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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays, 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM, chapel
Knights of Columbus Council Meeting: Tuesday (8/7), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM, chapel, and 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Women’s Team: Wednesday (8/8), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (8/11), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Back to School Collection: Sat./Sun. (8/11-12), before all Masses, Holy Family Room
Casserole Collection: Sat./Sun. (8/11-12), before all Masses, Kitchen Bay Doors
EFF Fifth Grade Catechists Meeting: Monday (8/13), 6:30 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Men’s Team: Mondays (8/13 & 8/20), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Finance Council: Tuesday (8/14), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Holy Day of the Assumption: Wednesday (8/15), Mass at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM. All parish offices closed.
Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee: Wednesday (8/15), 7:45 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (8/20), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (8/21), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Summer Hours for Church & Parish Offices [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). Please note that there will be no CLOW on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend (September 2). To learn more and/or to volunteer as an adult leader or teen aide, contact CLOW coordinator, Andrea Bell (
Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, August 5, 2018
Parish Considerations for Country Spirit USA Festival
at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds; August 24-26
A good number of parishioners are already aware of the upcoming Country Spirit USA Festival being held at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds on August 24-26. The three-day festival is expected to draw up to 15,000 participants each day and will generate significantly increased traffic throughout the entire area, including the main access roads surrounding the parish property: Route 100 (Pottstown Pike), Route 401 (Conestoga Road) and Fellowship Road.
Naturally, West Vincent, Upper Uwchlan and neighboring townships have been preparing extensive plans for traffic control, parking restrictions, crowd control, emergency vehicle access, etc. Over the past two months, the parish administrative staff have been developing a plan for the parish campus during the festival. Here are the main points of the parish plan for your information:
1) We will maintain the normal weekend Mass schedule (5:30 PM, 8:00 AM; 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM), as well as the Saturday morning Mass (8:30 AM) & confessions (9:00 AM); there will be no Baptisms on Sunday afternoon. A receptionist will be available in the ministry center on Sunday morning as usual (8:45 AM-12:45 PM) and Stars Rewards cards will be sold as well.
2) All the parish offices will be closed for the weekend, beginning at 4:00 PM on Friday afternoon; parish staff have been asked not to arrange on site personal appointments on Saturday and Sunday.
3) The church building will be kept locked whenever no services are underway, from Noon on Friday afternoon through 7:00 AM on Monday morning.
4) Except for church services, there will be no onsite parking on parish property from Noon on Friday afternoon through 7:00 AM on Monday morning. Any cars found parking illegally on parish property will be towed away by a local towing service (with resulting fines).
5) The Pottstown Pike (Route 100) entrance driveway will be closed to all traffic for the entire weekend, while cars will be admitted through the Fellowship Road entrance only during the times when church services are underway. A security guard will be on hand at the Fellowship Road entrance on Saturday (7:30-10:30 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM) and Sunday (7:00 AM-1:30 PM).
6) Members of the Saint Elizabeth Council, Knights of Columbus, have generously volunteered to provide informal campus security in one-hour shifts throughout the weekend and to report any matters of concern to the pastor and/or facilities staff.
7) Those who are serving as liturgical ministers for weekend Masses have been notified to expect traffic delays and to allow more travel time to arrive and park at the church.
8) All parishioners and their guests who are planning to attend Mass at Saint Elizabeth on August 25-26 are advised to allow more time to travel to and from church.
The Sharing Our Bounty Committee
is holding our annual
Back to School Collection
before & after all Masses
August 11 & 12
Please donate any of the following:
Backpacks, Lunch Boxes, Binders, Pens, Pencils, Erasers, Paper, Folders, Rulers, Glue Sticks, Highlighters, Crayons, Markers, etc.
Donations will go to Saint Agnes Day Room
and the Lord’s Pantry of Downingtown.
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown: Seeking an outstanding individual to join the parish staff as part-time bookkeeper. Requirements: 5 years accounting experience, excellent communicator, strong interpersonal and problem solving skills with QuickBoos and Excel experience. Please send your resume to Father Leva at
Bishop Shanahan High School: 12th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Outing is selling raffle tickets for a $10,000 prize! Tickets are $100 each, with only 200 tickets being sold. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Wendy Chapman (610-343-6238 or
Volunteers Needed: Birthright of Pottstown has been helping pregnant moms and babies in need since 1980. We are in need of volunteers to continue our life-affirming mission. Anyone interested in helping us continue our mission can stop in to visit at 327 King Street, Pottstown, or call one of the co-directors: Carole (484-366-2065) or Lori (610-731-7012). A training session is scheduled for Wednesday, August 8.
