A Word from Father Stokely
"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
We would all love it if we could hear God's voice clearly in our daily lives. However, God's Word is of little value if we do not allow it to penetrate into the depths of our hearts - that is, to allow the Word of God to change our lives. The Psalmist reminds us that we may not hear God's voice at every moment of our lives, but when we do we better listen and be open to its transformative power.
Perhaps we can all spend a little extra time this week in prayer to listen carefully to what God might want to tell us. And if we hear Him speak, may we also have the grace to open our hearts to His Word.
Fr. John Stokely
2018 National Catholic Schools Week
Today we begin a week-long national celebration of Catholic schools. The theme of this year’s celebration is: Catholic Schools: Learn- Serve- Lead- Succeed. The theme reflects our parish school’s mission to provide for our children a sound faith formation as disciples of Jesus Christ, a quality academic education and a lifelong commitment to stewardship service for others.
This week we offer a two-fold word of appreciation and thanks: first, to our parish school principal, Dr. Diane Greco, the faculty & staff, and the many parent volunteers who provide stewardship service all year long; and second, to the parishioners of Saint Elizabeth whose financial support makes it possible for us to offer a Catholic elementary school education for our families.
Open House: All are welcome to tour our school this 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 next school year.
Blessing of Throats
For the feast of Saint Blase this coming Saturday, February 3, we will have the traditional blessing of throats within the 8:30 AM Mass in the chapel. All are welcome to the Mass & throat blessing at that time.
Exton-Lionville Ministerium News
The annual Prayer Service for Christian Unity was postponed from last Sunday to this Sunday, January 28, 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).
All are welcome to participate in the prayer service with members of seven area Christian churches.
Mass Intentions for the Week
January 27-28: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Thomas Schutt
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Edward Linkiewicz
Sunday, 11:30 AM-Peter & Joan Reehil
Monday, 7:30 AM- Constanza Geigel
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Jason Leonard Fahmy
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Ben Valocchi
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Joan Greco
Friday, 7:30 AM- Susan Fanella
11:00 AM- Intentions of Cecilia & Michael Colgan
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Parish Memorial Mass
Theresa Conley; Stephen Dallas; Eugene Daly; Morris Damato; Victoria DiMichael; Michael Hamilton; Lorraine Hutton; Peter Ippolito; Stephen Kalucki; John Lazarich; Regina Murphy and Gertrude Phillips.
February 3-4:Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Mitchell Batt
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Mary Dippold
Sunday, 11:30 AM- H. Vincent Nolan
Readings: Job 7:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 147; 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23; Mark 1: 29-29.
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: Exposition is held in the daily Mass chapel on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM. All are welcome to list the names of their loved ones in the Prayer Ministry Book outside the chapel to have them remembered in prayer.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Ryen Bethel; Laurence Brescia; Donald Capuano; JoAnn Colletti; Patrick Cooney; Carol Ernste; Sheila Flynn; Stephen Guminski; Barbara Hieber; Joanne Kovaleski; Richard Landvatter; Linda Malgieri; Daniel Pflaum; Trinh Phan; Michael Smith and Tammy Swan.
We also remember those who have died, including Rita Chambers, mother of Fr. Frank Chambers. May our departed loved ones rest in peace.
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
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.
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 services office (610-646-6550).
Parish School News
CSW Closing Mass: All parishioners, friends, and neighbors are welcome to join the parish school students, faculty and staff for the Closing Mass of Catholic Schools Week this Friday, February 2, at 11:00 AM in church.
New Student Applications: The new student application process for parish families begins this Tuesday, January 30, and for non-parish families this Wednesday, January 31. For more information, please call Liz Oulton (610-646-6540).
Sneak-a-Peek: We are holding Sneak-a-Peek sessions on Tuesday, February 13, on Tuesday, February 27, and on Wednesday, March 14, 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 info, call 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.
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: It’s not too late for seventh & eighth graders to join a study series entitled: Theology of the Body for Teens, Middle School Edition in the Holy Family Room (in church) on Monday evenings, now through March 19, 6:30-7:45 PM. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan (610-646-6545 or
Adult Faith Formation
One Book-One Parish: Join us on Wednesday, February 7, at 7:00 PM in the St. Luke Conference Room for our book club discussion of Christy Wilson Beam’s work, Miracles from Heaven. For more info, please contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Family Life Ministry
Enrichment Workshop for Married & Engaged Couples: Do you and your partner speak the same love language? Check out the flyer in today's bulletin to find out how to find out if you really do!
