A Word from Father Stokely
Today's Gospel prompts us to examine the deepest recesses of our hearts to ask two questions: "Have I caused anyone to sin?" and "Is there anything in my life that would cause scandal?"
The image of Jesus most of us have is that of a patient, merciful and understanding Lord. The words of Christ in this passage reveal that he is also quite serious about our moral integrity.
Sacred Scripture cautions us to not delay our own conversion – opening our hearts to God's forgiveness and seeking moral transformation – lest we become a stumbling block to others.
Fr. John Stokely
Exton-Lionville Ministerium Program
All are invited to an interactive presentation by Rev. Steve Treat on the topic, How to Have Difficult Conversations, this Thursday, October 4, at 7:00 PM in the parish social hall. The program is being sponsored by the Exton-Lionville Ministerium and will include participants from seven area Christian churches.
Those who would like to attend are asked to sign up on the bulletin board outside the daily Mass chapel or call the parish office (610-321-1200) by this Wednesday, October 3, so that adequate refreshments may be prepared for the event.
Hurricane Florence Recovery Collection
In response to the destruction and flooding caused by Hurricane Florence, the Archdiocese is sponsoring a special collection in support of the ongoing relief efforts. Special collection envelopes for contributions to this appeal will be available in the rear of the church on the weekends of October 6-7 and 13-14. Thank for you generosity to those in need.
Christ Renews His Parish Renewal
The next men's overnight renewal will be held on October 19-20. Register online at stelizabethparish.org or pick up a registration form in the church narthex. For more information, contact Greg Gatto (484-883-9997) or Matt Poliski (610-662-2568).
Mass Intentions for the Week
September 29-30: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Wiktor Szymanski
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Larry Crowley
Sunday, 11:30 AM- William & Mary Feury
Monday, 7:30 AM- Nicola Ruggiero
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Peter Ippolito
Wednesday,7:30 AM- Paul Logue
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Kathleen O’Doherty
Friday, 7:30 AM- Andrew Hartnett
Parish Memorial Mass - Saturday, 8:30 AM
Genevieve Abbott; Mark Brunschwyler; Sheila Cron; Frank Gormley; Barbara Hieber; Claire Keating; Ada Long; Ronald Robbins; Edith Ryan; Lester Stauts; Libro Tagliaretti and George Tomlinson.
October 6-7: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Deceased Members of Paul F. Mullin Family
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Anthony Gosik
Sunday, 11:30 AM- M/M John Dalton, Eileen Dalton and M/M Frank Ranieri
Readings: Genesis 2/18-24; Psalm 128; Hebrews 2/9-11; Mark 10/2-16.
Miraculous Medal Novena: All are welcome to come for novena prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Saturday mornings at 7:50 AM in chapel.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Exposition is normally held in the daily Mass chapel on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Charlotte & Veronica Ashe; Joseph Bendig; Alison Crowley; Phyllis Dippold; Daniel Egan; Rosalie Hetrick; Frank McClatchy; Joan Murphy; Daniel Patterson; Mark Schmidt; Joseph Smith; Timothy Sullivan; Anna Wadas and Peter Walter.
We also remember those who have died, including Frank Gormley, brother of Marquerite Bendig, and Gloria Makoid, mother of Gerald Makoid. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Knights of Columbus Blood Drive
The St. Elizabeth Council, K of C, is conducting its annual blood drive for the American Red Cross this Saturday, October 6, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM, in the parish social hall. If you have not already done so, you can register at www.kofc13141 or www.redcrossblood.org. Questions: contact Matthew Ward (610-873-0275).
Pastoral Outreach News
Poor Box Program: Donations to the poor boxes during September and October will be used to purchase a special combination of food and vitamins that will provide nutritious meals for the people of Burkina Faso, West Africa. Our goal is to raise $5,000.00 in order to provide 10,000 meals for children supported by Catholic Relief Services. The meals will be packaged during a service project here at the parish on Saturday, December 1. Look for more details about the food packaging project early next month.
Casserole Collection: Don’t forget next weekend’s casserole collection for St. John’s Hospice. Pans and recipes are available in the church narthex. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Bauhaus (
Elizabeth Ministry
Infants and toddlers: On Thursday, October 25, Elizabeth Ministry will be trick or treating with the saints in the parish ministry center, 10:00-11:30 AM. We will have crafts, snacks and trick or treat around the church. For more info, check the parish website; to RSVP to this event, contact: Aimee Cyran (
RCIA Inquiry
If you have a non-Catholic spouse, another relative, friend or neighbor who might be interested in learning about the Catholic Faith by participating in the RCIA, please encourage them to contact Deacon Kevin Mead (
Blessing of the Animals
The Blessing of the Animals in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi will be held this Saturday, October 6, at 10:30 AM. in the lower parking lot behind the education center. All pets are welcome; please make sure your pet is leashed or in a carrier.
