A Word from Father Mullin
As soon as I begin to hope that we as a Church can finally move beyond the terrible shame of the widespread scandal of sexual abuse of minors by priests and other church personnel, more ugly news surfaces to challenge people’s faith and trust in the Church.
The anticipated Grand Jury Report about past abuse in six Pennsylvania dioceses and the recent international accounts from around the globe (Chile to Ireland to Australia...), painfully reopen the deep wounds borne by so many men and women who have suffered sexual abuse in their childhood and/or teenage years.
So once again, as I did in 2005 and 2011, I encourage all of our parishioners to pray for a healing of mind and heart for those who have suffered any form of personal abuse from priests or religious sisters, teachers, family members or other adults. May God grant them peace!
Let us pray also for those whose faith has been weakened and whose trust in the Church has been shattered by the public disclosure of the sinfulness and criminal behavior of some priests, bishops and other church employees caring for young people. May God bring healing to the whole Church as we renew our commitment to care for and protect the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ!
And may the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in sustaining a holy and faithful parish community here at Saint Elizabeth, for unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.
Fr. Tom Mullin
2019 Mass Intention Book
Beginning this Tuesday, August 7, personal intentions may be arranged for Masses to be celebrated at Saint Elizabeth throughout 2019. One Mass each Sunday and holy day is reserved for the people of the parish. Unannounced intentions may be arranged at the parish office for Masses celebrated by retired priests.
To make arrangements for personal intentions, please stop in the parish ministry center during regular office hours (8:00 AM-4:00 PM weekdays; 8:45 AM-12:45 PM Sundays). A free will offering is requested when making arrangements.
A Word of Thanks
Father Chambers, our weekend pastoral assistant, sends his personal thanks and gratitude to all who joined with him last Sunday to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of his priestly ordination. He appreciates your prayers at Mass, your participation in the reception after Mass and the many generous (and tasty) gifts he received from parishioners. A sincere thank you to one and all!
2018 Mission Cooperation Appeal
Next weekend we welcome to Saint Elizabeth, Brother Dennis Lee, FSC, the newly-elected provincial of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Brother Dennis will speak on behalf of the Christian Brothers, the recipient of this year's Mission Cooperation collection. Contributions may be dropped into the regular collection basket at Mass next weekend or sent directly to the parish office anytime during the week.
Mass Intentions for the Week
August 4-5: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Duffy, Fox & De Cicco Families
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Margaret & Patrick Cooney
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Grace Ferraro (10th Ann)
Monday, 7:30 AM- Margaret & Clair Fry
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Elizabeth Maloney
Wednesday,7:30 AM- Intentions of Elmira Pasquini
Thursday, 7:30 AM- William Pettigrove
Friday, 7:30 AM- Barbara Smith
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Robert McGonagle, Jr.
August 11-12: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Pietro Sano
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Richard Kowalski
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Shannon
Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51
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 office.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Please note that between now and August 27, Exposition will close at 4:30 PM on Monday afternoons.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Lawrence Brescia; Katharine Buzin; Paul Carachilo; Daphne Cooper; John Cruice; Chiara Scotto DiMarco; Christine Harding; Linda Malgieri; Dan Patterson; Joan Reehil; Pietro Sano; Diane Schell; Josephine Sugg and Nora Wagner.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Catherine Micucci, mother of Patricia DiMarcello; Charles Stefanski, husband of Jean Stefanski; Joseph Cizmarik, son of Joseph and Sandra Cizmarik; and Edna Hoelzle, mother of Frederic Hoelzle and grandmother of Brian Hoelzle. May all our departed loved ones truly rest in peace!
Solemnity of the Assumption Holy Day
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to be celebrated on Wednesday, August 15, is a holy day of obligation for all Catholic believers. Masses will be celebrated in church at 7:30 AM, at 12:00 Noon, and at 7:00 PM. Note: parish offices and parish school offices will be closed for the holy day.
Legion of Mary
Rosary on the Green: Please join the Legion of Mary on Monday, August 13, at 6:00 PM for another Rosary on the Green out in front of the Church. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this public witness to our faith and to our love for the Blessed Mother. If is rains, we will meet at the covered front entrance of the church.
Parish School News
Check out what families have to say about our parish school by going online to the school website: http:// www.stelizabethparishschool.org/family-testimonials.
