A Word from Father Stokely
This weekend's Gospel usually prompts us to reflect upon how well we share our God-given abilities with others. Another aspect we may want to consider is the magnitude of God's blessings. In the time of Jesus, a talent was a large sum of money, equal to fifteen years of wages for a day laborer. So the servants were entrusted with seventy-five, thirty, and fifteen years' worth of wages… that's a lot! In everyday life, we sometimes magnify our troubles while diminishing God's blessings. As grateful stewards of God's gifts and graces, are we aware of the magnitude of His blessings?
Father John Stokely
Annual Appeal for St. Charles Seminary
The annual appeal in support of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is being conducted through the end of November. Appeal brochures and gift envelopes are available in the church narthex throughout the month. Thank you for your generous support of the appeal.
Sharing Our Bounty - Turkey Dinners
Today is the drop off date for Thanksgiving turkey dinners, 7:30-11:30 AM, at the kitchen bay door. Thank you for your continued generosity and Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!.
Community Thanksgiving Celebration
The Exton-Lionville Ministerium and the Interfaith Action Community are co-sponsoring a Community Thanksgiving Celebration this Sunday, November 19, at 7:00 PM in the Grove UMC Church on Boot Road in West Chester. Come join in prayer and fellowship with fellow Christians, Jews and Muslims as we give praise and thanks to God tonight at 7:00 PM at Grove UMC.
Thanksgiving Holiday
Prayerful best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving to each of you and to your loved ones. All are welcome to a Mass of Thanksgiving at 9:00 AM this Thursday morning in church. Please note that on Friday morning Mass will also be at 9:00 AM (not the usual 7:30 AM). All parish offices are closed all day on Friday, and the ministry center is closed on Sunday morning as well.
Mass Intentions for the Week
November 18-19: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Francis Barrett
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Connie Pienciak (2nd Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of St. Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Barbara Smith & Barbara Mullin
Monday, 7:30 AM- Elizabeth Soelistyo
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Jerome Golus
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Phoebe Sullivan
Thursday, 9:00 AM- Saint Elizabeth Parish Staff
Friday, 9:00 AM- Eugene O’Malley
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Bernice Haggerty
November 25-26: Christ the King
Saturday, 5:30 PM- John Mullen
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Peter Caruso, Sr.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Bernard Comber, Sr.
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Ezekiel 34/11-12,15-17; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15/20-26, 28; Matthew 25/31-46.
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 Patrick Cerullo; Trevor Ferraro; Sheila Flynn; James Ford; Stephen Griminski; Richard Hesser; Joseph Janzer; Ginny Klimek; Mimi Rogge; Eugenia Seybold; Jared Steczak; Leonard Szyper and Kerri Zagari.
Throughout November we also remember all our loved ones who have died, particularly those whose names are listed in the 2017 Book of Remembrance. May they rest in peace!
RCIA Inquiry
Do you know someone who is searching for life's meaning, for community? Or someone who has asked about the Catholic faith? Please invite them to connect with fellow seekers through the RCIA. Contact DRE Beth Riordan at
A Call for Priestly Vocations
The parishes of Deanery 4 are sponsoring a Saint Andrew Dinner for young men (ages 16-22) who are open to the call of the priesthood. The gathering will be held this Monday, November 20, 6:30 PM, at St. Joseph Church in Downingtown. The 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
Elementary Faith Formation
Confessions: Parents are invited to join their children in grades 3, 4 and 5 for the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during classes this Monday, November 20, and Tuesday, November 21, in the main church.
Stewardship opportunities: Join our amazing team! An adult catechist assistant is needed for a small kindergarten class 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 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.
Parish School News
Thanksgiving Prayer Service: All are welcome to join in our annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service, this Tuesday, November 21, at 2:00 PM in the church.
Happy Thanksgiving: The faculty, staff, and students of our parish school wish everyone a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you all so much for all the support you give – our school would not be possible without it!
School Musical: Be our guests for Shrek - The Musical (Junior Version) on Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2, at 7:00 PM in the gym. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10/adult and $7/student.
Liturgical Music Ministry
The Parish Music Ministry needs YOU! No Music experience required. All you need is the desire to support the congregation in praising the Lord through song. Minimal/convenient rehearsal times for most parish music groups. Please contact Louise Shanley (
Adult Faith Formation
Advent by Candlelight: Attention women of the parish- Come prepare your hearts for Jesus' Birth! Join us on Wednesday, December 6, at 7:00 PM in the social hall. Experience an evening of Advent preparation focused on the true meaning of Christmas. For more information or to be a table hostess (1 table per hostess please) for 7 of your friends or for 7 new friends, contact Maria Fraser at
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, December 9 and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, January 13. 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.
Social Fellowship News
All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast: Mark your calendars now for a special family breakfast on Sunday, December 3, 8:30-11:00 AM, in the social hall. The cost is $5.00 per adult, $3.00 per child (3 to 12 years old); children under 3 eat for free! The menu will include pancakes (plain or chocolate chip), sausage, coffee, tea, and milk. Special activities will be held for children during breakfast, too. No advance tickets are needed - simply pay at the door.
Senior Adult Ministry: Pot Luck Lunch
Are you coming to the noon holy day Mass on Friday, December 8? Are you old enough to be called a senior? - That’s 60+ years old! SAM invites all seniors to join us for lunch and fellowship after the noon Mass. All it takes is your favorite side dish, salad or dessert and a phone call. Register by contacting Gen Miceli (
Pastoral Outreach
Poor Box Program: We exceeded our goal! In addition to parishioners’ generous support of the two special appeals to assist recovery efforts from recent hurricanes and wild fires, many people have also contributed to the poor boxes in support of the people of Burkina Faso. Donations topped $7,000.00, which will allow us to make 14,000 meals!
