Condition of this Website – We are sorry to say that this website is not working properly due to several circumstances. This page is the only one we can partially update. Some links on other pages are broken and cannot be fixed. The good news is that we are cooperating with the national Church office in a grand plan to have websites of interested dioceses and parishes be part of the national Church’s website. So we are staying here for now and are ready to make the migration as soon as it is possible. We do not know how long of a process this will be, so we are grateful for your patience!
Events
July 21 to 24 – Diocesan Youth Gathering in Morgantown, IN
July 30 to August 1 – NUC Convention & Music Workshop in McKeesport, PA
October 14 &15 – National Clergy Conference in Lancaster, NY
News
Independence Day!
On July 4 our Nation celebrates Independence Day. May we take an opportunity to Give Thanks to God for blessing us with our country, and for all who sacrificed even with their lives for us to be One Nation Under God! May God Bless our Nation!
Outreach Tip
The nicer summer weather finds the Western Diocese Outreach Team continuing to meet on a regular basis. Here’s our Monthly Tip for July:
Maintaining the interior and exterior appearances of the church, other buildings or structures, the parking lot and land is very important. People like to come to a clean place of worship which is free of debris inside and outside. A few ways to accomplish this are the following:
- If the parish uses real candles as their votive candles, the used candles should be replaced with new ones so there are candles always available for one to light before a service.
- Fresh flowers or plants can be used in the interior of the church, rather than plastic ones. Less is sometimes better.
- Bathrooms should be well kept and stocked (with toilet paper, paper towels, soap and hand sanitizer), the garbage can should be emptied regularly, and the mirror wiped clean.
- Indoor or outdoor flooring and carpeting should be kept clean either by vacuuming, washing or sweeping them on a regular basis.
- Pews, windows and countertops within the premises should be cleaned regularly to remove dust and fingerprints, and garbage cans throughout the premises emptied on a regular basis.
- Improve or add additional lighting and signage, whether indoors or outside. This allows everyone to feel safe navigating over carpeting, stairs or other uneven walkways. Signage helps people know where the different offices, meeting rooms or bathrooms are located.
- The outside grounds and parking lot should also be well kept, especially around the church proper. In Autumn, leaves should be raked. In Winter, snow should be removed and salt applied. In Spring and Summer, grass should be kept short. Weeds, dead bushes, tree branches or trees should also be removed. If there is a fence, it should be kept in good shape with repairs being made as necessary.
It takes a lot of work and time to maintain the inside and outside of the parish structures and grounds. Perhaps this can be more easily accomplished by having a group of people (versus just one or two) responsible for general maintenance. The group would know where all the supplies are kept and could rotate on a given schedule. When there are special events or holidays, a “pizza party” or “sub sammie” party could be organized where even more people could come out on a particular day / time to do a more thorough type of cleaning and then are treated to a small meal afterwards. For those with a green thumb, perhaps they can be called upon particularly in Spring (when flower beds should be cleaned and perhaps replanted, and winter debris cleaned up) and in Autumn (when leaves have to be raked and the grounds prepared for Winter).
Remember, the more helping hands that are available, the lighter the work for everyone!
May all we do glorify God!
Youth Gathering
Our diocesan Youth Gathering will take place soon and all who have registered are looking forward to getting together! If anyone is able, colored pencils, rulers, and similar supplies are being sought for some of the activities that will take place. If you would like to help, please contact Deacon Doug at dscott8938@gmail.com .
Please also pray for safe travels of all who will participate!
In Memory of +Bp Jerry
July 13 is a Sunday this year, and is the 2nd Anniversary of the passing of +Bishop Jaroslaw (Jerry) Rafalko. I ask that all parishes of our diocese have an intention during Mass that day to commemorate his passing.
Please also keep Leslie in prayer as she shares the spirit of his labor through her efforts and activities in Polonia and the Bishop Jerry Rafalko memorial scholarship. You can assist Leslie in this endeavor by contributing to this scholarship, which when fully funded will award a young person in our diocese each year. Thank You for your kindness and consideration!
May Bishop Jerry Rest in Peace, Amen.
NC1700
This year our Church and many others are commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, which is an important document which summarizes our faith, and we recite every Sunday during Mass. Our Church will have a nationwide online presentation about the development and importance of this document on July 23 at 7pm. We hope you will be able to participate and celebrate with us this article of faith of the Christian Church!
Music Workshop
The National United Choirs of the PNCC will have their convention and conduct their Music Workshop in McKeesport, PA July 30 to August 1. The workshop is ideal for music ministers like organists, musicians and those involved with the planning of music for Mass. Please consider participating if you are able!
Upcoming Events
July 21 to 24 – Diocesan Youth Gathering in Morgantown, IN
July 23 – National Presentation on Nicene Creed 17ooth Anniversary at 7pm (ET)
July 30 to August 1 – NUC Convention & Music Workshop in McKeesport, PA
October 14 &15 – National Clergy Conference in Lancaster, NY
Thank You for being part of our Church, and for all you do!
2026 National Events – Please place in your calendar!
National Mission and Evangelism Workshop – May 29 to 31
National Youth Convocation – August 10 to 14
General Synod – September 28 to 30