A Word from Father Mullin
Today’s proper Responsorial Psalm (Ps. 19) affirms:
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life!
If you really believe that the Lord does have the words of everlasting life, why not spend a little more time during the remaining four weeks of Lent praying with the Word of God provided in the Sacred Scriptures?
I recommend that you commit to reading and reflecting upon the Gospel of Mark (it’s only 16 chapters!), one short passage each day, between now and Easter. You may note that on Palm Sunday this year we will be reading the Passion Narrative from the Gospel of Mark, too. Read, pray and live the words of everlasting life!
Fr. Tom Mullin
Special Lenten Activities
Please see the insert in today’s parish bulletin for the schedule of special Lenten activities during Lent. For more info, call the parish office (610-321-1200).
Interfaith Action Community
As part of our ongoing relationship with the Interfaith Action Community, our parishioners are invited to a tour of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Glenmoore, this Thursday, March 8, 7:00-8:30 PM. To register, 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 at www.stelizabethparish.org and follow the links to complete the online registration for you and your family members. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate (children must be accompanied by a parent). For information, stop by the SDOS table in the narthex after Mass today.
RCIA News
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 (
Mass Intentions for the Week
March 3-4: Third Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Nicholas Sciallo
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Russell Clark (17th Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- George Dippold
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Monday, 7:30 AM- Charlotte & Miles Hannagan
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Sean Karwowski
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Sr. Lily Columba Byrne
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Craig Kadlec (1st Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Sandra Piliero
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Helena Tomera
March 10-11: Fourth Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Kirk Swallow
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Deceased Members of Ferris Fam.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Christopher Siemann
Readings: 2 Chronicles 36/14-16, 19-23; Psalm 137; Ephesians 2/4-10; John 3/14-21.
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 John Ausilio; Joseph Ciquera, Sr.; Chiara Scotto Di Marco; James Donahue; Ralph Hannum; Helen Jankowski; Joan Mannion; Sandra Martin; Patricia Planchak; Jane Rolen; Carolyn Summers; John Swiatek; Anne Thomas; Catherine Tyas and Peter Walsh.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Kyle Carey, son of Todd & Suzanne Carey, and Patricia Kelly, grandmother of Youth Ministry Coordinator, Ryan Schwalm. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
Parish School News
Applications for 2018-2019: We are now accepting applications for new students in our parish, as well as students from local non-Catholic families. Re-registration for current students and incoming siblings is ongoing. We welcome the chance to show you the benefits of a Saint Elizabeth Parish School education. Please call Liz Oulton at 610-646-6540 for more information and application materials.
Parish School Advisory Council (PSAC): The next meeting of the Parish School Advisory Council will be held this Wednesday, March 7, at 7:00 PM in St. Luke.
Sneak a Peek: We will be holding another Sneak a Peek Session on Wednesday, March 14, 9:30-11:00 AM. This program is designed for new children entering kindergarten or first grade in the 2018-19 school year. Discover what a school day is like at Saint Elizabeth Parish School. For more information, call the school office at 610-646-6540.
Parish School Facebook Page: To see the latest photos and videos of what our students have been up to, please visit www.facebook.com/SaintElizabethParishSchool It’s another great way to stay informed!
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are currently available through FACTS Grant & Aid. All applications must be submitted by March 31. The link is on the parish school website, on the Archdiocesan BLOCS website, and at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid.
Elementary Faith Formation
Stations of the Cross: All are welcome to join us for our Lenten devotions this Monday, March 5, at 5:00 PM; on Tuesday, March 6, at 6:30 PM and on Wednesday, March 7, at 5:00 PM. Families enrolled in EFF are expected to attend one of these services in place of their regular EFF classes this coming week.
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 March we are praying the Act of Contrition:
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
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.
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children baptized in February: Shane Alexander Moyer; Aubrey Elise Talnack; Olivia Grace Laurento; Ryan Thomas Gutshall and Janie Grace Marchesani. Congratulations to their families!
The next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held this 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
Confirmation retreats: Candidates and their parents are reminded of the retreats scheduled for this Saturday, March 10 (for those with last names A-L) and on Saturday, 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.
