A Word from Father Stokely
It seems clear that the man in today’s Gospel did not deserve to be born blind. In an attempt to make sense of his condition, his parents are blamed because of their sinfulness; however, their sinfulness cannot be proven.
When our lives are significantly changed, we wonder why; we look for a reason. Whether we win the lottery or receive a serious diagnosis, we tend to feel that we do not deserve it...and rightly so. Jesus’ words in the Gospel might help us to put things into perspective: “it is so that the works of God might be made visible through you.” For those events that prompt us to ask why, perhaps this Gospel holds the answer.
Fr. John Stokely
Special Lenten Activities
Reconciliation Opportunities: All are welcome to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance this Wednesday, March 29, 6:30-7:00 PM, or this Saturday, April 1, 9:00-10:00 AM in the daily Mass chapel.
A Communal Penance Service with Individual Confessions will be held on Wednesday, April 5, at 7:00 PM. We will also have an extended period of confessions (9:00-11:00 AM) on Saturday, April 8.
Our parishioners are welcome to attend a Reconciliation Service with Individual Confessions at area parishes (all at 7:00 PM): on Monday, April 10, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, West Chester; on Tuesday, April 11, at St. Joseph Church, Downingtown; and on Wednesday, April 12, at SS. Philip & James Church, Exton.
Stations of the Cross and Benediction: this Friday, March 31, at 7:00 PM in church.
Living Stations of the Cross: All are welcome on Friday, April 7, when the eighth graders of the parish school present a Living Stations of the Cross at 1:30 PM and again at 7:00 PM in church.
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.
Pastoral Council Election News
Last call for nominations for the election to fill four positions on the council. To submit a nomination, please call the parish office by Tuesday afternoon (610-321-1200). All nominees are reminded of the orientation meeting this Wednesday, March 29, at 7:00 PM in the Saint Matthew Conference Room.
Mass Intentions for the Week
March 25-26: Fourth Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM-Anita Mullin Carr (32nd Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Russell Clark (16th Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- John & Irene Palumbo
Sunday, 11:30 AM- George Perrin
Monday, 7:30 AM- Intentions of Rebecca DiCesare
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Dorothy Guy
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Joseph Rafalowski, Sr.
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Frank McNally (19th Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Marie McLaughlin
Saturday, 8:30 AM - Parish Memorial Mass
Florence Alvord; Francis Barrett; Mary Brady; Jean Buckley; Eleanor Gasbarre; Jerry Golus; Boris Gorrlik; James Grim; Inge Miller; Dorothy McNeila; Patricia Subasic and Helen Tomera.
April 1-2: Fifth Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- David Powers
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- John Kilty
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Philip H. Carson
Readings: Ezekiel 37/12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8/8-11; John 11/1-45
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM in the chapel. Please note that on Monday, April 3, Exposition will close at 6:30 PM to accommodate the RCIA in 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; Evelyn Barnes; Kelly Cahill; Larry Childers; Joseph Conwell; Allison Glitz; Stephen Gray; Clare Greene; Roger Groves; Lindsay Hamilton; William Hare; Bernard Kowal; Susan Lamb; Brian McGinley; John McLaughlin; Mae Mollure; Edward Musuras; Laurie Olseski; Donald Schmitz; Allison Shirker; Nancy Smith; Jacqueline Tassone; Alan Virtue and Elizabeth Young.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Martha Mathis, wife of John Mathis; Anthony Giordano, father of Debra Sutcliffe; Henry Mathews, father of Linda Vance; Daniel Virtue, father of Jennifer Baer; and Rose Sudano, mother of Michele Galvin. May our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Liturgical Life News
Attention: Parish altar servers and those boys and girls who are receiving First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation this year! We invite you to attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 13, at 7:30 PM and to participate in the Eucharistic Procession at the end of Mass. Please wear your Confirmation or First Communion outfits or your best Sunday clothes. Participating altar servers are asked to meet in the chapel at 7:00 PM. If you would like to join us on Holy Thursday, please RSVP to Gen Miceli (
Family Life Ministry
Spirituality and Addiction: On Wednesday, April 19, at 7:00 PM in the parish social hall, Dr. Thomas Legere will present a talk titled: Spirituality: The Golden Key to Recovery. Please extend an invitation to anyone you know who may be troubled by addiction or have a family member or friend who is burdened with addiction. All are welcome and encouraged to come and find out how spirituality can help recovery and aid in everyday life. For more info, contact Gen Miceli in the parish services office (610-646-6550).
