A Word from Father Stokely
The Beatitudes can be very helpful at times when we need hope and spiritual consolation. They can also provide a good examination of our relationship with God and one another: “am I merciful...am I pure of heart?”
There is one Beatitude, however, that some people find extra confusing: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.” I mean, have you ever admired someone for his or her meekness?
Fr. James Martin, S.J., offers a useful explanation in his book, Jesus-A Pilgrimage. He says that while we might often consider “meek” to describe someone who is devoid of self-confidence or self-respect, the true Biblical meaning describes a person who is obedient, gentle and has self-control over his or her passions.
As we reflect upon the Beatitudes this week, perhaps we will no longer overlook the call to be meek, for Jesus even described himself as “meek and humble of heart.”
Fr. John Stokely
2017 National Catholic Schools Week
Today we begin a week-long national celebration of Catholic schools. The theme of this year’s Catholic Schools Week celebration is: Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service. The theme reflects the three essential ingredients of a sound Catholic school education: faith development, academic excellence and commitment to service.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School remains an integral component of the mission and ministry of the parish community here at Saint Elizabeth.
This week we offer a two-fold word of appreciation and thanks: first, to our parish school principal, Dr. Diane Greco, the faculty & staff, and the many parent volunteers who provide stewardship service all year long; and second, to the parishioners of Saint Elizabeth whose financial support makes it possible for us to offer a Catholic elementary school education for our families.
All are invited to Open House this Sunday afternoon, January 29, 12:30-2:00 PM, to take a look around and see the wonderfully creative work done by our students.
New Cover Page for the Parish Bulletin
Did you notice anything different on this week’s bulletin cover page? Turn back and take a closer look at the newly-articulated Vision Statement and the updated Mission Statement, bookends for the familiar parish logo of Saint Elizabeth & Saint John the Baptist (the image is based upon the stained glass window in the daily Mass chapel). Check out the insert in today’s bulletin for more information about the 2017-2020 Pastoral Plan and how you can offer your input into its completion in the weeks ahead.
Mass Intentions for the Week
January 28-29: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Elizabeth Munsch
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Mary Dippold
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Madeline Soccodato
Monday, 7:30 AM- Mildred & James Gately
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- David Patehell
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Joseph Epifanio
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Thomas Boyle, Sr.
Friday, 7:30 AM- Susan Fanella
Parish School Mass, 11:00 AM- Lynn Cugini
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Parish Memorial Mass
Joan Brudowsky; Clarence Chaney; Bernard Comber, Sr.; Patricia Djuhadi; Dorothyann Gleason; John Guerin; Marianne Marchione; Jeffrey Motta; Edward Parker; Michael Pilciki; Donald Slavin; Rev. Donald Thibault, O.P. and Joseph Veet
February 4-5: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Deceased of Powers/Donohue Families
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Karen Cousin (1st Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- David Cooney, Sr. (1st Ann)
Readings: Isaiah 58/7-10; Psalm 112; 1 Corinthians 2/1-5; Matthew 5/13-16
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM in the chapel.
Marian Devotions: Join us for novena prayers to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Saturday mornings at 7:50 AM, followed by a Rosary for Life at 8:00 AM.
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including: Betty Altman; Eleanor Angstadt; Francis Barrett; John Batt; Regina Black; Jean Buckley; Florence Cahill; William Dingwall; Rick Hall; Henry Mathews; Betty Reger and Elizabeth Young.
We also remember those who have died, including Joan Brudowsky, sister of Belle Mahoney; Mary Petit de Mange, mother of Anne Flaherty; and Deacon Lawrence Froio, grandfather of Gregory Froio. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Part-Time Parish Staff Position
Because the current employee is moving out of the area, we are looking for someone to fill a part-time position (±10 hours/week) as cook and laundress to work in the priest residence. General responsibilities will include regular laundry service each week and cooking dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. For more information, please call Father Mullin at the parish office (610-321-1200).
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, February 11, at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. On Saturday, March 11, both Pre-Jordan I and Pre-Jordan II will be offered. To register for the Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
Confirmation News
Bishop Timothy Senior will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 22, at 10:00 AM and at 2:00 PM. The rehearsals for Confirmation will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
The Confirmation retreat for candidates and parents will be held on Saturday, February 25, for candidates whose last name begins with A-J, and on Saturday, March 11, for candidates whose last names begin with K-Z. Both sessions begin in church at 9:00 AM and conclude by 12:30 PM.
