Calendar of Events

The current Ministry of Prayer List may be found here.

We recently received information from the Diocese stating that churches can enroll in Pennsylvania's Shared Ride Program for senior citizens through ACCESS transportation. Once enrolled, a parish can then schedule a pick-up and return time for a designated Mass when the largest number of persons in need are requesting this transportation service. If you know a parishioner, or are one, eligible for ACCESS and interested in participating in this opportunity for transportation to Mass, please call Sr. Pat Mahoney in our Social Ministry office at 412-621-2134.

While the number of food bag requests has remained fairly high this summer (average of 45 households monthly), your generosity has kept our shelves well-stocked. Thank You!

However, we have a shortage of SPAGHETTI SAUCE this month. All flavors are welcome!

Eucharistic Adoration is the act of worshiping God as He is present in the consecrated Eucharist. Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament, in prayer and devotion, is exactly the same as spending time before the living God. Adoration occurs whenever someone kneels in front of a tabernacle that contains the Blessed Sacrament, genuflects toward a tabernacle, bows before receiving the Blessed Sacrament at Mass, or, in a more focused way, when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration. In the interest of encouraging greater devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Fathers of the Oratory in cooperation with St. Paul Cathedral Parish has instituted perpetual exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Newman Center (24 hours a day excluding only those times when there are scheduled Masses). It is our hope that such a practice will bear great fruit for the spiritual lives of all the faithful here in the university communities and St. Paul Cathedral Parish. For more information, contact Fr. David at frdavid@pittsburghoratory.org.

Volunteer Registration - St. Paul Cathedral Parish has an extensive list of activities designed to help the body, soul and mind of our community. Activities such as Lectures and Panels, Public Prayers, Blood Drives, among others, are only possible with the love and care of our volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare, please stop by the Information Desk, located inside the Fifth Avenue entrance, and ask about the various volunteer opportunities--some of which are listed below. We work to honor God!

New Ushers Needed - New Ushers are needed for ALL weekend Masses, most especially at the 6pm Saturday, 6:30am and the 6pm Sunday Masses. Men and Women ages 18 and older able to help the parish, please call the Parish Office at 412-621-4951. Thank you!

Cathedral Docents Needed - Love the Cathedral and enjoy spending time in it? Consider becoming a Cathedral Docent and helping others to learn about the diocese’s historic Mother Church. Please call the rectory at 412-621-4951 and leave your name and phone number.

Lector Training - Looking at becoming a lector at St. Paul Cathedral??? Please call the parish office at 412-456-4951 before June 30 to find out more information and upcoming training dates with Father Andrew. Any questions may be directed to Fr. Andrew Fischer at 412-621-4951 ext. 23.

Television Ministry Would You Like To Help? Now that we have the new television equipment, we have even greater opportunity to reach more people through our own television ministry. The Television Ministry of St. Paul Cathedral brings the Good News to 200,000 members of the Pittsburgh Diocese who are unable to attend Mass in person. There is space on the Christian Associates Network to televise more of the special events from the Cathedral, and, we have the ability to utilize two cameras for Sunday Mass. What we really need to make this happen are MORE VOLUNTEERS. We need volunteers to operate video cameras and monitor the control board. No technical expertise necessary. The Diocesan Office for Electronic Media is most willing to train anyone interested. This would be an especially good opportunity for anyone interested in the electronic industry and media, but anyone is most welcome to participate. We have volunteers now from younger people to octogenarians. The training and actual work is not difficult, and it is so rewarding to know that you are bringing the Lord into the homes of so many people. If you are interested, please contact Anne Windish at 412-683-1205 or windish726@verizon.net or call the rectory office and we will put you in touch with the Diocesan Media Office. Thank you.

Audio-Visual Volunteer Work for a wonderful cause with an exciting committee! The Race & Reconciliation Dialogue Group's Diversity Film Fest is looking for a volunteer with audio-visual equipment expertise to help with R & R's showing of films on diversity. Young or old please call 412-681-8528 or 412-683-2651. Any other volunteers welcome!

Come Join Us at the Information Table in the vestibule as we welcome all the visitors who come to see our splendid Cathedral. You will greet people and answer their questions. This will require 45 minutes of your time before a mass on several Sundays a month. Contact the Parish Office for more information at 412.621.4951.

Altar Servers: Children and young adults in grades three through twelve are invited to become altar servers to assist at Mass. If you are interested in serving, please call the rectory 412-621-4951. College Students are also invited! A training session will be conducted in a few weeks.

With the closing of Giant Eagle at 4600 Centre Avenue, there are some people in need of volunteers to help with shopping. If you are able to offer your services, call Sr. Patricia at 412-621-2134.

The Ladies of Charity of Saint Paul Cathedral have been working with the Saint Paul Cathedral Social Minister to provide transportation for those who need a ride to church. If you are able to assist the Ladies of Charity in this ministry, please call Elaine at 412-681-3619.

