A Word from Father Stokely
We continue to hear the Bread of Life Discourse in this weekend's Gospel, which prompts us to reflect upon our own belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. When Jesus says, "Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you do not have life within you," it is a very direct instruction to the crowds about what being a disciple involves. Jesus' words upset many of the people, and many decided to reject this teaching.
St. Augustine said "Believe what you see, see what you believe and become what you are: the Body of Christ." When we say "Amen", we are saying "Yes! I believe this is the Body and Blood of Christ and that I will be the Body of Christ to others."
May our faith in the Real Presence be ever deepened and intensified so that we may worthily receive the Body and Blood of Christ and have the life promised by our Lord. Fr. John Stokely
Country Spirit USA Festival
Please check out the special insert in this bulletin for the schedule of parish activities during the Country Spirit USA music festival at Ludwig's Corner next weekend, 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.
All 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.
RCIA News
“O God, you are my God - it is you I seek!” (Psalm 63:1). Those seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith are welcome to our inquiry sessions on Monday evenings. If you have a non-Catholic spouse, another relative, friend or neighbor who might be interested in participating in the RCIA, please encourage them to contact Deacon Kevin Mead (kmead@stelizabeth parish.org) or call the parish office (610-321-1200).
Mass Intentions for the Week
August 18-19: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Karen Smith
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Lynn Cugini
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Walters
Monday, 7:30 AM- Rita Chambers
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Carolanne Morganthaler
Wednesday,7:30 AM- Barbara Mullin (3rd Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- James Eckert
Friday, 7:30 AM- Marinell Lamkin
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Eleanor McNally
August 25-26: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Ralph Grosso
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Paul Clifford
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Pietro & Carmela Catanese
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Joshua 24/1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Psalm 34; Ephesians 5/21-32; John 6/60-69
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. There will be no Exposition on Labor Day, September 3. Beginning on September 10, Monday Exposition will ordinarily close at 8:30 PM.
To volunteer for this prayer ministry, contact Mary Damian (
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Barbara Baig; Virginia Brown; Paul Geary; Christine Harding; Michael Hliwski; Ronald Lassahn; Linda Malgieri; Marguerite McCutcheon; Joan Reehil; Diane Schell; Josephine Sugg and Nora Wagner.
We also remember those who have died, including John McGinnis, brother of Eileen Perrin. May all our departed loved ones truly rest in peace!
2019 Mass Intention Book
Personal intentions may now be arranged at the parish ministry center 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. A free-will offering is requested when making arrangements.
Baptism News
The next presentation of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, September 8, and the next presentation of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, October 13. 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).
Parish School News
Did You Know... since our first graduating class in 2009, 11 of our alumni have been named Neumann Scholars? These students have earned four-year scholarships to any of the 17 Archdiocesan high schools through this program, sponsored by the Connelly Foundation. For more info, visit http://www.stelizabeth parishschool.org/neumann-scholars.
It's Not Too Late: There's still time for your students to join us at Saint Elizabeth Parish School for the 2018-19 school year! Please contact Liz Oulton in the school office as soon as possible for application materials. Call 610-646-6540.
Back to School Reminder: As we get ready to welcome our students back for another great year on Tuesday, September 4, we remind them to take time to complete their summer reading assignments. They can be found on our website under the Student Portal tab.
Social Media: Saint Elizabeth Parish School is now on Twitter and Instagram. If you like our page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParishSchool), check out the latest news on Twitter and Instagram, too: www.twitter.com/StEParishSchool & www. instagram. com/stelizabethparishschool.
Pastoral Outreach- Sharing Our Bounty
Thank you to all who donated to last weekend’s collection of school supplies for needy students in our area. Many children will benefit from your generosity!
Elementary Faith Formation
Stewardship Call: Joy-filled parishioners wanted - Join the EFF team! In order to meet the needs of our families, the following positions must be filled:
Monday Afternoon (4:45 to 6:00 PM): catechists for grades 3-4-5; babysitter support.
