A Word from Father John
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! Indeed, the Lord is near!" On this Gaudete Sunday, the Church rejoices in the fact that the Nativity of our Lord is quickly approaching. May we spend these final days of Advent making our hearts ready to welcome Christ, so that we can truly rejoice in the splendor of His Presence.
Father John Stokely
Advent Giving Tree
Today is the deadline for returning gifts to the Advent Giving Tree. If you forgot your gift today, please bring it to the parish ministry center tomorrow at the latest. Deliveries are being made early this week. Thanks to all who donated gifts for needy families around the Delaware Valley.
New Evangelization
Catholics Coming Home: A special six-week program, No Greater Love - Catholics Coming Home, begins on Monday, January 8, at 7:00 PM in church. Special referral cards are available in the pews for church-goers to fill out with the names and contact information of a family member, friend or neighbor who has been estranged from the Church for any reason whatever and might be open to a gentle re-entry into a more active practice of their Catholic Faith. Without disclosing the name of the one making the referral, we will send them a personal invitation to Catholics Coming Home here at Saint Elizabeth. Cards may be placed in the basket in the narthex after Mass or returned to the parish office anytime this week. It just might be the best Christmas gift you have ever given!
Reconciliation Opportunities in Advent
All are encouraged to celebrate the sacrament of Penance in preparation for Christmas. Here at Saint Elizabeth, we will have a Communal Reconciliation Service with individual confessions at 7:00 PM this Tuesday, December 19, and an extended period of confessions (9:00-11:00 AM) this coming Saturday, December 23. A number of visiting priests will be on hand for both occasions.
There are also Penance Services in area parishes, as follows: on Monday, December 18, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church and SS. Simon & Jude Church in West Chester; on Tuesday, December 19, at St. Patrick Church in Malvern and SS. Peter & Paul Church in West Chester; on Wednesday, December 20, at St. Joseph Church in Downingtown; and on Thursday, December 21, at SS. Philip & James Church in Exton. All begin at 7:00 PM.
Christmas Mass Schedule
Note: Because of the severe over-crowding at the first Mass on Christmas Eve each year, we encourage our regular parishioners, if at all possible, to plan to celebrate Mass at 7:30 PM on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day itself. Thank you for your cooperation!
Masses of Christmas: December 24-25
Christmas Eve (Sunday): 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Christmas Day: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM
Remember: Seating in church is on a first come-first served basis; the church is usually full by 3:45 for the 4:30 Mass! Please do not try to reserve seats with coats, etc. for those coming later. Ushers have been directed to fill in all seats and chairs immediately as people arrive. Thank you for your cooperation!
Prior to the Christmas Eve Masses, the choirs will provide a 30 minute musical prelude. In the midst of holiday excitement, the volume of conversational noise in church can sometimes escalate above our choirs and musicians. So if you are exchanging holiday greetings with others, please do so out in the narthex and keep an attentive quiet in the main church itself. Thank you!
Christmas Eve Masses at Area Parishes
St. Basil the Great, Kimberton - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM and 12:00 Midnight
St. Joseph, Downingtown - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM and 12:00 Midnight
St. Peter, West Brandywine - 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 9:00 PM
SS. Philip & James, Exton - 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM
St. Thomas More, Pottstown - 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM
Mass Intentions for the Week
December 16-17: Third Sunday of Advent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Michael Ardoline, Sr,
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Theresa Rodner
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Joan & Peter Reehil
Monday, 7:30 AM- Martha Mathis
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Joan & Peter Reehil
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Gilbert & Odette Vertefeuille
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Patricia Douts
Friday, 7:30 AM- Dolores Kearney (1st Ann)
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Thomas Rzucidlo (35th Ann)
December 23-24: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Albert & Nellie Riviezzo
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Charles & Regina Eppehimer
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Constanza Geigel (29th Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Liem Nguyen
Readings: 2 Samuel 7/1-16; Psalm 89; Romans 16/25-27; Luke 1/26-38
December 24-25: Christmas Eve/Christmas Day
Sunday, 4:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 7:30 PM- Stokely Family
Monday, 8:00 AM- Mullin-Heath Family
Monday, 9:30 AM- Chambers Family
Monday, 11:30 AM- Intentions of Fr. Stokely
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: There is no Exposition on Christmas Day nor New Year’s Day. On Monday, January 8, Exposition will close at 4:30 PM to accommodate EFF classes in chapel that Monday.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Marie Altieri; Louise Ardoline; Sylvia Blust; Patrick Cerullo; Doris Cullen; Michael Hamilton; Ginny Klimek; Marinell Lamkin; John Lazarich; Suzanna Lezoche; Gloria Makoid; Edward Musuras; Shirley O’Brien; Ngoc Phan and Lurita Soprano.
