) Walsh in Mercy Hospital for an extended period of time. Also for all those ill at home, in nursing homes, and shut-ins; that they may continue

to receive the Lord’s Blessings. SYMPATHY We wish to extend our sympathy to

the Family of Donald C. Thomas whom God has called home. Please remember him and all our dearly departed and their families in your prayers. May the Angels lead them into paradise, may the martyrs receive them at their coming and take them to Jerusalem, the holy city.”

SANCTUARY CANDLE - WEEK OF AUGUST 6 ST. MARY’S - IN MEMORY OF JOHN AND CECILIA ELLEK BY SON, JOHN

Due to vacation schedule, the bulletin for August 13 has already been submitted to our

bulletin company.

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD AUGUST 6, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE

• Patriotic Rosary offering prayers for our nation will be held on Tuesday, August 22, the day we honor the Queenship of Mary, 16 6:30 P.M. in the Church. As a people of God, each of us is called to pray. This evening offer us an opportunity to pray together. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and intercession of the Blessed Mother, prayer can change people’s hearts and transform evil to spiritual renewal in our families, communities, states and nation. Won’t you join us?

SAVE THE DATE

• Autumn Fest Chicken Dinner is scheduled for Sunday, October 15 at Rockefeller’s Banquet Room. Chinese Auction chaired by Pat Golembiewski and Gourmet Sweet Shop chaired by Alexis Adamchik again will be part of the festivities. Last year’s Chinese Auction prizes were awesome so please put your imagination to work and consider donating a themed basket or unique gift to make this year’s raffle special. And dig out those award-winning recipes that make our Gourmet Sweet Shop exceptional. Advance dinner tickets sales will begin in September. Ideas for the dinner and offers to help may be directed to Terry @412-331-3443.

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

On Tuesday, August 15, we will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. Following is the Mass schedule for this day in St. John of God Parish: August 14, Monday Evening Vigil 4:30 PM, Church at St. Mary’s August 15, Tuesday Holy Day 9:30 AM, Church at St. Mary’s 6:30 PM, Church at St. Mary’s

TOWN HALL MEETING Following the 6:30 PM Mass on Tuesday, August 15 in the Church at St. Mary’s, there will be a Town Hall Meeting in the Church. All parishioners are invited and encouraged to come hear the Pastor’s report and participate in this form of governance for the parish. This is the perfect time to voice your opinions and ask Fr. Lou any questions you may have regarding our Parish.

BENEFIT LUNCHEON FOR SEMINARIANS The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Pittsburgh Diocesan Council will hold its annual Benefit Lunch-eon for the Seminarians on Saturday, August 19, at St. Paul Seminary’s O’Connor Hall,2900 Noblestown Road in Crafton. The event will include Lunch, Chinese, Auction, Raffles and Bake Sale. Doors open at 10:00 A.M. for early-bird players (cards or board games). Lunch will be served at 12:00 P.M. Choice of entrèe: Chicken Romano, Crab Cakes or Pasta Primavera. Donation is $30.00. “Comic Relief” provided by Fr. Mark Thomas. Reservations must be made by Thursday, August 10. For reservations or additional information, please contact Laraine McGinnis at 724-263-2161 or 1am1719@verizon.net.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Congratulations to Jane Sacco who will be celebrating her 100th birthday

this Tuesday, August 8. May the Lord continue to bless you! Happy Birthday!

CATECHISTS NEEDED The Saint Malachy Religious Education program is in need of Catechists for Kindergarten and grade 7 during the Monday afternoon session. What is a Catechist? A Catechist is someone who teaches and “passes on the faith” to our students. Is God calling you to this important ministry? To learn more, contact Steven Swank at 412-771-7480 or swan-kymca@gmail.com.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE The loss of a spouse through separation, divorce, or death is a traumatic experience. The Beginning Experience weekend is intended to help widowed, divorced, or separated people who would like to pass through the grief and begin to move forward with their lives. Come to a safe place. The next retreat weekend will be September 15-17, 2017 at the Martina Spiritual Renewal Center, 5244 Clarwin Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15229 which is in West View/Ross Township. Payment arrangements and possible financial assistance are available. For more information, visit our website www.BeginningExperience.org or make a confiden-tial call to Mary at 412-523-2405 or Steve at 412-720-8694. Please keep our Priests, Seminarians,

Deacons and all Religious in your prayers.

