Parish Clergy Rev. Louis F. Vallone Rev. Regis J. Ryan Rev. Robert J. Zajdel Deacon Robert J. Stein Staff Mr. John Fatula, Director of Religious Ed. Ms. Elna Johnson, Director of Music Mrs. Mary Ann Jones, Director of Finances Mrs. Janice Lipa, Parish Secretary Mr. Andrew Burkholder, Cemetery Manager Mr. Wayne Summers, Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Steven Swank, Youth Minister Safe Environment Coordinators Mr. John Fatula, Sunday School Mr. Steven Swank, Parish

www.sjogparish.com Parish Office/Residence ............................... 412-771-5646 Parish Fax ..................................................... 412-331-0678 Religious Education (Sunday School).......... 412-331-8501 Youth Ministry ............................................412-331-8525 Religious Ed/Youth Ministry Fax................412-331-8500 Bingo (Social Hall/Mother of Sorrows).......... 412-331-8530 Cemeteries (St. Mark’s/St. Mary’s)...... 412-331-1309 Pizza Kitchen (Fridays) ........................ 412-331-8530

Saturday Vigil .................. 4:30 PM Church - (St. Mary) Sunday ................................................... 7:30 AM Church 9:30 AM Chapel - (Mother of Sorrows) 11:30 AM Church Weekday Schedule Monday–Friday ....................................... 9:30 AM Church Confessions: Saturday 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM and 5:30 PM 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 PM (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 anticipating surgery after the 7:30 a.m. Mass every Sunday at the Church at St. Mary’s, and by request. 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.

CHURCH: 1011 Church Ave • CHAPEL: One Desiderio Way, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Celebration of the Sacraments

Mass Schedule

Office Telephones FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • MAY 6, 2012

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA It is with great joy in our hearts that we welcome our children to the Table of the Lord as they receive our Lord Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time this Sunday, May 6, at the 11:30 AM Mass. May they

always be as close to our Lord as they are on this very special day.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SAINT JOHN OF GOD PARISH

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS 2012

Christopher Adams, Jr. Jonathan Kownacki Giovanni DiMichele Taryn Shutika Isaiah DiMichele Tyler Solack Braden Flint Samuel Vennel Maranda Kelly Mitchell Worthington Brianna Killcrece

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, May 5 to Sunday, May 13, 2012

Saturday Vigil, May 5: 4:30 PM Church In Honor of the Blessed Mother (Rosemarie Litterini) Sunday, May 6: 7:30 AM Church Arnold J. Hoffman (Brother, William) Sunday, May 6: 9:30 AM Chapel Anniv - Andy Leto (Wife & Children) Sunday, May 6: 11:30 AM Church First Communion _______________________________________________

WEEKDAYS — 9:30 AM CHURCH Monday, May 7: Parish Family of Saint John of God Tuesday, May 8: Lillian Huntz Bucci (St. Mary’s Class-mates) Tuesday, May 8: 6:30 PM, Chapel: Novena Prayers to St. Anthony (week 8) Wednesday, May 9: Parish Family of Saint John of God Thursday, May 10: Peggy DeAngelis (Husband & Family) Friday, May 11: Veronica T. & Albert Markovich (Daughter, Nancy)

Saturday, May 12, 1:00 PM: Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery Chapel celebrated for our

beloved dead and those buried at our cemeteries. _______________________________________________ Saturday Vigil, May 12: 4:30 PM Church Living and Deceased Mothers of Saint John of God Parish Sunday, May 13: 7:30 AM Church Living and Deceased Mothers of Saint John of God Parish Sunday, May 13: 9:30 AM Chapel Living and Deceased Mothers of Saint John of God Parish Sunday, May 13: 11:30 AM Church Living and Deceased Mothers of Saint John of God Parish

Readings for the Week of May 6, 2012 Sunday: Acts 9:26-31/1 Jn 3:18-24/Jn 15:1-8 Monday: Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26 Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8 Thursday: Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11 Friday: Acts 15:22-31/Jn 15:12-17 Saturday: Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21 Next Sunday: Acts 10:25-48/1 Jn 4:7-10/Jn 15:9-17

Bulletin Deadline: Tuesday Noon

DIOCESAN ADULT FAITH LECTURE SERIES Thursday, May 10, 2012—7:30 to 9:00 PM

Saint Paul Seminary, O’Connor Hall “Faith Seeking Understanding, Understanding Seeking Faith”

Catholicism strongly affirms the harmony between what we know through the divine gift of faith and what we know through our natural powers of reason. The lecture is free - all are welcome to attend. Bring a friend. Continuing education credit is avail-able for priests, deacons and catechists.

