02.03.13

Love is Patient, Love is Kind! 

I love being a Priest! I love being the Pastor at St. James Catholic Parish! 

In the first reading from the Prophet Jeremiah- the prophet says, “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Today is the third of three consecutive Sundays on which we hear from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Paul reminds us that Love is patient, love is kind, and love never fails. 

In today’s Gospel from Luke, we read that Jesus goes to his hometown in Nazareth and speaks in the temple. When Jesus spoke his initial proclamation he was greeted warmly, all spoke highly of him. Yet when Jesus speaks of God’s healing love among the Gentiles, Luke presents a group of people suddenly enraged. Jesus understood his own prophetic role as one which would lead to rejection and, ultimately, death. 

As we begin this new month of February, let us take time today to praise our loving God for this opportunity to come to know more deeply the love of Christ. Faith and hope are necessary, but the greatest gift is love. 

Love is Patient, Love is Kind! 

Eucharistic Adoration In this Year of Faith, Bishop David Zubik is asking all 204 parishes in the Diocese to participate in Eucharistic Adoration. We are proud to say that we have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday evening! Please join us for 7:30pm Mass Monday evenings followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction until 9:00pm. What a great way to prepare for the upcoming Lenten Season by spending some quiet time with the Lord. 

Parish Share 2013 The annual Parish Share campaign begins, February 10. The theme this year is “The door of faith is always open for us.” A successful Parish Share collection helps our Diocese to function not only in service to St. James Parish, but all of the 204 parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In addition, our parish benefits from the funds collected above our parish goal. Our parish goal for 2013 is $175,210.00. 

This annual campaign helps to run the day to day operations at the diocese, helps with Catholic School scholarships, Campus Ministry programs at our local colleges and universities, and other organizations. We all benefit from Parish Share! 

Sanctuary Candle Because there is a limited amount of daily and Sunday Masses available consider having the Sanctuary candle lit in memory of your loved one for a week. Donation is $5.00. Call Karin at the rectory office for more information. 

Please note when making your funeral arrangements to please remember St. James Catholic Parish in your will. In lieu of flowers or Masses, a great way to have your loved one remembered is by having a memorial offering given to St. James Parish in memory of your loved one’s name. Fish Fry Lent is only two weeks away, and that means that the St. James 

Fish Fry will be up and running. We are looking for volunteers to help. If you can spare a few hours Fridays during Lent please contact Michele Peduto at 412-719-8411 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . High school students are highly encouraged to volunteer for service hours. 

Catholic Schools Week All week long we have been celebrating Catholic Schools Week. St. James Catholic School provides a great quality faith based Catholic education in a safe and loving environment from Pre School through eighth grade.

We are proud to announce that next year we are expanding our Pre- School Program to include an all-day program for four year olds. Half day Pre-School program for three and four year olds will still be available. For more information or to schedule a tour please call the school office at 412-741-5540. World Marriage Day Next weekend, we will be celebrating 

World Marriage Day at all of the weekend Masses. We will have guest speakers at the Masses to speak on the Marriage Encounter program here at St. James Parish. We will have a special blessing for all couples. 

Congratulations Congratulations to Ethan Justin Blair, Roman Floro Haegg and Nora Ann McMahon who are being Baptized this weekend. May God Bless them and their families.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Short and Justin Blair who validated their marriage this weekend. 

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Mary and Ernie Tucci! 

Something to Think About… Love is a powerful weapon and truly is the only path to healing and oneness. Bernie Siegel 

With God, All Things Are Possible! 

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

01.27.13

Standing on Holy Ground! 

This past Monday I spent the day with our eighth graders at the Martina Spiritual Renewal Center in West View for their Confirmation Retreat. The student’s heard wonderful presentations from Sister Donna Smith and Sister Mary Lou Witkowksi. It was a wonderful day to listen, pray, and be with one another.

In the first reading from Nehemiah, Ezra reads from the book of the law of God. The people gather on holy ground to listen and pray. This is the only Sunday of the three-year Lectionary cycle of readings on which we hear from the Book of Nehemiah. Today is the second of three consecutive Sundays on which we hear from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Paul reminds us that we are one body. We are connected to one another and are called to do great things. Today’s Gospel passage begins this year’s cycle of readings taken primarily from Luke. This is the only Gospel that has a prologue that explicitly states why it was written. Jesus returns to Galilee to his hometown of Nazareth teaching in the temple. The people were inspired by what they heard.

