A Word from Father Stokely
The readings from the Old Testament on the Sundays of Lent provide us with a swift journey through salvation history: from Noah and the Great Flood to the story of Abraham and Isaac; from Moses leading the chosen people out of slavery to the new covenant proclaimed by the Israelite prophets, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
So what is the common thread? God has made a covenant with his people, and even though we have turned away from God - over and over again - He remains faithful. God desires not the death of sinners, but the conversion of their hearts. May these 40 Days of Lent be a time for us to turn our minds and hearts toward the Lord, and to accept the gift of salvation He has won for us.
Fr. John Stokely
Special Lenten Activities
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: in the main church on Fridays at 7:00 PM. Come out on Friday, March 23, for the annual Living Stations of the Cross presented by the eighth graders of the parish school at 1:30 PM and again at 7:00 PM. And don’t miss the K of C Fish Fry in the social hall, 5:00-7:00 PM, that Friday, too!
Operation Rice Bowl: If your family would like to participate in this Lenten program in solidarity with the poor, rice bowls are available in the church narthex.
Sacramental Reconciliation: 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. There will also be an extended period of confessions (9:00-11:00 AM) on Saturday, March 24. A number of visiting confessors will be on hand for both March 21 and March 24.
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
Sign-up today! Check out the insert in this bulletin for information about the 2018 SDOS on Saturday, April 14. Online registration is now open! If you do not have internet access, you may register by calling the Parish Services office ( 610-646-6550).
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Edward Weed, Sr. (1st Ann)
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Peter Shields (1st Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Paul Karr
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Ellie Hall
Friday, 7:30 AM- Eleanor Angstadt
11:15 AM- Anne Marie Prendergast
Saturday, 8:30 AM-Parish Memorial Mass
Biaggio Ambrosino; James Calista; Sr. Catherine Carroll; Colette Champagne; Shirley Duffy; Anne Kaufmann; Marinell Lamkin; Margaretta Lonergan; John McGuigan; John McNally; Helen O’Driscoll and Victor Szymanski.
March 3-4: Third Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Nicholas Sciallo
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Russell Clark (17th Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- George Dippold
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Exodus 20/1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1/22-25; John 2/13-25.
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; Chiara Scotto Di Marco; James Donahue; Carol Ernste; Rosalie Hetrick; Barbara Hieber; Anne Marie Hulsteine; David Krzywicki; John Mayersk; Thomas Melvin; Sandra Martin; Daniel Pflaum; Patricia Planchak; Brad Rabold; Ed Schmitt and Michael Smith.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner William Hare; Charles Collins, brother of Mary Davies, and Eugene Minahan, father of Barbara Nawn. May they rest in peace!
RCIA News
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.
Parish School News
Student Applications for 2018-2019: We are now accepting applications for new students in our parish, as well as students from non-parish families. Re-registration for current students and incoming siblings is ongoing. We welcome the chance to show you the benefits of a Saint Elizabeth Parish School education. Please call Liz Oulton at 610-646-6540 for more information and application materials.
Sneak-a-Peek: We are holding two more Sneak-a-Peek Sessions- this Tuesday, February 27, and Wednesday, March 14, 9:30-11:00 AM. This program is designed for new children entering kindergarten or first grade in the 2018-19 school year. Discover what a school day is like at Saint Elizabeth Parish School. For more information, call the school office (610-646-6540).
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are currently available through FACTS Grant & Aid. All applications must be submitted by March 31st. This year your 2017 tax return is the only documentation that all applicants are required to submit by March 31, 2018 or earlier – as soon as your tax return is complete. The link is on our website, on the Archdiocesan BLOCS website and 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
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. All are welcome!
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. All registration and sponsorship forms are now past due in the EFF office. The Confirmation rehearsals will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00 PM and at 7:30 PM in the social hall & church.
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.
Liturgical Life Committee
Book Nook: There is a new addition to the Good Shepherd Room - children's books! Our youngest parishioners now have an opportunity to enjoy a book from our Children's Catholic Library (the Book Nook). Pre-school children will enjoy the lively pictures and stories. We ask that parents feel free to use the books during Mass and replace them on the shelf before you leave church. If you have any suggestions for this project, please contact Gen Miceli (gmiceli@stelizabeth parish.org). A special shout out to the Cub Scouts of Saint Elizabeth who designed and built the bookshelf!
Family Life Ministry
It is not too late! 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 Survival 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 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 the Parish Services Office (610-646-6550) or email parishservices @stelizabethparish.org.
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 at the parish 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.
