The Teen Chorale of the TriCounty Choir Institute will be presenting the Musical Passion Play “Why Must He Die?”. It will be presented in 13 performances in churches of all denominations during this Lenten season. The twenty-four cast members include college to junior high students from 18 schools including: Aliquippa HS, Ambridge HS, Avonworth Jr. & HS, Beaver Falls HS, CCAC-graduate, Geneva College, Home School from Beaver, Bulgar, and Gibsonia, Lincoln Park HS, Moon HS, PA Culinary Institute-Graduate, PA Cyber School, Quaker Valley HS, Robinson Towne Christian School, Sewickley Academy, St. Vincent College, Woodland Hills HS.
“Why Must He Die?” written and directed by Linda Wallace is a meditation through music, drama and liturgical dance on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This is a unique passion play using a play within a play. Throughout the trial of Jesus by Pilate and the Accusers, the action is repeatedly frozen. The disciples and apostles are then seen reflecting on Jesus’ life and reacting on what led to Jesus’ impending death. They share these thoughts with the audience as if they hypothetically would have been allowed to observe the trial.
The trial of Jesus takes place between Pilate, and the Accusers. Some of the feature soloists include: Mary Magdalene, who sings I Don’t Know How To Love Him?, & the Mother of Zebadee’s Sons , who sings Turn Back Oh Man, John and Peter, played by our own Ryan Johnson , who sing He, and Judas, who sings Was It I Lord? The play concludes with Jesus’ death and resurrection depicted through the songs Jesus Remember Me, Take My Mother Home, Who Was That Man, Why Did He Die?, To Buy My Pardon, Rise Again, and Lamb of God from Gospel Mass.
The play was written in 1985 when Linda was the Music Director at St. James School in Sewickley. Since 1991, it has been presented continuously by the TriCounty Choir Institute’s Teen Chorale.
“Why Must He Die?” is 1 hour and 20 minutes in length and over the last nineteen years has been presented in over 130 different churches and schools of all denominations. A good will offering will be taken.
For more information on the production, please call 412-741-3463 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.tricountychoirs.com. |
This isn’t your parent’s bible study! Come join other teens from around the area to have food, hang out and learn about our gifts and what Jesus tells us about life, love and everything else! Bring a friend! All are welcome! We already met a couple times this year and had fun, laughed and learned things we never knew about being a Christian. Ask any question in a chilled out atmosphere! Free Food, Bibles and materials supplied! Times and places for Nov. and Dec TBA, call or email to plug in! |
Over 75 kids had a blast, snacks, danced and won some best costume prizes at our biggest OC dance to date! Much thanks to our organizers and all who helped! All 6th, 7th and 8th graders and friends from all schools are welcome at all OC events! Check out the pictures of dancing and being with friends! We raised $310 for a family in need and charity from this event! |
A few thoughts regarding the National Study on Religion and American Youth and the subsequent book and documentary. Here is the link:
http://www.pittsburghcatholic.org/columnists_storys.phtml?id=1288
|
High school event!
Showing “Bella” PG 13. The Movie “Bella”, a Toronto Film Fest winner, got tons of acclamations two years ago! Find out why if you haven’t seen it and if you have you know you want to see it again! A powerful movie about love and sacrifice that goes beyond romance! Two lives crash together, one an ex- sports star and another a NYC waitress, find out what happens! Three lives are changed forever! There will be a brief discussion afterwards about what the movie says, doesn’t say and a compendium explanation of sanctity of life, sexuality, sacrifice and redemption! A great chance for teens to see an inspiring story and ask about what they learn or think! For more info on the movie go to www.bellamoviesite.com for a trailer go to http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809423607/trailer Parents, there may be other links on this site. Bring a friend and all are welcome! Fun, Free Pizza and Faith! Sat. August 22nd 6-9pm Gathering Space Contact Daniel Weikert This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 412-741-6650 x 4. |
This event is for all ND vision participants, their parents and anyone who is interested in learning more about the ND vision program and St. James Veritas youth, parents or teens! We may have a ND faith mentor and St. Cecilia Band member joining us too! The first hour will be a joint group with food, fellowship and testimony. The second hour there will be time for the teens to hang out alone and the parents are welcome to watch “Soul Searching” the video about religion and American youth! I look forward to seeing all of you for this fun, informative spiritual event!
