St. Patrick Church

• Keeping Our Promise To Protect

Did you know? Parents and guardians: Get involved – Parents & Guardians play a key role in the success of parish programs for young people.  Parents and guardians who are involved in parish programs and events will be in the best position to protect their own children as well as all the children in the parish community.  Involvement and communication are important factors in helping to ensure safe environments for all of our children.

Did you know? - “Grooming behaviors” - Most child abuse occurs after the perpetrator has gained the trust of the child and of his or her parents/guardians through a process called “grooming.”  The grooming process has three basic elements, which are both separate and interrelated: physical grooming, psychological grooming, and community grooming.

Physical grooming can begin with a simple pat on the back, but over time it becomes more intimate.

Psychological grooming takes many forms, all of which are designed to drive a wedge between the child and the parent or guardian and to pull the child under the control of the perpetrator.  Psychological techniques include a wide variety of activities, from telling a child that sexual contact is ”an act of love sanctioned by God” to threatening harm to someone the child loves if he or she tells anyone about the abuse.

Community grooming usually happens at the same time the physical and psychological grooming is progressing with the child.  It targets the parents, guardians, and the rest of the community.  The purpose is to convince us that this is someone who really cares about kids and is committed to their well-being, so that we will not notice or will disregard the warning signs because we can’t believe the perpetrator would commit such a crime.  The process can take as little as a few days or as long as a few months, but the perpetrator is willing to be patient to gain the trust of everyone involved.

This is how child molesters avoid being caught. ~ Protecting God’s Children Facilitator Training Manual, 36-38.

Help reduce abuse statistics! Nationally, more than 2 million reports of abuse or neglect of minors are made each year.  Only a small percentage of child abuse is ever reported.  Learn how to spot suspected abuse or neglect, and how to report it to the proper authorities.  For more information, please contact Carol Serbak at 724.745.3787.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh Database Application.  All parishioners over the age of 18 who wish to help out at parish functions MUST be on the Diocesan Database Web Site.  All Parish Organizations and Volunteers: School, Religious Education, Christian Mothers, Choir, Ushers, Cantors, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Catholic Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Festival, Fish Fry, Bread Program, Pastoral Council, Decorating Committee, Scout Leaders, an Activity of the Church, etc., MUST register.  You will NOT be able to volunteer for parish functions unless you are listed on the Diocesan Database Web Site.  It is required by law to file an electronic application in order to continue to participate as a volunteer in our Parish activities.  Applications can be found at all the entrances of the Church.  You DO NOT need to put your Social Security Number or your Driver’s License Number on the written or online application.  If you do not have computer or internet access or need help with the application, please call Carol Serbak at the Religious Education Office 724.745.3787.  The Diocese will be providing the Pennsylvania State Police Clearance beginning December 1, 2008.

We value all of our volunteers and are committed to providing support to ensure that we meet this requirement and ensure a safe environment for our children.

• Protecting God's Children Workshops

  Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church Religious Education Center
  December 6th (Saturday) - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
  To register or for more information, please call Rosalie Eckels at 724.228.9088.

  St. Hilary's, Washington, PA
  December 9th (Tuesday) - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
  December 16th (Tuesday) - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  To register or for more information, please call Dominick Bullotta at 724.228.0518.

• St. Patrick School News

The Junior National Honor Society of St. Patrick School, under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Krupa, sponsored “Operation Christmas Child”.  The children of St. Patrick School and St. Patrick C.C.D. were asked to fill shoeboxes with such items as school supplies, toys, hygiene items, and other personal items along with a note to the needy children of the world.

The gift wrapped shoeboxes will be sent to the third world countries to be distributed to the children on Christmas day by Samaritan’s Purse International Relief.  We would like to thank all the students for their commitment to this unique project.  May God bless the children as they share the Good News of Jesus Christ with precious children around the world.

Congratulations to Darcy Adreon, a second grade student of St. Patrick School, for winning this year’s Canonsburg Hospital Thanksgiving Essay Contest.  Darcy will receive a savings bond for taking first place.

• St. Patrick School Fundraisers

Cat's Meow Fundraiser -  Anyone interested in purchasing a St. Patrick School and/or St. Patrick Church Cat's Meow piece, please pick up an order form in the vestibules or contact Patti Hyde at 724.743.3388.  All proceeds will benefit St. Patrick School.

Catalog Fundraiser - Anyone interested in purchasing Current products please pick up a catalog in the vestibules or contact Dawn Gotkiewicz at 724.745.9467. Profits benefit St. Patrick School.

Sarris Candy Bars - Avon Products - Sams's Hoagies - Please consider purchasing these fundraising products from St. Patrick School and help us to meet our goal for the year.  We truly appreciate and honor your support of Catholic Education.

• Avon catalogs can be found at the school or in the church vestibules, with an approximate delivery date of December 15th.
• Sam’s hoagies orders can be placed at the school with an approximate delivery date of December 9th.
• Sarris’ candy bars can be purchased at the school.

