A Word from Father Mullin
Saint Paul offers a powerful message for our nation and for our world that are so terribly conflicted and so deeply divided these days:
Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another... for all the commandments are summed up in this saying, namely: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no evil to the neighbor.
How radically our country and our world might be transformed, if each one of us would but look with love upon all others within our human family and do no evil to one another! For this, let us pray to the Lord.
Father Tom Mullin
Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief
Please remember in your prayers those afflicted by Hurricane Harvey. Monetary donations being administered through Catholic Charities USA are being collected here at the parish next weekend, September 16-17. Special collection envelopes are available in the rear of the church for your contributions.
For more information and/or to make a direct contribution, go online to www.catholiccharitiesusa.org or to the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops at www.txcatholic.org/harvey. Thank you for you generosity to the disaster relief efforts.
Catechetical Sunday
As part of next weekend's celebration of Catechetical Sunday, we will have a special blessing at each Mass for all those who serve parish faith formation and youth ministry programs, together with those parishioners who are teaching in area parochial and private Catholic schools. May God bring many blessings upon them and their ministry of teaching the Good News!
Elementary Faith Formation News
Regular weekly sessions begin with a prayer service and orientation in church this Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, September 11-12-13. It’s not too late to register; simply contact Beth Riordan, DRE (610-646-6545 or
Mass Intentions for the Week
September 9-10: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Benjamin & Antoinette Polese
Sunday, 9:30 AM- George Ciarlone
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Croll
Monday, 7:30 AM- William Peffley
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Jennie Bowden
Wednesday, 7:30AM- Peter Shields
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Scott Derham
Friday, 7:30 AM- Bruce Herlihy
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Jane Purk
September 16-17: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Barbara Cox
Sunday, 9:30 AM- William & Mary Feury
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Honor Kopenski
Readings: Sirach 27/30-28/7; Psalm 103; Romans 14/7-9; Matthew 18/21-35
Miraculous Medal Novena & Rosary for Life: All are welcome to come for Miraculous Medal Devotions on Saturday mornings at 7:50 AM, followed by a Rosary for Life at 8:00 AM in the chapel.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Beginning this Monday, September 11, Exposition in the daily Mass chapel will ordinarily begin at 8:00 AM and conclude at 8:30 PM. Please remember in prayer those individuals whose names are listed in the Prayer Ministry booklet outside the chapel.
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including Mary Adam; Joseph Carr; Rodney Chaney; William Gibson; Donald Greenleaf; Danelle Kane; Joseph Markowski; Conrad Olenik; William Petit de Mange and Sarah Wisely.
We also remember those who have died including John McLaughlin, brother of James McLaughlin; Karen Smith, sister-in-law of James Smith; Taylor Pratt, brother of Jed Pratt; and former parishioner, Agnes Smith. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
CLOW Reminder
Beginning this Sunday, the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is being conducted for children in pre-K through grade 4 during both the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses. Thank you to the adult & teen volunteers who offer their service to CLOW all year long.
Welcome New Parishioners
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following individuals, couples and families who registered during August: James & Deidre Costello; Ian & Federica Denlinger; Sean Firn & Elizabeth Solenberger; Mark & Amy Fritsky; Jordan & Jessica Grater; Mary Kozola; Corey McLaughlin & Heather Bidgood; Stephen & Katrina Medvidik; William & Susan Patroski; David & Celia Preston; Matthew & Rachel Quay. Welcome all!
Elementary Faith Formation (EFF)
You can make a big difference in the lives of our parish children! We still need some additional catechists, class room aides, substitute teachers, car line attendants, babysitters and office volunteers.
Most critically, catechists are needed for the following classes: grade 4 on Mondays at 4:45 PM; grade 5 on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM; and grades K and 1 on Wednesdays at 4:45 PM.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the religious education office (610-646-6545) as soon as possible.