Pre-Cana Program: Thanks to our parish Pre-Cana team for hosting seventeen engaged couples at the marriage preparation program this weekend. If you or someone you know is planning to be married, consider registering for our next Pre-Cana program on September 28-29. You can register online at the parish website.
The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide: This program is intended for men and women who have suffered from divorce or separation. The eight-week series is led by Dr. Diane Thompson and meets in the Holy Family Room (in church), at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays, March 6- April 24. Some topics covered include shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, the kids, annulment and much more. Whether you got divorced ten days ago or ten years ago, the program offers valuable insight for everyone. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register by email (
Pastoral Outreach: Poor Box Program
The generosity of our parishioners is reflected in the poor box donations collected each month. Check out the insert in today's bulletin for a full report of poor box donations between 2007 and 2017. Thank you for your continued generosity to those who need help the most.
Senior Adult Ministry
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
The Stewardship Day of Service (April 14) is a hands-on opportunity for parishioners of all ages to live out their commitment to share their time in service to others. Plan now to volunteer for the 2018 SDOS on Saturday, April 14. Look for registration information in upcoming parish bulletins and on the parish website.
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.
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 and Track & Field: CYO baseball registration is open now until February 17. Registration for the 2018 Track & Field season is also now open. The season begins on March 1. For registration information, please visit www.stelizabeth parish.org and follow the links for Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM).
Interfaith Action Community
As part of our ongoing relationship with the Interfaith Action Community, which is sponsoring an ongoing series of visits to area religious groups, our parishioners are invited to a tour of the Hindu Mandir Center (348 Boot Road in Downingtown) on Thursday, February 8, 7:00-8:30 PM. To register for the program, email
Join members of local Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities in working together to build bridges among our various faith traditions in Northern Chester County, to foster mutual understanding and open dialogue with one another, and to work together in service of the wider community of our sisters and brothers.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for January 13-14
Weekend Contributions: $20,790.85
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,015.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $17,356.50
Total Regular Collection: $38,147.35
Number of adult envelope contributions: 685
Thanks to the 157 donors who have contributed a total of $4,101 to this year’s appeal in support of Catholic Relief Services. Additional contributions may be sent directly to the parish ministry center during the week.
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
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
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
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (1/29), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 6:30 PM, St. Matthew
EFF Theology of the Body Program: Mondays (through March 19), 6:30 PM , Holy Family Room
Catholics Coming Home Team Meeting: Monday (1/29), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP Men: Monday (1/29), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (1/29), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM, SS. Matthew, Mark & Luke; 6:30 PM, St. Matthew
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (1/30), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Adult Faith Formation Committee: Tuesday (1/30), 7:30 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
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
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Catholic Schools Week Closing Mass: Friday (2/2). 11:00 AM, Church
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) Team: Monday (2/5), 3:00 PM, St. Luke
Called & Gifted: Monday (2/5), 6:30 PM, St Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (2/5), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (2/5), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (2/6), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (2/7), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Pack Meeting: Wednesday (2/7), 6:00 PM, Social Hall, CLC, Teacher’s Lounge
One Book One Parish: Wednesday (2/7), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Girls Scouts: Wednesday (2/7), 7:00 PM, Education Center Library
Parish Youth Council: Thursday (2/8), 6:00 PM, CLC
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Helper/Companion Needed: An elderly woman in Chester Springs is in need of a helper/companion. For more information please contact MaryAnne at 610-321-9854.
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
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: Join Rev. Joseph J. Getz, O.S.A., 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.
Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) of Chester County: Looking for Irish Ladies! The LAOH is a Catholic group for any woman of Irish decent or married to a member of AOH. Our motto “Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity” drives our group. Come enjoy tea and scones with us on Sunday, February 4, 1:00 PM, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Chester. For more info and/or to sign-up for the tea, email
Archdiocesan Vocation Office News: Heed the Call! Tune into the Vocation Office Facebook page (@PhillyPriest) on Monday, February 5, 7:00 PM to learn more about the Labouré Society and how they can help support and encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For more information and questions call Sue Matour at 610-667-5778
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 wherever 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,