Jesus called to bring good news to the poor and the oppressed. He is the messianic prophet who has come to bring the good news. The word of God provides instruction, challenge, and promise for all who believe. We can share the Good News with those around us through our service, our relationships, and our choices in life. Let us be open to listening and rejoicing.

Standing on Holy Ground! 

Special Note/Anonymous Notes and Letters Please note that when a staff member or I receive a note or letter and there is no return address on the envelope, we immediately look for a signature. If there is no signature the letter does not get read! It has been my policy in my twelve years of priesthood to not read letters or notes that have no signature or that are signed anonymous. 

When I receive a letter in the mail that does not have a return address on the front envelope and upon opening the letter and seeing no signature on the letter, I just toss the letter in the trash. Please be sure that when sending any correspondence to the rectory office, it is important to please sign your name. If there is a question or concern that you would like to bring to my attention, I am easily approachable by speaking in person, telephone or e-mail or by signed notes. Not knowing who the person is makes it impossible to communicate as communication is a two way process. Thank you for your understanding. 

Fish Fry Lent is only three weeks away and that means that the St. James Fish Frys will be up and running again. We are looking for volunteers to help with prep, clean up, and kitchen work. If you can spare a few hours Fridays during Lent please contact Michelle Peduto at 412-719- 8411 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . High school students are highly encouraged to volunteer for service hours. 

Knights of Columbus Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus for sponsoring the Pancake Breakfast last Sunday. A total profit of $1,800 was made and will benefit the St. James eighth grade school field trip. 

I am happy to report that my dad, Bill, brother in-law Eric, and I have transferred our Knights of Columbus memberships from the St. Paul Cathedral Council to the Queen of Peace Council. The Knights of Columbus is a wonderful men’s fraternal council that helps support various Diocesan and parish projects. If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus please contact Ed Schuring at 412-741-8062 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Income Tax Forms Because of rising costs of postage we will not be mailing out parishioner end of the year contribution reports. Anyone needing a copy of their 2012 contributions can either call the Rectory at 412-741-6650 extension 310 for Karin or 315 for Sue or email saintjamesparish@ comcast.net 

Congratulations Congratulations to John A. Nard who will receive the 2013 Manifesting the Kingdom Award today at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. John is a very active parishioner here at St. James. 

Congratulations to Grace Frances Dickson and Jaxon Kasey Presutti who are being baptized this weekend. May God bless them and their families. 

Something to Think About… One kind word can warm three winter months! 

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

01.20.13

Wedding Feast of Cana! 

Christmas Season is officially over and now we return to Ordinary Time. This weekend we read of the very first miracle Jesus performed, the Wedding Feast of Cana, where water is turned into wine. This is the first of the “signs” performed by Jesus at the beginning of his public ministry. In John’s gospel miracles are called signs. 

All of the readings this weekend focus on God’s love and compassion. Jesus’ love is boundless. In the first reading from Isaiah, Jerusalem, the city once desolate and forsaken at the time of the Babylonian destruction will be restored and shine with glorious light of the world. In the Second reading from Paul to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us of the spiritual gifts. In the New Testament, the heavenly banquet in the Kingdom of God is sometimes depicted as a wedding feast. Jesus reveals God’s glory and God’s care in one miraculous action. 

As we begin Ordinary Time, let us be attentive today so that we can respond in faith and in action. If we open ourselves to God’s actions within us, the most life-changing transformations occur. 

Wedding Feast of Cana! 

Second Collection The second collection this weekend is for St. Anthony School Programs. This is an annual Diocesan sponsored collection that all 204 parishes participate in helping support students in Catholic Schools with special needs.

Special Notes Be Healthy-We all know that the flu season is here. It is very important to note that whenever we are in public to use common sense. Use a tissue when sneezing, cover our mouth when coughing, and wash hands frequently. At Mass when we have the sign of peace, you have the option to shake hands with your neighbors or simply nod or wave. During communion, we have the Eucharist and wine, if one wants to refrain from taking the cup of wine, they have that option. We have hand sanitizer stations available in the vestibule and also up front near the children’s chapel for your convenience. 

Parking-Please note that the handicap parking spaces on the side parking lot near the Gathering Space entrance are for cars that have a handicap plate or placard. Please leave these spaces open for those who need to park in the designated spaces. Please do not block any fire lanes or main entrances for medical and emergency vehicles. Also if you happen to park on Elwick or Little Streets, please do not block any of the resident’s driveways. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. 