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA BAPTISMAL PROGRAM FOR NEW

AND EXPECTING PARENTS The class will be held next Sunday, August 13, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM in the Gathering Place at St. Mary’s. To register or for more information, please call Tom Adams at 412-999-2985 or the parish office at 412-771-5646. STEEPLE CHASE STEELER

2017 FOOTBALL POOL Keep them coming, Steelers Nation! Steelers training camp has begun!

Optimistic predictions are that with their defense in its best shape in a long while and with the multi-talented offense, this could be a great season for our team. Our 1st Steeler football pool is filled ... a 2nd pool was started and is filling fast. Our deadline for the football pool is August 22 or as soon as the pool is filled, whichever comes first. Send in your form and check now. Remember it now takes an extra day or two for mail delivery to arrive. If you have just gotten back from vacation or the form is lying on the kitchen table, do it before you forget. Don’t be left out. Any questions, call Terry 412-331-3443. Our 100 block pool includes 16 regular season games beginning September 10. Payout per game: $100 half-time, $150 final cumulative score. Total cost for all 16 games is $80 or just $5 per game. All names and numbers are randomly drawn in advance. You keep the same block all season, coordinating numbers will change for each game. You will receive the completed pool for all 16 games prior to September 10. Buy one or more squares yourself or partner with someone and double your fun! They make great gifts too! Name your block with your given name or be creative. Put “STEELERS FOOTBALL POOL” on the front of the envelope �—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

PLEASE PRINT, FILL OUT COMPLETELY, MAIL TO: SJOG Parish, “Football Pool”, 1011 Church Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, or place in SJOG (OR SCAT) offertory basket or office mail drop off

by Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Make checks payable to St. John of God Parish.

I would like to purchase ______ square(s) @$80 per square ~ Enclosed is $_____________

Please Print

Name for my square(s) —————————–———————————————————————————— Owner’s Name ___________________________________________Phone__________________________ Street/City/State/Zip Code __________________________________________________________________

WORDS TO INSPIRE Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about. — St. Jane Frances de Chantal

GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATION The Diocese of Pittsburgh is once again planning its annual Golden Wedding Celebration for couples who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2017. This year’s event will begin with Mass at St. Paul Cathedral on Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 2:30 P.M. Bishop Zubik will be the main celebrant. A reception will follow in the lower hall at the Cathedral. Cathedral and hall are both wheelchair accessible. If you are one of the couples celebrating your 50th anniversary any time in 2017 and would like to receive an invitation to this event, please call the parish office, 412-771-5646, or drop a note in the collection basket no later than Monday, August 21.

Ninth Annual Mass Honoring OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

August 23, 2017 Mass - 7:00 P.M.

St. Paul’s Cathedral Pittsburgh, PA

Sponsored by Polish Falcons of America, Polish Falcons Heritage Foundation, and the Polish Clergy of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. For more information, contact the Polish Falcons Heritage Foundation, 1-844-203-9917 or visit polishheritage.org.

Kindly remember Saint John of God Parish in your will.

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD AUGUST 6, 2017

A DAY OF PRAYER A Day of Prayer, Discernment & Praise is being of-fered by the Pittsburgh Religious Vocation Council for Single Catholic Men and Women, ages 18 to 40. The Saturday, Sept. 9 event will be held from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at Mount Assisi Convent (GPS Ad-dress: 1515 Quaill Avenue, 15202). Donation: $10 (includes lunch and snacks). Participants are wel-come to come early for 9 A.M. Mass. RSVP: Sister Lorita Kristufek at 412-761-6004 by Sept. 1

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." Oh, to be on that moun-tain! What a priceless experience for Peter, James, and John. If they had ever doubted, if they

wondered whether Jesus was really who he said he was, their confidence surely got a boost on the day of the Transfiguration. Before their very eyes, Jesus' divine beauty radiated gloriously while the two an-cient prophets also appeared in miraculous man-ner. And to top it off, the voice of God the Father spoke from the heavens and confirmed that it was all true: Jesus really is the Son of God! Why did Jesus reveal himself in such a remarkable way to these men? Perhaps we have an answer in today's epistle. Peter writes, "We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain." Peter mentions this fact in order to confirm his credibility as a preacher as he goes on to say, "We possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it." Because of the mission that Peter had to help shape and nurture the Church in its earli-est days, his position as an "eyewitness" to the Transfiguration helped to gain the attention, and the faith, of his hearers. So although we were not there during this holy apparition, we have the benefit of it. We, and the faithful through the ages, have heard the testimony that Jesus is truly our God from those who saw in person that it was for real. In this way, the Transfigu-ration is able to bolster the faith of many, not just the three men who were there that day. May we have the grace to allow the feast we celebrate today to truly deepen our faith.

