A Word from Father John
"This joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase. I must decrease."
Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist. Saint John teaches us an important lesson about joy. True joy does not simply come from a life of comfort or material gain. In fact, we can attain immense joy by decreasing, thus allowing the love of Christ to increase in our hearts.
In what ways might we be called to decrease so that our joy will be made complete?
Fr. John Stokely
Parishioners Active in the Armed Services
Parishioners and the family members of parishioners who are currently serving in the Armed Forces will be acknowledged in a Book of Prayer at the 9:00 AM Mass on Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4. Forms are available in the narthex to list the names of loved ones who are serving in the military. Please return the form to the ministry center by this Monday, June 25, to have your loved ones included in the roll call at the Mass.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
From now through Sunday, August 27, CLOW will be conducted for both age groups (pre-K & K and grades 1-4) during the 9:30 AM Mass only (not at the 11:30 AM Mass). Thanks to all who offer their stewardship service to CLOW throughout the year!
To learn more and/or to volunteer as an adult leader or teen aide, contact CLOW coordinator, Andrea Bell (
Stewardship Call for Liturgical Ministers
Don't just GO to church, BE the Church! We need liturgical ministers in all areas: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Readers of the Word, Liturgical Greeters, Ushers, Hospitality Ministers, Sacristans, Singers and Musicians, Sound Techs and Liturgical Decorators! For more information contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
RCIA News
RCIA Inquiry: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you." – St. Augustine. All restless hearts are welcome to the RCIA Inquiry meetings. Contact Beth Riordan (
Mass Intentions for the Week
June 23-24: Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Saturday, 5:30 PM- Patricia Ostrowski
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Nicholas Sciallo
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Paul W. Stokely (4th Ann)
Monday, 7:30 AM- Peter Ippolito
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Helen Carey
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Helen O’Driscoll
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Anthony Spino (25th Ann) & Daniel Keating, Jr.
Friday, 7:30 AM- Edward Wise
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Mary Ellen Harkins
June 30-July 1: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Eugene Planchak Sunday, 8:00 AM- Adelynn Mc Allister Sunday, 9:30 AM- Michael Ardoline, Jr.
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Wisdom 1/13-15; 2/23-24; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8/7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5/21-43.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Please note that between now and August 27, Exposition will close at 4:30 PM on Monday afternoons. There is no Exposition on Labor Day, September 3.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Lauren Arnold; Theresa Ayo; Lawrence Brescia; Katharine Buzin; Carl Conway; Edward Czarnecki; Chiara Scotto DiMarco; Josephine Fletcher; Maureen Bole Gibbons; Beverly Gregor; Christine Harding; Joseph Miceli; Susan Morgan; Andrew Mulherin; Rosemary Reitz; Harry Rohlfs; Pietro Sano and Sarah Wisely.
We also remember those who have died, especially William J. Amarant, Sr., father of William Amarante and all those who have given their lives in service to our country. May all are departed loved ones rest in peace!
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, July 14, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, August 11. 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.
Parish School News
Peacemakers: Congratulations to the students who earned the Peacemaker award for exhibiting the virtue of Mercy, awarded at the Closing Mass on Friday, June 15. May we all learn from their good example! Have a great summer!
2018-2019 School Year: Have you been considering enrolling your child in our parish school? The application period for next year remains open for all grade levels. For more info and application materials, contact Liz Oulton (
Elementary Faith Formation
EFF Staff: We love and thank our EFF volunteers for making the year so amazing! We are now building our 2018-19 team and welcome all gifts and interests for a variety of positions. No experience needed - training is provided. Contact Beth Riordan or Anne Polese at the EFF office (610-646-6545).
Registration for 2018-2019: Registration for next year is now open, with a new online option! Go online to stelizabethparish.org or call 610-646-6545.
Pre-Cana Program
Are you planning a wedding? Saint Elizabeth will be offering a marriage preparation program, Pre-Cana, on September 21-22. If you are engaged and looking for a program to attend, go to the parish website (www. stelizabethparish.org) for information.
