A Word from Father John
Jesus of Nazareth cleverly escapes the trap set for him by the Pharisees in today's Gospel. Jesus points to the image on the coin as a way to identify to whom it should be repaid. It seems that this is also a crafty way of reminding the people that they themselves are created in the image of God, with the law of God inscribed on their hearts.
How often do we marvel at the fact that we are created in the image and likeness of God? And how often do we see ourselves and treat others in light of this profound truth? Father John Stokely
World Mission Sunday
This weekend we mark the annual observance of World Mission Sunday with the theme: “Mission - the Heart of Christian Faith.” Please pray for missionaries and be as generous as your means allow to the Mission Sunday Collection in support of missionaries in 1,108 developing dioceses around the world.
Annual Forty Hours Devotions
The annual Forty Hours Devotions will be held on Sunday evening through Tuesday evening, November 5-6-7. See the insert in today’s bulletin for more info.
Puerto Rico Hurricane Recovery
In response to the extensive devastation caused by Hurricane Maria across Puerto Rico, the Archdiocese is sponsoring a special collection in support of the ongoing relief efforts there. This weekend and next weekend, special collection envelopes are available in the rear of the church for contributions to this appeal. Thank for you generosity to those in need.
Respect Life Committee
The 2017 Forty Days for Life campaign continues through November 5. Saint Elizabeth parishioners are encouraged to participate in the vigil for life outside Planned Parenthood in West Chester on Saturday, October 28. To do so, go to www.kofc13141.org to sign up for a time that fits your schedule. You can sign up another day by going to www.40daysforlife.com.
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Daniel Fisher
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Kathleen Mullin Altman (3rd Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30AM- Geraldine Eppehimer
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Martha Mathis
Friday, 7:30 AM- Helena Tomera
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Susan Fanella
October28-29: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Bonnie & Gail Hatt (1st Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Rosalyn Malgieri (1st Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Patrick Wynne (1st Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Exodus 22/20-26; Psalm 18; 1 Thessalonians 1/5-10; Matthew 22/34-40.
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; Eileen Casey; Luann Christmyer; Robert Covatta; William Davison; Mary Ann Falin; Anita Fellenbaum; Trevor Ferraro; Patrick Finch; Robert Hughes; Francis Kohlman; Mary Kozola; Olivia Laurento; Bud Simmonds; Debra Ulicny and Teadora Warner.
Liturgical Life-Altar Server Training
Young parishioners in grade six and above who would like to volunteer as an altar server are encouraged to contact the parish office (610-321-1200) ASAP. A five-week training series begins this Wednesday, October 25, at 7:00 PM in church.
Adult Faith Formation
One Book, One Parish: The parish book club will meet this 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 info, please call DRE Beth Riordan (610-646-6545).
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 are $25 pp and are being sold in the Ministry Center after all Masses.
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
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 this 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. Mass at 8:30 AM in Church will be followed by a program in the social hall.
All Souls Day Book of Remembrance
All parishioners are invited 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. May they truly rest in peace!
Parish School News
October Rosary: Join our students in church this Thursday, October 26, at 1:15 PM. All are welcome.
NJHS News: Congratulations to Saint Elizabeth students Qinny Irwin and Michael McGonagle, who were recently inducted into the Bishop Shanahan High School National Junior Honor Society.
Congratulations also to the newly elected Saint Elizabeth NJHS officers: President–Allison Csernek; Vice President–Jack Ringenbach; Secretary–Anna Bellafante; and Treasurer– Morgan Kalmbach.
Fall Open House: Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten families with children ages 3-6 are welcome to attend our Fall Open House on Sunday, November 12, 12:30 PM-2:00 PM. Come discover why Saint Elizabeth Parish School is a special place to learn.
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: Thanks to those who prepared 69 casseroles for Saint John's Hospice this month. The next casserole collection is on the weekend of November 11-12. If you (and your family) would like to help collect casseroles before a Mass or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
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
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 all during October, as we honor our Blessed Mother.