BAPTISMAL PROGRAM FOR NEW AND EXPECTING PARENTS

The next class will be held on Sunday, May 20, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in Mother of Sorrows Chapel. For more information or to register, please call John Fatula at 412-331-8501.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM We wish to welcome into God’s Family the newly baptized: Lyla Raelyn DeLoe, Vincent Michael DeLoe, Raheem Ramir-Jae Gee, Chloe Daniela Goes, A’mani Jazelle Thomas. May you continue to grow in God’s love.

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

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 6, 2012 YOUTH NEWS

All teens in grades 8-12 are invited to play mini-golf at Island Sports Center on the evening of Friday, May 25. Cost is $6 per person plus a permission form. To sign up, please contact Steve at 412-331-8525 or sjgyouthmin@yahoo.com.

GRADUATE APPRECIATION MASS Are you graduating from high school, college, law school, etc. this spring? If so, you and your family are invited to attend the Graduate Appreciation Mass in the Church at St. Mary’s. Following

Mass a reception will be held in the Gathering Place. Any and all “grads” are welcome, but we ask that you please RSVP to the Youth Office by Monday, May 21.

MOTHER’S DAY Next Sunday, May 13, is Mother’s Day. All mothers will be honored at our Masses celebrated for the weekend of May 12/13. As a token of recognition, each mother will receive a special gift.

PARISH WEEKEND ATTENDANCE April 28 / 29

Saturday ......................................................... 296 Sunday............................................................ 566 Total Weekend Attendance ............................ 862

PARISH FINANCIAL TOTALS For the Weekend of April 28 / 29

Regular Offertory Collection ............................$ 4,919.50 (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 2012 ............................. $73,000.00 Contributions to Date ..................................... $47,972.00 Remaining on Goal..........................................$25,028.00 (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.)

We wish to congratulate

Thomas and Marian Marnich who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this Saturday, May 5. Thomas and Marian were married on May 5, 1962 at Mother of Sorrows Church by Rev. Joseph Farina. May the Lord continue to bless your years together.

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 May 7 (Mon.) - Miraculous Medal Novena Prayers recited in St. Mary’s Church - Rosary begins 6:30 PM. May 8 (Tues.) - St. Anthony Novena continues - Prayers recited following the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary’s Church and at 6:30 PM in Mother of Sorrows Chapel (week 8). May 9 - WEDNESDAY NIGHT BINGO in MOS Social Hall - Doors open at 5 PM Early Birds, 7 PM and Regular Games begin at 7:15 PM. May 11 (Fri.) - Mother of Sorrows Novena Prayers recited following 9:30 AM Mass, St. Mary’s Church. May 11 (Fri.) - PIZZA KITCHEN! To order please call 412-331-8530 on Fridays, 8 AM to 1 PM. Orders must be picked up by 3:30 PM.

Note: Next Friday, May 18, is the final day for the Pizza Kitchen before the summer break. Our dedicated workers will be on a well-deserved hiatus. Remember, most of our menu items freeze very well, so stock up this Friday for your summer get togethers and parties.

HOSPITAL Please pray for all parishioners who are in the hospital, especially: Alleg. Gen. - John Friel 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 Robert D. Haas and Ronald P. Rumpf whom God has called home. Please remember them 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.”

Saint John of God, Pray for us. Please keep our Priests, Seminarians,

Deacons and all Religious in your prayers.

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA OLDER AMERICANS MONTH Theme: “Never Too Old to Play”

May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show our

appreciation for the older adults in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that show our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans. May we suggest the following: Pray for the elderly in our parish who are experiencing the grieving of physical and mental disabilities, loss of independence, loss of friends, loss of home. Offer your services to Meals on Wheels for a month. Send a card or call an older person who may have lived in your neighborhood and has moved in with a relative or nursing home. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting www.eldercare.gov or call 1-800-677-1116 to find ongoing opportunities to celebrate and support older Americans.

FEAST OF THE ASCENSION Thursday, May 17, is the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord and a Holy Day of Obligation. Following is the Mass schedule in St. John of God Parish for this day.