Here’s one sample from the Brandt family:
"We chose Saint Elizabeth because we wanted a Christian values focus within the classroom. We also wanted a smaller school with smaller class sizes. We liked that in addition to all the classes our children were taking, that they would have the additional exposure to Religion and Spanish in a deeper way than they would have otherwise. Our children agreed that the focus of the classroom was kinder, more structured and a better fit for them."
2018-2019 School Year: The application period for next year remains open for all grade levels. For application information, contact Liz Oulton at
Social Media: Saint Elizabeth Parish School is now on Twitter and Instagram. If you like our page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParish School), check out the latest news on Twitter and Instagram, too: www.twitter.com/StEParishSchool and www.instagram.com/stelizabethparishschool.
Elementary Faith Formation
Stewardship Call: Joy-filled parishioners wanted! Join the EFF team! All gifts and talents are needed for positions from car line attendant to catechist (teacher). We also welcome teens in grades 7-12 to serve as classroom aides. To volunteer, contact Beth Riordan, DRE (
Registration for 2018-2019: Online registration is open for children in grades K-6. Teens in need of the Sacraments are also most welcome! Look under "Education" on the parish website (stelizabethparish. org) or email Beth (
New Evangelization
Christ Renews His Parish: The next women's overnight renewal will be held on September 28-29, 2018; and the next men's overnight renewal, on October 19-20, 2018. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend. The retreat provides an opportunity to experience personal growth in your faith in a relaxed welcoming environment. Online registration is now open at StElizabethParish.org or registration forms are available in the church narthex.
For more info or questions, women may contact Missey Kaluki (484-886-6739) or Carrie Mengel (484-888-3839); men may contact Greg Gatto (484-883-9997) or Matt Poliski (610-662-2568).
FORMED
Featured this month on our community page: The Ultimate Goal – Sister Raffaella Cavallin shares how at the height of her pro soccer career, she hears the Lord calling her; and The Giant King (grades K-4) – a heartwarming story of the power of kindness. To sign up for your free parish Formed membership, go to STE.Formed.org and "register now." Enter your name and email address, create a password and you're in! Be sure to click "community."
RCIA News
RCIA Inquiry: "One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: to dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life" (Psalm 27:4). All those seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith are welcome to our inquiry sessions. For more information, contact Beth Riordan (briordan @stelizabethparish.org; 610-646-6545).
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ three children baptized during July: Grace Lydia Garrison; Chad Tucker Thomason and Connor James Symon de Zeeuw. Congratulations to their parents and godparents!
The next presentation of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, August 11, and the next presentation of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, September 8. Both programs begin at 10:30 AM. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, call the parish office (610-321-1200).
Respect Life News
The US Bishops urge all the faithful to participate in a nationwide Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life on nine Fridays, August 3 through September 28. Sign up at www.usccb.org/pray to receive weekly email or text reminders to pray and fast, and to learn more about the Roe v.Wade Supreme Court decision.
Safe Environment
For the protection of our youth, all adults who volunteer in any activity where children are present are required to have on file at the parish all PA state requirements and all requirements from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia before any service can begin. No one will be permitted to work with children in any capacity until they are in full compliance.
For specific information regarding requirements and to get the forms to be submitted, go to www.stelizabeth parish.org and use the drop down "Get Involved" then click on "Volunteers-Safe Environment Requirements." All forms must be sent to the Parish Services Office for processing. Questions may be directed to Gen Miceli (
Pastoral Outreach- Sharing Our Bounty
Please see the insert in this bulletin concerning next weekend’s collection of school supplies for needy students in our area.
Youth Ministry News
Save the Date: Middle school & high school youth are welcome to participate in a day trip to Philadelphia on Wednesday, August 15. For more info, check 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.
SEAM
CYO Cheer: Registration is open on the SEAM website (check the parish website for the link), now through August 31. Cheer is a 2-season sport, running from September through February. The mini-squad is open to grades 3-4; the varsity team is open to grades 5-8. All pertinent information and important dates are on the SEAM website under the Cheer tab.
Girls Fall CYO Volleyball: Registration closes this Friday, August 10! Girls in grades 4-7 can 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 July 21-22, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $16,775.85
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,151.35]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $10,081.00
Total Regular Collection: $26,856.85
Number of adult envelope contributions: 540
The annual appeal to support the Catholic University will be taken up on the weekend of August 18-19.
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.