Notes from Fr. Jim's Keyboard, September 29, 2024
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Notes from Fr. Jim’s keyboard…
• Who has authority… to speak for God? That is a question considered both in today’s first reading and Gospel. Jesus addresses the issue by stating “Whoever is not against us is for us.” However, it is sometimes difficult to discern who is really speaking in God’s name. Perhaps the answer lies in Jesus’ reference to things done with love as the motive: “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.”
• Our Parish Mission… is this week! We welcome Redemptorist priests Fr. Jim Dowds and Fr. Kevin O’Neil, who will be leading the Mission. Check the schedule in today’s bulletin, and plan to come to as many events as you can. This is a great opportunity for us as individuals and as a parish to deepen our faith, as we reflect on the theme “Jesus Christ Satisfies the Hungry Heart.”
• In my other role… as Director of the Office for Music Ministry for the Pittsburgh Diocese, I have a busy week ahead, as Pittsburgh hosts the annual national meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC). The FDLC supports and advises our country’s bishops on liturgical matters, and we expect nearly 200 diocesan liturgical staff members from many dioceses in the United States to attend. In addition to attending the meeting, I will be directing the Diocesan Choir at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Zubik for this group on Tuesday evening. And next weekend, the Diocesan Choir will also be singing for the Permanent Diaconate Mass on Saturday, when nine men are ordained deacons for service in our parishes. The very next day, I direct the Choir for the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday. Please keep all these events in your prayers.