A Word from Father Stokely
Christ is risen, Alleluia! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
"We do not understand man when we ask only where he comes from. We understand him only when we also ask where he can go." (Pope Benedict XVI)
Sometimes we define ourselves by where we have been: where we grew up, where we went to school, where we have worked and what we have accomplished. These might add up to an impressive curriculum vitae – yet there are almost always painful parts to the past, too.
Either way, the Solemnity of the Ascension, which we celebrate this Thursday, reminds us that our true identity is not simply about our past; it is about our future. God sees us not only for who we are, but also for whom He has made us to be. God made us out of dust from a passing earth to dwell in spiritual realms for all eternity.
We look forward to celebrating the Solemnity of the Ascension with you this Thursday as we pray to follow Jesus in hope to where he has gone before in glory.
Fr. John Stokely
Ascension Thursday Holy Day
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is a holy day of obligation for all Catholic believers. Mass on Thursday will be celebrated in church at 7:30 AM, at 12:00 Noon, and at 7:00 PM. Note: parish offices and the parish school will be closed for the holy day.
New TuitionCare Program
Saint Elizabeth Parish has been chosen to participate in a unique pilot program developed by the Foundation for Catholic Education. The TuitionCare program combines EITC/OSTC tax credits offered by the State of PA with a Tuition Reduction Grant to be provided by the Foundation to local Catholic schools.
For more information about TuitionCare, go to the parish website (stelizabethparish.org) to review a detailed power point presentation and to download the forms to enroll in the TuitionCare program for 2017-2018. Questions may be directed to Ray Boncek (484-343-2949;
Mass Intentions for the Week
May 20-21: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Harold Gibson, Jr.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Joseph Quinn (3rd Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Miles & Charlotte Hannagan
Monday, 7:30 AM- Allan Young (1st Ann)
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Richard Grim (1st Ann)
Wednesday,7:30AM- Josephine Spino and Gertrude Keating
Solemnity of the Ascension Thursday
7:30 AM- Elizabeth Sciallo (1st Ann)
12:00 Noon- Barbara Cox
7:00 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Friday, 7:30 AM- Susan Fanella (1st Ann)
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Joseph Ringhoffer
May 27-28: Seventh Sunday of Easter
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Eugene O’Malley (10th Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Barbara Dwyer
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Joan & Peter Reehil
Readings: Acts of the Apostles 1/12-14; Psalm 27; 1 Peter 4/13-16; John 17/1-11.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: This Monday, Exposition will be held between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM in the daily Mass chapel. Note that there is no Exposition on Memorial Day, May 29, nor on Labor Day, September 4. Between June 5 and August 28, Exposition will close at 4:30 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: Dolores Bugaiski; Patrick Cerullo; Yolanda DiMaggio; Ronald Fournier; Joseph Gallagher; Allison Glitz; Ralph Grosso; Anthony Olseski; Marion Powers; Stowe Shoemaker and Beth Tatelman.
We also remember parishioners and the family members of parishioners who have died. May God grant all our loved ones eternal rest!
First Holy Communion News
Congratulations to the following children who are receiving First Holy Communion at the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday, May 27: Katelyn Cosgrove; Mary Haughey; Caroline Sciulli, Aaron & Avery Stegmaier.
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, June 10, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, July 8. Both programs begin at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. To register for the Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
RCIA Inquiry
Would you like to explore the Catholic Faith? Our weekly inquiry meets at 7:00 PM on Mondays. For info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545.
Pastoral Outreach Committee
Casserole Collection: Thank you for the 90 casseroles prepared for the clients of St. John's Hospice this month. The hospice feeds between 300 and 400 people every day. If you don't have time to cook, a lasagna from Stouffer's is gratefully accepted.
The summer collection dates are June 10-11, July 8-9, August 12-13 and September 9-10. Pans and recipes are available in the narthex. The meals are collected before all Masses. You can also drop off a casserole at the parish office on the Friday before the collection or before 9:00 AM on the Monday after the collection.
If you have any questions about the program or would like to volunteer to help collect the casseroles, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Elementary Faith Formation
Thank You: A warm thank you to our catechists, staff and families for praying and working together through-out this year. May we all continue to grow in faith, hope and love throughout the summer.
EFF Registration: The registration of returning and new students for the 2017-18 EFF year is underway. If you are new to the parish or have children that will be new to the EFF program, please contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Stewardship: Join our EFF team! Catechists, assistants, teen aides and car-line volunteers are needed for 2017-2018. Contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545 or
Parent Survey: Parents, please complete the survey sent in the weekly email. Thank you for helping us evaluate and improve EFF for the coming year!
Parish School News
Grandparents Day: Thanks to all our grandparents and VIP's for making Friday such a special day! Thanks also to the kindergarten and first grade for entertaining our guests, and to all of the stewardship volunteers who made the day possible.
Spring Band Concert: Don't miss “musical” Monday at our school! All are invited to the Spring Band and Choral Concert this Monday, May 22, at 1:30 PM and again at 7:00 PM in the gymnasium.
Tuition Care: Thanks to all who have already signed up to be part of the new Tuition Care program! The deadline to register is May 31, so please read more about this special pilot program on the parish website and/or on the parish school website.
2017-2018 School Year: For more information on registration for 2017-2018, or any of our school programs, please contact Mrs. Liz Oulton at 610-646-6540 or
2017 Stewardship Day of Service
Thanks to the many parishioners of all ages who participated in this year’s Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 29. And thank you to the volunteers, site leaders, participating service agencies, and to our planning team. Watch for pictures on the parish web site. We Are God's Hands!
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
SAM is invited to a picnic! If you are 60 plus, you qualify for SAM. SAM has once again been invited by St. Joe's Prime Timers to their annual picnic. Tickets are $10.00 and available in the parish office. The picnic is filled with food, fun and fellowship! Bring your friends! Contact the parish services office (610-646-6550 or
Social Fellowship Committee
Donut Social: The Social Fellowship Committee will be hosting a donut social between 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM on Sunday, June 4. Come on over to the social hall before or after Mass for a cup of coffee and a donut and enjoy socializing with your fellow parishioners!
Stewardship Call for Liturgical Ministers
This is the time of year for the recruitment of new stewardship volunteers for parish liturgical ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Readers of the Word, greeters and hospitality ministers, ushers and sound techs, and members of the Children's Liturgy of the Word team (CLOW). You will be trained for the ministry you choose. Our scheduling program is family friendly and allows for vacation or away times.
For more info, contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Committee for the New Evangelization
Called & Gifted Workshop: Attending this workshop is a great way to discover your personal gifts and respond to the Lord’s call to serve others. The series continues on Tuesdays, May 30, June 13 & June 27, 7:00-9:00 PM in the ministry center. For more info, contact Chris Hill (484-368-4635 or
Youth Ministry News
Sports and Spirituality Summer Camp: We are thrilled to announce that we are offering a morning summer camp during the week of July 31-August 4 for all children entering grades 3 through 6. For registration info, contact Ryan at
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC, next to the social hall.
High School Bible Study: The group will meet this Monday, May 22, at 8:00 PM in the CLC.
High School Music Ministry: The group usually holds practice every other Monday night, 7:00-8:30 PM in the CLC. For info, contact Ryan Schwalm.
Elementary School Youth Group: Our final Elementary School Freeplay Night of the school year will be on Saturday, June 10, 6:30-8:30 PM in the gym. The cost for the night is $5 per child.
Middle School Youth Group: Unfortunately, the June 2 meeting has been canceled. The final meeting of the school year is on Friday, June 16, 6:00-7:30 PM in the gym. The night will include dinner and games.
8th Grade Youth Group: We will meet on Wednesday, May 31, 6:30- 8:00 PM in the gym.
For more info on any of these St. Elizabeth Parish Youth Ministry opportunities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM)
CYO Soccer: Registration remains open through July 15. Go to seamcyo.com for more information and to register. If you have questions or would like to help coach, email
Knights of Columbus News
Clothing Drive: The St. Elizabeth Council K of C is sponsoring a clothing drive on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society on the weekend of June 3-4. Visit www.gogreendrop.com for a full list of acceptable items. All clothing should be in boxes or bags.
Golf Outing: All are invited to the K of C Council 13141 Annual Charity Golf Tournament & Dinner on Friday, June 9. For more information & registration, visit www.kofc13141.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, May 7, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $21,668.06
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,016.91]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $24,271.78
Total Regular Collection: $45,939.84
Number of adult envelope contributions: 694
Auto-Giving: To arrange for direct debits or automatic withdrawals for your regular collection contributions on a weekly or monthly basis, please call Sam Venuti in the parish business office (610-646-6515).
Memorial Day Holiday
Please note that all parish offices will be closed next Sunday, May 28, and Monday, May 29, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. For those who want to start their holiday off in a prayerful way, Mass will be offered in church at 9:00 AM that Monday. Happy Memorial Day to one and all!