Regional Advent Penance Schedule

"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. During the Season of Advent, our regional Penance schedule is:

Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m.

Saint James Church, Apollo

Thursday, December 19, 6:30 p.m.

Christ the King Church, Leechburg

Friday, December 20, 1:30 p.m.

Saint Joseph Church, New Kensington

Saturday, December 21, 1 p.m.

Saint Margaret Mary Church, Lower Burrell

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 8.  The motor coach will depart from the Saint James Church parking lot in 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.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish has Sunday bingo in the parish’s social hall, 411 McKinley Avenue, East Vandergrift. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming bingo dates are December 15, January 12 (2 p.m.), January 26 (2 p.m.) and February 2 (2 p.m.).  The December 15 bingo will feature: Jackpot: 57#s; picture frame: 41#s; magic number B-7 for $?.  For additional information, please call the parish office at 724-478-4958.

A rummage sale will be held in the basement of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church, 420 McKinley Avenue, East Vandergrift on Friday, January 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; on Saturday, January 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and on Sunday, January 12, from 12 to 1 p.m. There are many new items, monthly specials and 75% off a full room of Christmas items.  For additional information, call the parish office at 724-478-4958.

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.

Our Christmas Mass schedule is:

Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church

Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m.

Saint James Church

Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, December 25, 10 a.m.

(In 2026 the Christmas morning Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church)

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 19, 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 13.