A Word from Father Mullin
In the midst of so much hostility and senseless violence, recurring natural disasters over the past several months, and ever-escalating international tensions over potential nuclear war, it is very difficult to embrace Saint Paul’s words: “Have no anxiety at all!”
Yet, Paul wrote his Letter to the Philippians while he himself was imprisoned and he wrote to a young Christian community facing deadly persecution by the Romans, rejection by their Jewish relatives, and internal divisions. Even in such circumstances, Paul affirms: “Have no anxiety at all!”
Let us pray for one another today, that we can come to trust more firmly in Paul’s reassurance: “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Father Tom Mullin
Catholics Coming Home
A special six-week program entitled "No Greater Love-Catholics Coming Home" begins this 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).
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 (
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 (
Mass Intentions for the Week
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 Carey
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Raymond Antake
Monday, 7:30 AM- Rose Sudano
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Martha Mathis
Wednesday, 7:30AM- Donald Schmitz
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Joan & Peter Reehil
Friday, 7:30 AM- Martha Mathis
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Joseph Hare
October 14-15: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- George Tuss
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Anthony Gosik
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Tran & Nguyen Ancestors
Readings: Isaiah 25/6-10; Psalm 23; Philippians 4/12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22/1-14.
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; Robert Covatta; William Gibson; Ginny Klimek; Francis Kohlman; Rev. Yasick Shuster; Candi Turso and Debra Uoicny.
We also remember those who have died including Sandra Piliero, sister-in-law of Rocco Piliero; Laurence Crowley, brother of Paul Crowley; and former parishioner Dillon Boudreau. May they rest in peace!
Sister Parish News
Sister Parish Choir Exchange & Luncheon: At the 11:30 Mass next Sunday, October 15, we welcome the Celestial Choir and parishioners from our sister parish, Visitation BVM in Kensington, Philadelphia.
Following Mass, all are invited to a Food Sharing Luncheon in the social hall. Activities will also be provided for children. Bring your potluck dish (to serve 8-10). RSVP to Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Welcome New Parishioners
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following individuals, couples and families who registered during September:
Thomas & Angela Bechard; Stacy Bernotas; Greg & Sarah Brinn; Natalie Burke; Anthony & Jennifer Citrullo; Donald & Sharon Humbarger, Jr.; Domenica Hydutsky; Charles & Lauren Lang; Christian & Jaime Lizarazu; Mary Miller; Wilson & Jessica Moyer; William & Sosa Rossell; William & Deanne Vanjonack and Robert Zimmerman. Welcome to all!
Respect Life Committee
Take a Stand for Life by signing up to be a public witness during 40 Days for Life, now through November 5. For more information, contact Chuck Reimer (
Pastoral Outreach
Transportation Committee: Volunteer drivers are needed to take parishioners to weekend Mass. Drivers are scheduled in accordance with the day and Mass they prefer and are usually scheduled once or twice per month. To volunteer, contact Gerry Caggiano (610-458-7154, 484-678-0643 or
Altar Server News
Letters have been sent out to all sixth graders inviting them to become Altar Servers. Training will be provided. If you did not receive a letter or are in seventh grade and above and would like to offer your stewardship as an altar server, contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held this Saturday, October 14. The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, November 11. Both programs begin 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.
Elementary Faith Formation (EFF)
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.
Stewardship opportunities: To offer your services as a catechist, teaching assistant, car line attendant or office helper, please call the EFF office (610-646-6545).
Parent Sacramental Forum: Date Change
Parents whose children are preparing for First Penance & First Holy Communion: Please note the parent meeting has been rescheduled to 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!
Adult Faith Formation
One Book, One Parish: The title of our next book club discussion is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. We will meet on Wednesday, October 25, 7:00 PM in the Saint Luke Conference Room of the Mullin Ministry Center. To register contact Beth Riordan (
Walking with Purpose: Are you seeking to grow in the Catholic faith while connecting with other women in our parish community? Join weekly sessions on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM in the parish ministry center. For info, contact Ginny Swiatek (610-458-0486 or
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: Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 PM for Wine and the Bible, presented by Fr. John Stokely. Father will lead us in wine tasting as he shares reflections from the Sacred Scripture. Wine & the Bible - what a fine pairing! Appetizers provided by Montesano Brothers. Tickets go on sale the weekend of October 21-22.
Parish School News
Rosary Opportunities: Join our students and staff in church 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. All are welcome!
Facebook and the New Website: Have you seen the parish school Facebook page lately? It's a great way to see what is happening at our school! Check out https://www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParishSchool. We are in the process of putting the final touches on the new parish school website. We appreciate your patience in waiting a few extra days while we're making sure it looks great! Look for the re-launch very soon.
Legion of Mary News
Fatima Night: All are welcome to a special presentation on Our Lady of Fatima by Deacon Jim McAvoy this 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 this 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 join your fellow parishioners in remembering your deceased loved ones.
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 are now on sale in the ministry center after weekend Masses & on weekdays.
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: October 18.
Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-7): Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday night each month, 5:30-7:00 PM. Next meeting: October 18.
Elementary Youth Group (Grades K-5): Freeplay Saturday nights once a month, 6:30-8:30 PM. Next Freeplay Night: Saturday, October 14.
