A Word from Father Mullin
Here we go again: another Lent is upon us! The words of Psalm 51 offer a simple prayer to recite each day throughout Lent: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
In what areas of your everyday life do you need to become more steadfast? Does your heart need to be “cleaned up” for Easter? Have a good Lent.....
Fr. Tom Mullin
A Word form Father Chambers
Dear Friends at St. Elizabeth:
Words hardly capture my profound gratitude for all the Masses, prayers, thoughts, presence and expressions of condolence at the death of my mother, Rita. Please know that the burden of grief and sorrow at the loss of Mom is somewhat lightened with all of your kindnesses.
Gratefully,
Father Frank Chambers, OSA
Lenten Soup Supper
All are invited to a free supper of soup, salad & bread this Friday, February 23, at 5:30 PM in the social hall. No advance registration is required. There will be hands on activities for children of all ages, so this is an event for the entire family! Plan to stay and pray together the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in church, led by the High School Youth Group Music Ministry.
Workshop on 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan
All are encouraged to attend a special interactive workshop entitled: Saint Elizabeth 2021- The Pastoral Plan, Our Future this Saturday, February 24, beginning with Mass at 8:30 AM. For more information, see the insert in today's parish bulletin and/or go to the home page of the parish website. Walk-ins are welcome!
Sacramental Reconciliation during Lent
Individual confessions are heard in chapel on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM and on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:00 PM. The Lenten Communal Penance Service with Individual Confessions will be held on Wednesday, March 21, at 7:00 PM.
Mass Intentions for the Week
February 17-18: First Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Joan Mulherin Parker
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Margaret Robison
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Deceased of Fieo Family
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Ann Robison
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Alden Ludlow (3rd Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Alice Nelson (63rd Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Josephine Spino (14th Ann) & Daniel Keating, Jr.
Friday, 7:30 AM- Deceased of Ostertag & Conwell Families
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Margaret Mullen
February 24-25: Second Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Deceased of Mc Avoy family
Sunday, 9:30 AM- William Wiedwald
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Glynn & Gerald Corbin
Readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Psalm 116; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10.
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 James Curran; Carol Ernste; Rosalie Hetrick; Barbara Hieber; Anne Marie Hulsteine; David Krzywicki; John Mayersk; Thomas Melvin; Eugene Minahan; Daniel Pflaum; Brad Rabold; Ed Schmitt and Michael Smith.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Luz Reyes Wild; Ann Marie Smith, the mother of James Smith; Nicola Ruggiero, the brother of Teresa Karr; Marie Shanahan, the mother of John Rowe; and Lurita Soprano, the mother of Grace Butler. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
RCIA News
Rite of Election: This Sunday afternoon our four catechumens (Jennifer Citrullo, Roxanne Barrett, David Gober and Isaiah Moore) and five candidates for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church (Theresa Auda, Robin Chronowski, Krista Ciarrocchi, James Colandene and Mia Shannon) are joining Archbishop Chaput for the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion in the Cathedral Basilica. May God bless them throughout Lent!
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 (
A Lenten Gift for the Whole Parish
Here's a gift for you to use in Lent and the rest of the year! There is no cost to you - only your time! Join your fellow parishioners for a 4-week video-based study that will give you A Lent to Remember. This program is a beautiful presentation of the transforming power of mercy in the Sacrament of Confession. To sign up for the Lenten program and all the other materials available, go to STE.Formed.org and the link for register now. Enter your name, email address and create a password and you're in! Think of FORMED as a Catholic Netflix. Peruse the content under Study, Watch, Listen, Read.
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, March 10, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, April 14. 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.
Confirmation retreats for candidates and parents will be held on Saturdays, March 10 (for those with last names A-L) and on March 17 (for those with last names M-Z). Each program begins with Mass at 8:30 AM in church and will conclude by 12:30 PM. Details are being sent to the candidates’ parents.