There will be some music, food and a few talks by our youth! Weds. August 12th at 6:30 pm -8:30pm in Gathering Spac For info contact Daniel Weikert at St. James, 412-741-6650 x4 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
| 2009 Transitions Retreat for high school grads. Meet with others, prepare for your future after your recent high school graduation. Be not afraid, survive the transition and get ready to impact the world! A Diocese event! Be adventuresome, bring a friend or make a new one. Gilmary Retreat Center August 7-9 two overnights $50, everything included! To register contact Daniel Weikert at (412)741-6650 extension 504 or email Daniel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Deadline for registration is July 30. |
St. James Pastoral Council is now receiving recommendations from parishioners to serve on the council. Those who serve on the Pastoral Council share the ministry of leadership. Together with the pastor they reflect, discern and envision through consensus to prepare the Pastoral Plan for the parish. At this time we are looking for persons whom you think would be called to such a ministry. Next week we will give a list of the special gifts necessary for this ministry of pastoral leadership.
|
Sat. June 27th! Mass at 5 pm St. Mary of Mercy at the Point, Gateway Center, 202 Stanwix St. Tailgate party 6-7! Game is 7:05 Kansas City Royals vs Pirates! Homestead Grays cap giveaway and fireworks night! Tickets are $20. Call Gary Slifkey for registration by June 19th! 412-456-3140 |
Celebrate our faith and have tons of fun at historic Kennywood! Tickets are $ 21.50! Mass with BISHOP ZUBIK at 11 am at Pavilion # 5. Day closes with a worship concert and dynamic speaker. 9-10 pm at Pavilion # 5! For group tickets of 10 or more call 724-935-4343 x 230 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Group tickets will be left at the will call, tickets office at Kennywood on 7/7/2009. Individual tickets can be purchased at St. Alexis Church, 8-4pm Mon- Fri. Order deadline is JUNE 29th!! Call for details! 724-935-4343. |
  
Great fun , friends and faith was experienced this last Saturday night at the OC Pulse Transitions. Over 30 kids and 40 total played some games, had a TON of food and watched an awesome OC video recapping our year! Some 8th graders learned of our plans for a High School Life Teen mass starting after the summer, ( Our Jr. High are invited too!) some 5th graders got too see how fun the OC is and some parents enjoyed the evening too! A big thanks to all who helped!
|
This past year at the request of several parents, we explored the advisability of moving Confirmation back to the end of the 8th grade year. Diocesan Policy says that the normal time for Confirmation is in the 8th grade, but for pastoral reasons can be moved to the 9th grade which is what we have been doing at St. James. The overwhelming response of parents upon polling them was to move Confirmation to 8th grade, and due to the fact that all our neighboring parishes celebrate Confirmation in 8th grade, we will make the transition to move Confirmation to the 8th grade with the new Confirmation Class.
To begin this transition there will be a meeting for all present 7th grade students and their parents on Tuesday, June 2, 7:00-8:30pm in the Gathering Space. After a presentation on the history and theology of the sacrament, the various requirements will be discussed. Please make every effort to attend this meeting to help us in making this transition a smooth one. |
What: Vacation Bible School Where: St. James Gathering Space When: Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24, 9:00am-12:30pm (Friday’s program will be extended to include a family lunch.) Who: Age 4 yrs. through 5th grade as of Fall 2009 Questions: Call Karen at (412)741-6766 extension 503
How to Register: - Fill out a registration form (download it!) and return with $25 payment for each child attending. Scholarships are available for families in need.
- Return to Karen Conroy, St. James, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley, PA 15143.
- Special priority will be given to parishioners and children in our school until June 1 and will be open to all children in the community after that date.
- Registration will be on a first come first serve basis so register early. Registration is limited to 105 children. Registration deadline is June 22. Son Rock t-shirts will be distributed the first day. Please indicate child’s size(s) on registration form.
|
As many of you know Deborah Monski, one of our Vacation Bible School volunteers and the mother of two small children, passed away suddenly this past winter. The VBS committee would like to develop a VBS scholarship fund in Deborah’s memory. This fund would be used to allow those parents who can not afford to pay the fee to still send their children to Vacation Bible School.
We need help in two ways:
First, if you are able to add a few dollars to your payment for VBS this year, that will allow us to accumulate the funds needed. The fee charged allows us to cover most of our expenses, but it does not afford us the cushion we need to accommodate children who can not pay.
