A Word from Father Stokely
“Lord, send out your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth."
On Pentecost 2013, I celebrated my First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving after being ordained a priest. Monsignor Michael Magee, one of my seminary professors, preached the homily at this Mass. I wanted to share with you some of his insights into the Solemnity we celebrate this weekend:
"In one sense, the Holy Spirit seems to be the least visible of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity: we see Jesus in the flesh, and he speaks constantly of his Father, while the Holy Spirit seems always in the background. But in another sense, the Holy Spirit is the very One who brings the presence and work of God to visibility in our presence. At the dawn of time it was the Spirit of God that hovered over the waters and brought light out of darkness, existence out of non-existence."
The Holy Spirit has the power to transform the world and our lives. May we open our hearts and minds to experience the Spirit's transforming power.
Fr. John Stokely
Part-time Parish Staff Position
We are now looking for a capable individual to serve as Coordinator for Parish Communications, to begin as early as July 1, 2017. See the insert in today’s bulletin for more information about this new staff position.
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 7:00 PM. See the flyer in today’s bulletin for more information about this event.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
Between Sunday, June 18, and Sunday, August 27, CLOW will be conducted for both age groups (pre-K & K and grades 1-4) during the 9:30 AM Mass only (not at the 11:30 AM Mass). Thanks to all who offer their stewardship service to CLOW throughout the year! To volunteer as an adult leader or teen aide for CLOW, contact the parish services office at 610-646-6550.
Mass Intentions for the Week
June 3-4: Pentecost Sunday
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Giovanna Caratelli
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Deceased of John Watters Family
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Brian Kilty (6th Ann)
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Georges & Kathleen Guertin
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Lynn Cugini
Wednesday,7:30AM- Jean & Ed Linaugh
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Don Slavin
Friday, 7:30 AM- Vincent Cellini
Saturday, 8:30 AM - Thelma Du Poldt (1st Ann)
June 10-11: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Judith Earley
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Peter Caruso, Sr.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Catharine “Kitty” Welker
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Exodus 34/4-6, 8-9; Daniel 3: 52-55; 2 Corinthians 13/11-13; John 3/16-18
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Exposition is normally held in chapel on Mondays after the 7:30 AM Mass. Between June 5 and August 28, Exposition will close at 4:30 PM. Please note that there is no Exposition on Labor Day, September 4.
Parish Prayer Ministry
We are looking for parishioners who can commit a specific 30 minute time slot each Monday or who will be available to substitute as needed to pray before the Blessed Sacrament on behalf of the parish community. You can share a time commitment with a friend!
To offer your stewardship service as a member of the prayer ministry team, contact Mary Ann Nelson (
Prayer Corner
Please remember in prayer all those who are ill, including: Rodney Chaney; Katherine Dolan; Ralph Grosso and Daniel Keating.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Marion Powers, mother of Anne Donohue and Mary Beth Powers. May she rest in peace!
Legion of Mary
Rosary on the Green: Please join the Legion of Mary for the "Rosary on the Green" on Tuesday, June 13, at 6:00 PM in front of the church as a public witness to the message of Fatima and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the second apparition. This devotion will continue on the 13th of every month until October.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children who were baptized during May: Amelia Rosemarie Casey; Owen Christopher O’Brien; Cameron James Simon; Ainsley Lucia Burke; Liliana Beatrice Castillo-Reale; William Lennox Jones; Konrad Thomas Kielinski and Erin Noel Collins. Congratulations to their parents, too!
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held this Saturday, June 10, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, July 8. 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.
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
Elementary Faith Formation
EFF Registration: The registration of returning and new students for the 2017-2018 EFF year is underway. Forms are available at www.stelizabethparish.org under “Education, Elementary Faith Formation.” If you are new to the parish or have children that will be new to the EFF program, please contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Stewardship: Join our EFF team! Catechists and teaching assistants, teen aides and car-line volunteers are needed for 2017-2018. To volunteer, contact DRE Beth Riordan. You can find more information on the parish website.
Family Life Ministry
A Widow’s Walk: Are you aware that we have a parish group for widows? The next meeting is on Wednesday, June 28, at 7:00 PM in St. Matthew Conference Room. All are welcome to attend, no matter what your age, nor how long you have been a widow.
Memorial Mass for Father’s Day: The Bereavement Team invites everyone to join in a Memorial Mass for deceased fathers and grandfathers on Saturday, June 17, at 8:30 AM in church. Fathers who are grieving the death of a child are also welcome. There will be light refreshments in the narthex after Mass. Please RSVP to the parish services office (610-646-6550). Walk-ins are always welcome!