Parish School News
Parish School Advisory Council: Congratulations to three newly-elected members: Maureen Bellafante, Jim McHugh and Nicole Snyder, along with newly-appointed member, Victoria Johnson. Special thanks to retiring members Brian McGonagle and Joanne Metzger for their service to the council. Other council members include: Theresa Matalavage, Maria McDowell, and Al Riviezzo, together with Jennifer Dawson (faculty representative), Fr. John Stokely (parish staff representative), and Sara Richardson (communications coordinator). Thanks to all for their generous service!
Student Applications for 2018-2019: The application process for new students is now underway. Re-registration of current students are now overdue. For more information, please call the school office at 610-646-6540.
Science Fair: Congratulations to our 14 science fair winners in sixth and seventh grades! Winners are listed in Dr. Greco's weekly communication, available on our school website (www.stelizabethparishschool.org).
Sneak-a-Peek: Come out on Tuesday, February 27, or on Wednesday, March 14, 9:30-11:00 AM. This program is designed for children entering kindergarten or first grade in September of 2018. Discover what a school day is like at Saint Elizabeth Parish School. To participate, please 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
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, call 610- 646-6545.
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.
Adult Faith Formation
One Book-One Parish: The book club discussion postponed by bad weather last week has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 21, at 7:00 PM in the St. Matthew conference room. The group will be discussing Christy Wilson Beam’s work, Miracles from Heaven. Walk-ins are most welcome!
Save the Date: Join us for a special presentation by Deacon Al Mauriello entitled: Time of Decision: The Catholic Perspective on End of Life Issues, on Thursday, March 8, at 9:00 AM and again at 7:00 PM in the St. Matthew conference room.
Family Life Ministry
Do you know anyone who is divorced or separated and feels alienated from the Catholic Church? In an effort to reach out, the Family Life Ministry Team is sponsoring The Catholic’s Divorce Survivial Guide, an eight week program led by Dr. Diane Thompson. Reach out to those you may know. Invite them to come to the program. The program begins on Tuesday, March 6, at 7:00 PM in the church library. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register (so we have enough material) by calling 610-646-6550 or email
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
Registration is now open for the Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 14. Go to the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) and follow the links to complete the online registration for you and any family members. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate (children must be accompanied by a parent). Look for more info in next week’s bulletin insert.
Social Fellowship News
Free donuts! Stop in the social hall on Sunday, March 11, between 8:30 and 11:00 AM for a donut and a cup of coffee before or after Mass. Bring the kids, meet your friends, make some new ones, or bring along someone who may not have been to a donut social before!
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 will meet this Wednesday, February 21, 5:30 PM in the gym and St. John the Baptist room.
Elementary School Youth Group: The next Free Play night is on Saturday, March 10, at 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 Track & Field: Registration for the 2018 Track & Field season is 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).
2018 Catholic Charities Appeal
The 2018 Appeal is being conducted now through May. 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. Brochures and donation envelopes are available in the church narthex.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for February 3-4
Weekend Contributions: $21,839.50
[Amount of Loose Cash: $933.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $23,520.00
Total Regular Collection: $45,359.50
Number of adult envelope contributions: 693
Special Collection: Thank you for your support of this weekend’s annual collection to support the care of aged and infirm diocesan priests. Additional contributions may be sent directly to the parish ministry center.
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
Called & Gifted: Monday (2/19), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (2/19), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SEAM: Monday (2/19), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Sister Parish Planning Team: Monday (2/19), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (2/20), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (2/20), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
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
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (2/21), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (2/21), 6:00 PM, CLC & teachers’ dining room
Lenten Confession: Wednesdays (2/21 & 2/28), 6:30-7:00 PM, chapel
Stewardship Day of Service Committee: Wednesday (2/21), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Interfaith Action Committee: Wednesday (2/21), 7:00 PM, St Luke
SAM Game Day: Thursday (2/22), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
AFF Lenten Soup Supper: Friday (2/23), 5:30 PM, social hall
Parish Youth Council: Friday (2/23), 6:00 PM, CLC
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Fridays in Lent, 7:00 PM, church
PPC Interactive Workshop on Pastoral Plan: Saturday (2/24), 8:30 AM, church & social hall
Cheerleading Recognition: Saturday (2/24), 5:30 PM Mass in church & 6:30 PM in social hall
Grades 7 & 8 Theology of the Body Series: Mondays (thru March 19), 6:30 PM, Holy Family room
Liturgical Music Group Leaders: Monday (2/26), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Parish School Sneak-a-Peak: Tuesday (2/27), 9:30 AM, education center
AFF Committee: Tuesday (2/27), 7:30 PM, St. John the Baptist
CRHP Women: Wednesday (2/28), 6:30 PM, St. Mark
New Evangelization Committee: Wednesday (2/28), St. Luke
FFAC: Thursday (3/1), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
10th Annual ManUp Philly: Come out on Saturday, March 3, at Neumann University, Aston, PA. For more information and registration, visit www.manupphilly.com.
