A Word from Father Mullin
Time sure does fly! Eighteen years ago today I was moving into the guest room at St. Joseph rectory in Downingtown to begin a new priestly adventure. After 13 years in priestly formation, graduate teaching and administration at the Seminary and in the Office for Clergy, I faced a whole new set of responsibilities and challenges as a first time pastor and as the founder of a new parish. One might easily say, “If I knew then what I know now...”
Over these years God has continuously blessed me with a wonderful community of fellow disciples, inspiringly faith-filled, talented and resourceful, collaborative in ministry and generous stewards of God’s gifts. To all of you here at Saint Elizabeth, I am deeply grateful!
As we begin our nineteenth year together as a parish community, may the Lord continue to guide us and bring many blessings upon all our parishioners and their families. Happy Anniversary to one and all!
Fr. Tom Mullin
Letter from Archbishop Chaput
Please see the insert in today’s bulletin for a pastoral letter from Archbishop Chaput regarding the Grand Jury Report on child sexual abuse in six Catholic dioceses across Pennsylvania, together with information about the current procedures in place in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to protect children. This information is also available on the parish website.
Let us all continue to pray for the healing and recovery of all those who have suffered any form of personal abuse from priests or religious sisters, teachers, family members or other adults.
Independence Day Mass
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 this Wednesday, July 4. All are welcome!
Patriotic Rosary: All are welcome to join the St. Elizabeth Council, K of C, this Wednesday at 8:00 AM in chapel to pray the rosary for our nation and its leaders to celebrate our many blessings and freedoms.
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Intentions of Jack Ochab
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Barbara Cox
Wednesday, 9:00 AM- Helen O’Driscoll + Donnalee Verry
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Arturo Logaspi
Friday, 7:30 AM- Nolan Robison
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Parish Memorial Mass
Richard Krause Benker; John Braca; Edmund Curry; Marie De Sloover; Sara Grozinski; Danell Halfmann; William Madden; Marilyn Mellor; Benjamin Schmidt; Helen Stec; Marilyn Stillman and Thomas Walsh, Jr.
July 7-8: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Deceased of Bogush Family
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Bettina DeMicco
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Lura Walters
Readings: Ezekiel 2/2-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12/7-10; Mark 6/1-6.
Sacramental Confession: Individual confessions are heard in the daily Mass chapel on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM. You can also make a personal appointment for confession by calling the parish ministry center (610-321-1200).
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Please note that between now and August 27, Exposition will close at 4:30 PM on Monday afternoons. We will not have Exposition on Labor Day, September 3.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Lauren Arnold; Lawrence Brescia; Katharine Buzin; Mary Jane Byers; Carl Conway; Edward Czarnecki; Chiara Scotto DiMarco; Josephine Fletcher; Beverly Gregor; Helen Hall; Christine Harding; Karen Johnson; Joseph Miceli; Judy Mitchell; Susan Morgan; Rosario Nicholas; Harry Rohlfs; Alex Rossi; Petro Sano; Cara Tokar and Sarah Wisely.
We also remember those that have died including Lisa Mullen, sister-in-law of Shawn & Nancy Mullen; Anthony Bisaccia, father of Nancy Gosselin; and Rosemary Reitz, sister of William Reitz. May all are departed loved ones rest in peace!
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 (
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
From now through Sunday, August 26, 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). To learn more and/or to volunteer as an adult leader or teen aide, contact CLOW coordinator, Andrea Bell (
Legion of Mary
Rosary on the Green: The Legion of Mary invites all to a "Rosary on the Green" in front of Saint Elizabeth Church on Friday, July 13, at 6:00 PM in honor of our Lady of Fatima to pray for world peace. This public devotion will continue on the 13th of every month through October.
Parish School News
Class of 2018: Congratulations again to our eighth grade class! Photo and video highlights of the graduation Mass and party, as well as a complete listing of award winners, are now published on our school's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SaintElizabeth ParishSchool) and on the parish school website (go to www.stelizabethparishschool.org/classof2018).
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 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 ending 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).
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children baptized during June: Payton Rose Parris; Annabel Kaye Lemon; Isabella Kathleen Moore; Michael Francis Paduano; Gemma Rose Seaver; Kennedy Kay Miceli; Declan Augustus Greene and Benjamin James Kaplan. Congratulations to their parents and godparents!
