A Word from Father Stokely
This Monday we celebrate Labor Day, "a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country." As you know, this holiday also signals the end of summer.
I hope that the summer months have been enjoyable and restful for you. Here at Saint Elizabeth we are excited to welcome back our students to the parish school and elementary faith formation program.
We also look forward to seeing our parish ministries resume their regular meetings, which keeps our campus buzzing with activity. We pray for all our young parishioners who are returning to elementary school, high school and college for the Fall Semester as well.
A happy and blessed Labor Day to you and your family!
Fr. John Stokely
Note for the Labor Day Holiday
The parish office is closed this Sunday & Monday for Labor Day weekend. Those who wish to start the holiday off in a prayerful way are welcome to Mass at 9:00 AM in church.
Stewardship Service as Liturgical Ministers
Workshop for Ministers: All current liturgical ministers should have received an email invitation to a special workshop this Saturday, September 8, beginning with Mass at 8:30 AM and concluding at 11:30 AM. If you have not sent an RSVP, please do so on the parish website by this Wednesday, September 5. Come out for Mass, a light breakfast, an inspiring talk by Fr. Stephen Thorne and a practical review for each liturgical ministry.
Call for New Ministers: Many of our current liturgical ministers are completing their terms of service this fall. We are looking for parishioners to step up to be extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, parish greeters or hospitality ministers, ushers or sound techs, and team members for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW). To offer your stewardship service and/or for more info, stop by the information station in the church narthex or contact Gen Miceli (610-646-6550;
Liturgical Notes
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: There is no Exposition on the Labor Day holiday this Monday, September 3. Beginning on Monday, September 10, Exposition will ordinarily conclude at 8:30 PM.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Beginning next Sunday, September 9, CLOW will be held at both the 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses through the year, except for holiday weekends.
Mass Intentions for the Week
September 1-2: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Lawrence Crowley
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Josephine Gosik
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Abigail Ryan
Monday, 9:00AM- Mitchell Batt
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Joseph Farnum
Wednesday,7:30 AM- Michael Rosati, Sr.
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Susan Sterling
Friday, 7:30 AM- Alden Ludlow
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Peter Ippolito
September 8-9: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Karen Smith
Sunday, 8:00 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Mary Richardson
Sunday, 11:30 AM- Robert Croll
Readings: Isaiah 35/4-7a; Psalm 146; James 2/1-5; Mark 7/31-37
Prayer Corner
Please pray for all those who are ill, including Barbara Baig; Joseph Brova; Virginia Brown; Sonny Drouilhet; Peter Ferraro; Paul Geary; Michael Hliwski; Josephine Hughes; Ronald Lassahn; Marguerite McCutcheon; Edward Musuras; Joan Reehil; Diane Schell; William Schell; William Sepple and Judy Tomarelli.
We also remember those who have died, including Winifred Donoghue, mother of Patrick Donoghue; Ada Long, mother of Eleanor Parsons; and Ronald Robbins, father of Kerry O’Connell. May they rest in peace.
Social Fellowship News
Ice Cream Social: Plan now to stop over in the social hall after the 5:30 PM Mass next Saturday, September 8, to enjoy a tasty ice cream treat – have your dessert before dinner! Bring the family and friends, too – there’s lots of ice cream to go around!
Interfaith Action Committee
The parish Interfaith Action Committee invites all to a panel discussion at the Lionville Community YMCA on Thursday, September 27, at 7:00 PM. Father Mullin will join religious leaders from the Beth Israel Congregation (Jewish), the Islamic Society of Chester County (Muslim) and the Hari Om Mandir (Hindu) to discuss the use of Sacred Texts in each religious tradition. There will be potluck refreshments for sharing - please list all ingredients on a card with your platter. RSVP to Melissa Schleyer (
RCIA News
If you have a non-Catholic spouse, another relative, friend or neighbor who might be interested in learning about the Catholic Faith by participating in the RCIA, please encourage them to contact Deacon Kevin Mead (kmead@stelizabeth parish.org) or call the parish office (610-321-1200).
Elizabeth Ministry
The Elizabeth Ministry supports the women of Saint Elizabeth and their families during their childbearing years. Please see the insert in today’s bulletin for important news!
Baptism News
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes into the Body of Christ the following children who were baptized during August: Carter Peyton Cannon; Kate Elizabeth Lesch; Vincenzo Peter Marascio; Lucy Isabelle Weistroffner; Hudson Owen Shoemaker; Jamison Michael Galletta and Kason Thomas McEntee. Congratulations to their parents and godparents!
The next presentation of Pre-Jordan I: Your Baby’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, September 8, and the next presentation of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, October 13. Both programs begin at 10:30 AM. To register for a Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, call the parish office (610-321-1200).