Group Tour of St. John Paul II Shrine and Washington Basilica: All members of the parish are invited to participate in a group pilgrimage, sponsored by the St. Elizabeth Knights of Columbus, on Saturday, April 21. The cost of the group tour is $45 per person, which includes transportation, admission to the shrines and a boxed lunch. Go online to www.kofc13141.org and follow the link for the pilgrimage details to sign up for the tour. All reservations must be made by March 10.
Part-Time Office Assistant Needed: Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharist in 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
Holy Martyrs, Oreland: Come pray in the presence of more than 100 Sacred Relics on Wednesday, February 21, beginning with 8:30 AM Mass until 6:30 PM. For more information call 215-884-8575, email
Weight Loss Program: The Trevose Behavior Modification Program (TBMP) is starting a new class in Exton on February 22. TBMP has no charges or membership fees. A voluntary contribution provides funds for expenses and supplies. Learn about your eating habits and activities and how to substitute good habits for bad habits. For more information and an application, contact Joanne Force (610-873-6148 or
Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford: Everyone is invited to attend a social media safety presentation on Thursday, February 22, at 6:30 PM. Josh Ochs, a nationally recognized presenter and author will speak on how parents can become involved in promoting the safe use of social media. The program is free. For more info and/or to register visit www.pjphs.org.
St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Wayne: Please join us on Saturday, February 24, for a light reception and presentation immediately following the 5:00 PM Mass. Presenters will be Dr. Theresa Burke, founder of The Living Scripture Institute, King of Prussia, and Fr. Dominic Allain, from London, International Pastoral Director for Grief to Grace. Come and learn about a local initiative with a national and international outreach which helps survivors of trauma to open their histories to a profound experience of healing in a fully integrated spiritual and psychological process. RSVP to
Celebrate Life Banquet 2018: All are invited to this Respect Life event on Sunday, February 25 at the Springfield Country Club. Speaker will be Ann McElhinney, the investigative journalist and film maker of a movie about abortionist Kermit Goosnell of Philadelphia and the effort to prosecute him. Tickets are $75 per person and available at
Alan Ames International Ministry: Come hear Alan Ames, Catholic Evangelist and Mystic with the Gift of Healing on Monday, February 26, at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Media; Tuesday, February 27, at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, Quakertown; or Wednesday, February 28, at SS. Simon & Jude Parish, West Chester. All three programs begin with Mass at 7:00 PM, followed by a talk and a healing service. For more info, visit www.alanames.org or contact one of the parishes directly.
Vigil for Life: Pray as volunteer Helpers of God's Precious Infants in a Vigil for Life on Saturday, March 3, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, Philadelphia: Come to the center on the weekend of March 9-11 for a retreat entitled “Journey of a Celtic Heart”. Carmel Boyle will invite us to pray with Celtic themes through song and reflection. Fee: $175 for the weekend (includes a $40 non-refundable deposit); $90 for commuters (includes a $25 non-refundable deposit). For more information and/or to register, call 267-350-1830 or 1831 or email
25th Annual Marian Day: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Legion of Mary: Mary, Mother of the Blessed Sacrament Praesidium, cordially invites you to the 25th Annual Marian Day on Saturday, March 17, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Speaker is Tim Staples from Catholic Answers. Please RSVP by March 1 by email (
Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries: Post-Abortion Healing Retreat, March 9-11 in Malvern-Frazer, PA. For more information and/or to register call Lauren (215-720-5828) or Priscilla (215-906-6337). All inquiries are strictly confidential. Financial aid is offered if needed.
