Pray that we all may be one! 

Mother’s Day is always a special day to honor all the women in our lives who hold a motherly role: Mothers, Grandmothers, Godmothers, Mother-in-Law’s and Aunt’s. It is a special day to say thank you for all they have done for us. I thank God every day for my mom, Marge, who after all these years still does so much for her three children and seven grandchildren. Thanks Mom for giving me life, teaching me the faith, and encouraging me and supporting me throughout my forty two years of my life.

Life...what a beautiful choice! 

This weekend we celebrate the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The readings this weekend focus on unity. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read of the stoning of St. Stephen who is considered the first martyr. He says “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” In the second reading, we read the last words of the Book of Revelation talk about the second coming of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, we read the closing of “Jesus’ Farewell Discourse” at the Last Supper. Jesus gives his “priestly prayer” and prays that we all may be one in him. In this beautiful prayer Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for the community. The ultimate concern for Jesus is concern for the unity of the community. The community will be one due to the fact that it shares in the divine relationship that exists between Jesus and the Father. 

As we come into the home stretch of the Easter Season let us let go of grudges or differences and reach out and extend a sign of peace to someone. Pray for families that are divided, co-workers, classmates and neighbors that have strained relationships. 

Pentecost is next weekend. Please wear something red to Mass. The Second Collection next weekend is for Catholic Relief Services. Please be as generous as possible. 

Pray that we all may be one! 

Honor Roll Congratulations to the following High School Students who are parishioners at St. James for obtaining the Honor Roll status at their school.

Aquinas Academy - Theresa Boyd     Central Catholic - Joseph Auth, Lucas Peilert, Jeffrey Van Kooten 

Tour of Sewickley Academy Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to take a tour of Sewickley Academy. Parishioner and former Head of the Upper School Jim Cavalier “Mr. Cav” conducted a wonderful tour of the campus and facilities. During my tour I greeted many or of our parishioners who are students at Sewickley Academy. 

Parish Improvements Ron Parisi – Home Remodeling of Ambridge continues to make renovations to the rectory kitchen. The project will be completed in approximately three weeks. The outdated kitchen was in much need of updates and repairs. The plumbers found pipes in the basement ceiling that were rusted and corroded. The pipes have since been replaced. The funds for the renovations have been completely covered by private donations and will be at no cost to the parish. Special thanks to our Finance and Pastor Council who approved of the upgrades and our “kitchen committee” Paula Doebler, Eileen McConomy and Patty Smitz for helping oversee the project. 

Wedding Coordinators We would like to welcome Sandy Foody to our Wedding Committee. Sandy will be a great addition to assist our young couples with their wedding rehearsal and wedding day. Our Wedding Committee also includes: Bonnie Megan, Doreen Ropon, and Beth Villegas. 

Sacristan Assistants Our Eucharistic Ministers have been asked to assist in clean up and set up with Sunday Masses. We are grateful to the following Eucharistic Ministers who have volunteered to be Sacristan Assistants: Ibie Alfonso, Bob and Kathy Basl, Bill and Carole Battisti, Connie Boschetto, Jim Pifko, Doreen and Paul Ropon, and Beth and Manny Villegas. 

Newly Baptized Congratulations to Antonio Eli Piccolo-Jackson, and Marina Belle Miller who are being Baptized this weekend. 

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Michele Sabo and Jason Conti who were married this weekend. 

Welcome Home A special St. James Welcome to the following who recently registered at St. James Parish: Patty & Bob Gebhard, Harry and Alice Jester, David and Emily Kelch and Corbin and Meredith Miller. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Mothers, Grandmothers, God Mother’s, Aunt’s or any woman that holds a “motherly role” in someone’s life. 

Something to Think About… “Every Day Is Mother’s Day!” Marge Burke 

With God, All Things Are Possible! 

Fr. Tom Burke Pastor 

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Peace Be With You! 

It was one year ago today, May 5, 2012, that I had the honor to celebrate my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. They renewed their vows at Mass and we had a nice luncheon with family and friends. My parents, who are “high school sweethearts” were married on May 5, 1962 at St. Stephen Church in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Bishop Vincent M. Leonard was the celebrant for their wedding. I am very grateful God has blessed me with such great parents.

This weekend we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The readings this weekend focus on love and discipleship. 

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read that differences threaten to divide the Church but the Holy Spirit will the lead the way to unity and peace. 

In the Gospel of John, we continue reading Jesus’ “farewell discourse” to his disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus assures the disciples that he will be with them even after his death. John is teaching us that Jesus is not absent but present. Jesus has come from the Father, has done the Father’s will, and will now return to the Father. It is love that will enable not only the disciples but us also to experience the presence of the risen Christ in our midst. Love is the mark of both obedience and discipleship, to love Jesus is to love the Father. 

As we begin a new month, the month of May, let us bring peace to our minds and in our hearts. Let us see Christ in one another and bring Christ to those who are in most need. 

Peace Be With You! 

Saint James School News This Friday, May 10th our eighth graders will be performing their mock trial at the Allegheny County Courthouse while the seventh graders will be serving as their jury. They will be performing in Judge Borkowski’s courtroom. Special thanks to our eighth grade teacher, Mrs. Karen Scully for organizing this very special experience for our children. 

Last week our school community welcomed the team from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. The team visited our school for three days. A full report will be distributed in a few months. Special thanks to the Home School Association and all of the parents and volunteers who helped with the lunches and dinners throughout the week. 

