Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017
Pastoral Council Elections
All parishioners age 16 and older are encouraged to vote in this year’s election of four new members for the Parish Pastoral Council. Short biographies of the nine candidates and election ballots are available in the church narthex and on line at the parish website. The deadline for submitting completed ballots is 4:00 PM on Monday, May 1.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Monday (4/17), 7:00 PM, CLC
CRHP-Women’s Team: Mondays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Joseph’s People: Monday (4/17), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM, ministry center
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Finance Council: Tuesday (4/18), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (4/18), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
New Evangelization Committee: Tuesday (4/18), 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
8th Grade Youth Group: Wednesday (4/19), 6:30 PM, gym
FLMT Speaker-Spirituality & Addiction: Wednesday (4/19), 7:00 PM, social hall
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Confirmation Rehearsals: Thursday (4/20), 6:00 & 7:30 PM, church & social hall
Women at the Well: Thursday (4/20), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Middle School Youth Group: Friday (4/21), 6:00 PM, gym
Confirmation Liturgies: Saturday (4/22), 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM, church
Social Fellowship Pancake Breakfast: Sunday (4/23), 8:30-11:00 AM, social hall
Cub Scout Pack 61: Sunday (4/23), 12:30 PM, social hall
Catholics Coming Home Team: Monday (4/24), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
SEAM Board: Monday (4/24), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Bible Study; Monday (4/24), 8:00 PM, CLC
Parish Stewardship Council: Tuesday (4/25), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP Continuation Committee: Tuesday (4/25), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Adult Faith Formation Committee: Tuesday (4/25), 7:30 PM, St. John the Baptist
A Widow’s Walk: Wednesday (4/26), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Legion of Mary- Presentation on Marian Consecration: Thursday (4/27), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Stewardship Day of Service: Saturday, (4/29), 8:30 AM, church and social hall
Knights of Columbus Communion Breakfast: Sunday (4/30), 8:00 AM, church & social hall
An Excerpt from Living As a People of God in Unsettled Times - A Pastoral Reflection
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (March 22, 2017)
The Word of God is truly alive today. “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you, too, were once aliens in the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:33-34).
To live as a people of God is to live in the hope of the Resurrection. To live in Christ is to draw upon the limitless love of Jesus to fortify us against the temptation of fear. Pray that our engagement in the debate over immigration and refugee issues may bring peace and comfort to those most affected by current and proposed national policy changes.
Let us not lose sight of the fact that behind every policy is the story of a person in search of a better life. They may be an immigrant or refugee family sacrificing so that their children might have a brighter future. As shepherds of a pilgrim Church, we will not tire in saying to families who have the courage to set out from their despair onto the road of hope: “We are with you.” They may also be a family seeking security from an increased threat of extremist violence. It is necessary to safeguard the United States in a manner that does not cause us to lose our humanity.
Intense debate is essential to healthy democracy, but the rhetoric of fear does not serve us well. When we look at one another, do we see with the heart of Jesus? Within our diverse backgrounds are found common dreams for our children. Hope in the next generation is how the nation will realize its founding motto: “out of many, one.” In doing so, we will also realize God’s hope for all His children: that we would see each other as valued sisters and brothers regardless of race, religion or national origin. .......
As Pope Francis said: “To migrate is the expression of that inherent desire for the happiness proper to every human being, a happiness that is to be sought and pursued. For us Christians, all human life is an itinerant journey towards our heavenly homeland.”
For more information, go online to www.USCCB.org.
Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Peter Church
All are invited to come celebrate Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church, West Brandywine, beginning with Mass at 11:00 AM followed by Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Priests will be available for confessions between 1:00 and 3:00 PM. At 3:00 PM, we will have the Divine Chaplet in song, a Consecration of Families to the Divine Mercy and Benediction, followed by refreshments and fellowship.
2017 Catholic Charities Appeal
The 2017 Appeal is being conducted through the end of 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. Brochures and donation envelopes remain available in the church narthex for those who have not yet made a contribution to the 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal.
Christ is risen, Alleluia! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!