A Word from Father John
"I can do all things in him who strengthens me." Saint Paul's Letter to the Philippians is filled with immense joy and hope. Interestingly, it was one of the letters he wrote while in prison!
When we feel trapped, alone, desperate, or even in despair, Saint Paul's words provide hope. Joy can exist in the midst of suffering because the source of joy is Jesus Christ. May God bless us with the gift of Christian joy, so that as joyful disciples we may lead others closer to Christ.
Father John Stokely
World Mission Sunday
Next weekend we mark the annual observance of World Mission Sunday. This year’s theme, is: “Mission - the Heart of Christian Faith.” Please come prepared to make a generous contribution to the Mission Sunday Collection in support of missionaries in 1,108 developing dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands and remote regions of Latin America. Please pray for missionaries and be as generous as your means allow.
Annual Forty Hours Devotions
The annual Forty Hours Devotions will be held on Sunday evening through Tuesday evening, November 5-6-7. The homilist will be Father John Lyons, who will speak on the theme: “God’s Presence in Our History and Our Life Journey.”
All are invited to participate in the Evening Prayer services at 7:00 PM each evening and/or to spend some time in personal reflection and one-on-one prayer with the Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist during the day on Monday and/or Tuesday.
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 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 Kate Rafferty (610-764-1364 or
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Susan Jiannino
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Dennis Chapman
Wednesday, 7:30AM- Margaret Mullen
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Mary McGuinn
Friday, 7:30 AM- Susan Jiannino
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Paul Mullin, Jr. (12th Ann)
October 21-22: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- John Burke (45th Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Peter & Rose Caruso
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Samuel P. Venuti
Readings: Isaiah 45/1-6; Psalm 96; 1 Thessalonians 1/1-5b; Matthew 22/15-21.
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 Thomas Allwein; Jean Anstine; Luann Christmyer; Robert Covatta; William Davison; Mary Ann Falin; Anita Fellenbaum; Patrick Finch; Sandra Hess; Francis Kohlman; Olivia Laurento; Alma Mullin; Bud Simmonds and Debra Ulicny.
We also remember those who have died including those who lost their lives in the wild fires in California. May they rest in peace!
Altar Server News
Letters have been sent out to all sixth graders inviting them to become parish altar servers. Training will be provided early in November. If you did not receive a letter or if you are in seventh grade and above and would like to offer your stewardship as an altar server, please contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or gmiceli @stelizabethparish.org).
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 (
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, November 11 and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, December 9. 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, call 610-321-1200.
Parent Sacramental Forum
Parents whose children are preparing for First Penance & First Holy Communion are reminded of the special meeting 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. Note: the program is 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!
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).
Adult Faith Formation
One Book, One Parish: The parish book club will meet on Wednesday, October 25, at 7:00 PM in the Saint Luke Conference Room to discuss Fredrik Backman’s book, A Man Called Ove. For more information, contact Beth Riordan (
Wine & the Bible: Join Fr. John Stokely on Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 PM for Wine and the Bible - enjoy reflections on the Sacred Scriptures together with some fine wine tasting! Tickets go on sale next weekend, October 21-22.
Parish School News
Rosary Opportunities: Join our students and staff in church this Thursday, October 19 at 10:30 AM, and /or on Thursday, October 26 at 1:15 PM. All are welcome!
New Website is Now Live: Our new website is now live! Visit us at www.stelizabethparishschool.org. Special thanks to Ms. Angela Corasanti for all of her hard volunteer work in bringing our new look to fruition.
STE Alumni Inducted Into NHS: Eleven alumni of the Class of 2015 have been inducted into Bishop Shanahan High School's Monsignor Schuyler Chapter of the National Honor Society. They are: Justin Amrein, Riley Brady, Robert Duncheskie, Kevin Gatti, Jessica Holowsko, Brian Ibarguen, Brittany Jones, Keenan Kirk, James Kolimago, Mira Messere and Sophia Swiatek. In addition, Michael Gingrich from the Class of 2014 was inducted as a senior. Congratulations to one and 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
Help Needed: The many pastoral care programs offered at Saint Elizabeth are only possible thanks to the generosity of parishioners who volunteer to coordinate these activities. We need your help! Please look below and ask yourself where you and your family can offer your stewardship service to help those who need:
Transportation Ministry: We are in great need of drivers to help with rides to weekend Mass and occasional weekly medical appointments. If available, contact Gerry at
Casserole Program: This program for Saint John's Hospice needs families to spend time once a month collecting the casseroles before each Mass. Contact Angie Fiore at
Sharing Our Bounty: This committee collects food, Giving Tree gifts, candy etc. throughout the year and needs more people to collect the items before Mass on the weekends. Contact William and Julie Christman at
Poor Box Program - Burkina Faso
Monetary donations to the poor box during September and October will go for emergency food relief to the people of Burkina Faso, West Africa. We are already half-way to the minimum goal of collecting $5,000 to purchase a special combination of food and vitamins that will provide nutritious meals for many hungry families of this impoverished country.
Service Project: If we reach our minimum goal, we will have a service project open to adults and families on Saturday, December 2, to prepare several thousand food packets for the people of Burkina Faso. Details will be provided next month. Thanks for your generosity.
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
Last chance for tickets to Comedy Night this Saturday, October 21, 7:30-11:00 PM. Tickets at $25.00 per person (adults only!) can be purchased after Mass this weekend, on the parish website or in the parish office until this Wednesday. Come out for food and drinks, and a night of laughs with three professional comedians. Space is limited, so act now!
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Game day is coming: SAM holds a game day on the 4th Thursday of each month at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. Come out next Thursday, October 26, since SAM won’t be playing in November and December because of the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays. You will have fun, snacks and good conversation. You are welcome to bring your senior friends, too!
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.
Help Needed: We are looking for an additional team leader for our High School Youth Group. We hope to find a leader 20-25 years old who feels called to help at our Tuesday night meetings by leading small groups and activities. If you or someone you know can fill this opening, contact
Eighth Grade Youth Group: Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday night each month, 5:30-7:00 PM. The next meeting is this Wednesday, 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: this Wednesday, October 18.
Elementary Youth Group (Grades K-5): Freeplay Saturday nights in the gym once a month, 6:30-8:30 PM. Next Freeplay Night: Saturday, November 4.
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.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1:
Weekend Contributions: $21,419.50
[Amount of Loose Cash: $832]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $24,870.50
Total Regular Collection: $46,290.00
Number of adult envelope contributions: 723
2016-2017 Parish Financial Report: Did you know that our total operating income for last year was $3,738,107 and that operating expenses totaled $3,439,118 (not counting loan principal payments)? Our total indebtedness was reduced from $5,443,215 to $4,781,426. Look for the 2016-2017 financial report in the mail shortly.
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 15, 2017
Upcoming Meetings & Events
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
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
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
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (10/17), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (10/17), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew
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
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Grief Sharing Group: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, education center library
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
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (10/24), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Pre-Jordan Team: Tuesday (10/24), 7:00 PM, Good Shepherd Room
Adult Faith Formation Committee: Tuesday (10/24), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Widow’s Walk: Wednesday (10/25), 11:00 AM-1:30 PM, St. Luke
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (10/25), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
One Book One Parish: Wednesday (10/25), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Men’s Choir: Thursday (10/26), 7:00 PM, Choir Room
1st Grade Daisy Group: Friday (10/27), 3:00 PM, CLC
Student Council Halloween Dance: Friday (10/27), 6:30 PM, gym
Sacramental Forum for Penance/First Communion: Saturday (10/28), 8:30 AM, church/social hall