A Word from Father Mullin
Today’s Solemnity of the Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus as Savior of the whole world. As we begin this new year, I encourage you to ask yourself one simple question: How will I make Jesus known to others in the course of 2018? Let us pray together that others will come to know and follow Christ through the witness of our words and the example of our actions. Happy New Year 2018 to one and all!
Fr. Tom Mullin
Pastoral Visit by Our Regional Bishop
Today we welcome Bishop John McIntyre, who is celebrating the 9:30 AM Mass and greeting parishioners in the narthex after Mass. May God continue to bless Bishop McIntyre’s episcopal ministry in the Church of Philadelphia throughout the New Year 2018!
Catholics Coming Home
A special six-week program, No Greater Love - Catholics Coming Home, begins this 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.
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 this 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. 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).
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
Blessing of Sacramental Candidates
To involve the wider parish community in prayerful support of those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation or First Holy Eucharist this Spring, we are conducting a presentation and blessing of sacramental candidates at the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses this weekend.
Parishioners are invited to take an ornamental name tag from the prayer tree in the narthex this weekend and then remember that child by name in prayer as he or she prepares for the reception of the sacraments.
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Deceased of the Jurato Family
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Eleanor Angstadt
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Faye Taraschi
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Walter Hausdorf (13th Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Rosemarie Carlantonio
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Mitchell Batt
January13-14: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Diane Kovaleski
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Harold Gibson, Jr.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Felix Paradiso
Readings: 1 Samuel 3/3b-10, 19; Psalm 40;1 Corinthians 6/13c-15a, 17-20; John 1/35-42
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: This Monday, January 8, Exposition will open at Noon and close at 4:30 PM to accommodate a morning funeral and afternoon EFF classes. Beginning on Monday, January 15, Exposition will extend till 8:30 PM, as usual.
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 (
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Laurence Brescia; James Calista; Patrick Cerullo; Robert Fitch; Leah Hoopes; Marinell Lamkin; Nguyen Lan; Marian Norton; John Simoylo and Tammy Swan.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Helen Carey, mother of Margaret Hoffman; Morris Damato, father of Neil Damato; Theresa Conley, sister of Debbie Boaman; Peter Ippolito, father of Joseph Ippolito; Stephen Kalucki, father of Thomas Kalucki; John Lazarich, brother of Dorothy Kronenberg and John Mc Nally, brother of James Mc Nally. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following children baptized during December:
Aurora Rose De Stefano; Cole Scott Lafferty; Scarlett Elizabeth Lafferty; Brody Andrew Urbine; Hollie Marie Hannagan; Lillymay Victoria Hannagan; Juan Pablo Moreno; Zara Grace Patel; Leonardo Augusto Manghisi; Madison Ruth Emanuele and Madelyn Ruth Hogan. Congratulations to their parents and godparents.
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held this 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.
Adult Faith Formation
Adult Bible Study: All are invited to a special 8-week series entitled Mary, A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother. 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).
First Penance/Reconciliation
All are welcome to attend the celebration of First Penance on Saturday, January 20, at 11:00 AM. Some 120 girls and boys are making their first confession as they continue to prepare to receive Holy Communion during the Easter season. May God bless them all!
Parish School News
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 students looking to enroll 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 this 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.
Elementary Faith Formation
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 the parish website or contact Beth Riordan (
Confirmation News
Bishop John McIntyre will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 28, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The rehearsals for Confirmation will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
The Confirmation retreats for candidates and parents will be held on Saturdays, March 10 and 17. Registration forms and sponsor forms are now past due!
Family Life Ministry
March for Life: This year’s annual March for Life will be held on Friday, January 19. Please see the insert in today’s parish bulletin for more information and/or stop at the Respect Life table in the narthex after Mass.
Enrichment Workshop for Married & Engaged Couples:
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. Parishioners Mary and Tom Dominiecki will lead a discussion on how to discover more about each other. Light food and beverages will be provided during the program. RSVP to Gen Miceli at
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
As you make plans for 2018, please hold Saturday, April 14, for the Saint Elizabeth Stewardship Day of Service. This is an opportunity for parishioners of all ages to participate in a wonderful service event to help communities in our local area. Why not join us? More details will follow in upcoming parish bulletins.
Pastoral Outreach News
Sharing Our Bounty: Don’t forget the food & toiletries collection next weekend, January 13-14. Donations go to The Lord’s Pantry and to Saint John’s Hospice. Canned and dry goods are needed to restock shelves and small or travel size toiletries are welcome. Thank you!
Casserole Collection: Thanks to those who prepared a a casserole for Saint John's Hospice this weekend. To volunteer to help collect casseroles, please contact Angie Fiore (
Senior Adult Ministry
Lunch and Learn: Join us this 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! Next Game Day: 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): The next meetings will be on Wednesday, January 17 at 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.
Pack 61 Cub Scouts: The next den meetings are on Wednesday, January 17, at 6:00 PM in the CLC.
Weather Notice: ALL youth groups & sports activities are cancelled on same day/night that school is closed or EFF is cancelled. Check the website for updated 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). Plan now to join us!
Knights of Columbus
K of C Free Throw Contest: Please see the insert in today’s parish bulletin for information about the 2018 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition on Sunday, January 28. All boys and girls ages 9-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for December 23-24, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $24,811.56
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,325.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $23,949.50
Total Regular Collection: $48,761.06
Number of adult envelope contributions: 627
Christmas Collection: To date we have received a total of $136,257.49 from 1,004 donors. For comparison’s sake, last year’s final total for the Christmas collection amounted to $130,326.98 from 1,022 donors. Thank you all for your support of Saint Elizabeth Church!
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.
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.