Parents: Mark your calendars! August will feature two retreats for youth of all ages. On Thursday, August 18, our elementary and middle-school-aged kids will attend this year’s Archdiocesan Youth Retreat, “Icons: Windows to Heaven,” taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pittsburgh. The next day (August 19), high school students will go on an overnight camping excursion with the Orthodox Youth Association. Both events are free and will include prayer services, presentations, meals, and plenty of fun and fellowship. Holy Trinity is providing group transportation to both outings. For questions or reservations (no later than August 4, please), email Dn. Alexander.
Parish Nears Chapel Goal; Looks Ahead to Meeting
Thanks to your generosity yesterday, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit is now another $2,200 closer to its goal of raising funds to buy land in Beavertown. (To learn how you can help contribute, click here.) A special meeting of the entire parish is called for Sunday, July 31 to discuss and approve the purchase of this 0.55-acre tract of land. Quorum is required; please make every effort to attend.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Returns
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast returns this month this Saturday (June 16). It is a terrific opportunity for men–young and old–to gather for breakfast and spiritual reflection. Members of the group will also help return the church to normal for Great Vespers that evening. Thank you in advance!
Daily Vespers Canceled for Church Repainting
Daily Vespers is canceled this Wednesday (June 13) so the altar and nave can be repainted this week. The soot buildup that has accumulated in the past few years will be removed and an oil-based primer will be applied to significantly limit future soot accumulation.
Stay Informed About Our Snyder County Outreach
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit has a new mailing list for communicating events and other Chapel news. Messages will typically be sent once or twice per week. To subscribe, send an email to chs-general-subscribe@holyspirit-oca.org and follow the instructions in the confirmation email. You can also complete the form on the brand new holyspirit-oca.org.
Archdiocese Sponsors Pirates Baseball Outing
Watch the Pirates take on the Cincinnati Reds with fellow Orthodox Christians from the Archdiocese on Monday, July 18, at 7:05 p.m. The cost is only $19 and includes a Pirates Ball Cap! To order tickets or learn more, contact John Schultz at (304) 479-5071 or email jpswv@comcast.net by July 11. The event is being co-sponsored by the Archdiocesan Youth Committee and F.O.C.A.
Summer Schedule Changes
Please note the following schedule changes and additions to the following ministries this summer:
- To accommodate our growing group of new catechumens now preparing for Holy Illumination, Orthodoxy 2.0 will join forces with Orthodoxy 101 this summer to offer specialized instruction. The combined group will meet on the second and fourth Saturdays in July and August at 4 p.m. All are welcome.
- The Junior Orthodox Youth Association (Jr.OYA) for children in grades 5-8 will meet on July 24 this month; the high school group (OYA) is postponing its July meeting to plan an overnight August retreat.
- Vespers is canceled on Wednesday, June 13 so the altar and nave can be repainted. An oil-based primer will be applied to remove and limit future soot buildup.
July is Chapel of the Holy Spirit Month
July is Chapel of the Holy Spirit month at Holy Trinity! A special edition of The Trisagion highlighting the Chapel’s remarkable next stage of growth–and how you can participate–will be mailed this week. Not yet a member of our newsletter mailing list? Contact Judy in the Parish Office (814-231-2855) and give us your address today.
Apostles’ Fast Begins
The Apostles’ (Peter and Paul) Fast begins today, Monday, June 20, and lasts through June 28. Omit meat and dairy through June 29; fish is permitted on the 24th, 25th, 26th & 29th.
If you are receiving Holy Communion weekly, the Apostles’ Fast reminds us of the need to go to Confession if not having already done so since Pascha.
Pool Party This Sunday
The Mirandas are hosting a pool party for the entire parish this Sunday (June 26) beginning at 2 p.m. Please RSVP by email or phone (639-0045) by Thursday, June 23. Bring a Lenten side dish to share and don’t forget your towel and sunscreen!
