A Word from Father Mullin
In the Good Shepherd room in the back of the church (aka: cry room), there is a simple image of Jesus embracing and blessing a little child, as accounted at the end of today’s Gospel passage from Mark 10.
For many years as a priest, I have tried to follow Jesus’ example in welcoming children and affirming their special place in the parish community, and ultimately in the kingdom of God itself!
Sadly, in light of the revelation of the abusive behavior of so many priests towards so many children in the recent past, I find myself hesitant, resistant even, to drawing children close: a friendly, but cautious “slap me five” has replaced any form of warm welcome towards children.
Even as you teach your children to be more aware of and cautious about any form of inappropriate behavior from adults or other children, please reassure them of the deep and caring love with which Jesus Himself is eager to embrace and surround them in the kingdom of heaven.
May God bring healing and peace to all who have suffered any form of personal abuse in their childhood and/or in their young adulthood!
Fr. Tom Mullin
Follow-Up to Parish Open Town Meeting
More than 120 parishioners attended last Sunday’s open town meeting to share their concerns in the wake of the PA grand jury report. Participants should be receiving an email from the pastor regarding possible follow-up steps in addressing the concerns shared at that meeting.
In his recent letter to the people of the archdiocese (posted on the parish website), Archbishop Chaput has encouraged the laity and clergy to pray the Prayer to Saint Michael after the dismissal at the end of Mass.
After consultation with our parish administrative staff, I have decided not to have the prayer said aloud at parish Masses, but rather to provide prayer cards in the rear of church and chapel for those parishioners who wish to recite the Prayer to Saint Michael privately, either before or after Mass, and/or at home, as they see fit. A supply of prayer cards that also include Pope Saint John Paul II’s Prayer for Peace is now available in the church narthex for those who choose this devotion.
Mass Intentions for the Week
October 6-7: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Deceased Members of Paul 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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Jessica Fratrik
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Pilar Gonzales
Wednesday,7:30 AM- Nicola Ruggiero
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Fr. Joseph Cassidy
Friday, 7:30 AM- Peter & Joan Reehil
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Rita Chambers
October 13-14: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Anthony Phillips
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Larry Bonito
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- David Cooney, Sr.
Readings: Wisdom 7/7-11; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4/12-13; Mark 10/17-30.
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 Joseph Bendig; Clayton Brown; Alison Crowley; Daniel Egan; Rosalie Hetrick; Joan Murphy; John Oulton; Mark Schmidt; Joseph Smith; Timothy Sullivan; Anna Wadas and Peter Walter.
We also remember all those who have died. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
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 are available in the rear of the church this weekend and next weekend. You may also send a donation directly to the parish office. Thank you.
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).
Sister Parish Planning Team
Next Sunday, October 14, we will welcome to Saint Elizabeth the Celestial Choir from our sister-parish, Visitation BVM in Philadelphia. They will join our Guitar Group in providing liturgical music at the 11:30 AM Mass. After Mass, all are invited to a Food Sharing Luncheon in the social hall where you will enjoy ethnic cuisine and informal conversations with parishioners from Visitation BVM. Activities for children will also be provided. Bring your potluck dish (to serve 8-10). As always the food will be delicious and conversations memorable. Please RSVP to Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Pastoral Outreach News
Poor Box Program: We are a little over half way to our goal of $5,000.00 - the amount needed to make 10,000 meals for the children of Burkina Faso!! The September and October donations in our poor box go to the purchase of a special combination of food and vitamins that will provide nutritious meals that will be packaged during a service project here at the parish on Saturday, December 1. More details about this project to come.
Elizabeth Ministry
Parents with 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, contact: Aimee Cyran (
Confirmation News
Parents and children in 6th grade (parish school, EFF and Catholic academies) will gather for the 5:30 PM Mass this 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).
Respect Life
"Every Life: cherished - chosen - sent" is the theme for the 2018-19 Respect Life program from the USCCB. For more information, stop by the Respect Life table in the church narthex after Mass today or outside the daily Mass chapel tomorrow.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following children baptized during September: Jessica Cathryn Lombo; Clayton Jason Dobry; Jordan Alan Friant; Ryan Patrick Boyle; Raelyn Mae Kane; Kyle Louis Kondracki; Landon John Laurence and Dean Anthony Pasquale. Congratulations to their parents and godparents!
The next presentation of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held this 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).
Elementary Faith Formation
Online registration remains open for children in grades K-6. Go to stelizabethparish.org and click on "Education." New students are asked to contact DRE Beth Riordan directly for registration arrangements (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 teen formation group. Contact Beth Riordan to learn more about the program.
Middle School Faith Formation
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed, is 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, contact DRE Beth Riordan.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Rosary: All are welcome to join our students and staff in praying the rosary in church during October: Thursday, October 11, 9:15 AM; Wednesday, October 17, 10:30 AM; and Thursday, October 25, 1:15 PM.
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.
Peacemakers and NJHS Induction: Congratulations to the students who earned the September Peacemaker award for exhibiting the virtue of caring. Congratulations also to all the students who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at Mass this past Friday.
Adult Faith Formation
Would you like to live more blessed than stressed? Come to a special presentation by Paul Fisher on The Little Way of St. Therese, "A Simple Path to the Heart of God for a Stressed Out World” this Thursday, October 11, at 7:00 PM in the ministry center.
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!
Women at the Well
Please join us this Friday, October 12, at 9:00 AM in the daily Mass chapel for our monthly Women's Holy Hour. This hour will provide you with reflective music, Scripture reading and time with the Eucharistic Lord. Come and rest awhile with Him! A social in the ministry center will follow at 10:00 AM. All are welcome!
Liturgical Life: 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. If you are interested in becoming a server, register for the training classes by contacting the parish services office (
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. The Eagles will be playing the Panthers on the big screen. Bring the kids and stay for the entire game or just until half time. Even if you root for another team, come and hang out with fellow parishioners! Sign up on the parish website. Cost is $5 per person, $10 per family.
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.
SEAM
Basketball: Registration for the 2018-2019 basketball season is under way, now through October 31. Boys and girls from first through eighth grades who are registered Catholic members of Saint Elizabeth are eligible to play on a parish team. High School registration remains open into November. Check out the SEAM website: www.seamcyo.com for registration and related information.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for September 22-23, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $17,476.30
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1117.80]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 8,618.40
Total Regular Collection: $26,094.70
Number of adult envelope contributions: 534
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.