Recent News
- 29.01.10The Teen Chorale of the TriCounty Choir Institute will be presenting the Musical Passion Play “Why Must He Die?”. It will be presented in 13 performances in churches of all denominations during this Lenten season. The twenty-four cast members include college to junior high students from 18 schools including: Aliquippa HS, Ambridge HS, Avonworth Jr. & HS, Beaver Falls HS, ...Read more...
- 03.11.09This isn’t your parent’s bible study! Come join other teens from around the area to have food, hang out and learn about our gifts and what Jesus tells us about life, love and everything else! Bring a friend! All are welcome! We already met a couple times this year and had fun, laughed and learned things we never knew about being a Christian. Ask any question in a chilled out atmosphere!...Read more...
- 03.11.09Over 75 kids had a blast, snacks, danced and won some best costume prizes at our biggest OC dance to date! Much thanks to our organizers and all who helped! All 6th, 7th and 8th graders and friends from all schools are welcome at all OC events! Check out the pictures of dancing and being with friends! We raised $310 for a family in need and charity from this event!...Read more...
- 24.08.09A few thoughts regarding the National Study on Religion and American Youth and the subsequent book and documentary.Here is the link:Read more...
http://www.pittsburghcatholic.org/columnists_storys.phtml?id=1288
... - 30.07.09High school event!Read more...
Showing “Bella” PG 13. The Movie “Bella”, a Toronto Film Fest winner, got tons of acclamations two years ago! Find out why if you haven’t seen it and if you have you know you want to see it again! A powerful movie about love and sacrifice that goes beyond romance! Two lives crash together, one an ex- sports star and another a NYC waitress, find out what happens! Three lives... - 30.07.09This event is for all ND vision participants, their parents and anyone who is interested in learning more about the ND vision program and St. James Veritas youth, parents or teens! We may have a ND faith mentor and St. Cecilia Band member joining us too! The first hour will be a joint group with food, fellowship and testimony. The second hour there will be time for the teens to hang out alone and ...Read more...
- 07.07.092009 Transitions Retreat for high school grads. Meet with others, prepare for your future after your recent high school graduation. Be not afraid, survive the transition and get ready to impact the world! A Diocese event! Be adventuresome, bring a friend or make a new one. Gilmary Retreat Center August 7-9 two overnights $50, everything included! To register contact Daniel Weikert at (412)741-6650...Read more...
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Home From the Pastor's Desk The Baptism of the Lord
Home From the Pastor's Desk The Baptism of the Lord| The Baptism of the Lord |
| The Christmas Season ends today with the Baptism of the Lord. Following the Masses this Sunday, all the Christmas decorations will be removed, and we will enter into the Ordinary Season. The Christmas Season basically consists of three feasts: The Nativity, The Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord. There is a movement within the season which begins with God’s arrival celebrating the Incarnation. The Nativity is celebrated as an octave because of its importance. These are eight days to revel in God’s new way of being present—in the flesh. This is not enough however. We must come to realize the significance of the birth. God has come here to do something. The Epiphany, meaning manifestation, leads us to a deeper realization that the “wood of the crib” is the “wood of the cross.” This child is born to die, that is, give his life for us. The gifts of the magi represent the hidden purpose. Once we come to this deeper awareness, we want to rush to his baptism where he begins his “public ministry.” At the Jordan River, Jesus begins his “work” of salvation. The years prior to his public ministry are referred to as the “hidden years.” The Baptism is also an “epiphany” or manifestation where we discover more about more about the child who is now a grown man. We hear from Luke’s Gospel how the baptism takes place. There are three things that happen after the baptism. First the heavens are opened; secondly, the Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove; and finally the Father speaks, “You are my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” The significance of this epiphany is the revelation of the Trinity intimately involved in the work of the incarnation and redemption. The profound effect is the opening of heaven. Heaven has come to earth. In Christ, heaven and earth intersect. The Father is pleased because the Son is doing his father’s will. It is Father’s will that heaven come here to earth, and this is accomplished in Christ through the Holy Spirit who is directing this “re-creation” of the world. As in the book of Genesis the Sprit of God hovers over the waters stirring them and bringing forth life to a motionless world. This is the beginning of a new age, the reigning of God on earth. What we see happening becomes the template which is repeated in each of our baptisms. Jesus work culminates in the giving of his life for us. “I lay down my life in order that you may take it up again.” This is his mission which he embraces at the Jordan River, and will be accomplished through his death and resurrection. |