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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
CRHP Men’s Team: Mondays ( 8/20), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Joseph’s People: Monday (8/20), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
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: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, St. Mark
EFF 6th Grade Catechists Meeting: Wednesday (8/22), 6:30 PM, St. Luke
SAM Game Day: Thursday (8/23), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Pre-Cana Team: Thursday (8/23), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel
SEAM: Monday (8/27), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Catechist Orientation: Wednesday (8/29), 5:30 PM, Social Hall
Elizabeth Ministry: Thursday (8/30), 7:30 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 (
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Elder Care Needed: Looking for mature, reliable female to help care for elderly lady 3 mornings a week in her Chester Springs home. Please call Kim at 610-256-6462 for more information.
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
Bishop Shanahan High School Alumni Association: Designer Bag Bingo, Friday, September 12, 7:00-9:30 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM). $25 in advance/$30 at the door for 10 games of Bingo, Special Raffles & 50/50 available. Light refreshments provided, BYOB! Reserve your space at www.shanahan.org. Proceeds benefit students in need of financial aid.
Vigil for Life: Pray as a volunteer Helper of God’s Precious Infants on Saturday, September 1, 8:00 AM Mass at St. Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
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.
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
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, Philadelphia: A very important work of the Cathedral Parish is the hospitality and information provided to our visitors every day. Our Cathedral Ambassadors provide a wonderful service in this way. The Cathedral Ambassadors answers questions and offer assistance to our visitors and provide a personal presence in the Basilica and put a face on the Church. The Cathedral Ambassadors are assigned 4 hours shifts. The schedule is flexible with assignments of one day or more a month. Training and materials are provided to support this evangelization ministry. For more information and/or to become a Cathedral Ambassador, please contact Martha Ortiz, at
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.
Chester County Women’s Services: Join us on Saturday, September 15, for our annual Family 5K Run/Walk for Life. Proceeds enable us to continue to provide free services and support to our clients. Our goal this year is $15,000. Help us to reach our goal! For more information and to register go to runsignup.com/CCWS.
Holy Martyrs Fall Carnival: Tuesday, September 18 through Friday, September 21, 6:00-10:00 PM and Saturday, September 22, 3:00-10:00 PM (times are weather permitting). Enjoy rides, games and fantastic food! Play bingo, take a chance on the Raffle and nightly 50/50, enjoy live music, be entertained by a magician and much more! Craft beer and wine garden, doggie bar (bring your furry friends), food specials each night. Wednesday night is ride wrist band night. For more info call 215-884-8575 or holymartyrschurch.org.
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.
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.
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.
St. Mary of the Assumption, Phoenixville: Pre-Cana Program, Saturday, September 29, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (after the 4:00 PM Mass). This one-day program meets all the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and a certificate is provided upon completion. The day includes lunch, snacks and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Call the parish office for an application (610-933-2526) or register online at www.stmaryassumption.org - click on Forms/Pre Cana.
Shroud Encounter will be hosted at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester on Saturday September 29 at 1:30 pm. This highly acclaimed dramatic visual experience examines the mystery of the Shroud of Turin like a CSI investigation; presented by Russ Breault an internationally recognized expert on the Shroud. Experience this fast paced 90 minute big screen encounter revealing and examining clues, exploring the science, history and mystery of the Shroud. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Admission is $10/ person on-line, $15 at the door, under 16 free. A self-guided tour of the Man of The Shroud Exhibit featuring a full size replica of the Shroud, and a 90 panel display of scientific and historical information will be open for free public viewing, see flyer for details. For tickets and additional information visit www.kofc11319.org or contact St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Office at 610-399-6936.
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
Help Wanted: Ascension Press, an Exton-based Catholic media company, has need for a full-time accounting clerk with AP/AR experience to assist in day-to-day accounting tasks. Excellent organizational and accuracy skills required. Prior experience preferred. For more information about this position and other available positions visit ascensionpress.com/pages/about_us/careers.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia-Office for Persons with Disabilities & Deaf Apostolate: Intellectual Disabilities & Autism Help-Line is available to assist families connect to disabilities services provided by the Archdiocese. To reach the Help-Line email
Lily’s Gift is a network of concerned parents & professionals who have experienced or worked closely with issues surrounding poor prenatal diagnosis. For support call 215-587-3530 or email
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.