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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (3/10-11), before all Masses, kitchen bay doors
Girl Scout Sunday: Sunday (3/11), 11:30 AM Mass, church
Social Fellowship 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
Grades 7 & 8 Theology of the Body Series: Mondays (3/12 & 3/19), 6:30 PM, Holy Family Room
RCIA: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
High School Music Ministry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Called & Gifted Series: Monday (3/12), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Liturgical Life Committee: Tuesday (3/13), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Divorced & Separated: Tuesdays (thru 4/24), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Walking With Purpose- Coffee Connect: Wednesday (3/14), 9:00 AM, St. Matthew
Bereavement Ministry Team: Wednesday (3/14), 9:00 AM, St. Luke
Parish School Sneak-A-Peak: Wednesday (3/14), 9:00 AM, education center
EFF Stations of the Cross: Wednesday (3/14), 5:00 PM, church
Legion of Mary: Wednesday (3/14), 6:15 PM, church and 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Lenten Confessions: Wednesday (3/14), 6:30-7:00 PM, chapel
CRHP Women’s Team: Wednesday (3/14), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (3/14), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Parish School Advisory Council: Wednesday (3/14), 7:00 PM, school library
Protecting God’s Children: Thursday (3/15), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Youth Advisory Council: Thursday (3/15), 6:30 PM, CLC
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Friday (3/16), 7:00 PM, church
Confirmation Retreat: Saturday (3/17), 8:30 AM, church and social hall
Easter Dinner Collection: Saturday/Sunday (3/17-18), before all Masses, Holy Family Room
Kindergarten Daisies: Monday (3/19), 3:30 PM, art room
CRHP Men: Monday (3/19), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Joseph’s People: Monday (3/19), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (3/19), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (3/20), 7:30 PM, St. Mark
Middle School & Eighth Grade Youth Groups: Wednesday (3/21), 5:30 PM, Gym & St. John the Baptist
Cub Scout Den Meetings: Wednesday (3/21), 6:00 PM, CLC and art room
Parish Lenten Penance Service: Wednesday (3/21), 7:00 PM, church & chapel
Stewardship Day of Service Planning Team: Wednesday (3/21), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Living Stations of the Cross: Friday (3/23), 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM, church
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Dinner: Friday (3/23), 5:00-7:00 PM, social hall
Lenten Confessions: Saturday (3/24), 9:00-11:00 AM, chapel and parlor
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
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/.
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 (
Social Security: Solutions, Strategies, Answers: Are you planning to receive your Social Security retirement benefits? So you have questions about eligibility, when to collect & the application process. Join us on Tuesday, March 20 at the Rose Tree Corporate Center, Building 2, First Floor, 1400 N. Providence Road, Media. These 90 minute sessions will be held at 11:30 AM, 1:30 or 3:30 PM. Sponsored by the Social Security Administration. Seminar is open to the public but registration is required. Register by March 15 by email to
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
Bishop Shanahan High School: Join us for “An Evening at Shanahan” annual Restaurant Fair and Auction, on Saturday, March 24, 7:00-10:00 PM. Sample food from 10 area restaurants and 3 bakeries, and bid on many wonderful new and exciting items. Please register to for this fun evening at www.501auctions.com/bshs.
Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford: Are you thinking of the cool breezes of summer? Have you had enough snow? Come experience “Panthers in the Sand” - Savor the Flavor, on Saturday, April 14, 7:00-11:00 PM at the school. Join us for our annual restaurant faire, auction and basket raffle! Tickets on sale now! For more information visit www.pjphs.org>Alumni>Special Events>Savor the Flavor.
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.
Pastoral Council News: Nominations and Elections
The pastoral council is a group of appointed and elected members, drawn from among the parishioners and parish staff, who serve as an advisory body to the pastor. The council is committed to fostering active participation in the life and mission of Saint Elizabeth parish and to providing ongoing pastoral planning to ensure that the activities and programs of our parish are responsive to the spiritual and pastoral needs of our parish community now and in the future.
We are now accepting nominations for four vacancies on the parish pastoral council. Among the qualifications for candidates for election to the Parish Pastoral Council are:
∙ one who is at least eighteen years of age, a fully initiated Roman Catholic (having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) and a registered parishioner at Saint Elizabeth Parish who worships regularly at Saint Elizabeth Church;
∙ one who is committed to growing in one's own relationship with Christ and with other disciples in the community of the Church;
∙ one who leads by example and supports wholeheartedly the universal mission of the Church and the particular mission of Saint Elizabeth parish under the leadership of the pastor;
∙ one who is willing to make the pastoral council one’s primary (not necessarily sole) focus in offering one’s stewardship of time and talent to the parish;
∙ and one who seeks what is best for the parish as a whole, rather than represent the interests of any one subgroup, specific ministry or individual parish program.
If you or someone you know in our parish is interested in offering their stewardship service to the pastoral council, please pick up a nomination form on the table in the narthex this month. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 4; the election will be held at the end of April. Questions may be directed to Father Mullin at the parish ministry center (610-321-1200).
Saint Elizabeth 2021 - The Pastoral Plan, Our Future
The pastoral council has recently completed a 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan that is designed to guide our spiritual growth as individual disciples and together as the Body of Christ over the next several years. Discipleship and stewardship remain foundational tenets for who we are and all that we are called to become as a parish community.
The pastoral plan includes a new Vision Statement, a revised Mission Statement, a set of Core Parish Values for living as faithful disciples and a set of six Pastoral Goals and Objectives. The complete pastoral plan, supporting information and links to Father Mullin's homilies regarding the plan are all available on the parish website (www.stelizabethparish.org).
All our parishioners are encouraged to take a few minutes between now and Easter to review the pastoral plan carefully and to reflect prayerfully about how God may be calling each of you to offer your stewardship service in implementing the plan now through 2021.
“to nourish and grow a holy, faithful and vibrant Catholic community …
everyday, one person at a time.”
The Saint Elizabeth Sharing Our Bounty Committee
FOOD COLLECTION
Saturday, March 17
Sunday, March 18
(at all Masses)
Donations will go to:
St. Agnes Day Room, West Chester for their Easter Baskets
Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown
Suggested Items for Donation:
Canned goods Dry Cereal Juice
Peanut Butter Jelly Jello*
Pasta* Pasta Sauce* Ham**
Dried black or pinto beans* Rice* Icing*
Cake, brownie or cookie mixes* Canned Vegetables*
Canned fruit* Chicken or beef broth* Mashed potato mixes*
*EASTER BASKET NEEDS
**Donations of HAMS will be welcomed and used in the
Easter Baskets.
(best used by date should be no earlier than April 1)
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
The local food banks are in critical need at this time of year!