May 16, Wednesday Evening Vigil 4:30 PM, Church at St. Mary’s May 17, Thursday Holy Day 9:30 AM, Church at St. Mary’s 6:30 PM, Church at St. Mary’s

TOWN HALL MEETING

There will be a Town Hall Meeting in the Church following the 6:30 PM Mass on Ascension Thursday, May 17. All are invited and encouraged to partici-pate in this form of parish governance.

FLEA MARKET NEWS Have you found a lot of unwanted items while clean-ing out basements, attics, closets, drawers, etc.? Remember, don’t throw anything away! That “elegant junk” may very well be someone else’s treasures. Donate the items to our upcoming Flea Market to be held this summer (dates to be an-nounced). No clothes or shoes, please. Items may be dropped off this Friday, May 11 and next Friday, May 18, at the Pizza Kitchen from 8 AM to 3 PM. For any questions, call Lucille at 412-298-6106.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CLOTHES BIN While you’re finding those items for our Flea Market, remember, no clothes or shoes are accepted. BUT, there is a St. Vincent de Paul bin located on the parking lot at St. Mary’s for your used clothing and shoes. The St. Vincent de Paul Society will be most grateful for these donations.

ST. ANTHONY NOVENA The 13-week novena to St. Anthony continues this Tuesday, May 8 (week 8). The novena prayers will be recited after the 9:30 AM Mass in St. Mary’s Church and at 6:30 PM in Mother of Sorrows Chapel. All are welcome.

May devotions will be celebrated in St. John of God Parish as they are celebrated every Monday evening during the year in St.

Mary’s Church. Recitation of the Rosary begins at 6:30 PM followed by the Miraculous Medal Novena Prayers. As always, everyone is welcome to come join us as we honor Mary, our Blessed Mother.

SANCTUARY CANDLE - WEEK OF MAY 6 ST. MARY’S - IN MEMORY OF MARIO ZANOLLI BY ALEX SZALLOR FAMILY Mother of Sorrows - IN MEMORY OF NICK PEKULAR BY WIFE JOSEPHINE, DEBORAH AND BRIAN

PARISH SHARE Next weekend, May 12/13, there will be a second collection for the Parish Share Program. Thank you in advance for your support.

MONTHLY FOOD COLLECTION Our parish will collect non-perishable food as well as paper products and soap for the needy among us. You may bring your donation with you to any Mass next weekend, May 12/13. Thank you in advance for helping us to help others.

ASCENSION SPRING FLEA MARKET Saturday, May 19, 2012 Church of the Ascension

114 Berry Street, Ingram, PA 15205 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Information: 412-922-8820 or 412-922-1187

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 6, 2012

WHICH HORSE WILL FATHER LOU RIDE!!

Men, women and children join us from 12 Noon to 4 P.M. on Sunday, June 3, 2012 and you’ll find out. Our fun-filled

afternoon will have great food, Chinese auction, 50/50, fun games, door prizes, photo opportunities and, of course, the entertaining Steeple Chase Derby. The event will be held at Olivia’s Banquet Room at the Pine. Tickets are $35.00. Cash Bar is available. This is the Steeple Chase version of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, Belmont Stakes ~~ sporting events known for fun-filled parties. ONE SHORT RACE ONLY ~~ Picture this, dressed in colorful riding attire: Fr. Lou Vallone, Fr. Bob Zajdel, Fr. Steve Kresak, Deacon Bob Stein, Sister Sarah Crotty (from FOR) and Sister Althea Anne Spencer at the starting gate, riding decorated stick horses!!! Get set to bet on your favorites!!! Our Master of Ceremony, Father Regis Ryan, will call the race in every glorious detail. He will have you laughing as you cheer your favorite horse and jockey galloping to the finish line. At the finish line is the steeple church holding the winning purse. Will your horse/jockey reach it first? Will you be in the “Winner’s Circle”? You can be if you join us at the Derby. Have your picture taken in the Winner’s Circle with the Holy Riders and/or riding a wild and crazy race horse. These pictures will be priceless!!!! .... Don’t miss it!!!!!! Questions ??? Call Charlotte, 412-331-2453 or Terry , 412-331-3443.

