A Word from Father Mullin
Here we go again: another Lent is upon us! The words of Psalm 51 offer a simple prayer to recite each day throughout Lent: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
In what areas of your everyday life do you need to become more steadfast? Does your heart need to be “cleaned up” for Easter? Have a good Lent.....
Fr. Tom Mullin
A Word form Father Chambers
Dear Friends at St. Elizabeth:
Words hardly capture my profound gratitude for all the Masses, prayers, thoughts, presence and expressions of condolence at the death of my mother, Rita. Please know that the burden of grief and sorrow at the loss of Mom is somewhat lightened with all of your kindnesses.
Gratefully,
Father Frank Chambers, OSA
Lenten Soup Supper
All are invited to a free supper of soup, salad & bread this Friday, February 23, at 5:30 PM in the social hall. No advance registration is required. There will be hands on activities for children of all ages, so this is an event for the entire family! Plan to stay and pray together the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in church, led by the High School Youth Group Music Ministry.
Workshop on 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan
All are encouraged to attend a special interactive workshop entitled: Saint Elizabeth 2021- The Pastoral Plan, Our Future this Saturday, February 24, beginning with Mass at 8:30 AM. For more information, see the insert in today's parish bulletin and/or go to the home page of the parish website. Walk-ins are welcome!
Sacramental Reconciliation during Lent
Individual confessions are heard in chapel on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM and on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-7:00 PM. The Lenten Communal Penance Service with Individual Confessions will be held on Wednesday, March 21, at 7:00 PM.
Mass Intentions for the Week
February 17-18: First Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Joan Mulherin Parker
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Margaret Robison
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Deceased of Fieo Family
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Ann Robison
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Alden Ludlow (3rd Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Alice Nelson (63rd Ann)
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Josephine Spino (14th Ann) & Daniel Keating, Jr.
Friday, 7:30 AM- Deceased of Ostertag & Conwell Families
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Margaret Mullen
February 24-25: Second Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Deceased of Mc Avoy family
Sunday, 9:30 AM- William Wiedwald
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Glynn & Gerald Corbin
Readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Psalm 116; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10.
Miraculous Medal Novena: All are welcome to come 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 in the daily Mass chapel.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Exposition is held in the daily Mass chapel on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM. All are welcome to list the names of their loved ones in the Prayer Ministry Book outside the chapel to have them remembered in prayer.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including James Curran; Carol Ernste; Rosalie Hetrick; Barbara Hieber; Anne Marie Hulsteine; David Krzywicki; John Mayersk; Thomas Melvin; Eugene Minahan; Daniel Pflaum; Brad Rabold; Ed Schmitt and Michael Smith.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Luz Reyes Wild; Ann Marie Smith, the mother of James Smith; Nicola Ruggiero, the brother of Teresa Karr; Marie Shanahan, the mother of John Rowe; and Lurita Soprano, the mother of Grace Butler. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
RCIA News
Rite of Election: This Sunday afternoon our four catechumens (Jennifer Citrullo, Roxanne Barrett, David Gober and Isaiah Moore) and five candidates for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church (Theresa Auda, Robin Chronowski, Krista Ciarrocchi, James Colandene and Mia Shannon) are joining Archbishop Chaput for the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion in the Cathedral Basilica. May God bless them throughout Lent!
RCIA Inquiry: Do you know someone who is searching for life's meaning, for community? Or someone who has asked about the Catholic faith? Please invite them to learn more about the RCIA by contacting DRE Beth Riordan (
A Lenten Gift for the Whole Parish
Here's a gift for you to use in Lent and the rest of the year! There is no cost to you - only your time! Join your fellow parishioners for a 4-week video-based study that will give you A Lent to Remember. This program is a beautiful presentation of the transforming power of mercy in the Sacrament of Confession. To sign up for the Lenten program and all the other materials available, go to STE.Formed.org and the link for register now. Enter your name, email address and create a password and you're in! Think of FORMED as a Catholic Netflix. Peruse the content under Study, Watch, Listen, Read.
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, March 10, and the next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, April 14. Both programs begin at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, call 610-321-1200.
Confirmation News
Bishop John McIntyre will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 28, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The Confirmation rehearsals will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Confirmation retreats for candidates and parents will be held on Saturdays, March 10 (for those with last names A-L) and on March 17 (for those with last names M-Z). Each program begins with Mass at 8:30 AM in church and will conclude by 12:30 PM. Details are being sent to the candidates’ parents.
Parish School News
Parish School Advisory Council: Congratulations to three newly-elected members: Maureen Bellafante, Jim McHugh and Nicole Snyder, along with newly-appointed member, Victoria Johnson. Special thanks to retiring members Brian McGonagle and Joanne Metzger for their service to the council. Other council members include: Theresa Matalavage, Maria McDowell, and Al Riviezzo, together with Jennifer Dawson (faculty representative), Fr. John Stokely (parish staff representative), and Sara Richardson (communications coordinator). Thanks to all for their generous service!