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. To date, a total of $3,793 has been donated toward the minimum goal of $5,000 for this project. The money will be used 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.
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Game Day: Seniors (60+) are invited to come out to the parish ministry center this Thursday, October 26, at 10:30 AM for our monthly game day. Note that there wil not be game days 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 on Wednesday, November 1. Come out for the group and then the holy day Mass at 7:00 PM.
Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-7): Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday night each month, 5:30-7:00 PM. Join the group on Wednesday, November 1, and then head to church for the holy day Mass at 7:00 PM.
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.
Knights of Columbus
Keep Christ In Christmas! The Knights of Columbus will be taking orders for religious Christmas cards and car magnets in the ministry center, next to the Stars Rewards table, after Masses on the weekends of November 4-5 and 11-12. Orders may also be placed on-line this year and shipping is available. Cards will be delivered beginning on November 18. For more info and/or to place an order, visit www.kofc13141.org.
The card designs are all new this year. Remember: when you send a religious Christmas card, it is more than just a greeting. It is a reminder of the reason for this special season: Keep Christ In Christmas!
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, October 8:
Weekend Contributions: $17,714.60
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,042.10]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 7,409.00
Total Regular Collection: $25,123.60
Number of adult envelope contributions: 576
Auto-Giving: There are now 291 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 (
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
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, October 22, 2017
Pastoral Planning Update
For the past twenty months, the parish pastoral council has been working to draft a new multi- year pastoral plan. This plan is designed to provide direction for the commitment of resources in personnel, facilities, time and money to existing and proposed parish activities. The 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan includes a new Vision Statement, an updated Mission Statement, a new set of Core Parish Values and an updated set of Pastoral Goals & Objectives. These goals & 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.
The latest draft of the pastoral plan was discussed at the joint meeting of the pastoral, finance and stewardship councils on September 19, and is now being finalized for communication to our current parish ministry groups and to parishioners at large. You can find more detailed information about the 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan by going to the parish website home page (stelizabethparish.org).
Forty Hours Devotions: A Special Time of Prayer
Each year our parish celebrates the Forty Hours Devotions around the traditional feast of Saint Elizabeth and her husband, Zachary, on November 5. What a fitting way to mark the anniversary of the dedication of our church (November 4, 2005) and to honor our patroness, Saint Elizabeth!
This year the Forty Hours Devotions will be celebrated on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, November 5-6-7. The Forty Hours Devotions are a special time of prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, solemnly exposed in the monstrance on the altar. All are encouraged to participate in this great time of grace at Saint Elizabeth!
This year’s preacher is Father John T. Lyons, a retired diocesan priest who resides at Saint Genevieve Church in Flourtown, PA. Father Lyons will offer a reflection on three themes: Sunday- The Presence of God in Our History & Our Spiritual Journey; Monday- Following the Example of Jesus in Serving Others and Tuesday- Our Intimacy with and in Jesus.
During Forty Hours Devotions, we will have Evening Prayer, a homiletic reflection by Father Lyons and Benediction each evening at 7:00 PM in church. We will also have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday, to provide time for personal prayer and quiet reflection throughout the day. On Tuesday evening we will have a closing Eucharistic Procession around the church with our parish liturgical ministers.
Individuals, couples and families are invited to take advantage of this sacred time and spend a few minutes, a half-hour or more praying before Jesus really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist during the day and/or to attend the communal prayer services each evening. Those who would like to register for a period of adoration as public representatives of the parish community as a whole are asked to sign their names on the schedule posted on the bulletin board outside the daily Mass chapel. Please consider participating in this year’s Forty Hours Devotions with your loved ones.
Upcoming Meetings & Activities
For a complete schedule of upcoming meetings and activities at the parish, along with other events of interest in the area, check out the online parish bulletin at www.stelizabethparish.org.
