A Word from Father Mullin
Are you looking for a spiritual challenge as we approach another Lent? Here are two challenges to consider:
First, Moses, speaking as directed by the Lord, tells the whole Israelite community: “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Wow: Can we grow in holiness?
Second, Jesus tells his disciples: “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Ok, I already hear you saying: “Come on, Jesus, get real- I can’t be perfect.”
Yet, if you and I continue to strive each day to “love your neighbor as yourself” and to follow the example of the Lord, who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in kindness,” we will be well on our way to deeper holiness and greater perfection in Christ.
Fr. Tom Mullin
Job Positions on the Parish Staff
Part-time Cook: Because the current employee has moved out of the area, we are looking for someone to fill a part-time position (±10 hours/week) as cook and laundress to work in the priest residence. General responsibilities include regular laundry service each week and cooking dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. For more information, please call Father Mullin at the parish office (610-321-1200).
Custodial Staff: We are looking for a responsible individual to join the parish custodial staff Monday through Friday, 2:00-10:00 PM. Interested applicants may send a personal resume (with references) to Mr. Rey Forgione, Director of Facilities, by fax (610-646-6513); email (
2017 Catholic Charities Appeal
The 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal is being conducted now through May. This year's theme, Giving Hope to All, reflects the broad focus of the Catholic Charities appeal in supporting close to 180 beneficiaries in five key areas of the Church's life and ministry: education; social services; evangelization and parish spiritual life; clergy and religious; and mission activities, both locally and worldwide. Check out the video on display in the church narthex this weekend.
2017 Parish Mission
Plan now to join Redemptorist Father Maurice Nutt, C.Ss.R. for a three-part parish mission on the theme: “Return to the Lord.” Come out at 4:00 PM on Sunday, March 5, and again at 7:00 PM on Monday & Tuesday, March 6-7. For more information, check out the insert in today’s parish bulletin.
Mass Intentions for the Week
February 18-19: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Deceased of the Fieo Family
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Hugo & Philomena Ficca
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Rita Werner
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Florence Moulter (1st Ann)
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Alden Ludlow (2nd Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Daniel Keating, Jr./Josephine
Spino (13th Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Deceased of Conwell/Ostertag Families
Friday, 7:30 AM- Ann Robison
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Margaret Mullen
February 25-26: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Sr. Ann McGovern
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Charlotte & Miles Hannagan
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Yen Chau
Readings: Isaiah 49/14-15; Psalm 62; 1 Corinthians 4/1-5; Matthew 6/24-34.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM in the chapel.
Marian Devotions: Join us for novena prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Saturday mornings at 7:50 AM, followed by a Rosary for Life at 8:00 AM.
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including: Eleanor Angstadt; John Batt; JoAnn Colletti; Joseph Conwell; Jerry Corrado; Gary Davila; Stephen Gray; Patricia Hardy; Peter Hare; Karen Jackson; Henry Mathews; Dorothy Mooney; Elizabeth Pescatore; Gloria San Giacomo; Patricia Subasic and Elizabeth Young.
We also remember those who have died, including James Grim, father of Meghan and Caraline Grim. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Pastoral Planning News
Don’t forget to take a closer look at the newly-designed cover page of the weekly bulletin to reflect upon the newly-articulated Vision and updated Mission for our parish. Then check out the insert in today’s bulletin for a graphic presentation of six Core Parish Values that guide us in living as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
For more information about the 2017-2020 Pastoral Plan and how you can offer your input into its completion in the weeks ahead, go to the home page of the parish website (stelizabethparish.org).
Family Life Ministry
Widows Group: The Bereavement Ministry Team is introducing a series of meetings for widows, to be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, March through June. The series begins on Wednesday, March 22, at 7:00 PM in St. Matthew Conference Room. If you would like to participate or help, contact Mary Ann Hughes (
Separated & Divorced Group: The Family Life Ministry Team is pleased to announce the beginning of the The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide. The program is for men and women who have suffered from divorce or separation. Some of the topics covered will include shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, the kids, annulment and much more. Whether you got divorced ten days ago or ten years ago, the program offers valuable insight for everyone. Are you divorced, is someone in your family divorced, do you know someone who is divorced? Please share this information with them.
The program will meet weekly beginning on Tuesday, March 21, at 7:00 PM in the education center library, and is led by Dr. Diane Thompson. To register, please contact the Parish Services Office at 610-646-6550 or
Both groups are looking for parishioners to help facilitate the group discussions. If you can relate to either group and would like to offer your stewardship service, please contact the parish services office.
RCIA News
Want to explore the Catholic Faith? For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545.
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Each month the Senior Adult Ministry holds a game day. Some seniors play canasta, some play poker, some play bridge, all have some good snacks and a good time! The next game day in this Thursday, February 23, at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. Come out for fun, snacks and good conversation. Please bring a friend along too!
Baptism News
The next sessions of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism and Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 10:30 AM in the Ministry Center Conference Rooms. To register for the Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
Confirmation Retreats
The first Confirmation Retreat for both candidates and their parents will be held this Saturday, February 25, for candidates whose last name begins with A-J. The second Confirmation Retreat will be held on Saturday, March 11, for candidates whose last name begins with K-Z. Both sessions begin with Mass in church at 8:30 AM and conclude by 12:30 PM.
Bishop Timothy Senior will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 22, at 10:00 AM and at 2:00 PM. The rehearsals for Confirmation will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Parish School Advisory Council: The council is chaired by our parish school principal, Dr. Diane Greco. Congratulations to three newly-elected council members: Laurie Ardoline, Kevin Laughlin and Kerry O’Connell. Current members include: Maureen Bellafante, Theresa Matalavage, Maria McDowell, Brian McGonagle, James McHugh, Joanne Metzger and Al Riviezzo, together with Maureen Shrader (faculty representative) and Fr. John Stokely (parish staff representative). Thanks to all for their service!
2017-2018 School Year: We are now accepting applications for new students in our parish as well as students from non-parish families. Re-registration for current students and incoming siblings is ongoing. We welcome the chance to show you the benefits of a Saint Elizabeth Parish School education. Please call Liz Oulton at 610-646-6540 for more information and application materials.
Congratulations: Kudos to the students who were given the Peacemaker Award for their example of self discipline, and to our sixth & seventh grade science fair winners, too!
Family Life Ministry/Adult Faith Formation
On Ash Wednesday, March 1, there will be a table in the narthex sponsored by the Family Life Ministry Team and the Adult Faith Formation Committee. Please stop by to pick up some helpful resources for your family during Lent. All materials are free! A list of apps will be provided to enhance your daily prayer life, too!
Stewardship Day of Service
Registration is now open for the Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 29. Please go to the parish website www.stelizabethparish.org and follow the links to complete the online registration for you and your family members. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate (children must be accompanied by a parent). If you do not have internet access, you may register by calling Gen Miceli at 610-646-6550.
Youth Ministry News
For info on any youth ministry activities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
Eighth Grade Youth Group: The next meeting is this Wednesday, February 22, in the gym. Please note the different time: 7:30-9:00 PM. To sign up, email Ryan.
Middle School Youth Group: The MSYG will meet this Friday, February 24, 6:00-7:30 PM, in the gym. The gathering will include dinner, activities and discussion. To sign up, email Ryan.
Elementary School Youth Group: Our next Free Play Night will be this Saturday, February 25, 6:30-8:30 PM in the gym. The cost for the night is $5 per child. To sign up, email Ryan.
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC, next to the social hall. Don’t miss High School Bible Study on February 27, and every other Monday night in the CLC, 8:00-9:00 PM. For info on service opportunities, email Ryan.
Parish Young Adults: We have a new group for Catholic Young Adults, aged 18-26, at Saint Elizabeth parish. We would like your help in creating this new program. For more information, contact Ryan Schwalm.
St. Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM):
Registration is now open for baseball & track. For more info and to register online, follow the Athletic Ministry link on the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org).
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, February 5, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $30,023.95
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,134.25]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $23,485.00
Total Regular Collection: $53,508.95
Number of adult envelope contributions: 784
Tax Statements for 2016: Parishioners who would like a tax statement for their 2016 donations may contact the parish office (610-321-1200) and a statement will be mailed out to you promptly. Thank you all for your continued generosity to Saint Elizabeth Church!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist & conference room
Joseph’s People: Monday (2/20), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Sister Parish Planning Team: Monday (2/20), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP-Women’s Team: Mondays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (2/21), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Evangelization Committee: Tuesday (2/21), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
SAM Game Day: Thursday (2/23), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
CRHP Men’s Team: Thursday, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Luke
Confirmation Retreats: Saturday (2/25 & 3/11), 8:30 AM, church
RCIA Rite of Sending: Sunday (2/26), 11:30 AM Mass, church