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St. Benedict the Abbot Church
Mass Schedule
Sunday Masses
Saturday 5:00 pm (Vigil)
Sunday 7:30 am
10:00 am
12:30 pm
6:00 pm (Sept.—May)
Weekday Masses
Tues., Wed., Thurs. 6:30 am
Monday - Saturday 8:30 am
Confession
Wednesday 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 - 11:30 am
Also by personal appt.
Office Hours
Monday - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
Sunday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
St. Benedict the Abbot Church
120 Abington Drive,
McMurray, PA 15317-3398
Phone: (724) 941-9406
Fax: (724) 941-9517
E-mail :
Father Sam's Forum
One year ago we celebrated the Ordination and First Mass of Father Michael Ruffalo. It’s hard to believe it has been one year already. He continues to be a joy in my life and a help in the ministry here. If I could just get him to arrive a little earlier, put his coffee cups in the dishwasher, and turn out a few lights…but then he wouldn’t be Michael.
As we welcomed Fr. Michael here to be our new parochial vicar, we were beginning a remembrance of Saint Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles. Commemorating the 2000th anniversary of Paul’s birth, this saint and patron of our diocese was the herald of the Gospel, and for me personally in the past year, an inspiration in ministry. I tried to listen to his writings in a new way. The Year of St. Paul closes tomorrow, on the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul.
Pope Benedict XVI has announced that this year, beginning actually on June 19, is the Year of the Priest. What does this mean? Because we are remembering the 150th anniversary of the death of the patron of parish priests, St. John Mary Vianney (1756—1859), the Holy Father seeks to bring attention to the priesthood through this year-long commemoration. He asks the faithful to pray for us.
We hear routinely now about priests who have been accused of misdoings either by abuse of children, financial misappropriation or some other scandal. Sadly, these reports affect all of us. Whether the accusation is true or not, the media feeds on this kind of news. The priests I know carry a deep and ever present sadness from all of these things, especially because we all know one or more of the brothers who have been removed from ministry. It affects our morale in a way most people might not even consider.
And yet, I find great joy and satisfaction in being a priest. Continuing to believe that I have answered what I know was God’s call for my life, that does not make it any easier when caught in the crossfire. People today have no difficulty in telling their priests exactly what they think about any number of things. While there are some things we can change or help, there are others that are beyond us. Like Jesus in the Gospel today, we get caught up in the whirlwind of ministry, always trying to be the servants we are called to be. But we sometimes make mistakes. We are mere mortals too, fallible and sinful, with many faults and weaknesses. But I know of no priest who deliberately tries to harm people or his parish. We want to succeed. We want to draw people to Jesus.
So perhaps this year, you can remember a priest who made a difference in your life. Maybe you can say a prayer for him, whether he’s alive or gone to eternal life. Maybe you can drop him a card to say “thanks.” Today we remember the anniversary of death of Fr. Donatelli. Like us all he had his faults, but he was a good priest who cared about his people and only wanted to serve them.
Don’t expect more from your priests than we can give you. We truly want to love you and celebrate with you as we worship, to be there in your good times and bad ones, to support you and encourage you, to pray for you and your intentions. But we can only do so much. Don’t gossip about us when you only have hearsay as your source. Don’t be afraid to ask us questions. Don’t forget to invite us out for coffee or a glass of wine. We need and rely on your support because after all, we are humans too.
Need Confidential assistance? Companionship and understanding for a difficult time? Stephen Ministers are here to help you. Call 724.941.5026.
Hotline for Victims of Sexual Abuse 412.456.3060 or 1.888.808.1235
© St. Benedict the Abbot Church, McMurray, PA