BUY A HORSE!! St. John of God Steeple Chase Derby – June 3, 2012

You and your family and friends can become an owner of one of our designer stick horses. There are six horses being sold for $100 each and prize money will be given to the owner of the winning horse. The owner of the winning horse receives half of the total sales. For instance, if all six horses are sold the winning owner will receive $300. Currently there are only three (3) horses left to buy. Remem-ber you get naming rights. You don’t have to be pre-sent to win! (Of course then, you will be missing half the fun.) Horse’s Name_______________________ Owner’s Name_______________________ Phone No.______________________ Mail completed form to SJOG Parish, “Derby”, 1011 Church Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, drop in collec-tion basket or parish mail slot. – Questions call Terry 412-331-3443 or Charlotte 412-331-2453.

SPONSOR A JOCKEY!! St. John of God Steeple

Chase Derby – June 3, 2012

You and your family and friends can become a sponsor of one of our Holy Rider jockeys. There are six jockeys for sponsorship at $100 each. Prize money will be given to the sponsor of the winning jockey. The sponsor of the winning jockey receives half of the total sales. For instance, if all six jockeys are sponsored the winning sponsor will receive $300. Currently there are five (5) jockeys remaining. You don’t have to be present to win! (Of course then, you will be missing half the fun.) If you wish to sponsor a particular jockey, call Terry or Charlotte for availability. Sponsor’s Name_______________________ Phone No.______________________ Mail completed form to SJOG Parish, “Derby”, 1011 Church Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, drop in collec-tion basket or parish mail slot. – Questions call Terry 412-331-3443 or Charlotte 412-331-2453.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> STEEPLE CHASE DERBY & LUNCHEON

RESERVATIONS

Name_______________________________________ Phone No.___________________________________

#Attendees___________ Enclosed $_____________

(Reservations must be received before May 22, 2012. )

(Please attach a printed list of names and phone numbers for each attendee.)

(Mail completed form to SJOG Parish, “Derby”, 1011 Church Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, drop in collec-tion basket or parish mail slot. – Questions call Terry 412-331-3443 or Charlotte 412-331-2453)

ST. JOHN OF GOD PARISH MCKEES ROCKS, PA PASTOR’S CORNER

Fr. Lou Vallone A few years ago, the Catholic University conducted a nationwide survey of priests to assess their attitudes toward and satisfaction with their priesthood and the work that they do. According to the cover letter, out of 40,000 priests in the U.S., 1200 were selected as a random sampling to complete the form. What is interesting is that I received not one, but two forms. This means that out of 1200 specially selected priests, I am two of them! (I wonder if this is recognition that I work twice as hard as anybody else?) There are about 100 questions in the survey, asking about levels of frustration, degree of satisfaction, amount of uncertainty, etc. In short, they are trying to find out if I am happy being a priest. This is appropriately timed since on May 5 I celebrate the 39th anniversary of my ordination, a period that lends itself to reflection and evaluation. It is natural at this point to ask oneself how content, how fulfilled and how effective one has been, whether there is a scientific survey to guide one or not. How does one gauge effectiveness after almost 4 decades in the same profession? There is the quantitative approach: to count numbers. In 39 years, I have presided over hundreds of weddings, baptisms, funerals. I have celebrated thousands of Masses. I have heard tens of thousands of confessions, and I have recited hundreds of thousands of prayers. I have given talks, led retreats, preached revivals, missions and days of recollections; been on TV and radio and in plays; in newspapers, magazines and books. I have been: quoted and misquoted; bragged about and lied about; praised and insulted; accepted and rejected; cooperated with and opposed; understood and misunderstood - all in the name of the ministry I

have tried to perform for the sake of the building of the Kingdom. Much has happened in the past 39 years according to the numbers, but statistics can not indicate effectiveness or contentment. Other things also came in the mail: a letter from a person who has returned to the practice of the faith during this Easter season describing the liturgy here as "a great joy . . . (that) feels like a special gift from God"; a census form from an elderly man who is "coming home to the Church"; "fan mail" from the kids saying they miss me at Mass; responses from my ordination classmates who are gathering at the Church at St. Catherine of Siena on 5:30 PM Tuesday for an anniversary Mass and then dinner together at J.W. Hall's. Any one of these things gives me more joy and satisfaction than statistics can express. Each event is a sign from God of effectiveness and contentment. The academicians from Catholic University could have saved both paper and postage if they had simply asked me outright one simple question: after 39 years, are you glad that you are still a priest? The answer: YES ! ! ! ! ! THANK GOD ! ! ! ! !

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

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, FATHER LOU!