A Word from Father Mullin
Christ is risen, Alleluia. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
As I wrote in this column last week, the troubling information made public recently about the dishonesty and financial mismanagement of my friend and colleague, Msgr. Joseph McLoone, the former pastor of St. Joseph Church in Downingtown, places a painful burden of disappointment, frustration and anger, and deep distrust upon the parishioners there, and upon many other Catholics as well.
I reflected upon this painful situation with members of of the pastoral and finance councils at their regular meetings last week. In response to several members rightful inquiries, I assured them and I assure you here that there are no "off the table" nor secret bank accounts here at Saint Elizabeth and that detailed scrutiny of all financial records is consistently carried out by the business office and the Finance Council, over and above the annual archdiocesan financial reports and periodic external audits.
Please share this message with other parishioners who may be concerned and/or inquiring about financial matters here at our parish. Anyone who wishes to meet with me in person to discuss these matters is welcome to contact me at the parish office (610-321-1200).
In this season of Easter hope, may Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bring healing and renewed trust to the people of Saint Joseph Church, and to all who are struggling to believe in the Church and in its pastors.
Fr. Tom Mullin
Confirmation News
Congratulations to the 166 girls and boys who were confirmed yesterday by Bishop John J. McIntyre, and to their parents and sponsors, too!
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our newly confirmed parishioners throughout their lives!
Special thanks to the many volunteers who offered their stewardship service for the Confirmation ceremonies. We appreciate your generous gift of time. God's blessings for one and all!
Mass Intentions for the Week
April 28-29: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Salvatore D’Uva
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Nora Mc Aleer
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Luci Lynch-Murtha & Martin Mattus
Monday, 7:30 AM- Mary Smith
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Tina Fogarty
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Patrick Mahle
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Elizabeth & Robert Schiemann & Sophie & David Pomanto (60th Wed. Ann.)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Florence Hausdorf (16th Ann.)
11:00 AM Parish School Mass- Eugene Minahan
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Parish Memorial Mass
Kim Biercher; Gary Campbell; John Collins; Doris Cullen; James De Maioribus, Sr.; William Dingwall; Karen Hanna; Eileen Kahl; Anna Ngoc Phan & John Tassone.
May 5-6: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Clarissa Puccino
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Robert Haux
Sunday, 11:30 AM- James Bold
Readings: Acts of the Apostles 10/25-26, 34-35, 44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 4/7-10; John 15/9-17
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 Hannah Deese; Chiara Scotto Di Marco; Stephen Gray; Jackson Higgins; Frieda Hoffmann; Karen Johnson; Peter Kennedy; David Krzywicki; Claire Lang; Robert Lion; Paul Logue, Jr.; Geraldine Mc Dowell; Catherine Micucci; Janice Prezuhy; Kathryn Shinn; Catherine Sirhil and Marie Sminkey.
We also remember those who have died. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, May 12, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, June 9. Both programs begin at 10:30 AM. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, call 610-321-1200.
First Holy Communion News
Congratulations to the following children who are receiving First Holy Communion at the 11:30 AM Mass next weekend:
Nolan Butler; Aidan Capobianco; Kian Cosgriff; Giana Cutrona; Arielle DeNicola; Kyle Hollister; Atticus Kazanjian; Christopher Leahy; Miles Lundy; Alexander Rich; Rebecca Ruthkosky; Reese Serfass; Lauren & Michael Sexton; Grace Slevinsky; Natalie Slothower; Jeremy Smith; Giuliana Willson; Payton Wulk and Luke Zerbe. Kudos to one and all!
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
Do you ever wonder why our 4 to 7 year olds are invited to join a procession during our 9:30 and 11:30 AM Masses? These little ones participate in Children's Liturgy of the Word. Adult and teen ministers help them to pray, listen, share and respond to God's Word in a language they can understand.
Perhaps you would like to share your gifts with our children so that they may fully celebrate God's presence in their lives. To learn more about this rewarding ministry, please contact Beth Riordan (610-646-6545;
FORMED - Online Faith Formation
This online portal offers hundreds of opportunities to grow in the faith for adults, children and the whole family together. FORMED is now available to all Saint Elizabeth parishioners at no cost!
Have you ever wondered why intelligent, successful people would give up their careers, alienate some of their friends, and face disapproval from their families ... just to become Catholic? Find out by watching Convinced on Formed.org. 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! Go to "Community" page to see Convinced and other recommended titles.
