A Word from Father Mullin
In today’s first reading, the author of the Book of Wisdom offers a wonderful insight into the mystery of how God the Father deals with us:
Though you are master of might, you judge with clemency.... and you taught your people by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind and you gave your children good ground to hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.
God the Father manifests his power most clearly in judging us with clemency and calling us to repentance. His great love for us is the ground of our hope. In this way God teaches us how to deal with one another: if we are to be just, we must also be kind!
May the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in sustaining a holy and faithful parish community at Saint Elizabeth, for unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it. Father Tom Mullin
Vocation Discernment Program
Young men (ages 16-22) who are open to the call to the priesthood are invited to a BBQ gathering here at Saint Elizabeth this Monday, July 24, at 6:30 PM. The evening consists of Evening Prayer, casual dining and conversation with priests and a seminarian. RSVP by calling 610-321-1200 by Monday morning.
Job Positions on the Parish Staff
Custodial Staff: We are looking for a couple of responsible individuals to join the parish custodial staff on a full-time and/or part-time basis. Interested applicants may send a personal resume (with references) to Mr. Rey Forgione, Director of Facilities, by fax (610-646-6513); email (
One Parish, One Book Club
The Parish Book Club will meet to discuss Ann Patchett’s work, Run, this Wednesday, July 26, at 7:00 PM in the ministry center. All are welcome! To sign up, please contact Beth Riordan at briordan @stelizabethparish.org or 610-646-6545. Of course, walk-ins are most welcome, too!
Mass Intentions for the Week
July 22-23: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Ed & Joanne Musuras (57th Wed. Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Catherine Burke
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Ben & Ann Stabinski + Rita Chapman
Monday, 7:30 AM- Amelia Ksycewski
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Hunter Robinson (21st Ann)
Wednesday,7:30 AM- Hugo Ficca (1st Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Robert Naylor (3rd Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Janis Pusey
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Ralph Nelson
July 29-30: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Clarence Chaney
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Florence Croll
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Marianne Marchione
Readings: 1 Kings 3/5, 7-12; Psalm 119; Romans 8/28-30; Matthew 13/44-52
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Now through August 28, Exposition is normally held in chapel on Mondays after the 7:30 AM Mass and concludes at 4:30 PM. Please note that there is no Exposition on Labor Day, September 4.
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including: Eleanor Angstadt; Mitchell Batt; Susan Bell; Patricia Boardman; Patrick Cerullo; Jo Ann Colletti; Ralph Grosso; William Lawrie; Leslie Leary; Eleanor Magill; Steven Rinaldi; Matthew Ternowchek and Frank Tyas.
We also remember those who have died, including Sister Eunice Marie, IHM. May God grant all our departed loved ones eternal rest!
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
2017-2018 School Year: Have you been considering enrolling your child in our parish school? For more info and application materials, contact Liz Oulton (
2018 Mass Intention Book
Beginning on Tuesday, August 8, personal intentions may be arranged for Masses to be celebrated at Saint Elizabeth throughout 2018. One Mass each Sunday and holy day is reserved for the people of the parish. Unannounced intentions may be arranged at the parish office for Masses celebrated by retired priests.
To make arrangements for personal intentions, please stop in the parish ministry center during regular office hours (8:00 AM-4:00 PM weekdays; 8:45 AM-12:45 PM Sundays). A free will offering is requested when making arrangements. Deceased parishioners and benefactors of Saint Elizabeth are remembered at all parish Masses throughout the year.
Elementary Faith Formation
NEW for 2017-2018! "Encounter" - Mark Hart’s Bible Study for 7th & 8th Graders. Through fun & engaging video and discussion sessions, participants experience God as a loving Father with a great plan for them. Join us in the education center library on Mondays, October 2–November 20, 6:30-7:45 PM. Register online at the parish website: www.stelizabethparish.org. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545 or
Stewardship Volunteers Needed: Why become an EFF Catechist? Here are a few reasons: 1) You will grow in your own faith, learn the teachings of the Church, and deepen your relationship with Jesus; 2) Children, teens, and adults in today's world, more than ever, need to hear the Good News of Jesus and 3) Your Baptism calls you to share in the ministry of Jesus!
Answer your call to serve by joining the EFF Team! We need catechists, assistants, teen aides, office help and car-line volunteers for 2017-18. More info is available on the parish website.
EFF Registration: The registration of returning and new students for the 2017-2018 EFF year is underway. Forms are available at www.stelizabethparish.org under “Education, Elementary Faith Formation.” If you are new to the parish or have children that will be new to the EFF program, please contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Note for Emergency Pastoral Care Calls
Fr. Mullin is away on vacation through Saturday morning, August 5. Fr. Stokely will be on hand for any emergency pastoral care calls during this time.