SEAM/CYO News
Basketball: Registration for the 2017-18 basketball season is under way, now through October 31. Boys and girls from first through eighth grade are eligible. High School registration is open into November. Check out the SEAM website www.seamcyo.com for registration, tryout and cost information.
Simchat Torah Celebration
Beth Israel Congregation and the Interfaith Community of Northern Chester County invite all to a celebration of the Torah this 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 23-24
Weekend Contributions: $18,725.86
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,197.50]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 8,863.50
Total Regular Collection: $27,589.36
Number of adult envelope contributions: 576
Mission Sunday Collection: The annual mission appeal will be taken up at all Masses on October 21-22.
Upcoming Meetings & Activities
For a complete schedule of upcoming meetings, parish activities and other events, check out the online parish bulletin at www.stelizabethparish.org.
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Sunday, October 8, 2017
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Help Wanted: Bishop Shanahan High School has 2 immediate openings for their Maintenance and Custodial staff. These positions are full-time with competitive wage and benefits. If interested, please respond to
Pontifical Mission Societies: Third Annual World Mission Dinner on Wednesday, October 11, at Old York Road County Club, Ambler, PA. Cocktails at 6:00 PM, followed by a buffet dinner at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $100 per person. Join us as we honor the Most Reverend Timothy Senior. For information visit
Pope John Paul II High School: Legacy of Impact Hall of Fame Awards, Friday, October 13. Dinner Tickets are $35. Visit www.pjphs.org for more info and to purchase tickets. PJP Annual College Fair, Thursday, October 26, 6:00-8:00 PM, in the main gymnasium. Admission is free and open to the public. Admissions Representatives from various colleges, universities and career specific institutions from across the country will be on hand. PJPHS Fall Open House, Wednesday, October 25, 6:30-8:30 PM. RSVP at www.pjphs.org.
Downingtown Friends Meeting: Join us on Saturday, October 14, for the 40th Annual Friends Fall Festival, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, rain or shine! Admission and parking are free! For more information, visit www.downingtownfriendsmeeting.org/fallfestival.htm or find us on our Event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DowningtownFriendsMeeting.
West Vincent Township: Annual Sustainability Fair, Saturday, October 14, at West Vincent Elementary School, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. This year’s theme is “Go Native”. There will be over 40 exhibitors and vendors who will be sharing some aspect of sustainable living. For more info, email
Villa Maria Academy High School: Open House for all interested students and their families will be held on Sunday, October 15. The Entrance/Scholarship Exam will be administered on Saturdays, October 28 and November 4. Eighth graders may take the exam on either date. For more info, contact the Admissions Office at 610-644-2551 or register on line at www.vmahs.org.
Fuel the Flame: Impact the future of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by attending this engaging, informative and vibrant evening on Monday, October 20, 7:00 PM in Vianney Auditorium at the Seminary. National speaker, Mike Patin, will present practical strategies for promoting vocations. The event is free but all are asked to register at http://heedthecall.org/event/fueltheflame.
Sacred Heart Academy, Bryn Mawr: 9th Grade Scholarship/Entrance Exam will be held on Saturday, October 21 at 8:45 AM. Register online at www.SHAbrynmawr.org. Upper School Open House immediately following from 12:30-3:00 PM. No registration required to attend the Open House.
Roman Catholic High School: Roman Catholic High School will be holding their Fall Open House for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and their families on October 22, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Register on line at RomanCatholicHS.com. 8th Grade students be sure to register for the Scholarship Entrance Test which is required for acceptance into Roman’s Class of 2022. Register online at RomanCatholicHS.com. Testing dates are Saturdays, November 4 & 18 and December 2. For more info contact the Admissions Office at 215-627-1270 or email
Casserole Collection for St. John’s Hospice: Saturday-Sunday (10/7-8), social hall kitchen
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
EFF Encounter for 7-8 Graders: Mondays (through November 20), 6:30 PM, Holy Family
Catholics Coming Home: Mondays (10/9-11/20), 7:00 PM, education center library
Pastoral Outreach Committee: Monday (10/9), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Sister Parish Planning Team: Monday (10/9), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM, St. Matthew, and 7:00 PM, St. Mark
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
CRHP-Women’s Team: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (10/11), 7:00 PM, social hall
Stewardship Day of Service Planning Team: Wednesday (10/11), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Committee for the New Evangelization: Wednesday (10/11), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Grief Sharing Group: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, education center library
Pre-Cana Team: Thursday (10/12), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary Fatima Presentation: Thursday (10/12), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP-Men’s Team: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Rosary on the Green: Friday (10/13), 6:00 PM, front lawn of church
Christ Renews His Parish Men’s Overnight Renewal: Friday-Saturday (10/13-14), social hall and education center library
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (10/14), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Elementary School Youth Group Freeplay: Saturday (10/14), 6:30 PM, gym
Sister Parish Mass and Food Sharing Luncheon: Sunday (10/15), 11:30 AM, church and social hall
Joseph’s People: Monday (10/16), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (10/16), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Liturgical Music Planners: Monday (10/16), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
SEAM: Monday (10/16), 7:00 PM, CLC
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (10/17), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (10/17), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Middle School & Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (10/18), 5:30 PM, gym and St. John the Baptist
Cub Scouts: Wednesday (10/18), 6:00 PM, CLC