Finding My Path in Stewardship
Do you want to contribute your time and talents to Saint Elizabeth Parish, but you don't know where to start? Let us help find the right fit for you. All you need to do is go to the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org), click on "Get Involved" and follow the path "offer your Stewardship." When you find the group or ministry that works for you, fill out the form and you will be contacted by the leader of the ministry/committee.
Elementary Faith Formation
With just a few weeks remaining of an amazing year, we look forward to several special events:
Mondays, April 30 & May 7: Food collection and assembly of Aid for Friends Breakfast Bags by our 5th and 6th grades. This project benefits the elderly poor, who often cannot afford both medicine and food.
Thursday, May 3: Make up session for those who have missed three or more weekly sessions this term.
Family Prayer of the Month: During April, we have been praying the Parish Stewardship Prayer and are looking forward to praying the rosary during May. Our EFF closing prayer services will include a “Living Rosary.” All are welcome to join us in church on Monday, May 14, 5:00 PM, on Tuesday, May 15, 6:30 PM or on Wednesday, May 16, 5:00 PM.
We love our EFF volunteers! If you would like to join our EFF team, contact DRE Beth Riordan (briordan @stelizabethparish.org; 610-646-6545).
Family Life Ministry
Evening of Prayer and Addiction Information: All are invited to an evening of prayer, reflection and shared resources this Tuesday, May 1, 7:00 PM, in the church. United in prayer, we will listen and learn what active steps we can take to respond to the opioid crisis and other addictions in our community. For more info, call the parish services office (610-646-6550).
Sister Parish News
All are invited to join the Guitar Group for a visit to our sister parish, Visitation BVM, at the 10:00 AM Mass next Sunday, May 6. An added bonus that day will be the Vietnamese community's Crawfish Festival. Cars will leave the Saint Elizabeth parking lot at 9:00 AM. For more info, contact Susan Brennan at 610-639-1078 or
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 (
Bereavement Ministry
The parish community of Saint Elizabeth along with the Bereavement Ministry invites you and your family to join the celebration of a Mass to honor all our mothers, mothers-in-law and grandmothers who have died. We also invite mothers who have suffered the loss of a child. This liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, May 12, at 8:30 AM in the church. We will be serving coffee and donuts after Mass and hope to see you there. RSVP to Gen Miceli (
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Lunch & Learn: The next program will be on Thursday, May 17, when guest speaker Catherine Quillman will speak about "Milford Mills: the Lost Village." Learn about the farms and homesteads taken by eminent domain in the 1950's thru 1970's in order to create the present-day Marsh Creek State Park.
Stewardship Call for Liturgical Ministers
This is the time of year for the recruitment of new stewardship volunteers for parish liturgical ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Readers of the Word, greeters and hospitality ministers, ushers and sound techs, and members of the Children's Liturgy of the Word team (CLOW). You will be trained for the ministry you choose. Our scheduling program is family friendly and allows for vacation or away times.
For more info, contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Walking with Purpose
It’s not too late to join WWP’s Spring Scripture Study, Living in the Father's Love. The study runs on Wednesday evenings, now through May 30, 7:00-9:00 PM in the ministry center. For more information, contact Ginny at
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: Both groups will meet this Wednesday, May 2, at 5:30 PM.
Cub Scouts Pack 61: The annual Blue & Gold Dinner will be held in the social hall following the 5:30 PM Mass Saturday, May 5. Congratulations to the scouts and thanks to their adult leaders, too!
Knights of Columbus News
On the occasion of today’s annual Mass & Communion Breakfast for the Saint Elizabeth Council, Knights of Columbus, we offer a word of public thanks and appreciation to the K of C for their generous service to Saint Elizabeth parish and to the local community all year long!
Save the Date: Annual clothing drive on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be held the weekend of June 2-3 after all Masses. More details to follow. Visit www.gogreendrrop.com for a list of acceptable items.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for April 14-15
Weekend Contributions: $19,696.68
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,147.18]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $19,492.50
Total Regular Collection: $39,189.18
Number of adult envelope contributions: 661
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. To enroll, please call Sam Venuti in the parish business office (610-646-6515).
