A Word from the Priests of Saint Elizabeth
Christ is risen, Alleluia. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Easter greetings to all the individuals, couples and families of Saint Elizabeth Church! As we celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection with great joy, we pray that the Lord Jesus may bring rich blessings upon each of you and upon our whole parish community at Easter. May the Risen Lord sustain our hope in His promise of eternal life for those who follow Him. Alleluia!
And may the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in sustaining a holy and faithful parish community here, for unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.
Fr. Mullin, Fr. Stokely & Fr. Chambers
Sacramental Initiation at the Easter Vigil
We rejoice with those who are celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, including: Theresa Auda; Roxanne Barrett; Robin Chronowski; Krista Ciarrocchi; Jennifer Citrullo; James Colandene; David Gober; Isaiah Moore and Mia Shannon.
We also welcome newly-baptized baby Liam Martin Citrullo. And congratulations to Lucas Shannon, who was confirmed at the Easter Vigil, too!
May all of them, their sponsors, and our whole parish community be inspiring witnesses of the Catholic Faith to others in the months and years ahead.
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 pastoral council, please pick up a nomination form on the table in the narthex after Mass. Self-nominations are most welcome! The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 4.
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 (
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Paul Taraschi
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Susan Jiannino (1st Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Dennis Cooney (11th Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Ann Forgione
Friday, 7:30 AM- Erin Rebecca Brennan (43rd Ann)
11:15 AM- Martha Mathis
Saturday, 8:30 AM - Parish Memorial Mass
Wilhemina Berlecky; Donald Capuano; Charles Collins; John DeVito; Jerome Fuhr; Bern Gawley; Patricia Kelly; Nicola Ruggiero; Mary Shannon; Ann Marie Smith; Lurita Soprano and Luz Reyes Wild
April 7-8: Second Sunday of Easter-Divine Mercy
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Sean Kopishke
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Margaret Clark (9th Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- John Kilty (42nd Ann)
Readings: Acts of the Apostles 4/32-35; Psalm 118; 1 John 5/1-6; John 20/19-31
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; Virginia Korom; Elizabeth Lien; Sandra Martin; Maryann Munn; John Oulton; Daniel Patterson; Philip Reilly, Sr,; Jane Rolen and Edward Wysocki.
We also remember those who have died including Doris Cullen, sister-in-law of Deacon James Mc Avoy. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
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 next Sunday, April 8. Our parish family is incomplete without you!
Special Calendar Notes
There are no Elementary Faith Formation sessions and no parish school classes on Easter Monday (4/2). Regular sessions resume this Tuesday (4/3). EFF students are reminded to turn in their Rice Bowls by Wednesday, April 18.
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!
First Holy Communion News
Congratulations to the following children who are receiving First Holy Communion at the 11:30 AM Mass next Sunday: Caroline Ashley; Vincent Capodanno; Lauren DiLello; Natalie Dougherty; Samuel Fritsky; Brandon Hawk; Connor Hickey; Ruby Lawlor; Erin Lucey; Kalea Manuel; Gavin O’Connell; Finnegan O’Toole; Michael Patterson; Maureen & Shane Sadlier; Marisa Salladino; Cassidy Selcher and Sophia Tacelosky.
Queen of Peace Prayer Group
A group of parishioners meets in the chapel at 1:00 PM each Friday to pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Why not find some time for peace and quiet and prayer? All are welcome to join us when possible.
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
Happy Easter: The faculty, staff and students of our school wish all in our parish a Happy Easter, and give a warm welcome to those received into the Church this weekend. Once again, we thank all those whose generous support makes our parish school possible!
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.
First Friday Mass: All are welcome to join our students and staff for Mass in church at 11:15 AM this Friday.
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!
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 lnimmons@arch phila.org. Married men coming to the Information Night are expected to attend with their wives.
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.
Confirmation News
Bishop John McIntyre will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 28, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Confirmation rehearsals for candidates (not their sponsors) will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00 PM for the 10:00 AM Confirmation liturgy, and at 7:30 PM for the 2:00 PM liturgy. Rehearsals begin in the social hall and conclude in the church. Questions about the Confirmation liturgies may be directed to Gen Miceli (610-646-6550).
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Come out 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! RSVP to Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Pastoral Outreach
Casserole Collection: Casseroles will be collected before all Masses next weekend, April 7-8. Last month we collected 96 casseroles. Thank you for your continued generosity to the clients of St. John’s Hospice in Center City Philadelphia throughout the year. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Youth Ministry News
Get Involved Now! For information about youth ministry at Saint Elizabeth, go to the front page of the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) or email Ryan Schwalm (
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 & 8th Grade Youth Groups: The groups meet this Wednesday, April 4, at 5:30 PM, in the parish gym & the St. John the Baptist room.
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.
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.
2017-2021 Pastoral Plan
The newly-completed pastoral plan serves as a guide to our spiritual growth as disciples and members of the Body of Christ and was developed upon the foundation of our previous pastoral plans. The new plan reflects where we are and where we are called to go as a parish community.
The 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan includes a new vision, an updated mission, a set of core parish values for living as faithful disciples and a set of six pastoral goals and objectives. For more information, please visit the parish website at: www.stelizabethparish.org.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for March 17-18
Weekend Contributions: $21,184.55
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,193.55]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 7,210.00
Total Regular Collection: $28,394.55
Number of adult envelope contributions: 633
Auto-Giving: Parishioners can contribute to the regular collection on a weekly or monthly basis with direct debits or automatic withdrawals from your checking or savings account. More than 300 parishioners are already using Auto-Giving. To enroll, please call Sam Venuti in the parish business office (610-646-6515).
