A Word from Father Stokely
On this Laetare Sunday, the community of Christian believers rejoices because our celebration of the Paschal Feasts is quickly approaching. May these final weeks of Lent be a time of true enlightenment and purification, so that we may fruitfully and worthily celebrate our Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Fr. John Stokely
Special Lenten Activities
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Stations will be celebrated this Friday, March 16, at 7:00 PM. Next 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, this Wednesday, 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.
Mass Intentions for the Week
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
Monday, 7:30 AM- Elizabeth Mullin (10th Ann)
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Joseph Ksycewski (48th Ann)
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Paul Taraschi
Thursday, 7:30 AM- George Mitchell (19th Ann)
Friday, 7:30 AM- Anthony La Penna (17th Ann)
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Patricia Douts
March 17-18: Fifth Sunday of Lent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Albert & Nellie Riviezzo
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Rose Caruso (4th Ann)
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Agnes & Edward Mc Namara
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Jeremiah 31/31-34, 19-23; Psalm 51; Hebrews 5/7-9; John 12/20-33.
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. Next Monday, March 19, Exposition will close at 6:30 PM to accommodate the RCIA session in the chapel that evening.
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including John Ausilio; Donald Capuano; Chiara Scotto Di Marco; James Donahue; Sheila Flynn; Lori Gladnick; Sara Grozinski; Helen Jankowski; Ellwood Kirk; Marjorie Magnanti; Patricia Planchak; Jane Rolen; Carolyn Summers; John Swiatek; Anne Thomas; Catherine Tyas; Peter Walsh and Raymond Whitehead.
We also remember those who have died, including parishioner Joan Mannion, wife of William Mannion; Bern Gawley, father of Kelly Ostertag; and Wilhemina Berlecky, mother of Joan Barruzza. May all our departed loved ones rest in peace!
2018 Stewardship Day of Service
Please join fellow parishioners and register now for the Stewardship Day of Service on Saturday, April 14. On-line registration is open through April 1. Please go to the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) and follow the links for fast and easy registration. Couples, families, individuals - parishioners of all ages are welcome to participate. We have projects at more than 20 service agencies in our area and we need you! If you do not have internet access, you may register by calling Gen Miceli (610-646-6550).
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 (
Welcome New Parishioners
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following individuals, couples and families who registered during the month of February: Paul Bryson & Bonnie Doll; Edwin & Constance Burger III; Edwin & Claire Concowich; Thomas & Kathryn Gervasio and Keith Nelson & Elizabeth Clemente-Nelson.
Welcome one and all!
Parish School News
Peacemaker Awards: Congratulations to the parish school students who received the Peacemaker Award for exhibiting the virtue of respect. They were honored at Mass on Friday, March 2. May we all learn from their good example!
Parish School Advisory Council (PSAC): The meeting postponed from last Wednesday, will be held this Wednesday, March 14, at 7:00 PM in the library.
Sneak a Peek: We will be holding another Sneak a Peek Session this 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 (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!
Applications for 2018-2019: We are now accepting applications for new students in our parish, as well as students from non-parish 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.
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are currently available through FACTS Grant & Aid. All applications must be submitted by March 31st. The link is on our website, on the Archdiocesan BLOCS website and https://online.factsmgt.com/aid.
Adult Faith Formation
Have you signed up for FORMED? There is much to see including videos, books, children's materials. There is no cost to you - only your time! To sign up for your parish membership, go to STE.Formed.org and click on "register now." Enter your name, email address, create a password and you're in! Have a look around and enjoy all that FORMED offers!
Elementary Faith Formation
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
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting, will be held on Saturday, April 14 and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, May 12. 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 retreat: Please pray for our parish candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates (with last names M-Z) and their parents will meet this Saturday, March 17. We begin with 8:30 AM Mass and conclude at 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
Easter Food Collection: The Sharing Our Bounty committee will be collecting items for our Easter Food Drive on the weekend of March 17 & 18. Please check the insert in today’s bulletin for details!
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. Suggestions about this project may be sent to Gen Miceli (
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."
Youth Ministry News
Register now! Go to the front page of the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org) or email 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.
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
St. Basil the Great CYO Co-Ed H.S. Volleyball: High School students (9th-12th graders) are welcome to join the St. Basil Co-Ed Volleyball team. The team is forming now with practices 1-2 nights per week and matches on Sunday nights. For more info and questions, contact Jim Foster (
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 24-25
Weekend Contributions: $21,480.01
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,276.51]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 8,523.10
Total Regular Collection: $30,003.11
Number of adult envelope contributions: 650
Special Collections: Thanks for your support of this weekend’s special collection to support the Catholic Church in Latin America. Next weekend we will have a special collection to support the Church in Africa. Thank you for your generosity!
Auto-Giving: Thanks to the 303 families now participating in Auto-Giving to ensure a consistent financial support to the parish throughout the year. To enroll in Auto-Giving, contact Sam Venuti (610-646-6515 or
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.