A Word from the Priests of Saint Elizabeth
On this Christmas weekend, the three of us would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all the people of our wonderful parish community. Your active involvement, generous support and prayerful example remain a great inspiration to us and to so many others! In Saint Paul’s words: “We give thanks to our God every time we think of you.”
May the Lord Jesus bring gifts of good health, deep faith and family peace to all the faithful of Saint Elizabeth Church throughout the New Year 2018!
And may the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in sustaining a holy and faithful parish community here at Saint Elizabeth, for unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.
Fr. Mullin, Fr. Stokely & Fr. Chambers
Advent Giving Tree
Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Advent Giving Tree. More than 1,800 gifts and gift cards have been donated to area social service agencies for their client families. Thanks to Kim Slattery and her team of “elves” from the Sharing our Bounty Committee for their stewardship service on this project.
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. Please consider extending an invitation to 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. It just might be the best Christmas gift you have ever given!
Parish Interfaith Action Committee
Please see the insert in today’s parish bulletin for information about our church tour and social event on Thursday, January 11, as part of our ongoing relationship with the Interfaith Action Community. If you would like to help with the evening, contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550).
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
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
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Geraldine Eppehimer
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- John & Mary Ramagno
Thursday, 7:30 AM- William Pettigrove
Friday, 7:30 AM- Thomas Hoy
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Marie Rafalowski
December 30-31: Feast of the Holy Family
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Raymond Boncek
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Lynn Cugini (1st Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Dorothy Bergeron
Readings: Genesis 15/1-6; 21/1-3; Psalm 105; Hebrews 11/8-19; Luke 2/22-40.
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 the chapel that Monday.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Louise Ardoline; Sylvia Blust; Patrick Cerullo; Doris Cullen; Robert Fitch; John Lazarich; Francisco Martinez; Shirley O’Brien; Ngoc Phan and Lurita Soprano.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Catherine (Ginny) Klimek and Michael Hamilton, brother of Stephen Hamilton.
Baptism News
To register for Level I or Level II of the Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call Kathy Keating at the ministry center at 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
Adult Faith Formation
Adult Bible Study: All are invited to a special 8-week series entitled Mary, A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother. Filmed on location in the Holy Land, this study will place you in the midst of the powerful drama of Mary's earthly life. The series begins on Tuesday, January 23, either at 9:30-11 AM or at 7:00-8:30 PM. Each session includes small group prayer & discussion and a DVD lecture with Dr. Edward Sri from Ascension Press. The cost is $23 for the study guide. To register, go online at goo.gl/4ZcwZY by Tuesday, January 16, or call Donna Skinner (610-873-0508).
Parish School News
The faculty, staff, and students wish all the parishioners of Saint Elizabeth a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for all the support that the parish community provides to the parish school. Regular classes will resume on Wednesday, January 3.
Sneak-a-Peek: Curious about a Catholic education for your children? Stop by on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, between 9:30-11:00 AM to get a sneak peek of our teachers and students in action!
Open House for Catholic Schools Week: All are welcome to tour the parish school on Sunday, January 28, 12:30-2:00 PM. Stop by with a friend and take a look around. Application materials will be available for those who are considering the enrollment of their children for the 2018-2019 school year.
Registration of New Students: The re-registration of current students and the advanced application for incoming siblings begin on Monday, January 8. New student application for parish families begins on Tuesday, January 30, and for non-parish families on Wednesday, January 31. For more information, please call Liz Oulton (610-646-6540).
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are currently available through FACTS Grant & Aid and due by December 31, 2017. The link is on our website, on the Archdiocesan BLOCS website and also at https:// online.factsmgt.com/aid.
Elementary Faith Formation
Holiday Class Schedule: There are no EFF classes on December 25, 26, 27, nor on January 1 and 2. Regular classes will resume on Wednesday, January 3.
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 after Mass.
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: For information about the next study series for 7th & 8th graders entitled: Theology of the Body for Teens, Middle School Edition, go to the faith formation link on parish website or contact Beth Riordan (
Family Life Ministry
March for Life: This year’s annual March for Life will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018, not on Monday, January 22, the actual anniversary of Roe v Wade court decision. Details to follow in the upcoming bulletins. Mark your calendars and let’s fill the bus!
Enrichment Workshop for Married Couples: Husbands and wives – Mark your calendar now and treat yourselves to a special program entitled: The Five Languages of Love on Saturday, February 10, with Mass at 8:30 AM followed by an interactive workshop, 9:00 AM- Noon, in the social hall. More info to follow.
Pastoral Outreach News
Looking for a New Year's resolution? Here’s two good opportunities for stewardship service:
Casserole Collection: Thanks to those who prepared a total of 106 casseroles for Saint John's Hospice this month. We need more volunteers to help collect casseroles before weekend Masses each month. To volunteer, contact Angie Fiore (
Transportation Committee: This team drives people to Mass on Sundays and to MD appointments during the week. If you are going to Mass and have room in your car, please consider picking up someone who otherwise would not be able to make it to church. Contact Gerry Caggiano (
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 Johnston Brothers, the gang who stole millions of dollars and eventually murdered four teenagers and how the gang was brought to justice! The next Game Day will be on Thursday, January 25.
Liturgical Life Note
Low Gluten Communion Hosts: To accommodate the health needs of some parishioners and guests, low gluten Communion hosts are available at weekend & daily Mass. For more info, please contact Gen Miceli (
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!
Elementary Youth Group (Grades K-5): Our next Group Freeplay Night is scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2018, 6:30-8:30 PM in the parish gym.
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): 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.
St. Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM):
Basketball: All practices and games are subject to cancellation due to weather. If school or EFF is closed for bad weather, all practices are cancelled. Coaches will contact teams if weekend games or practices are cancelled. Please use your best judgment in bad weather before coming out to the gym!
Exton-Lionville Ministerium News
All are invited to participate in the annual Prayer Service for Christian Unity on Sunday, January 21, at 7:00 PM at the Exton Community Baptist Church. Rev.
Gary Jacabella, pastor of the Exton United Methodist Church, will be the guest preacher and the 2018 theme is: Your Right Hand, O Lord, Glorious in Power (Exodus 15:6). Mark your calendars now!
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for December 9-10, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $21,025.10
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,179.10]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $19,697,00
Total Regular Collection: $40,722.10
Number of adult envelope contributions: 681
2016-2017 Parish Financial Report: By now, you should have received the financial report for fiscal 2016-2017 in the mail. 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!
Tax Statements for 2017: Because so many people now keep their own computer banking records, the parish does not automatically mail out tax statements each year. Parishioners who would like a tax statement for their 2017 donations are welcome to contact the parish office (610-321-1200) sometime after the new year and a statement will be mailed out to you promptly. Thank you for your generosity to Saint Elizabeth Church!
Words from the Pastor
Even though you are out of town or away on vacation, you can still listen to the pastor’s weekend homilies. Go right to the home page of the parish website (stelizabethparish.org). Why not check out the parish website today!
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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
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
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
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM): Monday (1/8), 3:00 PM, St. Luke
Called & Gifted: Monday (1/8), 6:30 PM, St. Matthew
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (1/8), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Catholics Coming Home: Monday (1/8), 7:00 PM, School Library
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (1/8), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (1/9), 7:30 PM, St. Luke
Faith Formation Action Committee: Wednesday (1/10), St. Luke
Stewardship Day of Service Planning Team: Wednesday (1/10), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (1/10), 7:00 PM, clc
CRHP-Men’s Formation: Thursday (1/11), 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Interfaith Open House & Tour: Thursday (1/11), 7:00 PM, Church/Social Hall
MLK Food & Toiletry Collection: Sat./Sun. (1/13-14), before all Masses, Holy Family Room
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Sunday, December 24, 2017
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Advancement Director Needed: SS. Philip & James Parish School, Exton seeks a part-time Advancement Director. Under the employment of the Pastor, the Advancement Director reports to the Principal and is responsible for the overall planning, management, coordination and evaluation of enrollment management, development, communications and constituent/public relations initiatives of the school. For more information and a list of job qualifications please email
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
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: Join Rev. William G. Donavan as volunteer Helpers of God's Precious Infants in a Vigil for Life 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 (
Cups for Caritas - Bethesda Project: Students from Malvern Preparatory School and Villa Maria Academy are hosting the Cups for Caritas, our 2017-2018 iteration on the ten-year tradition of Empty Bowls events at Malvern. This year's event, which raises funds for Bethesda Project (www.bethesdaproject.org), will be held on Sunday, January 14, on Malvern Prep's campus. The event will begin with 9:00 Mass in Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel and will feature student and guest speakers sharing context for the caritas of this year's event. The doors of Stewart Hall will open at 10:30 where guests will have the opportunity to choose a handmade ceramic cup to use and keep as a reminder that there are always people in our world in need of caritas. The morning features a simple buffet-style brunch, a silent auction, guest speakers, and a "leftovers" cup sale. Tickets are $25/adult and $15/children 10 + under. Advance ticket sales are appreciated and available online at www.mpemptybowls.org. For more information, please contact
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).
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.
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.
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.