Dear Friends,

“God brought us together for a season in life…”

  I leave St. Margaret Mary with a sense a gratitude for the many blessings and kindnesses shown me: the friendships, co-workers in ministry, and so much more. SMM is a parish that shares God’s love with others. I, for one, have experienced the grace of your faith-filled living of the gospel. In these past eight years I have grown spiritually thanks to this faith community.

  May each of you continue to grow in God’s grace and may God’s love for you continue to find expression in good works and in service to others. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  May the grace and peace of the Holy Spirit be with us forever!

Sister Joan Marie Keller

Dear Parishioners,

     I would like to share with you that, effective September 1, John Kane, a well-known member of our parish, will assume the position of Coordinator of Ministries for Saint Margaret Mary Parish. He will assume the responsibilities of Sister Joan Marie Keller, MSBT, who leaves us in a few weeks to take on leadership duties with her congregation in Philadelphia.

      John and his wife Jo are respected members of the parish and community. John brings to us a wealth of expertise, training and experience accrued over many years at Alcoa, following his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh. He retired from Alcoa as the Supervisor of Human Resources. In addition to his professional background, he has served in a variety of leadership capacities in the community including: Burrell School District Board of Directors, Burrell Strategic Planning Committee, Burrell Education Foundation, NK Salvation Army Advisory Board, Strongland Chamber of Commerce, Peoples Library Board, and Leadership Alle-Kiski Valley.

      John brings to this position not only his administrative and leadership skills, but his faith and involvement in ministry over many years at Saint Margaret Mary Parish. He has served in many parish ministries and projects: catechist, Eucharistic minister, lector, in youth ministry, pastoral council member, financial resources committee chair, 50th anniversary committee, Mardi Gras committee, parish picnic chair, to name a few.

      The parish staff and I look forward to working very closely with John in the day-to-day oversight and coordination of parish ministries. His coming on board is just another reminder of the many gifted and talented people who make up Saint Margaret Mary Parish. May we all find new and innovative ways of working together and serving each other in the name of Christ in the years to come. Welcome to the parish staff, John.
      Monsignor Gaston

        Sister Joan Marie Keller was elected to leadership in her religious congregation on May 22.  Her term as General Custodian is for five years.  Four other Sisters were elected as the General Council and will be a part of the leadership team of the congregation.

         Needless to say, the consequences are obvious for us at Saint Margaret Mary’s.  They are bittersweet.  We sadly must prepare to bid her farewell even as we are so pleased that she has been selected by her sisters as their congregational leader. 

    Sister came to Saint Margaret Mary’s in 2000 to assume the position of Director of Ministry.  In this capacity she has assisted in developing, overseeing, and supporting the many and varied ministries of parish life.  Under her leadership parish ministries have literally exploded over these eight years and she has been a tremendous asset to the parish staff in so many ways.  We will have more to say as time goes on.  For now, suffice it to say that we congratulate Sister Joan on this momentous occasion in her life.  We also promise her the support of our prayers as she transitions into the next chapter of her life under God’s Providence.

         The parish will host a farewell reception for Sister after Masses on Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6.  She will assumer new duties in Philadelphia at the end of July.