Anthony M. Musmanno Funeral Home, Inc.

Pre-Arrangements Available Anthony M. Musmanno, Jr., Supervisor Steven Matthew Bones, Funeral Director 700 7th Street

McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Phone: 412-331-0900

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LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR RUMMAGE SALE

The Little Sisters of the Poor are having a rummage sale of clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, books and assorted items. Their Home is located in the Brighton Heights neighborhood at 1028 Benton Avenue, North Side 15212. The sale is August 10, 11 and 12 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. daily. Saturday is the “bag sale.” All proceeds will benefit the elderly Residents living at the Home. This will be the final sale for this year. For more information or directions, please contact the Home at 412-307-1100.

THE TRANSFIGURATION In the mystery of the Transfiguration Jesus reveals to his disciples that he is the Son of God and that he will come again in glory at the end of age. Yet, this magnificent sight

occurs only after Jesus tells his followers that they must take up their crosses I order to follow him. Jesus wants us to share in his glory, while at the same time encourages us to be prepared for the challenges that may arise along the way. Join Bishop David Zubik in prayer and worship at one of the On Mission for The Church Alive! Summer Ses-sions and continue to prepare your heart for the big changes that will soon take place in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The changes may challenge us, but we trust in the work of the Holy Spirit to provide the gifts and resources for the Church to grow and thrive. The Summer Sessions will be held from 7 PM to 8:30 PM on the following days: Thursday, Aug. 24 at St. Mary of the Assumption, Glenshaw; Monday, Aug. 28 at St. Thomas More, Bethel Park; Tuesday, Aug. 29 at St. Margaret Mary, Moon Township; Wednesday, Aug. 30 at St. Kilian, Adams/Cranberry Townships. Visit onmissionchurchalive.org to learn more.

NEIGHBORLY LOVE We can never love our neighbor too much.

— St. Francis de Sales

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA PASTOR'S CORNER Fr. Lou Vallone

Guest columnist: An anonymous parishioner (Since I became Pastor at St. Catherine in 2005, because of increased participation and attendance. it was necessary to double the number of parking spaces in the gravel lot, and then later increase that again by 25%. At St. John of God, since we have gone to only one Mass on Sunday mornings, we have suddenly developed a shortage of parking spaces where once kids had enough room even during Mass, to play ball in the large paved lot. Problems of growth in our parishes are the kind I don't mind having to deal with! (I received the following e-mail from a parishioner. I don't know who he is since it is only signed with his screen name. With his permission, I am sharing his perspective on the situation with you) "Fr. Lou Social psychology is social psychology. The wife and I usually hit the OPM (Old People’s Mass…and I’m 69) on Saturday. We normally get there around 3:35-3:40. We like to get one of the choice “back the car in against the hillside” parking spots. Takes all the worry of having to back an SUV out of a space between two other SUV’s into a lane which might have other cars trying to get out, or another old person pulling forward from a coveted hillside spot at the same time. I do not need that level of trepidation and excitement. At that time the church is starting to fill up. Old people are generally not late. I think it might be because we were raised by fathers who just got out of WW II. My father raised me on Marine time…if we weren’t at least 10 minutes early we were late.

But for Sunday Masses…both at St. Catherine’s and my previous parish, Holy Trinity…we can get there at around 8:50 and, as The Gunner used to say, good seats are available…outside and inside. The church, and lot, are fairly empty. But… …coming to the rescue are the :57 Christians. These are the folk who have such control of their schedules that they can time it out to get to church from 8:57 to 9:00. Fills the church up quite nicely. I’d like to think I could be that regimented also, but I know I can’t. Bless you, :57 Christians, I salute you." And I too, as Pastor, salute you, especially during these hot summer months for remaining faithful to your Mass attendance. Don't worry about a lack of room in the parking lots and pews: keep up with the practice of the Faith and there will be plenty good room in heaven for all of us!

St. John of God Parish Membership Form

Name __________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________ City _________________________ Zip _________ Phone _______________

CHECK ONE: � New Registration � Change of Address � Moving out of Parish � Want Envelopes

Please drop Membership Form into the offertory basket or mail to Rectory.

Diocesan Victim Assistance Hotline 1-888-808-1235

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE by Bud Ozar The apostles were just being practical when they asked Jesus to “dismiss the crowds to go buy food.” Jesus know there is always enough when we place in the Father, even with just 5 loaves and fishes. Trust is the bridge to miracles.