Monday Evening (6:30 to 7:45 PM): car line support.
Tuesday Afternoon (4:45 to 6:00 PM): catechists for grades 1-2-3-4; babysitter & car line support.
Tuesday Evening (6:30-7:45 PM): car line support.
Wednesday Afternoon (4:45 to 6:00 PM): car line support.
No experience necessary. Training is provided! Those interested in applying should contact Beth Riordan, DRE,
Registration for 2018-2019: EFF Classes begin the week of September 10! 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 (
Adult Faith Formation
Fall Bible Study: Join us for Wisdom: God's Vision for Life! Learn how the Old Testament Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Wisdom, Sirach, and Ecclesiastes) can teach you how to actively seek out sound guidance and increase your sense of peace in navigating life.
The weekly series runs on Tuesdays, September 18 through November 20, 9:30-11:00 AM or 7:00-8:30 PM. Each session includes small group prayer & discussion and a DVD lecture with Jeff Cavins and Thomas Smith of Ascension Press. Cost is $20 for the study guide. Register by September 5, either online at: goo.gl/cjvBnv or call Donna Skinner (610- 873-0508).
FORMED
Featured Movie for August: Restless Heart, the story of St. Augustine. This first full-length feature movie on Augustine uses a historic backdrop to tell the true story of one of the Church's most beloved and well-known saints. Its message of sin, conversion, and redemption is as timely today as it was in the fifth century. To sign up for your free parish Formed membership, go to STE.Formed.org and "register now." Enter your name & email address, and create a password. Be sure to click "Community.”
Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP)
The next women's overnight renewal will be held on September 28-29; and the next men's overnight renewal, on October 19-20. 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; registration forms are also available in the church narthex. For more info or questions, women may contact Missey Kalucki (484-886-6739) or Carrie Mengel (484-888-3839); men may contact Greg Gatto (484-883-9997) or Matt Poliski (610-662-2568).
Stewardship Call for Liturgical Ministers
Many of our current liturgical ministers will be completing their terms of service this fall. We are now looking for more parishioners to step up to be extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, parish greeters or hospitality ministers, ushers or members of our Children's Liturgy of the Word team. You will be trained for the ministry you choose. To offer your service and/or for more info, stop by the Information Station or contact Gen Miceli at 610-646-6550 or email
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 (
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Game Day: Seniors, come out this Thursday, August 23, to join neighbors and friends from Saint Elizabeth for an enjoyable morning starting at 10:30 AM in the parish ministry center. Game Day is held on the fourth Thursday of each month. All are invited; bring a friend!
Lunch and Learn: The next gathering will be held on Thursday, September 13, at 10:30 AM. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Diane Greco, principal of Saint Elizabeth Parish School, who will offer an insider’s view on today’s elementary Catholic education. Seniors can receive postcard notifications of events by calling the parish services office (610-646-6550) to have your name added to the SAM mailing list.
Joseph’s People
If you are unemployed, underemployed or in transition, you are welcome to attend Joseph's People. The next meeting will be held this Monday, August 20, at 7:00 PM in St. Luke. All are welcome. For more info, contact Dan Winand (
Youth Ministry News
For information about parish youth group events for 2018-2019, check the parish website or contact Ryan Schwalm (
High School Youth Group: meets weekly on Tuesday nights, 7:00-8:30 PM in the CLC.
SEAM
Cross Country: Registration for Cross Country is now open! Visit the SEAM website by following the link on the drop down "links" on the parish website.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for August 4-5, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $20,384.37
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,128.87]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $22,283.00
Total Regular Collection: $42,667.37
Number of adult envelope contributions: 604
A Word of Thanks: Brother Dennis Lee, FSC, who spoke last weekend on behalf of the Christian Brothers, sends his personal appreciation for the hospitality and generosity of our parishioners during his visit with us.
Special Collection: Thank you for your support of this weekend’s special collection for the Catholic University of America. Additional contributions may be sent to the parish office.
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.