Upcoming Meetings & Events
Casserole Collection: Saturday/Sunday (9/7 & 9/8), before all Masses, social hall kitchen
Youth Ministry Kick Off Celebration: Sunday (9/8), 11:30 Mass in church & festival at 12:30 PM, social hall & courtyard
Senior Adult Ministry Team (SAM): Monday (9/9), 3:00 PM, St. Mark
Opening Prayer Services for EFF Program: Monday (9/9), 4:45 PM & 6:30 PM; Tuesday (9/10) & Wednesday (9/11), 4:45 PM, church
RCIA Inquiry: Mondays (9/9 & 9/16), 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Family Life Ministry Team: Monday (9/9), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Social Fellowship Committee; Monday (9/9), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Together Retreat-Women’s Team: Monday (9/9), 7:00 PM, social hall
Together Retreat-Men’s Team: Mondays (through 10/14), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Spirit Newsletter Staff: Tuesday (9/10), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
High School Youth Group: Tuesday (9/10), 7:00 PM, CLC
Bereavement Meeting: Wednesday (9/11), 9:00 AM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, holy hour at 6:00 PM in chapel and meeting at 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
SAM Lunch and Learn: Thursday (9/12), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Called & Gifted: Thursdays (9/12 & 9/26; 10/10 & 10/24), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Ignatian Spirituality Series: Thursdays (9/12 & 9/26), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel
Legion of Mary - Rosary on the Green: Friday (9/13), 6:00 PM, on the grounds near the Cross
Pre-Jordan I: Saturday (9/14), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark
Boy Scout Info Day: Sunday (9/15), 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM, social hall
Together Retreat-Women’s Team: Monday (9/16), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Together Retreat-Men’s Team: Monday (9/16), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Joseph’s People: Monday (9/16), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Sister Parish Planning Team: Monday (9/16), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:00 AM, St. Matthew & St. Mark; 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Pastoral, Finance & Stewardship Councils: Mass & Meeting Tuesday (9/17), chapel & St. Matthew
Advisory Council for Evangelization: Tuesday (9/17), 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Chosen Fathers: Tuesday (9/17), 7:30 PM, St. Luke
Boy Scout Den Meetings & Popcorn Kickoff: Wednesday (9/18), 6:30 PM, social hall & CLC.
Men’s Spirituality Group: Thursday (9/19), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Elizabeth Ministry Kick-Off: Thursday (9/19), 7:30 PM, St. Matthew
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Help Wanted: St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson, is looking for lifeguards and swim instructors. If interested, contact Kathy at 610-942-4168 or email
REAL: Reading Excites All Learners: Join your neighbors and fellow parishioners and make a REAL impact in the life of a 2nd grade student in one of 6 elementary schools in Chester County. Administered by Partners in Outreach, REAL is a one-on-one tutoring program built to support at-risk readers in early grades. Join the REAL team and help a second grade student with their reading skills on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, or serve as a substitute as openings occur. No experience is necessary. For more information visit our website at www.RealTutoring.org, email Diane Ward at
Bishop Shanahan's 13th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Outing: Join us on Tuesday, September 10, at French Creek Golf Course. For sponsorship opportunities and/or to register golf foursomes, visit www.shanahan.org/golfouting.html. Raffle tickets are also available for $100 per ticket, with only 200 tickets being sold, and the prize being $10,000 to the lucky winner. To purchase tickets contact Wendi Miller Chapman ‘90 (610-343-6238 or
St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown: Are you grieving the death of a loved one? Wherever you are in your journey of grief, you don’t have to travel alone. Grief is unique to each person, and journeying through it can be painful, lonely and confusing, but it can be comforting to share this journey with others. We invite you to take part in our six-week grief support program called “Grieving the Death of a Loved One.” This group will meet on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM, from September 11 through October 16 in the St. John Neumann room at our church. To register, please fill out the form on our website:www.stjosephrc.org or call 610-269-8294.
