Many aspects of the celebration of Christmas may look very different this year. While there may not be the usual parties and gatherings (or such events may be conducted very differently than in past years), it is important that we focus on and celebrate what is truly special and significant about this season.

50% Maximum Capacity Now Allowed, Health and Safety Protocols Remain in Effect Parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh will be allowed to increase attendance at Masses to 50% maximum capacity at each Mass effective this weekend, October 3-4, 2020. However, as with previous directives, it will be up to individual pastors to determine their own safe reopening plans based on their particular spaces, resources, and staffing.  All health and safety protocols, including mask-wearing, social distancing of at least 6 feet, and cleaning and sanitizing procedures must still be followed.

Bishop David Zubik has received an increasing number of messages from messages from Catholics who want him to endorse one or the other presidential candidate. “While I urge all the faithful of our diocese, both the laity and the clergy, to help build a better society by exercising their right to vote, it is not my role nor can it ever be for me to tell anyone for whom to vote. As Church, we must be about addressing issues grounded on our faith and tradition,” Bishop Zubik said.

We Are Returning to our Normal Mass Schedule for Weekdays beginning on Mon (This joins our regular Sunday Mass schedule that we resumed at the beginning of June)

Our Mass attendance is currently limited to 25% occupancy. This is 110 at St. Joan of Arc and 200 at St. Louise de Marillac. This policy is for both daily Mass and Sunday Mass. We are no longer having sign ups for Mass.

Thank You to all those who have been cooperative, understanding and patient as we strive to gradually re-open our churches. As we have resumed the public celebration of the Mass, many people are eager for things to be as they were before the pandemic.

Public Masses are set to resume on June 1, 2020. We also have a new temporary daily Mass schedule to allow extra time for cleaning and sanitization.

In response to President Trump’s news conference this afternoon, calling on governors to allow places of worship to open this weekend, Bishop Zubik explains that we are maintaining our previously announced schedule.

My dear brothers and sisters of St. Joan and St. Louise, I write to share some news with you which may be somewhat surprising, as it has been to me.

Fr. Joe shares with us the plans to move forward in reopening our churches!

In a conference call with priests and deacons this afternoon, Bishop David Zubik shared more details regarding the strategic plan for the gradual reopening of Churches in the diocese, including additions to current directives that will be in effect starting tomorrow, May 15, as well as more clarity regarding the timeline for opening for celebrations of the Holy Mass.

A number of our parishioners have asked if there is any way we can make it possible to spend some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. A few have shared that some churches have found a way for people to be able to 'make a visit' or spend time in Adoration from their cars.

Bishop Zubik is issuing new directives for the faithful after two diocesan priests were exposed to someone in the faith community who tested positive for the coronavirus. These priests are in isolation and their clergy teams are in self-quarantine.

On March 20, 2020 Bishop David A. Zubik released a Pastoral Letter to the Church of Pittsburgh. Please click the link to read his letter to us.

As of Monday, March 16, Bishop Zubik has issued detailed guidelines for the care of the faithful, the celebration of the Sacraments, and the conduct of parish business, while ensuring for the health of the public and of the priests, ministers and employees of the Church. These norms will be observed until further notice, and we anticipate at least until March 30.

In light of increasing updates on and concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19), Bishop David Zubik has made the decision to cancel all weekday and Sunday Masses in the Diocese of Pittsburgh effective Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice.

Earlier this week many of you have already heard news reports on the of the precautions which Bishop Zubik has directed us to take in our churches in response to any potential spread of the corona virus.

Liturgy of the Hours is the official prayer of the Church and radiates from the daily sacrifice of the Eucharist to sanctify all hours of work and prayer. We gather in church at 8:30am before the Tuesday 9:00am Mass, and on Wednesday after the 9:00am Mass. Easy to follow booklets are provided. Consider joining us in prayer this week! “I will pray to you, O Lord, you will hear my voice in the morning; I will stand before you in the morning and gaze on you” (Ps 5:45).

Please join us this Tuesday evening in church at 6:30pm to pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament. Come to place your personal needs and those of our community and Church before the Lord, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

Looking for peace? Want to grow spiritually? Join us each week at Saint Louise for 6:30-7:30pm Confessions, 7:30pm Novena Devotions in honor of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal followed by healing prayers and prayers for deliverance and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. For additional information please visit the Tuesday Marian Devotions Page.