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.
Forty Hours: Evening Prayer & Benediction: Sunday-Tuesday (11/5,6,7), 7:00 PM, Church
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
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Joseph’s People: Monday (11/6), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP-Women’s Team: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM, St. Matthew, and 7:00 PM, St. Mark
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Walking with Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew
Cub Scout Pack Meeting: Wednesday (11/8), 6:00 PM, social hall, clc
Knights of Columbus: Wednesday (11/8), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00, Holy Family
Stewardship Day of Service Planning Team: Wednesday (11/8), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (11/8), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Protecting God’s Children: Thursday (11/9), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Saturday (11/10), 9:00 AM, Holy Family Room
Pre Jordan I: Saturday (11/11), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
AFF Wine & the Bible: Saturday (11/11), 7:00 PM, social hall
Parish Youth Council: Monday (11/13), 6:00 PM, clc
Social Fellowship: Monday (11/13), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
STE Interfaith Team: Monday (11/13), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Stewardship Day of Service Committee: Tuesday (11/14), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Liturgical Life Committee: Tuesday (11/14), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Middle School & Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (11/15), 5:30 PM, gym and St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (11/15), 6:00 PM, CLC, Teacher’s Room, Art Room
New Evangelization Committee: Wednesday (11/15), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
Faith Formation Advisory Council: Wednesday (11/15), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
CRHP Men’s Formation: Thursday (11/16), 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Confirmation Parent Meeting-Make Up Session: Thursday (11/16), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew, Social Hall
CRHP Women’s Renewal: Friday/Saturday (11/17-18), Social Hall, CLC, Library, Chapel
We Believe in Catholic Schools
Saint Elizabeth Parish School
Kindergarten and First Grade Open House
Sunday, November 12, 2017
12:30 – 2:00 PM
Application Packets will be available in January!
* FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN *
• Small Classes • Academic Excellence • Technology/ STEM
• Honors Program • After School Activities • Music, Art, PE
• Science Lab • CCIU/ Support Services • World Language
* BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE ONSITE *
What are parents saying about St. Elizabeth Parish School?
“Development of the total person...mind and spirit”
“Strong community”
“Caring and dedicated teachers”
“Neumann scholars...clearly good academic programs”
Liz Oulton 610-646-6540 or
Visit us at stelizabethparishschool.org
Advent by Candlelight
A Women’s Evening of Reflection
All are invited to share in this spiritual evening that directs our hearts to the true reason for the season. During the evening you will hear two talks, discuss the theme with the women at your table and enjoy some festive treats!
There are so many ways to be a part of the evening…
Signup to be a Table Hostess! Personally invite women to prepare their hearts for the Christ Child as you host them at the intimate setting you’ve created at your table.
Come as a guest of a specific hostess.
Come as a guest of our Adult Faith Formation Committee. All of our hostesses are eager to share the night with you and there is an AFF table waiting to be filled!
Come prepare your hearts for Jesus’ Birth.
Speakers: Beth Riordan and Noel Stranen
When: Wednesday, December 6, 2017 7:00-9:00 PM
(Doors open for hostess setup at 3:30 PM)
Where: Saint Elizabeth Social Hall
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Sign up to be a hostess or guest!
For more information on how to be a table hostess contact Maria Fraser.
484-888-2224 or
Share a night with other women that will transform this season into a blessed Advent.
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Sunday, November 5, 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
Saint Joseph, Downingtown: Help Wanted! Immediate opening for a part-time (approximately 17 hours per week) evening/weekend receptionist in the parish office. Responsibilities include data entry, answering phones, signing out facility keys for meetings, greeting parishioners and assisting with special projects and mailings. This position requires a responsible person with a cheerful attitude. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to
Lexus of Chester Springs: Help Wanted! Current opening for a full/part-time receptionist for the dealership. Hours would be 7:00 AM-1:00 PM or 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Ideal candidate should have professional appearance, clear speaking voice, and ability to use multi-line switchboard. Another very important task is greeting guests in the showroom. Salary based on experience. If interested, please call Rita Standring at 610-321-8085.
Camilla Hall Nursing Home: Help Wanted! Seeking full-time Housekeeper. Competitive pay with benefits. Hours: 7:00 AM-3:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Apply online at www.camillahall.org or apply in person Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. For more information contact Human Service at 484-321-5630.
Immaculate Conception Parish, Jenkintown: Open invitation to all men for “Blessed Are the Clean of Heart” reflection by Fr. Peter Kim, on Tuesday, November 7. Mass at 6:30 PM, followed by dinner at 7:00 PM, and Reflection at 7:30 PM. For more info, contact Pat Stanton (267-718-4851).
Bishop Shanahan High School: Fall Open House: Sunday, November 12, 12:00-3:00 PM. Visit shanahan.org/admissionevents to register and for more info.
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
Bishop Shanahan High School: The BSHS Fine Arts Department presents the musical “Footloose” on November 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 7:30 PM and a matinee on November 19 at 2:00 PM in the auditorium. Tickets are $15 for lower level and $12 for upper level. For tickets and more information visit www.shanahan.org.
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 presents “Internet Safety for Parents,” at St. 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.
Regina Luminis High School: Please join us on Saturday, November 11, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM for an open house Regina Luminis HS is a Catholic Classical Academy located at St. Monica’s, 601 First Avenue, Berwyn. For info, contact
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 website (www.vmahs.org).
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Glenmoore: St. Andrew’s will be holding a Panel Discussion entitled “Protecting Children Against Human Trafficking: A Local Update,” on Tuesday, November 14, 7:00-9:00 PM. Please join us for this discussion on human trafficking and hear practical tips to held protect children. The presenters are Rich Cordivari, Vice President of Operations Support for Allied Universal Security and Carol Metzker, Consultant to the New Day to Stop Trafficking Program. Light refreshments after the discussion. Free will offering graciously accepted. For more info, please contact Robert Cordivari (
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).
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.
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.
Saint Mary’s, Conshohocken: Come to the second annual Saint 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 and 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
Cardinal O’Hara High School Class of 1997: 20th Anniversary Reunion, Friday, November 24, 7:00-10:00 PM, Barnaby’s in Havertown. Come to enjoy food, drink, dancing and lots of memories. Buy your tickets today at eventbrite.com and search “Cardinal O’Hara High School 1997 20th Reunion”.
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
Roman Catholic High School: Annual Memorial Mass & Communion Breakfast, Sunday, November 26, 9:30 AM Mass at the Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul, followed by breakfast at 10:45 AM at the Sheraton Hotel. Homecoming reception at 1:00 PM at Roman Catholic High School. For more info, contact Lisa Mertz (
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land: Join Fr. Jim McGuinn on a 12 day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, June 10-21, 2018. For more info, contact Select International Tours (800-842-4841). A brochure with all travel and cost information is available by visiting the website at www.selectinternationaltours.com.
Once on the website, click Schedule Tours in the banner index; then select and click By Departure Date; scroll down to June 2018, then click Brochure with Fr. Jim McGuinn. Options are given.
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 St. 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!