From Columbia Gas is a notice that due to significant upgrades of existing facilities in our neighborhood, that from Tuesday, May 28 to Friday, May 31 there will be no access to Route 65 from Walnut Street.

All traffic will be rerouted to Broad St.

Thank you for your understanding and for being a customer of Columbia Gas. If there are any questions you may call Sarah Perry - 724-416-6313 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

That’s the Spirit! 

Fifty days ago we celebrated Easter Sunday. For the past seven weeks we have been focusing on the Resurrection of our Lord. Today on this Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the “birthday of the church.” As the Father has sent Jesus, so Jesus sends the spirit to the Apostles. They are to continue Jesus’ mission in the world. 

We receive the Holy Spirit at Baptism. Our sins have been forgiven and the spirit continues to dwell within us. 

In the First reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read that the Holy Spirit fills the Apostles. The Jewish feast of Pentecost was the feast on which the Jews celebrated Moses having received the law on Mount Sinai. Luke teaches that it is the spirit who enables the church to fulfill Jesus’ commission to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria. Today the Good News of Jesus Christ is still proclaimed in every language to every nation. 

In today’s Gospel, we read John’s post Resurrection story. The disciples are to continue Jesus’ mission from his Father. His mission was to bring humankind to the light and to the Father. There are Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. 

As we celebrate Pentecost, let us remember that the diversity around us is a source of blessings which we experience God’s love in countless ways. 

That’s the Spirit! 

St. James School Board of Advisors Sister Christy Hill and I are pleased to announce the members of our new Board of Advisors: Kim Lieb, Jessica Focer, Luci-Jo DiMaggio, Phil Susie, Jeff Zick, John Nicolaus, Clay Saftner, and Vince Roskovensky. These individuals will advise the Pastor and Principal on school matters such as Advancement, Academic, Recruitment and Retention, Building and Grounds, and Finances. There are several individuals who will be on sub committee’s including: Allison Connelly, Mark Malik, Julianne Michalenko, Jessica Cerchiaro, Rose Flaherty, Nicole Feldhues, Katie Feczko, Rosemary McNelis, JoAnn Guy, Michelle Battistella, Jason Jester, Dan Joyce, and Jason Corsetti. We welcome them to this new board and look forward to enhancing St. James School. 

Welcome John Nicolaus I am pleased to announce the appointment of John Nicolaus to the Finance Council. John has twenty years of experience in accounting and finance along with an MBA in Finance. John and his wife Linda have four children in St. James School and are very active with Soccer and Boy and Girl Scouts. He will be a tremendous asset to our Finance Council. 

The next Finance Council meeting will be Monday, May 20 at 6:30pm in the Gathering Space Meeting Room 1. 

Welcome Fr. Terdine Next weekend I will be traveling to Erie for a family wedding. Fr. Richard Terdine will be here for the Saturday 5:00pm and Sunday 9:30 and 11:30am Masses. I will be out of the office from Wednesday afternoon May 22 through Monday May 27. (Please hold any phone calls until I return). Be sure of my thoughts and prayers as I travel. 

Twelve Years! Next Sunday, May 26 I will be celebrating my twelfth anniversary as a Priest. I am thankful for the Lord calling me to be a priest. Please continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious Life. 

Memorial Day Memorial Day is Monday, May 27. We will have just one Mass at 9am. The rectory office will be closed for the holiday. 

You’re Invited! Please join us on Sunday, June 2nd at 3pm for the closing Mass our St. James Parish 150th Anniversary and St. James School 100th Anniversary celebrated by Bishop David A. Zubik. (Please note that this Mass does count for the Sunday Obligation). Following the Mass will be a banquet at the Allegheny Country Club. Please R.S.V.P. for the dinner by this Friday, May 24. Please join us! 

Congratulations Congratulations to Aidan Lanny Gregory who is being Baptized this weekend. 

Welcome Home A special St. James Welcome to the following who recently registered at St. James Parish: Arthur and Jennifer Innamorato, Adam and Elizabeth Burgunder, and Christopher and Courtney Stone. 

Happy 50th Anniversary to Enos and Irene Abel who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on May 4th. 

Something to Think About… The secret of happiness is: Find something more important than you are, and dedicate your life to it. Dan Dennett 

With God, All Things Are Possible! 

Fr. Tom Burke Pastor 

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Pray that we all may be one! 

Mother’s Day is always a special day to honor all the women in our lives who hold a motherly role: Mothers, Grandmothers, Godmothers, Mother-in-Law’s and Aunt’s. It is a special day to say thank you for all they have done for us. I thank God every day for my mom, Marge, who after all these years still does so much for her three children and seven grandchildren. Thanks Mom for giving me life, teaching me the faith, and encouraging me and supporting me throughout my forty two years of my life.

Life...what a beautiful choice! 

This weekend we celebrate the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The readings this weekend focus on unity. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read of the stoning of St. Stephen who is considered the first martyr. He says “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” In the second reading, we read the last words of the Book of Revelation talk about the second coming of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, we read the closing of “Jesus’ Farewell Discourse” at the Last Supper. Jesus gives his “priestly prayer” and prays that we all may be one in him. In this beautiful prayer Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for the community. The ultimate concern for Jesus is concern for the unity of the community. The community will be one due to the fact that it shares in the divine relationship that exists between Jesus and the Father. 

As we come into the home stretch of the Easter Season let us let go of grudges or differences and reach out and extend a sign of peace to someone. Pray for families that are divided, co-workers, classmates and neighbors that have strained relationships. 

Pentecost is next weekend. Please wear something red to Mass. The Second Collection next weekend is for Catholic Relief Services. Please be as generous as possible. 

Pray that we all may be one! 

Honor Roll Congratulations to the following High School Students who are parishioners at St. James for obtaining the Honor Roll status at their school.

