Bulletin - November 17, 2019

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Joseph’s People: Monday (11/18), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Sister Parish Planning Team (SPPT): Monday (11/18), 7:00 PM, St. Mark

Pre-Jordan Team: Monday (11/18), 7:00 PM, CLC

RCIA Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist

Cub Scout- Pack Leaders: Monday (11/18), 7:00 PM, social hall

Walking With Purpose: Mondays, 7:00 PM, & Wednesdays, 9:30 AM, St. Matthew

Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark; 7:00 PM, St. Matthew

EFF Confirmation Retreat Meeting: Tuesday (11/19), 6:00 PM, Ed. Center office

High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC

Parish Finance Council: Tuesday (11/19), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (11/19), 7:30 PM, St. Mark

Altar Server Training: Wednesdays (11/20 + 12/4), 6:00 PM & Thursdays (11/21 + 12/5), 4:30 PM, church

Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, holy hour at 6:00 PM in chapel and meeting at 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room

Parish Youth Ministry Team: Wednesday (11/20), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew

Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (11/20), 6:30 PM, social hall

Parish School Advisory Council (PSAC): Wednesday (11/20), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Men’s Spirituality Group: Thursdays (11/21 & 12/5), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark

Ignatian Spirituality Series: Thursdays (11/21, 12/5, 12/12 & 12/19), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room

Elizabeth Ministry Mom’s Night Out: Thursday (11/21), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew

Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel

Parish Ministry Leaders Appreciation Social & Networking: Friday (11/22), 7:00 PM, social hall

Knights of Columbus Red Cross Blood Drive: Saturday (11/23), 7:00 AM, social hall

Thanksgiving Dinner Collection: Sunday (11/24), before all Masses, social hall kitchen

CYO Crusaders Football Banquet: Sunday (11/24), 2:30 PM, social hall

Ministerium/Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service: Sunday (11/24), 7:00 PM, Ss. Philip & James, Exton

Parish School Thanksgiving Prayer Service: Monday (11/25), 2:00 PM, church

Catholics Coming Home Planing Team: Monday (11/25), 7:00 PM, Holy Family

Parish Pastoral Council: Tuesday (11/26), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Together Retreat Program - Continuation Committee: Wednesday (11/27), 7:00 PM, St. Mark

Thanksgiving Mass: Thursday (11/28), 9:00 AM, church

Day after Thanksgiving Mass: Friday (11/29), 9:00 AM, chapel (note time change)

Advent Giving Tree: Saturday/Sunday (11/30 thru 12/15), after all Masses, narthex

Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (12/2), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Parish Stewardship Council: Tuesday (12/3), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (12/3), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew

Respect Life Committee: Tuesday (12/3), 7:00 PM, Good Shepherd Room

Spirit Newsletter Committee: Tuesday (12/3), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room

Pastoral Outreach Committee: Wednesday (12/4), 7:00 PM, St. Luke

Advent By Candlelight: Wednesday (12/4), 7:00 PM , social hall

Burkino Faso Food Packaging: Saturday (12/7), 9:00 AM, social hall

Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (12/7-8), before all Masses, social hall kitchen

OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST

Part-time Companion Needed: Looking for a parishioner willing to spend a few hours a few times a week with my elderly mother to provide companionship and minimal aide for things she can’t do herself. We are looking for these services in Uwchland Hunt. Compensation will be provided. If interested please contact Toni at 484-797-8213.

St. Peter, West Brandywine: The Respect Life Committee is holding a free showing of the eye-opening movie “Unplanned”, today, Sunday, November 10 at 6:30 PM. Unplanned is the inspiring story of one woman’s journey of transformation. Although the filmmakers were certain they were making a PG-13 film, the Motion Picture Association gave it an R-rating for “some disturbing, bloody images”. For more information, see the review by the Catholic News Service at catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/unplanned.cfm. No reservations are needed. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

St. Joseph, Downingtown: All are welcome to join us on Monday, November 11, 7:00-8:00 PM for a Rosary for Life. Guest speaker is Sr. Sheila Galligan, IHM, who will conclude the night with a short talk. For more info, contact Cathy (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 215-882-2091).

Bishop Shanahan High School: Tickets are now available for the BSHS fall musical, “Rock of Ages - High School Edition!” Show dates are November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 PM and November 24 at 2:00 PM. In addition, a complimentary, modified performance for special needs and autism friendly audiences will take place on November 21. Purchase tickets and RSVP at shanahan.org.

IHM Sisters Discernment Retreat: Single young women ages 18-35 are invited to a Discernment Retreat from Friday evening, November 15 through Sunday afternoon, November 17. The weekend will include Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, spiritual conference, and time with the sisters. For more information and/or to register, email Sr. Mary Ann at ihmvoc@aol.com or text 570-573-2337.

Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ: Men’s Retreat, November 15-17, open to men from all walks of life, focusing on unique male issues on the spiritual journey. The retreat will consist of Eucharistic and other prayer, input, quiet time, small group sharing, socializing and fun within a supportive, intentional community of men. Cost is $140 per person, double occupancy. For more information and or to register contact Anthony Fucci, Center Director at 609-884-3829 or www.capemaymarianists.org.

St. Augustine Parish, Philadelphia: Join us for a Mass in support of those suffering from addiction, on Saturday, November 16 at 12:00 noon. All are invited! Celebrant is Rev. Bill Donnelly, O.S.A.. Addiction has touched far too many families and taken away far too many of our loved ones. Join us that we may draw strength from one another in the power of our faith. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

Bishop Shanahan High School: Join us on Sunday, November 17, 12:00-3:00 PM for our Fall Open House. The afternoon will include tours, academic presentations, classroom demonstrations, Q&A with department chairs, teachers and coaches. Refreshments provided. For more information and/or to register visit shanahan.org/whybshs, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 610-343-6206.

St. Peter Parish, West Brandywine: Theology of the Body and Eagles Football?? - Yes!! All High School Boys (dads/father figures encouraged to attend) are invited to Theology of the Body talk and Eagles vs. Patriots game on Sunday, November 17, 3:00 PM at Saint Peter parish Bethany Room & Celebration Center (2835 Manor Road, West Brandywine). Food, fun and fellowship included! There is no charge for this event. Presenter is Brendan McCauley. For more information and to RSVP, contact Tracy (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-220-4346). Event is sponsored by the St. Peter Respect Life Committee.

Villa Maria Academy: Join us in welcoming David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra & Dr. Ron Matthews, President of Eastern University, on November 19 at 7:00 PM at the Marian Center, 370 Central Avenue, Malvern. For ticket information, please contact Ms. Leah Kim at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SS. Peter & Paul, West Chester: Marriage Spirituality Groups Forming! Teams of Our Lady is an international lay movement in the Catholic Church designed to enrich marriage spirituality and make good marriages even better. A Team is comprised of 5 to 7 couples who meet once a month, rotating from one home to another, accompanied by a spiritual counselor (priest, brother, sister or deacon). The Team shares a simple meal, shares on the spiritual activities performed between meetings and focuses on a particular study topic. If you are interested in increasing and improving your prayer life while growing closer to your spouse, please contact Sheila Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Now that the back to school rush is over, refresh your marriage relationship on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is November 22-24 at Our Lady of Czetochowa, Doylestown. For more information visit our website at: https://www.wwme-philly.org or contact Al & Mary Liz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 610-449-1859.

St. Basil Parish, Kimberton: Join us for our Christmas Craft Show on Saturday, November 23, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM in our Parish Hall! Many new crafters with 100's of items for your one stop shopping! Freshly baked delights, attic treasures for steals ‘n deals. Kitchen will be open all day. Raffles and much more! Fun for the whole family. Santa Claus will be there from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.

Archbishop Carroll High School, Radnor: Class of 1979 is celebrating its 40^th Reunion, Saturday, November 30, at the Great American Pub in Conshohocken from 7:00-11:00 PM. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our classmates, sharing good memories and lots of laughs! Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance on line. For details and tickets, please visits Patriots79.com. For more info contact Dana Mashett at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bishop Shanahan High School: Join us for our Annual Christmas Craft & Gift Show on Saturday, December 7 (Snow Date December 8). Doors open at 9:00 AM and close at 3:00 PM. Shop from over 180 handmade crafters and unique vendor gifts while getting into the Christmas spirit. Entry is $5 for ages 13-62; $3 for 62+ and complimentary for religious. Light fare for breakfast and lunch is available for purchase in the cafeteria.

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary: Join us for Silence of the Season Open House & Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 8. Seminary tours begin at 1:00 PM, with the last tour beginning at 3:00 PM. Light refreshments will be available during the Open House tours. Christmas Concert, which begins at 4:00 PM, will feature music by our seminarian choir and musicians, Christmas readings and an opportunity to view the international Christmas Creche display and Papal artifacts from the 2015 Apostolic visit. The concert is free and open to the public. No need to RSVP. Free-will offering will be accepted to benefit a charity selected by the seminarians.

Best Kept Secrets Tour: Join in on this shopping, food and adventure tour between November 30 and December 14. Tickets are $10 ($1 per ticket donated to CRC Watersheds) which entitles you to all the perks of the tour and includes tour guide and map, coupons from 33 businesses, chance to win $900 in gift cards, and VIP treatment at every stop! Every business has something special planned for you. Things like refreshments, gifts, games and drawings, factory or farm tours, demos, how-to sessions and more. For more info and tickets visit www.bestkeptsecretstour.com or call 717-721-9409.

Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company: Presents The Nutcracker, featuring over 40 local dancers and professional guest artists. Come join Clara, The Nutcracker, Sugar Plum Fairy and their friends as they journey through the Land of Sweets for this Victorian Christmas family tradition. Performance Date: Saturday, December 7, 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM at the Phoenixville Area Middle School Theater. Tickets are $20-adults and $15-children under 12. Tickets available at the door or online at www.tututix.com/svrdc.

Saints Peter & Paul, West Chester: Join us for a bus trip to Sight & Sound Theatre’s “Miracle of Christmas” on Wednesday, December 11. Cost is $110 which includes round trip bus transportation, driver’s tip, theatre ticket and a delicious, all you can eat dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. The bus will depart SSPP parking lot at 8:45 AM and will return at approximately 6:00 PM. To reserve your ticket, contact Judy Magee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 484-473-8205).

St. Mary of Providence, Elverson: Save the Date! Join us on Saturday, December 14, 12:00-6:00 PM for the Christmas Tour at Langoma. Historic 1890 Pott’s Mansion Tour, Amazing Raffle Baskets, visits with Santa, hot chocolate & treats at the Gingerbread House. Tour tickets available at the door for $15 donation. You can also call ahead for tickets and more information at 610-942-4166.

CatholicPhilly.com: Sign up for CatholicPhilly.com’s free newsletter sent to your email in-box twice a week - go to catholicphilly.com/newsletter. Don’t miss our multi-part series, “Our Changing Church,” at www.CatholicPhilly.com/church.

Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne: We invite women (ages 19-45) who are discerning a religious vocation to join us for a weekend of sharing in our life of prayer and apostolate. The last 2019 weekend will be held in Hawthorne, NY on November 15-17. Reservations are required. For information and/or reservations please contact Sr. Catherine Marie (845-745-1319 or vocationThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Daughters of St. Mary of Providence: Come & See Weekends at the Convent, for single women (ages 18-35), interested in exploring religious life. There will be Reflections on God’s Call, vocation stories from the Sisters, Liturgy of the Hours, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Weekends will be held on December 27-29, 2019 and March 13-15, 2020. Contact Sr. Brenda McHugh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 847-494-2982 to register.

October Count Mass Attendance Report: 2014-2019

Each year during October, the parishes of the archdiocese conduct a count of those attending weekend Masses. Here is the report for 2019:

                                Summary of Mass Attendance Totals between 2014 and 2019

Notes: 1)  The summary includes five weekends in 2015, 2016 & 2017.

2) The total parish population in 2019 (down from 10,485 to 10,119) reflects updated information received in about 950 parish census forms, with 2,000 census forms not yet returned.

Needless to say, each of us needs to reflect prayerfully upon his/her own consistency in Mass attendance and to invite other family members and Catholic neighbors to do the same. Let us pray that those who are estranged from the sacramental life of the Church for whatever reason may return to a more active participation in the Mass during the coming Advent-Christmas Season.

Fall Events

Mark your calendars

Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 PM, St. Matthew, Ministry Center, Fruits of the Spirit, Mom’s night out, sponsored by Elizabeth Ministry.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 7:00–Noon – Knights of Columbus blood drive. Register at www.kofc13141.org

Sunday, Nov. 24, 7:30–11:30 AM – Sharing our Bounty, Thanksgiving Turkey collection. Contact Kristin Lawrence at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or The Macks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to offer to donate a Thanksgiving meal for the less fortunate.

Sunday, Nov. 24, 7:00 PM, SS. Philip and James Church, Ship Road Exton; Interfaith & Ecumenical Thanksgiving Prayer Service: Praying for Peace. Refreshments and socializing will follow.

Thursday, Nov. 28, 9:00 AM, Church; Attend Thanksgiving Mass as a family.

Saturday/Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1; Sharing our Bounty, Parish Advent Giving Tree; Church Narthex; take a gift request tag from the tree, purchase the gift and return by December 15.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7:00 PM, Social Hall, Advent by Candlelight; An Evening of Reflection for Women; guest speakers, Father Thomas Mullin and Dr. Allison Shirker. Be a guest or a table hostess. Contact Maria Fraser at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 484-888-2224.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 11:00 AM Chapel and Ministry Center – Age 60+?? Plan to attend the Senior Adult Ministry Mass and covered dish luncheon. Simply bring a dish to share and enjoy a great meal while socializing with other seniors.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30 – 11:30, Church and Social Hall; help package meals for Burkina Faso, an extremely poor country in West Africa. Any parishioner over the age of 5 is welcome to register. It is a fun, gratifying morning. Go to www.stelizabethparish.org for info and link to register.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8, before all Masses, Casserole Collection-take a pan and lid from table in the Narthex, make your favorite casserole, freeze and bring to church on Dec. 7-8. Your casserole will help feed homeless men at Saint John’s Hospice in Philadelphia.