The Ladies of Charity pray the rosary at Schenley Gardens on the first and third Wednesday of each month 6:00 pm in the Library. If you want to be part of this Ministry, please contact Kathy Williams, 412-398-7456.

A very important part of every Mass is the collection of the people's monetary gifts which are used to support the works of the Church. Those monetary gifts are presented by the Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality along with the most special gifts of bread and wine at the time of the Mass known as the Preparation of the Gifts following the Collection. Anyone is welcome to bring these gifts of bread and wine to the priest/deacon at any Mass. Usually the Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality have to "recruit" 2 people to bring up the gifts. But anyone and everyone are welcome. It could be 2 people or more; an entire family could present the gifts. This would be a wonderful way to observe a special family event: a wedding anniversary, a birthday or other special occasion. If the Mass being celebrated is for the intention of someone dear to you, this would also be a wonderful occasion to bring the gifts to the altar.

If you would like to volunteer to participate in this way at any Mass, please see one of the Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality at least 10 minutes before Mass and let them know. They will explain the very simple procedures.

It’s that time of year again, when the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) begins anew. It always begins with a few sessions for inquirers. They make no formal commitment other than to discover what the process is all about and see how Catholics live and worship.

Please take a minute to invite a person you might know who is searching to take the first step in discovering and deepening his or her faith by enrolling in the RCIA program. Call Nancy Kelly at the rectory office at 412.621.4951, x 15 or email nkelly3899@msn.com for more information about the RCIA process.

The summer months have proved an ideal time for showing of the dynamic "Illusion of Race" three-part film for home groups of six or more. At the present time some 10 films are in circulation on loan to more than 25 church and community groups.

This avant garde film which changes the way people think about diversity confirms the church's teaching "we are one" with bio-medical DNA evidence that there is no such thing as "race." It also traces how the idea of "white-ness" was built into U.S. laws and Constitution. Now's the time to borrow this remarkable film with scientific facts everyone should know. Call the Dialogue Group at 412-681-8528.

Today, we’re looking for the next generation of Knights. Men of character and conviction who are driven by both faith and conscience to do truly meaningful works. And the rewards for members are numerous, from scholarships for our sons and daughters, to being able to participate in one of the leading insurance programs in the country. But of the countless rewards Knighthood offers, perhaps the most inviting is this: The knowledge that, as a Knight, you can make a difference. Through fearless service. Through heartfelt perseverance. And, above all, through unfaltering fellowship. For more information about how you can become a Knight, contact Ed Rudaitis at 412-363-3965.

If you are interested in ordering a copy of the Saint Paul Cathedral Centenary Mass that was celebrated here on October 22, 2006 it is available through The Learning Media Center of the Diocese. Both the DVD or VHS versions are $19.95, plus $3 for shipping if you want the copy mailed directly to you. Send your check/money order payable to the Learning Media Center and mail to Learning Media Center, St. Paul Seminary, 2900 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. If you are able to pre-pay $19.95 and pick up your copy here at the parish office saving on the shipping charges then mail your check directly to St. Paul Cathedral, 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (check should still be made out to Learning Media Center). We will place your order and notify you when your order has arrived.

The Cathedral has many interesting items available for sale in the rectory. Bibles, rosaries, church replicas, first holy communion candles and rosaries, prayer books and more. Items may be purchased in the parish office during normal business hours. For more information call 412-621-4951.

A Reflection of Faith: Saint Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh 1906-2006

See the Cathedral as you've never seen it before, in this newly published, highly anticipated book — with 188 large-format pages and over 350 full-color and historical photographs, 2 fold-outs including a panoramic view of the Cathedral's sanctuary and a plan of its 101 stained-glass windows. A Reflection of Faith is an exquisite book about the Cathedral’s history, art, architecture, and spirituality featuring stunning professional photography by Jim Cunningham and Marc Soracco.

David G. Wilkins, the book's editor, is University of Pittsburgh Professor Emeritus of the History of Art and Architecture. He has authored, co-authored, and co-edited numerous books including Art Past/Art Present, History of Italian Renaissance Art, and the Art of the Duquesne Club.

Choose the softcover version at $40 or hardbound for $100. You can order by mail. For an order form, simply pick up a flyer at the tables near each entrance; phone 412-621-4951, ext. 10; or click here to print an order form that may be submitted with payment. Cash or check only. When ordering by mail, please add $5 per book for shipping.

The St. Paul Cathedral Liturgical Team has written a brief description on each of the saints depicted in the clerestory windows so that we can get to know about them. A copy of the legend and the descriptions may be found at the Information Desk in the narthex of the cathedral.

Whenever a loved one has passed away or we are celebrating someone's special event such as a birthday or anniversary, traditionally we like to offer a Mass for their intention. Here at the Cathedral we have another way of honoring a loved one, through a "Memorial Donation" to St. Paul Cathedral. This is a wonderful way to remember someone in lieu of flowers or Masses plus help with the financial goals of the renovation project and ministries. Memorial forms are available in the rectory office during normal business hours.

If you are interested in booking a tour of the Cathedral please call the Parish Office at 412-621-4951 during business hours from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and we will arrange to have a tour guide present for groups of 5 or more.

Welcome Back 50+ Are you looking for something new? Come to the Fifty-Plus Club in St. Paul Cathedral Center/Synod Hall Assembly Room each Tuesday after the 12:05 Mass. Enjoy friendly conversation, coffee, tea and danish. We also play bingo. Perhaps you might initiate bridge. Join us and bring a friend.

The St. Paul Cathedral Choir began rehearsals on Thursday, September 10. Under the direction of Don Fellows, the SATB choir rehearses in Synod Hall each Thursday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and sings for the 12:00pm Mass on Sundays beginning September 20. Interested volunteers are encouraged to call Don at the Cathedral Music Office at 412-621-6082, or email, donaldfellows@verizon.net for further information.

There will be a year-long series of events during 2009 which will re-inaugurate our restored cathedral organ. Financial support for the Cathedral Music program is gratefully received. If you are able to assist in this regard, please call the music office at 412-621-6082 or email Music Director Don Fellows at donaldfellows@verizon.net. Any contributions may be made payable to ‘St. Paul Cathedral Music’. Any costs that we face will not be paid from the cathedral’s general operating fund - thank you for your support!

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Come and Pray - Each Tuesday during the month of October after every Mass (6:45am, 8:15am, 12:05pm) we would like to invite the public to come and pray the rosary in front of the Blessed Mother altar.

Scripture Discussion - Fr. Andrew Fischer will lead a one hour discussion and reflection on the Sunday Scripture Readings - Tuesdays at 6pm in the Social Hall (this week only). Everyone is welcome to participate! Bring your bibles.

RCIA Classes - Classes for anyone interested in becoming a Catholic are held at 7pm at the Oratory.

Stations of the Cross for LIFE will be held each first Friday of the month at 3pm, starting October 2, 2009. All are invited to do this penance for an end to abortion. We will pray together from the pews.

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Holy Hour - Holy Hour to pray for priests in front of the Blessed Sacrament Altar will be held on Monday, November 2 at 6pm. All are welcome.

Adult Faith Formation Program - The second in a series of talks for the Year of the Priest will be held on Monday, November 2 at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. The session will be "Life and Spirituality of St. John Vianney, Patron Saint and Role Model for Priests" presented by the Fr. Kim Schreck. All are welcome.

Monday, November 2, 2009, is the Solemnity of All Souls, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. All are invited to attend the Solemn Liturgy which will take place in the evening, at 7:00 P.M. Personal invitations to attend this Mass have been extended to the families of all who were buried from the Cathedral during this past year. Everyone is welcome to come and pray for their loved ones who have gone before us. The Mass will be followed by a simple reception which will take place in the Cathedral Social Hall located below the church.

Stations of the Cross for Life - First Friday, Stations of the Cross for Life will be prayed on Friday, November 6 at 3:00 pm.  This month we will use meditations and prayers based on the stations celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday in 1991. Please join the Cathedral's Living the Gospel of Life group in this prayer for a civilization of life and love.

Pro-Life Rosary - The monthly pro-life rosary will be prayed on Sunday, November 8, at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Blessed Virgin altar. All are welcome.

Golden Wedding Celebration - The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is again planning its annual Golden Wedding Celebration for couples who have been married for 50 years. This year’s celebration will take place on Sunday, November 8,2009, beginning with a mass at 3:00 pm at St. Paul Cathedral. Bishop Zubik will be the celebrant. A reception will follow in the lower hall at the Cathedral.

If you are a parishioner celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary in 2009, and would be interested in attending the celebration along with the other jubilarian couples, please call the rectory at 412.621.4951 or drop a note in the weekly collection basket no later than September 6, 2009. invitations will be sent out after responses have been received.

Cathedral Concert Series - All are welcome to the next event of the cathedral’s concert series to re-inaugurate the organ. On Sunday, November 22 at 7:30pm the cathedral's own Kenneth Danchik will perform a concert of organ music at St. Paul Cathedral. Please plan to attend and to bring a friend. Your support is appreciated. For further details please call the Cathedral Music Office – 412-621-6082, or email to donaldfellows@verizon.net. Admission is free...a free-will offering will be received.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - The Radio City Christmas Spectacular staring the Rockettes is coming to the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. A group rate for the first tier and transportation on Wednesday, December 2, 7:30pm will be $55. If interested call the Rectory at 412.621.4951, by November 2. No money is needed at this time, just a count.

March for Life - In some way, please join us this year for the March for Life, Friday January 22, 2010. All are invited to participate in a day of prayer and peaceful assembly to beg our country to end the evil of abortion. If you are unable to march due to health or age, you are still invited to join us and spend the day in prayer at the National Shrine, or you may spiritually be united to us through a donation and prayer. This is a profound opportunity for the students of our parish to stand up for the one third of their generation who died due to abortions. For more information, to register, inquire on price of trip, or make a donation please call the Cathedral office at 412-621-4951.