A Word from Father John
These few weeks before Christmas are a special time for believers to reflect quietly and prepare prayerfully for the coming of Christ. In reality, it is more likely that we feel frantic and pressured during these final “shopping days” before the holiday season. It doesn’t have to be this way!
May God give us the grace this Advent to “walk amid passing things” and “hold fast to what endures” rather than be consumed by the frenzy and commotion of the world around us.
Father John Stokely
Advent Giving Tree
The Advent Giving Tree is up! Please take a tag or two from the tree and buy a gift for the many agencies we support. A complete list of agencies is by the Giving Tree. Gifts should be returned on or before the weekend of December 16-17. Please read the tag to see whether the gift should be wrapped or remain unwrapped and be sure to attach the tag to the gift. Last year we provided over 2,000 gifts for these agencies. The needs remain the same! Thank you once again for your generosity!
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary will be celebrated this Friday, December 8. This feast is a holy day of obligation for all Catholic believers. Here at Saint Elizabeth, we will have a Mass for the holy day at 7:30 AM, at 12 Noon and at 7:00 PM.
Catholics Coming Home
A special six-week program, No Greater Love Catholics Coming Home, begins on Monday, January 8, at 7:00PM at the church. Next week special referral cards will be available in the pews for church-goers to fill out with the names and contact information of a family member, friend or neighbor who might be interested in this program. We will then send them a personal invitation to Catholics Coming Home. Cards may be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office by Monday, December 18. It just might be the best Christmas gift you have ever given!
Mass Intentions for the Week
December 2-3: First Sunday of Advent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Carolanne Morgenthaler
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Peter Pienciak (15th Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth Sunday, 11:30 AM- Eric Thornton
Monday, 7:30 AM- John Deane
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Susan Jiannino
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Helena Tomera Thursday, 7:30 AM- Mathilda Bohr
Friday- Holy Day of the Immaculate Conception
7:30 AM- Joseph Ringhoffer (1st Ann)
12:00 Noon- Thomas Froio
7:00 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Christine O’Malley
December 9-10: Second Sunday of Advent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- William Maloney
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Paul Zadroga
Sunday, 11:30 AM- John Cossa (1st Ann)
Readings: Isaiah 40/1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3/8-14; Mark 1/1-8
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 pray for all those who are ill, including Marie Altieri; Rita Chambers; Doris Cullen; John De Vito; Trevor Ferraro; Sheila Flynn; James Ford; Stephen Guminski; Steven Kacenjar; Ginny Klimek; Marie Laboranti; Marinell Lamkin; Suzanne Lezoche; Gloria Makoid; Edward Musuras; Larry Shontz; Nazzie Sookiasian; Jared Steczak; LoRita Soprano and Tammy Swan.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Stephen Volpe, husband of Roberta Volpe; parishioner Celia Preston, wife of David Preston; Arthur Leigh, father of Mary Ellen Laws; Shannon Lafferty, sister of Colleen Urbine; and John Cusack Murphy, father of Brian Murphy. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
RCIA Rites
At the 9:30 AM Mass this Sunday, we are celebrating the Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate for several non-baptized individuals who are beginning their formal preparation for the Rites of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil, together with a Rite of Welcoming for six adults already baptized in another Christian community and now preparing for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church and Confirmation in the Easter Season.
Please remember in your prayers new catechumens Jennifer Citrullo, Roxanne Barrett, David Gober and Isaiah Moore, as well as candidates Theresa Auda,
Robin Chronowski, Krista Ciarrocchi, James Colandene, Kathryn Ferro and Mia Shannon. May God continue to guide them on their spiritual journey to full Christian Initiation!
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
Liturgical Music Ministry
The Parish Music Ministry needs YOU! No Music experience required. Minimal/convenient rehearsal times for most parish music groups. Please contact Louise Shanley (
Parish School News
Christmas Concert: Please join us for our Christmas Band and Harmonium concert on Wednesday,
December 13, at 7:00 PM in the gym.
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are currently available through FACTS Grant & Aid and due by December 31, 2017. This year your 2017 tax return is the only documentation that all applicants are required to submit by March 31, 2018 or earlier – as soon as your tax return is complete. The link is on our website, on the
Archdiocesan BLOCS website and also at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid.
Advent/Christmas Prayer Service: All are welcome to join our students and faculty in prayer on Thursday, December 21, at 2:00 PM in church.
Elementary Faith Formation
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. In December, we are praying our Advent Prayer:
Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Help us to live in that love together as a family this Advent. Prepare our hearts for Christmas. Bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen.
Check the parish website and Facebook page for weekly posts on this prayer.
Advent Family Prayer Service: EFF students and their families will gather for an Advent Prayer Service at 6:30 PM this Tuesday, December 5; at 5:00 PM this Wednesday, December 6, and also at 5:00 PM next Monday, December 11. Please note: There will be no 4:45 PM EFF classes on Tuesday (12/5) nor 6:30 PM classes on Monday (12/11).
All parishioners are welcome to join the choir. Let us help you get into the spirit of the season! To participate, contact Beth Riordan at religioused@ stelizabethparish.org or 610-646-6545.
Reminder - Parents of children preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion this spring are reminded to turn in the required registration form, photo banner permission and sponsor form no later than Friday, January 5, 2018.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children baptized in November: Lillian Anne Firn; Gianna Maria Grater; Welles Alan Wolensky; Ruby Raines Kaschak; Elizabeth Alison Madden and Mary Elizabeth McLaughlin. Congratulations to their parents and godparents!
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held this 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.
Safe Environment Program
The Protecting God's Children training class will be offered this Thursday, December 7, at 7:00 PM in the ministry center. To register, go online now to register at www.virtusonline.org or call 610-646-6550.
Adult Faith Formation
Advent Resources: A variety of free resources are available on a first come first served basis at an information table in the narthex this weekend. Please help yourself!
Women’s Advent by Candlelight: Thanks to the generosity of our hostesses and the good spirit of our parish, we have filled the social hall for this Wednesday’s evening of reflection at 7:00 PM. Guests are asked to enter through the side door entrance of the education center (next to the CLC), rather than the main doors of the social hall. Thank You!
Pastoral Outreach News
Casserole Program: Don’t forget next weekend’s casserole collection for the clients of St. John’s Hospice. Thanks to those who prepared 121 casseroles in November! Your generosity helps to provide a hot meal for many homeless people all year long. If you (and your family) would like to help collect casseroles before weekend Masses or if you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Sharing Our Bounty: There was a happier Thanksgiving for many needy families again this year. Together the Knights of Columbus Council #13141, our parishioners and the people of SS. Philip and James Church provided 381 turkeys and all the fixings for thanksgiving dinner to families in West Chester and Philadelphia. Thank you to the Sharing Our Bounty Committee who withstood the wind to collect and deliver the dinners.
Burkina Faso Food Packaging: Thanks also to the parishioners of all ages who came out on Saturday morning to unload the truck and package the meals headed to Burkina Faso. We packaged about 14,000 meals provided by the generosity of parishioners.
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 (
Game Day: There is no Game Day in December, so plan now to join us on Thursday, January 25.
Lunch and Learn: Join us on Thursday, January 11, at 10:30 AM for a presentation by Bruce Mowday, a local author who will speak about the Johnston Brothers, the gang who stole millions of dollars and eventually murdered four teenagers and how the gang was brought to justice!
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.
Eighth Grade Youth Group + Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-7): Next meetings this Wednesday, December 6, 5:30-7:00 PM in St. John the Baptist.
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 19, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $21,071.79
[Amount of Loose Cash: $993.05]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 6,993.50 Total Regular Collection: $28,065.29
Number of adult envelope contributions: 587
Religious Retirement Collection: Thank you for your support of this weekend’s annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious Priests, Sisters & Brothers. Additional contributions may be sent directly to the parish ministry center during the week.
2016-2017 Parish Financial Report: The financial report for fiscal 2016-2017 was mailed this past 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
Social Fellowship Pancake Breakfast: Sunday (12/3), 8:30-11:00 AM, social hall
CRHP Pentecost Event: Sunday (12/3), 2:30 PM, St. Matthew
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Joseph’s People: Monday (12/4), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM, St. Matthew, and 7:00 PM, St. Mark
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
EFF Advent Prayer Service: Tuesday (12/5), 6:30 PM and Wednesday (12/6), 5:00 PM, Church
Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (12/5), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (12/5), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Spirit Newsletter Committee: Tuesday (12/5), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Cub Scouts: Wednesday (12/6), 5:30 PM, art room, education center library
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Advent by Candlelight: Wednesday (12/6), 7:00 PM, Social Hall
Middle School & Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (12/6), 5:30 PM, St. John the Baptist
CRHP Men’s Formation: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Protecting God’s Children: Thursday (12/7), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Parish Vocations Committee: Thursday (12/7), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
SAM Potluck Luncheon: Friday (12/8), after the noon Mass, Ministry Center Conference Rooms
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (12/9), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (12/9-10), before all Masses, bay area & social hall
EFF Advent Prayer Service: Monday (12/11), 5:00 PM, Church
Pastoral Outreach Committee: Monday (12/11), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (12/12), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Interfaith Action Committee: Tuesday (12/12), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Bereavement Ministry: Wednesday (12/13), 9:00 AM, St. Luke
Stewardship Day of Service Planning Team: Wednesday (12/13), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (12/13), 7:00 PM, CLC
Church Decorating: Saturday (12/16), 9:00 AM, Outside of Church
Elementary School Youth Group: Saturday (12/16), 6:30 PM, gym
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
St. 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.
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, North East Philadelphia: Adult Evenings of Prayer and Reflection on Tuesdays, December 5. 12 and 19, 7:00-8:30 PM. Join us as we reflect on “Mary in Advent” awaiting the birth of Jesus. Presenter is Sr. Theresa Ahern, MSBT. Free will offering will be graciously accepted. Please call 267-350-1830 for more information and/or to register.
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.
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.
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Open House & Christmas Concert: All are invited to our Open House from 1:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, December 10. One-hour campus tours begin at 1:00 PM with the last tour beginning at 3:00 PM. The Christmas Concert begins at 4:00 PM in St. Martin of Tours Chapel. This Christmas Concert features the St. Charles Borremo Seminary choir and musicians. Light refreshments will be served prior to the concert. A free-will offering, to benefit The Sisters of Life at St. Malachy’s parish in Philadelphia, will be collected at intermission.
Bishop Shannahan High School: The BSHS Fine Arts Department will present its annual Christmas Concert and Art Exhibit on Friday, December 15 at 7:00 PM. All are invited. Free will offering will be accepted.
IHM Discernment Retreat: Young women (18-35) are invited to join us for a Discernment Retreat Friday, December 15 (6:00 PM) to Sunday, December 17 (1:00 PM) at the Villa Maria House of Studies. This retreat focuses on the IHM Charism and the importance of listening to God’s call and discovering the many ways that God speaks to us. Time will be included for personal and communal prayer as well as the opportunity to interact with the sisters in Formation. For more info and/or to register, email
Malvern Retreat House: Flame of Love Retreat presented by Fr. James Blount, Society of Our Lady of the Trinity-Georgia Mission, on December 15-17. For more info call 610-644-0400, or to register visit malvernretreat,com/register.
St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson: Christmas Open House, Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17, 1:00-5:00 PM. Tour the Potts Mansion. Visit with Santa on December 17 only. Snacks included. Cost is $10. For more info call 610-942-4166.
St. Basil the Great, Phoenixville: Are you a parent of a special needs child? Do you need support and ministry from other parents who are also raising a special needs child? St. Basil’s is starting a Ministry & Support Group for parents of special needs children. The groups meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. The next meeting is December 18. If interested or for more info, contact Jim King (
Villa Maria Lower School: Children ages 0-4 and a parent or caregiver are invited to a free “Makin’ Music at Villa Maria Academy” program on Monday, January 22, 2018, at 10:00 AM in the gymnasium. RSVP on our website (www.villamaria.org) or contact Erin (
maria.org).
BSHS Winter-Summer Programs: BSHS and Dr. Richard Fuller offers the most comprehensive 35-hour training experience in PSAT/SAT Program in the area (student-teacher ratio of 8:1 in math). Classes begin January 10, 2018. Information is also available on the summer program which includes: Algebra 1 enrichment program (grades 5-9) and Math Programs in Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus and Calculus (all grades); Critical Thinking and Study Skills program (grades 8-12); and a PSAT/SAT Program. Summer classes begin June 18, 2018. For more info, call Dr. Fuller (610-247-5933) or BSHS (610-518-1300).
Retrouvaille Marriage Program: Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage! Tens of thousands of couples have saved their marriages by attending the Retrouvaille weekend and the six post sessions that follow. The next weekend is February 16-18, 2018, at the Family Life Center in Malvern. For more information, or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800-470-2230. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
REAL: Reading Excites All Learners: Join fellow parishioners and make a REAL impact in the life of a 2nd 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.
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