Committee for the New Evangelization
Christ Renews His Parish-Women’s Renewal: Registration is now open 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 time to experience personal growth in your faith in a relaxed welcoming environment. For more info, contact Marie Hellgoth (484-341-8762 or
Elementary Faith Formation
Help! We need a catechist for 3rd graders on Monday evenings (6:30 to 7:45 PM). Experience helpful but not necessary. Willingness to pass the Catholic faith to our children a must. Please contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Congratulations to all our young parishioners who have celebrated First Penance this month. May you always rejoice in being able to approach our Lord to receive his forgiveness and grace!
Pi Day: Thanks to all who made our rescheduled Pi Day a great success. The students surely appreciated the festivities after a week of Terra Nova testing!
Sneak-a-Peek: Our recent events have been so successful that we are adding some additional days. Stop by on Thursday, March 30, Wednesday, April 5, or Tuesday, April 18, between 9:30-11:30 AM to get a sneak peek of our teachers and students in action! You will also be able to pick up application materials for the 2017-2018 school year.
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. For more info, please contact Cathy Kemery (
Stewardship Day of Service- April 29
Online registration is open and going strong for the Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 29, but we still need many more volunteers! To register yourself and other family members, go to www.stelizabethparish.org and click on the SDOS link to complete an online registration. For more info and/or help in registering, contact Gen Miceli at
Pastoral Outreach
Casserole Collection: Thanks for the 100 casseroles collected in March. The next collection is the weekend of April 8-9. All donations are much needed and gratefully received! If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Poor Box Program: The recipient of poor box donations during March and April is the Aquinas Center, sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in South Philadelphia. The center is an innovative church and community-backed venture in welcoming and supporting local immigrants. For more info go to staquinas.com/aquinascenter/. Thanks for your support.
Legion of Mary
Consecration to Jesus through Mary: Would you like to get to know Mary better? Are you looking to deepen or renew your devotion to Mary? Come out on Thursday, April 27, at 7:00 PM to hear Father John Stokely speak on the Marian Consecration. His talk will be based on Fr. Hugh Gillespie’s work, Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary. The consecration will be made on Wednesday, May 31, at 7:00 PM in church. For more info, contact Janet Van Alstyne at 610-533-1038 or
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
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 that you are coming by contacting Gen Miceli at 610-646-6550 or
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 this 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.
Youth Ministry News
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 27, at 8:00 PM.
For info on any youth ministry activities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
Knights of Columbus News
Fish Dinner: Don’t miss the annual K of C Fish Dinner on Friday, April 7, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM in the social hall. Eat in and take out meals are both available! Tickets are on sale in the ministry center after Masses next weekend, April 1-2, and online at kofc13141.org until Noon next Sunday. No tickets will be sold at the door. After dinner, plan to attend the Living Stations of the Cross in church at 7:00 PM, too!
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, March 12, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $20,326.69
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,095.19]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $17,100.00
Total Regular Collection: $37,426.69
Number of adult envelope contributions: 666
Thank you for your generosity to this weekend’s special collection in support of the Military Archdiocese. Additional contributions may be dropped into the regular collection basket next weekend or sent directly to the parish ministry center during the week.
Schedule for Holy Week: April 9-16
Palm Sunday: regular weekend Mass schedule, with Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:30 PM and Mass on Sunday at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 AM. Palm will be blessed within the Eucharistic Liturgy and distributed by the ushers and greeters.
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper in church at 7:30 PM with Solemn Procession & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel between 9:00 PM and Midnight.
Good Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3:00 PM; Holy Communion is distributed only at this service.
Easter Vigil: Mass at 8:00 PM with Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church and Sacramental Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion).
Easter Sunday: regular weekend Mass schedule.