A Word from Father Stokely
I really enjoyed the mission led by Fr. Maurice, and I hope you did too! If you were not able to attend this year’s mission, you can access a video recording of Fr. Maurice’s reflections on the parish website, now through Holy Week.
Our mission’s theme “Return to the Lord” is an important reminder for us that our true home is with God and we belong with Him. Even when we stray off the path or run away from God, we can always “come back home,” as Fr. Nutt said.
Before Lent is over, consider celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is not always pleasant to think about and reveal our sinful past, but what a holy and joy-filled moment it is when we recover the grace of our friendship with God.
Fr. John Stokely
Pastoral Council Election News
We are now accepting nominations for four vacancies on the pastoral council. If you or someone you know in the parish may be interested in offering stewardship service to the pastoral council, please pick up a nomination form on the table in the narthex after Mass. Self-nominations are most welcome! The deadline for nominations is next Wednesday, March 22.
Lenten Soup Supper
On Friday, March 24, at 5:30 PM in the social hall, all are invited to a free supper of soup, salad & bread. No advance registration is required. We gather as a community for fellowship and to encourage one another through the disciplines of Lent. During the supper, a hands-on Stations of the Cross activity will be offered. This is an event for the entire family! We hope that all will stay to pray together the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in church, led by Youth Group members.
RCIA News
Would you like to explore the Catholic Faith? Our weekly inquiry group meets at 7:00 PM on Mondays in the education center conference room. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545.
Mass Intentions for the Week
March 11-12: Second Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Kirk Swallow
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Batt & Mutz Families
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Talnack, Sr.
Monday, 7:30 AM- Terrence Donohue
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Catherine Zarus Krepelka
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- George Mitchell (18th Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Nancy Fischer
Friday, 7:30 AM- Michael Sutera
Saturday, 8:30 AM- James Morrissey
March 18-19: Third Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Rose Caruso (3rd Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Agnes & Edward McNamara
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Eric Fieo
Readings: Exodus 17/3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5/1-2, 5-8; John 4/5-42
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM in the chapel. Please note that on March 20 and April 3, Exposition will close at 6:30 PM.
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; Evelyn Barnes; John Batt; Charlene Buckley; Kelly Cahill; James Curran; Gary Davila; Allison Glitz; Stephen Gray; Lindsay Hamilton; Perry Hughes; Craig Kadlec; Susan Lamb; Edward Musuras; Ryan Riotto; Donald Schmitz; Allison Shirker; Stephen Strauss and Elizabeth Young.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Edward Weed, Sr., husband of Dolores Weed and father of Edward Weed, Jr.; parishioner Eleanor Gasbarre, mother of Thomas Gasbarre; Francis Barrett, father of Joan Versaggi; Inge Miller, mother of Ann Hellrung; and Jerry Golus, son of Joan Golus and brother of Steven Golus. May they rest in peace!
Family Life Ministry
Widows’ Group: The Bereavement Ministry Team is introducing a new series entitled A Widow’s Walk: Embracing One Another on Our Journey. The series begins on Wednesday, March 22, at 7:00 PM in St. Matthew Conference Room and will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month, March through June.
Separated & Divorced Group: The Family Life Ministry Team is pleased to announce a special program for men and women who have suffered from divorce or separation. The program is based upon Rose Sweet’s work, The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide, and will be facilitated by parishioner, Dr. Diane Thompson. The group will meet weekly starting on Tuesday, March 21, at 7:00 PM in the Holy Family Room.
If you are interested in attending either group, register by emailing or calling the parish services office. Both groups are looking for parishioners to help facilitate the group discussions, so if you can relate to either group and would like to offer your stewardship service, please contact Gen Miceli at 610-646-6550 or email
Committee for the New Evangelization
Christ Renews His Parish-Women’s Renewal: Registration opens next weekend for the next women’s overnight renewal on Friday-Saturday, May 5-6. The retreat is designed for all women of the parish (21 or older). It provides an opportunity to experience personal growth in your faith in a relaxed welcoming environment. For more info, contact Marie Hellgoth (484-341-8762 or
Welcome New Parishioners
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following individuals, couples and families who registered in February: Patrick Ciquera and Samantha Venafro; Carmon & Kristin Comunale; Eileen Curran; Brian & Kathleen Dixon, Sr.; Douglas Forsythe; Justin & Heather Mahalik; Chad Troisi & Felicia Moffa and Brian & Kristen Whitaker. Welcome one and all!
First Penance/Reconciliation News
All are welcome to attend either celebration of First Penance: on Monday, March 20, or on Wednesday, March 22, both at 7:00 PM. Close to 140 girls and boys will celebrate Reconciliation this Lent and then First Holy Communion during the Easter season.
