Welcome to St. Bartholomew
St. Bartholomew Church is located in Crabtree, Pennsylvania, along State Route 119, between New Alexandria and Greensburg. We are situated in the northwestern section of Unity Township, and we extend into Hempfield and Salem Townships as well. Although the first Mass was celebrated in 1889, in a 54-by-24 foot storeroom–located at the present site of the Crabtree Shopping Center–our three weekend Masses are presently celebrated in our renovated church that seats 200. Daily Mass, however, is offered at 8:00 a.m., in the Church. St. Bartholomew Church is a parish of the Diocese of Greensburg, but it has been, and continues to be, staffed by the Benedictines from Saint Vincent Archabbey, located in Latrobe. We are an active faith community of about 500 households, and we strive to deepen the faith and to broaden the vision of church for all parishioners. Since Christ, present in the celebration of the word and sacrament, is the source and summit of our faith, our celebration of the liturgy is the life blood of our parish. As pastor, I take this opportunity to invite all to explore our web site, to see how we live our faith in service to the community, and to visit us when traveling through our area. Father Justin Matro, O.S.B.Pastor
Our Mission
Gathered by our baptism into new life in God, the community of St. Bartholomew lives and shares the good news of Jesus Christ through individual conversion(re)evangelization, and faith formation. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we wish to build a loving faith community through worship and service.
Join Our Family
We are an active faith community of about 500 households, and we strive to deepen the faith and to broaden the vision of church for all parishioners. Since Christ, present in the celebration of the word and sacrament, is the source and summit of our faith, our celebration of the liturgy is the life blood of our parish.
For more information about parish membership, please contact us, or simply print and complete the census form and return it to the parish office.
Confidential Census Form
A census is a most traditional and necessary occurrence in the journey of a lifetime for a parish. It lets us know what changes have occurred in your family over the years, what your interests are, and how you wish to be related to your parish. For new members, please print and complete the form and return it to the parish office. For current parishioners, please complete the form and mail it to the parish, or deposit the form in the basket on Sunday.
Sacraments
Parishioners of St. Bartholomew can participate in all three sacraments of initiation–Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation–when they reach the appropriate age and/or have participated in sacramental preparation. Parishioners can partake in the celebration of the Eucharist at every Mass, and can participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays at 4:00 p.m., or by appointment.
Parishioners of St. Bartholomew can celebrate the sacrament of marriage in the church by contacting the parish office, and reception of Anointing of the Sick can be scheduled as well. Any parishioner interested in exploring vocations can do so through the Diocese of Greensburg.
Formation
St. Bartholomew Parish offers multiple forms of child and on-going formation through the church. School-age children in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in CCD classes, which teach them about their faith and prepare them to received the sacraments. Non-Catholics who want to enter the church are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA).
Parish Life
The Parish of St. Bartholomew has an active and vibrant parish community. Parishioners can fill liturgical and music ministry roles, and join either the pastoral or finance councils. The parish offers a number of organizations for parishioners to join that are available to a wide range of ages. Other parish activities include weekly Bingo in Marian Hall and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival in the summer. St. Bartholomew Parish also partners with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Greensburg.