The next presentation of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, July 14, and the next presentation 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.
Liturgical Life
Ongoing Formation for Liturgical Ministers: Good news for all of our Liturgical Ministers! On Saturday morning, September 8, the Liturgical Life Committee is sponsoring a program of spiritual formation and training. The guest presenter will be Father Stephen Thorne. The program will include Mass at 8:30 AM, followed by breakfast, Fr. Thorne's talk and a breakout session for each liturgical ministry group. Please mark your calendars and save the date. If you have been considering offering your service at Sunday Mass, it is not too late. Forms can be found in the narthex or by contacting the Parish Services office at 610-646-6550. Don't just go to church, be the church!
Pastoral Outreach Events
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.
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. For more information contact Dan Winand (
Bereavement Ministry Team
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
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 following the "link" to Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry. Practices start before school starts, so register now. Coaches and parents needed! To volunteer, contact Craig Bauhaus (
Cross Country Coach Needed: SEAM needs a cross country coach in order to offer Cross Country this fall. We can help you obtain the necessary state and archdiocesan clearances. If you are interested and can offer your stewardship service, please contact Bob Ferraro at
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for June 16-17, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $16,256.25
[Amount of Loose Cash: $994.25]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 6,183.50
Total Regular Collection: $22,439.75
Number of adult envelope contributions: 474
The annual Campaign for Human Development collection will be taken up at all the Masses next weekend. Please use the special collection envelopes provided for this appeal and drop your contribution into the regular collection basket at Mass. Those who will be away are most welcome to send their contributions 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? To enroll in Auto-Giving, contact Sam Venuti (610-646-6515 or
Note for Parents of School-Age Children
If your child/children have just graduated from elementary school, middle school, high school, are attending a different school in September or will be repeating the same grade for another year, please contact the parish ministry center at 610-321-1200, so 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 & Activities
For a complete schedule of upcoming meetings, parish activities and other events, check out the online parish bulletin at www.stelizabethparish.org.
Happy Summer!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, chapel
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC, Faculty Lunch Room
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: Thursday (7/5), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (7/7-8), 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 (7/11 & 7/18), 6:00 PM, chapel, and 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Women’s Team: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Parish Youth Council: Thursday (7/12), 6:30 PM, 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), Holy Family
Joseph’s People: Monday (7/16), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (7/17), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Summer Hours for Church & Parish Offices
(June 18 through August 31)
Church: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM, Mondays thru Saturdays;
7:30 AM-1:30 PM (after Baptisms) on Sundays.
Ministry Center Offices:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM on weekdays;
8:45 AM-12:45 PM on Sunday mornings.
Education Center Offices:
7:30 AM-3:30 PM on regular summer weekdays.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
From now through Sunday, August 26, 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). To learn more and/or to volunteer as an adult leader or teen aide, contact CLOW coordinator, Andrea Bell (
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
Daylesford Abbey, Paoli: Full-time position available to join the Kitchen Support/Cook Team. For more information, please contact Fr. William Trader (
Vigil for Life: Join Rev. Francis B. Danielski, O.Praem, as a volunteer Helper of God’s Precious Infants on Saturday, July 7, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
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.
Volunteer English Program: Become a volunteer tutor for our program in Chester County. Tutors provide one on one English language instruction to meet the needs of adult immigrants or refugees in Chester County. No teaching experinece is needed. Our next three day training session will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Trinity, Coatesville, on Monday, July 16, Wednesday, July 18, and Monday, July 23, 6:00-9:00 PM. For more information visit www.volunteerenglish.org or call 610-918-8222.
St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Media: Join us on Saturday, July 21, for a Flame of Love event, honoring former National Director, Tony Mullen, who passed away on March 10, 2018. Celebrants are Monsignor Ralph Chieffo & Fr. Jorge Reyes, Spiritual Coordinator of The Flame of Love in Continental America. The program begins at 9:30 AM with a procession & rosary, followed by Holy Mass, lunch (bring your own), presentation on the vision and zest of Tony Mullen, and ends with Benediction at 2:30 PM. For more info, visit www.flameoflove.us.
Men’s Retreat: August 10-12 at St. Joseph’s in the Hills, Malvern. For more information contact Dave (610-458-8519).
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 held 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.