EITC/OSTC Tax Credit Awareness Weekend: On the weekend of April 28-29, we will have a short informational presentation at the end of Mass to encourage participation in the EITC/OSTC Tax Credit Program in support of Catholic schools. Look for more information in the parish bulletin at that time.
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.
Happy Easter to One and All!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA: Monday (4/2), 7:00 PM, church
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Joseph’s People: Monday (4/2), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (4/2), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (4/3), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Divorced & Separated: Tuesdays (thru 4/24), 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (4/3), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Group: Wednesdays (4/4 & 4/18), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
Pastoral Planning Implementation Team: Wednesday (4/4), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Faith Formation Advisory Council: Wednesday (4/4), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
New Evangelization Committee: Wednesday (4/4), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (4/7-4/8), before all Masses, social hall kitchen
Catholics Coming Home Information Session: Sunday (4/8), 10:30 AM, St. Luke
CRHP Men’s Team: Monday (4/9), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
RCIA: Monday (4/9), 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
CRHP Women’s Team: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
PPC Nominees Orientation Session: Wednesday (4/11), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
SDOS 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
Stewardship Day of Service: Saturday (4/14), 8:30 AM, church and social hall
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (4/14), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew/St. Mark
Kindergarten Daisies: Monday (4/16), 3:30 PM, art room
Sister Parish Planning Team: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Finance Council: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP- Men’s Team: Monday (4/16), 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (4/17), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (4/17), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (4/18), 6:00 PM), CLC, art room, teachers’ lounge
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.
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).
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.
Downingtown High School East: Downingtown East Theatre presents “Sister Act” the musical on April 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 PM and April 15 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and students. 15% off for groups of 10 or more. Tickets available on line at downingtowneasttheatre.
com. St. Elizabeth parishioners Renee Agsten and Nicole Lawrie will be performing in the show.
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 22-23. 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.
Sacred Heart Parish, Royersford: Join us on Saturday, April 14 for a Mass for those suffering from addiction, their families and friends. There will be a Procession & Rosary at 11:00 AM, with time for confession, and Mass at 12:00 PM. The celebrant is Reverend Tadeusz Gorka, Pastor. Addiction has touched far too many families and taken far too many of our loved ones. Join us that we may draw strength from one another in the power of our faith.
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.
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.
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
Immaculata 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
Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood: Brothers of Borromeo Vocation Camp (BBVC) will be held on July 13. Boys in grades 6-8 (rising 6th graders to graduated 8th graders) are invited to gather at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The day includes games, activities, great talks, powerful prayer & Mass, lunch and dinner. For more information, visit HeedTheCall.org/event/BBVC.
Quo Vadis Days-June 25-28: This 4-day, 3-night camp held at Black Rock Retreat Center, is an annual favorite for high school aged men (incoming freshmen to graduated seniors). The camp includes daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, outdoor activities, a ropes course, powerful prayer, great talks, and an opportunity to interact with the Philadelphia seminarians. For more information, visit HeedTheCall.org/event/quovadis. Although both camps are held in English, registration forms are provided in Spanish to assist in registration.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
Seeking 100+ more volunteers
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, Home of the Sparrow,
Downingtown Senior Center, St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter, 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.
ONLINE REGISTRATION will remain open until April 3
at www.stelizabethparish.org
Follow the SDOS links for information.
Or call in registration up until Friday, April 6,
at 610-646-6550.
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Upper Uwchlan Township, PA
PO Box 695 • Uwchlan, PA 19480-0695 • Tel: 610-321-1200
Easter, 2018
Dear Parishioners of Saint Elizabeth:
Greetings for Easter from all our parish staff! I am writing to you today to announce a change in the standard grade level for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and how that change will be implemented here at Saint Elizabeth Church.
On the occasion of the publication of the revised English translation of the Order of Confirmation (2016), Archbishop Chaput introduced a proposal for a reconsideration of the standard grade level in the Archdiocese. After consultation with his administrative staff, the Council of Priests and with the staffs of the Office for Catholic Education and the Office for Catechetical Formation over the past eighteen months, the Archbishop has approved the recommendation that the standard grade level for the reception of Confirmation be changed from the current norm (grades 4-5-6) to grades 7-8. This change is effective across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia beginning in the fall of 2018.
While some parishes had already received permission to celebrate Confirmation in the seventh or eighth grade, most parishes in our area have been accustomed to celebrating Confirmation in the sixth grade, as we have been doing at Saint Elizabeth. After discussion with our parish staff and consideration of the viewpoints of the pastors and catechetical staffs of the parishes in our area, I have decided to establish grade seven as the ordinary grade level for the reception of Confirmation here at Saint Elizabeth. As a result, there will be no Confirmation ceremonies here next spring (2019) and the current fifth graders who complete the appropriate sacramental preparation will be eligible to receive Confirmation as seventh graders in the spring of 2020.
In the coming months, our parish staff will be reviewing a wide range of catechetical materials for the Sacrament of Confirmation. On that basis, we will be designing a new formation program for all our young parishioners in seventh grade during the 2019-2020 school year, including those enrolled in the parish school, in the elementary faith formation program and in local private Catholic schools. Information about the newly-designed program will be communicated to all parish families with children who may be eligible to receive Confirmation in the spring of 2020.
I invite you to share this information with other parish families whose children will be affected by the change in the grade level for Confirmation in the coming years. In the meantime, I pray with you and for you, that the Risen Lord may bring many blessings upon each of you and upon all your loved ones throughout the Easter Season!
Sincerely yours,
(Reverend) Thomas M. Mullin, Pastor