A Word from Father John
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord... Hosanna in the highest!"
This weekend the Church celebrates Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. We commemorate Jesus' triumphant entrance into the Holy City on a donkey. We also witness the dramatic shift from acclamations of "Hosanna" to shouts of "crucify him!"
While it breaks our hearts to see how cruelly Jesus was treated, it is through his suffering and sacrifice that we see the depth of Christ's love for us.
Fr. John Stokely
Reconciliation at Area Parishes
Our parishioners are welcome to attend a Penance Service with Individual Confessions at these local parishes: this Monday, March 26, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester and at St. Patrick Church in Malvern; this Tuesday, March 27, at St. Joseph Church in Downingtown; and this Wednesday, March 28, at SS. Philip & James Church in Exton. All these services begin at 7:00 PM.
Special Calendar Notes
Elementary Faith Formation: There are EFF sessions this Monday (3/26), but not this Tuesday & Wednesday (3/27 & 3/28), nor on Easter Monday (4/2). Regular sessions resume on Easter Tuesday (4/3).
Parish School: All are welcome to our Lenten Prayer Service this Wednesday (March 28) at 11:00 AM in church. There are no school classes on Wednesday afternoon through Easter Monday (4/2). Regular classes resume on Easter Tuesday (4/3).
Parish Offices: All parish offices are closed on Good Friday (3/29). In an emergency, please leave a message at both the ministry center (610-321-1200) & the priests’ residence (610-321-9616).
CLOW: There will be no Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Easter Sunday, April 1.
RCIA: This Monday, March 26, the RCIA will be held in the church (not St. John the Baptist).
Catholics Coming Home
If it has been a while since you have celebrated Mass with us here at Saint Elizabeth and you are with us today: Welcome! Have you been wanting to take another look at your Catholic faith? Here's a special opportunity to Come and See.
You are cordially invited to join us at Mass again on Sunday, April 8, either at 9:30 AM or at 11:30 AM. And we invite you to meet the members of our Catholics Coming Home team at 10:30AM in the parish ministry center for a short introduction to the program "No Greater Love” – Catholics Coming Home. Please plan to join us for a brief time of fellowship before or after Mass on Sunday, April 8. Our parish family is incomplete without you!
Mass Intentions for the Week
March 24-25: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Eleanor Angstadt
Sunday, 9:30 AM- John & Irene Palumbo
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Eric Fieo
Monday, 7:30 AM- Anita Mullin Carr (33rd Ann)
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Elizabeth Altman (1st Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Frank McNally
Holy Thursday, 7:30 PM - People of Saint Elizabeth
No Mass: Good Friday & Holy Saturday mornings
March 31-April 1: Easter Sunday
Saturday, 8:00 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- The Chambers Family
Sunday, 9:30 AM- The Mullin/Heath Family
Sunday, 11:30 AM- The Stokely Family
Readings: Acts of the Apostles 10/34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3/1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5/6b-8; John 20/1-9
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 normally held in the daily Mass chapel on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Amy Armstrong; Cecile Bachmann; Chiara Scotto Di Marco; Sheila Flynn; Sara Grozinski; Frieda Hoffmann; Helen Jankowski; Ellwood Kirk; Virginia Korom; Elizabeth Lien; Sandra Martin; Maryann Munn; Daniel Patterson; Patricia Planchak; Philip Reilly, Sr.; Jane Rolen; Raymond Whitehead and Edward Wysocki..
We also remember those who have died, including Gary Campbell, father of Stacy Bernotas; James De Maioribus, Sr., father of James De Maioribus; William Dingwall, father of Joyceann Husted; Kim Bleecher, sister of Alexis Sposetti; Eileen Kahl, mother of Patricia Kahl and John Tassone, father of Lisa Caruso. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
Online registration remains open through Easter Sunday for the Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 14; we still need many more hands! To register, go to www.stelizabethparish.org and click on the Stewardship Day of Service link. For more information and/or help registering, contact the Parish Services Office at 610-646-6550.
Pastoral Outreach: Sharing Our Bounty
Easter Food Collection: Thanks to everyone for the great outpouring of food for last weekend’s collection. A total of 40 crates of food is already replenishing the shelves at the Lord's Pantry, and 20 Easter hams and Easter dinner items were delivered to Saint Agnes Day Room of West Chester. Thanks for your generosity.
Liturgical Environment Committee
The committee is looking for some new stewardship volunteers to serve on the Church Decorating Team. The team has a very busy schedule during the Easter Season and we would love to have you join us. Every level of experience is welcome and no past experience is required! For more info, call Maria Jacobs 610-246-4900.
Pastoral Council Elections
We are now accepting nominations for four vacancies on the pastoral council. If you or someone you know in the parish may be interested in offering stewardship service to the council, please pick up a nomination form in the back of church. Self-nominations are most welcome! The deadline is Wednesday, April 4.
