A Word from Father Mullin
In writing to the Romans (today’s second reading), Saint Paul offers all of us words of great encouragement and hope in the face of the personal sinfulness we uncover through prayerful reflection during Lent:
God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
It is a growing awareness and appreciation for such a profound love that comes to us in Christ Jesus that moves our hearts to deeper repentance and more faithful discipleship. Now is the right time to celebrate God’s loving forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation!
Fr. Tom Mullin
Pastoral Council Election News
It’s not too late to submit a nomination for four vacancies on the pastoral council. If you or someone you know in the parish may be interested in offering stewardship service to the pastoral council, please pick up a nomination form on the table in the narthex after Mass. Self-nominations are most welcome! The deadline for nominations is this Wednesday, March 22.
Lenten Soup Supper
All are invited to a free supper of soup, salad & bread this Friday, March 24, at 5:30 PM in the social hall. No advance registration is required. We gather as a community for fellowship and to encourage one another through the disciplines of Lent. During the supper, a hands-on family-friendly Stations of the Cross activity will be offered. All are encouraged to pray together a Youth Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in church, too.
First Penance/Reconciliation News
All are welcome to attend the celebration of First Penance, either this Monday, March 20, or this Wednesday, March 22, both at 7:00 PM in church.
RCIA News
Would you like to explore the Catholic Faith? Our weekly inquiry group meets at 7:00 PM on Mondays in the education center conference room. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545.
Mass Intentions for the Week
March 18-19: Third Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Rose Caruso (3rd Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Agnes & Edward McNamara
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Eric Fieo
Monday, 7:30 AM- Josephine & Anthony Spino
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Adele & Philip Novak
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Nancy Fischer
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Henry Magnanti
Friday, 7:30 AM- Ronald Schwartz
Saturday, 8:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
March 25-26: Fourth Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM-Anita Mullin Carr (32nd Ann)
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Russell Clark (16th Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- John & Irene Palumbo
Sunday, 11:30 AM- George Perrin
Readings:1 Samuel 16/1, 6-7, 10-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5/8-14; John 9/1-41
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM in the chapel. Please note that this Monday, March 20, Exposition will close at 6:30 PM to accommodate the celebration of First Penance, and on Monday, April 3, Exposition will close at 6:30 PM to accommodate the RCIA in 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; Evelyn Barnes; Kelly Cahill; James Curran; Allison Glitz; Stephen Gray; Roger Groves; Lindsay Hamilton; William Hare; Perry Hughes; Susan Lamb; John McLaughlin; Mae Mollure; Edward Musuras; Laurie Olseski; Ryan Riotto; Donald Schmitz; Allison Shirker and Elizabeth Young.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Craig Kadlec, husband of Madelene Kadlec and father of parishioners, Christian and Michael Kadlec; and Patricia Subasic, mother of Kelly Miller. May all our departed loved ones truly rest in peace!
Family Life Ministry
Separated & Divorced Group: The Family Life Ministry Team is pleased to announce a special program for men and women who have suffered from divorce or separation. The program is based upon Rose Sweet’s work, The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide, and will be facilitated by parishioner, Dr. Diane Thompson. The group will meet weekly starting this Tuesday, March 21, at 7:00 PM in the Holy Family Room.
Widows’ Group: A new series entitled A Widow’s Walk- Embracing One Another on Our Journey begins this Wednesday, March 22, at 7:00 PM in St. Matthew Conference Room and will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month, March through June.
If you are interested in attending either group, register by calling or emailing the parish services office (610-646-6550;
Spirituality and Addiction: On Wednesday, April 19, at 7:00 PM in the parish social hall, Dr. Thomas Legere will present a talk titled: Spirituality: The Golden Key to Recovery. Please extend an invitation to anyone you know who may be troubled by addiction or have a family member or friend who is burdened with addiction. All are welcome and encouraged to come and find out how spirituality can help recovery and aid in everyday life. For more info, contact Gen Miceli in the parish services office (610-646-6550).
Committee for the New Evangelization
Christ Renews His Parish-Women’s Renewal: Registration is now open for the next women’s overnight renewal on Friday-Saturday, May 5-6. The retreat is designed for all women of the parish (21 or older). It provides time to experience personal growth in your faith in a relaxed welcoming environment. For more info, contact Marie Hellgoth (484-341-8762 or
Elementary Faith Formation
Help! We need a catechist for 3rd graders on Monday evenings (6:30 to 7:45 PM). Experience helpful but not necessary. Willingness to pass the Catholic faith to our children a must. Please contact Beth Riordan, DRE at 610-646-6545 or
First Penance Candidates: First Penance will be held on Monday March 20 and Wednesday March 22, at 7 PM in church. Attendance at First Penance replaces classes for EFF second graders the week of March 20,, 2017. If you are unsure for which date your child is scheduled, please contact us at 610-646-6545. This is another Lenten opportunity for parents to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, too!
Confirmation Retreats: A heartfelt “Thank You!” to all who volunteered at the retreats. This is a large event requiring many hands. You made it another successful year. Parent and students we assembled over 1,300 snack bags that have been delivered to Aid for Friends.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Congratulations: Our Odyssey of the Mind teams took two first places (grade 6 and 7) and one second place (grade 8) this weekend. The State competition is next. And kudos to Nolan Hughes and Jack Ringenbach, who placed in the recent CCIU Science fair, too.
Applications for 2017-2018 School Year: We are already planning for a great 2017-2018 school year and we would like your family to be a part of it! Please contact Mrs. Liz Oulton (610-646-6540) to arrange for a tour and to pick up application materials.
Family Bowling: Thanks to the parents who organized a great afternoon of bowling, fellowship and fun!
Part-Time Help Needed for Cares Program: We need your help! With hours between 2:45 & 6:00 PM, this is a perfect opportunity for those looking for part-time work and enjoy working with school-age children. Schedules are flexible and “occasional” help is also welcome. Homework helpers and crafters are great, too. For more info, please contact Cathy Kemery (
Stewardship Day of Service- April 29
Many parishioners have already signed up for the Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 29, but we need many more! Please consider registering today! Go to www.stelizabethparish.org and click on the SDOS link to complete an online registration. For more info and/or help in registering, contact Gen Miceli at
Pastoral Outreach- Poor Box Program
The recipient of poor box donations during March and April is the Aquinas Center, sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in South Philadelphia. The center is an innovative church and community-backed venture in welcoming and supporting local immigrants. For more info go to staquinas.com/aquinascenter/. Thanks for your support.
Legion of Mary
Consecration to Jesus through Mary: Would you like to get to know Mary better? Are you looking to deepen or renew your devotion to Mary? Come out on Thursday, April 27, at 7:00 PM to hear Father John Stokely speak on the Marian Consecration. His talk will be based on Fr. Hugh Gillespie’s work, Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary. The consecration will be made on Wednesday, May 31, at 7:00 PM in church. For more info, contact Janet Van Alstyne at 610-533-1038 or
Social Fellowship: Pizza Social
All are invited to stop in the social hall after the 5:30 PM Mass this coming Saturday, March 25, to have a piece of pizza on us. Meet some new parishioners while you munch on some pizza. If you’re headed out to dinner, stop by and have a slice as an appetizer!
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Game Day: Game Days are held every fourth Thursday of the month in the Ministry Center. Come out for snacks and fun this Thursday, March 23, at 10:30 AM.
Lunch N Learn: If you are 60+, mark your calendars for a special Lenten “Lunch N Learn” on Thursday, April 6, at 10:30 AM in the chapel. Fr. John Stokely will take us on a scriptural pilgrimage through the Holy Land entitled In the Footsteps of Our Lord, followed by a simple lunch in the ministry center. Please let us know you are coming by contacting Gen Miceli at 610-646-6550 or
Safe Environment Program
Last call to enroll for the Protecting God’s Children class at Saint Elizabeth this school year. If you are a parent who is not a volunteer, consider this class for your own awareness. Class will be held on Thursday, March 30, 7:00- 9:30 PM in the ministry center.
To register, go to www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2. cfm?theme=0. The 60 day grace period for anyone who began volunteering with children at the beginning of this school year has now expired. To come into full compliance with our Safe Environment Program, please register for class now! A full list of volunteer requirements can be found on the parish website.
Youth Ministry News
8th Grade Youth Group: We will meet this Wednesday, March 22, 6:30-8:00 in the gym.
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC. Don’t miss High School Bible Study on Monday, March 27, at 8:00 PM.
For info on any youth ministry activities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
Knights of Columbus News
Fish Dinner: Don’t miss the annual K of C Fish Dinner on Friday, April 7, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM in the parish social hall. Eat in and take out meals are both available! Tickets on sale on line at www. stelizabethcouncil13141 and also in the ministry center after weekend Masses, Sunday afternoon, April 2, No tickets will be sold at the door.
Respect Life News: Forty Days for Life
Between March 1 and April 9, the Chester County Pro-Life Coalition is taking part in the 40 Days for Life Vigil in front of Planned Parenthood of West Chester, PA. To volunteer to participate in the vigil according to your own schedule, simply go to www. 40daysforlife.com.
The Saint Elizabeth Council, Knights of Columbus and the Parish Respect Life Committee have arranged to stand as a group on Saturday, March 25. If you wish to participate in this vigil with other members of the parish, go to www.kofc13141.org to sign up for a time that fits your schedule. You can also contact Chuck Reimer (610-212-9156 or
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, March 5, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $22,587.58
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,383.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $22,403.00
Total Regular Collection: $44,990.58
Number of adult envelope contributions: 779
The special collection to support the Military Archdiocese will be taken up at Mass next weekend. Please use the special collection envelope for the appeal and drop your offering into the regular collection basket next weekend or send it directly to the parish ministry center during the week. Thank you for your generous support.