New Office Hours - Effective immediately, the Rectory office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Scrip gift card hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 11:30am and 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Scrip is also available at all the weekend Masses. 

Updated Funeral Policy - After discussing with the Pastoral Council, parishioners and staff, I have decided to return the normal funeral Mass time to 10:00am during the week - Monday thru Friday, 9:00am on Saturday’s. If there is only one priest available (because of vacations, retreats, etc., the funeral will be incorporated into the 9:00am daily mass). Also a short eulogy or reflection is permitted at funerals if the family asks. 

Faith on Wheels Campaign a Success We did it! We reached our goal with the Faith on Wheels campaign and were able to purchase a 2012, E350-Ford van. Special thanks to all who contributed to our campaign and for an anonymous donor who made it possible to finalize. Special thanks to Cranberry Chrysler Jeep Dodge. The van will be put to great use! We have ordered floor mats that will be installed inside the van to protect the carpeting and we will be installing the blue and white St. James Parish lettering and logo on the sides. . 

Parish Improvements Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus for purchasing four new suit jackets for our ushers. 

Looking Ahead Confirmation Retreat - Monday, January 21 Finance Council Meeting - Monday, January 21 at 6:30pm in Meeting Room #1. March for Life - Friday, January 25 

Save the Date Ash Wednesday - February 13 Fish Fry - every Friday during Lent beginning February 15 Parish Mission with Paul Koleske - March 16-20 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner - Saturday, March 16, 7:00 to 11:00pm in the school gym. St. Ferdinand Living Stations - Sunday, March 24 

Something to Think About… When you really consider the everyday things around you, they start to seem like tiny miracles. Amy Shearn 

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

01.13.13

This is my beloved Son! 

Thomas Joseph Burke was baptized on December 18, 1970 at St. Norbert Church in Overbrook by the Rev. Thomas M. O’Donnell. My parents Bill and Marge and my godparents Uncle Tom and Aunt Kathy Dvorsky presented me to the church to receive my first sacrament. 

As a priest for the past twelve years I have performed many baptisms. Every once in a while I will run into someone who will approach me and say “you baptized my child.” How very special it is as a priest to be able to perform this sacrament as they begin their Catholic journey. In the Sacrament of Baptism we have water, Chrism oil, a white garment, and the lighted candle. All of these symbols imply the demands of discipleship. 

Christmas time officially ends this weekend in our church calendar as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the event that the Gospel accounts portray that heralds the start of Jesus’ public ministry. Jesus is the beloved Son of God on whom God’s spirit rests. Today is a reminder of our own Baptism; the Sacrament that declares our own identity as members of the Body of Christ. 

In Baptism we become sons and daughters of God in Jesus Christ, and the spirit of God descends on all of us to strengthen us in our Christian mission of love and service. 

As we conclude this Christmas season and return to Ordinary time, let us renew our own baptismal promises and proclaim the kingdom of God. 

This is my beloved Son! 

St. James School News Seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Toni Wojtkowski has decided to retire from teaching effective this Friday, January 18. Toni has dedicated twenty-eight years of teaching to St. James School and has touched the lives of over 2000 students. Let us keep her in our thoughts and prayers and recognize the many blessings she has contributed to Catholic education at St. James. We will give her a special recognition this coming Tuesday at the 9am school Mass.

Restored Nativity Set The Nativity Set that is in the sanctuary is my gift to St. James Parish. I had this Nativity Set repaired and restored by local artist Jackie Kresak of Coraopolis. Jackie is the sister of Fr. Steve Kresak, Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in McKeesport. My hope is that the nativity set will now be enjoyed by St. James parishioners for many years to come. 

Jackie has been working on the figures for past five months and literally rebuilt and repaired every statue by hand. Jackie was recently featured in Generation Q Magazine’s Winter Issue highlighting her artistic work and the mural she painted in 2004 in Lawrenceville titled “Fabric of the Community.” The mural was sponsored by the Sprout Fund and is still in very good condition and can been seen on Penn Avenue near Children’s Hospital. You can check out the article at www.generationqmagazine.com 

Diocesan Capital Campaign Bishop David Zubik recently announced the “Our Campaign for the The Church Alive.” All 204 parishes will be participating in this capital campaign and the goal is to raise a total of $125,000.000 which will make a difference in sustaining and strengthening our parishes. Funds from the campaign will help in several ways including: funding for evangelization and educational programs, aim to broaden our outreach to our senior citizens through cable television and support the work of Catholic Charities, strengthen the endowment funds for schools and provide tuition assistance, educational programs for priests and seminarians, and increase our religious education efforts in our parishes. More information will follow in the next few months. 