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’s Team: Monday (4/30), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Family Life Ministry- Prayer & Addiction Program: Tuesday (5/1), 7:00 PM, church
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (5/1), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM, chapel, and 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (5/2), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (5/2), 6:00 PM, CLC, teacher lounge, art room
Parish School Advisory Council: Wednesday (5/2), 7:00 PM, education center library
Walking with Purpose: Wednesday (5/2), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew & St. Luke
Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee: Thursday (5/3), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Parish Youth Council: Thursday (5/3), 6:30 PM, CLC
Women at the Well: Thursday (5/3), 7:00 PM & Friday (5/4), 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Parish School- Mass and May Crowning: Friday (5/4), 11:00 AM, church
Scout Mass & Blue & Gold Banquet: Saturday (5/5), 5:30 PM, church, social hall
CLOW Gathering: Sunday (5/6), 10:30 AM, CLC
Joseph’s People: Monday (5/7), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP Men’s Team: Monday (5/7), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (5/7), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Liturgical Life Committee: Tuesday (5/8), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SDOS Planning Team: Wednesday (5/9), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Walking With Purpose: Wednesday (5/9), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew & education center library
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (5/9), 7:00 PM, social hall
Ascension Thursday Holy Day Masses: Thursday (5/10), 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon, 7:00 PM, church
Women at the Well: Friday (5/11), 9:00 AM, Holy Hour in chapel, 10:00 AM, St. Mark
Pre-Jordan I: Saturday (5/12), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Ice Cream Social: Saturday (5/12), after 5:30 PM Mass, social hall
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (5/12-5/13), before all Masses, social hall kitchen
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Bishop Shanahan High School: BSHS Fine Arts Department announces annual spring concerts and art expo: Sunday, April 29, 2:00 PM - Spring Jazz and Band Concert; May 11, 7:30 PM - Night of Voices, presented by our 3 choirs as well as Alumni and Faculty/Staff choirs. Works done by the Art students will be on display for the Art Expo on May 11.
Vigil for Life: Join Rev. Francis E. Chambers, O.S.A., as a volunteer Helper of God's Precious Infants in a Vigil for Life on Saturday, May 5, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
Camilla Hall Job Opportunities: Recreation Support Leader - FT - 12:00-8:30 PM, M-F, every other Saturday required. Degree in Recreation or Allied Therapy Preferred; Housekeeping Supervisor - FT - 7:00 AM-3:30 PM, M-F; Cook - FT - 10:00 AM-3:30 PM, M-F, every other weekend required; Administrative Assistant - PT; Dietary Aide/Dishwasher - seasonal positions available, great opportunity for high school and college students. For more info on any of these opportunities, please contact Denise Kelly, Director of Human Services (
Medical Office Assistant Needed: Busy, specialty office seeks a very organized individual to work the front desk. Good customer service and people skills a must. Applicants must be dependable, able to multi-task, have a positive and enthusiastic attitude, and possess professional and courteous phone skills and proficient computer skills. Candidates should live within 30 minutes travel time of Exton and have dependable transportation. Previous experience preferred but will train the right candidate. Please email resume and references along with available start date to
Villa Maria Lower School: There will be a Storytime on 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
Bishop Shanahan High School: Calling all families of 6th graders. All area 6th graders are invited to BSHS for SEEK 2018 on Saturday, May 12, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. This festival involves an amazing day filled with faith, friends and fun and is completely free! Register your student(s) by Monday, April 30 on line at shanahan.org/seek.
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
Saint Mary of the Assumption, Phoenixville: Come to the AMG Doll Bingo on Sunday, May 6. Doors open at 1:00 PM and Bingo begins at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. For info and tickets call 610-933-2526.
St. Anthony of Padua, Ambler: Flame of Love Easter Retreat, Saturday, May 5. This is a bi-lingual
event and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Celebrant/Homlist is Father Bill McCarthy. For more information contact Annie Myers (
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.
Volunteer English Program in Chester County: This program is an organization that prepares community members to become volunteer tutors for immigrants and refugees living in Chester County who need to learn English. Our next three day training session will be held at the Chester County Financial Stability Center - PA Career Link Building, located at 479 Thomas Jones Way, Suite 500, in Exton on Tuesday, May 15, Wednesday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 22, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM each day. Workshop Fee is $35 for materials and refreshments. For more information call the Volunteer English Program in Chester County (610-918-8222). Register for the training on line at www.volunteerenglish.org.
Save the Date: Please join us on Friday, June 1, 6:00 PM, at the Springfield County Club to honor Bishop Timothy C. Senior, Auxiliary Bishop and Rector of Saint Charles Seminary. All proceeds benefit Redemptorist Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary of Philadelphia, whose seminarians leave family and country to come to Philadelphia to spread the Gospel and remain here as permanent priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For tickets and table reservations or program ads, please contact Cathy O’Rourke (215-906-1170) or email
Warrior Spirit Youth Lacrosse Camps: Boost skill, build character, be a warrior! Our Lacrosse camp runs from Monday, June 18-Thursday, June 21, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM at Great Valley Middle School. $275 for 4 full days (sibling discount available). Open to boys 11-14 years old (grades 5, 6, 7 & 8). Custom strung stick included with registration. Register at warriorspiritlax.com. Camp is run by parishioner Jason Wolensky.
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
Summer Program at Villa: Villa Maria is offering a summer program for girls K-8 (incoming Kindergarten students are welcome). Each week will center on a common theme. Campers will engage in language arts, religion, science, STEM, art and math activities. Cost is $225/week per camper. The camp is held from 8:30 AM-12:00 noon, at Villa Maria Lower School. Week 1 runs June 18-22 “Full Steam Ahead” & Week 2 runs June 25-29 “Tech THEN and NOW”. Register at https://goo.gl/PG4fgM. For more information contact Katie Bellopede (
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.
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.
St. Jude Shop, Inc.: The DiCocco Family St. Jude Shop of Havertown invites you to visit their Chester County location on the south side of Our Lady’s Hall at the Malvern Retreat House in Malvern. The store offers a beautiful selection of religious gifts for First Communion, Confirmation and other events. Contact the store at 484-321-2537 for directions and store hours.
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, April 29, 2018
Parish School News
Sneak-a-Peek: We will be holding another Sneak-a-Peek session, this Thursday, May 3, 9:30-11:00 AM. It's a great opportunity to visit with students and teachers during a normal school day. For more information, please call the school office at 610-646-6540.
First Friday Mass and May Crowning: All are invited to our First Friday Mass and May Crowning this Friday, May 4, at 11:00 AM. Please join us!
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.
Facebook: There are a lot of activities going on in our school, as we set our sights on the end of the 2017-2018 school year! Be sure to catch the latest updates, photos and videos on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParishSchool.
PA EITC/OSTC Tax Credit Program
This tax credit program benefits both Catholic schools and the individual and corporate donors by redirecting donor tax dollars to a designated school. Individual parishioners can participate in EITC through our Tuition Care Special Purpose Entity (SPE), while businesses can join the EITC/OSTC program and designate Saint Elizabeth Parish School as the recipient of their tax credits. More information about Tuition Care will be communicated shortly.
This weekend we are having a short informational presentation at the end of Mass to encourage participation in the EITC/OSTC Tax Credit Program. There will also be an EITC Cocktail Reception sponsored by The Foundation for Catholic Education on Thursday, May 10, 5:30-7:30 PM at Maggiano’s Restaurant in King of Prussia. For more info, call Judi Neeld at 610-793-8503.
Pastoral Council News
As previously announced, four elected members of the current pastoral council are completing their terms this June. Because only four parishioners were nominated, all four have been “elected by acclamation” and will serve a three-year term July 2018 through June 2021.
They include two returning members (David Guthrie and Marie Martini) and new members (Jeffrey Heary and Laurie-Anne Jones). In addition, Alison Cruice and Marie Hellgoth have accepted appointments to the pastoral council as well. Thanks to all the council members for their generous stewardship service to the parish community!
Special Stewardship Opportunities
Several current members of the Parish Finance Council and Parish Stewardship Council will be completing their terms of service at the end of June. Any adult parishioner (21 years old and above) who may be interested in learning more about either or both councils and possibly being appointed to one of them is invited and encouraged to contact Fr. Mullin at the parish office (610-321-1200).
Christ is risen, Alleluia! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Happy Easter Season to One and All!
Poor Box Recipient
May and June, 2018
SAFE HARBOR OF GREATER WEST CHESTER
Providing Shelter and Encouragement for the Homeless
Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester is an independent, nonprofit organization providing food, shelter, friendship, counseling and recovery opportunities to homeless men and women in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Safe Harbor's objectives focus on rehabilitation, treatment, employment, financial stability and housing for its residents. Goals include: employment, savings, entering job training or treatment programs and, ultimately, moving into stable housing.
Since its inception in 1992, Safe Harbor has provided shelter, meals, friendship and support for many who otherwise have little or no support resources on which to rely.
Services provided:
Lunch for 40-60 low and no income men, women and children every weekday starting at 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM
Overnight shelter, breakfast and dinner for 40 adult men and women
On-site counseling and case management services
Personal hygiene supplies
Job training referral and employment placement counseling
Weekly Life Skills training (i.e. conflict resolution, banking)
Weekly AA and Narcotics Anonymous meetings
Access to health, financial and legal aid services
Appropriate referral for recovery issues
Collaboration with other human service agencies.
Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester
20 North Matlack Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-692-6550
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25/40