Burkina Faso Food Packaging: We have room for 100 volunteers to prepare food packages in the social hall on Saturday, December 2, after the 8:30 AM Mass. In addition, we will need a small group of "strong" people to unload the food supply truck when it arrives at 8:00 AM. Please contact Gen Miceli if you are able to unload the truck. Sign ups for the food packing are on the parish website and are first come, first served. Thank you for your generosity!
Advent Giving Tree
The Giving Tree will be going up the weekend of December 2-3. Please take a tag from the tree and buy a gift for those in need. Gifts must be returned on or before December 17. Thank you once again for your generosity!
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 on December 7, 2017, and March 15, 2018. Classes fill up quickly, so go online now to register at www.virtusonline.org.
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 Wednesday, November 29.
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 29!
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.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, November 5, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $23,647.81
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,165.35]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $25,045.50
Total Regular Collection: $48,693.31
Number of adult envelope contributions: 745
Thanks to all who contributed a total of $15,671 to hurricane relief and an additional $5,030 to the special collection for relief efforts in Puerto Rico, too!
Auto-Giving: There are now 288 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: The financial report for fiscal 2016-2017 is being mailed this week. Questions about the financial report should be directed to Fr. Mullin or Sam Venuti at 610-321-1200. Thank you for your commitment to a generous stewardship of treasure all year long!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Turkey Meal Collection: Sunday (11/19), 7:30 AM-11:30 PM, kitchen & bay
Ministerium Thanksgiving Prayer Service: Sunday (11/19), 7:00 PM, Grove UMC, West Chester
Crusaders Football Banquet: Sunday (11/19), 5:00 PM, Social Hall
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
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM, St. Matthew, and 7:00 PM, St. Mark
CRHP-Women’s Team: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Middle School & Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (11/15), 5:30 PM, gym and St. John the Baptist
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
EFF Confessions-Grades 3, 4 & 5: Monday (11/20) & Tuesday (11/21), 4:45 & 6:30 PM, church
Joseph’s People: Monday (11/20), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SEAM: Monday (11/20), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (11/21), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Friday (11/24), 9:30 AM, Holy Family Room (note change for this week only)
Finance Council: Tuesday (11/28), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Adult Faith Formation Committee: Tuesday (11/28), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Walking With Purpose: Wednesday (11/29,) 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
CRHP Women’s Evening of Discipleship: Wednesday (11/29), 6:30 PM, social hall
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (11/29), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
CRHP Men’s Formation: Thursday (11/30), 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Church Decorating Team: Saturday (12/2), 9:00 AM, Church, Chapel, Narthex
CRHP Penecost Event: Saturday (12/2), 12:30 PM, St. Matthew
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
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).
Vigil for Life: Pray as volunteer Helpers of God’s Precious Infants on Saturday, December 2, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
Bishop Shanahan High School: Come enjoy the season’s blessings at Bishop Shanahan High School’s Christmas Craft and Gift Show on Saturday, December 2 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Shop from 170 handmade crafts and vendor gifts. Admission is $5 for adults; youth under 13, seniors and religious are complimentary. Snow date is Sunday, December 3.
Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company: Presents the Nutcracker on Saturday, December 2, 6:00 PM and Sunday, December 3, 3:30 PM at the Phoenixville Area Middles School Theater. This production features over 40 local dancers and actors as well as guest artists in the roles of the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier. Tickets and information available online: www.tututix.com/svrdc or at the door.
Saint Peter Parish, West Brandywine: The Respect Life Committee is offering a seminar on the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaPro Technology on Monday, December 4, 7:00-8:00 PM. Presenter is Marie DiCecco, MS, FCPI and is open to married couples, engaged couples and single females. Contact Marie DiCecco at 610-202-4751 with any questions. For more information on the Creighton Model System visit http:/www.popepaulvi.com.
Holy Martyrs, Oreland, PA: Advent Lessons and Carols on Wednesday, December, 6, 7:00 PM, featuring students of Martin Saints Classical High School. For more info visit www.martinsaints
classical.org. The Faithful Traveler in Fatima with Diana von Glahn will be presented on Wednesday, December 13, at 6:00 PM in the Fr. Szal Conference Room.
REAL: Reading Excites All Learners: Join fellow parishioners and make a REAL impact in the life of a second grade student in Chester County. Reading proficiently by third grade is a prime indicator of success in school and in life, yet many children throughout Chester County are reading below grade level. One Volunteer + One Child + One Hour = REAL Success. The REAL program is administered by Partners in Outreach. For more information on how you can help visit www.RealTutoring.org, email Diane Ward at
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.
Cardinal O’Hara High School Class of 1997: 20th Anniversary Reunion, Friday, November 24, 7:00-10:00 PM, Barnaby’s in Havertown. 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 (
SS. Simon & Jude, West Chester: Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart program on Thursday, December 7. The program begins at 6:30 PM with Rosary in the Chapel and Holy Mass at 7:00 PM in the Main Church. There will be sharing from Maryland State Leader, Diane Salem, prayer for Receiving the Flame concluding with Benediction. Questions: Call Mary at 302-388-3752.
Saint Aloysius Academy/Villa Maria Academy Lower School: All are invited to a free Parent Speaker Series on the following dates: 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
Kairos Prison Ministry International of PA Spaghetti Dinner: Please join us on Saturday, December 2, 5:00-8:00 PM, at SS. Philip & James Church cafeteria. Adults: $10, Children: $8, Family: $4. Proceeds benefit the Kairos Prison Ministry. The prison ministry’s volunteers are Christian, ecumenical, lay-led who minister to incarcerated individuals, their families, and those who work with them.