Chosen Fathers: A group for fathers, grandfathers and others who have children of all ages with special needs in all their many shapes, forms and sizes will meet on Tuesday, June 20, at 7:30 PM in the Saint Mark Conference room. For more information, contact Joe Howard at
Pastoral Outreach: Sharing Our Bounty
Snacks and Art Supplies Drive: Thanks to all who have contributed to this weekend’s collection for the Aquinas Center in Philadelphia. The Aquinas Center supports immigrants and refugees in the Philadelphia area through a variety of programs and educational opportunities. Thanks for sharing your bounty!
Poor Box Program: The poor box donations during May & June will be sent to The Lord's Pantry in Downingtown. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
SAM Game Day: The Senior Adult Ministry holds a game day on the fourth Thursday of each month. Some seniors play canasta, some play poker, some play bridge; all have some good snacks and a good time! Upcoming dates include June 22, July 27, August 24 and September 28, all at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. Join us for fun, snacks and good conversation. Friends are welcome, too!
SAM Picnic: Don’t forget to get your ticket for St. Joseph’s Parish Prime Timers Picnic at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, June 14. Tickets (@ $10.00 per person) are available at the parish office. Contact the parish services office (610-646-6550) to be included on the SAM mailing list for future events, and/or to arrange car pooling for the picnic on June14.
Parish School News
All are welcome to the Graduation Mass and Diploma Ceremony for the class of 2017 next Wednesday, June 14, at 7:00 PM and to the closing Mass for the Parish School on Friday, June 16, at 10:00 AM.
2017-2018 School Year: Have you been considering enrolling your child in our parish school? The application period for next year remains open for all grade levels. For more info and application materials, contact Liz Oulton (
Youth Ministry News
Sports and Spirituality Summer Camp: We are thrilled to announce that we are offering a morning summer camp during the week of July 31-August 4 for all children entering grades 3 through 6. For registration info, contact Ryan at
High School Youth Group: We meet every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC next to the social hall. Stay tuned for summer event announcements.
High School Music Ministry: The group will have practice this Monday, June 5, at 7:00 PM in the choir room in church. Weekly practices are normally held each Monday at 7:00 PM in the CLC.
Elementary School Youth Group: Our final Elementary School Freeplay Night of the school year will be this Saturday, June 10, 6:30-8:30 PM in the gym. The cost for the night is $5 per child.
Middle School Youth Group: Our final meeting of the school year is on Friday, June 16, 6:00-7:30 PM in the gym. The night will include dinner and games.
8th Grade Youth Group: Thanks to everyone who has taken part in 8th Grade Youth Group during its first year! Though we are finished regular meetings until the fall, we encourage current 8th graders to begin attending High School Youth Group on Tuesday evenings.
For more info on St. Elizabeth Parish Youth Ministry opportunities, contact Ryan Schwalm or follow us at St. Elizabeth Youth-Ministry on Facebook and @st.es_youthgroup on Instagram.
Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM)
CYO Soccer: Our first summer training session will be June 21 with a parent meeting following the practice. Registration remains open through July 15. Go to seamcyo.com to register.
Knights of Columbus News
Golf Outing: All are invited to the K of C Council 13141 Annual Charity Golf Tournament & Dinner on Friday, June 9. For more information & registration, visit www.kofc13141.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, May 21, 2017
Weekend Contributions: $18,229.89
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,756.25]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 9,104.50
Total Regular Collection: $27,334.39
Number of adult envelope contributions: 576
Auto-Giving: To arrange for direct debits or automatic withdrawals for your regular collection contributions on a weekly or monthly basis, please call Sam Venuti in the parish business office (610-646-6515).
We encourage parishioners who are out of town on vacation weekends to continue their financial support of Saint Elizabeth during the summer months. Why not consider Auto-Giving all year long?
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Catholics Coming Home: Monday (6/5), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Liturgical Music Planners: Monday (6/5), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (6/5), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
High School Music Ministry: Monday (6/5), 7:00 PM, Choir Room
CRHP- Women’s Team: Monday (6/5), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
SEAM Board: Monday (6/5), 7:00 PM, CLC
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (6/6), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Spirit Newsletter Staff: Tuesday (6/6), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
St. Elizabeth Knights of Columbus: Tuesday (6/6), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
CRHP- Men’s Team: Thursday (6/8). 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist