"Jesus calls us to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the Kingdom: The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel... Jesus' call to conversion and penance, like the prophets before Him, does not aim at outward signs, but a conversion of heart [nos. 1427, 1430 Catechism of the Catholic Church.]" The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, was instituted by Christ for the forgiveness of sins, returning us to the state of grace necessary for reception of the Eucharist, the Body of Christ. In anticipation of Christmas, this sacrament will be celebrated in churches throughout our region during the Advent season. We invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to experience God's love and forgiveness in this sacrament of healing.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace and Saint James Parishes are sponsoring this trip on Wednesday, January 14.  Everyone is welcome to join the group.  The motor coach will depart from the Saint James Church parking lot, 109 Owens View Avenue, Apollo, at 9 a.m.  We will be at the casino for 5 hours.  The cost is $30 per person which includes $20 in free play.  All participants will need a state-issued photo ID to receive the free play.  To sign-up contact the parish office at (724) 478-4958.

Children and adults are welcome to help decorate our parish Christmas tree. We already have hundreds of ornaments, but we will need many hands. Please consider joining us for this enjoyable gathering

Toddlers through 5th grade children in the partner parishes of Our Lady, Queen of Peace and Saint James are invited to this event in the activities center of Saint James Parish on Sunday, January 18, at 2 p.m. All participants are asked to wear black and gold, or their favorite Pirates, Steelers or Penguins jersey. The event will include a visit with the Pirate Parrot, as well as Pirates, Steelers and Penguins related games, crafts and snacks. The cost per child is $5 for registered parishioners and $10 for guests. Sign-ups are necessary through the parish office by Monday, January 12.

Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter itself. Celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is the culmination of the mystery of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin "in carne" means "enfleshment"). It is a uniquely Christian teaching, the Divine choosing to become one of us. Because of this belief, God is not only Transcendent, but also wholly Immanent, Emmanuel (God-with-us). While remaining Transcendent (meaning we must rise above our present condition to reach Him), He is at the same time Immanent (meaning He is with us as we rise toward Him). Every Eucharist is like Christmas where the bread and wine are transformed into His flesh, His Body and Blood, and, in a sense, He is born anew on the altar. The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with Him, including the fact that He was born to die for us. We invite you to join us for Mass as we celebrate the Birth of Christ.