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
Adult League: The adult sports program at Saint Elizabeth includes participation in the Downingtown Area Christian Sports League (DACSL.org). Twenty churches participate in the league. Three sports are offered through the year: Men's Basketball, Coed Volleyball, and Summer Softball. The adult sports program also has a men's open gym night at St. Elizabeth gym on Sunday nights. Contact Dave Kelsey at
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.stelizabethparish.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 10-11
Weekend Contributions: $19,116.00
[Amount of Loose Cash: $960.50]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $19,372.50
Total Regular Collection: $38,488.50
Number of adult envelope contributions: 669
Auto-Giving: Thanks to the 303 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
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
SEAM: Monday (2/26), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP- Men’s Team: Monday (2/26), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Parish School Sneak-a-Peek: Tuesday (2/27), 9:30 AM, Education Center
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
AFF Committee: Tuesday (2/27), 7:30 PM, St. John the Baptist
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM, holy hour in Church + 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Lenten Confessions: Wednesdays (2/28, 3/7 & 3/14), 6:30-7:00 PM, Chapel
CRHP Women: Wednesday (2/28), 6:30 PM, St. Mark
Advisory Council for Evangelization: Wednesday (2/28), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
SAM Lunch and Learn: Thursday (3/1), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Faith Formation Advisory Council: Thursday (3/1), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Fridays (3/2, 3/9 & 3/16), 7:00 PM, Church
RCIA Retreat: Saturday (3/3), 8:30 AM, Mass in chapel; 9:00 AM, Holy Family Room
EFF Stations of the Cross: Monday (3/5), 5:00 PM; Tuesday (3/6), 6:30 PM; and Wednesday (3/7), 5:00 PM, Church
Called & Gifted: Monday (3/5), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (3/5), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (3/5), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Knight of Columbus: Tuesday (3/6), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Divorced & Separated: Tuesday (3/6), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (3/6), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Spirit Newsletter Committee: Tuesday (3/6), 7:00 PM, Education Center Library
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (3/7), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (3/7), 6:30 PM, CLC
Parish School Advisory Council: Wednesday (3/7), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
AFF End of Life Issues Program: Thursday (3/8), 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
SS. Philip & James Parish - Operation Easter Outfit: Consider helping Partners in Outreach by providing an Easter outfit for a child or a family of children right here in Chester County. For more information and/or to sign up to adopt a child or family of children contact Susan Lamb (pajhawk
@aol.com).
10th Annual ManUp Philly: Come out on Saturday, March 3, at Neumann University, Aston, PA. For more information and registration, visit www.manupphilly.com.
Bishop Shanahan High School: Save the Date! Join us for our Designer Basket Bingo on Friday, March 2 from 7:00-9:00 PM. Plan to come out and try your “luck of the Irish” for beautiful designer bags, 50/50 raffles and more! Go to shanahan.org to register.
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.
Help Wanted: 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 in this position, email
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.
Pope John Paul II High School: “Kick off your Sunday shoes” with Studio 38's production of “Footloose”. The show runs March 9 & 10 at 7:00 PM; March 11 at 5:00 PM, March 16 at 7:00 PM and March 17 at 1:00 and 7:00 PM. Tickets go on sale to the public February 19 at https://pope-
john-paul-ii-high-school.ticketleap.com/footloose/.
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.
Villa Maria Academy High School: Preview Breakfast for 6th & 7th grade families on April 17 & 20. This will offer a “sneak peak” at Villa Maria’s high school life. The 7th grade Practice Exam will be administered on Saturdays, April 21 & 28. 7th grade visit days will be held on May 14 & 15. Visitors will receive a preview of our school community by attending classes and having lunch with current students. For more info, contact the Admissions office at 610-644-2551 or register online at
www.vmahs.org.
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.
Our Lady of Peace Parish, Swarthmore: Dance down memory lane with your family and friends as you listen to the “Sensational Soul Cruisers” on April 28, 7:00-11:00 PM, in Nelson Hall at Notre Dame de Lourdes School, 990 Fairview Road, Swarthmore. Tickets are $35 per person and tables can be reserved. Call the OLP Rectory (610-328-9330) or Debbie Hanna (215-520-2097) for tickets or more information.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
FOR THE SAINT ELIZABETH
STEWARDSHIP DAY OF SERVICE
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018
Parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate.
(youth under 18 must be accompanied by their parent)
-Start the day with 8:30AM Mass and a light breakfast, then work from 10AM-1PM* at a local community site.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and work at places like Lord’s Pantry, Downingtown Senior Center, St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter, Home of the Sparrow, and many more. Most work includes spring clean-up and prep activities (both inside and outside projects).
*Registration will include an option to request an extended service day, until 3pm at some sites.
REGISTRATION is open February 17-April 1.
Why not register early?
www.stelizabethparish.org
Follow the SDOS links for information and easy registration for you and your family.
If you don’t have internet access and would like more information,
contact Parish Services at 610-646-6550
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) Upcoming Events
Lunch and Learn: Thursday, March 1, 10:30 AM, Mullin Ministry Center
Join fellow seniors in the St. Matthew meeting room this Thursday, March 1 (note the change of date from March 8) for a presentation by Father John Stokely on “The Joy of Knowing Christ” and a tasty lunch. Lunch and Learns are ordinarily held on the second Thursday of the month. The next programs will be held on April 12 and May 17. Please call 610-646-6550 to RSVP. Walk-ins are always welcome, too!
Game Days: Come out for friendship, conversation, snacks and to learn/ play a new board game or card game on the fourth Thursday of each month, at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. Upcoming dates are: March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26 and August 23.
For more information about the Senior Adult Ministry and/or to be on our mailing list, call 610-646-6550 or email
Knights of Columbus Save the Dates
Fish Dinner: Join the Saint Elizabeth Council Knights for an enjoyable Fish Dinner catered by Montesano Brothers on Friday, March 23, at 5:00 PM and then participate in the Living Stations of the Cross presented by the eighth graders of Saint Elizabeth Parish School at 7:00 PM in the church. Go online to www.kofc13141.org for more info.
Group Tour of Saint John Paul II Shrine and Washington Basilica: All members of the parish are invited to participate in a group pilgrimage, sponsored by the Saint Elizabeth Council, Knights of Columbus, on Saturday, April 21. The cost of the group tour is $45 per person; this 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 Saturday, March 10.