Pittsburgh Oratory and Catholic Newman Center

As the first week of classes comes to a close, we saw many new and returning faces at all of our Newman Center Welcome Week events! The main thrust of the first weeks of the academic year is outreach: meeting students where they are at on campus. This heart to heart evangelization, bringing these students into a community where they can encounter the depths of God's love, is made possible by your support.

Right now, a benefactor is matching every gift to the Back to School Appeal, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000! So, double your impact this back to school season and donate to the Back to School Appeal at pghco.org/backtoschool!

Thank you for making this ministry happen!

pghco.org/backtoschool

We are so excited to share that we are 98% of the way to our goal (we have less than $100,000 to go)!

We are so deeply grateful for all of the support we have received over the past several months! Thank you to all who have contributed to the campaign through time, talent, and treasure. We are so appreciative!

Please continue to keep us and our ministries in your prayers.

If you are interested in helping us cross the finish line, visit magnifythelordpgh.org to set up your gift today!

Check out the progress on our chapel! Construction is moving along and we hope to be finished with this portion soon.

Stay tuned later this week for a sneak peek of what downstairs looks like!

📣9:00pm Mass Announcement:

Starting Monday, August 26, the 9:00pm Mass Mondays-Thursdays will resume for the school year.
A reminder that the Wednesday 9:00pm Mass will take place at Heinz Chapel.

Thank you, and please keep all of our incoming students in your prayers!

Calling all incoming Pitt, CMU and Chatham freshman!! Join us THIS SUNDAY for pizza and fellowship!
St. Paul Cathedral basement, following the 6:00pm Mass
108 N Dithridge St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

See you there!!

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! You don't want to miss this hot-off-the-press Summer 2024 edition of The Oratory Times! Hear from students, alumni, FOCUS missionaries, and the Pittsburgh Oratorians for the latest news on all things Oratory, including:
Behind-the-scenes of Fr. Leo’s ordination
Fr. Mike's book translation
New Campus Minister
Magnify the Lord Campaign construction progress
Alumni reflections on Oratory impact
Fr. Thomas in Rome, and more!
➡➡Get the full scoop here!! 📰pghco.org/OratoryTimes

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There was a great turnout at yesterday's Oratory Lecture Series!

Fr. Mike walked through his inside perspective and experiences while translating "15 Days of Prayer with St. Philip Neri." First written in French, this English publication is an exciting step "to help make St. Philip Neri more known and loved," as the author of the original text told Fr. Mike.

Be sure to stop by the front desk to get your copy of this wonderful introduction to the Oratory's founder and remarkable saint!

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Our new organ is coming along!! Thank you to Paul Fritts and his expert team on their continued work building this incredible organ specifically tailored to the Oratory chapel, to be installed towards the end of the summer. And thank you to everyone who has given to the Magnify the Lord capital campaign making this all possible!!

Want to learn more about the impact you can make through the Magnify the Lord campaign? Visit pghco.org/magnify!!

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It was a packed house at tonight’s Oratory Lecture Series! Thank you to everyone who joined us this evening for Br. Kurt’s crash course on Trinitarian theology in the early church and the “MVP’s” of the time. And a big thank you to Br. Kurt for this lecture!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next lecture on June 27, where Fr. Mike will dive into all things about his latest publication, the book he recently translated, “15 Days of Prayer with St. Philip Neri.” (Copies available at the Oratory!!)

The beam is officially in!! Early yesterday morning, the beam that will support the new choir loft arrived. It was lifted on a crane, brought in through a window, and installed along the back wall of the chapel - a huge step closer to the new choir loft!

Be a part of the action! Visit ➡pghco.org/magnify to learn more about exciting the projects happening right now and how you too can help Magnify the Lord.

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Congratulations to the newly ordained Fr. Leo Dornan, C.O.!!

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate this past weekend, and for all of your continued prayers for Fr. Leo in his priesthood!

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2 DAYS AWAY!! On Saturday, Br. Leo will be ordained to the priesthood - and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate with YOU! So join us this Saturday, May 11 for this sacred and special day for the entire Pittsburgh Oratory community.

➡➡10:00am - Saint Paul Cathedral
Light reception and first blessings from the newly ordained Fr. Leo immediately following in Saint Paul's social hall!

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9:00PM DAILY MASS ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be NO 9PM Masses MONDAYS-THURSDAYS starting this coming Monday, April 29, for the summer break. Sunday 9pm Masses will remain as usual.