Adult Faith Formation
One Book, One Parish Book Discussion: All are welcome to join in a discussion of the New York Times best seller, “A Man Called Ove” by Frederick Backman on Wednesday, October 25, 7:00 PM, in the St. Luke conference room. For more information and to sign up, please contact Beth Riordan (610-646-6545).
Save the Date: Join us in the social hall at 6:30 PM on Saturday, November 11, for “Wine and the Bible” led by Fr. John Stokely. This program integrates reflections from the Sacred Scripture with some fine wine tasting! Catering will be provided by Montesano Brothers. Mark your calendar now; tickets go on sale in October.
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 information, call 610-646-6545.
Legion of Mary
Rosary on the Green: Join us for a rosary on the lawn in front of the church this Wednesday, September 13, 6:00 PM, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the fifth appearance of Our Lady at Fatima. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this public witness to our faith and to our love for the Blessed Mother. If it rains, we will meet in the front entrance of the church.
Sister Parish News
Food Sharing Luncheon: Mark your calendars for the seventh food sharing luncheon with our sister parish, Visitation BVM, Kensington, immediately after the 11:30 AM Mass on Sunday, October 15. You will enjoy ethnic cuisine and informal conversations with parishioners from Visitation BVM. Activities for children will also be provided. Bring your potluck dish (to serve 8-10). As always the food will be delicious and conversations memorable.
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 II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, October 14, and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, November 11, 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.
Saint Elizabeth Casserole Program
Thanks to all who have prepared a frozen casserole for the clients of St. John’s Hospice in Center City Philadelphia. The next collection weekend is October 7-8. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
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.
Social Fellowship News
Save the Date: Comedy Night is Saturday, October 21!
$25.00 will get you a delicious roast beef sandwich, coleslaw, salad, munchies, desserts, beer, wine, and a night of laughs with 3 professional comedians! Parishes across the diocese have named Comedy Night a hit! Tickets will go on sale starting on the weekend of October 7-8 and will be on a first come, first served basis because space is limited. Tables of 8 can be reserved in advance, so get a group together or come sit and have a laugh with some new friends!
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 on October 13-14. You can register online at StElizabethparish.org or pick up a registration form in the church narthex. For more info or questions, contact Dan Kerr (
Youth Ministry News
Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in the youth groups at Saint Elizabeth! For info about all our Youth Ministry opportunities, contact Ryan Schwalm or follow us at St. Elizabeth Youth-Ministry on Facebook and @st.es_youthgroup on Instagram.
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC next to the social hall.
Middle School & Eighth Grade Youth Groups: This year these two youth groups will meet twice a month at 5:30 PM on Wednesday nights. The two groups meet on Wednesday September 20, in the gym and St. John the Baptist meeting room. For more information, contact Ryan at
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, August 26-27, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $18,362.45
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,122.28]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 9,356.50
Total Regular Collection: $27,718.95
Number of adult envelope contributions: 552
Thank you for your generosity to this weekend’s annual appeal to support the Church’s missions among African-American and Native-American peoples. Additional contributions may be sent directly to the parish ministry center during the week.
Knights of Columbus News
Give the Gift of Life: The K of C Council 13141 is conducting its annual blood drive for the American Red Cross on Saturday, September 23, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM, in the parish social hall. All parishioners over the age of 17 who are eligible to donate are asked to sign up after Mass this weekend or next weekend. You may also register at www.redcrossblood.org. If you have questions about eligibility for donating, please call Matthew Ward at 484-467-2022.
Update on the 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan
Throughout the summer, pastoral council work teams have been working to draft a set of directional objectives for each of the six pastoral goals adopted last spring. These objectives are intended to shape the development of existing and future parish activities and programs to enrich the life and ministry of the parish community.
An integrated set of goals and objectives will be reviewed at the joint meeting of the pastoral, finance and stewardship councils with the parish administrative staff on Tuesday, September 19. The complete plan will then be communicated to our current parish ministry groups and to parishioners at large.
Look for additional updates about the pastoral plan in the parish bulletin & website in the weeks ahead.