Feeling overwhelmed, isolated, unequipped -- none of us have emerged from these tough times unscathed. Hope, support, resources -- The Culture Project invites you to come together at the Restore Culture Virtual Workshops, September 25-27 and learn how to respond and restore culture, starting with ourselves and our own local communities. This weekend is about coming together to ask the human questions. If you are looking for answers to those question or if you're a parent, an educator, a pastor, mentor, single, married, or a parent looking for community -- this weekend is for you.

Alpha is a 10-week Christian video series that explores basic questions about faith. Alpha focuses on relationships - especially having a meaningful connection with God. Alpha is for anyone and everyone, at any point in their faith journey - from non-believers to regular, active participants in a church. Online Alpha begins with social time in your small group, is followed by a short video, and then a small group discussion occurs about topics set forth in the videos. The small groups allow for wonderful sharing. There isn’t an obligation to say anything, and there is nothing you cannot say. Alpha is not about “preaching or teaching”. It is an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in a friendly and open environment. Two Alpha tracks are offered: Ages over 40 or Ages under 40. There is not a fee for the Alpha course.

We are all searching for something. Why am I here? Where did I come from? What happens when I die? We find the answers to life’s big questions when we wrestle with them in faith. In fact, the story of human history has largely been a story of faith. We need a relationship with our maker—a relationship with life—to make sense of all of this. Where am I going? Who am I journeying with along the way? The Search is a powerful new digital experience hosted by Chris Stefanick and featuring scientists, astronauts, artists, and fellow searchers who uncover the answers to life’s big questions on happiness, purpose, meaning, and faith. Registering for FORMED is easier than ever: Go to formed.org/signup Select your parish (type "Greene County" to find our parish) Register with your name and email address Check that email account for a link to begin using FORMED

Join Chris Stefanick in participating in the special online Rosary pilgrimage hosted by Parousia Media beginning September 8th (speakers recorded & online to watch anytime). There will be an amazing speaker each day until the Feast of the Holy Rosary on October 7th. You have to check out the list: Fr. Don Calloway, Dr. Scott Hahn, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Deacon Harold Burke Sivers...the list goes on! The best part is...it's FREE! Sign up now.

A powerful and uplifting drama about the power of faith, Fatima tells the story of a 10-year old shepherd and her two young cousins in Fátima, Portugal, who report seeing visions of the Virgin Mary. Their revelations inspire believers but anger officials of both the Church and the secular government, who try to force them to recant their story. As word of their prophecy spreads, tens of thousands of religious pilgrims flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle. What they experience will change their lives forever. In theaters August 14.

Discover St. Joseph ~ PROTECTOR & INTERCESSOR FOR YOUR FAMILY Now is the time of St. Joseph. Over the centuries, popes and saints, rich and poor alike have fled to St. Joseph in times of distress. His role as our spiritual father, guide, and protector is just as important today. During this Catholic family conference, discover the powerful protection and intercession of St. Joseph for your family. “St. Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect, and enlighten families.” — Pope St. John Paul II​ ~ Plus, the world famous, official International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima will also be at the conference.

The proceeds of this campaign support the purchase of ultrasound machines at Pro-Life Centers in the Pittsburgh Diocese which give expectant moms contemplating abortion the opportunity to choose life instead. The Campaign also contributes to the local Catholic Charities Parenting Pregnancy program to help new moms. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the K of C Baby Bottle Campaign never quite got off the ground. Anyone who would like to donate to this worthwhile cause may do so by sending a check for any amount, payable to the Knights of Columbus #12703, to: St. Matthias Parish - St. Ann Office Center ATTN: Knights of Columbus, 232 E. High St., Waynesburg PA 15320

The Meals on Wheels program delivers hot, well-balanced meals to homebound seniors. The Carmichaels area is in immediate need of drivers. Volunteers needed for 2 hours, one day a week. Choose your route: Carmichaels, Crucible or Nemacolin. To volunteer call 724-966-2290 to help a neighbor in need.

