A Word from Father Stokely
This weekend the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. And this Monday, as the Church celebrates the feast of Mary, Mother of God, we begin a New Year.
As we look back on accomplished (and perhaps yet unfulfilled) resolutions from 2017, we all hope for the best in the year ahead. My hope is for our parish family to follow the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth, so that as we grow in faith and holiness we may make Christ present to the world.
May God bless your families this year, and may our #1 resolution be to reflect God's love to one another.
Fr. John Stokely
Catholics Coming Home
A special six-week program entitled 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!
Pastoral Visit by Our Regional Bishop
On Sunday, January 7, we will welcome Bishop John McIntyre, who will celebrate the 9:30 AM Mass, lead the presentation & blessing of sacramental candidates at that Mass, and greet parishioners in the narthex after Mass. All are invited to participate in this pastoral visit and meet Bishop McIntyre on Sunday, January 7.
Parish Interfaith Action Committee
As part of our ongoing relationship with the Interfaith Action Community, our parish is hosting a church tour and social gathering on Thursday, January 11, beginning in the social hall at 7:00 PM. After the church tours, we will have a Q & A session and informal conversation with refreshments. Plan now to bring your family and friends to meet members of other faith traditions living in the local area. If you would like to help with the evening, contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550).
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
January 1: Mary, Mother of God
[not a holy day of obligation this year]
Monday, 10:00 AM- Henry Purk
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Frank Detweiler
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Faye Taraschi
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Barbara Cox (1st Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Dennis Cooney
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Parish Memorial Mass
Patricia Angeline; Patrick Callaghan; William Davison; Shannon Lafferty; Arthur Leigh; John Cusack Murphy; Martin Murray; Barnes McCormick; Fiorella Nickels and Margaret Ann Raspa.
January 6-7: Epiphany of the Lord
Saturday, 5:30 PM- James McGowan (1st Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Frank Tyas
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Kevin Brian Farley
Readings: Isaiah 60/1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3/2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2/1-12
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: There is no Exposition this Monday, New Year’s Day. Next Monday, January 8, Exposition will close at 4:30 PM to accommodate EFF classes in the chapel. On subsequent Mondays, Exposition will close at 8:30 PM.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Louise Ardoline; Patrick Cerullo; Robert Fitch; John Lazarich; Francisco Martinez; Timothy McCormick; Marian Norton; Shirley O’Brien; Ngoc Phan; John Simoylo and Lurita Soprano.
We also remember Margaret Rutups, sister of Robert D’Ambrosio and all the parishioners and the immediate family members of parishioners who have died during 2017. May all our departed loved ones truly 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. 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.
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 ministry center. For more info, contact Chris Hill (
Parish School News
Happy New Year: The faculty, staff and students of Saint Elizabeth Parish School wish all in our parish a very happy and healthy New Year! Regular classes resume this Tuesday, January 3.
First Friday Mass: All are invited to join us for our Mass on Friday, January 5, at 11:15 AM in the church.
Open House for Catholic Schools Week: All are welcome to tour our school on Sunday, January 28, 12:30-2:00 PM. Come and see why Saint Elizabeth Parish School is a special place to learn. Stop by with a friend or spread the good news to others! Application materials will be available for those who are considering the enrollment of their children for the 2018-2019 school year.
Re-Registration and New Applications: 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 info, call the school office at 610-646-6540.
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
Winter 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, whether at the morning session (9:30-11:00 AM) or at the evening session (7:00-8:30 PM). To register, go online at goo.gl/4ZcwZY by Tuesday, January 16, or call Donna Skinner (610-873-0508).
Elementary Faith Formation
Happy New Year! There are no EFF classes on January 1 and 2. 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 this Friday, January 5.
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 next 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 next weekend 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 vs. Wade court decision). To participate, sign up for the bus at the info table in the narthex after Mass next weekend.
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 are two good opportunities for stewardship service:
Monthly Casserole Collection for St. John’s Hospice: We need more volunteers to help collect casseroles before weekend Masses once each month. To volunteer, contact Angie Fiore (
Transportation Committee: This team drives people to Mass on Sundays and/or to medical appointments during the week. If you are going to Mass and have room in your car, please consider picking up someone who would not be able to make it to church. Contact Gerry Caggiano (
7154).
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 murdered four teenagers and how the gang was brought to justice. Come out with a friend!
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!
Eighth Grade Youth Group + Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-7): We will begin the new year with meetings on Wednesday, January 3, 5:30-7:00 PM in the St. John the Baptist Room.
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 HSYG. 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
Weather Notice: ALL youth groups & sports events are cancelled on same day/night that school is closed or EFF is cancelled. Check the website for the latest info.
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 16-17, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $25,061.50
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,347.50]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 6,499.00
Total Regular Collection: $31,560.50
Number of adult envelope contributions: 690
Auto-Giving: Join close to 300 fellow parishioners and enroll in Auto-Giving by contacting Sam Venuti (610-646-6515 or svenuti @stelizabethparish.org).
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) and a statement will be mailed out to you promptly. Thank you for your generosity to Saint Elizabeth Church!
A Word of Appreciation
Thank you to all who have contributed to our liturgical celebrations for Christmas: church cleaners & decorators; maintenance staff and sacristans; liturgical musicians and sound system operators; ushers, greeters & hospitality ministers; altar servers, readers & extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion; our deacons and an actively participating congregation – all had a significant role in making Christmas at Saint Elizabeth a time of prayerful joy. Thanks to all!
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.
Happy New Year 2018 to One and All!