A Word from Father Stokely
Patience is a rare and valuable virtue. It is easy to lose and difficult to attain. The greater our patience, the greater our peace. In today's Second Reading, Saint Peter writes, "If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God." So, patience is a grace that Christians should exude. Do we exude graceful patience? Most of us seek to imitate Jesus though acts of charity. Perhaps this week we can imitate our Lord's patience, and through this virtue bring greater peace to our lives and to the lives of others.
Fr. John Stokely
Memorial Mass for Mother’s Day
The Bereavement Ministry Team invites all to a Memorial Mass on Saturday, May 13, at 8:30 AM to honor our mothers, mothers-in-law and grandmothers who have died. Mothers who have suffered the loss of a child are also invited. After Mass, coffee and donuts will be served in the narthex. RSVP by email (
Interfaith Dialogue at Saint Elizabeth
All are welcome to participate in an interfaith dialogue and Iftar meal here at Saint Elizabeth on Tuesday, June 13, at 7:30 PM. Members of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities of Northern Chester County will gather for the occasion. Anyone who would like to assist Fr. Mullin in preparing for this event is asked to contact him at the parish office (610-321-1200) sometime this week. More info to follow shortly.
Pastoral Council Election News
Congratulations to Robin Kerwin and George Marshalek, who have been re-elected to the council; to Patricia Donoghue and Jason Mesiarik, who are newly-elected to the council; and to Jennifer Ranalli who has been appointed to the council. All will serve a three-year term, now through June of 2020.
And thanks to Molly Heary, Missey Kalucki, Susan Marron and Regan Sarmento for their interest in our parish community and willingness to stand for election this year.
Mass Intentions for the Week
May 6-7: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Robert Haux
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Paul De Micco
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Thomas Lucidonio
Monday, 7:30 AM- Lynn Cugini
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Don Slavin
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Nicholas McDaniel
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Barbara Cox
Friday, 7:30 AM- Marshall Robison
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Mothers & Grandmothers
May13-14: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Fela & Emilio Sifuentes
Sunday, 8:00 AM- William Hoffmann
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Corey Besack (2nd Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Acts of the Apostles 6/1-7; Psalm 33; 1 Peter 2/4-9; John 14/1-12
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Now through May 23, Exposition is held on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM in the daily Mass 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: Dolores Bugaiski; Paul Carachilo; James Davis; Yolanda DiMaggio; Joseph Gallagher; William Hare; Kenneth Martin; Karen McKenna; Andrew Mulherin; Anthony Olseski; Taylor Pratt; Brendan Russo; Beth Tatelman; Kelly Waters and Luz Wild.
We also remember those who have died including Maria Korom, mother of Michael Korom, and Gerard Murphy, father of Timothy Murphy. May God grant all our loved ones eternal rest.
RCIA Inquiry
Would you like to explore the Catholic Faith? Our weekly inquiry group meets at 7:00 PM on Mondays. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at 610-646-6545 or
First Holy Communion News
Congratulations to the following children who are receiving First Holy Communion next weekend:
5:30 PM: Jake Anthony; Gregory Butler; Alex Donatelli; Mark Gatto; Mallory Kocher; Caroline Lawrence; Ryan Mattia; Veronica Nazareth; Dominic Needham; Liam O’Sullivan & Mitra Thusnavis.
11:30 AM: Reid Dennis; Connor Feehan & Erin Zerbe.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children baptized in April:
Cieran Marshall Jarvis; Leo Gino Bradica; Emily Elizabeth Gwiazdowski; Quinn Catherine Mackiewicz; Alannah Grace Brookover; Caroline Elizabeth Lagergren; Natalie Joanne Mahalik & Carly Jane Ryan.
Congratulations to their parents and godparents!
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held this Saturday, May 13, and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, June 10. Both programs begin at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. To register for the Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
Committee for the New Evangelization
Catholics Coming Home (CCH): A special six-week program entitled “No Greater Love-Catholics Coming Home” begins this Monday, May 8, at 7:00 PM in the Holy Family Room. Please reach out to an inactive Catholic among your family, friends and neighbors and invite them to try Catholics Coming Home. For more info, contact Deacon Barry Midwood (610-646-6526 or
Pastoral Outreach News
The Sharing Our Bounty committee will be holding a snacks and art supplies drive for the Aquinas Center in Philadelphia on the weekend of June 3-4. Suggested items for donations include: crackers, chips, snack cakes, cookies and granola bars, along with kid friendly paints, markers, oil pastels and craft supplies.
Poor Box Program: The recipient of all donations to the poor box in May and June will be The Lord's Pantry in Downingtown. Please see today's insert about the Pantry and how your donations will be put to use. And, as always, thank you for your generosity!
