Upcoming Meetings & Events
Senior Adult Ministry Board (SAM): Monday (3/9), 3:00 PM, St. Mark
EFF Lenten Prayer Service: Monday (3/9), 5:00 PM & Tuesday (3/10), 6:30 PM, church
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (3/9), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Creation Care Team: Monday (3/9), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Walking With Purpose: Mondays, 7:00 PM, & Wednesdays, 9:30 AM, St. Matthew
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Liturgical Life Committee: Tuesday (3/10), 7:15 PM, St. Luke
Bereavement Ministry Team: Wednesday (3/11), 9:00 AM, St. Luke
Stewardship Day of Service Team: Wednesday (3/11), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Parish School Advisory Council (PSAC): Wednesday (3/11), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Lenten Confessions: Wednesdays (3/11, 3/18, 3/25 & 4/1), 6:30-7:00 PM, chapel
SAM Lunch & Learn: Thursday (3/12), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Men’s Spirituality Group: Thursdays (3/12 and 3/26), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SEAM Regional Board Meeting: Thursday (3/12), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Ignatian Spiritual Exercises: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, Good Shepherd Room
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM + Fridays, holy hours at 9:00 AM, chapel and meetng at 10:00 AM, St. Mark
Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel
Lenten Soup Supper: Friday (3/13), 5:00 PM, social hall
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Friday (3/13), 7:00 PM, church [presented by the Parish Youth Ministry
Pre-Jordan I: Saturday (3/14), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
SEAM Basketball End-of-the-Year Recognition: Saturday (3/14), Mass in church at 5:30 PM + party in the social hall at 6:30 PM
Junior High School Youth Group: Mondays (3/16 & 3/30), 6:00 PM, CLC
Joseph’s People: Monday (3/16), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (3/17), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Parish School Sneek-a-Peek: Wednesday (3/18), 9:30 AM, Education Center
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (3/18), 6:30 PM, social hall
Interfaith Action Committee: Wednesday (3/18), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Youth Ministry Team: Wednesday (3/18), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Parish School-Stations of the Cross: Friday (3/20), 2:00 PM, church
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Fridays (3/20 & 3/27), 7:00 PM, church
Lenten Workshop-Discover Your Mission: Saturday (3/21), Mass at 8:30 AM in church + workshop at 9:00 AM in the social hall
Cub Scout Pack 61-Pinewood Derby: Saturday (3/21), 3:00 PM, social hall
Pre-Cana Team: Monday (3/23), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
SEAM Board: Monday (3/23), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Parish Stewardship Council: Tuesday (3/24), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Young Adult Group: Wednesday (3/25), 7:00 PM, CLC
SAM Game Day: Thursday (3/26), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Confirmation Rehearsal: Thursday (3/26), 6:00 PM, social hall & church
Confirmation Mass: Saturday (3/28), 11:00 AM, church & social hall
Easter Dinner Collection: Saturday/Sunday (3/28-3/29), before all Masses, Holy Family Room
Elizabeth Ministry Play Date: Tuesday (3/31), 9:30 AM, St. Mark & St. Luke
Lenten Parish Penance Service: Tuesday (3/31), 7:00 PM, church & chapel
Cub Scout Pack Meetings: Wednesday (4/1), 6:30 PM, CLC & social hall
K of C Fish Dinner: Friday (4/3), 5:00 PM, social hall
Living Stations of the Cross: Friday (4/3), 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM, church
Lenten Confessions: Saturday (4/4), 9:00-11:00 AM, chapel and parlor
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (4/4), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Bishop Shanahan High School: BSHS is seeking a Head Field Hockey Coach, Head Girls Track Coach and Assistant Track Coach (throwing events). If interested please send resume to
Camilla Hall, Immaculata, PA: The following openings are available at Camilla Hall, the Convent Home/Infirmary for the IHM Sisters: RN/LPN-Full-time, 11:00 PM-7:00 AM; Custodian/Mainten-ance-Full-time, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM; CNAs/Nursing Assistants-Full-time/Part-time, all shifts; Food Service Workers-Full-time/Part-time, hours vary. For more information, call 484-321-5630 or complete online application at www.camillahall.org.
St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson: Seeking part-time Pool Manager. Responsibilities include swim lessons, life-guarding and pool maintenance. Will train. Contact Sr. Brenda (610-942-4166) or Kathy at the pool (610-942-4168).