Second Collection The second collection next weekend is for St. Anthony School Programs. 

Parish Improvements Porada Electric recently replaced two existing recess lighting fixtures on the Broad Street side entrance of St. James School. These new light fixtures will enhance security, entryway and perimeter lighting. Ken Mixter General Contracting has completed the electrical and plumbing renovations to the rectory. Special thanks to an Anonymous donor for making this project possible. 

Looking Ahead Pastoral Council Meeting - Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30pm in Meeting Room #1. Finance Council Meeting - Monday, January 21 at 6:30pm in Meeting Room #1. 

Something to Think About… Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. C.S. Lewis 

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

1/6/13

Merry Little Christmas! 

Look at all the lights! Recently I was walking downtown with some friends to have dinner and walk around to savor the season. As we walked around Market Square and PPG Place, we were just in awe with all of the Christmas lights and decorations. One of my friends loves the “Horne’s Christmas Tree” that sits high atop the Highmark Building (formally Horne’s Department Store) on the corner of Stanwix and Penn Avenues near Gateway Center. Every year he has to go downtown to just stand there and look in awe at the lights. A little walk up Fifth Avenue and down Grant Street is the beautiful Pittsburgh Crèche that lights up the plaza at the U.S. Steel Building, next to BNY Mellon. 

This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. In the First Reading we read from the Prophet Isaiah, the shining light signified the dawn of a new period in the nation’s history after the exile, a time for rebuilding and resettling the land. In the Second Reading to the Ephesians, Paul speaks of the great mystery revealed to him. Jesus manifests his saving love by joining Gentiles and Jews in God’s plan for salvation. In the Gospel, the Magi from the east pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews while King Herod seeks ways to find and destroy him. The Magi were led to Christ by the light of a star. They came from afar to visit the baby Jesus. The Epiphany account expands the meaning of the birth of Jesus to benefit not a small number but for all people. We see God’s love is all inclusive. As we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, or what is sometimes is called “Little Christmas, we pray that God’s light may sine in our hearts. 

Merry Little Christmas! 

2013 Manifesting the Kingdom Award It gives me great pleasure to announce that the 2012 Manifesting the Kingdom Awardee from St. James Parish goes to John A. Nard. This tri-annual award given by Bishop Zubik goes to a very active parishioner. John is very active in our St. Vincent de Paul Society, is a Lector at 6:45am daily Mass and helps out where ever needed. John will be given the award at a special Mass on Sunday, January 27 at 2:30pm at St. Paul Cathedral. It is open to the public. 

St. James School News Long time Seventh Grade Teacher, Mrs. Toni Wojtkowski has decided to retire from teaching effective January 18. Toni has dedicated twenty eight years of teaching to St. James School and has touched the lives of over 2000 students. Let us keep her in our thoughts and prayers and recognize the many blessings she has contributed to Catholic education at St. James. 

Welcome RCIA This weekend, we welcome the twelve men and women who are in our Rite of Christian Initiation Program, (RCIA). At the 9:30am Mass we will have the “Rite of Welcoming” for R.C.I.A. We will officially welcome and introduce the RCIA Candidates and Catechumen’s to our parish family. Members of the Class of 2013 include: Gregory Benson, Christopher Brackney, Renee Cunningham, Brittany Ford, Brian Gulish, Jenifer Jester, Timothy Kagle, Geneva Lounder, Laura Palmer, Allison Vigoya, Jodie Welge, and Jessica Wiskus. Special thanks to Bob Basl and Connie Boschetto for their leadership. We will continue to pray for these RCIA members as they continue to study the Catholic faith and look forward to welcoming them officially into our faith community at the Easter Vigil on March 30. 

New Business Manager It gives me great pleasure to welcome Gregory D. Curran as our new Business Manager. Greg comes from a great business background and currently works for PNC Bank downtown. Greg’s wife Margot teaches in our Religious Education program and they have three children: Lindsay, Andrew, and Peter. Greg is really excited to come aboard to move St. James Parish and School forward to the future. 

Thank You! Thank you to all who helped decorate and clean our church for the holidays. Also thank you for your cards, and gifts. 

Happy New Year 2013! 

Something to Think About… Here’s a toast to the future, a toast to the past, and a toast to our friends, far and near. May the future be pleasant, the past a bright dream; may our friends remain faithful and dear. Author Unknown 

With God, All Things Are Possible! 

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