Student Applications for 2018-2019: The application process for new students is now underway. Re-registration of current students are now overdue. For more information, please call the school office at 610-646-6540.
Science Fair: Congratulations to our 14 science fair winners in sixth and seventh grades! Winners are listed in Dr. Greco's weekly communication, available on our school website (www.stelizabethparishschool.org).
Sneak-a-Peek: Come out on Tuesday, February 27, or on Wednesday, March 14, 9:30-11:00 AM. This program is designed for children entering kindergarten or first grade in September of 2018. Discover what a school day is like at Saint Elizabeth Parish School. To participate, please call 610-646-6540.
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are currently available through FACTS Grant & Aid. Late applications must be submitted by March 31. The application link is available on the parish school website, on the Archdiocesan BLOCS website and at https://online. factsmgt.com/aid.
Elementary Faith Formation
EFF Volunteers Needed: Our program relies upon dedicated volunteers to serve as office helpers, classroom assistants, substitutes and car-line attendants. To offer your help, call 610- 646-6545.
2017-2018 Theme: Our theme for this year is Family Prayer. Each month families will pray and go deeper into the meaning of a Catholic prayer. In February we are praying a simple prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts:
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me and dying for me on the cross. Thank you for opening to me the way to heaven. I love you very much. I invite you into my heart and to fill me with your peace. Amen.
Check the parish website and Facebook page for weekly posts on this prayer.
Adult Faith Formation
One Book-One Parish: The book club discussion postponed by bad weather last week has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 21, at 7:00 PM in the St. Matthew conference room. The group will be discussing Christy Wilson Beam’s work, Miracles from Heaven. Walk-ins are most welcome!
Save the Date: Join us for a special presentation by Deacon Al Mauriello entitled: Time of Decision: The Catholic Perspective on End of Life Issues, on Thursday, March 8, at 9:00 AM and again at 7:00 PM in the St. Matthew conference room.
Family Life Ministry
Do you know anyone who is divorced or separated and feels alienated from the Catholic Church? In an effort to reach out, the Family Life Ministry Team is sponsoring The Catholic’s Divorce Survivial Guide, an eight week program led by Dr. Diane Thompson. Reach out to those you may know. Invite them to come to the program. The program begins on Tuesday, March 6, at 7:00 PM in the church library. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register (so we have enough material) by calling 610-646-6550 or email
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
Registration is now open for the Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 14. Go to the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) and follow the links to complete the online registration for you and any family members. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate (children must be accompanied by a parent). Look for more info in next week’s bulletin insert.
Social Fellowship News
Free donuts! Stop in the social hall on Sunday, March 11, between 8:30 and 11:00 AM for a donut and a cup of coffee before or after Mass. Bring the kids, meet your friends, make some new ones, or bring along someone who may not have been to a donut social before!
Youth Ministry News
Register now for Saint Elizabeth Youth Ministry! Go to the front page of the parish website (www.stelizabeth parish.org) or email Ryan Schwalm at rschwalm @stelizabethparish.org to get involved!
High School Music Ministry: Meets weekly on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the CLC.
High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12): Meets weekly on Tuesday nights in the CLC, 7:00-8:30 PM.
Middle School and Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Both groups will meet this Wednesday, February 21, 5:30 PM in the gym and St. John the Baptist room.
Elementary School Youth Group: The next Free Play night is on Saturday, March 10, at 6:30 PM in the gym.
Weather Notice: ALL youth groups & sports activities are cancelled on same day/night that school is closed or EFF is cancelled. Check the website for updated info.
SEAM
Think Spring and Track & Field: Registration for the 2018 Track & Field season is now open. The season begins on March 1. For registration information, please visit www.stelizabeth parish.org and follow the links for Saint Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM).
2018 Catholic Charities Appeal
The 2018 Appeal is being conducted now through May. This year's theme, 60 Years of Giving Hope to All, reflects the broad focus of the Catholic Charities appeal in supporting close to 180 beneficiaries. Brochures and donation envelopes are available in the church narthex.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for February 3-4
Weekend Contributions: $21,839.50
[Amount of Loose Cash: $933.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $23,520.00
Total Regular Collection: $45,359.50
Number of adult envelope contributions: 693
Special Collection: Thank you for your support of this weekend’s annual collection to support the care of aged and infirm diocesan priests. Additional contributions may be sent directly to the parish ministry center.
Upcoming Meetings & Activities
For a complete schedule of upcoming meetings, parish activities and other events, check out the online parish bulletin at www.stelizabethparish.org.