Have You Noticed?
Since last January, there has been a regular column in the parish bulletin entitled: Liturgical Life: Did You Know? The series has been prepared by the Liturgical Life Committee (LLC) to address a variety of liturgical topics of interest to parishioners. The latest installment is provided below.
As an extension of this DYK project, the LLC is introducing a Liturgical Question Box, to be located at the hospitality desk in the church narthex. Parishioners are invited to submit their questions about the Sacred Liturgy – why we do what we do at Mass – and members of the LLC will provide a response to the inquirer in a timely manner. This project is being piloted for 8 weeks, February 2 through March 29. Look for the Liturgical Question Box in the narthex next month.
Liturgical Life: Did You Know?
Why do we sing so much at Mass? The General Instruction of the Roman Missal affirms the importance of singing in these words:
“The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns and inspired song (Col.3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (Acts 2:46). Thus Saint Augustine rightly says: ‘Singing is for one who loves.’ There is also an ancient proverb: ‘One who sings well prays twice.’
“Great importance should therefore be attached to the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass, with due consideration for the culture of the people and the abilities of each liturgical assembly.” (GIRM, #39-40)
Look for more installments in this “Did You Know” series in the weeks ahead. A complete collection of all the topics in the series is available on the parish website (stelizabethparish.org).
Parish Census
The Parish Census form remains available in the church narthex and online on the home page of the parish website. If you have not yet filled out a census form, please return the completed form to the parish ministry center by January 31, 2020. It only takes 3-4 minutes to complete. Thank you for your cooperation with this project, a key step in ongoing implementation of the 2017-2021 Parish Pastoral Plan.
Tax Statements for 2019
Parishioners who would like a tax statement for their 2019 donations are welcome to contact the parish office (610-321-1200) and a statement will be mailed out to you promptly. Thank you to all who so generously support the mission of Saint Elizabeth Church throughout the year!
Words from the Pastor
Even though you are out of town or away on vacation, you can still listen to the pastor’s weekend homilies. Go right to the home page of the parish website (stelizabethparish.org). Why not check out the parish website today!
As the Magi offered their gifts to Jesus … please consider offering your gifts to
one or more of the ministries/committees of Saint Elizabeth Church.
Don’t just GO to church, BE the church.
Some ministries/committees that need additional volunteers are below.
Consider offering your stewardship service.
Ushers – Open to men and women 15 years +. Scheduling is user friendly and can be as frequently as once a month.
Greeters – Same as Ushers but is open to the entire family.
Hospitality Ministers – Stand behind the Information station to answer questions before and after Mass one or two times a month.
Social Fellowship Committee – Help serve donuts etc. 4 times a year or join the planning team.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion – Distribute the Precious Body 1 or 2 times a month.
Casserole Collectors – Help collect casseroles before Mass once a month.
Sharing our Bounty – Collect parishioners donations before Mass once a month.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Teach or shepherd the little ones during Mass once a month.
Adult Faith Formation Committee – Meet monthly to plan adult faith programs and events.
Bereavement Ministry Team – Help tend to families and help plan or be present at funerals.
Liturgical Music Ministry – Share your musical talent – voice or instrument – at Mass one or two times per month.
Senior Adult Ministry – Join the planning team for the 60 + age group. They meet 6 times a year.
To find out more about these groups and many others, visit www.stelizabethparish.org or
call Parish Services Office at 610-646-6550.