Malvern Retreat House: Seeking full-time Hospitality Coordinator, Monday thru Friday, evening hours including overnights. Responsibilities include serving as host for assigned retreat groups including registration when needed, handling emergency issues with retreatants and property maintenance, working with retreat directors and set up including refreshments when needed. Event set up and break down which includes moving tables, chairs and supplies. Also responsible for setting up for Mass in the chapels and oratories. Candidates should be able to carry up to 40 lbs., be able to stand for longer periods of time and be able to walk campus grounds as needed. If interested, please send resume and salary expectations to
Freddy’s Steakburgers: Every Tuesday is senior citizen day. Please join us for a 25% discount. 221 Eagleview Blvd, Exton, PA 19341.
Decade to Doorways: Experiencing Homelessness? Sleeping outside or in a vehicle? Fleeing domestic violence? At risk of losing your current housing? Call 2-1-1 for assistance! Chester County has services to help. Emergency services information available 24/7. Intake done 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday. Text your zip code to 898-211. Se habla Espanol. Hearing impaired? Use 7-1-1 relay service to call 2-1-1.
Daylesford Abbey: Chester County Choral Society will be performing a benefit concert on Sunday, March 15, 6:30-7:30 PM at the Abbey, UTC-5. After the concert guests will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with the performers over light refreshments. Tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit The Bethesda Project (A Caring Family for Philadelphia’s Homeless). For more info and tickets contact Abbot Rossi (
Catholic Daughters of the Americas: Women over the age of 18 are invited to join the largest Catholic women’s organization in the world. For more information, call/text Michele Byler at 484-832-2683 or Roe Fulmer 484-612-2736, or check our website: http://cdapa.com/2739/index.html. Regular meetings are held the second Saturday of each month 10:00 AM at SS. Simon and Jude Church. Next meeting is March 14, 2020.
Immaculata University Spirituality Under the Dome: Join us for two upcoming events! On Tuesday March 10, 7:00-8:00 PM, Kevin Barr with be presenting “Mystical Oneness (MO) A New Christian Narrative and Modus Operandi for the World”. On Saturday, April 18, our 14th Annual Spirituality Day will be held from 9:00 AM-12:00 noon. Kathy Coffey, author of 16 books and numerous magazine articles, will present “Easter through the Arts”. Visit www.immaculata.edu/spirituality for details on either program, or call Sr. Mary Henrich IHM for a brochure or questions at 484-323-3434 or email
St. Joseph, Downingtown: Please join the Sisters of Life on Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 PM, as they lead the Rosary, followed by a talk. RSVP’s are appreciated although not required. Contact Cathy (
Following in the Footsteps of the Saints: Calling single women, ages 18-35, to join us for a Spring Break Retreat Pilgrimage with the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence from March 12-15. For more info and/or to register contact Sr. Brenda McHugh (
Villa Maria High School: All 6th & 7th graders and their families are invited to the following Spring events: 7th grade practice exam on March 15 or April 4; Preview Breakfasts for 6th & 7th grade students and their families on April 22 or 24 and 7th grade Visit Villa Days on May 12 or 13. For more info contact the Admissions Office (610-644-2551) or register online (www.vmahs.org).
SS. Philip & James, Exton: Join us for a Solemn Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, March 17-March 25. Fr. Michael Callaghan, Director of the National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Germantown, will preach each day of the Novena. The Novena Prayers will be prayed at the 8:30 AM morning Mass, all of the weekend Masses, and again at a special evening Mass each day at 7:00 PM including Saturday and Sunday. Plan to be with us for this wonderful opportunity to honor our Blessed Mother and her gift of the Miraculous Medal and pray for your special intentions during this opportunity of grace. The Shepherds of the Holy Land will be with us during the Novena with their wonderful olive wood devotional items.
Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, Oreland: Pray in the presence of the Relic of Saint Patrick and over 250 more Sacred Relics, on Wednesday, March 17, following the 8:30 AM Mass until 6:30 PM. For more info, visit www.holymartyrschurch.org or call 215-884-8575. Coffee and light snacks will be served in the Father Szal Conference Room as well as a video presentation on Relics. You are invited to bring a church or school group. Please call to arrange a presentation for your group.
The Clinic, Phoenixville: Join us on Thursday, March 19, for “Dying for Chocolate: A Delicious Mystery”, at the RiverCrest Golf Club, 100 Rivercrest Drive, Phoenixville. Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 PM. Proceeds benefit The Clinic-Healthcare for the Uninsured. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the deadly fun while supporting this worthwhile cause. Tickets are $100, and event sponsorships are available. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.theclinicpa.org/dinner.
