A Word from Father Stokely
“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”
Saint Peter declares his belief that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the Messiah. Jesus confirms Peter’s role as the “rock” and first among the Apostles. Next Sunday, we will hear Jesus say to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me!” It is a striking contrast, isn’t it?
Are we the kind of “rock” that strengthens and unites, or the kind that is a stumbling block for others? May the Lord give us the grace to always lead others closer to Him - that we are always a bridge, not an obstacle, for others to believe in Jesus Christ.
Father John Stokely
RCIA Inquiry
Do you know someone who is searching for life’s meaning, for community? Or someone who has asked about the Catholic faith? Invite them to connect with fellow seekers on Monday evenings. All are welcome! For info, call 610-646-6545.
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
Parish Staff News
Coordinator for Parish Communications: This past week, Mrs. Sara Richardson joined the parish staff on a part-time basis. In this capacity, Sara will work together with Dr. Diane Greco, the parish school principal, and Deacon Barry Midwood, the Director of Evangelization, Pastoral Care & Parish Communications. Her primary responsibility is to coordinate the development and use of communication vehicles for the parish and the parish school, including websites & Facebook pages, the weekly parish bulletin, media releases, the Spirit newsletter and related social media tools as they are developed. Welcome, Sara!
Custodial Staff: We also welcome Mr. Frank Geigel, and Mr. David Preston, both of whom have joined the parish maintenance and custodial staff this month!
Mass Intentions for the Week
August 26-27: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Jean & Ed Linaugh
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Saturnino Ramiscal, Jr.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Louis Martel, Jr.
Monday, 7:30 AM- Trinh The Nguyen
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Zachary Duval
Wednesday, 7:30AM- Sr. Ancilla Regina, IHM
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Angiolina Cellini
Friday, 7:30 AM- Duong, Ky & Tu Nguyen + Elaine Giegel
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Margaret DiFerdinando
September 2-3: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Edward Weed, Sr.
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Josephine Gosik
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Deceased of the Rafferty Family
Readings: Jeremiah 20/7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12/1-2, Matthew 16/21-27
Liturgical Notes
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Exposition will conclude at 4:30 PM this Monday. There is no Exposition on Labor Day, September 4. Beginning on Monday, September 11, Exposition will ordinarily conclude at 8:30 PM.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Please note that there is no CLOW next Sunday, September 3. Beginning on Sunday, September 10, CLOW will be held at both the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses through the year, except for holiday weekends. We need a number of additional adult leaders and teen assistants for the CLOW program, For more info, please contact Andrea Bell at
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including Donna Bender; Donald Greenleaf; Allison Glitz Hamer; Jospeh Markowski; Robert Mason; John McLaughlin; Martin Murray; Anne O’Connell; Conrad Olenik; Anna Santoloquito and Karen Smith.
We also remember those who have died including William Beideman, father of David Beideman. May God grant all our departed loved ones eternal rest!
2018 Mass Intention Book
Personal intentions may now be arranged at the parish ministry center 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. A free-will offering is requested when making arrangements.
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, September 9, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, October 14, both 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.
Legion of Mary
Rosary Workshop: Parishioners of all ages are invited to a Rosary Workshop on Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 AM in the social hall in celebration of the Blessed Mother’s birthday (September 8). At the workshop, you’ll learn about the rosary, how to say it, how to make your own rosary and time permitting, say a decade. We’ll conclude with refreshments to honor Mary’s birthday. Please register for this workshop on the parish website’s home page under Rosary Workshop. Hope to see you there!
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
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. Homework helpers and crafters are great, too. For more info, please contact Cathy Kemery (
Back to School Reminder: As we get ready to welcome our students back for another great year on Tuesday, September 5, we remind them to take time to complete their summer reading assignments.
New Student Enrollment: There is still time to apply for admission for the 2017-2018 year. Please contact Liz Oulton (610-646-6540) in the school office as soon as possible for application materials.
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, 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. To register for class, go to www.virtusonline.org.
Elementary Faith Formation
2017-2018 Registration: It’s not too late to register for the coming EFF year. Weekly classes begin on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 11-12-13. 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 (
EFF Stewardship Service: Make a difference in the lives of our parish children! We need additional catechists, teacher assistants, teenage aides, office staff and car line attendants to serve more than 500 parish children in this year’s EFF program. With five sessions offered each week, you can select a day and time that best fits your schedule. We provide training, materials and support.
Catechists are needed for the following classes: Monday Afternoon: 4:45-6:00 PM - 6th grade
Monday Evening: 6:30-7:45 PM - 1st grade
Tuesday Afternoon: 4:45-6:00 PM - 5th grade
Tuesday Evening: 6:30-7:45 PM - 3rd grade
Wednesday Afternoon: 4:45-6:00 PM - Kindergarten & 6th grade
For more info, contact Beth Riordan or Anne Polese in the faith formation office (610-646-6545).
Adult Faith Formation
Fall Bible Study: It’s not too late to register for the upcoming study of St. Paul’s Letters from Prison. 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 this Friday, September 1, either online via Google Forms: www.bit.ly/ LettersFromPrisonStE or call 610-646-6545.
The New Evangelization
Christ Renews His Parish-Men’s Renewal: If you are looking for an incredible opportunity to stop, pause and reflect on the things that are most important to you, to deepen your prayer life and your relationship with God, and forge new friendships with a group of Catholic men, then please join us. You may register online at StElizabethparish.org or pick up a registration form in the church narthex. For more info or questions, contact Dan Kerr (
Social Fellowship News
Ice Cream Social: Don't forget to save room for ice cream after the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday, September 9! Stop by the social hall for a refreshing treat and fellowship with other parish families. A great time to make new friends!
Save the Date: On Saturday, October 21, the Social Fellowship Committee will be hosting another Comedy Night in the parish social hall. Three comedians will be on hand, along with great food and fun. Invite some friends and get a table for a fun evening! Watch the bulletin for information about ticket sales.
Stewardship Call for Liturgical Ministers
Many of our current liturgical ministers will be completing their terms of service this fall. We are now looking for more parishioners to step up to be extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, 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. To offer your service and/or for more info, stop by the Information Station or contact Gen Miceli at 610-646-6550 or email
Youth Ministry News
For 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.
Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM)
CYO Cheerleading: Registration is open through this Thursday, August 31, for boys and girls in grades 3 through 8. This is a two season sport running from September to March. 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, August 12-13, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $17,261/30
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,136.27]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $19,284.50
Total Regular Collection: $36,545.80
Number of adult envelope contributions: 611
Auto-Giving: There are now 288 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 (
Special Collection: Thank you to the 77 donors who have contributed a total of $985 to this year’s appeal in support of Catholic University.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. Mark
SEAM: Monday (8/28), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
CRHP-Women’s Team: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, St. Luke
AFF Committee: Tuesday (8/29), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
EFF Teen Aide Meeting: Wednesday (8/30), 6:00 PM, St. Mark & St. Luke
Cub Scout Pack Meeting: Wednesday (8/30), 6:00 PM, social hall, CLC
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (8/30), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
New Family Play Date: Thursday (8/31), 9:30 AM, Hickory Park
Poor Box Recipient – September and October, 2017
It is difficult to imagine, living in the relative comfort we have, that hunger and famine are the every day experience in many parts of the world. Many of our brothers and sisters go hungry every day and some die of starvation and malnutrition. One of the places where hunger is prevalent is Burkina Faso, a country slightly larger than Colorado, located in northwest Africa, with a population of over 18,000,000. 80 % of the working population relies on agriculture and livestock rearing to make their living. Most farmers operate at a subsistence level, and thus remain vulnerable to changes in rainfall (flooding and droughts) and challenges including low levels of education (for all children but especially girls), poor healthcare, and weak, uneven levels of economic development which often exclude women and the poor.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been active in Burkina Faso since 1960 working with the government, local partners and other agencies to address major development challenges through improving agriculture, livelihoods, nutrition, and education.
In response, CRS has developed a program to involve US Catholics in a hands on project to help the people of Burkina Faso. CRS in partnership with Stop Hunger Now delivers bulk food including rice, soy protein and dehydrated vegetables to the participating parishes where volunteers repackage the food into portions serving four people. CRS combines these packages with those produced by other organizations and ships them to Burkina Faso for distribution to the neediest. The cost to produce and ship each bag is $3.00 which feeds a family of 6. In 2015 at Saint Elizabeth, a group of 100 volunteers packaged 16,000 meals in approximately 2 hours at a cost of $8,000 raised through the parish poor box.
CRS will be bringing the food packing program to St. Elizabeth on Saturday, December 2. The poor box collection for September and October will be used to fund this effort. The more money that is contributed, the more meals we can package and ship. This is a unique opportunity to share our time, talent and treasure with those most in need. Please help by putting your donation into the poor box and marking December 2 on your calendar for this service activity.
For more information visit: http://www.crs.org/countries/burkina-faso
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat…
To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of
Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”
Matthew 25/35, 40
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, August 27,2017
Other Activities of Interest
Vigil for Life: Join Rev. Maurice C. Avicolli, O.Praem as a volunteer Helper of God’s Precious Infants on Saturday, September 2, for Mass at 8:00 AM in St. Agnes Church, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
Partners in Outreach: Join fellow parishioners and make a REAL impact in the life of a 2nd grade student in Chester County. Reading proficiently by third grade is a prime indicator of success in school and in life, yet many children throughout Chester County are reading below grade level. REAL: Reading Excites All Learners is a one-on-one tutoring program built to support at-risk readers in early grades. Join the REAL team and help a second grade student with their reading skills. No experience necessary. One Volunteer+One Child+One Hour = REAL Success. For more info, visit www.RealTutoring.org, email Diane Ward at
St. Ann Parish, Phoenixville: All are invited to join in a Mass for those suffering from Addiction, on Saturday, September 9, at 11:00 AM. Celebrant is Fr. John Newns. Addiction has touched far too many families and taken far too many of our loved ones. Join us that we may draw strength from one another in the power of our faith. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Bishop Shanahan High School: 11th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Outing and $10,000 raffle takes place on Tuesday, September 12. Raffle tickets are $100. Need not be present to win. For more info and/or to purchase a ticket, call 610-343-6238. BSHS Annual College Fair will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 7:00-9:00 PM in the gym. Over 100 colleges will be represented. All area students are invited to attend. For more information, call Marie Weyback (610-343-6242). PSAT/SAT Program with Dr. Richard Fuller (610-275-9660). This is a 35-hour learning experience with a 8:1 student teacher ratio in math. Fall classes begin September 11, 2017; Winter classes begin January 10, 2018. BSHS Alumni Association Designer Bag Bingo will be held on Friday, September 29, 7:00 -9:30 PM. Light refreshments provided. BYOB! Reserve your space at www.shanahan.org. Proceeds benefit students in need of financial aid!
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: September 22-24 in Doylestown, PA. This retreat is for healing after abortion and will be offered in English & Polish. For more information contact Evelyn at 215-317-5752 or
vineyard.org. All requests are strictly confidential!
Position Wanted: Experienced piano teacher with a BA in music/audio recording is looking for new students. Also seeking light housecleaning projects. Contact Kathy Bonito at 610-321-1681 or
Chester County Women’s Services: Family 5K Run/Walk for Life, Saturday, September 16, Kerr Park, Downingtown. Opening Ceremonies begin at 8:00 AM , followed by Walk/Run at 8:30 AM. Family Fun Day & Awards 9:00-11:30 AM. There will be prizes, games, face painting, food and more! Register online at runsignup.com/CCWS. Visit ccwsmedical.org or call 610-383-0930 for more information. Proceeds help us to continue to offer services to those in need in our area.
St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter: 30th Anniversay Gala & Auction on Saturday, October 6, 6:30 PM at Rivercrest Golf Club. For tickets and info visit stmarysfs.org or email