A Word from Father Stokely
Would you agree in everyday life we tend to judge our own actions differently than we judge the actions of others? When a frenzied driver cuts us off on the turnpike...we say, “This person is pure evil!” When we do the exact same thing...we say, “We were in a legitimate hurry, and we wish we didn’t have to do it.”
When it comes to mistakes and wrongdoings, it seems to me that we often judge our personal misdeeds with greater mercy - accenting our “good intentions” - while we might presume the misconduct of our family, friends, classmates and coworkers was committed with harmful carelessness or even malicious intent.
Jesus invites us to examine our hearts. Do we always have the best intentions? Sometimes our motives are not as pure as we would like others to believe. Will we allow Christ our Savior to make us truly pure of heart?
Fr. John Stokely
Job Positions on the Parish Staff
Part-time Cook: Because the current employee has moved 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 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).
Custodial Staff: We are looking for a responsible individual to join the parish custodial staff Monday through Friday, 2:00-10:00 PM. Interested applicants may send a personal resume (with references) to Mr. Rey Forgione, Director of Facilities, by fax (610-646-6513); email (
2017 Catholic Charities Appeal
This is the kick-off weekend for the 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal, which is being conducted now through May. This year's theme, Giving Hope to All, reflects the broad focus of the Catholic Charities appeal in supporting close to 180 beneficiaries in five key areas of the Church's life and ministry: education; social services; evangelization and parish spiritual life; clergy and religious; and mission activities, both locally and worldwide. Look for more information next weekend, when a video will be on display in the church narthex.
Family Life Ministry
Treat yourself to a fun night out with your spouse this Wednesday, February 15, 7:00-9:00 PM in the social hall. Parishioners Mary and Tom Dominiecki will lead an interactive discussion entitled: “Waffles and Spaghetti - Understanding and Delighting in the Differences Between Men and Women to Enhance Your Marriage.” To register, go to http://evite. me/JtCGP1xnN7 or call 610-646-6550.
The Family Life Ministry Team is pleased to announce the beginning of the The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide. The program is for men and women who have suffered from divorce or separation. Some of the topics covered will include shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, the kids, annulment and much more. Whether you got divorced ten days ago or ten years ago, the program offers valuable insight for everyone. Are you divorced, is someone in your family divorced, do you know someone who is divorced? Please share this information with them. The program meets weekly beginning March 21 at 7:00 PM in the Education Center Library, and is led by Dr. Diane Thompson. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register by contacting the Parish Services Office (
Mass Intentions for the Week
February 11-12: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Karen Stuart
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Miles & Charlotte Hannagan
Sunday, 11:30 AM- George Ciarlone
Monday, 7:30 AM- Kathleen McKenna (1st Ann)
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- James Carr (14th Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM-Tuyen Nguyen
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Christine O’Malley (6th Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Susan Fanella
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Margaret Robison (8th Ann)
February 18-19: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Deceased of the Fieo Family
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Hugo & Philomena Ficca
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Rita Werner
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Leviticus 19/1-2, 17-18; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 3/16-23; Matthew 5/38-48.
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: Eleanor Angstadt; Francis Barrett; John Batt; Regina Black; Jean Buckley; Florence Cahill; Jerry Corrado; William Dingwall; Stephen Gray; Rick Hall; Peter Hare; Henry Mathews; Elizabeth Pescatore; Gloria San Giacomo and Elizabeth Young.
We also remember those who have died, including James Shannon, father of Timothy Shannon; Paul Mengel, brother of Kevin Mengel; Donald Missimer, brother-in-law of Jack Steczak, and Jennie Complitano, mother-in-law of William Kuhn. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Welcome New Parishioners
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcome the following individuals, couples and families who registered during January: James & Elizabeth De Maioribus; James Dougherty; Dennis Flynn; Damian & Emily Gabrysiak; Glenn Large; Jason & Jennifer Pomante; Kevin Quinn & Christine Alexander; Jordan & Jaclyn Rajan; Lloyd & Janet Shepps; Edwin & Kristen Simon and Christopher Zahuranec & Megan Smith.
Welcome one and all!
Pastoral Planning News
Take a closer look at the newly-designed cover page of the weekly bulletin to reflect upon the newly-articulated Vision and updated Mission for our parish. 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.
2017 Parish Mission
Plan now to join Redemptorist Father Maurice Nutt, C.Ss.R. for a three-part parish mission the first week of Lent. Come out at 4:00 PM on Sunday, March 5, and again at 7:00 PM on Monday & Tuesday, March 6-7. Father Nutt is currently stationed at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and specializes in preaching, evangelization and parish missions. More information will be available shortly.
Baptism News
The next sessions of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism and Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 10:30 AM in the Ministry Center Conference Rooms. 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.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
2017-2018 School Year: New student application for parish and non-parish families is now underway. 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
RCIA News
Want to explore the Catholic Faith? For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545.
Stewardship Day of Service
Online registration for the April 29 Stewardship Day of Service will begin next Saturday, February 18. Check out the insert in today’s bulletin. More details and a list of participating service agencies are available on the parish website.
Joseph’s People
On Sunday, February 19, Joseph’s People is hosting a free retreat for those who are unemployed or underemployed and one person who you look to and rely upon for support at Malvern Retreat House. The retreat will be from 2:00-7:00 PM and includes a keynote talk, reflections, and discussions that drill down into specifics around trust and confidence. Dinner will be followed by Mass for those who wish to attend. Babysitting will be provided. Please visit http://josephspeople.org/retreat to register for this free
event.
Youth Ministry News
Elementary School Youth Group: Our next Free Play Night will be on Saturday, February 25, 6:30-8:30 PM in the gym. The cost for the night is $5 per child. To sign up, email Ryan (
Middle School Youth Group: The MSYG will meet on Friday, February 24, and again on March 10, 6:30- 8:00 PM, in the gym. Each event will include dinner, activities, and discussion. To sign up, email Ryan.
Eighth Grade Youth Group: The next meeting is on Wednesday, February 22, 6:30- 8:00 PM in the social hall. To sign up, email Ryan.
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC, next to the social hall. Don’t miss High School Bible Study every other Monday night in the CLC, 8:00-9:00 PM. Our next session is this Monday, February 13.
Parish Young Adults: We have a new group for Catholic Young Adults, aged 18-26, at Saint Elizabeth parish. We would like your help in creating this new program.
For info on any youth ministry activities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
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.
St. Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM):
Registration is now open for baseball & track. For more info and to register online, follow the Athletic Ministry link on the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org).
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, January 29, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $21,032.24
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,164.45]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $16,068.98
Total Regular Collection: $37,101.22
Number of adult envelope contributions: 640
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
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist & conference room
High School Bible Study: Monday (2/13), 8:00 PM, CLC
CRHP-Women: Mondays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, gym
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Family Life Marriage Talk: Wednesday (2/15), 7:00 PM, Social Hall
Pack 61 Cub Scouts: Wednesday (2/15), 6:00 PM, CLC, Art Room, Teacher’s Lounge
Men’s CRHP: Thursday (2/16), 7:00 PM, SJTB
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St Luke
Family Movie Night: Friday (2/17), 6:00 PM, Social Hall