Bishop John McIntyre will celebrate Confirmation at Saint Elizabeth on Saturday, April 28, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. All registration and sponsorship forms are now past due in the EFF office. The Confirmation rehearsals will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00 PM and at 7:30 PM in the social hall & church.
Pastoral Outreach
Casserole Collection: Casseroles will be collected before all Masses next weekend, March 10-11. Last month we collected 112 casseroles. Thank you for your continued generosity to the clients of St. John’s Hospice in Center City Philadelphia throughout the year.
Easter Food Collection: The Sharing Our Bounty committee will be collecting food items on the weekend of March 17 & 18. Hams and items can be donated before and after all Masses and will benefit the Lord's Pantry of Downingtown and St. Agnes Day Room of West Chester. Watch for the insert in next weekend's bulletin. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Liturgical Life Committee
Book Nook: There is a new addition to the Good Shepherd Room - children's books! Our youngest parishioners now have an opportunity to enjoy a book from our Children's Catholic Library (the Book Nook). Pre-school children will enjoy the lively pictures and stories. We ask that parents feel free to use the books during Mass and replace them on the shelf before you leave church. If you have any suggestions for this project, please contact Gen Miceli (gmiceli@stelizabeth parish.org). A special shout out to the Cub Scouts of Saint Elizabeth who designed and built the bookshelf!
Safe Environment
Last call for 2017-2018 school year! Do you want to go on a field trip with your child or coach a sports team? The Protecting God's Children class will be offered at Saint Elizabeth on Thursday, March 15. Classes fill up quickly so register now at www.virtusonline.org. All adults who volunteer in any activity where children are present are required to have on file at the parish services office all PA state requirements and all requirements from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the protection of youth before any service can begin. For specific requirements, visit www.stelizabethparish.org and use the drop down "Get Involved" and then click on "Volunteers - Safe Environment Requirements."
Family Life Ministry
The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide, an eight week program led by Dr. Diane Thompson, begins this Tuesday, March 6, at 7:00 PM in the Holy Family Room at church. If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register by calling the Parish Services Office (610-646-6550) or email parishservices @stelizabethparish.org.
Social Fellowship News
Free donuts! Stop in the social hall next 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 has not been to our 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.
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
Adult League: The adult sports program at Saint Elizabeth includes participation in the Downingtown Area Christian Sports League (DACSL.org). Twenty churches participate in the league. Three sports are offered through the year: Men's Basketball, Coed Volleyball and Summer Softball. The adult sports program also has a men's open gym night at St. Elizabeth gym on Sunday nights. Contact Dave Kelsey at
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 17-18
Weekend Contributions: $18,543.90
[Amount of Loose Cash: $790.90]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 7,778.00
Total Regular Collection: $26,321.90
Number of adult envelope contributions: 522
Special Collection: The Aid to the Catholic Church in Latin America collection 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. Thanks for your support.
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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Grades 7 & 8 Theology of the Body Series: Mondays (thru March 19), 6:30 PM, Holy Family Room
EFF Stations of the Cross: Monday (3/5), 5:00 PM; Tuesday (3/6), 6:30 PM; and Wednesday (3/7), 5:00 PM, church
Called & Gifted: Monday (3/5), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (3/5), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Social Fellowship Committee: Monday (3/5), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Knight of Columbus: Tuesday (3/6), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
Divorced & Separated: Tuesday (3/6), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Pastoral Council: Tuesday (3/6), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Spirit Newsletter Committee: Tuesday (3/6), 7:00 PM, education center library
Walking With Purpose: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM, holy hour in church + 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Lenten Confessions: Wednesdays (3/7 & 3/14), 6:30-7:00 PM, chapel
Middle School & 8th Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (3/7), 5:30 PM, gym & St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (3/7), 6:30 PM, CLC
Parish School Advisory Council: Wednesday (3/7), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
AFF End of Life Issues Program: Thursday (3/8), 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Fridays (3/9 & 3/16), 7:00 PM, church
Confirmation Retreat: Saturday (3/10), 8:30 AM, church, social hall, etc
Pre-Jordan I Program: Saturday (3/10), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (3/10-11), before all Masses, kitchen bay doors
Girl Scout Sunday: Sunday (3/11), 11:30 AM Mass, church
Donut Social: Sunday (3/11), 8:30-11:00 AM, social hall
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) Committee: Monday (3/12), 3:00 PM, St. Luke
Liturgical Life Committee: Tuesday (3/13), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
CRHP Women: Wednesday (3/14), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (3/14), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Job Opportunities at Camilla Hall Nursing Home: Camilla Hall has the following positions available: Nursing Assistants-FT/PT, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM; Food Service Workers FT/PT-hours vary; Dietary Aides/Dishwashers, 4:00-6:30 PM (great opportunity for high school seniors). Complete online application (www.camillahall.org) or call 484-321-5630 for more information.
