A Word from Father Mullin
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says this about the homily at Mass:
The homily is part of the Liturgy and is highly recommended, for it is necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life. ... It should take into account both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners. (#65)
Today’s Gospel (Mark 1:29-39) highlights the central place of preaching in the ministry of Jesus, while the second reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-23) reflects the centrality of preaching in the ministry of Saint Paul. It is primarily through the homily at Mass that the preaching ministry of both Jesus and Paul continues in our own time.
While we priests and deacons who are charged with the ministry of preaching vary greatly in our human skills, all of us need the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God effectively. So today I encourage our parishioners to pray for us who have been entrusted with the responsibility to preach God’s Word for the nurturing of Christian life at Saint Elizabeth.
Fr. Tom Mullin
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
This weekend we remember in prayer the more than 3,000 religious priests, sisters and brothers serving in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including our weekend assistant, Father Francis Chambers, OSA. May God continued to bless them with the grace to remain faithful to their consecration to the Lord Jesus!
2018 Catholic Charities Appeal
This is the kick-off weekend for the 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal. This year's theme, 60 Years of Giving Hope to All, reflects the broad focus of the Catholic Charities appeal in supporting close to 180 beneficiaries in five key areas of the Church's life and ministry: education; social services; evangelization and parish spiritual life; clergy and religious; and mission activities, both locally and worldwide. Brochures and donation envelopes are available in the church narthex.
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Barbara Cox
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Thomas Lapworth
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Deceased of LaPenna Family
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Theresa Musea
Friday, 7:30 AM- Ben Valocchi
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Teresa Patynowski
February 10-11:Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Deceased of Lammendola Fam.
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Deceased of Batt & Mutz Fam.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Regina Black
Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46; Psalm 32; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45.
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; Donald Capuano; James Curran; Chiara Scotto Di Marco; Carol Ernste; Sheila Flynn; Stephen Guminski; Rosalie Hetrick; Barbara Hieber; Anne Marie Hulstein; Louis Martel; Thomas Melvin; Eugene Minahan; Daniel Pflaum; Ed Schmitt; Michael Smith; Tammy Swan and Catherine Tyas.
We also remember those who have died, including Biaggio Ambrosino, father of Chiara Scotto Di Marco; Marinell Lamkin, mother of Susan Brennan; Shirley Duffy, mother of Mark Duffy; Colete Champagne, mother of Michelle Giardino; and Wictor Szymanski, father of Jolanta Kloc. May they all rest in peace!
Family Life Ministry
Enrichment Workshop for Married & Engaged Couples:
It's almost Valentine's Day! Why not treat yourselves to the Five Languages of Love this Saturday, February 10? Join us for Mass at 8:30 AM, followed by an interactive workshop, led by parishioners Mary and Tom Dominiecki in the social hall, 9:00 AM-Noon. Light food and drink will be provided. RSVP by this Monday, February 5, to Gen Miceli (gmiceli@st elizabethparish.org; 610-646-6550).
Adult Faith Formation
One Book-One Parish: Join us this 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, contact DRE Beth Riordan (briordan@stelizabeth parish.org or 610-646-6545). Walk-ins are welcome!
Women at the Well: All are welcome for a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in chapel this Friday, February 9, 9:00-10:00 AM. Come and spend some time preparing for the Sunday Liturgy before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. For more information, contact Corinne Murphy (
Walking With Purpose: Come out for a Coffee Connect next Wednesday, February 14, at 9:00 AM in the St. Matthew conference room to meet other women seeking to connect more with Christ and the parish community. For more info, contact Ginny Swiatek (610-458-0486 or
Lenten Soup Supper: Save the date for a free Lenten Soup Supper on Friday, February 23, at 5:30 PM in the social hall. Lenten activities for all ages will be offered during the supper and Stations of the Cross, led by the Youth Group, will follow at 7:00 PM in church.
Senior Adult Ministry
SAM Lunch and Learn: This 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. RSVP to Gen Miceli in the Parish Services Office (610-646-6550).
Interfaith Action Community
As part of our ongoing relationship with the Interfaith Action Community, which is sponsoring a series of visits to area religious groups, our parishioners are invited to a tour of the Hindu Mandir Center, located at 348 Boot Road in Downingtown, this Thursday, February 8, 7:00-8:30 PM. To register for the program, email
Join members of local Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim communities in working together to build bridges among our various faith traditions, 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.
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 (610-646-6545 or
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children baptized in January: Beatrice Greiner; Annabel Ebright; Brennan McGuigan; Olivia White; Luke Willson and Alexander Rufo. Congratulations to their parents & godparents, too!
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held this coming 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.
Parish School News
Catholic Schools Week: Thank you to all of the parents and students who helped with this year's celebration of Catholic Schools Week. And thanks to all who came to our Open House last Sunday. If you missed the Open House or would like a second look, call 610-646-6540.
New Student Applications: The application process is now underway. For more information, please call the school office (610-646-6540).
Sneak-a-Peek: Come out on Tuesday, February 13; on Tuesday, February 27; or 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. Call 610-646-6540.
Elementary Faith Formation
EFF Volunteers Needed: Our program relies upon dedicated volunteers to serve as office helpers, classroom assistants, substitutes and car-line attendants. To offer your help, contact DRE Beth Riordan (610- 646-6545 or
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 February we are praying a simple prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts:
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me and dying for me on the cross. Thank you for opening to me the way to heaven. I love you very much. I invite you into my heart and to fill me with your peace. Amen.
Check the parish website and Facebook page for weekly posts on this prayer.
Family Life Ministry
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 Tuesday, 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 News
Casserole Collection: Thank you to all who cooked a casserole for Saint John's Hospice in January. We sent 56 casseroles last month. Please keep those casseroles coming! Pans are located in the narthex.
The next collection dates are February 10-11 and March 10-11. Drop off meals in the social hall kitchen before weekend Masses or at the parish office on the Friday before or by 9:00 AM on the Monday after the collection. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Operation Rice Bowl: All are invited to the Vianney Hall auditorium of St. Charles Seminary on Tuesday, February 20, 7:00 PM, to hear the inspirational story of hope and transformation shared by Thomas Awiapo of Catholic Relief Services, Ghana. Some parishioners may remember Thomas' visit to Saint Elizabeth back in 2012. For more information and to RSVP, contact Jeff Wallace at CRS at
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 Music Ministry: Meets weekly on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the CLC.
High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12): Meets weekly on Tuesday nights in the CLC, 7:00-8:30 PM.
Middle School and Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Both groups meet this Wednesday, February 7, 5:30 PM in the gym and St. John the Baptist room.
Elementary School Youth Group: The next Free Play night is this Saturday, February10, 6:30 PM in the gym.
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).
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for January 20-21
Weekend Contributions: $25,941.00
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,329.50]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $15,824.43
Total Regular Collection: $41,765.43
Number of adult envelope contributions: 659
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.