April 7, 2013 - St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

PARISH FAMILY OF ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION
SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY
APRIL 7, 2013
PARISH STAFF
Mr. Francis Dadowski, Deacon
Mr. James Finn, Pastoral Associate
Mr. Levi Hartle, Seminarian
Mr. Robert Kardasz, Dir. of Music Ministries
Father John Marcucci, Pastor
Father Jeffrey Molnar, Parochial Vicar
Ms. Antoinette Pilarski, Principal
Father William Rutledge, Retired in Residence
Sr. Lois Spinnenweber, CDP, Apostolate Minister
Miss Rose Stegman, Dir. of Faith Formation
2510 Middle Road
Glenshaw, PA 15116
Founded 1834
Web Site: stmaryglenshaw.org
E-Mail: rectory@stmaryglenshaw.org
Parish Family Administration Office: 412-486-4100
Religious Formation Office - 412-486-5521 Parochial School -412-486-7611
Youth Ministry Office - 412-486-4100 Marian Hall - 412-684-1112
Social Ministry Office - 412-486-4021 Fax: 412-486-4150
SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE
Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
DAILY LITURGY SCHEDULE
Monday through Friday at 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Saturday at 8:00 a.m.
RECONCILIATION
Saturday at 11:00 a.m. until final penitent is finished
BAPTISM
On Sunday twice a month after parental interview
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Twice a year in a communal celebration
Individually upon request
MATRIMONY
Saturday weddings at 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m.
Notification at least 6 months in advance
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Monday at 12:00 noon

Page Two St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Vol. 62 No. 14
SACRAMENTS OF EASTER
It is quite obvious to all who have assembled at
one of our liturgies during this past week that the
Easter Season has arrived in its entire splendor. The
aura of the liturgy has taken on a NEW LIFE quality.
The beauty of the décor, the magnificence of the
music and the richness of the celebrations speak
loudly to all who gather that the Lord Jesus who died
on the cross is ALIVE in our midst!
These fifty days of the Easter Season will be
filled with the celebration of the Sacraments of
Initiation: Baptism being celebrated each Sunday, the
Group First Eucharist set to come on the last Sunday
of this month and the Sacrament of Confirmation on
May 21 st . The Easter Season will end on Pentecost
Sunday, May 19 th inviting all parishioners to mark all
of these Easter season days as “red letter days of
parish life” in the glory of the Resurrection.
EASTER SEASON BAPTISMS
Baptism is very appropriate during the Easter
Season. Children brought for baptism are immersed
in the mystery of the dying and rising of the Christ.
We remind parents planning a baptism that they must
schedule a pre-baptism session before the baptism of
their child can be scheduled. We encourage parents to
call for this session during the pregnancy of the
mother so that it does not become a last minute rush.
FISH DINNER REPORT
A special thank-you to all those volunteers and all
those who patronized our fish dinners this year as a
profit of $21,539.59 was gleaned, the most ever! In
fact there were 6,225 dinners served over the course of
the six Fridays of Lent, averaging over 1000 per week.
A written report for the entire dinner is available at the
doors of the church for those who would like to look
over the expenses and deposits. Maybe, even
important than the fiscal gain for the Parish Family, is
the magnificent spirit of hospitality and camaraderie
that was felt by all those parishioners and others who
attended the dinners!
CATHOLICS COMING HOME
Members of our “Catholics Coming Home”
Ministry will meet on Wednesday of this week at 7:00
p.m. in the rectory. This gathering is open to any
parishioner who would like to help in the process of
reaching out to those distant from the Faith.
CHURCH ALIVE CAMPAIGN (part 1)
All those persons throughout the Diocese would
have been cognizant of all that happens in our
Diocese are on to the fact that the Diocese has begun
a “Campaign For the Church Alive” as directed by
our Bishop. Some parishes have already been
involved in inviting their parishioners to contribute
to this important campaign. The campaign for our
Parish Family will not begin until the end of this
year, but we have already created an “Executive
Committee” who will oversee this process. Any
parishioner who might wish to serve on this team
should let their interest know by calling the rectory.
“EXTENDED STAFF APPRECIATION”
Members of the Extended Staff are reminded of
their appreciation luncheon set for next Sunday,
April 14 th beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Marian Hall.
This is simply a small token extended to those who
serve on the Extended Staff for their commitment to
our Parish Family in this past year. We remind those
involved in this luncheon to make their response by
Tuesday of this coming week.