Dramatic Gospel Presentation
Come out on Sunday, April 22, at 7:00 PM for an evening that is both entertaining and eye-opening. Emmy award winning actor Frank Runyeon will bring to life the famous parables from Luke's travel narrative during his performance of Luke: Stories on the Road. Frank will take us on a journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem while weaving in stories from his own life in order to help us hear the parables as stories about our own lives here in the present. Bring the family and your friends - the presentation is free to all.
Parish School News
Pi Day: A special thank you to all of our parent volunteers who helped make this year’s Pi Day a delicious success! Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Shirker for winning the faculty pie eating contest and to eighth grader Luke Fardone, who won the student contest.
Applications for 2018-2019: We are already planning for a great 2018-2019 school year, and we would like your family to be a part of it! Please contact Mrs. Liz Oulton (610-646-6540) to arrange for a tour and to pick up application materials.
Parish School Facebook Page: To see the latest photos and videos of what our students have been up to, please visit www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParishSchool. It’s another great way to stay informed!
Adult Faith Formation: FORMED
Have you signed up for FORMED? The parish has purchased a subscription for this online portal, a kind of Catholic Netflix, that offers videos, books, children's materials and more. To sign up for your free parish membership, go to STE.Formed.org and "register now." Enter your name, email address, create a password and you're in! Explore the movies under “Watch” and/or have a look around and enjoy all that FORMED offers!
Elementary Faith Formation
Teen Aides Needed: Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join our EFF team. Get great experience working with children and developing leadership skills. Contact DRE Beth Riordan (briordan@ stelizabethparish.org or 610-646-6545) to volunteer.
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 (
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, April 14, and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, May 12. 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.
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Mark your calendars for the next Lunch and Learn on Thursday, April 12. The guest speaker will be Philadelphia native Jim Murray. Mr. Murray is a former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles and the co-founder of the first Ronald Mc Donald house in Philadelphia. All those who are 60+ are invited at 10:30 AM for the talk followed by lunch. You are welcome to bring a salad or dessert! Please RSVP to Gen Miceli (
Youth Ministry News
Register now! Go to the front page of the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) or email 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.
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
Basketball: Now that basketball season has come to an end, it is time to thank many people: Greg Grant and Vince O'Connell, our elementary and high school basketball commissioners; all the volunteer coaches and parents who supported the program; and the players who represented Saint Elizabeth on our 17 teams and 2 basketball clinics (with over 225 youth playing).
Thanks to our Athletic Director, Bob Ferraro, for all his time in leading the SEAM program. A special shout out to the JV Boy's Parish Team, coached by Marty Drury, who won the championship of their bracket! For more information about CYO sports at Saint Elizabeth follow the link from the parish website to SEAM (Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry).
Knights of Columbus
The April 21 bus trip to the Saint John Paul II Shrine and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, has been cancelled due to an insufficient number of participants. All monies paid by those who already signed up will be refunded in the near future. Thank you to all who signed up.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
2017 Permanent Diaconate Information Night: Are you being called to be a deacon? Come to Vianney Hall Auditorium at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on Thursday, April 19, 7:00-9:00 PM for information about the Permanent Diaconate Program. For more info and/or to register, email Laura Nimmons at
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 March 10-11
Weekend Contributions: $22,711.20
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,196.70]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $17,787.00
Total Regular Collection: $40,498.20
Number of adult envelope contributions: 690
Special Collection: The annual Good Friday collection is used to support Catholic churches and shrines in the Holy Land. Those not attending the Good Friday service may drop their special contribution envelope into the regular collection basket at Mass. Thank you.
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
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
CRHP Men: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
SEAM: Monday (3/26), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (3/20), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Divorced & Separated: Tuesdays (thru 4/24), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
CRHP Women: Wednesday (3/28), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Interfaith Action Committee: Wednesday (3/28), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Thursday (3/29), 7:30 PM & Adoration until Midnight, church & chapel
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion & Holy Communion: Friday (3/30), 3:00 PM, church
RCIA Rites: Saturday (3/31), 10:00 AM, chapel
Blessing of Easter Food: Saturday (3/31), 11:00 AM, social hall
Joseph’s People: Monday (4/2), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (4/2), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (4/3), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (4/3), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Group: Wednesday (4/4), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
New Evangelization Committee: Wednesday (4/4), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (4/7-4/8), before all Masses, kitchen bay doors
Catholics Coming Home Information Session: Sunday (4/8), 10:30 AM, St. Luke
CRHP Men: Monday (4/9), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
CRHP Women: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
PPC Nominees Orientation Session: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Stewardship Day of Service Planning Team: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, social hall
SAM Lunch & Learn: Thursday (4/12), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew/St. Mark
Parish Youth Council: Thursday (4/12), 6:00 PM, clc
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (4/14), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew/St. Mark
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Vigil for Life: Join Rev. Maurice C. Avicolli, O.Praem, as a volunteer Helper of God's Precious Infants in a Vigil for Life on Saturday, April 7, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
TV Mass for the Homebound: Is someone you love unable to join us at church during this holy time of Lent and Easter. For the faithful at home or in healthcare settings, the Heart of the Nation Sunday TV Mass brings spiritual comfort and the blessings of joy-filled hope in our Risen Savior. Please invite anyone you know who cannot get out to church to tune in Catholic Mass on TV or watch online: Palm Sunday and Easter TV Mass is broadcast on KJWP channel 2 at 7:00 AM and WMCN channel 44 at 8:30 AM. For the online video visit www.HeartoftheNation.org. For those who are able to get to church, the TV or online liturgy does not fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation.