Holy Martyrs, Oreland: Join us for our Fall Carnival, September 17-21, daily: 6:00 PM-Saturday: 3:00 PM. Food, rides, games and fun. Advance sale of wristbands: $20 Wednesday OR Saturday, 3:00-6:00 PM , $50 for Mega all week. Raffle tickets - $1 each/6 for $5. 1st prize-$1,000; 2nd prize-$500. For more info call the parish office 215-884-8575, email
Bishop Shanahan Alumni Association Designer Bag Bingo: Join us on Friday, September 20 for our annual Designer Bag Bingo. This adults only event is a great opportunity for a ladies’ night out. BYOB! Doors open at 6:30 PM and games begin at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $25 and includes 10 regular rounds with game sheets and light refreshments. There will be 2 special games featuring exclusive designer bags, 50/50 raffle, and extra game sheets will be available for purchase. Table reservations are available for groups of 8 or more through the online registration page. Register today at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=93eXig. Space is limited! Proceeds support Shanahan students in need of tuition assistance.
Save the Date: Abbey Fest 2019, Saturday, September 21, Noon-9:30 PM at Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli. For more information and tickets visit TheAbbeyFest.com.
Holy Martyrs, Oreland: Theology of the Body for Teens, Middle School Edition will be offered on Sunday nights, September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17, from 6:00-7:30 PM. Parent session will be held on Sunday, September 22, 6:00 PM, Room 1, 2nd floor, main entrance. Cost and registration free! Registration forms can be found at holymartyrschurch.org. Sponsored by Santa Maria Council of the Knights of Columbus. For more information, contact Tom Hasty (610-450-6334 or
Save the Date!: 14th Annual Bishop Shanahan College Fair, Tuesday, October 22, 7:00-9:00 PM in the main gym. Over 200 colleges will be represented. All students and parents looking for information on colleges are encouraged to attend. For more information call Marie Weyback (610-343-6242).
St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland, PA: Join us for the 4th Annual Padre Pio Festival on September 14 and 15. This two-day event will be highlighted by a Saturday Vigil Mass and Sunday, 12:30 PM Mass celebrated by Fr. Pio Mandato, followed by a street procession with a statue of Padre Pio through the surrounding neighborhood. The festivities continue with a healing service with confessions, a children’s pavilion, musical entertainment and several specialty food and craft vendors. Plenty of free parking is available, pilgrim buses are welcome. For more information visit padrepiofestivalhollandpa.com or call the parish office at 215-357-5720.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia-Remain in My Love Mini-Conference on Marriage: Sunday, September 15, 2:00-4:30 PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul Chapel, Philadelphia. Speakers for this event are Father Dennis Gill, Megan Murphy & Damon Owens. More information, speaker bios and online registration can be found at archphila.org/remain2019.
St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, Stowe: Join us for our 12th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, September 20, beginning at 11:00 AM at Blackwood Golf Course, Douglasville. Held rain or shine! Cost $85 per golfer (includes lunch, post-play banquet, refreshments throughout the day and prizes). $25 per guest for banquet only! For more information and/or to register call Kathy at 610-326-5127 or email
Hope Blooms: A Healing Retreat for Catholic Women: Join us on October 4-5 at the St. Raphaela Center, Haverford, PA for this 2 day retreat for women who are seeking healing from betrayal trauma, abuse and emotional wounding. The registration fee of $229 includes all retreat materials and activities, dinner on Friday evening, overnight accommodations and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday.Early bird fee is $199 if you register by September 20 and use the code BLOM19! Spaces are very limited. Visit bit.ly/HopeBloomsRetreat or email
125th Anniversary Newman Celebration: Did you know the first Newman club in the country was here in Philadelphia? Celebrate campus ministry in America, as well as the canonization of Cardinal Newman and the inauguration of the new four story Newman Center this October 4-6! A conference will host nationally recognized speakers and will have topics on the future of the Church and why Newman still matters. The Saturday evening gala will be held at the Inn at Penn, and Sunday’s festivities include a Celebration Mass and ribbon cutting. For more information and/or to buy a ticket, visit newman.upenn.edu/newmancelebration.
Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries: Post-Abortion Healing Retreat, October 11-13, in Malvern-Frazer, PA. This retreat is designed to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God. It will help you focus on the buried emotions of the past and begin healing in a non-judgmental, safe, loving, and confidential environment. It will give you hope for your future and freedom from the pain within your heart and soul. For more information email or call Lauren (
Camilla Hall Fair: Help us get ready for our annual fair on October 5. We are in need of White Elephant Volunteers and Donations. Sorters are needed on September 30-October 3, 3:00-6:00 PM; Set-up on October 4, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sellers on October 5, 8:30-11:00 AM, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM and 1:00-3:00 PM. Any time (or any part of the times) that might fit your schedule would be a big help. Please email Sr. Susan Cronin at
SS. Peter & Paul, West Chester: All are invited to join us on Saturday, October 19, on a bus trip to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. We will be taking part in a very special Archdiocesan pilgrimage that day, including procession and crowning of Our Lady and a solemn Mass in the Upper Basilica with Archbishop Chaput. There will also be an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After a day of spiritually uplifting activities and touring this beautiful site, we will have dinner at the Baltimore Harbor. Cost $103 and includes round trip bus transportation from Saints Peter & Paul Church parking lot, bus driver’s tip and a 3-course dinner at McCormick and Schmick’s restaurant with a great view of the Inner Harbor. Please contact Judy Magee at 484-473-8205 or email
Mission Doctors Association: Calling Catholic physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who feel called to serve Christ’s poor in Africa and Latin America to attend the 2019 Midwest Retreat/Seminar on September 13-15, at Loyola Stritch Medical School in Chicago, IL. Information and Accreditation Statement are available on the website: www.MissionDoctors.org or by calling the office at 213-368-1872 for more information.
Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May, NJ: Join us for a Contemplative Prayer Retreat, September 23-26 (mid-week). This retreat is intended for those interested in a contemplative prayer experience. First-timers as well as those familiar and experienced with this type of retreat are most welcome. Our time will be filled with prayer experiences, quiet personal time, special liturgies and daily Eucharist. Cost is $155 pp (includes meals, room and program). For more information contact Anthony Fucci, Center Director, at 609-884-3829.
St. Mary of the Assumption, Phoenixville: One-day, Pre-Cana program, Saturday, October 5. Begins at 8:30 AM with a light continental breakfast and ends 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 our website at (www.stmaryassumption.org) and click on forms/pre cana.
Save the Date!-St. Laurence School, Highland Park, Centennial Celebration: All are invited on Sunday, October 6 for our Centennial Celebration and First Annual Hall of Fame Inductions. There will be a Concelebrated Noon Mass at St. Laurence followed by a banquet reception at Drexelbrook, 1:30-5:30 PM. For more information and tickets, contact Eileen Campbell, Development Director (610-449-0600, ext. 216); Terri Howell (484-454-5565) or Cathleen Albertus (610-789-8792).
SS. Peter & Paul, West Chester: Light Weigh One King by Suzanne Fowler is a faith-based program that promotes two goals, weight loss and a deeper relationship with our Lord. This 12-week program provides several tools which include a weekly instructional and inspirational DVD, a journal workbook and support from the weekly small group meeting with leadership. If interested, there will be an Orientation Meeting at the SS. Peter & Paul Parish Center on Monday, September 23, 6:15 PM. If you plan to attend this meeting, please contact Michele Marinelli (610-724-4628). The weekly meetings will officially begin on Monday, October 7, 6:15 PM and will conclude on Monday, December 23.
Church of Saint Joseph, Aston: 2019 Fall Pre-Cana Classes will be held on Mondays, October 7, 14, 21 and 28, from 7:00-8:45 PM (couples must attend all four classes). Cost is $75 per couple. All couples must complete the FOCCUS on-line survey prior to attending the Pre-Cana classes. FOCCUS Survey must be completed by September 9. For more information and/or to register, contact the parish office (
Malvern Retreat House: Calling all young adults, single or married, ages 18-35, for two upcoming retreats. Thursday evening, September 12, 6:00 PM, “The Good Shepherd” directed by Fr. Jim Otto and Fr. John Wackerman. There is no charge for this retreat! Call 610-622-4257 or email hartown@
verizon.net to let us know you are coming. Join us on Saturday, October 18, 6:30 PM (dinner) through Saturday, October 19, 12:00 Noon (lunch) for “Prodigal Son”, directed by Fr. Jim Otto and Fr. John Wackerman. Cost is $100 which includes all amenities (lodging, food, etc). Register on-line at malvernretreat.com/register or 610-644-0400. For more information call 610-622-4257.