PARISH SHARE CONTRIBUTIONS
Parish Share pledge cards may be placed in
the Sunday collection at any time, or sent by mail
back to the Parish Family. Use the form that was sent
to your home, or any other envelope clearly marked
as Parish Share. We hope that all parishioners feel
the responsibility to help in this collection, as we
need everyone to help us to reach our assessment!
FESTIVAL
FLASHES
The dates for our 2013 Parish Family Festival have been
set for June 20 – 21 – 22 (Thursday thru Saturday after
Father’s Day) …. volunteers are always needed to help
with an invitation open to all parishioners … raffle
tickets are now being prepared for parish members ….
those who wish to sponsor a booth are asked to make
their request known by calling the rectory …. new
games and new prizes will be coming … delicious
dinners being planned!
SUPER BINGO: THIS FRIDAY
OUR SEASON FINALE!
FREE BUFFET DINNER
“WINNING IS WAITING FOR YOU”

Liturgies
for the
Week3\
Sunday, April 7, 2013 - Sunday of Divine Mercy
4:00 p.m. Eleanor Lichvarcik - Jerome Sovich
6:00 p.m. Herman Fritsch - Eleanor Moore & Family
7:30 a.m. The Living & Deceased of Our Parish Family
9:00 a.m. Denny Fitch - Mary Jayne Kress
11:00 a.m. James P. Rosswog - Mary & John Parrish
5:00 p.m. Youth Mass
Monday, April 8, 2013 - The Annunciation of the Lord
7:00 a.m. Caroline B. Druzak - Kelly Zoeller
10:00 a.m. Huminski Family - The Sherred Family
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - Easter Weekday
7:00 a.m. Jack Tucek - Don & Debra Bellisario
10:00 a.m. Margaret Costa - Mary
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - Easter Weekday
7:00 a.m. Owen Finley Stevens - Grandma & Pa
10:00 a.m. Robert Fisher - Rich & Toni Matessa
Thursday, April 11, 2013 - St. Stanislaus
7:00 a.m. Emma Starcevic - Dee & Family
10:00 a.m. Clement Kawka - Family
Friday, April 12, 2013 - Easter Weekday
7:00 a.m. Jeffrey Kinder - The Wisser Family
10:00 a.m. Esther Finn Mogus - Rita & Jim Finn
Saturday, April 13, 2013 - St. Martin I
8:00 a.m. Thomas Zierenberg - Faith Formation Team
4:00 p.m. Leonora Conley - Family
6:00 p.m. Ruth Zihmer - The Coyle Family
Sunday, April 14, 2013 - Third Sunday of Easter
7:30 a.m. Tim Tarr - Karolyn & Bud Hunkele
9:00 a.m. The Living & Deceased of Our Parish Family
11:00 a.m. Peter Dukovich - Mark & Sue Ferguson
5:00 p.m. Youth Mass
APRIL 7, 2013
Sunday
April 7
jxx~Äç Tvà|ä|à|xá tà t ZÄtÇvx
Hospitality after all Liturgies
(Rectory) 10:00AM - R.C.I.A.
(Providence Hall) 10:00AM - Grade 2 Cluster Meeting
(Marian Hall) 12:00PM - Grade 8 Cluster Meeting
(Marian Hall) 6:00PM - Youth Ministry Gathering
Monday (School) 4:30PM - CCD Classes
April 8 (School) 6:30PM - CCD Classes
Tuesday (Marian Hall) 1:50PM - School D.A.R.E. Program Graduation
April 9 (Pantry) 3:00PM - Open Pantry
(Rectory) 4:00PM - St. Vincent dePaul Society Mtg.
Wednesday (Marian Hall) 1:30PM - 55 Social Group Bingo
April 10 (Church) 2:45PM - Children’s Choir Practice
(Rectory) 7:00PM - Catholics Coming Home Mtg.
