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: