A Word from Father Mullin
Congratulations to the 120 boys and girls who celebrated the Sacrament of First Penance/Reconciliation with their parents and families here at Saint Elizabeth this weekend.
Can you remember your first confession? I suspect that many of us can not recall much of that initial experience of sacramental forgiveness in our childhood. More importantly, can you remember your last confession? If it has been quite some time since you went to confession, now is a good time of year to come: there are no long lines and plenty of quiet time in church to examine your conscience and pray for forgiveness.
Fr. John Stokely and I are available for individual confession on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM in the daily Mass chapel. Come experience anew the wonderful words of the psalms: God’s mercy endures forever!
Fr. Tom Mullin
Exton-Lionville Ministerium News
All are invited to participate in the annual Prayer Service for Christian Unity this Sunday, January 21, at 7:00 PM in the Exton Community Baptist Church. Rev.
Gary Jacabella, pastor of the Exton United Methodist Church, will preach on the 2018 theme: Your Right Hand, O Lord, Glorious in Power (Exodus 15:6).
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
Confirmation News
Bishop John McIntyre will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 28, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The Confirmation rehearsals 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! For more info, please call the parish office (610-321-1200).
Mass Intentions for the Week
January 20-21: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Carmen Costa, Sr.
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Matthew Haggerty
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Priests of St. Elizabeth Parish
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Protection of the Unborn
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Eleanor Angstadt
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- John Ramagano
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Steven Kacenjar (1st Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Edward & Susan Schmitz
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Jesse Taylor Pratt
January 27-28:Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Thomas Schatt
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Edward Linkiewicz
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Peter & Joan Rehil
Readings: Deuteronomy 18/15-20; Psalm 95; 1 Corinthians 7/32-35; Mark 1/21-28
Miraculous Medal Novena: All are welcome to come for novena prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Saturday mornings at 7:50 AM, followed by a Rosary for Life at 8:00 AM in the daily Mass chapel.
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. All are welcome to include the names of their loved ones in the Prayer Ministry Book located outside the chapel to have them remembered in prayer during Exposition.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Laurence Brescia; JoAnn Colletti; Sheila Flynn; Stephen Guminski; Rev. Michael Hennelly; Leah Hoopes; Joanne Kovaleski; Nguyen Lan; Linda Malgieri; Trinh Phan and Tammy Swan.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Marie Altieri; Lloyd Shepps, husband of Janet Shepps; Helen O’Driscoll, sister of Anne Lefebvre; Anne Kauffman, mother of Thomas Kauffman; and James Calista, father of Joan Kelly. May our departed loved ones rest in peace.
Parish School News
Open House for Catholic Schools Week: All are welcome to tour our school next Sunday, January 28, 12:30-2:00 PM. Come and see why Saint Elizabeth Parish School is a special place to learn. Application materials will be available for students looking to enroll for the 2018-2019 school year.
Reminder about Re-Registration: The deadline for re-registration of current students and early application for incoming siblings is this Thursday, January 25.
Sneak a Peek: We will be holding sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Tuesday, Feb. 27, 9:30-11:00 AM. This program is designed for new children entering kindergarten or first grade in September of 2018. Discover what a school day is like at Saint Elizabeth Parish School. For more information, call the school office at 610-646-6540.
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are currently available through FACTS Grant & Aid. Late applications must be submitted by March 31. The application link is available on the parish school website, on the Archdiocesan BLOCS website and at https://online. factsmgt.com/aid.
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, February 10 and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, March 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.
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 January, we are praying the Our Father. Check the parish website and Facebook page for weekly posts on this prayer.
Middle School Faith Formation: Seventh & eighth graders are invited to a study series entitled: Theology of the Body for Teens, Middle School Edition on Monday evenings, January 22 through March 19, 6:30- 7:45 PM. Details and registration are on the parish website. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan (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. The series begins this Tuesday, January 23, either at 9:30-11:00 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. Register online ASAP at goo.gl/4ZcwZY or call Donna Skinner (610-873-0508).
Family Life Ministry
Enrichment Workshop for Married & Engaged Couples:
Do you and your partner speak the same love language? Couples who understand each others' love language have a priceless advantage in the quest for love that lasts a lifetime. Join us on Saturday, February 10, after the 8:30 AM morning Mass, 9:00 AM-12 noon in the parish social hall as parishioners Mary and Tom Dominiecki lead a discussion on how to discover more about each other. RSVP by Monday, February 5, either on the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) or to Gen Miceli at
Pastoral Outreach
Poor Box Program: Thanks to the generous donations of parishioners, we were able to send a check for $3,585.69 to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society serving the needy of the Downingtown & Coatesville areas. Your donations will be put to good use especially during the cold winter we have been having. To volunteer with Saint Vincent de Paul Society, contact Susan Lindsey (
Senior Adult Ministry
Game Day: Fight the winter doldrums and come out to play this Thursday, January 25, at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. All are welcome. Bring a friend too!
SAM Lunch and Learn: He's back! On Thursday, February 8, at 10:30 AM, Tom Beccone will present Family History 1.01! You will learn about how to construct a family history/genealogy, how to use a pre-set genealogy program like Family Tree Maker, and how that program is integrated with Ancestry.com, etc. What a nice gift for your family and future generations! RSVP to Gen Miceli in the Parish Services Office.
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
Mark your 2018 calendars: The SDOS (Stewardship Day of Service) is April 14. This hands-on service day is an opportunity for parishioners of all ages to live out their commitment to a stewardship way of life. Why not save the date now and plan to volunteer on April 14? Look for more info in the bulletin and on the parish website in the coming weeks.
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
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.
SEAM
Think Spring and Baseball/Softball: CYO registration is open for both boys and girls, now through February 17. For registration information, go to www.stelizabethparish.org and follow the links for the Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM).
Knights of Columbus
K of C Free Throw Contest: It’s not too late to register for the 2018 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition next Sunday, January 28, 5:15 PM in the parish gym. All boys and girls ages 9-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition. Go online to www.kofc13141.org and follow the link for Free Throw Championship.
Liturgical Life Note
Low Gluten Communion Hosts: To accommodate the health needs of parishioners and guests, low gluten Communion hosts are available at weekend & daily Mass. For more info, call 610-321-1200.
Words from the Pastor
Even though you are out of town or away on vacation, you can still listen to our pastor’s weekend homilies. Go to the parish website (stelizabethparish.org) and scroll down the home page for “Words from our Pastor.”
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for January 6-7
Weekend Contributions: $23,641.50
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,400.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $25,460.59
Total Regular Collection: $49,102.09
Number of adult envelope contributions: 743
Christmas Collection: To date we have received a total of $142,037.49 from 1,026 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!
Auto-Giving: Thanks to the 298 families now participating in Auto-Giving to ensure a consistent financial support to the parish throughout the year. To enroll in Auto-Giving, contact Sam Venuti (610-646-6515 or
Special Collection: Thank you for your support of this weekend's annual appeal for Catholic Relief Services. Additional contributions may be dropped into the regular collection basket at Mass next weekend or sent directly to the parish ministry center during the week.
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.
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.
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Kindergarten Daisies: Monday (1/22), 3:30 PM, Art Room
CRHP- Men’s Formation: Monday (1/22), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Called & Gifted: Monday (1/22), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 6:30 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Finance Council: Tuesday (1/23), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
SAM Game Day: Thursday (1/25), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
1st Grade Daisies: Friday (1/26), 3:00 PM, CLC
Pre-Cana: Friday (1/26), 7:00 PM and Saturday (1/27), 8:30 AM, Social Hall, St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Luke
Parish School Open House: Sunday (1/28), 12:30 PM, Education Center
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest: Sunday (1/28), 5:15 PM
Ministerium Church Unity Prayer Service: Sunday (1/28), 7:00 PM, Exton Community Baptist Church
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (1/29), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
EFF Theology of the Body Program: Tuesday (1/30), 6:30 PM , Holy Family Room
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (1/30), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Adult Faith Formation Committee: Tuesday (1/30), 7:30 PM, St. John the Baptist
CRHP-Women: Wednesday (1/31), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
New Evangelization Committee: Wednesday (1/31), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
Stewardship Day of Service Team: Wednesday (1/31), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Unit Secretary: Camilla Hall Nursing Home is seeking a FT Unit Secretary, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Excellent communication and computer skills required. Knowledge of medical terminology a plus. Please contact Human Resources at 484-321-5630 or email hr@camilla>
hall.org.
Part-Time Sacristan Needed: SS. Peter & Paul Parish, West Chester, seeks a part-time sacristan for daily and Sunday Masses. Approximately 16 hours per week: 8:00-10:00 AM Monday through Friday and 7:00 AM-1:00 PM Sundays with flexibility for additional time on Holy Days and special occasions. Salary information available upon inquiry. Experience is preferred but not required. For more information, please contact Fr. Brody at the Parish Center (610-692-2216)
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
Medical Assistant/LPN Needed: Established medical practice in Exton is looking for a mature, responsible, dependable person to work 25-30 hours per week (some evenings required). Experience with Electronic Medical Records preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. Paid vacation and personal days. Email resume to
Villa Maria Lower School: Children ages 0-4 and a parent or care-giver 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 (
IHM Discernment Retreat: Young women (18-35) are invited to this retreat which focuses on the IHM Charism and the importance of listening to God’s call and discovering the many ways that God speaks to us, on Friday, January 26, 6:00 PM through Sunday, January 28 (1:00 PM) at the Villa Maria House of Studies (IHM Motherhouse), Immaculata, PA. 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, contact
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).
Martin Saints Classical High School: Now accepting applications for 9th and 10 grade. Come to our Information Night and Open House on Thursday, February 1, 7:00 PM, in the Fr. Szal Room, of Holy Martyrs Church, Oreland, PA. MSC offers a classical education integrated with mathematics and natural sciences. Regular outdoor adventures and opportunities for corporal works of mercy are included. To RSVP or for more information, contact Adam Dickerson (adickerson@martinsaints>
classical.org).
Flame of Love Event: Join us on Friday, Februay 2 at St. Charles Seminary beginning at 6:00 PM. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 PM. Celebrant and Homilist is Father James Blount, SOLT. For more info contact Annie Myers (
Vigil for Life: Pray as volunteer Helpers of God's Precious Infants in a Vigil for Life on Saturday, February 3, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
Sacred Heart Academy, Bryn Mawr: Open House and Scholarship Exam, Saturday, February 3 (snow date Saturday, February10). Visit www.sharbrynmawr.org for details and registration info.
Malvern Retreat House: Women’s Tea, Sunday, February 4, 2:00-4:00 PM, with speaker Meghan Cokeley; Valentine Evening For Couples, Sunday, February ll, 5:00-9:00 PM; romantic dinner,
renewal of vows, talk by Paul & Miriam Isenberg and a special Mass celebrated by Rector, Fr. John Meyers; Ash Wednesday Retreat, February 14, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, includes continental breakfast and delicious lunch, Sacrament of Reconciliation, special talks and Mass. This day is open to men, women and families. For more info and registration visit www.malvernretreat.com.
St. Mary’s Polish American Society: All are invited to a Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Polka Dance Party at the TK Club in Conshohocken, Sunday, February 11, noon to 5:00 PM. Event will feature live Polka music, delicious Polish food, 50/50, other games of chance, basket raffle and baked goods for sale. Families are welcome. There will be games for children with plenty of prizes. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 day of event; children $7 and free for children 6 and under. For tickets, email
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 two weekend are February 16-18, 2018, and April 13-15 at the Family Life Center in Malvern. For more information, or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 1-800-470-2230. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
Unbound: Freedom in Christ: The Archdiocesan Office for the New Evangelization is sponsoring this one-day conference on Saturday, February 24, 9:00 AM-4:45 PM at SS. Simon & Jude Parish, Meehan Hall, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester. Registration is $50; Priests, Religious and College Students is $20 which includes morning refreshments and lunch. For more information and registration visit phillyevang.org/events.
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, Northeast Philadelphia: Join us for a Women’s Retreat entitled “Spirit-Filled Evanglizers” on February 23-25 beginning at 7:00 PM and concluding Sunday following Noon dinner. Fee is $170 (includes $40 non-refundable deposit). Registrations received prior to February 13 receive a $20 discount. For more information visit msbt.org.
Save the Date: 10th Annual ManUp Philly, Saturday, March 3 at Neumann University, Aston, PA. For more information and registration visit wwwmanupphilly.com.
Neighborhood Hospice Seeking Volunteers: Our highly skilled, compassionate clinical staff provide best-practice care whenever our clients call home; such as: private residences, skilled nursing facilities and continuous care communities. We also have a dedicated hospice inpatient unit for symptom management and short term respite care for our clients. Our volunteer needs include both direct patient contact and non-patient contact opportunities. All are non-medical positions. If interested, please contact Janice Gathercole at 610-696-8312 ext. 169,
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, January 21, 2018
2017-2021 PASTORAL PLAN
Our 2017-2021 Saint Elizabeth Pastoral Plan is now complete! The Pastoral Plan serves as a guide to our spiritual growth as disciples and members of the Body of Christ and was developed upon the foundation of our previous pastoral plans. The new plan reflects where we are and where we are called to go as a parish community. The 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan includes a new vision, an updated mission, a set of core parish values for living as faithful disciples and a set of six pastoral goals and objectives.
OUR VISION
We are called by Jesus Christ to grow as a community of disciples, deepen our faith and be grateful stewards of God's gifts.
Our Vision expresses an image of the ideal that our parish community seeks to exemplify through our faithful living out of the pastoral plan. We are called to make this Vision the cornerstone of our thinking, prayer, attitudes and behaviors in our daily living. Take a few minutes to reflect upon three key aspects of Our Vision:
How are we a community? How are we to be His disciples? How are we to be stewards of God's gifts?
OUR MISSION
Our Mission (found on the front cover of the parish bulletin, inside front cover of the hymnal and on the parish website) expresses why Saint Elizabeth Church exists; it reminds us of our personal and communal identity in Christ and our shared responsibility to give witness to Christ for those around us and for the world at large.
Our Mission articulates the intentions and actions needed to bring Our Vision to life in the everyday circumstances of our families, neighborhoods, schools and work places. Our Mission is rooted in the fundamental affirmation of our identity as followers of Jesus Christ.
'to nourish and grow a holy, faithful and vibrant Catholic community...everyday, one person at a time.
As part of your Lenten journey this year, please join your fellow parishioners for:
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"Saint Elizabeth 2021 The Pastoral Plan, Our Future" Saturday, February 24, 2018 Mass at 8:30 AM in church, followed by an interactive discussion & workshop 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM in the parish social hall. Please RSVP at: https://goo.g1/BgOD8X |
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For more information, please visit the parish website at: www.srelizabethparish.org,
May God continue to guide and sustain all of us on our spiritual journey at Saint Elizabeth Church!
PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THE SICK AND DECEASED
For your information, since the spring of 2013, the following practices have been in place for the prayerful remembrance of sick and deceased parishioners, family members and friends:
General Intercessions at Weekend Mass:
When the parish ministry center is notified, the names of sick parishioners, their family members, friends or co-workers are announced individually within the General Intercessions at weekend Mass for two weeks, after which these individuals are remembered in a more general way within the General Intercessions by the use of the phrase: "and all those whose names are listed in this week's parish bulletin."
When the parish ministry center is notified, the names of deceased parishioners, their family members, friends or co-workers are announced individually within the General Intercessions at weekend Mass for two weeks.
Prayer Corner in the Parish Bulletin:
When the parish ministry center is notified, the names of sick parishioners, their family members, friends or co-workers are listed individually in the weekly parish bulletin for one month, after which it falls upon the requesting parishioner to contact the parish ministry center again to have the individual ' s name included in the parish bulletin for another month. The names of deceased parishioners and the immediate family members of parishioners are announced in the weekly parish bulletin for one week; for this purpose "immediate family members" include a spouse, child, parent, direct in-law, grandparent and an individual sharing the same household as the parishioner making the request.
Note: It is helpful for those making a request for prayers to notify the parish ministry center when the sick person recovers or passes away, so that the prayerful remembrance might be adjusted in a timely manner.
Pastoral Care for the Sick and the Bereaved:
When the parish ministry center is notified that a parishioner is sick or hospitalized, the sick person's name and contact information is forwarded to the Pastoral Care Team for follow-up visitation, Holy Communion and/or other supportive services.
When a parishioner has died, a Mass card is sent to the family, designating the deceased for a specific Mass Intention on the closest available date to the first anniversary of the individual ' s death; if the individual 's funeral services are being arranged through the parish, the deceased's name and contact information is forwarded to the Bereavement Ministry Team for their assistance with funeral preparations,
When the parish ministry center is informed that an immediate family member of a parishioner has died, a Mass card is sent to the parishioner, including the deceased by name in the next available Parish Memorial Mass on the first Saturday of each month; normally a maximum of 12 individuals are included at each Memorial Mass.
A list of deceased parishioners and the immediate family members of parishioners is maintained at the parish ministry center and shared with the Bereavement Ministry Team, so that the families of the deceased are included in the various events sponsored by the Bereavement Ministry Team throughout the year.