Pre-Cana News
There are 3 spots open for our next Pre-Cana program on Friday night and Saturday, September 21-22. If you or someone you know will be getting married, it’s not too late to sign up. If you would like to become part of the Pre-Cana team or any of the committees that the Family Life Ministry Team offers, contact Gen Miceli (
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
New School Year: Over 300 young parishioners are beginning another year at the parish school this Tuesday, September 4. All are welcome to the Opening Mass at 11:15 AM on Wednesday, September 5. The first full day of class for kindergarten is this Thursday, September 6.
Back to School Nights: This Wednesday (9/5) for grades K-1 at 7:00 PM and for grades 2-3 at 7:30 PM, in classrooms; this Thursday (9/6), for grade 4 at 6:30 PM in classrooms and for grades 5-8 at 7:00 PM, in the gym.
Thank you to all in our parish community whose generosity enables us to provide a Catholic elementary school here at Saint Elizabeth. May God bless all our children, young adults and their teachers this year!
Elementary Faith Formation
Stewardship Call: Joy-filled parishioners wanted to join the EFF team! In order to meet the needs of our families, the following positions must be filled:
Monday Afternoon (4:45 to 6:00 PM): catechist for grade 4; babysitter support.
Monday Evening (6:30-7:45 PM): car line support.
Tuesday Afternoon (4:45 to 6:00 PM): catechists for grades 3 & 4; car line support.
Tuesday Evening (6:30-7:45 PM): car line support.
Wednesday Afternoon (4:45 to 6:00 PM): car line support.
Interested adults and teens: contact DRE Beth Riordan (
Registration for 2018-2019: Weekly EFF Classes begin on September 10-11-12 with a prayer service in church, followed by class for students and parents. Online registration is open for children in grades K-6. Look under "Education" on the parish website (stelizabethparish.org) or email Beth Riordan (briordan @stelizabethparish.org).
Teen RCIA
Teens in need of the Sacraments are most welcome to join our engaging formation group. Contact Beth Riordan (
Middle School Faith Formation
It can be quite challenging when your middle-school child asks, “Why do I have to go to Mass?” How do you instill in our children an appreciation and enthusiasm for the Mass? They are surrounded by distractions: music fills their ear buds, while tweets and posts are constantly checked and updated. They have been conditioned to fill any void or silent moment with noise and stimulation.
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed is a new five-part study on the Mass for 7th and 8th graders. The study features powerful cinematography, inspiring presenters and engaging workbook resources.
Altaration uses humor, stories and small group discussion to capture your teen's attention and instill in them a deep and lasting love for the Mass. The program will be held in the CLC on Monday evenings, 6:30-7:45 PM, October 15 thru November 19, For more info, contact the religious education office (646-6545).
FORMED
Don't let the new school year take away your family time. Watch a movie together through Formed! To sign up for your free parish membership, go to STE.Formed.org and "register now." Enter your name and email address, create a password and you're in! Be sure to click "Community."
Safe Environment- Protecting Our Youth
All adults who volunteer in any activity where children are present are required to have on file at the parish all PA state requirements and all requirements from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia before any service can begin. No one is permitted to work with children in any capacity until they are in full compliance.
For specific information regarding requirements and to get the forms to be submitted, go to www.stelizabeth parish.org and use the drop down "Get Involved" then click on "Volunteers-Safe Environment Requirements." All forms must be sent to the Parish Services Office for processing. Questions may be directed to Gen Miceli (
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
Lunch and Learn: The next gathering will be held on Thursday, September 13, at 10:30 AM. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Diane Greco, principal of Saint Elizabeth Parish School, who will offer an insider’s view on today’s elementary Catholic education. To receive postcard notifications of upcoming events, call the parish services office (610-646-6550) to have your name added to the SAM mailing list.
Youth Ministry News
For information about parish youth group events for 2018-2019, check the parish website or contact Ryan Schwalm (
2019 Mass Intention Book
Personal intentions may now be arranged at the parish ministry center for Masses to be celebrated at Saint Elizabeth throughout 2019. One Mass each Sunday and holy day is reserved for the people of the parish. Unannounced intentions may be arranged at the parish office for Masses celebrated by retired priests. A free-will offering is requested when making arrangements.
Knights of Columbus News
Boys and girls ages 9-14 are invited to participate in the Saint Elizabeth Council Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge on Friday, September 14, 4:45-7:00 PM. The competition will take place at Evans Field/West Vincent Park (off of Route 401) and is designated to demonstrate the most basic of soccer skills-the penalty kick. Learn more and download an official registration form at www.kofc13141.org.
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for August 18-19, 2018
Weekend Contributions: $20,378.50
[Amount of Loose Cash: $999.00]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $ 7,657.40
Total Regular Collection: $28,035.90
Number of adult envelope contributions: 548
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.