The program will take place on Friday night, 7:00-8:30 PM, and all day on Saturday, beginning with Mass in the church at 8:30 AM and concluding at 4:00 PM.
You can register by going to the parish website: click on Parish..sacraments..marriage..Pre-Cana program registration. If you would like to become part of the Pre-Cana team or if you have questions, contact Gen Miceli in the parish services office (610-646-6550).
Pastoral Outreach Events
Here are several opportunities to help those who are in need this summer. Please take a moment to consider these stewardship opportunities to "share our time, talent and treasure in service to the needs of others."
Casseroles for St. John's Hospice: The next collection weekends are July 7-8 and August 11-12. We also need people to help collect the casseroles on these weekends. For details, please contact Angie Fiore (
VBVM Food Collection: We will be collecting food to re-stock the pantry at Visitation BVM on the weekend of July 14-15. Manna bags will be available on the weekend of July 7-8, to be returned on July 14-15.
Collection of School Supplies: On the weekend of August 11-12, we will hold a back-to-school collection for supplies for local children. If you are away on vacation, you can drop your donation at the parish office between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM any day the week before the collection. To help with collections before Mass, contact Julie and Will Christman (
Transportation Committee: This team drives people to Mass on Sundays and occasionally to medical appointments during the week. If you are going to Mass and have room in your car, please consider picking up someone who otherwise would not be able to make it to church. Contact Gerry Caggiano (
Joseph’s People
If you are unemployed, underemployed or in transition, you are welcome to attend Joseph's People. For the summer months, Joseph's People will meet on the third Monday evening of the month at 7:00 PM in St. Luke.
All are welcome. The next meeting will be on Monday, July 16. For more information contact Dan Winand (
Bereavement Ministry Team
Each of us has been touched by grief in some way in our lifetime. The parish Bereavement Ministry Team exists to help those who have lost a loved one during their most difficult times. There are many ways that you can be of service to our parish by being involved in the team. We are looking for compassionate people to join this ministry to help us meet the needs of our parishioners by making a visit to plan the funeral Mass, serving or greeting at the funeral, or other behind the scenes jobs. Please consider joining us - training is provided! For more information contact Gen Miceli (
Youth Ministry News
For information about youth ministry at Saint Elizabeth, go to the home page of the parish website (www. stelizabethparish.org) or contact Ryan Schwalm (
High School Youth Group: meets weekly on Tuesday nights, 7:00-8:30 PM in the CLC.
Are you a web master? St. Elizabeth HSYG and MSYG are seeking help to create a vibrant website for youth ministry. Your talent will help to spread the word about all the amazing opportunities for youth to participate in their faith, the parish family and the wider community.
SEAM
CYO Track: Congratulations to the boys and girls teams for winning 1st place in the Regional Championships at Bishop Shanahan HS on May 5!
At the Area Championships at Plymouth Whitemarsh HS on May 20, the boys won 2nd place and the girls won 3rd place. And at the Archdiocesan Championship Meet for 110 teams at Franklin Field on June 2, the boys won 3rd place and the girls won 8th place! Kudos to both teams and all their coaches. Happy summer!
CYO Soccer: Attention grades 5 to 8 soccer players! Registration is now open for CYO girls and boys soccer. Go to seamcyo.com to join the team and represent your parish! For more information, visit seamcyo.com or email
Girls Fall CYO Volleyball: Registration is open now through August 10! Girls in grades 4-7 can now register online by going to the parish website and follow the "link" to Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry. Practices start before school starts, so register now. Coaches and parents needed! To volunteer, contact Craig Bauhaus (
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for June 9-10, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $19,274.45
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,020.95]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $19,294.50
Total Regular Collection: $38,568.95
Number of adult envelope contributions: 655
Thank you for your support of the annual Peter's Pence Collection to support the charitable works of the Holy Father around the world. Additional contributions may be dropped into the regular collection basket next weekend or sent directly to the parish ministry center.
We encourage parishioners who are out of town on vacation weekends to continue their financial support of Saint Elizabeth during the summer months. Why not consider Auto-Giving all year long?