Men’s Retreat: August 10-12 at St. Joseph’s in the Hills, Malvern. For more information contact Dave (610-458-8519). If you are unable to make the August 10-12 retreat, come to the annual Nativity BVM Men’s Retreat, September 7-9. For more information call Jack Warnock (610-722-2673) or visit www.malvernretreat.com/events/nativity-bvm-2/.
Holy Martyrs, Oreland, PA: Join us to celebrate the Feast of Saint Philomena, on Saturday, August 11. Mass at 8:30 AM, followed by Novena Prayers and Veneration of the Relic of Saint Philomena. A reception will follow in the Father Szal Conference Room. For more information contact the Parish Office (215-884-8575).
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).
SS. Simon & Jude, West Chester: Fourth Anniversary Retreat Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saturday, August 18. The day begins with Holy Mass at 9:00 AM, celebrated by Msgr. Joseph Marino. Please bring your own lunch. For more info contact Annie Myers (610-322-1940 or
Weight Loss Program: The Trevose Behavior Modification Program (TBMP) is starting a new class in Exton on August 23. TBMP has no charges or membership fees. A voluntary contribution provides funds for expenses and supplies. Learn about your eating habits and activities and how to substitute good habits for bad habits. For more information and an application contact Joanne Force (
Pope John Paul II High School: Kick off the football season with a PJP Tailgate, Friday, August 24, 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Parish Center, Conshohocken. Food & drink, giveaways, legacy school merchandise & more. PJP vs. Kutztown at the A Field to follow at 7:00 PM. For more information visit pjphs.org or email Molly at
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.
AbbeyFest2018: The 5th Annual AbbeyFest: Faith, Music & Family Festival will be held on Saturday, September 22. Save almost 20% on the base price ticket if purchased by midnight on August 31. Returning to headline this year’s AbbeyFest for the fifth time is Matt Maher joined by Building 429 and Oscar Rivera our Keynote Speaker, with more artists to be announced shortly. All ages are welcome. Close to 5,000 are expected. In addition to the great music, there will be crafts, games and fun for kids; religious items, food, Confessions, Vigil Mass and Candlelight Adoration. The event runs from 1:00 - 9:30 PM, at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli. Tickets are available online at TheAbbeyFest.com.
St. Bede the Venerable, Holland, PA: Third Annual Padre Pio Festival, Friday-Sunday, September 14-16. Date was changed in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the death of St. Pio of Pietrelcina. There will be special Masses on Saturday evening and again Sunday. A street procession and healing service, with confessions and blessing with relics, will follow the Sunday Mass. Buses are welcome. There will be plenty of free parking, food vendors, lives entertainment, tents and tables. For more information visit padrepiofestivalhollandpa.com or call 215-357-5720.
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.
Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ: Join us for the “Celebration of Marriage” Retreat, September 28-30. The weekend is intended for couples married at least 10 years. It honors and celebrates the commitment of marriage. We strike a deliberate balance among participation/reflection, liturgy, free time, fun activities and plenty of “couple time” for walks on the nearby beaches. Cost is $270 per couple which includes all meals, room and program. Sign up on line at www.capemaymarianists.org or call 609-884-3829 for more information.
Pilgrimage to Italy: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is sponsoring a pilgrimage to Italy for the canonization of Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Oscar Romero from October 12-22, 2018. Trip will include Rome, Orvieto, Assisi, San Giovanni, St Maria Goretti Shrine and Frascati. For more information contact Select International Tours (800-842-4842, selectinternationaltours.com or
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.
Piano Lessons: St. Elizabeth parishioner seeking students interested in learning piano. Teaching since 1996. BA in Music/Audio Recording. $20 per half hour lesson. If interested contact Kathy (484-569-2996 or
Tutor Available for K-6: Parishioner and certified elementary education teacher with M.ED degree is available for tutoring sessions at an hourly rate in most elementary school subjects. If your child needs to brush up their skills in preparation for September, please contact Marcella at marcelladi
@hotmail.com.