Recently I was asked what made me to decide to become a priest. Thinking I was going to work in the broadcasting industry after college, God had other plans. I am glad I did go to college, graduate and work in the business field for a few years then decided to enter the seminary. When you are older, you are wiser, and look at things different. Now, after being ordained a priest for eighteen years, I continue to learn and grow in my faith. I love being a priest!
 
This weekend we celebrate the Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time. The readings this weekend focus on wisdom and discipleship.
 
In the first reading from Wisdom, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. We read King Solomon’s prayer as he prays to rule justly and in a worthy manner. With God’s help the King will be able to move beyond his human limitations and enable him to stay focused.
 
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches that discipleship demands absolute loyalty to him and let go of possessions. The gospel continues the theme of discipleship as Jesus offers a series of sayings that require commitment. The overall message is that all authentic discipleship is a journey that takes place under the sign of the cross.
 
As we begin a new school year and back to our busy fall schedule, let us set priorities and put God first in our life.
 
This Wednesday, September 11, marks the 18 ^th Anniversary of the Terroristic Attacks on the United States at the Word Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and in Shanksville, Somerset County. We pray for all those who perished on this horrific day and seek out unity and peace in our country and our world.  God Bless America!
   
 
Mission Co-Op Appeal  
Next weekend we welcome Fr. Peter Mushi from the Apostles of Jesus who will be conducting the annual Diocesan Mission Appeal. He will be speaking at all of the Masses. A second collection will take place to benefit the Apostles of Jesus. Please be as generous as possible.
 
Are you Registered
If you are attending Mass here at CCEEP on a regular basis and not officially registered, please contact the office. It is very important to be registered at a parish in order to receive envelopes and to obtain sponsor letters to be a Godparent or Confirmation Sponsor.

St. Vincent de Paul/ CCEEP Ministry Center
We welcome Anne Scheuermann, our new Coordinator of Social Services Ministries and Community Outreach, who will speak at all the Masses.
 
St. Bede’s and St. Charles Lwanga’s St. Vincent de Paul Society have joined forces and will also be working with the CCEEP Ministry Center and the St. Charles Lwanga Food Bank. If you would like to help, please contact Dave Havern at 412-654-1604 or e-mail at [email protected].
 
Parish Assemblies
As we move forward to becoming one parish family in January, 2020 we are making preparations to merge. To be transparent with our parish communities Fr, Taylor and I, along with the Joint Pastoral and Finance Council, will be hosting three Assemblies:
 
Sunday, September 22 after the 9 am Mass at Mother of Good Counsel Church and after the 11 am Mass at St. Bede Church and Sunday, September 29 after the 10 am Mass at St.James Church. Please join us for one of the sessions.
 
Online Giving
Soon, we are going to be using one Online Giving provider, Faith Direct.  St. James and St. Charles Lwanga already use Faith Direct and St. Bede parishioners will as of October 1. Those who currently use on-line giving will be contacted the next few weeks via letter on how to make the change. More information will be coming.
 
Vacation 2019
Please note that I am currently on my annual vacation to the Atlantic Coast through next Sunday, September 15. Please hold emails and phone calls until I return to the office, Monday, September 16.
 
Thank You
Special thanks to CCEEP parishioner Kevin Laird for purchasing the 150 ^th Anniversary Banner for St. James.
 
Welcome
A special welcome to Natalie Hemlick and Daniel Tomkins who recently registered at CCEEP.
 
This Sunday’s Second Collection is for the Bishop’s Education Fund to help families receive scholarships for Catholic Education. Please be as generous as possible.
 
Something to Think About…