Adult Faith Formation
Fall Bible Study: Join us for a study of St. Paul's Letters from Prison (Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians). In these letters of encouragement, correction and instruction, St. Paul inspires us and challenges us to greater discipleship.
The weekly series runs on Tuesdays between September 12 and December 12, in two time slots: 9:30-11:00 AM or 7:00-8:30 PM. Each session consists of small group prayer & discussion and a DVD lecture. Cost: $15 for the study set. Register by September 1, either online via Google Forms: www.bit.ly/LettersFromPrisonStE or call our DRE, Beth Riordan ( 610-646-6545).
RCIA Inquiry
Weekly sessions of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults will resume on Monday evenings this Fall. If you have a non-Catholic spouse, another relative, friend or neighbor who might be interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, or if you yourself are interested in participating in the RCIA at Saint Elizabeth, please contact DRE Beth Riordan at
Stewardship Call for Liturgical Ministers
Every year we experience a turnover of liturgical ministers. This year, we are looking for 20 parishioners to volunteer to be trained as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (18+ years old and a high school graduate). We are looking for 10 parishioners to volunteer to be trained as Readers of the Word (16+ years old). Is the Lord calling you to liturgical service?
We need many more parishioners to step up to be parish greeters or hospitality ministers, ushers or members of our Children's Liturgy of the Word team. You will be trained for the ministry you choose. Please consider this stewardship opportunity prayerfully. Our scheduling program is family friendly and allows for vacation or away times, families being scheduled at the same Mass and even one parent scheduled at a time.
If you have served in the past and have taken some time off from liturgical ministry, please consider offering your stewardship service once again. For more information contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Game Day: This Thursday, July 27! Each month the Senior Adult Ministry (60+ years old) holds a game day on the 4th Thursday of the month at 10:30 AM in the parish ministry center. Some seniors play canasta, some play poker, some play bridge; all have some good snacks and a good time! Come out for air-conditioned fun, snacks and good conversation. Bring a friend, too!
Sister Parish Update
Thank you to the parishioners who supported the food collection for our sister parish, Visitation BVM, last weekend. A 12 foot panel truck was loaded 3-4 bags deep to transport the 393 bags of groceries to Kensington. Sister Betty Scanlon, Director of the Community Center at Visitation and several staff members welcomed the generous contributions for the Fresh Food Pantry.
Pastoral Outreach News
Collection of School Supplies: Oh no, the aisles are starting to fill up with school supplies! When you are doing your own school shopping, please consider picking up some supplies for the "Back to School" collection sponsored by the Sharing Our Bounty committee. The collection will be on August 12 & 13. Items will be given to the Lord's Pantry of Downingtown and St. Agnes Day Room of West Chester. There is nothing like brand new supplies to get the school year off to a good start. Thanks for your generosity to those who are less fortunate!
Youth Ministry News
Sports and Spirituality Summer Camp: Don’t miss the all-new morning summer camp during the week of July 31-August 4 for all children entering grades 3 through 6. For more info & registrtaion, contact Ryan Schwalm at
High School Youth Group: We meet on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM in the CLC. Come out and bring a friend!
High School Music Ministry: The high school music ministry is open to all youth of the parish and welcomes anyone interested in joining this ministry group. Contact Ryan Schwalm for more info.
Are you on the mailing list for youth ministry activities? Sign up at
Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM)
CYO Cheerleading: Registration is open now through August 31 for boys and girls in grades 3 through 8. This is a two season sport running from September to March. Detailed information is available at seamcyo.com.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, July 8-9, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $20,027.27
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,266.27]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 6,874.50
Total Regular Collection: $26,901.77
Number of adult envelope contributions: 543
Auto-Giving: There are now 278 families participating in Auto-Giving to ensure a consistent financial support to the parish throughout the year. To receive an electronic copy of the authorization form, please contact Sam Venuti (
We encourage parishioners who are out of town on vacation weekends to continue their financial support of Saint Elizabeth during the summer months. Why not consider Auto-Giving all year long? For info, call Sam Venuti at 610-646-6515.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
EFF Catechists’ Training Series: Tuesday (7/25) 6:30 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM CLC
CRHP-Women’s Team: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
One Book, One Parish: Wednesday (7/26), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP-Men’s Team: Thursday (7/27), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Summer Hours for Parish Offices
Ministry Center Offices:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM on weekdays;
8:45 AM-12:45 PM on Sunday mornings.
Education Center Offices: 7:30 AM-3:30 PM on regular summer weekdays.