Rosemont College: Join us on Friday, March 20, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, for the screening of the powerful documentary film “A Dangerous Idea: Eugenics, Genetics and the American Dream”. The screening will be followed by a panel of scholars who will discuss the themes highlighted in the film. The keynote presentation will be given by Stephanie Welch of Paragon Media, the director, producer and writer of the film. The event is free and open to the public, but we ask that all attendees register via the website: https://www.rosemont.edu/about/the-institute/events/.
SS. Peter & Paul Parish, West Chester: All are invited to join our parish on a bus trip to the St. Katharine Drexel Shrine at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia on Thursday, March, 26. We will tour the beautiful cathedral and visit the shrine of St. Katharine Drexel, followed by Mass. Afterwards, we will share a delicious lunch at the City Tap restaurant before heading over to the Barnes Foundation to take in a tour of an incredible display of art exhibits including Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and Cezanne. Cost is $95 and includes round trip transportation, driver’s tip, tour at the cathedral, lunch and admission and guided tour at the Barnes Foundation. For more info or to reserve your seat, please contact Judy Magee (
Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries: Post-Abortion Healing Retreat, March 27-29, Malvern-Frazer, PA. This retreat is designed to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God. It will help you focus on the buried emotions of the past and begin healing in a non-judgemental, safe, loving, and confidential environment. It will give you hope for your future and freedom from the pain within your heart and soul. For information contact Lauren (
Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 28, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM, at Annunciation BVM Church, 401 Brookline Boulevard, Havertown. The theme is “Remain in My Love, and Draw Others to My Sacred Heart”. Presenters are Father Sean Loomis and Dr. Antone Raymundo, MD, OCDS. For more information and/or to register, call 610-622-4257; National Conference, July 24, 5:00 PM-July 26, 12:00 PM, at Malvern Retreat House. Presenters are Fr. James Blount SOLT and Msgr. Ralph J. Chieffo. Cost is $265 per person (includes accomodations, meals and conference registration). Register online at https://www.malvernretreat.
com/events/flame-of-love-2/. For more information, please call 610-644-0400; Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, September 28-October 8 with Spiritual Directors Fr. John Wackerman & Fr. Jim Otto. Cost is $2,249 from Philadelphia. Departures from other US cities available; prices may vary. For more information visit www.flameoflove.us. To book, please visit www.pilgrimages.com/fol or contact Katherine, Alexandra or Danielle at 206 Tours (1-800-206-8687) or email keyaccounts@
206 tours.com.
Bishop Shanahan High School: Join us on Saturday, March 28, 7:00-10:00 PM, for “An Evening at Shanahan” Annual Auction and Restaurant Fair. Tickets are $45 per person. Can’t make the event, you can bid online from home! Check out www.bshs2020.com for more info, to purchase tickets or to bid online.
Little Sisters of the Poor: Annual Spring Concert, Saturday, March 28, at Villanova University - Jake Nevin Field House, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA. Doors open at 6:00 PM with food available. 7:00-8:30 PM: McLean Ave Band; 8:30-9:15: Break; 9:15-10:45 PM: Scythian. Tickets are $50 per person ($10 kids 12 and under, $20 students). Price includes general admission, food, drinks (valid ID required), silent auction. For more information call 215-729-5153, Ext. 1115 or visit www.littlesistersofthepoorphiladelphia.org.
Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ: Join us for a Women’s Spirituality Retreat. April 3-5. Join other women in an exploration of your own story and stories of women in faith. Come alone or with a relative or friend. A team of women has prepared this weekend of rest and renewal. Eucharist, other prayer experiences, beach walks, socials and fun are included. Cost: $140 pp, double occupancy. For further info and/or to register call 610-884-3829 or visit our website at www.capemaymarianists.org.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia: Join us for a Day of Recollection and Conference entitled “You are Called to Holiness” on Saturday, April 4, 9:00 AM-6:15 PM at the Basilica. There will be several speakers, Eucharistic Adoration and recitation of the Rosary and the presence of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke will be the principal celebrant at the 5:15 PM, Palm Sunday Vigil Mass in the Cathedral Basilica. The Cathedral Basilica Choir will sing at the Mass. Admission: $65 per person/$20 full time student; no charge for priests, sisters and seminarians. Coffee and donuts during registration. Lunch will be served. Reservations are required. To download a flyer and registration form visit the website (www.stjohnneumannchapter.org). For more information call 215-247-2585.
