A Sad Word from Father Mullin
For three weeks in a row, the Responsorial Psalm proclaims: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
I expect that many Catholic believers, and the public community at large, are finding it difficult to impossible to see the “goodness of the Lord” in the persons of the ordained ministers of the Church who are responsible for the tragic and horrifying abuse of so many young children across our home state over so many years.
The recently released Grand Jury Report about past abuse in six Pennsylvania dioceses and international accounts from around the globe (Chile to Ireland to Australia...), painfully reopens 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 an ordained minister, religious sister or brother, a teacher or coach, family member or other adult. 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 sinful behavior and institutional mismanagement of priests, bishops and other church personnel in the abuse of so many young people over the years. 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!
Fr. Tom Mullin
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 parishioners to step up to be extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, parish greeters or hospitality ministers, ushers or sound techs, and team members for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW). To offer your stewardship service and/or for more info, stop by the Information Station in the church narthex or contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550;
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Louis Martel, Jr.
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Ed & Jean Linaugh
Wednesday,7:30 AM- Zachary Duval
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Robert Naylor
Friday, 7:30 AM- Angiolina Cellini
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Parish Memorial Mass
Joseph Cizmarik; Dennis Cooney; Mary Jane Ellis Edna Hoelzle; John McGinnis; Rosemary Reitz; Herbert Smith; Robert Schmidt and Charles Stefanski.
September 1-2: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Lawrence Crowley
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Josephine Gosik
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Abigail Ryan
Readings: Deuteronomy 4/1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15; James 1/17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mark 7/1-8, 14-15, 21-23
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: Exposition closes at 4:30 PM this Monday, August 27. There will be no Exposition on Labor Day, September 3. Beginning on Monday, September 10, 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; Peter Ferraro; Paul Geary; Michael Hliwski; Josephine Hughes; Ronald Lassahn; Marguerite McCutcheon; Mary Mulherin; Edward Musuras; Joan Reehil; Diane Schell and William Schell. We also remember those who have died, including Mary Jane Ellis, mother of Mary Ann Hughes and Robert Schmidt, father of William Schmidt. May they 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.
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).
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
What Our Students Are Saying: You may recall reading some of our parent testimonials in previous bulletins this summer. Now find out what our students are saying about the parish school at www.stelizabethparishschool .org/student-testimonials.
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! Classes begin on Tuesday, September 4. Please contact Liz Oulton in the school office as soon as possible for application materials. Call 610-646-6540.
Back to School Reminder for Our Students: Don’t forget to take time to complete summer reading assignments!
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 and www.instagram.com/stelizabethparishschool.
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 4-5; babysitter support.
Tuesday Afternoon (4:45 to 6:00 PM): catechists for grades 1-2-3.
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.”
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 Kalucki (484-886-6739) or Carrie Mengel (484-888-3839); men may contact Greg Gatto (484-883-9997) or Matt Poliski (610-662-2568).
Called & Gifted Workshop: Have you ever thought about what the Lord is calling you to do? Attending this workshop is a great way to discover your gifts and respond to His call. The four part workshop will be held in the St. Luke Conference Room, 7:00-9:00 PM, on Mondays, September 10 & 24 and October 8 & 22. Sign up at www.stelizabethparish.org or for more info, contact Chris Hill at
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- Protecting 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 is 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)
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. To receive postcard notifications of upcoming events, call the parish services office (610-646-6550) to have your name added to the SAM mailing list.
Youth Ministry News
For information about parish youth group events for 2018-2019, check the parish website or contact Ryan Schwalm (
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.
Girls Fall CYO Volleyball: Coaches and parents are needed to help with this year’s program! To volunteer, email Craig Bauhaus (
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for August 11-12, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $17,079.25
[Amount of Loose Cash: $772.25]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $19,582.00
Total Regular Collection: $36,661.25
Number of adult envelope contributions: 637
Auto-Giving: Some 313 parishioners are contributing to the regular collection on a weekly or monthly basis through Auto-Giving. To enroll, call Sam Venuti in the parish business office (610-646-6515).
Special Collections: Thank you to the 140 donors who contributed a total of $5,996 to the Mission Cooperation Collection in support of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and to the 107 donors who contributed $2,110 to last weekend’s appeal to support the Catholic University of America.
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.