A Baby’s Breath Crisis Pregnancy Center: Please join us for our 18th Annual Silent Auction & Dinner Reception on Saturday, October 26, 6:30 PM at the Crowne Plaza, King of Prussia. The auction features vacations, tickets to Phillies & Flyers games, restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets and more! Reverend Stephen DeLacy will be the guest speaker and MC. Tickets are $70 per person (complimentary beer, wine & soda included). For tickets and more information contact Kim Granito (610-792-0737 or email
Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Now that the back to school rush is over, refresh your marriage relationship on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends are: October 18-20 and November 22-24 at Our Lady of Czetochowa, Doylestown. For more information visit our website at: https://www.wwme-philly.org or contact Al & Mary Liz at
Bonner-Prendie Class of 1969: 50th Class Reunion, Friday, October 4, 2019. For details visit our Facebook Page, “BonnerPrendie1969", or send your email address and questions to:
Villa Maria High School: Open House for all interested students and their families on Sunday, October 6; Entrance-Scholarship Exam will be administered on Sunday, October 20 and Saturday, October 26. 8th graders may take the exam on either date. For more information, contact the Admissions Office (610-644-2551) or register on-line (www.vmahs.org).
Flame of Love: Join Fr. Jim Blount (Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) for a Flame of Love-themes Pilgrimage Cruise down the Danube Rive through picturesque Central Europe. The cruise will take place from October 26-November 6, 2019. For more information call Susan or Rebecca (1-800-842-4842). Space is very limited!
Archbishop Prendergast Class of 1964: We will be having a 55th Class Reunion on Sunday, October 13, at Springfield County Club, Springfield, PA, 1:00-5:00 PM. Please email your contact info to
SS. Philip & James, Exton: Grieving Through the Holidays, a one day Bereavement Retreat, Saturday, November 2 (All Souls Day), 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon (begins after 8:30 AM Mass), in the Rectory Meeting Room. Breakfast will be served. For more information and/or to register call or email Theresa Ferrari (
Bonner-Prendie Class of 1974: Save the Date! 40th Class Reunion, Saturday, November 9, 4:00 PM Mass in the Bonner/Prendie Chapel (celebrant: Fr. John Stack, OSA). Reunion celebration, 6:00-10:00 PM, Anthony’s, Drexeline Shopping Center, Drexel Hill, PA. For additional information visit us on facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/1131495127054925/?ref=bookmarks or
Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne: We invite women (ages 19-45) who are discerning a religious vocation to join us for a weekend of sharing in our life of prayer and apostolate. 2019 weekends will be held in Atlanta, GA, on September 20-22 and in Hawthorne, NY on November 15-17. Reservations are required. For information and/or reservations please contact Sr. Catherine Marie (
Daughters of St. Mary of Providence: Come & See Weekends at the Convent, for single women (ages 18-35), interested in exploring religious life. There will be Reflections on God’s Call, vocation stories from the Sisters, Liturgy of the Hours, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Weekends will be held on December 27-29, 2019 and March 13-15, 2020. Contact Sr. Brenda McHugh at
Insert to the Parish Bulletin for Sunday, September 8, 2019
2019 Parish Census
The 2017-2021 Pastoral Plan challenges us to identify and understand more clearly the current demographics of the parish as part of an overall effort to communicate more effectively with our members, to engage parishioners more actively in the life and ministries of the parish, and to become a more informed and connected parish community. The 2019 Parish Census is one concrete step in responding to this challenge.
As of August 31, 2019, we now have 2,930 registered households and some 10,328 individuals listed in our parish data system. However, we have not conducted a formal census update of parish membership since 2001, so it’s about time to update the parish data system!
A special mailing sent to all our registered households last week includes a letter from the pastor, a 2019 Parish Census Form, and information about the Flocknote messaging system.
Please complete and return the census form to the parish office in a timely manner, no later than September 30 (if at all possible). This updated information will assist our parish staff and ministry teams in developing parish programs in response to the changing needs and life situations of our parishioners. Thank you for your prompt cooperation with this project!