Spiritual CPR: Retreat for Nurses 2020: Come join us for an afternoon of spiritual reflection and fellowship with other nurses. Join us on Sunday, April 5, 12:00-4:00 PM at the Saint Raphaela Center, 616 Coopertown Road, Haverford. $30 per person, lunch included. For more information and/or to register, please email Theresa Ferrari (
Regina Luminis Academy: Join us on Thursday, April 16, 6:30 PM at the White Manor Country Club, Malvern, for “Be the Light” with Messy Family Project. This will be a fun evening of food, drinks, fellowship and amazing speakers! Regina Luminis Academy is excited to partner with Michael and Alicia Hernon, of the Messy Family Project, to bring parents, grandparents and future parents together to support each other and grow as families. Mike and Alicia are on a mission to empower parents, strengthen marriage, and bring families to Christ through their ministry, the Messy Family Project. Parents of 10 children and grandparents to 3, Mike and Alicia offer down to earth, practical insights into family life through their website, podcast and speaking engagements throughout the country. Learn more about them & their ministry at: www.messyfamilyproject.org. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.rlamadeforthistime.com
Retrouvaille: Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage! Is your marriage hurting? Do you feel helpless? Hopeless? Retrouvaille (retro-VIE) can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille can help heal your marriage. The next program in our area will be held April 17-19. For more information, or to register for one of our weekends, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 1-800-470-2230 or 215-766-3944. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
A Baby’s Breath Run for Life 2020: Join us on Saturday, April 18, at Norristown Farm Park. 9:00 AM Fun Run; 9:30 AM 5K; 10:30 AM Awards. Come run, walk or wheel! A fun Spring morning for the entire family! Pre-register at www.ababysbreath.org. Proceeds benefit moms and their babies at A Baby’s Breath Jeffersonville Center. For more info, please contact Dorothy Swedkowski, Race Director (610-316-6281 or
St. Mary of the Assumption, Phoenixville: Pre-Cana Program on Saturday, April 25. Light continental breakfast at 8:30 AM, program begins at 9:00 AM and ends with the 4:00 PM Mass. Day includes lunch, snacks and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This one-day program meets all the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A certificate is provided upon completion. For an application, please call the parish office (610-933-2526) or visit www.stmaryassumption.org - click on Forms/Pre Cana.
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.
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, March 8, 2020
Pastoral Council News: Nominations and Elections
The pastoral council is a group of appointed and elected members, drawn from among the parishioners and parish staff, who serve as an advisory body to the pastor. The council is committed to fostering active participation in the life and mission of Saint Elizabeth parish and to providing ongoing pastoral planning to ensure that the activities and programs of our parish are responsive to the spiritual and pastoral needs of our parish community now and in the future.
We are now accepting nominations for five vacancies on the parish pastoral council. Among the qualifications for candidates for election to the Parish Pastoral Council are:
∙ one who is at least eighteen years of age, a fully initiated Roman Catholic (having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) and a registered parishioner at Saint Elizabeth Parish who worships regularly at Saint Elizabeth Church;
∙ one who is committed to growing in one's own relationship with Christ and with other disciples in the community of the Church;
∙ one who leads by example and supports wholeheartedly the universal mission of the Church and the particular mission of Saint Elizabeth parish under the leadership of the pastor;
∙ one who is willing to make the pastoral council one’s primary (not necessarily sole) focus in offering one’s stewardship of time and talent to the parish;
∙ and, one who seeks what is best for the parish as a whole, rather than represent the interests of any one subgroup, specific ministry or individual parish program.
If you or someone you know in our parish is interested in offering their stewardship service to the pastoral council, please pick up a nomination form on the table in the narthex this month. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, March 25; the election will be held at the end of April. Questions may be directed to Father Mullin at the parish ministry center (610-321-1200).
Liturgical Life: Did You Know?
Why do we stand during the Gospel reading, but sit for the other two readings? The Church encourages us to celebrate Liturgy of the Word in a way that promotes attentive listening and reflection. The posture of sitting during the Old and New Testament readings is a way to be both attentive and reflective to the Word of God. For we believe that Christ "is present in his word, since it is he himself who speaks when the Holy Scriptures are read in the church." (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #7)
Because of the unique presence of Christ in the proclamation of the Gospel, it has long been the custom to stand in attentive reverence to hear the Gospel. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal affirms: “The Gospel is the high point of the Liturgy of the Word. The Liturgy itself teaches that great reverence is to be shown to it by setting it off from the other readings with special marks of honor: whether on the part of the minister appointed to proclaim it, who prepares himself by a blessing or prayer; or on the part of the faithful, who stand as they listen to it being read and through their acclamations acknowledge and confess Christ present and speaking to them; or by the very marks of reverence that are given to the Book of the Gospels.” (GIRM, #60)
