09/06/2026
Dear Parishioners,
As I rarely get to see my family, I will be away for the entire month of September to visit my mother and siblings in the Philippines. Many of you can probably relate to the challenge of missing important family occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas. Being away from loved ones is difficult, and the 26- hour journey is both long and costly, which prevents me from visiting them often. I am taking this vacation to spend quality time with them and make up for those missed moments.
While serving as a priest far from my homeland is a big challenge, I have embraced this calling from the Lord. It is a privilege and an honor to walk this road less traveled, shepherding the people and serving the Church. This trip will also serve as a personal time off to recharge and renew—just as Jesus took His disciples away from their ministry to rest. Furthermore, it gives me a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate my 20th anniversary of priesthood with my family.
September Schedule Adjustments While I am away, priests from the Benedictine community in Latrobe will be celebrating our masses. Please note the temporary schedule changes for September:
–Weekday Masses: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only.
–No Weekday Masses: Tuesdays and Thursdays.
–Wednesday Adoration: 5:00 PM (followed by Mass at 6:00 PM).
–Weekend Masses: Unchanged (Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 9:30 AM).
-Confessions: Cancelled for the month, except on Saturday, September 19. Special Missionary Appeal
On September 19 and 20, Rev. Raymond Thomas from the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio will visit our parish to celebrate the masses. He will be representing Unbound, an organization our parish has proudly supported in the past, to present on their vital ministry. He will be staying in the rectory through Sunday.
Emergency & Pastoral Needs
Everything is fully in place for the parish during my absence. If you have an emergency sick call or any pastoral needs, please contact the parish office and the staff will facilitate your request. After office hours please contact our sacristan, John Hovance. He can be reach at his phone number: 724-600-4972
Please be kind to our parish staff while I am away. I humbly ask for your prayers for my safe travel and a fruitful visit with my family. May God bless you all.
- Fr. Ron -
