A Word from Father John
This past Thursday we celebrated the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), as we remember our loved ones who have passed from this world to the next. During this month of November, the Church reminds us our sacred and joyful duty to pray for the dead, so that they may enjoy eternal life in the heavenly kingdom.
It is also an occasion for us, the living, to remember that most of our existence will be spent not here but in eternity. Hopefully, this prompts us to recognize that every day is a precious gift and that we should be good stewards of the time God gives us.
Father John Stokely
Annual Forty Hours Devotions
The annual Forty Hours Devotions will be held this Sunday evening through Tuesday evening, November 5-6-7. The homilist is 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
Parish School Open House
Fall Open House: Families with children ages 3-6 are welcome to join us for a Kindergarten and First Grade Open House next Sunday, November 12, 12:30 PM-2:00 PM. Check out the insert in today’s parish bulletin for more information about Saint Elizabeth Parish School or call 610-646-6540.
Mass Intentions for the Week
November 4-5: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Jeanne Olenik
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- The Garvine Family
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Gregory Fieo
Monday, 7:30 AM- John Gaspari
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Barbara Smith
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Katherine & Joseph Morgan
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Duong, Ky, Tu Nguyen & Elaine Griegel
Friday, 7:30 AM- John Mullen
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Deceased Members of the Legion of Mary
November 11-12: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Daniel Bonasoni
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- The Laager Family
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Philomena Lobo
Readings: Wisdom 6/12-16; Ps. 63; 1 Thessalonians 4/13-18; Matthew 25/1-13.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: This Monday the Exposition will be held in the main church (not the chapel) as part of our Forty Hours Devotions.
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including Patrick Cerullo; Mary Ann Falin; Trevor Ferraro; Richard Hesser; Robert Hughes; Olivia Laurento; Eugenia Seybold; Bud Simmonds; Nazzie Sookiasian; Grace Till; Teadora Warner and Kerri Zagari.
We also remember those who have died including John Welch Tunnell, brother of Mark Tunnell; Thomas Hughes, brother of William Perry Hughes; James Homsher, father of Michelle Iannacchione; and James Shanahan, father of James Shanahan. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace.
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 info, call 610-646-6545.
Parent Sacrament Workshops
Confirmation: Parents who were unable to attend the workshop this Saturday (11/4), are expected to attend a make-up session on Thursday, November 16, 7:00- 8:30 PM in the social hall. For more information, please contact DRE Beth Riordan (610-646-6545 or briordan @stelizabethparish.org).
Elementary Faith Formation
Stewardship opportunities: Join our amazing team! An adult catechist assistant is needed for the kindergarten class (small group of wonderful little children) on Wednesday afternoons, 4:45-6:00 PM. We also need several teaching assistants, car line attendants and office helpers for other sessions. To volunteer, please call the religious education office (610-646-6545).
2017-2018 Theme: Our theme for this year is Family Prayer. Each month families will pray and go deeper into the meaning of a Catholic prayer. Our November prayer is Grace Before Meals, to help us prepare for our celebration of Thanksgiving. Check the parish website and Facebook page for weekly posts on this prayer.
Adult Faith Formation
Wine & the Bible: Taste and See.... scripture passages in context with references to wine at Wine & the Bible, an evening of reflection, wine tasting, Italian food and fellowship in the social hall this Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 PM. Tickets @$25 per person are on sale after Masses today and on the parish website through noon tomorrow (Monday, November 6).
Women’s Advent by Candlelight: Come out for a special evening on Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 PM, in the social hall. See insert in today’s bulletin for details.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children baptized in October: Keegan Frederic Hoelzle; Emma Lynn Canfield; Juliana Mary DePalma and Evelyn Rose Harris. Congratulations to their parents and godparents!
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held this 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.
Parish School News
Student Council: Congratulations to the students who were installed as Student Council representatives and officers at the First Friday Mass on November 3. May God guide them as they lead our students this year!
October Peacemakers: Congratulations also to the students who were recognized for their modeling of the virtue of caring this past month. You are a great example to your fellow students, and to all of us!
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Lunch and Learn: Back by popular demand! Retired Secret Service Agent, Frank Mc Donnell, is returning to Lunch and Learn. On Thursday, November 9, at 10:30 AM in the ministry center, Mr. McDonnell will talk about the facts contained in the Warren Commission Report of the Kennedy assassination. To ensure we have enough space and lunch, please RSVP to the parish services office (610-646-6550 or
Sharing Our Bounty
Thanksgiving Turkey Collection: Can you provide a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need? Here's how to help: purchase a frozen turkey, aluminum roasting pan, potatoes, two boxes of stuffing mix, four cans of vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls/bread and a non-refrigerated/non-frozen dessert. There is no cooking required on your part. If an entire meal is too much for one family, consider asking another family/friends to share in the gathering of the meal. Note: please place the frozen turkey in a brown paper bag inside a plastic bag.
In order to ensure each meal gets placed with a family, please contact Linda Hammill (484-354-1433 or
Pastoral Outreach
Casserole Program: Thank you! We sent 69 casseroles to Saint John's Hospice in early October. The next collection is next weekend, November 11-12. If you (and your family) would like to help collect casseroles before Mass or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Safe Environment Program
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 and use the drop down "Get Involved" and then click on "Volunteers - Safe Environment Requirements".
The Protecting God's Children training class will be offered at Saint Elizabeth this Thursday, November 9, and again on December 7, 2017, and March 15, 2018. Classes fill up quickly, so go online now to register at www.virtusonline.org.
Vocations Office News
Saint Andrew Dinner: Calling young men (ages 16-22) who are open to the call to the priesthood. This event is sponsored by several area parishes and will be held on Monday, November 20, 6:30 PM, at St. Joseph Church in Downingtown. The evening’s program includes Evening Prayer, dinner and conversation with priests and seminarians.
The St. Andrew Dinner is named after the apostle, who, in the Gospel according to John, brought his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus. This dinner is an opportunity for young men in our area to come together to meet with one another and with area priests to discern the call to the priesthood. RSVP to
Youth Ministry News
Register now for Saint Elizabeth Youth Ministry! Go to the front page of the parish website www.stelizabeth parish.org or email Ryan Schwalm at rschwalm @stelizabethparish.org to get involved!
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 November 15.
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 November 15.
Elementary Youth Group (Grades K-5): Our next Free Play Night will be on Saturday, December 16, 6:30-8:30 PM in the gym.
SEAM/CYO News
Volleyball: This past Saturday, our two varsity B volleyball teams played in the final game for Region 17. Varsity Blue took 1st place & Varsity White took 2nd place. Congratulations to all the girls & their coaches on a fantastic CYO season.
Knights of Columbus
Keep Christ In Christmas! The Knights of Columbus will be taking orders for newly-designed 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.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, October 22, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $17,603.84
[Amount of Loose Cash: $913.10]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 8,743.50
Total Regular Collection: $26,347.34
Number of adult envelope contributions: 542
Thank to all who contributed a total of $14,600 to hurricane relief and an additional $6,001 to the special collection for relief efforts in Puerto Rico, too!
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.