We also remember those who have died, including Lorraine Hutton, grandmother of Lori Dennis. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, January 13, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, February 10. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, call 610-321-1200.
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 learn more about the RCIA by contacting DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545 or
Parish Interfaith Action Committee
As part of our ongoing relationship with the Interfaith Action Community, Saint Elizabeth will be hosting a church tour and social event on Thursday, January 11. We will gather in the social hall at 7:00 PM to meet our neighbors and form tour groups. After the tour, there will be a Q & A and social. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends. It is a good time to meet others in our community. If you would like to help with the evening, contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550).
New Evangelization Committee
Called & Gifted Workshop: Have you ever thought about what the Lord is calling you to do? Attending this workshop is a great way to discover your gifts and respond to His call in stewardship service to others. The four-part workshop series begins on Monday, January 8, 7:00-9:00 PM, in the St. Matthew Conference Room. For more info, contact Chris Hill (484-368-4635 or
Parish School News
Advent/Christmas Prayer Service: All are welcome to join our students and faculty in prayer this Thursday, December 21, at 2:00 PM in church.
Peacemakers: Congratulations to all the students recognized on December 1 for the way they exhibit the virtue of honesty.
Talented Students: Thank you to the students who provided a wonderful evening of Christmas entertainment at the Band and Harmonium Concert this past week. And congratulations to the cast and crew of Shrek the Musical Jr. for their successful performances, too!
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.
Elementary Faith Formation
Advent Prayer Services: Thank you to all who participated in, attended and assisted with our Advent Prayer services. You brought us to anticipate joyfully the coming of Christ! Thank you also for your generous donations for the Chester County Food Bank.
Holiday Class Schedule: Regular EFF classes will be held on December 18, 19, and 20. There are no EFF classes on December 25, 26, 27, and January 1 and 2. Classes will resume on January 3.
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 an Advent Prayer that is posted on the parish website and Facebook page- check out the weekly posts on this prayer, too!
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.
Presentation of Sacramental Candidates: Families with candidates for Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion are invited to attend the 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM Mass on Sunday, January 7 for a special blessing of candidates, followed by a simple reception in the social hall.
Sacramental Prayer Tree: All parishioners are invited to stop in the church narthex on the weekend of January 6-7, to take an ornament and pray for the sacramental candidate whose name is on the ornament.
Middle School Faith Formation: Our fall bible study was a great success! Our next study will engage 7th and 8th graders with such questions as: Who am I? How do I form good friendships? How does my faith relate to issues like bullying, gossip, peer pressure, etc?
The study is called Theology of the Body for Teens, Middle School Edition. More information and registration forms are on the parish website and in the narthex. Questions may be directed to Beth Riordan (
Adult Faith Formation
See today’s parish bulletin insert for information about the next bible study, entitled: Mary, A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother, to be conducted on Tuesdays, January 23 through March 20, 2018.
Senior Adult Ministry
Lunch and Learn: Plan now to join us on Thursday, January 11, at 10:30 AM for a presentation by Bruce Mowday, a local author who will speak about the notorious Johnston Brothers gang. The next Game Day will be on Thursday, January 25.
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 + Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-7): There are no meetings this Wednesday, December 20. We will begin the new year with meetings on Wednesday, January 3, at 5:30-7:00 PM in the St. John the Baptist Room.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for December 2-3, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $24,240.12
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,004.10]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $22,981.00
Total Regular Collection: $47,221.12
Number of adult envelope contributions: 785
Auto-Giving: A special “thank you” to the 292 families now participating in Auto-Giving to ensure a consistent financial support to the parish throughout the year. We would like to pass 300 auto-donors by the end of the year! Please consider joining Auto-Giving for 2018. To enroll, contact Sam Venuti (610-646-6515 or svenuti @stelizabethparish.org).
Upcoming Meetings & Activities
For a schedule of upcoming meetings, parish activities and other events, go to www.stelizabethparish.org.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Joseph People: Monday (12/18), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SEAM: Monday (12/18), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Advent Penance Service: Tuesday (12/19), 7:00 PM, church and chapel
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (12/19), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Cub Scouts: Wednesday (12/20), 5:30 PM, social hall, clc, faculty lounge
New Evangelization Committee: Wednesday (12/20), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
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
Church Decorating: Thursday (12/21), 6:00 PM; Friday (12/22), 1:00 PM; Sunday (12/24), 12:30 PM, church, chapel, narthex
Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (1/2), 7:30 PM
8th Grade & Middle School Youth Groups: Wednesday (1/3), 5:30 PM, St. John the Baptist
Cub Scouts: Wednesday (1/3), 6:00 PM, social hall, clc, faculty lounge
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (1/3), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Interfaith Action Committee: Wednesday (1/3), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Parish Youth Council: Thursday (1/4), 6:00 PM, CLC
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (1/6-7), before all Masses, kitchen bay doors
Presentation of Sacramental Candidates & Reception: Sunday (1/7), 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM Mass, Church & Social Hall
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Sunday, December 17, 2017
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Part-Time Office Assistant Needed: Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharist, Birdsboro, is looking for a part-time office assistant, 2-3 days per week, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM; and 1-2 days per week during the summer. If interested, email
Saint Elizabeth Christmas Ornaments: A limited number of Saint Elizabeth Christmas Ornaments are available by calling Jeanne Rapp (610-405-4155) for $14 each. A sample ornament is available in the Ministry Center. Jeanne, the former owner of Brandywine Flag Company, has some extra inventory of the ornament.
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 group meets on the third 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 (
St. Peter Parish, West Brandywine: We are very happy to announce the opening of our new parish hall, the Celebration Center. This beautiful 12,200 square foot facility has modern finishes with a warm rustic charm. The spacious banquet hall accommodates table seating for 250 guests, is ADA accessible and provides plenty of space for both large and small events. For additional information about the Celebration Center, visit saintpetercelebrationcenter.com or contact Event Manager, Jill Longo (610-380-9045 or email
Vigil for Life: Pray as volunteer Helpers of God's Precious Infants on Saturday, January 6, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
Volunteer English Program in Chester County: Become a volunteer tutor of English to adult immigrants and refugees in Chester County. Prior teaching experience is not necessary. Join us at the next Tutoring Training Workshop on Friday, January 19, Monday, January 22 and Tuesday, January 24 (3-day, 9 hour training), 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon each dat at Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester. Workshop Fee is $35 per person. For more information, call the office at 610-918-8222 or register on line at www.volunteerenglish.org.
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 (
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).
St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville: Join us for a Mass for those suffering from addiction, on Saturday, January 27, at 11:00 AM. All are invited. Reaching out to our Veterans! For those who desire, confession is available from 10:00-10:45 AM. Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is in Our Lady Chapel. Celebrant will be Reverend Christopher C. Moriconi, Parochial Vicar. Addiction has touched far too many families and taken far too many of our loved ones. Join us that we may draw strength from one another in the power of our faith. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ: Young Adult Retreat, February 9-11, 2018. Come join other young adults (ages 22-35) married or single, to take a step back from your busy lives. This will be a time to examine your personal faith and your relationship with God, your family members and yourself. Our time will be filled with prayer experiences, peer group discussions,
Eucharist and lots of fun! Cost is $130 per person, double occupancy. For more information and/or to register visit www.capemaymarianists.org or call 1-609-884-3829.
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
Beth Israel Congregation, Chester Springs: Join our Congregation on a tour to Israel, June 19-29, 2018. For more information contact Ayelet Tours, Ltd (www.ayelet.com or 1-800-237-1517). For full itinerary & online registration visit secure.ayelet.com/JCutler2018.aspx.