Help Wanted: Our Lady’s Missionaries of the Eucharist in Birdsboro is looking for a part-time office assistant, 2-3 days per week, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM; and 1-2 days per week during the summer. If interested in this position, email
SS. Philip & James Parish - Operation Easter Outfit: Consider helping Partners in Outreach by providing an Easter outfit for a child or a family of children right here in Chester County. For more information and/or to sign up to adopt a child or family of children contact Susan Lamb (pajhawk
@aol.com).
Villa Maria Lower School Pre-School Programs: Makin’ Music at Villa Maria, Monday, March 5, 10:00 AM at VMA Lower School. Open to children ages 0-5 with a parent or caregiver. Storytime at Villa Maria, Thursday, March 8, 10:00 AM, at VMA Lower School. Open to children ages 2-5 with a parent or caregiver. Contact Erin Tornambe (
Catholic Charities Appeal Night with the Philadelphia 76ers!: Join us on Monday, March 19, 7:00 PM as the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Charlotte Hornets. A portion of the tickets sold will directly benefit Catholic Charities Appeal programs. If we reach our goal of 250 tickets sold, CCA beneficiaries will receive on-court recognition, high five tunnel and much more! To purchase tickets, go to https://groupmatics.events/event/CCA76ers. Your tickets will be emailed directly to you once you check out. Please contact Gina Decolli at
IHM Sisters’ Night: Single young women, ages 18-35, are invited to spend an evening of prayer, pizza and St. Paddy’s Day fun with the IHM sisters, novices and postulates on Friday, March 16, 6:30-8:30 PM at Camilla Hall. This is a great opportunity for young women who may be curious or thinking about a vocation to the religious life to spend some time informally with the IHM sisters.
IHM Discernment Retreat: Single young women, ages 18-35, are invited to come for a weekend of prayer, spiritual conferences, meals and times of recreation with the sisters. Daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, and Eucharistic Adoration are included in this weekend retreat. The retreat runs from Friday, March 23, 6:00 PM through Sunday, March 25, 1:00 PM. For more information on both the Sisters’ Night and Discernment Retreat contact 610-889-1553 or
Group Tour of St. John Paul II Shrine and Washington Basilica: All members of the parish are invited to participate in a group pilgrimage, sponsored by the St. Elizabeth Knights of Columbus, on Saturday, April 21. The cost of the group tour is $45 per person, which includes transportation, admission to the shrines and a boxed lunch. Go online to www.kofc13141.org and follow the link for the pilgrimage details to sign up for the tour. All reservations must be made by March 10.
Pope John Paul II High School: “Kick off your Sunday shoes” with Studio 38's production of “Footloose”. The show runs March 9 & 10 at 7:00 PM; March 11 at 5:00 PM, March 16 at 7:00 PM and March 17 at 1:00 and 7:00 PM. Tickets go on sale to the public February 19 at https://pope-
john-paul-ii-high-school.ticketleap.com/footloose/.
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, Philadelphia: Come to the center on the weekend of March 9-11 for a retreat entitled “Journey of a Celtic Heart.” Carmel Boyle will invite us to pray with Celtic themes through song and reflection. Fee: $175 for the weekend (includes a $40 non-refundable deposit); $90 for commuters (includes a $25 non-refundable deposit). For more information and/or to register, call 267-350-1830 or 1831 or email
25th Annual Marian Day: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Legion of Mary: Mary, Mother of the Blessed Sacrament Praesidium, cordially invites you to the 25th Annual Marian Day on Saturday, March 17, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Speaker is Tim Staples from Catholic Answers. Please RSVP by March 1 by email (
Bishop Shanahan High School: 7th grade Visitation Day, Wednesday, March 14, at 8:30 AM; 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Open House, Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 PM; and 7th Grade Practice Test, Saturday, April 7, 8:00 AM. Tours and Shadow Days are available year round. For more information and to register for events visit shanahan.org/admissions or call 610-343-6206.
Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth: “Who Cares for the Caregiver” Weekend Retreat, March 16-18. This weekend retreat is for personal and professional caregivers and offers space for rest, reflection and renewal. For more information and/or to register, visit www.jesuitcenter.org or email Melinda at
Annunciation BVM, Havertown: Flame of Love Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 24, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Speaker/Homilist is Monsignor John Esseff. Free of Charge. Bring your own lunch. For more information contact Annie Myers at
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Phoenixville: Pre Cana Program on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 9:00 AM and ending after the 4:00 PM Mass. This one-day program meets all the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A certificate is provided upon completion. Call the Parish Office for an application (610-933-2526) or visit the website (www.stmaryassumption.org) and click on Forms/Pre Cana.
Villa Maria Academy High School: Preview Breakfast for 6th & 7th grade families on April 17 & 20. This will offer a “sneak peak” at Villa Maria’s high school life. The 7th grade Practice Exam will be administered on Saturdays, April 21 & 28. 7th grade visit days will be held on May 14 & 15. Visitors will receive a preview of our school community by attending classes and having lunch with students. For more info, call the Admissions office at 610-644-2551 or register at www.vmahs.org.
You Are Made New Ministry: Calling Catholic women of all ages to the Spring 2018 Freedom Retreat, Friday evening, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, at the Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford. Registration is $65 before March 15 and $75 afterward. For more information and to register visit www.YouAreMadeNew.com or contact De Yarrison at 610-287-2989.
Time of Decision:
The Catholic Perspective on End of Life Issues
At one time or another all of us are confronted with end of life concerns, either for ourselves or for our loved ones. Complex medical & ethical issues can be a source of confusion and anxiety as we try to make the “right” decisions. Our Catholic Faith provides clarity and reassurance on these matters.
All are welcome to a presentation on
Thursday, March 8, 2018
9:00 AM and 7:00 PM
(same presentation will be given at both times.)
St. Matthew Conference Room
In the Mullin Ministry Center
Presenter: Deacon & Physician, Alfred J. Mauriello II
The presentation will be followed by discussion and
Q & A on end of life and other medical ethics issues.
Special Lenten Activities
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Stations are celebrated in the main church on Fridays at 7:00 PM, March 9 and March 16. On Friday, March 23, the eighth graders of the parish school will present a Living Stations of the Cross at 1:30 PM and again at 7:00 PM. All are most welcome to attend this Lenten service, as well as the K of C Fish Fry in the social hall, 5:00-7:00 PM.
Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation: Individual confessions are heard in the daily Mass chapel on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM. Confessions will also be heard in the daily Mass chapel, 6:30-7:00 PM, on Wednesdays, March 7 & March 14. The Lenten Communal Penance Service with Individual Confessions will be held on Wednesday, March 21, at 7:00 PM. There will also be an extended period of confessions (9:00-11:00 AM) on Saturday, March 24. A number of visiting confessors will be on hand for both March 21 and March 24.
Reconciliation Opportunities at Area Parishes: Our parishioners are welcome to attend a Penance Service with Individual Confessions at these local parishes: on Tuesday, March 20, at SS. Peter & Paul Church in West Chester; on Wednesday, March 21, at SS. Simon & Jude Church in West Chester; on Monday, March 26, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in West Chester; and at St. Patrick Church in Malvern; on Tuesday, March 27, at St. Joseph Church in Downingtown; and on Wednesday, March 28, at SS. Philip & James Church in Exton. All these services begin at 7:00 PM.
Operation Rice Bowl: It’s not too late for your family to participate in this Lenten program in solidarity with the poor! Rice Bowls remain available in the church narthex throughout the month.
Pastoral Outreach Easter Food Collection: Look for an information flyer in next week’s parish bulletin about the special food collection being conducted on the weekend of March 17-18.
Reminder: All are reminded that the Fridays of Lent are days of complete abstinence from all meat and meat products. This spiritual discipline applies to everyone fourteen years of age and older. Those persons eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Good Friday, March 30.