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Lunch & Learn: Come out this Thursday, May 11, at 10:30 AM to hear parishioner Terry Hoffman speak about “Saving Pennsylvania Forests.”
Summer Picnic: The picnic with Saint Joseph's Prime Timers is on Wednesday, June 14 (tickets are $10.00 and available in the parish office).
Elementary Faith Formation
Reminder: All EFF classes, including sixth and second grades, continue until May 17. We expect to see all the newly-confirmed sixth graders and our second graders back in class to discuss ("break open") the gifts they have received in the sacraments.
Closing Prayer Services: EFF students and their families will participate in a closing prayer service and May crowning on Monday, May 15, at 5:00 PM; on Tuesday, May 16, at 6:30 PM and on Wednesday, May 17, at 5:00 PM. EFF students and their families may attend any one of these sessions. All are welcome!
EFF Registration: The registration of returning and new students for the 2017-18 EFF year is now underway. If you are new to the parish or have children that will be new to the EFF program, please contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Chosen Fathers Group
Attention all men of children of all ages with special needs. Find out about the newly enacted PA Able Act from attorney Jack Potts. Attorney Potts will also discuss special needs trusts. Bring men you know who would be interested in this topic on Tuesday, May 16 at 7:30 PM in St. Matthew Conference Room. And check next week's bulletin for more details.
Legion of Mary
Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady at Fatima by praying the rosary this Saturday, May 13, at 4:30 PM. The "Rosary on the Green" will take place on the lawn in front of our church. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this public witness to our faith and to our love for the Blessed Mother. Rosaries and information about the Fatima apparitions will be available in the church narthex as well.
Parish School News
Sneak a Peek: You are invited to bring your child to visit us on Tuesday, May 9, or on Wednesday, May 17, 9:30-11:00 AM to see a typical day at Saint Elizabeth School. We hope to see you then!
Rosary: All are welcome to join the parish school community this Tuesday, May 9, at 1:15 PM in church as we pray the Rosary and honor the Blessed Mother.
For more information on registration for 2017-2018, our Sneak a Peek mornings, or any of our school programs, please contact Mrs. Liz Oulton at 610-646-6540 or
Stewardship Call for Liturgical Ministers
This is the time of year for the recruitment of new stewardship volunteers for parish liturgical ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Readers of the Word, greeters and hospitality ministers, ushers and sound techs, and members of the Children's Liturgy of the Word team (CLOW). You will be trained for the ministry you choose. Our scheduling program is family friendly and allows for vacation or away times.
For more info, contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550 or
Youth Ministry News
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC.
High School Bible Study meets on every other Monday night in the CLC, 8:00-9:00 PM. The next session is this Monday, May 8.
High School Music Ministry: Our next practice will be on Monday, May 15, 7:00-8:30 PM in the CLC.
Eighth Grade Youth Group: We are meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 6:30-8:00 PM in the gym.
Middle School Youth Group: Our next meeting is on Friday, May 19, 6:00-7:30 PM in the gym. The night includes dinner, activities and discussion.
Elementary School Youth Group: The next Freeplay Night will be on Saturday, May 20, 6:30-8:30 PM in the gym. The cost for the night is $5 per child.
For more info on any of these St. Elizabeth Parish Youth Ministry opportunities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM)
CYO Soccer: Registration remains open through July 15. Go to seamcyo.com for more information and to register. If you have questions or would like to help coach, email
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, April 23, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $ 21,134.11
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,770.69]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 8,619.50
Total Regular Collection: $ 29,753.61
Number of adult envelope contributions: 621
Easter Collection: Thank you to the 821 donors who have contributed a total of $69,741.23 to this year’s Easter collection.
Catholic Home Missions: Thank you for your support of this weekend’s annual appeal. It’s not too late to make a donation either at Mass next weekend or by sending your contribution directly to the parish ministry center during the week.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Adult Faith Formation- Resisting Happiness Presentation: Sunday (5/7), 4:00 PM, social hall
SAM Planning Team: Monday (5/8), 3:00 PM, St. Luke
Catholics Coming Home: Mondays (5/8-6/12), 7:00 PM, Holy Family
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (5/8), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Bereavement Ministry Team: Wednesday (5/10), 9:00 AM St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family
SAM Lunch & Learn: Thursday (5/11), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, & Fridays, 9:30 AM, St. Luke
Men’s CRHP: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Pre-Jordan II: Saturday (5/13), 10:30 AM, ministry center
Legion of Mary- Rosary on the Green: Saturday (5/13), 4:30 PM, lawn in front of church