Today, brings the Christmas Season to a close. Intertwined in the stories of Jesus birth is the “hidden” mission of  Jesus Christ. The early years of Jesus are known as the “hidden years.” His baptism is the inaugural event that marks the beginning of his mission. It is also referred to as an epiphany, a manifestation, of the reign of God. It is a theophany where God is revealed to the world. In the story of his baptism, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are present. Heaven is opened, and the Spirit  descends hovering over the waters, and the Father speaks. Sounds much like the story of Genesis. This is a new beginning, the Genesis of the world. With Jesus’ baptism, he begins his redemptive mission begins. He has come to save the world. “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.
 
Our baptism is an immersion into his life. He lays down his life so that we can take it up! In receiving his life we participate in his redemptive mission. His mission is ours.
 
As such the church carries on this mission globally and locally. Over the last several years, our parish Pastoral Council has developed a mission statement.  After months of discussion and discernment, the following was adopted as the mission statement of St. James Parish:

St. James Parish Mission

St. James is a community filled with hope striving to keep alive the apostolic spirit of our namesake. By virtue of our common baptism and in union with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, we believe in the Love of God, the Father, the Presence of God, the Son, and the Guidance of God, the Holy Spirit.
 
Founded in 1863, our legacy of persistence and resilience gives us the confidence to journey forward into the future. The Eucharist is the center of our lives forming us into a people that mirror the boundless embrace of Christ’s Love where all can find a home at St. James.

St. James Parish Credo

No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church; No matter what your current family or marital situation; no matter what your past or present religious affiliation; No matter what your own personal history, age, background, race or color; No matter what your own self-image or esteem; You are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected at St. James Catholic Church.

ST. JAMES MOTTO

“The Love of Christ in the Heart of Sewickley.”


ST. JAMES LOGO (designed 2001)

The arch represents the Catholic Church, and the architectural arches within our own church building. The Cross represents the love of Christ. It extends beyond the arches symbolizing our efforts to extend Christ’s love beyond our own church walls into the community. The dove in flight, carrying an olive branch, represents  our hope for peace at home and throughout the world.