Adult Faith Formation
One Parish, One Book Club: Are you looking for something good to read these days? Try “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith. The parish book club discussion will be held on Wednesday, February 8, at 7:00 PM in the ministry center. RSVP to Beth Riordan at
Family Life Ministry
Attention married couples: Check out the insert in today’s bulletin for information about a great evening on Wednesday, February 15, 7:00-9:00 PM, in the social hall. Treat yourself to a fun night out with your spouse. To register, go online to http://evite. me/JtCGP1xnN7 or call 610-646-6550.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Sneak-A-Peek: Parents with children preparing to enter kindergarten or first grade next year are invited to an all-new Sneak-A-Peek visit to the parish school this Friday, February 3, anytime between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Bring your child for an opportunity to meet current students and teachers during a typical school day! For more info, call Liz Oulton at 610-646-6540.
CSW Closing Mass: All parishioners, friends, and neighbors are welcome to join the parish school students, faculty and staff for the Closing Mass of Catholic Schools Week on Friday, February 3, at 11:00 AM in church (with a blessing of the Throats for St. Blaise Day, too).
2017-2018 School Year: New student application for parish families begins on Tuesday, January 31, and for non-parish families on Wednesday, February 1. We are saving a seat for your child! Re-registration of current students and advanced application for incoming siblings has already begun. For more information, call Liz Oulton at 610-646-6540.
Elementary Faith Formation News
Urgent need! A catechist for our amazing 3rd graders is needed immediately for Monday evenings (6:30 to 7:45 PM). Experience helpful but not necessary. Willingness to pass the Catholic faith to our children a must. Rewards are heavenly! Please contact Beth Riordan, DRE at
Reminder: Parents of children planning to receive sacraments in Spring 2017, your paperwork is now past due. If you have not done so, please send all forms to the Religious Education Office ASAP!
RCIA News
Want to explore the Catholic Faith? For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545 or email her at
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Lunch and Learn: Brought back by popular demand, parishioner Tom Beccone will be talking about “The Life of the Common Soldier during the Civil War.” Come out for his talk on Thursday, February 9, at 10:30 AM in the Ministry Center and then stay for lunch.
Stewardship Day of Service
Mark your calendar: The SDOS is a hands-on opportunity for parishioners of all ages to live out their commitment to a stewardship way of life. Plan now to volunteer for the 2017 SDOS on Saturday, April 29! Look for registration information in the February bulletins and on the parish website.
Youth Ministry News
Weather Notice: ALL youth events will be cancelled on same day/night that school is closed or EFF is cancelled. Check the website for most updated information.
For info on any youth ministry activities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
St. Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM):
CYO Baseball: Registration is now open for parish boys in grades 5-8. For more info and to register online, visit the Saint Elizabeth Baseball website by following the Athletic Ministry link on the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org). We are also looking for a couple of coaches. If you are interested in coaching or have questions about our program, please call Greg Englehardt (985-705-6602).
SEAM Board: The SEAM board will soon have a number of openings. To keep the program going we need more help. Please consider becoming involved (with or without children in the program). If you have questions or are interested, contact Bob Ferraro (
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, January 15, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $20,216.39
[Amount of Loose Cash: $903.01]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $16,784.00
Total Regular Collection: $37,000.39
Number of adult envelope contributions: 670
Christmas Collection: To date we have received a total of $130,016.98 from 1,016 donors. For comparison’s sake, last year’s final total for the Christmas collection amounted to $124,509 from 1,128 donors. Thank you all for your support of Saint Elizabeth Church!
Auto-Giving: Why not consider using Auto-Giving for your regular collection contributions? To receive an electronic copy of the authorization form and/or if you have questions about Auto-Giving, contact Sam Venuti at 610-646-6515 or
Tax Statements for 2016: Parishioners who would like a tax statement for their 2016 donations may contact the parish office (610-321-1200) and a statement will be mailed out to you promptly. Thank you all for your continued generosity to Saint Elizabeth Church!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
K of C Free Throw Contest: Sunday (1/29), 6:30 PM, gym
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist & conference room
CRHP-Women: Mondays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
HSYG Bible Study: Monday (1/30), 8:00 PM, CLC
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Liturgical Life Committee: Tuesday (1/31), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, gym
Pack 61 Cub Scouts: Wednesday (2/1), 6:00 PM, CLC & Social Hall
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Eighth Grade Bible Study: Wednesday (2/1), 6:30 PM, gym
EFF Dinner & Meeting: Thursday (2/2), 5:00 PM, social hall
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St Luke
K of C Family Mass: Sunday (2/5), 9:30 AM, church
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (2/6), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Liturgical Music Planners: Monday (2/6), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (2/6), 7:00 PM, St. Luke