Spiritual Growth and Faith Formation Opportunities
Ignatian Spirituality Series: Saint Ignatius developed the Spiritual Exercises as a way to better hear and respond to God's call and His infinite love and mercy. Come out this Thursday, September 12, at 7:00 PM in the Holy Family Room for the first session of a 12-part series led by parishioner George Marshalek. For more info, contact George at
Called & Gifted Program: Have you ever thought about what the Lord is calling you to do? Attending this workshop series is a great way to discover your gifts and respond to the Lord’s call. The four-part series is being offered in the St. Luke Conference Room, 7:00-9:00 PM, on Thursdays, September 12 & 26, and October 10 & 24. Sign up at www.stelizabethparish.org; for more info, contact Chris Hill (
Fall/Winter Bible Study - the Gospel according to Luke: It’s not too late to register for this weekly series beginning on Tuesday, September 17, either for the morning session at 9:30-11:00 AM or the evening session at 7:00-8:30 PM. Come to understand how Luke’s Gospel demonstrates the universal nature of Jesus’ mission and the compassion of God. The evangelist’s focus on God’s faithfulness will encourage you to trust in the face of difficult times. For registration information, visit the Adult Faith Formation section of the parish website (stelizabethparish.org).
Men’s Spirituality Group: Men (18 years or older) are invited to join a new ministry on Thursday evenings beginning on September 19, at 7:00 PM in the St. Luke conference room. Participants will come together twice a month to explore the Catholic Faith, Sacred Scripture and support one another on their discipleship journeys. For more information, contact Tom Rafferty (484-753-9220 or
Together Retreats: The Together Retreat team has redesigned the Christ Renews His Parish renewal, and replaced it with a more flexible program. To find out more information or to register for the retreat, please go to the parish website at www.stelizabethparish.org, and click on the Together logo. The women's retreat will be offered on September 27-28; and the men's retreat, on October 18-19. Questions? Please call Deacon Barry Midwood at 610-321-1200 or e-mail
FALL UPDATE!
TuitionCare takes advantage of programs offered by the State of Pennsylvania that allow you to redirect some or most of your state income tax obligations to support Catholic Education here at Saint Elizabeth, and in our local community. The money you redirect with TuitionCare provides scholarships, grants, and other financial support to students and their families.
TuitionCare participants receive a credit of 90% of their donation towards their PA taxes!
Thank You Current Participants!
Thank you to the 90+ Saint Elizabeth families who participated in TuitionCare in 2018. Your involvement provided a tuition reduction credit of over $500 per school family at Saint Elizabeth!
Friendly reminder: during November you will receive a notice that your next payment for TuitionCare is due!
Interested In Joining?
Any parish family or parishioner can participate. The more families we get involved, the larger the tuition reduction credit will be for our school families… up to a maximum of $1,000 per family!
We have created a website just for TuitionCare (www.tuitioncare.org) that provides lots of detailed information about the program, how it works, and how you can determine your commitment amount. Current TuitionCare members are available to answer questions and share their experiences!
You can sign-up on-line, or mail-in the form inside the brochure that’s available in the church narthex.
Joining is easy, but we need to hear from you by October 31, 2019 for you to be eligible to participate in the 2019 tax year!
The Saint Elizabeth Sharing Our Bounty Committee
for Pastoral Outreach is sponsoring a
Food Item Collection
Saturday, September 21
Sunday, September 22
(before all Masses)
Much needed donations will go to:
The Lord’s Pantry, Downingtown
Suggested Items for Donation:
Canned meats One can meals Juice Coffee
Canned Fruit Canned Chili Dry cereal Tuna
Peanut butter Jelly Pasta Ravioli
Rice dishes Snack Items Applesauce (individual cups)
Mustard Ketchup Mayonaise Soups
Please help!
Thank you for your generosity!
Women at the Well meets weekly in the Mullin Ministry Center to pray and discuss the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday liturgy.
Join us this fall for one or more sessions. No prior Bible knowledge required!
All women are welcome.
Thursday evenings at 7:00 – 8:30 PM or
Fridays 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Saint Mark Conference Room
2019 Calendar
September 20, 27 (Fridays)
October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
Holy Hour – October 11 (9:00 – 10:00 AM Chapel)
November 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
Holy Hour – November 8 (9:00 – 10:00 AM Chapel)
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20
Holy Hour – December 13 (9:00 – 10:00 AM Chapel)
For more information email:
Thursday evening facilitator:
Friday morning facilitator: