Clearances

New Kensington Catholic Community parishioners can help their neighbors in need every month through a new initiative. Each month, NKCC parishioners at all three churches will be asked to donate a specific item, and bring it to their church for distribution in the next month through the MSP food pantry.

For January, the item will be SUGAR.

Help make February the sweetest month. Your sugar donations in January will help our neighbors fill their pantry with a basic staple and get creative in the kitchen.

The MSP Food Pantry feeds more than 300 families a month. Many thanks!

Tuesday, January 20
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Ash Taphouse
2150 Freeport Road

Calling all young adults between the ages of 20-40! You’re invited to join the Lower Burrell/New Kensington Young Adult Ministry for Theology on Tap on Tuesday, January 20 from 7:00-8:30 PM at Ash Taphouse (2150 Freeport Road, New Kensington, PA 15068).

The evening’s speaker will be Jamie Dillon with the topic “Divine Alignment: creating your goal’s within God’s will.”

Appetizers will be provided, cash bar for drinks. Bring a friend and get ready for a night of food, fellowship, and faith-filled conversation.

Click here for a flyer with more information.

Questions? Contact Heather Hensley at hhensley@dioceseofgreensburg.org

Wednesday Afternoons
Starting January 21, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Room B-1 at SMM Church

The Yellow Banana School of Religion for senior adults is returning January 21!

To register email Sr. Linda Gaupin, CDP at Gaupin@aol.com or call the parish office at 724-335-2336.

Come to the first session on January 21, 2026 to find out what the program is about and to pick the topics for the year!

The Yellow Banana School of Religion is an adult faith formation program specially designed to meet the unique needs of senior adults.

•Sessions are scheduled during the day (No night driving)
•Participants pick the topics based on their need and lived experience.
•Each session lasts only 1 hour: Noon to 1 PM
•Each session is self-contained. Come to a date and/or topic that appeals to you.
•Notes are provided for each session. You don’t need to take your own notes.
•Sessions are scheduled weekly on Wednesday.

The Yellow Banana School of Religion is open to all interested people [senior or not]. Sessions are held in the second-floor meeting room at St. Margaret Mary parish. The dates for this year are:

•January 21, 2026: Introduction to the program and the topics for this season
•January 31, 2026
•February: 4, 11, 25
•March 4, 11, 8 and 25.

Sessions will be taught by Sister Linda Gaupin, CDP, Ph.D. To register, email Sister Linda at Gaupin@aol.com by January 19, 2026. Include your name and telephone number. Sessions begin on Wednesday January 21, 2026 from Noon to 1PM.

St. Mary of Czestochowa Soup-er Sundays Fundraiser is back for 2026! Hearty, homemade soups will be available for purchase after ALL Sunday Masses.

Flavors for Sunday, January 24 are:
Beef Vegetable
Cauliflower with Smoked Gouda

Cost is $10/quart and may be picked up in Friendship Hall after all Masses.

Pre-orders are recommended by calling Laurie at 724-335-8022, although extra soup will be made and available for purchase while supplies last.

Thank you to everyone that has made this event so successful!

Tuesday Mornings
Starting January 27 (11-week study)
11:00 AM
Room B-1 at St. Margaret Mary Parish

The Bible and the Sacraments begins Tuesday, January 27 at 11:00 am in Room B-1 at Saint Margaret Mary Parish. What are the sacraments, where do they come from, and why are they important?

Join us for an 11-week study as we explore the Biblical foundations of the sacraments of the Church. We will explore the foundational teachings of the Church as to their meaning and origin, and investigate the deeper mystery of the sacraments as illuminated by Sacred Scripture.

Please contact Tim Ruflin if you would like to purchase a study book.

Thursday Afternoons
Starting February 5 (12-week study)
1:00 PM
Peter’s Table at MSP Parish

Genesis to Jesus begins Thursday, February 5 at 1:00 pm in Peter’s Table at Mount Saint Peter Parish.

What is the Bible, where does it come from, and what is its purpose? How are Catholics supposed to read the Bible, and what story does it tell? This study will explore these ever important questions and provide us with answers to better understand and incorporate the Sacred Scriptures into our everyday lives.

All are welcome to join this 12-week study.

Please contact Tim Ruflin if you would like to purchase the study book for the program.

Mt. St. Peter’s Fish Fry begins Friday, February 20 and runs through Lent ending on Friday, March 27.

Dates:
Fridays: February 20 & 27, March 6, 13, 20 & 27

Full menu with eat-in and take-out is available. Also, we are looking for volunteers to deliver in the area.

Serving times are:
Lunch - 11:00 AM-2:00PM
Dinner - 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

As always, we welcome all volunteers. If interested, please contact the office at 724-335-9877. If you are a returning volunteer, please check that your clearances are up to date by contacting Michael Discello at 724-335-2337, ext. 6323.

Full menu and pricing coming soon!

Thursday Evenings in Lent
Starting February 19
6:30 - 8:00 PM
SMM Sullivan Hall

Join parishioners from across our region as we enter into the mystery of Christ’s passion. We will walk step by step with Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to Mount Calvary.

Every step of the way, Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the myster of Christ’s suffering and death.

Experience a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s immeasurable and unconditional love for you - and grow closer to Jesus.

Please contact Tim Ruflin in the parish office with any questions.

June 22 - 25
1:00 - 8:00 PM

Camp Totus Tuus invites you to adventure, conversation, friendship, and prayer for a week that moves your faith into action!

Join us for tons of fun activities including trips to Zone 28, Kayaking, the Pittsburgh Zoo, and Water Olympics.

Click here for a flyer with more info.

Open to students currently in Grades 5-7.

Jr. Counselors (current 8th graders) and Counselors (current 9th-12th graders) also needed.

Cost: $150 per camper
Early Bird Special: $125 per camper (price increases 2/1/26)

Click here to register.

Questions? Contact Heather Hensley through the parish office.

Mark your calendars! LBNKCC Vacation Bible School returns June 22 - 26, 2026.

More details coming soon! Keep an eye on the parish bulletin and social media.

February 21
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Peter’s Table at Mt. St. Peter Church

The Lower Burrell and New Kensington young adult ministry welcomes you to Mary’s Mantle, a fellowship and faith study group for young women ages 20s-40s. Winter meetings will be held on December 6, January 10, and February 21 in the Peter’s Table room at Mount Saint Peter Church. Please bring a friend and a small brunch item to share!

For more information text or call Brianna Ruflin at 973-856-4472

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic?

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the process through which those who are not baptized are able to become members of the Catholic Church and baptized Christians can receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Holy Communion and Confirmation).

This process includes times of study, prayer, and Rites that take place at Mass. Formation sessions will begin in mid-September.

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Timothy Ruflin in the parish office to find out more and to set up a meeting.

February 28, 2026
10am-6pm
Christ Our Shepherd Center

Middle school students are invited to a day to pray, play, and grow in faith together in an atmosphere of joy, fellowship, and fun.  Come encounter Christ through dynamic speakers, games, meaningful prayer, and the Sacraments.

PAX – because God’s peace is for you.

Doors open at 9:30AM.

The Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick will celebrate Mass for the Second Sunday of Lent at 4:30PM.  Families are welcome to attend the Mass.

Registration closes February 20th.
Click here to register.

Open to all middle school students – bring a friend and come ready to encounter the Lord!

JUNE 26-28, 2026
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd
Steubenville, OH 43952

Inviting high-schoolers into a life-changing encounter with Christ!

Register Here!

This registration is currently ONLY for high school students due to limited tickets.  If adults are interested in attending the conference as a chaperone, please contact your Youth Minister or ffd@dioceseofgreensburg.org.  Registration for chaperones will be opened once the number of chaperones needed is determined.

A portion of the costs for the conference have been underwritten by the Diocese of Greensburg Francis Fund.  The remaining cost per participant is $375.00.  This price includes room, board, transportation, and 3 t-shirts.  The full cost may be paid at this time, or an option is also provided to pay a non-refundable $50.00 deposit to secure a ticket with the balance due by April 1, 2026. 

For questions, please contact ffd@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Friday 11:00am - 2:00pm (lunch)
Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm (breakfast only)
Indoor dining and takeout service available.

Free Community Meals Thursdays at 5:30pm

The Knead Community Café located in downtown New Kensington is committed to serving healthy dining options using fresh, local, and minimally processed ingredients as much as possible. The Knead’s philosophy is that all patrons are entitled to enjoy nutritious food and be treated with dignity regardless of their ability to pay.

Want to learn more? Check out the links below!

Knead Community Cafe Website
Knead Community Cafe Facebook page
Knead Community Cafe Instagram Page

Store Hours
Thursdays: 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Saturdays: 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Location: 1129 Leishman Avenue, New Kensington, PA
The entrance is at the corner of Kenneth Avenue and Locust Street.

Click here to check out the CCC’s Facebook page for special events and updated information.

Looking for an affordable education solution in the Alle-Kiski Valley? Private, Catholic education is available from preschool through high school at Mary Queen of Apostles School (MQA) in New Kensington and Saint Joseph High School (SJHS) in Natrona Heights.

Click here to learn more about our regional award-winning Catholic schools: Mary Queen of Apostles School (for grades Pre-K through 8) and St. Joseph High School.

Want to see for yourself? SJHS will be hosting a Spring Open House on Saturday, March 2 from 10AM-12PM.