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, April 8 and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, May 13. Both sessions are held at 10:30 AM in the parish ministry center. To register for the Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
Elementary Faith Formation
We need your help! A catechist for our amazing 3rd graders is needed immediately for Monday evenings (6:30-7:45 PM). Experience helpful but not necessary. Willingness to pass the Catholic faith to our children a must. Rewards are heavenly! Please contact the DRE at
Lenten Stations of the Cross: Don’t miss the special Stations of the Cross for EFF students and their families this Monday, March 13, at 5:00 PM; on Tuesday, March 14, at 6:30 PM; and on Wednesday, March 15, at 5:00 PM. Families of students that normally attend EFF on Mondays at 6:30 PM are asked to attend the service at 6:30 PM on Tuesday. Those that attend EFF on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM are asked to attend the service on Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Sneak-a-Peak: Curious about a Catholic education for your children? Stop by on Thursday, March 16, between 9:30-11:00 AM to get a sneak peek of our teachers and students in action!
Spring Fling: All sixth-eighth grade parishioners in both Catholic and public school are invited to a Spring Fling Dance this Friday, March 17, 7:00-9:00 PM. Tickets are $5. Wear your Sunday attire and join the fun!
2017-2018 School Year: We are accepting applications for the new school year. Please contact Mrs. Liz Oulton (610-646-6540) to find out more about our school, what sort of financial aid is available, and how to get application materials.
Part-Time Help Needed for Cares Program: We need your help! With hours between 2:45 & 6:00 PM, this is a perfect opportunity for those looking for part-time work and enjoy working with school-age children. Schedules are flexible and “occasional” help is also welcome. Homework helpers and crafters are great, too. For more info, please contact Cathy Kemery (
Safe Environment Program
Last call to enroll for the Protecting God’s Children class at Saint Elizabeth this school year. If you are a parent who is not a volunteer, consider this class for your own awareness. Class will be held on Thursday, March 30, 7:00- 9:30 PM in the ministry center.
To register, go to www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2. cfm?theme=0. The 60 day grace period for anyone who began volunteering with children at the beginning of this school year has now expired. To come into full compliance with our Safe Environment Program, please register for class now! A full list of volunteer requirements can be found on the parish website.
Stewardship Day of Service- April 29
Members of the SDOS planning team will be in the narthex after Masses this weekend to respond to questions and to provide more information about this wonderful stewardship opportunity.
Online registration is now open. Simply go to the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) and follow the links to complete your registration. 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 at 610-646-6550.
Social Fellowship: Pizza Social
All are invited to stop in the social hall after the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday, March 25, to have a piece of pizza on us. Meet some new parishioners while you munch on some delicious pizza. If you’re headed out to dinner, stop by and have a slice as an appetizer!
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Game Day: Game Days are held every fourth Thursday of the month in the Ministry Center. Come out for snacks and fun on Thursday, March 23, at 10:30 AM.
Lunch N Learn: If you are 60+, mark your calendars for a special Lenten “Lunch N Learn” on Thursday, April 6, at 10:30 AM in the chapel. Fr. John Stokely will take us on a scriptural pilgrimage through the Holy Land entitled In the Footsteps of Our Lord, followed by a simple lunch in the ministry center. Please let us know you are coming by contacting Gen Miceli (
Youth Ministry News
For info on any youth ministry activities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
Parish Youth Council: If you would like to be involved in a newly-forming Parish Youth Council, please email Ryan Schwalm. The next planning meeting is this Saturday, March 18, 8:00-10:00 AM in the St. Luke Conference Room.
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC. Don’t miss High School Bible Study this Monday, March 13, at 8:00 PM.
Elementary School Youth Group: Our next Free Play Night is this Saturday, March 18, 6:30-8:30 PM in the gym. The cost for the night is $5 per child.
Special Lenten Activities
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: in the main church on Fridays at 7:00 PM, now thru March 18. Come out on Friday, March 24, for a special Stations of the Cross for Young People. On Friday, April 7, the eighth graders of the parish school will present a Living Stations of the Cross at 1:30 PM and again at 7:00 PM. And don’t miss the K of C Fish Fry in the social hall, 5:00-7:00 PM, on Friday, April 7, too.
Sacramental Reconciliation: Individual confessions are heard in chapel on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM and on Wednesday evenings, March 15 & 29, at 6:30-7:00 PM. All are welcome to the celebrations of First Penance at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 20, and Wednesday, March 22, and to our Lenten Communal Penance Service with Individual Confessions on Wednesday, April 5, at 7:00 PM. There will also be an extended period of confessions (9:00-11:00 AM) on Saturday, April 8.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, February 26, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $20,392.52
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,132.34]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $11,879.50
Total Regular Collection: $32,272.02
Number of adult envelope contributions: 642
Special Collection: Thank you for your support of this weekend’s annual collection for the Church in Latin America. Additional donations may be dropped into the regular collection basket at Mass next weekend or sent directly to the parish ministry center.