Second, we need to identify those who are in need of these scholarships. Please pass along this information to that neighbor or relative who is out of work or has minimal
means to afford VBS. If you are the one in need, please contact me or indicate it on your registration form. God bless, Karen Conroy and the St. James Vacation Bible School Committee (412)741-6766 extension. 503 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
Our new web site, www.saintjames-church.com, has the ability to create and store photo galleries. With our parish's 150th anniversary coming soon wouldn't it be nice to begin to create a historical picture gallery of our parish church and school for all to see from how we started to where we are today. If you have any old pictures that show the church or school - The Photo Depot has offered to scan these precious memories at no charge for storage on the Saint James web site. Just bring them to The Photo Depot in Quaker Village and they will be copied while you wait so that you can take the originals home with you. So start going through those old shoe boxes where we all store our photos and see what you can find that shows our growth over the years. Then visit your web site to watch our history unfold.
|
An interview/testimony with one of our Veritas youth about the spring “Silver Ring Thing” event:
I: Why did you agree to go the Silver Ring Thing?
B: To see what it was about, I was curious.
I: What did you expect the event to be like? What was it like inside the auditorium?
B: I didn't know what to expect when I walked in there. It was like a rock concert.
I: What do you think the main message was?
B: To remain abstinent until you are married.
I: What did you think of the main message?
B: It showed that it was cool to wait for the right person - to be really in love.
I: What was your favorite part of the presentation?
B: Break up Phrases - they were a little harsh, but really funny.
I: Did you agree to wear a ring?
B: Yes I did. |
What?A "Pulse" event for all 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. - Pizza
- Prizes
- Fun
- Friends
- Faith
- Music
Who?All 5th graders are welcome to experience and learn more about our Jr. High youth group O.C. — Operation Christ. All 8th graders are invited for the usual fun with a break-out session to learn about our High School youth group Veritas. Bring a Friend! All parents are also welcome to come and learn more in the evening parent session. When?Saturday, May 25, 6-8PM Where? Gathering Space
St. James Church
200 Walnut St.
Sewickley, PA Contact Information |
Registration for (CCD) FOR THE 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR will continue May 2/3, May 9/10 and May 16/17 after the 5:00pm, 9:30am and 11:30am Masses. Parents are reminded that it is necessary to re-register each year, so that information can be updated. Vacation Bible School registration (children 4 years through 5th grade in fall of 2009) will also be conducted at the same time. VBS is scheduled for July 20-24, 9:00am-12:30pm. All children should be enrolled in either a Catholic school or a religious education program by first grade, so that they have the required catechesis prior to reception of the sacraments in second grade. Preschool and Kindergarten programs are also available, but space is limited. Sunday times will remain 9:15-11:00 am. Fees will be $45 for one child, $65 for two children and $75 for three or more children through June 1. After June 1, fees will increase by $10. Baptismal certificates are required for children entering the program for the first time. If you can volunteer in some way, please call the office A.S.A.P. Additional catechists are always needed as are volunteers to help in other ways, such as office or classroom aids or Advent and Lenten Family Gathering planning. Sign up sheets will be available at registration.
|
If you are currently in 4th grade or older and are interested in becoming an altar server, or are a current altar server in need of a refresher, we will be holding an altar server training class on Thursday, May 14 at 4:00pm in Church. If you are planning on attending the practice, please call Karin at (412)741-6650, extension 310 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
May 3 is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The whole church celebrates Christ’s unique call to each of us to serve as his disciples. Please pray today and during the week in thanksgiving for your call to Baptism and your vocational choice. Also pray that many may respond to God’s call to serve.
VOCATION PRAYER:
“Father, Lord of the harvest, help us to respond generously to the inspirations of your Spirit. Give to your Church for the world today, true disciples who will serve as priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, lay ministers, married couples and single persons to draw all people to God and God to all people. We trust in your love and mercy through Christ our Lord. Amen” |
| REGISTRATION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) FOR THE 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR will begin on April 26 at the final Sunday class session for 2008-2009 in the Religious Education Office. Registration will continue May 2/3, May 9/10 and May 16/17 after the 5:00pm, 9:30am and 11:30am Masses. Parents are reminded that it is necessary to re-register each year, so that information can be updated. Vacation Bible School registration (children 4 years through 5th grade in fall of 2009) will also be conducted at the same time. VBS is scheduled for July 20-24, 9:00am-12:30pm. All children should be enrolled in either a Catholic school or a religious education program by first grade, so that they have the required catechesis prior to reception of the sacraments in second grade. Preschool and Kindergarten programs are also available, but space is limited. Sunday times will remain 9:15-11:00am. Fees will be $45 for one child, $65 for two children and $75 for three or more children through June 1. After June 1, fees will increase by $10. Baptismal certificates are required for children entering the program for the first time. If you can volunteer in some way, please call the office A.S.A.P. Additional catechists are always needed as are volunteers to help in other ways, such as office or classroom aids or Advent and Lenten Family Gathering planning. Sign up sheets will be available at registration. |
THERE WILL BE NO KINDERGARTEN RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION (CCD) ON SUNDAY, APRIL 26 |
Every year, St. James Church hosts a Farmers' Market as an outreach to support local farmers and early merchants. Now in its sixth year, the St. James Church Farmers' Market hosts merchants selling meat like beef and pork, locally grown fresh vegetables, local honey, and even freshly made pierogies. Join us every Saturday from April through November to help support local farmers and merchants! Where: St. James Parking Lot; 200 Walnut St.; Sewickley, PA 15143 When: 1st Saturday in April thru the last Saturday in November; 9:00AM to 1:00PM Get Directions! Who: 30 to 35 local farmers and early merchants - for vendor info contact Bob Jancart - 412-262-4839
What: Farmers and Merchants representing: - Pork; Beef; Goats; Lambs; Poultry and Salmon (freshly caught in Alaska and flown in)
- Organic farm products
- A variety of vegetables
- Honey from a local apiarist
- Pierogies
- Pasta
- and much more!
Certifications: - Farmers' Market is certified by the US Department of Agriculture
- Early Merchants have additional certification from the Department of Health of Allegheny Cty
- Early Merchants outside Allegheny County are certified by the US Dept. of Agriculture
|
| This year the fourth grade CCD class has decided their service project to be a bake sale that will benefit Union Aid Society in Sewickley. This organization helps seniors, families, single parents and children – any neighbor in need – when emergencies or hardships occur. Their mission is to serve those in need who reside within the eleven municipalities of the Quaker Valley School District. The bake sale will be on Sunday, April 19 after the 9:30am and 11:30am Masses. Please stop by and purchase a sweet treat and help us raise monies for the Union Aid Society! |
Registration for Religious Education (CCD) for the 2009-2010 school year will begin on April 26 at the final Sunday class session for 2008-2009 in the Religious Education Office. Registration will continue May 2/3, May 9/10 and May 16/17 after the 5:00pm, 9:30am and 11:30am Masses. Parents are reminded that it is necessary to re-register each year, so that information can be updated. Vacation Bible School registration (children 4 years through 5th grade in fall of 2009) will also be conducted at the same time. VBS is scheduled for July 20-
24, 9:00am-12:30pm. All children should be enrolled in either a Catholic school or a religious education program by first grade, so that they have the required catechesis prior to reception of the sacraments in second grade. Pre-school and Kindergarten programs are also available.
|
| Confirmation Candidates are reminded that the Confirmation Prep sessions are scheduled for May 4 (Sewickley Academy and Moon Area) and May 5 (Quaker Valley and Avonworth) from 8:00am-3:00pm. It is not necessary to report to school first. Your attendance will be verified. Report to the Gathering Space at St. James promptly at 8:00am. Transportation is the responsibility of the parents. Please bring your red Bible and a packed lunch including a beverage. Snacks will be available mid-morning and mid-afternoon and if you can contribute something to share it would be greatly appreciated. |
A special testimony from one of the many families our OC/ Veritas youth have helped…
“Thank you, my family and I deeply appreciate your kind generosity with your gifts! I’ve never experienced such kindness and it touches all of our hearts. Thank you kindly again. You will always be in our prayers.”
That was from a letter from one of the outreaches our youth take part in every year! Keep up the great work and stay involved! |
Thank you to all who have participated in the Giant Eagle Apples for Students program. This program provides the opportunity for schools to get FREE computer and educational related equipment. To date, we have 339 registered supporters and 846 points! If you haven’t registered yet, it’s not too late. - Register at www.gianteagle.com (click on “Educational Support” to find link to “Apples for the Students) or call 1-800-474-4777.
- Remember to have your Giant Eagle Advantage card available because you will have to provide the 12-digit number printed on the back of the card
- Enter our School ID #: 1082
- Then shop with your Giant Eagle Advantage Card.
Remember, those supporters who registered to help St. James last year will automatically be assigned to St. James again this year. We only have through March 18, 2009 to accumulate points, so please regis- ter today and tell your family and friends to do the same. |
|
|
News & Events