Note for Parents of School-Age Children
At the end of June, our Parish Data System computer program automatically promotes school children to the next grade. If your child/children have just graduated from elementary school, middle school, high school, if they will be attending a different school in September or if they will be repeating the same grade for another year, please contact the parish ministry center (610-321- 1200), so that we can keep accurate records on their progress. In addition, please let us know if you have young adult children who are now living on their own outside the parish. Thanks for your cooperation.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, chapel
SEAM Board: Monday (6/25), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Men’s Team: Monday (6/25), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee: Tuesday (6/26), 7:15 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC, Faculty Lunch Room
Legion of Mary: Wednesday (6/27), 6:00 PM, chapel, and 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Women’s Team: Wednesday (6/27), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (6/27), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SAM Game Day: Thursday (6/28), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Liturgical Life Training & Formation Team: Thursday (6/28), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel
Knights of Columbus Patriotic Rosary: Wednesday (7/4), 8:00 AM, chapel
Independence Mass with Remembrance of Those Serving in Armed Forces: Wednesday (7/4), 9:00 AM, church
Legion of Mary: Saturday (7/7), 9:00 AM, Holy Family Room
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (7/7-8), before all Masses, social hall kitchen
CRHP Men’s Team: Monday (7/9), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Knights of Columbus Officer Installation: Tuesday (7/10), 6:00 PM, St. Matthew/Social Hall
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM, chapel, and 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Women’s Team: Wednesday (7/11), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Parish Youth Council: Thursday (7/12), CLC
Pre-Jordan I: Saturday (7/14), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Visitation BVM Food Collection/Manna Bags: Sat./Sun. (7/14-15), before all Masses, Holy Family
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Help Wanted: Saint Joseph parish in Downingtown, is looking for a qualified individual to fulfill the role as Parish Business Manager. This position will be part-time Monday through Friday. The ideal candidate will possess a background in accounting, have strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task. If interested, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to Father Stephen Leva at
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.
Mayor’s Opioid Action Task Force: Join us for “Focus on the Family”, an interactive Panel Discussion for Families and Friends Impacted by the Opioid Crisis. This presentation will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 7:00 PM, at the Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center, 1 E. Chestnut Street, West Chester (parking is available in the garage across Chestnut Street). Visit www.opioidactionwc.org for more information.
Charismatic Retreat: Friday, June 29-Sunday, July 1, at Malvern Retreat House. Retreat directors are Sr. Ann Shields of Renewal Ministries and Fr. James Blount, SOLT. Music byFirehill & Mark Griswold. For more information and to register visit malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400.
St. Joseph, Spring City: Join us on Saturday, June 30, 11:00 AM for a Mass in support of those suffering from addiction. All are welcome! Celebrant is Reverend Charles R. O’Hara, 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. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
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.
Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Join the Discalced Carmelite Nuns for the Novena beginning on July 8 and ending on the Feast itself on July 16. The Novena begins each evening at 6:30 PM with the Holy Rosary and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by Holy Mass at 7:00 PM. Confessions are available between 6:30 and 7:00 PM. The Mass will be celebrated in the Extraordinary Form and the closing Mass on July 16 will be a Solemn High Mass. The Homilist is Fr. Kenneth C. Brabazon, Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, in Philadelphia. Location is the Carmelite Monastery, 66th & Old York Road, Philadelphia.
Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharist, Birdsboro: Fatima Evening, July 11, 6:00-8:00 PM, led by Fr. Henry McCreedy. The event will include Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Praying of the Rosary, an Act of Consecration of Our Nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Eucharistic Benediction, and Mass. For more info and to register,
email
Women of Grace Retreat: July 13-15 at Malvern Retreat House with Johnnette Benkovic, Founder and President of Women of Grace, Fr. Philip Scott, Kathleen Beckman and Susan Brinkmann. For more information and to register visit malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400.
