13th of the MONTH
All are welcome to honor Our Lord and Our Lady of Fatima on the 13th of each month from May through October at Ascension church.
Each Eucharistic Holy Hour will take place from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and will include the rosary and time for private prayer. In this 800th Anniversary Year of Saint Francis of Assisi, a special prayer will also be offered.
These evenings are sponsored by the Legion of Mary. We look forward to seeing you on August 13.
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Our Wednesday evening, September 2
Gathering with Bishop Mark Eckman
This year, as Bishop Mark Eckman continues in his first year as our Diocesan shepherd, he is visiting every parish in the Diocese as a way to meet parish members and families. This is a very new opportunity for our new Bishop to become familiar with each parish community in addition to visiting for Confirmation ceremonies.
Also, Bishop Eckman is coming to each parish to learn how well we’re all advancing the apostolates of charity and mercy in our parish programs, organizations, and individual efforts to continue the mission of the Lord Jesus today.
All members and families are invited to gather with Bishop Eckman on Wednesday evening, September 2, from 7:00pm until 9:00pm in Father Conner Hall at the Ascension campus. The Bishop and his staff will guide our table discussions and then our conversation with regard to our parish’s charity and works of mercy. Please call the parish office (412-922-6300, ext. 5) this week to register for this special evening with Bishop Mark Eckman.
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Coming in 2026-2027: Call 412-922-6388 for information or to register!
• Bring your family to Mass begins September 13 at 9:30am, Children’s Liturgy followed by coffee, juice and Donuts. All are welcome to this Mass.
• FESTPGH is coming September 19. Bus will leave at noon from Saint Philip Parish to FNB Stadium.
• Franciscan Fest is coming Monday, October 19 during our Faith Formation Program.
• New Rejoice Sacramental Pilot Program for second graders
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is intended for both adults and children who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God. They embark on a journey of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, please call 412-922-6388.
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Join us at the St. Philip Parish Picnic, on Sunday, September 13 on the Ascension church campus for food, fun, music & fellowship!
Mark your calendars for a day of fun and fellowship at the annual Saint Philip Parish Picnic on September 28. The festivities will run from 1:00pm to 4:30pm, with delicious food served from 1:30pm to 4:00pm.
Food & Drinks: Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, and beverages—all provided at NO cost to you!
Activities: There’s something for everyone! Join in the fun with games, crafts, music, and a 50/50 raffle. Don’t miss out on BINGO starting at 2:00pm!
Dessert Table: We kindly ask each family to bring an item for the dessert table to share.
Reservations: If you plan on attending, please make a reservation by filling out the form in the weekly bulletin and placing it in the collection basket or by calling the Parish Office of Faith Formation at 412-922-6388.
Deadline: The deadline for reservations is before Monday, September 7, 2026.
Come join us for a wonderful day of community and celebration. We can’t wait to see you there!
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The Kitchen Table Ministry will offer the following at Ascension Church Conner Hall:
Healthy Habits for Body & Mind
Jennifer Antkowiak joins us on Thursday, September 17 at 6:30pm in Ascension’s Conner Hall for an evening focused on wellness. As Chief Communications Officer for the Diocese of Pittsburgh and leader of the diocesan Wellness Ministry, Jennifer will share practical insights in her talk, “Developing Healthy Habits for Good Physical and Mental Health.”
Sponsored by the Kitchen Table Ministry. To reserve your seat, please call the Office of Faith Formation at 412‑922‑6388.
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Drop‑In Sunday will be held in Ascension’s Conner Hall on September 6 following the 9:30am Mass. Enjoy donuts, coffee, and fellowship, along with wellness and mental‑health resources and information on upcoming parish events.
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DON'T MISS THE FREE BUS TO FESTPGH!
Saint Philip Parish is offering FREE bus transportation to FestPGH, the new diocesan Catholic Festival on Saturday, September 19 at Station Square’s FNB Stadium. Seating is limited to 40 passengers, so please reserve your spot this week. The bus departs our parish at 12:00pm and returns after the 4:00pm Vigil Liturgy.
FestPGH will feature inspiring music, family‑friendly activities, food vendors, and opportunities to connect with Catholics from across the Diocese of Pittsburgh. It’s designed to be a celebration of faith, community, and parish life. This will hopefully be the first of many annual festivals. Register now at www.festpgh.org and share in this special day.
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The Retreat for the men of Saint Philip will be held at Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center on the Southside from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27. The retreat begins with Mass at 5:00pm on Friday and concludes at noon on Sunday.
If you have any questions, please call Al Bannon at 412-853-1341 or Joe Hoover at 412-310-6691.
If you have never attended here are five reasons to consider attending the retreat
1. Time to reflect in quiet prayer
2. Time to enjoy good food and great dining
3. Time to meet and network with others
4. Time to celebrate the Sacraments even if it has been a while
5. Time to renew your faith and strengthen your relationships
Saint Philip Travel Ministry presents the Shrines of Youngstown & TARA, a Country Inn
Presented by Saint Philip Parish – Wednesday, October 14
Join us for a full‑day pilgrimage and tour as we depart Ascension church at 7:00am and travel by deluxe motorcoach to Youngstown, Ohio. A breakfast stop will be made en route. Our first visit is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, a beautiful replica of the shrine in Harissa, Lebanon, featuring a 55‑foot tower topped by a 16‑foot rose‑granite statue of the Virgin Mary and peaceful grounds including the Prince of Peace Chapel, Saint Joseph Garden, outdoor Stations of the Cross, and a large religious gift shop.
Next, we arrive at TARA, a Country Inn, inspired by Gone with the Wind and known for its Southern hospitality and historic charm. Enjoy a delicious luncheon followed by a guided tour of this lovely inn.
Our final stop is the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, built in 1913, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and elevated to a Minor Basilica in 2014. A special “sweet stop” will be made before returning home. We expect to arrive back at Ascension church around 7:00pm.
Tour Fare: $159 per person. Trip Includes:
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- Group luncheon at TARA
- All admissions & shrine donations
- Mass & prayer
- Professional Tour Manager
Make checks payable to Wendt Touring and mail to: Saint Philip Parish, 114 Berry Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. For more information, contact Mary Ann Garfold at 412‑922‑6388. Full payment is required to hold a seat. Space is limited! Travel arrangements by Wendt Touring, Inc., 613 Canton Road, Wintersville, OH 43953. Phone: 740‑282‑5790; www.WendtTouring.com
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