Parish Improvements Ron Parisi – Home Remodeling of Ambridge has begun renovations to the rectory kitchen. The project will be completed in approximately four weeks. The outdated kitchen is in great need of repairs. The funds for the renovations have been completely covered by private donations and will be at no cost to the parish. Special thanks to our Finance and Pastoral Council’s who approved of the upgrades and our “kitchen committee” Paula Doebler, Eileen McConomy and Patty Smitz for helping oversee the project. 

New Parking Restrictions Please note that the Borough of Sewickley is implementing a No Parking Zone on the Boulevard side of Elwick Street, from Little Street to Walnut Street (except on Wednesdays from 7am to 3pm for the accommodation of parking for street cleaning). Several residents made this request to Borough Council; and at the April 15th council meeting, council chose to adopt this resolution. Please make note of this new parking restriction. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Kevin Flannery, the Borough Manager at (412)741-4015 or e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Ascension Thursday Just a reminder that the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord is this Thursday, May 9 and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be held Wednesday evening, May 8 at 7pm, and on Thursday, May 9 at 6:45am, 9am and 7pm.

Newly Baptized Congratulations to Logan Jude Botticello, Kayce Lynn Burgunder, and Olivia Ryan McIlveen Kone who are being Baptized this weekend. 

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Nicole Balisky and Marco Gruelle who were married this weekend. 

Happy Anniversary to my parents Bill and Marge Burke who are celebrating their 51st Wedding Anniversary this Sunday, May 5! 

Welcome Madrigal Singers This weekend at the 11:30am Mass, as part of our 150th Anniversary this year, we welcome the Madrigal Singers from the Philippines.

Something to Think About… If you find some happiness inside yourself, you’ll start findin’ it lot of other places, too. Gladiola Montana 

With God, All Things Are Possible! 

Fr. Tom Burke Pastor E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

New Parking Restrictions

Please note that the Borough of Sewickley is implementing a No Parking Zone on the Boulevard side of Elwick Street, from Little Street to Walnut Street (except on Wednesdays from 7am to 3pm for the accommodation of parking for street cleaning). Several residents made this request to Borough Council; and on at the April 15th Council Meeting, Council chose to adopt this resolution. Please make note of this new parking restriction. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Kevin Flannery, the Borough Manager at 412-741-4015 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Love One Another! 

The news of the Boston Marathon Bombing last Monday really brought people together in a time of need. News reports showed people placing flowers and tributes to the victims near the crime scene at the finish in Copley Square. Sports teams from baseball, hockey, to basketball all paid tribute to the victims by having uniform patches on their uniform that read “Boston Strong” and “617” the Boston Area Code. People bowed their heads in various prayer services. Several Boston College students even walked five miles from the college campus to the marathon finish line to show their support. 

This weekend we celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter where the readings focus on Love. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas proclaim the Good News. Even though they faced persecution they continued moving forward because they new that it was necessary to be part of the Christian discipleship. They celebrated what God accomplished through them. In the second reading from Revelation, John had a vision. The vision looked to fulfillment in the full realization of the new creation at the end of time when all is transformed and made new. In the Gospel of John, we read of Jesus speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper table with him the night before he died. Jesus revealed that Judas would be the one to betray him, and speaking to the remaining disciples, Jesus teaches them to love another. 

To love as Jesus loves means that we must put self and self interests aside. We must open our eyes to see the needs of others. To love as Jesus did helps us to become closer to another, and also evokes the Holy Spirit is in our midst. 

Love One Another! 

St. James School Registration St. James School is currently accepting registration for the 2013-14 school year. There is a three year old half day Preschool program and half day and new full day four year old Preschool Program. St. James is an excellent place to start your child’s journey through social awareness, academics, and faith in a safe, loving environment. For more information and for a tour of the school please call 412-741-5540 ext. 100. 

New School Advisory Board forming! The St. James School Board of Advisors is seeking members who are willing to serve on this active, working Board. The new Board will seek to assist the Pastor and Principal in the strategic direction, financial sustainability, and academic excellence. Over thirty individuals have already expressed an interest in this new board and are in the process of completing a survey. Stay tuned for further updates. 

Walk For Life The 2013 Walk For Life will be held Saturday, May 11 at 10am beginning at the Coraopolis Gazebo. To register or for more information please call Choices Pregnancy Services at 724-457-1220 or www.choices-for – life.org.

Parish Share 2013 Please remember to participate in our 2013 Parish Share Campaign. Our parish goal is $175,210.00. Parish Share is a very important campaign to help run the day to day operations at the diocese, helps with Catholic School scholarships, Campus Ministry programs, and other organizations. We all benefit from Parish Share! Please be generous as possible. 

Protecting God’s Children Just a reminder that all those who volunteer at St. James Parish in any way (Usher, Greeter, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Choir members) must complete a Protecting God’s Children program and have the necessary background clearance forms up to date on file. Please call Sue at the rectory office at 412-741-6650 for more information. 

Looking Ahead Boy Scout and Girl Scout Convocation Mass - Sunday, April 28 at 2pm at St. Paul Cathedral - Oakland. Pastoral Council Meeting - Monday, April 29, 6:30pm in the Gathering Space. Sister of St. Joseph’s Day - Wednesday, May 1st, 9:00am Mass. Philippine Madgrigal Singers - Sunday, May 5, 11:30am Mass.

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Rosalind Kaliden and Robert Barry who are being married this weekend! 

Parish Improvements - A large Ciborium that we use for Daily and Sunday Masses has been cleaned, repaired and refinished courtesy of the children of Robert Barry in celebration of his nuptials to Rosalind Kaliden. 

Congratulations Congratulations to our Second graders who are receiving their First Holy Communion this weekend! 

Something to Think About… The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and let it come in. Morrie Schwartz 

With God, All Things Are Possible! 

Fr. Tom Burke Pastor E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it