More information can be found on St. Patrick School’s website at www.saintpatsschool.org.

• Cemetery Envelope

A cemetery envelope for the upkeep of St. Patrick Cemetery can be found in your envelope packet for the month of November. Your donations help to keep the operation of the cemetery in the black.  Thank you for your generosity.

• Help for the Homebound, Ill & Those Alone

Help is needed: Our Ladies of Charity would like your help in identifying any parishioner who is homebound, ill, or living alone and would appreciate receiving calls or visits from some of our members.  If you know of someone, please contact Barb at 724.745.5975 or Pat at 724.745.9569.  You may also send an envelope addressed to the Ladies of Charity with the person’s name, address, and phone number to the rectory or drop it in the collection basket.  Thank you for helping us to make a difference in someone’s life.

• Felician Sisters Craft Show
  November 22nd - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. @ Coraopolis, PA

You are invited to enjoy and purchase handmade gifts and decorations created by sisters at their Craft Show held at the Felician Sisters Provincial House, 1500 Woodcrest Ave., Coraopolis, PA on Saturday, November 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  In their desire to support those in great need, the sisters will also have gifts from Third World Countries available for sale.  Come support great causes and buy meaningful gifts for others.

• Retirement Fund for the Religious Collection
  November 22nd & 23rd at all Masses

A second collection will be taken next weekend for the Retirement Fund for the Religious.  Please give generously to next week’s second collection, which benefits the many deserving religious who serve our diocese, past and present, and who now need our help meeting the overwhelming costs of elder care.  More information can be found at www.retiredreligious.org.

• St. Vincent de Paul Bundle Sunday
  November 22nd & 23rd

House hold items and clothing drive.

Nov. 22nd - 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 23rd - 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: St. Patrick parking lot near the cafeteria entrance.

What to bring?  Small working appliances - Household goods - Clothing of all types

Bundle-up your clean usable items and box and bag them to load directly into the truck.

Your participation is needed and greatly appreciated!

• St. Patrick Religious Education
  November 23rd, December 7th & 14th - 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
  No CCD classes on November 30th - Happy Thanksgiving

• RCIA
  November 24th @ Center

• Adult Choir
  November 25th @ St. Patrick Church

  Bell choir - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  Choir - 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Fourth Annual Thanksgiving Eve Mass & Dinner
  November 26th - 6:30 p.m. Mass @ St. Patrick Church

Parishioners are invited to attend the 6:30 p.m. Mass on Wednesday, November 26th in St. Patrick Church.  Following the Mass, we will share in our traditional dinner held in the cafeteria for all who have made reservations.  The simple menu will be: Fr. Jack’s mom’s recipe for sea shells & homemade Italian bread, and a tossed salad.  If possible, we are asking those attending to bring a dessert.  Please fill out the reservation form in the Bulletin and return it to the rectory by Monday, November 24th.

• Christmas Festival at Heinz Hall & The Pittsburgh Creche
  December 15th

St. Benedicts is offering approximately 40 tickets for the Christmas concert at Heinz Hall on December 15th, first come — first served.  The tickets and bus cost $5.00.  The bus will be leaving St. Benedict’s parking lot promptly at 5:45 p.m.  Call Ellie at 724.941.4686 by Monday, November 24th to reserve your tickets or for more information.

• Canonsburg/Houston Ministerial Association

The Canonsburg/Houston Ministerial Association, along with the community, will host the 25th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner, November 27, 2008 at the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, 112 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, beginning at 12:00 noon for anyone within the surrounding communities.

More than 10,000 meals and counting...Your generosity and compassion over the years have ensured that many throughout the community, including shut-ins, have received an invitation to spend Thanksgiving enjoying the fellowship of others while feasting upon a FREE traditional holiday dinner of turkey and all the trimmings.

If you would like to support this ministry of love and make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season, please send your tax deductible donation to:  Canonsburg/Houston Ministerial Association, Box 206, Canonsburg, Pa 15317.

• Gilmary Retreat Center Information

Gilmary Retreat Center for a variety of spiritual Retreats can be found at the exits of the church.  Registrations can also be made at Gilmarycenter@verizon.net or by contacting Gilmary at 412.264.8400.

• Growing in Christ - Online Course

The Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality is pleased to announce the availability of our first on-line course, Growing in Christ. This three-part series is a must for clergy, religious, and laity.  You will treasure every lesson in Epiphany’s Growing in Christ series. Please call 412.341.7494 or toll free 1.877.324.6873 to register.  The cost is $60 per course.

• Attention Business Owners

Want a better way to direct your state tax dollars?  The state legislature just passed a new addition to the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program which permits C corporations, S corporations and now subchapter S businesses to give to your Catholic school from their tax bill.  Currently, the diocese receives over $3 million a year in tuition assistance for our Catholic schools from area businesses.  Please solicit your local businesses and ask them to consider this fabulous program which enables them to help build your schools.  For more information go to newpa.com or call Dr. Ron Bowes at 412.456.3090.