(Church) 7:30PM - Adult Choir Practice
Thursday
April 11
(Church) 2:45PM - Children’s Cantor Practice
(Church) 8:00PM - Adult Hand Bells
Friday (School) 10:00AM - School Liturgy
April 12 (Marian Hall) 7:00PM - SUPER Bingo
Saturday (Church) 7:30AM - Respect Life Rosary
April 13 (School) 8:00AM - 2nd Saturday Men’s Group
(School) 10:00AM - CCD Classes
Sunday
April 14
Page Three
(Providence Hall) 10:00AM - Grade 2 Cluster Meeting
(Marian Hall) 11:00AM - Liturgy of the Word for Children
((Marian Hall) 12:00PM - Grade 8 Cluster Meeting
(Marian Hall) 12:30PM - Extended Staff Appreciation
Luncheon
(Marian Hall) 6:00PM - Youth Ministry Gathering
Daily
Readings
SUNDAY
OF
DIVINE MERCY
March 23/24, 2013 Envelopes Contributions
Offertory 747 $19,919.20
Cash/Loose Checks - $923.00
Children’s Offertory 31 $56.00
Parish Needy/St. Vincent de Paul 24 $483.00
Parish Share 2013 59 $3,125.00
Campaign for Human Development 7 $131.00
Easter Flowers Collection 29 $855.00
Easter Offertory 9 $305.00
Totals 906 $25,797.20
April 8: Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
April 9: Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7b-15
April 10: Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21
April 11: Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36
April 12: Acts 5:34-42; Jn 6:1-15
April 13: Acts 6:1-7; Jn 6:16-21
April 14: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Rev 5:11-14;
Jn 231:1-19 [1-14]

SACRAMENTAL LIFE
Home with the Lord
Remember Lord and welcome into your Kingdom
those who have died and have gone before us marked
in the sign of faith, especially Godfrey Perdziola,
Dante Spaminato, grandson of Rose, Mary Castle,
mother of Margaret Fitzgibbons and Linda Kleber,
Richard Kriston and Eileen Moore, mother of Rose
Natoli. Please remember to pray for the consolation of
their loved ones.
Ever thought of asking someone to become a Catholic?
Have YOU, who are not Catholic, ever thought of
exploring the Catholic Faith because of the example set
by your spouse, your children, or a neighbor?
Sometimes a simple invitation and the movement of the
grace of God can bear wonderful fruit. For more
information on the RCIA, (Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults) call Jim Finn at 412.486.4100.
A VOCATION VIEW
Are you like Thomas? Do you need to see to believe?
Pray for faith and trust.
LET THE LITTLE CHILREN COME TO ME
All families with children age five and under are welcome
to join us on the first and third Wednesday of the
month for PRAY and PLAY DAY. More information
is available: stmaryschildrenpray@gmail.com
SECOND SATURDAY MEN’S GROUP
We will meet in St. Mary School, on April 13,
following the 8:00am Mass. Won’t you consider
joining us? Share with us discussion and fellowship.
Hope to see you there!
APRIL 7, 2013 Page Four
RELIGIOUS FORMATION
Faith Sharing for Second Sunday of Easter
“My Lord and My God!” is what Thomas said
when he saw Jesus after not believing that Jesus was
alive and the other disciples had seen him. Jesus’
words to Thomas are as vital for us today, “Blessed
are those who have not seen yet believe”. This Year
of Faith is a call to each of us to keep our eyes open
to the presence of Jesus among us. He’s surely in
His Word proclaimed at Mass, in his own Body and
Blood given in the Eucharist, in the person of his
ordained priests, bishops and Holy Father, Pope
Francis, and in EVERY baptized Christian – yes,
right in your own family, in your home. Greet Jesus
in those with whom you live…believe He IS ALIVE,
here with us !!!
Sacraments Grow In Faith Together:
Grade 2 Children and Parents
We will meet for the April GIFT cluster meeting
THIS Sunday, April 7, 10:00 AM in our school,
Room 23 by the library - enter at BACK of the
school, or Sunday April 14, 10:00 AM in Providence
Hall. Just four weeks till the celebration of First
Eucharist with our Grade 2 candidates.
Grade 8 Confirmation Candidates’ GIFT Clusters
We will meet THIS Sunday at Noon in our school
Providence Hall or Sunday, April 14 at Noon in
MARIAN Hall.
Faith Formation for Children in Public Schools:
Monday, April 8 – All meet in classrooms. Be
sure to bring your Gospel Weeklies and book to
class.
Saturday, April 13 – All meet in church at
10:00 AM , Grade 4 assist with the Liturgy of the
Word.
Family Program Families - See the objectives
to be discussed and studies on the checklist for
March- April. Do the Gospel weekly lesson for
April 14. Where will your family have breakfast
on April 14 ? …did YOU see Jesus?
ADULT ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY
Our new Bible Study held on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30PM in
the Faith Formation Office in our school will be “The Year of
Faith.” A bible study for Catholics by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J..
Over the past several years, it has been spiritually rewarding
and at the same time… fun! Any questions, please call Dori
Monahan at 412-848-2428.

YOUTH GROUP NEWS
YOUTH MINISTRY
YOUTH SOUP SALE
We will have one more soup sale!
The soup order forms will be in the bulletin as an insert the weekend of
April 6 th and 7 th . We will also have a table set for the youth to take
orders after mass in the vestibule. You may also place the order in the
collection basket the weekend of APRIL 13 TH and 14 th . The orders will
be tallied on Monday April 15 th they will be ready for pick-up the
weekend of April 20 th and 21 st . Thank you!!!!
YOUTH MASS
Join us tonight at 5:00PM to celebrate our Youth Mass with Fr. Ed.
After the Liturgy you are invited to share fellowship with us in Marian
Hall. Hope to see you there!
LIFETEEN
Our Lifeteen ministry is up and running. We are so excited!! All 9 th
through 12 th graders are welcome. Lifeteen is for ALL who want to have
a great time and be with friends while also growing closer to Christ
through a personal relationship. See you all next week!!
OPEN HOUSE AT THE JAM
All are welcomed to walk thru the JAM to see the new renovation.
Parents come see where your teens will be hanging out and see the warm
environment that has been created. The Jam will open for teens on
Wednesday, April 10th from 2:30 to 5:30 for Middle School and
7:00 to 9:00 for High School.
SOFTBALL
Co-ed softball is finally here. We will be accepting boys and girls now
thru April 22nd. I must have physicals and registration in by this date.
There will not be registrations accepted after this date. Please return the
registration to the rectory or turn them into Christine Miller at a Youth
Mass or Life Night. You can pick up the forms at the Youth Bulletin
Board or the CYM Diocesan Website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The JAM is opened. Come have a great time hanging out with your
friends. The Jam has a lot to offer. There is a coffee house atmosphere
with a TV. Also a kitchen to bake cookies in and EAT!! We also have a
Movie Theatre Room with popcorn popper to enjoy while watching a
movie. Play Station 3, Ping Pong Tables and Air Hockey are also
available. Not to mention playing cards. So please we can’t wait to meet
you.
CROSSWALK
Thank you everyone for coming out and supporting the crosswalk. We
did get lucky and enjoyed some much needed sunshine. Thank you to all
the participants for their commitment. We can’t do it without the teens.
EASTER BLESSINGS!
All of us at EDGE want to wish everyone at
St. Mary's a Blessed and Joyous Easter!
Thank you for all of your love and support! It is appreciated
more than we can ever say!
UPCOMING EDGE NIGHT SCHEDULE!
EDGE Nights will resume on Sunday, April 7 when we will meet
at 6:15 pm in MARIAN HALL. It will be a wonderfully
HALLOWED experience!
KEEPING UP WITH EDGE!
If you'd like to keep up with our EDGE Night activities, please
check out the Youth Ministry bulletin board at the back of the church.
Each week we post pictures from our EDGE nights so all can see the
Holy Spirit alive in our youth!
APRIL 7, 2013 Page Five
ST. MARY
SCHOOL
St. Mary School News
REGISTRATION
Any family who might be interested in receiving a faith-filled,
value-centered, quality education for their child is most welcome
to come and see our school.
St. Mary School provides a 3 and 4 year-old preschool program in
addition to our kindergarten through 8th grades. The St. Anthony
School Program is also an integral part of our school community.
An Extended Day Program is also available for parents in need of
this service.
Please call the school office at 412-486-7611 to set up an
appointment for an individual tour. We welcome you and look
forward to meeting you and your child.
SUPER BINGO
A Super Bingo will take place on Friday,
April 12, 2013 in Marian Hall. Advance
tickets are $35.00 each or can be purchased at
the door for $40.00 each. Admission includes
12 cards for each regular game and four
specials: 30 regular games at 70 points each, 2 specials at 100
points each; 2 specials at 200 points each; one 500 and one 1000
point jackpot. Doors open at 5:30 PM; bingo begins at 7:00 PM.
The evening also includes raffles, quickies and instant bingos.
Proceeds benefit St. Mary School. Call Coleen Sarosi at
412.486.6622 for more information and tickets.
ST. MARY’S FIRST ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
Pittsburgh National Golf Club - West Deer Township
Saturday - May 11, 2013
Tee Time: 1:00 pm - Registration is at 12:00pm
Single Golf: $100.00
Group of 4: $400.00
We are accepting sponsorships on all Holes
Partial: $125.00
Whole (Exclusive only): $200.00
Please come out and join the fun!
Please contact Becky Kass at 412-215-2789 for more
information and reservations.
MAGNIFICANT PITTSBURGH
Ladies, don’t miss the next Magnificant Pittsburgh prayer
breakfast with speaker Holly Joy Penzenstadler, on Saturday,
May 18, from 9:00AM to Noon at the Clarion Green Tree. God
touched Holly Joy to serve His Kingdom at an early age, but her
steady path toward God took a sharp turn when she was diagnosed
with cancer. Holly Joy is the Associate Director in the
Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of
Pittsburgh. The cost of breakfast is $20.00. To register, call
412-461-8906, www.magnificatpittsburgh.org.
Diocese of Pittsburgh Abuse Hotline: 1.888.808.1235

OUR PARISH NEWS
Special Days this Week
April 7 – Saint John Baptist de la Salle, patron saint of teachers.
(Not celebrated as the Sunday liturgy takes precedence)
April 8 – Annunciation of the Lord to Mary (transferred from March
25) Pray the Joyful mysteries of the rosary to honor Mary today.
April 11 – Saint Stanislaus of Cracow, martyr and a patron saint of
Poland.
April 13 – Saint Martin I, pope who was martyred because of his
loyalty to Christ and opposition to the immoral rulings of the emperor in
655 AD.
RICE BOWLS
Please return yours Rice Bowl this week. See the special tall box
receptacle to place them. THANKS in advance for all who participated
in using the Rice Bowl to help the most needy served through Catholic
Relief Services.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED!
The G.I.F.T. Faith Communities of Rome and Tyre, please
mark your calendars for Saturday, May 18, which will start with
the Eucharistic Celebration at the Table of our Lord at 6:00PM
Mass followed by a POT LUCK DINNER in Marian Hall. The
evening will include your delicious, simple recipes as well as
exceptional Family Entertainment which will be enjoyed by
children of all ages! Will you come home for the evening to
St. Mary’s for some family fun? We warmly welcome all who
can join us!
MARKET DAY has tantalizing foods for
springtime and up-coming celebrations of
Communions, Graduations, and more. Pick up a
flier at our church exits. Delivery will be April 29th.
ST. MARY’S CONDOR 5K
FUN RUN / WALK
Saturday, May 18, 2013 @ 9am. Join us for the inaugural
Condor 5k Fun Run/Walk. A fun and rugged course covering the
hills and valleys on the grounds of St. Mary of the Assumption.
$20 adults (14 & over, t-shirt included). $10 children (under 14,
t-shirt included). QUESTIONS?? Contact Cara Kelly @
ckelly@northwood.com or 412-849-9482; Registration forms
can be found @ www.stmaryglenshaw.org/school/organizations/smaa/
St. Mary of the Assumption Choir members will be joining The
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as it opens the inaugural Music for the
Spirit Festival in grand fashion with "Singing City," a large-scale,
historic concert event at the University of Pittsburgh's Petersen Events
Center.
Performing together with Music Director Manfred Honeck and the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be an ensemble of thousands from
the Pittsburgh region and surrounding areas. Repertoire highlights will
include the Chorale Finale of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection,"
as well as the world premiere of a newly commissioned work for a
cappella choir by Pittsburgh native, Jonny Priano.
Singing City celebrates the power of music to promote and spread a
universal and spiritual message. Please join us for this once-in-a-lifetime
performance-- a true cultural milestone for the city of Pittsburgh!
Tickets: $20/adults, $10/students, $5/children 12 and under - for tickets,
please visit pittsburghsymphony.org/singingcity or call 800-745-3000.
APRIL 7, 2013 Page Six
Our NEIGHBORHOOD HAPPENINGS
RENEW the “I DO” II
Back by Popular Demand!
RENEW THE “I DO”
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 4:00PM
ALL married couples of the Parish/School Family are invited to a
very special evening Mass at St. Mary’s to RENEW THEIR
MARRIAGE VOWS! At 4:00PM, sip champagne as a new
guest speaker will present in Marian Hall. Mass will begin at
5:00PM with Renewal of Wedding Vows and Blessing of Rings,
celebrated by Fr. John. The evening culminates with an optional
Celebration Dinner at Narcisi Winery from 6:15-9:00PM.
Reservations and advance payment required for dinner
portion ONLY. $95/couple includes dinner, wine, gratuity,
music, friends, and FUN! Contact Arlene Milon at
milons@mac.com to make dinner reservations, and/or volunteer
to be a table host. Space is limited for dinner, so reserve your
spot today!
ST. MARY’S FOR LIFE
We will meet Thursday, April 11, 2013, at 7:00PM in room 23 of
St. Mary School. All are welcome!!
GIRLS, GRADES 7 & 8
Come to a gathering at Saint Joseph Convent in Baden on
Sunday, April 21 or Wednesday, April 24. EXPLORE! is a
program for young women in seventh and eighth grade or high
school who might want to learn more about a vocation as a
Sister. I believe that God is offering the gift of a religious
vocation to many young people today. However, many young
women have very little knowledge of personal awareness of what
a call to consecrated religious life might involve. For more
information, contact Sister Marguerite Kropinak, CSJ, 724-869-
6585 or margkrop@gmail.com .
THIS WEEK, Actor Martin Sheen of “The Way’” is coming
to Pittsburgh. He will be the guest speaker at the Thomas
Merton Center’s Spring Dinner, 5:00-8:00 pm, April 13 at
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, 4141 Fifth Ave, Oakland.
Admission: $50, low income & students $30. Catholic students in
Senior year in High school, college, or university may be guests
of Father Bernard Survil. Contact 412-361-3022.
March 30/31, 2013 Envelopes Contributions
Offertory 812 $20,862.85
Cash/Loose Checks - $1,457.00
Children’s Offertory 52 $123.14
Parish Needy/St. Vincent de Paul 30 $707.00
Parish Share 2013 64 $5,896.00
Good Friday/Holy Land Collection 211 $3,163.00
Easter Flowers Collection 3 $22.00
Easter Offertory 731 $21,171.00
Campaign for Human Development 1 $1.00
Totals 1904 $53,402.99

APRIL 7, 2013 Page Seven
PASTORAL IMPRESSIONS from Father John
The radiant magnificence of the Easter Season is upon us and its presence can be felt throughout the
entire church. As soon as we step inside our sacred building, the captivating aroma of the flowers gets our
attention. Then, we immediately see the splendid array of the Easter décor that makes us pause in our tracks.
An impressive Easter Candle, a fountain of running water and oil stocks front and center tell all of us that this
is not simply a time of beautiful temporal ornamentation; but these are moments of eternal sacramental life!
The Easter Season resounds with vestiges of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and
Eucharist. From the Easter Vigil, when five members of our Parish Family received the sacraments in the
most important liturgy of the entire year; all throughout the days of April, a name seemingly derived from the
Latin word “aperire” (“to open,” like the new buds of the flowers); the Easter Season is about the “opening”
of our spiritual life in the Sacraments of Initiation. All of us might note how precisely our Parish Family
holds fast to this liturgical setting since we will celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation during this time.
Today we are reminded of the importance of the “first’ of the Sacraments of Initiation: BAPTISM. All
during this Easter Season, children will be baptized “during the Sunday liturgy in some cases” and for others
it will take place after the 11:00 a.m. liturgy. Parents make their own choice about the day and time according
to their own personal schedule that might bring the most members of their family and friendships to this
significant moment for their child. Baptism “opens up” for us new life as we are plunged into the font of
running water imitating a process of dying and rising with the Lord Jesus and thus we become a new creation.
We are anointed with the oil of salvation from the oil stocks brought from the Chrism Liturgy at the
Cathedral on Holy Thursday, and thus made strong in the life of Christ. A candle lit from the new fire of the
Easter Candle speaks to us of the fire of the Holy Spirit set ablaze in our hearts. The entire Parish Family is
renewed in the life of the Holy Spirit as we are again sprinkled with the baptismal water of the font.
The Easter Season has become a time for the Parish Family of St. Mary of the Assumption to RELIVE
the Sacraments of Initiation in our lives, not simply to remember them in our mind!!!