A blessed and safe summer break to all of our students!

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Ask Fr. Mike a question!! Comment below or DM us your questions for Fr. Mike, and it may be featured in the upcoming Oratory Times!

Want to know more about Fr. Mike's latest publication, curious about our Magnify the Lord Campaign, ever wondered more about St. Philip Neri, what's the latest at the Oratory? Ask away!!

➡️ Capital Campaign Update & Ways to Give: IRA RMD

Dear Friends,

Our campaign continues to go very well and our pledge total continues to rise. The current pledge total is more than $1.7 million. There are a number of different ways to give to the campaign. Most people write checks or use credit cards, but we also accept gifts of stock and other appreciated assets.

Another giving option, if you are at least 70½ years old and own a traditional IRA is a Charitable Rollover, also called a “qualified charitable distribution.” This is a direct transfer of up to $100,000 from your Traditional IRA to a qualified charity like the Oratory. Because the donation is made directly to the campaign, you benefit by not being required to count the donated amount as income for tax purposes - this can be particularly helpful in excluding all or part of your required minimum distribution.

We suggest you contact your financial advisor for more information and to see if it makes sense for you. If you choose to do it, instruct your IRA trustee or administrator to make the contribution from your IRA directly to the Oratory. They will have forms for you to complete.

Thank you for your support, in whatever manner you choose to make it.

In Christ and St. Philip,
Fr. Michael Darcy, C.O.

We invite you to join us in prayer and reflection as we enter into Holy Week. See the schedule below for details on the sacraments, Adoration, and services during the Sacred Triduum.

Case Statement Arrival

When you give to Him, give freely; for the Lord, your God, will bless you for this in all your works and undertakings (Deut 15: 9-10).

Dear Friends,

Our Magnify the Lord capital campaign is off to a great start, and I am pleased to report that we have over $1.5 million pledged so far toward our goal of $4.5 million. If a volunteer calls to set up an appointment with you, I ask that you please take the time to meet with him or her to discuss our campaign and your participation. The volunteer will walk you through the process and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

Because it is impossible to meet with everyone, some of you were mailed a pledge card with an appeal letter and case booklet. Please consider the suggested amount in the appeal letter, pray over it, and return the pledge card with your commitment in the return envelope enclosed or drop it off at the Oratory.

This campaign is critical to the future of the Oratory. It is important that we, as a faith community, step forward in a sacrificial manner to make this campaign successful.

In Christ and St. Philip,
Fr. Michael Darcy, C.O.
Provost, The Pittsburgh Oratory

Watch this video for exclusive insight into the ministries and impact of the Oratory directly from students, the Oratorians, and your fellow Oratory community. We have some big plans and we hope you will be part of it!

➡➡Learn more at: pghco.org/magnify

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR6bJ-sHPL0&t=4s

Magnify the Lord | A Campaign for the Oratory Visit magnifythelordpgh.org to learn more.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE PROVOST:
Capital Campaign Q/A

Dear Friends,

Last weekend was the official launch to the Oratory’s Magnify the Lord Capital Campaign – a critical effort to help fund expansions to our campus ministry programs, a new organ and choir loft, and to address infrastructure needs at our facilities.

In the coming days, all supporters will be mailed a packet of materials about our campaign. A case statement booklet will be enclosed, along with a letter from me asking you to consider a pledge to the effort. Over the coming weeks, our team of volunteers will be reaching out to families to discuss the campaign, answer questions, and seek your support. Due to our limited numbers of volunteers, we may not be able to personally contact every family – but we do hope that all families will choose to participate in this important campaign.

The launch of this effort also brings to light some common questions. Here are a couple worth addressing:

Question: How did you come up with the amount in my letter?
Answer: The amounts are based on a number of factors, including giving history and answers shared in the planning study. Our goal is to challenge everyone to consider supporting the Oratory in a meaningful and sacrificial way, in a manner that works for each family.

Question: Why should I/we consider supporting the campaign?
Answer: The Oratory has touched the hearts of thousands of Catholic students over the years. As our students relocate to other cities across the U.S., they have a positive impact in their new parishes. We need to make sure that our campus ministry programs can continue to guide young people towards lasting relationships with Christ during this important time in their lives. This project doesn’t fall on the shoulders of one family or a few. It is the responsibility of everyone associated with the Oratory to hear God’s call and to continue to grow His ministry. We all need to make sacrificial and meaningful donations to ensure the campaign is a success.

In Christ and St. Philip,
Fr. Michael Darcy, C.O.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE PROVOST:
Capital Campaign Kick-off!

Dear Friends,

After months of preparation, we have officially kicked off our Magnify the Lord Capital Campaign. In the coming weeks, all of our supporters will receive a packet of information, which includes a financial request and instructions on how you can invest in the future of the Oratory.

In advance of the mailing, I want to express several thoughts regarding this campaign and what is being asked of our families:

• Invitation not Expectation
Every family will be asked to consider a commitment to the campaign. We have gone through an exhaustive process to determine amounts that are appropriate for each family. That said, in some cases the amount in your letter may be too high. In some cases, it may be too low. It is not an expectation. It is an invitation – and the starting point for your personal discernment. Ultimately, the Oratory is grateful for whatever gifts you can provide.

• Reflect and Pray
In advance of the appeal, I ask that you spend some time reflecting on the Oratory, its future, and how you can help. Pray and ask our Blessed Mother for guidance. Give in a way that represents the blessings that you have received and the blessings you can provide to future generations.

• Shared Responsibility
This campaign should not be shouldered by one family, or a few families. It is the responsibility of all our supporters to ensure this effort is a success. That means generosity and sacrifice – and not just monetarily. We need gifts of time, talent and prayer too.

We hope you will join us in supporting the Magnify the Lord campaign to make our goals possible. It’s an exciting time for us and we want you to be a part of something that will mean so much to the future of the Oratory and everyone involved with it.

In Christ and St. Philip,
Fr. Michael Darcy, C.O.

Our friend Jen wrote a children's book! Those with children might find it interesting.

The Secret Princess: A Tale of Hope (The Catholic Fantasy Series) The Secret Princess: A Tale of Hope (The Catholic Fantasy Series)

The snowy view from Rednal, the Oratory's retreat house in Ligonier, PA ❄️❄️
Thank you so much to everyone who supported the Rednal Benefit last weekend!! Each and every Grand Prize Drawing ticket, seat purchased, and donation made goes directly toward the Oratory's retreat program for students at Pitt, CMU, and Chatham. When you give to Rednal, you are supporting something truly transformative in the heart of the church. We cannot thank you enough for your support and prayers.

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Last call to purchase Grand Prize Raffle tickets before the Rednal Benefit! Three separate drawings for three awesome grand prizes, one of which is a two-night stay for up to 10 people at our retreat house in Ligonier!

Enjoy a relaxing weekend on the serene 87 acre property whether it be on a rosary walk through nature, a campfire outside, or just enjoying time with your friends or family.

Your last chance to win ends tomorrow, February 9th. Visit pghco.org/rednal2024 to enter!

Make sure to place your Prize choice(es) in the comments when checking out!

Checkout this canvas print of the Rednal Barn painted by one of our talented alum Monica, sacred artist and owner of .sacredart.

This canvas print is on display in our lobby as a Grand Prize Drawing for our upcoming Rednal Benefit! Enter for your chance to win this by visiting pghco.org/rednal2024. Tickets on sale until Friday February 9th. You don’t need to be attending the benefit to enter!

PS - it’s framed in a handmade floating frame (made by Fr. Peter!) with wood from the Rednal barn!

Have you heard?!

The Rednal Benefit was so popular this year we’ve sold out of attendance tickets!

Aren’t able to come or weren’t able to get a ticket? Don’t worry, there are still many ways you can benefit Rednal, like purchasing Grand Prize Drawing tickets (you don’t need to be present to win!).

Grand Prize Drawing tickets are available until Friday, February 9th so head over to our website to purchase yours! pghco.org/Rednal2024

Sr. Kiera became Sr. Agnes of St. Joseph today at the Carmelite Monastery of St. Therese. Fr. Stephen celebrated a Mass of Our Lady of Mount Carmel after her clothing in the Carmelite habit at Lauds this morning; Fr. Peter concelebrated and Br. Matthew served. Friends of Sr. Agnes and staff of the Oratory made it out to Loretto, PA to celebrate.

Sr. Agnes was a student at Pitt and was very involved in the Newman Center and had worked at the Oratory before her entrance into Carmel last year.

Here Sr. Agnes is behind the grate enjoying fellowship with all her friends from the Oratory.

Pray for Sr. Agnes of St. Joseph and the sisters of the St. Therese Carmel, and pray for our students discerning vocations to religious life.