Bishop Shanahan High School: 7th grade Visitation Day, Wednesday, March 14, at 8:30 AM; 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Open House, Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 PM; and 7th Grade Practice Test, Saturday, April 7, 8:00 AM. Tours and Shadow Days are available year round. For more information and to register for events visit shanahan.org/admissions or call 610-343-6206.
Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth: “Who Cares for the Caregiver” Weekend Retreat, March 16-18. This weekend retreat is for personal and professional caregivers and offers space for rest, reflection and renewal. For more information and/or to register, visit www.jesuitcenter.org or email Melinda at
Annunciation BVM, Havertown: Flame of Love Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 24, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Speaker/Homilist is Monsignor John Esseff. Free of Charge. Bring your own lunch. For more information contact Annie Myers at
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Phoenixville: Pre Cana Program on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 9:00 AM and ending after the 4:00 PM Mass. This one-day program meets all the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A certificate is provided upon completion. Call the Parish Office for an application (610-933-2526) or visit the website (www.stmaryassumption.org) and click on Forms/Pre Cana.
You Are Made New Ministry: Calling Catholic women of all ages to the Spring 2018 Freedom Retreat, Friday evening April 27 and Saturday, April 28, at the Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford. Registration is $65 before March 15 and $75 afterward. For more information and to register visit www.YouAreMadeNew.com or contact De Yarrison at 610-287-2989.
Poor Box Recipient for March & April
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25/40
Saint Agnes Outreach Services
Day Room and Nurses Center
Catholic men, women and youth serving those most in need in our community since 1992
St. Agnes Outreach Services, also known as the Day Room and Nurses Center, was founded to serve the needs of the poor and the homeless in the West Chester area. The Day Room continues to provide hospitality to the needy in a caring and welcoming environment.
St. Agnes Nurses Center provides free health care to the uninsured and underinsured with profound respect for the dignity of the human person at all stages of life and in all of life’s circumstances. The Nurses Center offers bilingual medical services, health assessments and health education programs.
St. Agnes Outreach Services collaborates with a number of local agencies to answer the varied needs of the poor. For example, we work with other agencies to provide onsite substance abuse support; employment counseling and training; homeless case management; and assistance for new immigrant families with children.
St. Agnes Outreach Services strives to be a place of welcome and hospitality to those most in need. None of this work is possible without the financial help of good men and women. Your contribution to the poor box will help St. Agnes Outreach continue to serve the most vulnerable among us. Thank you for allowing us to be stewards of your gifts to the poor.
Saint Elizabeth has purchased a subscription to FORMED.
Sign up today for our Lenten Study:
1. Go to STE.Formed.org and click “Register.”
2. Enter your name, email address and desired password.
3. Go to Study, Faith Formation, then A Lent to Remember.
4. Use the Leader Guide for discussion questions.
“Lent comes providentially to reawaken us,
to shake us from our lethargy.” (Pope Francis)
Take Lent to the next level!
Be something and do something different….
All are welcome to participate in
“Saint Elizabeth 2021 -
The Pastoral Plan, Our Future”
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Mass at 8:30 AM in church and
an interactive discussion & workshop
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM in the parish social hall.
“to nourish and grow a holy, faithful and vibrant Catholic community …
everyday, one person at a time.
Register at: goo.gl/sdp8oP
Please take time before the workshop to review our:
Vision Statement
Mission Statement
Core Parish Values
Pastoral Goals and Objectives
The plan, supporting information and links to Father Mullin’s homilies
about the plan can be found on the parish website at: www.stelizabethparish.org.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided! Walk-ins welcome!
Thank you and we hope to see you on February 24!
Father Mullin and Saint Elizabeth Pastoral Council.