stursula.com 412.486.6700 Volume 4, Bonus Issue 2 Easter 2016

SaintContinuing the Mission U 3937 Kirk Avenue News + Allison Park + Pennsylvania + 15101 The Series: the G lorious M ysteries As we are in the midst of our fifty day long celebration of Easter, this issue focuses on the Glorious Mysteries – ’ triumphs: the Resurrection, the Ascension of Our Lord, the Descent of the , the Assumption of Our Lady, and the of the Virgin Mary. However, we will first highlight a way that we can grow in and enrich our faith outside of the Mass: retreats. Relax, Reflect, Renew… Retreat! Have you ever considered taking time to attend a retreat at a Catholic retreat center? Retreatants are encouraged to “come apart and rest a while” – a good idea in our busy lives of over-booked days, nights and weekends. As you can see from the map below, many Catholic retreat centers are located in areas convenient to St. Ursula Parish. And these are centers with beautiful grounds, offering programs on a variety of topics (e.g., Engaged Encounter, Marriage Encounter, Healing, Confirmation, Lent, Advent), in a number of different formats (such as men only, women only, for 1 day, a weekend, a week long). It’s also good to note that while there are programmed activities throughout the duration of a retreat, it is not mandatory to attend all activities – mix in a walk on the grounds, say the rosary, walk the Stations of the Cross, or just take a nap. If you are curious about retreats, consider reaching out to a member of the 1 ST JOSEPH CTR St. Ursula Men’s - or Women’s - Retreat Group. These groups have been active in the 3 PROVIDENCE VILLA parish for decades, with some members having attended over 30 retreats. The Men’s 4 KEARNS CTR Retreat Group organizes an annual weekend retreat to St. Paul of the Cross Passionist ST URSULA CHURCH Retreat Center (South Hills) each January – 21 men from St. Ursula attended this 2 5 GILMARY MARTINA SPRITIUAL RENEWAL past January. The Women’s Retreat Group attends a weekend retreat at St. Paul’s each Fall; this year, the women’s retreat is scheduled for September 30 through October 2. The topic for the past season was “Called to Grow in Discipleship.” 6 ST PAUL OF THE CROSS CTR This season’s topic will be released over the summer. Members of the retreat

8 groups have also attended one day retreats at St. Paul’s during Lent FRANCISCAN SPIRIT & LIFE CTR and Advent. Many of the participants carpool to 9 ST EMMA RETREAT CTR 7 10 St. Paul’s Center – a collegial activity SPIRITAN ST VINCENT ARCHABBEY from the very start!

1. Spirituality Center 724-869-6585 6. Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center 412-381-7676 2. Gilmary Catholic Retreat Center 412-264-8400 7. Spiritan Center 412-835-3510 3. Providence Villa/The Ark and The Dove 724-444-8055 8. Franciscan Spirit and Life Center 412-881-9207 4. Kearns Spirituality Center 412-366-1124 9. Saint Emma Retreat House 724-834-3060 5. Martina Spiritual Renewal 412-931-9766 10. Saint Vincent Archabbey 724-805-2139 11. Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center 784-964-8886 (not on map - near Youngstown) © 2016 St. Ursula Parish Communications Committee The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to see the tomb. An angel appears and says, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as he said.” (Mt 28:1-6) Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and Peter and two disciples on the way to Emmaus. That evening He appears to the apostles behind locked doors. “Peace be unto you... do not be afraid.” Jesus breathes on them and gives them the power to forgive sin. (Mt 28:9-10, 18-20; Jn 20:21-23) Alexander Ivanov Christ’s Appearance to Mary Magdalene

The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus remains on earth forty days after His Resurrection to prove He has truly risen from the dead. He commissions the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature, and promises to be with them forever. Jesus proceeds to Mt. Olivet accompanied by His Mother and the apostles and disciples. Extending His pierced hands over all in the last blessing and “As Jesus blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to .” (Lk 24:44-53)

The Ascension (1775) American, John Singleton Copley The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit The apostles are gathered in the upper room where Jesus had held the Last Supper. They are persevering in prayer with Mary the Mother of Jesus. Jesus comes and stands in their midst, saying to them, “Peace be with you... Receive the holy Spirit.” ( Jn 20:21-22) After our Lord’s glorious Ascension, at , the Holy Spirit descends on each of them in the form of tongues of fire. (Acts 2:1-4)

Juan Bautista Maino Pentecost (1620-1625) The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Our Lady After the apostles have dispersed, the Blessed Mother goes to live with John, the beloved disciple. Mary lives many years on earth after the death of Christ. “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain from original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken body and soul into heavenly glory.” (Munificentissimus Deus (1950):DS 3903) “Father, all those you gave me, I would have in company where I am.” (Jn 17:24) “Come then my love. My lovely one come.” (Song 2:10) The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of the Virgin Mary As Mary enters heaven, the entire court of heaven greets with joy this masterpiece of ’s creation. Mary is crowned by her divine Son as and earth. “We believe that the Holy Mother of God, the , , continues in heaven to exercise her maternal role on behalf of the members of Christ.” (Solemn Profession of Faith: Credo of the People of God) “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rv 12:1) Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velasquez (1620’s)

Sources: (1) Catechism of the (1992), (2) The Family Rosary [Online] Available http://www.familyrosary.org/TheRosary/HowToPrayTheRosary/ Mysteries%20of%20The%20Rosary.aspx, (3) New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia [Online] Available http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10662a.htm. (4) Catholic Online. [Online] Available https://www.catholic.org/prayers/mystery.php?id=1#1, (5) Meditations on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary [Online] Available http://www.marystouch.org/More/GloriousMysteries.html October 31, 2014, (6) The Scriptural Roasary [Online] Available http://www.scripturalrosary.org. © 2016 St. Ursula Parish Communications Committee