EFF Encounter for 7-8 Graders: Mondays (through November 20), 6:30 PM, Holy Family
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Catholics Coming Home Team: Monday (10/23), 7:00 PM, education center library
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 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: Tuesday (10/24) , 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (10/24), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Pre-Jordan Team: Tuesday (10/24), 7:00 PM, Good Shepherd
AFF Committee: Tuesday (10/24), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew
Widow’s Walk: Wednesday (10/25), 11:00 AM-1:30 PM, St. Luke
Altar Server Training- Candidate & Parent Meeting: Wednesday (10/25), 6:00 PM, church
Parish School-General Parent Meeting: Wednesday (10/25), 7:00 PM, social hall
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (10/25), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
One Book-One Parish: Wednesday (10/25), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Grief Sharing Group: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, education center library
SAM Game Day: Thursday (10/26), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Men’s Choir: Thursdays (10/26 & 11/2), 7:00 PM, choir room
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
First Grade Daisy Group: Friday (10/27), 3:00 PM, CLC
Parish School 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
CRHP-Women’s Team: Monday (10/30), 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Holy Day of All Saints: Wednesday (11/1), Mass at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon and 7:00 PM, church
Middle School & Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (11/1), 5:30 PM, gym and St. John the Baptist
Bereavement Mass & Reception: Thursday (11/2), 7:00 PM, church
First Penance/Holy Communion Parent Meeting (Make-up Session): Thursday (11/2), 7:00 PM,
St. Matthew/social hall
Sacramental Forum for Confirmation: Saturday (11/4), 8:30 AM, church/social hall
Elementary School Youth Group- Freeplay Night: Saturday (11/4), 6:30 PM, gym
Candy Collection: Saturday/Sunday (11/4-5), before all Masses, Holy Family
Children of Saint Elizabeth
Sharing Our Bounty needs your help….
please donate some of your
HALLOWEEN CANDY
to the annual Halloween Candy Collection
before all weekend Masses
November 4 & 5, 2017
Thank you for sharing and caring!
Collected candy will be given to Saint John’s Hospice and
for Christmas candy treats for youth and children.
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Sunday, October 22, 2017
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Saint John Vianney, Downingtown: Help Wanted! Seeking individual to coordinate education and marketing efforts. Candidate must be a self-starter, have excellent phone etiquette, good attention to detail and the ability to handle a multitude of projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Must be skilled in mail merge and excel spread sheets. Individual will process documents, copy materials and ship to events. 24-40 hours per week. Please call Linda Rava at 610-269-2600 or email resume to
Eagle-Glenmoore Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner: Saturday, October 28, in the Saint Elizabeth social hall. Eat-in or take-out, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Adults-$10; children 4 to 10 years-$4; under 4 years-free. For tickets, call (610) 636 0243, or contact parishioners Jean Thomas, Fran Griffin, or Bill Lawry. Benefits local Volunteer Fire Companies (Glenmoore, Lionville, Ludwigs Corner).
Bishop Shanahan High School: 8th Grade Scholarship Test, Saturday, October 28, 8:00 AM-12:00 Noon; Make-up Date: Monday, October 30, 3:00-6:00 PM. Fall Open House: Sunday, November 12, 12:00-3:00 PM. Visit shanahan.org/admissionevents to register and for more info.
Little Flower Forever!: On October 28, Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls invites you to join us in celebrating 25 years since saving our beloved school! There will be tours, a program and social. The Flossie Shop will be open from 3:00-6:00 PM. RSVP to alumnaupdates@littleflowerhigh school.org or 215-455-6900.