Retrouvaille: Does the distance between you and your spouse seem wide? Are you already separated? Are you looking for a better way? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is Christian-based and Catholic in origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths as well as non-religious couples. The program can help you get your relationship back on track. Our next weekend will be help at the Family Life Center in Malvern, August 17-19. For more information or to register for one of our weekends, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 1-800-
470-2230. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
Saint Monica, Atlantic City: Wedding of the Sea Festival (Aug. 15) Schedule of Events - Feast of the Assumption Mass, Boardwalk Hall, 12:00 Noon, followed by Procession of Blessed Mother & Benediction on the Boardwalk, Blessing and Wreath Toss at the Surf. Festival at St. Michael’s, Georgia Avenue, 1:00-7:00 PM. For more information visit Wedding of the Sea Website. If you are interested in our Wedding of the Sea Bus Program which includes bus transportation from your location, VIP seating for all guests at the Mass at Boardwalk Hall, 3 raffle tickets per guest to be used at the Festival and more, contact Jim Persenda (609-204-1319).
Save the Date: Mothers’ Home First Annual Gala Dinner and Fundraiser on Friday, September 21, at Drexelbrook Ballroom. Please join us for a wonderful night of dinner and dancing in support of the women and children of Mothers’ Home. Meet and congratulate our honoree, Msgr. Ralph Chieffo, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Media, for his unwavering support of our program. Ticket and sponsorship information can be found on our website: mothershome.org.
St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, Yardley, PA: Join the Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy for an inspiring retreat featuring best selling author and acclaimed speaker, Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC. The retreat begins with one conference on Friday evening, September 21 at 7:15 PM. Saturday will begin with Mass at 7:45 AM and end at 4:30 PM. For more information and to register visit https://events.marianmissionaries.org/events/mercy-mary-retreat-philadelphia-pa.
Visitation BVM, Norristown: Calling all Seniors! Do you like Bingo, Bridge, Pinochle? The Seniors meet Thursdays, 11:30 AM-3:00 PM in the Larkin Center at Visitation BVM, 196 N. Trooper Road, Norristown, PA.
Poor Box Recipient for July and August
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25/40
Aquinas Center
Supporting Immigrants and Refugees
Aquinas Center supports immigrants and refugees in the Philadelphia area. The center, sponsored in large part by the people of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, welcomes immigrants. The center helps “human beings…who have dignity and deserve to have opportunity” through a variety of programs.
Over 550 people use the center weekly for activities ranging from community organizing to sacramental preparation to leadership training to English classes. Leadership for parish and center programming is shared by different cultural communities including: Indonesian, Vietnamese, Latin American, African American, Filipino, and Anglo-Europeans.
OUR MISSION AND VALUES
Aquinas Center builds unity in diversity, supports learning, and inspires thoughtful action. Hospitality, solidarity, responsiveness, and transformation are the four core values that animate and advance this mission.
EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
Aquinas Center provides space for a wide range of social service programs, meetings, workshops, and other community development type activities. Some of these are ongoing, while others are individual standalone activities. The center has many program partners who utilize the center’s space to offer weekly or monthly services through a formal partnership agreement.
How Can YOU Help?
Pray for justice; speak up against discrimination; show up and be physically present to one another; commit by becoming a volunteer or by mentoring or by donating coffee, tea and other hospitality supplies. Check out the Aquinas Center website: https://staquinas.com/aquinascenter.
Aquinas Center
1700 Fernon Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
267-702-3454
Don’t Just Go to Church….Be the Church!
Liturgical Ministers for Sunday liturgies are needed.
Please consider offering your stewardship for any of the ministries…
Greeters, Hospitality, Ushers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Sound Techs, Musicians, Singers.
There is a place for everyone to participate somewhere in the Mass.
The scheduling program is friendly and can group family members together and
block out unavailable dates.
Service times can be requested from one time per month to every weekend.
Forms are in the Narthex.
Please contact the Parish Services office for more info. 610-646-6550 or
email:
Saint Elizabeth Knights of Columbus
Please join the Knights of Columbus on Wednesday, July 4, 8:00 AM in the chapel as they lead the Patriotic Rosary for our nation and its leaders and to celebrate our many blessings and freedoms. The rosary will be followed by the 9:00 AM Mass in the Church.
SEAM (Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry) Cross Country
SEAM needs a cross country coach in order to offer the program this fall. If you are interested and can offer your stewardship, please contact Bob Ferraro