A Word from Father John
St. Paul urges the members of the early church to "humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others." Mother Teresa of Calcutta is known to have said that the gift of joy can only be received when we put our relationships in the correct order: Jesus, then Others, and lastly Yourself. Any other variation of this order diminishes our ability to experience true peace and lasting joy. Putting the needs of others before our own is challenging and requires sacrifice. But why not embrace this attitude, since it promises greater joy in our lives?
Father John Stokely
Catholics Coming Home
A special six-week program entitled "No Greater Love-Catholics Coming Home" begins next Monday, October 9, at 7:00 PM in the education center library. Please reach out to an inactive Catholic among your family, friends and neighbors and invite them to try Catholics Coming Home. For more info, contact Deacon Barry Midwood (610-321-1200).
Blessing of the Animals
A blessing of the animals in honor of the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi will take place this Saturday, October 7, at 11:30 AM in the lower parking lot. All house pets and their owners are welcome to receive a blessing. Please make sure your pet is leashed or in a carrier and come prepared to clean up any accidents! For info, contact Gilda (
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)
Are you looking for an incredible opportunity to stop, pause and deepen your prayer life and relationship with God? The next Men’s Renewal is on October 13-14, while the next Women’s Renewal is on November 17-18. 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 (
Mass Intentions for the Week
Sept. 30-Oct. 1: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Barbara Cox
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Harold Gibson, Jr.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Adelynn McAllister (5th Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Craig Kadlec
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Edward Weed, Sr.
Wednesday, 7:30AM- Gertrude Dunn
Thursday, 7:30 AM- John Boudreau (1st Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Duong Ky, Tu Nguyen & Elaine Griegel
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Parish Memorial Mass
Mark Bradlee; Michael Kilcoyne; Frances Kletzel; Theresa Mazzotta; Agnes McKay; John McLaughlin; Hugh Vincent Nolan; Mary Nordeman; Taylor Pratt; Oreste John Satriale; Agnes Smith and Karen Smith
October 7-8: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Edward & Susan Schmitz
Sunday, 9:30 AM- George Corey
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Raymond Antake
Readings: Isaiah 5/1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4/6-9; Matthew 21/33-43.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: All are welcome to Exposition in the daily Mass chapel on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM.
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including Jean Anstine; William Gibson; Katherine Herlihy; Ginny Klimek; Nicholas Ruggiero; Anna Santoloquito; Rev. Yasick Shuster; and Candi Turso.
We also remember those who have died including George Doonan, brother of William Doonan; James Patrick Kelly, father of Theresa Schwarz, and John Colona, brother of Lisa Campanale and Mark Colona.
RCIA Inquiry
Do you know someone who has asked about the Catholic faith? Invite them to the RCIA on Monday evenings at 7:00 PM. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Respect Life Committee
Please stop by the Respect Life table in the narthex today or outside the chapel on Monday (8:00 AM-8:30 PM), to pick up information on this year's theme: Be Not Afraid - "Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
Take a Stand for Life by signing up to be a public witness during 40 Days for Life from September 25 through November 5. Details at the Respect Life table or contact Chuck Reimer (
Adult Faith Formation
Walking with Purpose: Are you seeking to grow in the Catholic faith while connecting with other women in our parish community? Weekly sessions begin this Wednesday, October 4, at 9:00 AM in the parish ministry center. For more info, contact Ginny Swiatek (
Women at the Well: Come and spend some time preparing for the Sunday Liturgy in a small group setting with other parish women. Join the Thursday evening sessions at 7:00 PM or the Friday morning sessions at 9:00 AM. For more information, contact Leslie Kelso (
Wine & the Bible: 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.
Elementary Faith Formation (EFF)
Stewardship opportunities: We need an adult catechist assistant for the kindergarten class on Wednesday afternoons, 4:45-6:00 PM, along with several teaching assistants, car line attendants and office helpers. To volunteer, please call the EFF office (610-646-6545).
New Bible Study for 7th & 8th Graders: Encounter- Experiencing God in the Everyday is a small group, video-based study, presented by Mark Hart. The series meets on Mondays, October 2 through November 20, 6:30-7:45 PM in the Holy Family Room. Registration forms are available on the parish website and also in the faith formation office.
2017-2018 Theme: Our theme for this year is Family Prayer. Each month we are featuring a Catholic prayer for the whole family. Join us for the Hail Mary in October, as we honor our Blessed Mother.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children who were baptized during September: Benjamin James Simoni; Kieran Luke Hendrickson; Jack Scott Shadow and Santino Francis Sofia. Congratulations to their families!
