My dear friends and parishioners:

In this time of uncertainty, as we must remain apart, we abide with each other and our living water, Jesus through the bonds of prayer and friendship. These are difficult and unsettling times, times that call out for a loving and faithful approach. If we ever needed a love letter, it is now. This passage from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians is one of the best.

I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.  I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.  It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace...how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Philippians 1: 3-8

As we go through this time, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers each day and that I truly do miss seeing you. I feel the power of your prayers each day as well. We are doing all that we can to stay safe and healthy and hope you are as well. Please stay safe and healthy.

I just wanted to give you and update and share what we are doing as a parish during this time. We are available to you through our parish website, our Facebook page and e-mail. If you have this capability, we encourage you to use it as updates will be published on a timely basis. There will also be links there for you to access prayers, devotions and spiritual enrichment materials. We have a group of volunteers that will be reaching out by phone to our senior citizens to see if there is anything they need and to make sure they are doing well. We are examining other ways for me to be in contact with our parish family on a more personal basis through online messages, prayers and possible streaming of liturgy.
We also have come to the realization that many of our families are going through financial difficulties and may even be facing layoffs or unemployment. The personal needs of your families and friends must come first. However, with no regular public Masses and all of our fundraising events cancelled, our parish is facing a very dismal financial picture as we move forward and attempt to survive this crisis. I am asking you to please give whatever you can to assist us. Even though our parish is quiet, facilities and utilities do not go away. The needs of our community, our ministries and our families remain. We cannot meet these needs without your help. As a parish, we have and are taking the necessary steps to reduce costs but without your continued help, we cannot continue to serve you as best we can and you deserve the best
Please consider giving online at our website (stm-sjc.org), direct contributions through your bank or sending in envelopes by mail to either parish office (Saint Thomas More, 126 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh, Pa 15241 or Saint John Capistran, 1610 McMillan Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241). You may also drop off contributions through the mail slot at Saint Thomas More. The attached newsletter also gives these details. Many of you have already responded in that way, but we still need help. In the two years that I have been privileged to be your pastor, I have been overwhelmed by your generosity and I am sure you will come through again. For all you are, give and do, I am extremely grateful.
In a few days, we will celebrate the new life of Easter, and, whether we are together or apart, we will celebrate of resurrection faith with courage, determination and joy. The Lord is risen. It is true. We too will rise again and I know, because of you, we will be stronger, more hope-filled and ever more faithful. Be certain of my abiding love and prayers for all of you. As my dear friend Coach Scott Lang used to say as he left you, “Stay Blessed.”

With endless gratitude, prayers and love,
 
Fr. Peter