Baptism News
The next presentation of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, October 13, and the next presentation of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, November 10. 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).
Confirmation News
Parents and children in 6th grade (parish school, EFF and Catholic academies) will gather for the 5:30 PM Mass on Saturday, October 13, followed by separate gatherings for students and parents. Details on our new Confirmation program (with the Sacrament to be received in 7th grade) will be provided. Questions may be directed to DRE Beth Riordan (briordan @stelizabethparish.org; 610-646-6545).
Elementary Faith Formation
Online registration remains open for children in grades K-6. Go to stelizabethparish.org and click on "Education." If you are new to the parish or have children that are new to the EFF program, please contact Beth Riordan directly (610-646-6545 or
We still need a catechist for 4th grade on Tuesday afternoons (4:45 to 6:00 PM), a teacher aide for 4th grade on Monday afternoons and an office helper on Tuesday evenings (6:30-7:45 PM). No experience necessary; training is provided. To volunteer, email DRE Beth Riordan (
Teenage RCIA: Teens in need of the Sacraments are encouraged to join our engaging formation group. Contact Beth Riordan (briordan@stelizabeth parish.org; 610-646-6545) to set up a personal appointment to learn more about this program.
Middle School Faith Formation
Check out today’s bulletin insert for information about Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed, a new five-part study on the Mass for 7th and 8th graders. The program features powerful cinematography, inspiring presenters and engaging workbook resources. The series will be held in the CLC on Monday evenings, 6:30-7:45 PM, October 15 thru November 19. For more information, please call Beth Riordan (610-646-6545).
FORMED
Men of Saint Elizabeth: Meet Father Emil Kapaun, the most decorated Chaplain in US Army History, whose cause for canonization is now open. Check out The Kapaun's Men Virtue Series on Formed. 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!
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Rosary: All are welcome to join our students and staff in praying the rosary in church during the month of October: on Tuesday, October 2, 8:30 AM; on Thursday, October 11, 9:15 AM; on Wednesday, October 17, 10:30 AM; and on Thursday, October 25, 1:15 PM.
First Friday Liturgy: All are welcome to Mass this Friday, October 5, at 11:00 AM in the church. The new members of the National Junior Honor Society will be inducted at the Mass. Congratulations to the NJHS!
Social Media: Be sure to like or follow us on our social media pages: www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParish School, www.twitter.com/StEParishSchool and www. instagram.com/stelizabethparishschool.
Adult Faith Formation
Walking With Purpose: Weekly meetings for women begin this Monday, October 1, at 7:00 PM, and this Wednesday, October 3, at 9:00 AM. For more info email Ginny Swiatek (
Special Presentation: Check out today’s bulletin insert for information about the presentation by Paul Fisher on The Little Way of St. Therese, "A Simple Path to the Heart of God for a Stressed Out World” on Thursday, October 11, at 7:00 PM in the ministry center.
Altar Server Training
Altar Server Training for boys and girls in grade 6 and up starts on Wednesday, October 24, 6:00-8:00 PM in church. The first night training session is for both interested servers and their parents (the parent meeting will last ½ hour). Four mandatory sessions of training will follow. Letters of invitation were sent to all eligible 6th graders with details on registration. If you are interested in becoming a server, register for the training classes by contacting the parish services office (610-646-6550 or
Legion of Mary News
All are invited to pray the rosary in front of the church on Saturday, October 13, at 12 Noon, together with 26,000 other parishes across the country. Come out to pray for world peace, in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.
Family Life Ministry News
Carson is back! The Family Life Ministry Team is planning an Eagles Watch Party on Sunday, October 21, 1:00 PM in the social hall. Watch the Eagles play the Panthers on the big screen. Bring the kids and stay for the entire game or just for the first half. Even if you root for another team, come and hang out with fellow parishioners! Watch the bulletin for more details.
Social Fellowship Committee
Join fellow parishioners for fun, friendship, good food and Oom Pah Pah as the Social Fellowship Committee presents a Saint Elizabeth Beer Garden. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 3, 7:30-10:30 PM, in the parish social hall. There will be a disc jockey for your dancing pleasure. More details to come.
Youth Ministry News
For information about parish youth group events for elementary school, middle school, eighth graders and high school teens, check the parish website or contact Ryan Schwalm (
Sister Parish Planning Team
If you are coming to the 11:30 Mass on October 14 you are in for a treat. Please check out today's bulletin insert for information and mark your calendar!
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for September 15-16, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $17,963.50
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,167.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $18,285.97
Total Regular Collection: $36,249.47
Number of adult envelope contributions: 636
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.