Aquinas Academy - Theresa Boyd     Central Catholic - Joseph Auth, Lucas Peilert, Jeffrey Van Kooten 

Tour of Sewickley Academy Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to take a tour of Sewickley Academy. Parishioner and former Head of the Upper School Jim Cavalier “Mr. Cav” conducted a wonderful tour of the campus and facilities. During my tour I greeted many or of our parishioners who are students at Sewickley Academy. 

Parish Improvements Ron Parisi – Home Remodeling of Ambridge continues to make renovations to the rectory kitchen. The project will be completed in approximately three weeks. The outdated kitchen was in much need of updates and repairs. The plumbers found pipes in the basement ceiling that were rusted and corroded. The pipes have since been replaced. The funds for the renovations have been completely covered by private donations and will be at no cost to the parish. Special thanks to our Finance and Pastor Council who approved of the upgrades and our “kitchen committee” Paula Doebler, Eileen McConomy and Patty Smitz for helping oversee the project. 

Wedding Coordinators We would like to welcome Sandy Foody to our Wedding Committee. Sandy will be a great addition to assist our young couples with their wedding rehearsal and wedding day. Our Wedding Committee also includes: Bonnie Megan, Doreen Ropon, and Beth Villegas. 

Sacristan Assistants Our Eucharistic Ministers have been asked to assist in clean up and set up with Sunday Masses. We are grateful to the following Eucharistic Ministers who have volunteered to be Sacristan Assistants: Ibie Alfonso, Bob and Kathy Basl, Bill and Carole Battisti, Connie Boschetto, Jim Pifko, Doreen and Paul Ropon, and Beth and Manny Villegas. 

Newly Baptized Congratulations to Antonio Eli Piccolo-Jackson, and Marina Belle Miller who are being Baptized this weekend. 

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Michele Sabo and Jason Conti who were married this weekend. 

Welcome Home A special St. James Welcome to the following who recently registered at St. James Parish: Patty & Bob Gebhard, Harry and Alice Jester, David and Emily Kelch and Corbin and Meredith Miller. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Mothers, Grandmothers, God Mother’s, Aunt’s or any woman that holds a “motherly role” in someone’s life. 

Something to Think About… “Every Day Is Mother’s Day!” Marge Burke 

With God, All Things Are Possible! 

Fr. Tom Burke Pastor 

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Peace Be With You! 

It was one year ago today, May 5, 2012, that I had the honor to celebrate my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. They renewed their vows at Mass and we had a nice luncheon with family and friends. My parents, who are “high school sweethearts” were married on May 5, 1962 at St. Stephen Church in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Bishop Vincent M. Leonard was the celebrant for their wedding. I am very grateful God has blessed me with such great parents.

This weekend we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The readings this weekend focus on love and discipleship. 

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we read that differences threaten to divide the Church but the Holy Spirit will the lead the way to unity and peace. 

In the Gospel of John, we continue reading Jesus’ “farewell discourse” to his disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus assures the disciples that he will be with them even after his death. John is teaching us that Jesus is not absent but present. Jesus has come from the Father, has done the Father’s will, and will now return to the Father. It is love that will enable not only the disciples but us also to experience the presence of the risen Christ in our midst. Love is the mark of both obedience and discipleship, to love Jesus is to love the Father. 

As we begin a new month, the month of May, let us bring peace to our minds and in our hearts. Let us see Christ in one another and bring Christ to those who are in most need. 

Peace Be With You! 

Saint James School News This Friday, May 10th our eighth graders will be performing their mock trial at the Allegheny County Courthouse while the seventh graders will be serving as their jury. They will be performing in Judge Borkowski’s courtroom. Special thanks to our eighth grade teacher, Mrs. Karen Scully for organizing this very special experience for our children. 

Last week our school community welcomed the team from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. The team visited our school for three days. A full report will be distributed in a few months. Special thanks to the Home School Association and all of the parents and volunteers who helped with the lunches and dinners throughout the week. 

Parish Improvements Ron Parisi – Home Remodeling of Ambridge has begun renovations to the rectory kitchen. The project will be completed in approximately four weeks. The outdated kitchen is in great need of repairs. The funds for the renovations have been completely covered by private donations and will be at no cost to the parish. Special thanks to our Finance and Pastoral Council’s who approved of the upgrades and our “kitchen committee” Paula Doebler, Eileen McConomy and Patty Smitz for helping oversee the project. 

New Parking Restrictions Please note that the Borough of Sewickley is implementing a No Parking Zone on the Boulevard side of Elwick Street, from Little Street to Walnut Street (except on Wednesdays from 7am to 3pm for the accommodation of parking for street cleaning). Several residents made this request to Borough Council; and at the April 15th council meeting, council chose to adopt this resolution. Please make note of this new parking restriction. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Kevin Flannery, the Borough Manager at (412)741-4015 or e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Ascension Thursday Just a reminder that the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord is this Thursday, May 9 and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be held Wednesday evening, May 8 at 7pm, and on Thursday, May 9 at 6:45am, 9am and 7pm.

Newly Baptized Congratulations to Logan Jude Botticello, Kayce Lynn Burgunder, and Olivia Ryan McIlveen Kone who are being Baptized this weekend. 

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Nicole Balisky and Marco Gruelle who were married this weekend. 

Happy Anniversary to my parents Bill and Marge Burke who are celebrating their 51st Wedding Anniversary this Sunday, May 5! 

Welcome Madrigal Singers This weekend at the 11:30am Mass, as part of our 150th Anniversary this year, we welcome the Madrigal Singers from the Philippines.

Something to Think About… If you find some happiness inside yourself, you’ll start findin’ it lot of other places, too. Gladiola Montana 

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