The Pittsburgh Oratory

The prayer group leaves the Newman Center at 9:00am each Saturday to pray at the East Liberty Abortion Clinic for about an hour. Please know that we pray peacefully on the opposite side of the street, so you need not be concerned about confrontations, etc. It is a wonderful opportunity to express our love and concern for the women and unborn children affected by abortion and is a true work of mercy. Contact Brother Stephen at 412-681-3181 for more information.

Summer Reading Group on Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament will be held on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm beginning May 29. In preparation for the beginning of Perpetual Adoration at the Newman Center, we will be offering a 6 week discussion group on Book Four of the classic spiritual text Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis entitled “Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.” In eighteen short chapters, Thomas à Kempis covers a wide range of themes that emphasize the importance of the Eucharist for our spiritual lives. It encourages reverence in receiving Christ, respect for the dignity of the priesthood, frequent communion and fervent love for the Lord. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Father David.

The Fathers of the Oratory are pleased to announce that the enormous graces of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration will be made available to all who live, worship, work, and study within our university communities beginning June 29, 2008.  This is in unity with the whole Church in celebration of the “Year of Saint Paul” proclaimed by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI and heeding the call of our Bishop, His Excellency David Zubik, to allow our Lord to draw us deeper into His Sacred Heart through prayer.  Nowhere does Heart speak to heart more clearly and profoundly than in the Sacrament of His infinite love.

Register Here

During mass on the weekends of April 12 and April 19, the Fathers of the Oratory will be offering an invitation to participate in the continuous hours of Adoration offered throughout the year here at the Newman Center. Members from the adoration committee will also be on hand to answer any questions you might have. Sign-up sheets are available at the Newman Center or you may register online by e-mailing Father David.

Adoration Schedule
Monday – Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday Night Vigil 9:30pm - Saturday 9:30am
Saturday 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Why you should want to spend
One hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

John Paul II knew what a privileged form of prayer Eucharistic adoration is – how important it is not only for growth in personal sanctity but also how necessary it is for the life of the Church. Through adoration, John Paul II tells us, “The Christian mysteriously contributes to the radical transformation of the world and to the sowing of the gospel. Anyone who prays to the Eucharistic Savior draws the whole world with him and raises it to God.” We do well, therefore, to imitate John Paul II in his sentiments and practice as we seek God’s mercy for ourselves and for the world.

Fr. David S. Abernethy, C.O.
Director, Ryan Catholic Newman Center
The Pittsburgh Oratory