A Word from Father Stokely
On this Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, God the Father once again reveals and confirms the divinity of His Son, Jesus. This was truly a “mountaintop” experience for Peter, James and John. They were filled with joyful enthusiasm and did not want the moment to end. Yet they had to leave the mountaintop and return to the valley, where Jesus reminded them that He would suffer, die and rise on the third day.
It is human nature to seek those peak “mountaintop” experiences, yet it is the toil and perseverance in the “valley” that makes us holy and faithful disciples.
Father John Stokely
2017 Mission Cooperation Appeal
This weekend we welcome to Saint Elizabeth Father Francis Patrikson, who is speaking on behalf of the Society of African Missions, the recipient of this year's Mission Cooperation collection. Your contributions may be dropped into the regular collection basket at Mass this weekend or sent directly to the parish office during the week.
Weekend Parish Receptionist Position
The parish is looking for a weekend receptionist to work one or two Sundays a month from 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM. This is a part-time paid position for an adult at least 18 years of age with sound interpersonal skills. Please call Sam Venuti at 610-321-1200 or email
Solemnity of the Assumption Holy Day
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuesday, August 15 is a holy day of obligation for all Catholic believers. Masses will be celebrated in church at 7:30 AM, at 12:00 Noon, and at 7:00 PM. Note: parish offices and parish school offices will be closed for the holy day.
Parish Communications News
Have you been on the Parish Website lately? On our home page you will find Mass times, contact information and other items you may be looking for. The pastor’s weekly homilies are also posted, along with news on at least four current events. It is also a quick way to access our Facebook page, especially if you don't have your own Facebook account.
Mass Intentions for the Week
August 5-6: Transfiguration of the Lord
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Margaret & Patrick Cooney
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Elizabeth Maloney
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Claire & Margaret Fry
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Intentions of Elmeria Pasquini
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Charlie Olenik (5th Ann)
Wednesday,7:30AM- Robert Talnack, Sr. (1st Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Dennis Ressel (1st Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Duong, Ky & Tu Nguyen & Elaine Griegel
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Maria Gonzalez
August 12-13: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- George Ciarlone
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Richard Kowalski
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Shannon (4th Ann)
Readings: 1 Kings 19/9-13; Psalm 85; Romans 9/1-5; Matthew 14/22-33
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 Jessica Bonkoski and Joseph Saraco, Sr.
We also remember all those who have died. May God grant all our departed loved ones eternal rest!
2018 Mass Intention Book
Beginning this 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.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children baptized in July:
Quinn Polley; Aubrey Unger; Michael DiProspero and Fiona Nielands. Congratulations to their families!
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held this Saturday, August 12, at 10:30 AM in the ministry center.
Godparent eligibility forms are available at the parish ministry center during regular office hours. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
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 (
Safe Environment
All adults who volunteer in any activity where children are present are required to have on file at the parish services office all PA state requirements and all requirements from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the protection of youth before any service can begin. For specific information regarding requirements, go to www.stelizabethparish.org and use the drop down “Get Involved” and then click on “Volunteers - Safe Environment Requirements”. The Protecting God’s Children class will be offered at Saint Elizabeth on September 28, November 9, December 7 and March 15 but classes fill up quickly. To register for class go to www.virtusonline.org.
Elementary Faith Formation
NEW for 2017-2018! "Encounter" - Mark Hart’s Bible Study for 7th & 8th Graders. Through fun and engaging 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 Beth Riordan, DRE at
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 Beth Riordan, DRE at
Pass It Forward!: Over 500 children and young people, kindergarten through grade 8, will sign up this fall to learn more about Jesus and the Catholic faith. You can help them learn and grow by becoming a catechist, assistant or helper for Elementary Faith Formation. With five sessions offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays, you can select a time that fits your schedule. As you nurture the faith of our young people, you will learn and grow as well! As one long-time catechist put it, “I learn so much from the children!” We provide catechists with training, materials and support. Classes begin September 11. If interested or for more information, contact Beth Riordan, DRE.
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 includes 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 Beth Riordan, DRE at 610-646-6545.
Movie Night Under the Stars: Get your Golden Ticket to the movies at St. Elizabeth! Join us for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder. Friday, August 25 – Movie time is 8:15 PM, but come at 7:30 with your chairs and blankets to get your seats and refreshments. All are welcome! Contact Beth Riordan, DRE with any questions at
Legion of Mary
Rosary on the Green: Please join the Legion of Mary on Sunday, August 13 at 6:00 PM for another Rosary on the Green and public witness to the message of Fatima on the 100th Anniversary of the fourth apparition. This devotion will continue on the 13th of every month until October.
RCIA Inquiry
Do you know someone who is searching for life’s meaning? Or someone who has asked about the Catholic faith? Invite them to connect with fellow seekers on Monday evenings in August at 7:00 PM in the Ministry Center. All are welcome! Contact Beth Riordan, DRE at
Poor Box Program
The recipient of poor box donations during July and August is the Saint Mary’s Franciscan Shelter in Phoenixville. The agency provides temporary housing for homeless families while helping them to move towards independence and self-support. For more info, go to
Youth Ministry News
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC next to the Parish Social Hall. For additional info contact Ryan Schwalm at
Padre Pio Trip: We will be taking our High School and Middle School groups to the Padre Pio Shrine on August 9. For more info contact Ryan Schwalm at
For more info about St. Elizabeth Parish Youth Ministry opportunities, contact Ryan Schwalm or follow us at St. Elizabeth Youth-Ministry on Facebook and @st.es_youthgroup on Instagram.
Scouting News
Attention Saint Elizabeth kindergarten girls and parents! A new Daisy Troop #4131 is forming at Saint Elizabeth Parish. Make new friends, enjoy crafts and stewardship based activities. Spaces are limited. Contact Nancy Lanza at 610-529-7666 or
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 22-23, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $19,148.58
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,005.57]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $10,439.35
Total Regular Collection: $29,587.93
Number of adult envelope contributions: 552
Auto-Giving: There are now 281 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
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
Joseph’s People: Monday (8/7), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Pre-Jordan Team: Tuesday (8/8), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
AFF Committee: Tuesday (8/8), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (8/8), 7:30 PM, Holy Family
CRHP Men’s Team: Thursday (8/10), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Casserole Collection: Sat./Sun. (8/12-13) before all Masses, Bay Area & Social Hall
Back-to-School Collection: Sat./Sun. (8/12-13) before all Masses, Holy Family Room
Finance Council: Tuesday (8/15), 8:00 PM, St. Luke
The Sharing Our Bounty Committee
is holding our annual
Back to School Collection
before & after all Masses
August 12 & 13
Please donate any of the following:
Backpacks, Lunch Boxes, Binders, Pens, Pencils, Erasers, Paper, Folders, Rulers, Glue Sticks, Highlighters, Crayons, Markers, etc.
Donations will go to Saint Agnes Day Room
and the Lord’s Pantry of Downingtown.
Oompa loompadoompetydoo
We’ve got a perfect evening for you
Oompa loompadoompetydee
If you are wise you’ll come to Saint E.
on Friday, August 25
Movie Night
Under the Stars
Adults, kids, or anyone who enjoys an evening with Oompa Loompas will be sure to have a great time at our showing of
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Starring Gene Wilder
Sunset is at 7:42 PM –Movie Time 8:15 PM.
Come and get settled at 7:30.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair-snacks and drinks will be provided.
(Maybe even some Everlasting Gobstoppers!)
Rain or shine!
in the parish courtyard
for
Starring Gene Wilder