Bishop Shanahan High School: 7th Grade Practice Test, Saturday, April 7, 8:00 AM. Tours and Shadow Days are available year round. The 6th, 7th & 8th grade Spring Open House has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, April 11. For more information and to register for these events call 610-343-6206 or visit shanahan.org/admissions.
Saint Elizabeth Knights of Columbus: The Group Tour of St. John Paul II Shrine and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, scheduled for Saturday, April 21, has been cancelled due to lack of response. All monies paid by those who already signed up for the tour will be refunded in the near future.
A Baby’s Breath Run for Life 2018: Join us on April 7 at the Norristown Farm Park, East Norriton, for a 1 Mile Fun Run at 9:00 AM; 5K run at 9:30 AM. Please register on line (http://www.ababys
breath.org/events/NOR_RFL.html). This will be an enjoyable morning for the family supporting moms and their babies! For more information contact Dorothy Swedkowski, Race Director (610-316-6281).
Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharistic, Birdsboro: Join us on Sunday April 8, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, for our Divine Mercy Conference. Principal Celebrant for Holy Mass and Homilist is The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown. Conference Presenter is Sr. Joan Noreen, Co-Founder and Director OLME and the EWTN Host of “Eucharistic Journey”. Divine Mercy Sunday will include Conference, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Devotions, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For more info and/or to register contact
Malvern Retreat House: Join us for a 24-hour healing retreat “From Defiance to Reliance: Navi-
gating Your Spiritual Life Amidst the Chaos of Addictions” on June 23-24. This retreat is sponsored by Malvern Retreat House and Gethsemani Way and is for men and women seeking help for themselves, loved ones, spouse or family. It is an ecumenical retreat. Register online at malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400. For more information about this retreat, contact Mark
Christmyer at
Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford: Are you thinking of the cool breezes of summer? Have you had enough snow? Come experience “Panthers in the Sand” - Savor the Flavor”, on Saturday, April 14, 7:00-11:00 PM at the school. Join us for our annual restaurant faire, auction and basket raffle! Tickets on sale now! For more information visit www.pjphs.org>Alumni>Special Events>Savor the Flavor.
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 students. For more info, call the Admissions office at 610-644-2551 or register 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.
Villa Maria Lower School: There will be Storytimes on April 12 & May 3 at 10:00 AM at the school for children ages 2-5 and a parent or caregiver. The event is free. RSVP at www.villamaria.org or email Erin at
Immaculate University’s Spirituality Under the Dome: Join us for our 12th Annual Spirituality Day on Saturday, April 7, 9:00 AM-12:00 noon. Visit www.immaculata.edu/spirituality for details or call S. Mary Henrich IHM (484-323-3434) or email (
Villa Maria Free Parent Speaker: Join us on Thursday, April 26, 7:00 PM, at the VMA Lower School Auditorium for our last speaker of the school year. Sr. Patricia McCormick, IHM, Ed.D., will speak on “Raising Christian Children in Today’s World”. This talk is open to all interested parents and educators. RSVP on the website (www.villamaria.org). Please contact Erin Tomambe (
Holy Martyrs, Oreland, PA: Explore the “Wines and Shrines of Portugal” with host Diana von Glahn, The Faithful Traveler (as seen on EWTN & Catholic TV) on Saturday, April 28, 6:00-9:00 PM. Cost is $50 per person. For tickets email
John W. Hallanhan CGHS Alumnae Association: Annual “50 years and Beyond” luncheon, Wednesday, May 2, at Constatter Volksfest-Verein, 9130 Academy Road. Cost $35 per person and $20 for religious. For more information and/or to purchase tickets contact Chairperson, Marge West Kiefski ‘66 (215-913-4482 or
One Run Together’s Creamery Hustle Fun Walk and 5K Race: Join us at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 12 at Penn State Berks, 1801 Broadcasting Road, Reading, for the 1 Mile Fun Walk and 5K Race benefitting local cancer patients in need. All runners and walkers that register receive two scoops of Penn State Berkey Creamery Ice Cream. Families are welcome! For registration information, please call 484-844-1249 or visit www.oneruntogether.org.