Barry Nelson has been making birdhouses during the entire Corona quarantine. He spends about 3-4 hours making each birdhouse and each one is different. Some are designed to hang and some are designed to be mounted on a post. They are made from the church pews from Our Lady of Consolation Church in Nemocolin as they were trimmed to fit into St. Ann Church. He has about 15 ready. For a donation of $30 or more to the Knights of Columbus #12703 , anyone may purchase one of these birdhouses. Checks or cash accepted. Checks should be made out to Knights of Columbus #12703 (tax deductible). Please give us a call at 724-852-2529 to schedule a time to come to our backyard and pick out your own birdhouse.  Donations will help the Knights' baby bottle campaign in buying ultrasound machines for moms contemplating abortion - so they have the option to have an ultrasound if they choose.  The Baby Bottle campaign also contributes to the local Catholic Charities Parenting and Pregnancy program to help new moms.  Thanks from Barry and the Knights of Columbus #12703 Baby Bottle project!

A message from Father Al: We are opening the churches to a regular Sunday schedule this weekend (June 6 & 7) and we need help. We need to identify who will be at what Masses so we can organize greeters with hand sanitizer, ushers who will be seating people not taking up a collection, cleanup and sanitization crews. So, if any of you are willing to pitch in as ushers who will be required to seat people so that we can maximize capacity of the church, we would need at least 4 for each Mass. Someone needs to stand at the doors with hand sanitizer greeting people; Social distancing means one group of folks to a pew every other pew, even if that group is one (unless another single were spaced at the other end of that pew). Two to five in a pew is about all to fill up a pew. When all the seats are taken, the doors have to be closed and people are turned away. After Mass ushers will have to help let people come out of pews, one pew at a time for communion and people have to leave right after. No collection baskets will be passed, but collection baskets will be at the doors but someone should be attending them at the end of Mass as people leave. Then, we have to clean and sanitize all pews with disinfectant, and a crew can do it very simply in five to ten minutes. So we need cleaners as well. Please contact Marci in the church office (724-627-7568 or saintannchurchcomcast.net) to put your name on the helper list. Please mention what you'd like to help with and what Mass you will attend. Thank you!

To provide greater spiritual support to adults during COVID restrictions, Alpha Catholic will be available online at the end of May through the summer, diocesan-wide. Alpha provides a safe-space where those who may be unsure about Christianity can explore the “big questions” of life together. Alpha is also a powerful experience for those already engaged in faith to rekindle their relationship with the Lord. As participants learn, they also practice the virtues of listening, caring and praying for each other. Three tracks will be available: Young Adult, Adult and Spanish. Small groups will be arranged by parish when possible so that attendees can connect with others from their faith communities. The cost is free. To Register go to: https://www.stmaryglenshaw.org/alpha

Fr. Francis Frazer ~ May 3rd ~ 45th Anniversary ~ Senior Parochial Vicar for St. Matthias Parish

You can download Strong in the Face of Tribulation here free of charge on the website of the Vatican’s publishing house, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, in PDF format in English

Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, families have been faced with the challenge of establishing a ‘new normal’ in their daily lives. The disruptions that families experience with the closure of schools, child care centers, workplaces, as well as many other services, can be a cause of tension and distress. Moreover, churches have suspended the public celebration of Masses and other liturgical services for the faithful. Whatever your family situation, there is an opportunity to find grace in the midst of this crisis. Families can use this time as an invitation to focus on our relationships and on building strong family bonds. Click here for a few suggestions on how to use this time well.

On Formed.org (It's Free ~ Sign Up under "Greene County"), "The Faithful Traveler in the United States: East Coast Shrines" ~ Our first series explores some of the Catholic shrines and places of pilgrimage in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. The series consists of 13 half-hour episodes, each exploring one or more sites on the East Coast.

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurection. Amen

THE OTHER SIDE OF CORONA: A PASTORAL LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF PITTSBURGH by BISHOP DAVID A. ZUBIK on MARCH 20, 2020

The Guatemala Mission of St. Matthias will be offering Elysian Fields Farm Lamb Roasts for sale in support of the Children of Patzun Guatemala. Roasts average in weight between 3 and 4 pounds and cost $7.99 per pound. Distribution will be on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020 at St. Ann and St. Hugh between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Email your order to: missionlambsales@gmail.com. Please specify: Your name, phone number, number of roasts requested, the church you will be picking up your order (St. Ann or St. Hugh). Once your order has been received, it will be verified with an acknowledged email. Orders must be received no later than March 29, 2020. Thank you for your continuing support and prayers for the Children of Patzun.

WATCH MOVIES on Formed.org for FREE! Registering for FORMED is easier than ever: Go to formed.org/signup Select your parish (type "Greene County" to find our parish) Register with your name and email address Check that email account for a link to begin using FORMED ~ You're all set to enjoy the inspiring content on FORMED for all ages!