Vigil for Life: Pray as volunteer Helpers of God’s Precious Infants on Saturday, November 4, 8:00 AM Mass at St. Agnes Church, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
Bonner & Prendie: Class of 1977: 40th Class Reunion, Saturday, November 4, 6:30-10:30 PM, at Anthony’s in the Drexeline Shopping Center, Drexel Hill, PA. Ticket price of $75 includes buffet, 4 hour open bar, and live music featuring the Bughunters! For more info contact Geri Sessa (610-659-1767). For tickets send a check payable to Class of 77, Class of 77 Reunion, c/o Bonner-Prendergast High School, 401 N. Landsdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
Saint Peter Parish: Our Respect Life Committee will host Brenden and Nicole Flynn, who will present “Trials of Faith”, their inspirational story of survival, faith, hope and miracles, on Sunday, November 5, 6:00 PM. The program is free and no reservations are needed. For more information visit www.saintpeterchurch.net/respect_life or email
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, Philadelphia: Join us for our upcoming Tuesday evening program, “Contemporary Questions About the Last Things”, on November 7, 14 & 21, from 7:00-8:30 PM. Free will offering accepted. For more information and to register call 267-350-1830.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, West Chester: Join us on Thursday, November 9, 7:00 PM, for “Vianney”, the inspiring and gripping story of Saint John Vianney. This live one-man production, performed by Leonardo Defilippis, runs 90 minutes and is suitable for ages 9 and up. Admission is $8 for a single ticket, $10 for two tickets or $15 for a family of 3 or more. For tickets and additional information contact the parish office at
Saint Aloysius Academy/Villa Maria Academy Lower School: All are invited to a free Parent Speaker Series on the following dates: Thursday, November 9: Dr. Addie Smith speaks on “Resilience”, at Villa Maria Academy Gymnasium; Thursday, February 21: Radnor Police Officers present “Internet Safety for Parents”, at Saint Aloysius Academy’s Katharine Drexel Hall; and on Thursday, April 26, Sr. Patricia McCormack, IHM, presents “Raising Christian Children in Today’s World,”, VMA Gymnasium. All events begin at 7:00 PM. For more information email Erin at etornambe@villa>
maria.org or visit www.villamaria.org.
Villa Maria Lower School: Children ages 0-4 and a parent or caregiver are invited to the following free “Makin’ Music at Villa Maria Academy” programs on Mondays, November 27, 2017 and January 22, 2018, at 10:00 AM in the gymnasium. RSVP on our website (www.villamaria.org) or contact Erin (
maria.org.
Villa Maria High School: Please join our Alumnae Association for the 7th Annual “Shoppes at Villa Maria” on Saturday, November 11, 9:30 AM-3:30 PM. Come and start your Christmas shopping. For more info visit the web (www.vmahs.org).
Daylesford Abbey: The Norbentine Community of Daylesford Abbey warmly invites you to their 49th Annual Dinner Dance on Friday, November 17. An unforgettable evening of dancing, live and silent auctions with great prizes and great fellowship. For tickets and info, please contact James Griffin (610-647-2530, ext. 118).
Haven Foster Care: We are looking for wonderful homes for many children who are in need of compassionate and loving foster care. If you can give a home to one of these children or would like more information, please contact Kelly at 215-347-4444, Ext. 9.
Malvern Retreat House: There are many wonderful upcoming retreats scheduled. For more information and a list of upcoming retreats, visit www.malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Rediscover the joy, intimacy, and romance in your relationship. For more information visit www.wwme-philly.org or call 484-393-1645. The next weekend is November 17-19 at Our Lady of Czetochowa, Doylestown.
Saint Mary’s, Conshohocken: Come to the 2nd Annual St. Mary Polish American Society Christmas Bazaar at the TK Club, 521 East Hector Street, Conshohocken, on Sunday, November 19, Noon to 5:00 PM. There will be live Christmas & Polka music, Polish food, 50/50 drawing, and much more. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door; children are $7 and under 6 are free. For more info and or to purchase tickets email
Roman Catholic High School Class of 1967: 50th Anniversary Reunion, Saturday, November 25, at Sandy Run Country Club, Oreland, PA. For more info contact Jim Fitzsimmons (267-716-9716 or
West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School: Class of 1969 50th Reunion Celebration on September 15, 2019 at Drexelbrook’s Mansion House, 12:00 noon-4:00 PM. Please contact Jeane Huges Milligan and her committee for further details at
Saint Albert the Great, Huntington Valley: Calling all Gators! We are looking for our alumni! If you graduated from Saint Albert the Great, please call Cindy Koons (215-947-2332) and give her your contact information, or visit our website (http://www.satg1.org/update-your-information) and update your info. God bless all of our Gators out there!