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. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
Parent Sacramental Forum: Date Change
Parents whose children are preparing for First Penance & First Holy Communion: Please note that parent meeting originally scheduled for October 7, will now be held on Saturday, October 28, 8:30-11:15 AM. Come for Mass at 8:30 in church, followed by registration and refreshments in the social hall. At least one parent (and ideally both) are expected to attend this program. Note that the structure and content are not designed for children.
Parents whose children are preparing for Confirmation will have a similar program on Saturday, November 4, 8:30-11:15 AM. An invitation will be sent out soon!
Parish School News
October Rosary: All are welcome to join our parish school students and faculty as we come together to pray the Rosary during October. We will pray together in church on Tuesday, October 3, at 8:30 AM; on Wednesday, October 11, at 9:15 AM; on Thursday, October 19, at 10:30 AM; and on Thursday, October 26, at 1:15 PM.
First Friday Mass: All are invited to our First Friday Mass and National Junior Honor Society Installation this Friday, October 6, at 11:00 AM in church.
Sister Parish News
Sister Parish Choir Exchange & Luncheon: If you are coming to the 11:30 Mass on Sunday, October 15, you are in for a treat. The Celestial Choir from Visitation BVM Church will join the Saint Elizabeth Guitar Group to provide music for Mass. Following Mass all are invited to a Food Sharing Luncheon with our sister parish in the social hall. All will enjoy ethnic cuisine and informal conversation; activities will also be provided for children. Bring your potluck dish (to serve 8-10). RSVP to Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Legion of Mary News
Fatima Night: All are welcome to a special presentation on Our Lady of Fatima by Deacon Jim McAvoy next Thursday, October 12, at 7:00 PM in the St. Matthew Conference Room. His reflection will be followed by fellow parishioners sharing their experiences while visiting Fatima on this 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Mary to the three children. If you have been to Fatima, come and share your experiences. If you would like to hear about Fatima, come as well. For more information, contact Janet at
Rosary on the Green: Come out to pray the rosary next Friday, October 13, at 6:00 PM, on the lawn in front of Church. 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.
All Souls Day Book of Remembrance
The Bereavement Ministry Team invites all parishioners to fill out a list of departed loved ones to be included in this year’s Book of Remembrance. Forms are available at the Hospitality Desk in the church narthex.
All are invited to a Memorial Mass and Reception on Thursday, November 2, at 7:00 PM. Immediate family members who have died in the past year will be remembered by name. Please come to join your fellow parishioners in remembering your deceased loved ones.
Pastoral Outreach News
Thank you to all who donated to last weekend’s non-perishable food collection for the food cupboards at The Lord’s Pantry and The Saint Agnes Day Room.
Poor Box Program: Monetary donations to the poor box during September and October will go for emergency food relief to the people of Burkina Faso, West Africa. Your contributions will support the purchase of a special combination of food and vitamins that will provide nutritious meals for many hungry families.
Service Project: The food purchased with poor box funds will be packaged during a service project here at the parish on Saturday, December 2. Details of the Burkina Faso service date will be announced shortly.
Social Fellowship News
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 three professional comedians! Three comedians will be on hand: Buddy Fitzpatrick, Jake Mattera and Norm Klar. Invite some friends and get a table for an evening of laughs! Tickets go on sale on October 7-8, after Masses or in the parish office.
Youth Ministry News
Register now for Saint Elizabeth Youth Ministry! Go to the front page of the parish website www. stelizabethparish.org or email Ryan Schwalm at
High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12): Meets weekly on Tuesday nights in the CLC, 7:00-8:30 PM.
Eighth Grade Youth Group: Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday night each month, 5:30-7:00 PM. Next meeting: this Wednesday, October 4.
Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-7): Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday night each month, 5:30-7:00 PM. Next meeting: this Wednesday, October 4.
Elementary Youth Group (Grades K-5): Freeplay Saturday nights once a month, 6:30-8:30 PM. Next Freeplay Night: Saturday, October 14.
Simchat Torah Celebration
Beth Israel Congregation and the Interfaith Community of Northern Chester County invite all to a celebration of the Torah on Thursday, October 12, at 6:30 PM. For more information, call 610-458-8550.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, September 16-17
Weekend Contributions: $20,324.86
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,222.36]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $19,247.00
Total Regular Collection: $39,571.86
Number of adult envelope contributions: 653
Upcoming Meetings & Activities
For a complete schedule of upcoming meetings and other parish activities, go to the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org). Check it out today!