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Bulletin - March 26, 2017

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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-646-6550).

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Lisa Ferrie (610-306-6440 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-646-6545).

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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-696-3498).

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-646-6550.

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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Angie Fiore (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Thank you for your support of St. John’s Hospice throughout the year.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or follow us at St. Elizabeth Youth Ministry on Facebook and @st.es_youthgroup on Instagram.

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.


Friday, April 7, 2017

Join the St. Elizabeth Council, Knights of Columbus, for an enjoyable Fish Dinner catered by Montesano Brothers and then participate in the Living Stations of Cross presented by the eighth graders of Saint Elizabeth Parish School.

The evening starts in the parish social hall at 5:00 PM with a Fish Dinner for the whole family.  Dinners are $17.00/each or $60.00 for a family of 4.  You may eat in or take dinner home.  Tickets are now on sale after weekend Masses.  Stop in the parish ministry center, next to Stars Rewards table. You may also purchase tickets online at kofc13141.org.  Please note that tickets will not be available at the door on the evening of the dinner.  This year we will also offer Cheese Pizza (2 slices), cookie, and drink for children 12 & under who are not fish lovers, for only $6.00 per child.

After dinner, join fellow parishioners and the Knights of Columbus for the Living Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in church. This is a wonderful way to spend time with your family and Jesus in preparation for Holy Week and Easter.  We hope to see you there!

St. Elizabeth Knights of Columbus Fish Dinner Menu                
                         

•    Panko crusted Cod Fillet or Cod Fillet w/ Crab cake or Two Crab cakes
•    Homemade Mashed Potatoes
•    Dinner Roll
•    Roasted Garden Vegetables
•    Garden Salad
•    Cookies
•    Canned Soft Drinks, Coffee, Milk, Tea, Water

Macaroni and Cheese available free to children 5 and younger not purchasing a meal.


The Saint Elizabeth Sharing Our Bounty Committee
FOOD COLLECTION

Saturday, April 1
Sunday, April 2
(at all Masses)

Donations will go to:
St. Agnes Day Room, West Chester for their Easter Baskets
The Lord’s Food Pantry in Downingtown

Suggested Items for Donation:

Canned goods            Dry Cereal        Juice        
Peanut Butter            Jelly             Jello*            
Pasta*                    Pasta Sauce*     Hams**    
Dried black or pinto beans*    Rice*        Icing*
Cake, brownie or cookie mixes*            Canned Vegetables*    
Canned fruit*        Chicken or beef broth*       Mashed potato mixes*
*EASTER BASKET NEEDS
**Donations of HAMS will be welcomed and used in the
Easter Baskets.
(best used by date should be no earlier than April 16)
                        
Thank you in advance for your generosity.  
The local food banks are in critical need at this time of year!


Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church

Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, March 26, 2017

Upcoming Meetings & Events

RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist

Pastoral Outreach Committee: Monday (3/27), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

SEAM Board: Monday (3/27), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew

CRHP-Women’s Team: Mondays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family

High School Bible Study: Monday (3/27), 8:00 PM, CLC

Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew

Liturgical Life Committee: Tuesday (3/28), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC

Divorced & Separated: Tuesday (3/28), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room

Adult Faith Formation Committee: Tuesday (3/28), 7:30 PM, St. John the Baptist

Lenten Confessions: Wednesday (3/29), 6:30-7:00 PM, chapel

Pastoral Council Orientation for Nominees: Wednesday (3/29), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew

Adult & Men’s Choirs: Wednesday (3/29), 7:00 PM, Church

Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family

CRHP Men’s Team: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist

Protecting God’s Children: Thursday (3/30), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew

Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Luke

Stations of the Cross/Benediction: Friday (3/31), 7:00 PM, Church

RCIA Retreat: Saturday (4/1), 8:30 AM, Holy Family Room, Chapel

Reminder about Lenten Fast and Abstinence

All those who are fourteen years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. Those who are eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Good Friday, while the other two meals on those two days are to be light.

Job Openings for Catholic Social Services (CSS)

CSS has job opportunities (both entry level and professional level) available in its programs that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities at St. Edmond's Home for Children, Divine Providence Village and Don Guanella Village, and its programs serving dependent youth at St. Francis & St. Vincent Homes for Children. We are a mission-driven organization that seeks to hire individuals who appreciate a faith-based Catholic work environment that provides regular opportunities for spiritual enrichment and personal growth.

For info about openings at St. Edmond's Home, Divine Providence Village and Don Guanella Village, contact Bud Murphy (484-472-5048 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.); for info about openings at St. Francis & St. Vincent Homes for Children, contact Denise Hilbert (215-642-3091 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).