Diocese of Pittsburgh Releases Local Synod Report

1.  Liturgy: Many individuals spoke of the importance of life-giving liturgies, engaging music, reverent celebration of the sacraments, the centrality of the Most Holy Eucharist and the grace of Eucharistic Adoration.
    
2. Welcoming and Inclusion: Many stories focused on the need to be a welcoming and inclusive Church, although understandings seem to differ.   There is a perceived need to find better and more effective and affectionate ways to welcome and include new members, and to welcome those who feel excluded for a variety of reasons.  There is also a strong feeling of sadness among participants regarding those who no longer practice their faith or have left the Church.
    
3. Catechesis: Response indicated a strong recognition of the need to help both adults and children have a better understanding of their faith so that they may share it with others.
    

July 17, 2022 
         Since my previous update on June 19 regarding the status of the sewage issue at Holy Spirit Church, I now have some new information regarding
the situation.  First, our contractor has located a new replacement pump at a warehouse in Chicago, IL. What we were originally told is that between supply chain issues and installation time, it could be 4-6 weeks after this item has been purchased until it is installed. The cost for just 1 pump/grinder is $46,000. Since the cost of the grinder is over $40,000, this request must be reviewed and approved by the diocese. Therefore, while we are moving forward with this process, we have not yet purchased the replacement pump. In addition to this variable, the contractors have said that the shipping and installation time would be longer than originally expected.
 
In addition to working on replacing the sewage pump/grinder at Holy Spirit, we have begun the process of assessing all of the buildings of our parish, with the assistance of the Diocesan Department for Facilities Management and Maintenance. All of the buildings and their status should be important to all of us. Just as you would want when having a vehicle inspected, it is important to be made aware of the status of the vehicle as a whole and not just a single concern. It is necessary to be aware of the condition of the entire vehicle. The same is true when addressing needs within our homes and certainly our parish facilities.
 
          I will keep you informed as we continue moving through this process. In the meantime, no speculation or “rumors” please, for the good of the community — the Church, and our dignity as members of the Body of Christ. What we need are prayers, not more hearsay. Thank God that our worship has not been compromised, as we continue to gather together weekly giving praise and honor to our God.
          Let us pray, be grateful for all things, and remain focused on Jesus.
         
          I pray you the Lord’s peace …
                                                  — Fr. Zywan
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June 19, 2022      
            It has been four weeks since we last gathered at Holy Spirit Church for worship.  I greatly appreciate your understanding and patience while we are working toward a solution to the plumbing problem.  A suitable sewage pump/grinder has finally been located that will be refitted to function at Holy Spirit.  However, between the delivery time of this equipment and the availability of the contractors to install it, it will likely take between four and six weeks.  These are crazy times.  I’m sure you are aware of the current disruptions with supply chain matters and the difficulty of having available contractors familiar with the installation of specialized equipment like this.  This is where we currently stand.  I will communicate to you any information that becomes available. 
          With the assistance of diocesan staff from the Department for Facilities Management & Maintenance, the members of the Facilities Committee of the Parish Finance Council have begun an assessment of all the parish buildings and properties.  As a baseline for this study, the Canon Design Report that was used diocesan-wide in preparing for the parish groupings has been reviewed.  However, the data in this report is now five years old, and as such, not current.  This study and assessment by competent members of our community will enable us to establish an accurate up-to-date report on conditions of all parish facilities.  This information will enable the parish and diocese to establish priorities in addressing capital improvements that will best serve the mission of our parish.  What is that mission?
          Like me, I’m sure you have either children, members of your family, friends, neighbors or all of the above, who have separated themselves from active participation in the life of the Church and the sacraments.  What a heartache and sad reality.
          In hindsight, our resources – holy gifts, have been disproportionately directed toward maintenance, while overlooking our purpose for existing – mission.  That mission is simply to make disciples for Christ (Matthew 28:19).  We are responsible to get ourselves and as many people as possible to heaven!  
          I am firm in my commitment to reach the next generation.  The most important thing we can do is hand on the faith to our children and grandchildren.  I’m sure that as you reflect on these thoughts, you will likely pray and focus your attention on Jesus and the mission he has entrusted to all of us.
          These are certainly challenging times.  But with challenge comes opportunity and excitement.  We are literally building the Church.  More than a challenge, it’s a privilege for us to walk with Jesus, share his good news, and commit ourselves to rebuilding his Church!  What are your thoughts? 
          The two ingredients that I request of you not only at this time, but always are prayer and openness.  Prayer will lead us to the heart of Jesus and openness will enable us to embrace the direction of the Holy Spirit.  Be at peace…  Fr. Zywan

News – Good. Bad. None.

The GOOD news: The installation of the new boiler at Holy Spirit Church has taken place. It’s a beautiful, state-of-the-art system! The equipment and labor for the replacement came in at $100,000. Though costly, this item, regrettably one of deferred maintenance, has now been addressed. Alleluia!

The BAD news: Upon the successful installation of the new boiler, another significant mechanical failure was brought to our attention. The sewage system for the church, hall, and educational center at Holy Spirit was designed to pump the waste up to the sewage lines on Old Elizabeth Road. Two grinders/pumps accomplish this task. It was found that the primary pump has been inoperable for a significant undetermined period of time, and now, the secondary pump carrying all the work has failed. Without the operation of these motors, the removal of wastewater and sewage from the buildings has become totally compromised. Regrettably, a very serious health and safety issue has resulted.

Due to the serious nature of this situation, the facilities group from the diocese had to be consulted. Assessment of this breakdown and possible remedies have yet to be discussed.
In light of this situation, it has been determined that the buildings at Holy Spirit will be closed beginning this weekend, May 21 and 22, until further notice. I regret having to make this decision. However, it is beyond our control.

The Mass schedule has been temporarily modified:
The Wednesday 8:00AM Mass at Holy Spirit Church has been temporarily transferred to 8:00AM at Saint Clare of Assisi Church.
The Friday 8:00AM Mass at Holy Spirit Church has been temporarily transferred to 8:00AM at Saint Thomas à Becket Church.
The Saturday 4:00PM Anticipated Mass at Holy Spirit Church has been temporarily canceled.

The anticipated Vigil Masses are currently scheduled at:
4:00PM at Saint Thomas à Becket Church 
5:00PM at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church
The Sunday 11:00 AM Mass at Holy Spirit Church has been temporarily transferred to 11:00AM at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church.

Note: All of the listed adjustments to the parish Mass schedule are temporary and should not be perceived as permanent. Provisional approval for these changes has been granted by our Regional Vicar, the Very Reverend Joseph Sioli, VE, due to this unforeseen mechanical failure at one of our churches.

The NO news: Please, let no one betray the Body of Christ by conjecture of this situation. If you have questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact Don Greco, Parish Business Manager, George Pry, Finance Council Member and moderator of the facilities management committee (412-885-4839), or me, Fr. Zywan. I say this because speculation, which tends to spread like wildfire in the form of gossip which is toxic and serves no one – only the evil one who tries to bring division between God and His people. Updates on this situation will be communicated in the parish bulletin and on the website as they become available to us. Be the people of hope that God calls us to be. Pray. In the meantime, keep your eyes and hearts focused on where they need to be – on Jesus, and all that is good, and all the blessings that surround us. Be at peace.

In Jesus’ Love, Fr. Zywan