A Word from Father Stokely
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
Indeed, the Lord is near."
The entrance antiphon on this Gaudete Sunday reminds us to rejoice in the Lord because He is near. God is always near to us, but are we near to God?
Many of us are unhappily surprised when "the most wonderful time of the year" becomes the most frustrating, frenzied, and joyless time of year. Sometimes this happens when we grow distant in our relationship with God on account of busy schedules and focusing on "the holidays" rather than the Holy One. The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way!
When we make the effort to be near to Jesus Christ, He promises us peace and joy. May this week be an opportunity for us all to draw near to the Lord and rejoice in His Presence. Father John Stokely
Advent Giving Tree
If you haven’t already taken a tag from the Advent Giving Tree, it’s not too late to stop by and take one today. Gifts should be returned no later than next Sunday, December 18. Please read your tag to see whether the gift should be wrapped or remain unwrapped and be sure to attach the tag to your gift. Thank you once again for your generosity!
Reconciliation Opportunities in Advent
All are encouraged to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance in preparation for Christmas.
This Saturday, December 17, we will have an extended period for confessions (9:00-11:00 AM) in the daily Mass chapel. A Communal Celebration of Penance with Individual Confessions will be held in the church on Tuesday, December 20, at 7:00 PM. Note that there are no confessions on Saturday morning, December 24.
A Penance Service with Individual Confessions is also being held at several areas parishes, scheduled as follows: on Thursday, 12/15, at Saint Patrick Church and at SS. Simon & Jude Church; on Monday, 12/19, at SS. Philip & James Church and at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church; and on Wednesday, 12/21, at St. Joseph Church. All begin at 7:00 PM.
Liturgical Life Committee
Church Decorating Help Needed: Help us install the Christmas Decorations next Sunday, December 18, at 1:00 PM. Men, women and teenagers are needed to put up trees and wreaths. This is a great stewardship opportunity and a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season. For more info and to offer your help, please email Maria Jacobs at
Mass Intentions for the Week
December 10-11: Third Sunday of Advent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Albert Riviezzo, Sr.
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Anthony DiFerdinando, Jr.
Sunday, 9:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Sunday, 11:30 AM- William Maloney
Monday, 7:30 AM- In Thanksgiving
Tuesday, 7:30 AM- Frances Schafer
Wednesday, 7:30 AM- Barbara Ornelas
Thursday, 7:30 AM- Frank Baranyai
Friday, 7:30 AM- Joseph & Katherine Morgan
Saturday, 8:30 AM- Margaret Philbin
December 17-18: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Saturday, 5:30 PM- Ronald Klass
Sunday, 8:00 AM- Peter & Rose Caruso
Sunday, 9:30 AM- Teresa McCormick
Sunday, 11:30 AM- People of Saint Elizabeth
Readings: Isaiah 7/10-14; Psalm 24; Romans 1/1-7; Matthew 1/18-24
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: on Mondays after the morning Mass until 8:30 PM. Please note that there is no Exposition on the Monday after Christmas, December 26, when all parish offices are closed.
Prayer Corner
Please remember all those who are ill, including: Harry Bellwoar; Lynn Cugini; Mary Dominiecki; Boris Gorelik; Elizabeth Kelly; Catherine Klimek; Denise Kweeder; Peter Lubin; Charles Mallon; Joseph McAvoy; Denise Millane; Gerald Murphy; James Myers; William & Helen Shea; Elaine Siegel; Mary Supple; Frank Tyas and Rebecca Wagner. We pray also for those who have died, including Mary Jeannette Shope, the mother-in-law of Mrs. JoAnna Shope.
Baptism News
The next session of Pre-Jordan II: A Call to Christian Parenting will be held on Saturday, January 14, and the next session of Pre-Jordan I: Preparing for Your Child’s Baptism will be held on Saturday, February 11, both at 10:30 AM in the ministry center. To register for the Pre-Jordan Program and/or to arrange for a baptism, please call 610-321-1200.
Christmas Mass Schedule
Please Note: Because of the severe over-crowding at the first Mass on Christmas Eve each year, we encourage our regular parishioners, if at all possible, to plan to celebrate Mass at 7:30 PM on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day itself. Thank you!
Masses of Christmas: December 24-25
Christmas Eve: 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Christmas Day: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM
Remember: Seating in church is on a first come-first served basis; the church is usually full by 3:45 for the 4:30 Mass! Please do not try to reserve seats with coats, etc. for those coming later. Ushers have been directed to fill in all seats and chairs immediately as people arrive. Thank you for your cooperation!
Prior to the Christmas Eve Masses, the choirs will provide a 30 minute musical prelude. In the midst of holiday excitement, the volume of conversational noise in church can sometimes escalate above our choirs and musicians. So if you are exchanging holiday greetings with others, please do so out in the narthex and keep an attentive quiet in the main church itself. Thank you!
Christmas Eve Masses at Area Parishes
St. Basil, Kimberton: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM and 12:00 Midnight
St. Joseph, Downingtown: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM and12:00 Midnight
St. Peter, West Brandywine: 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 9:00 PM
SS. Philip & James, Exton: 4:00 PM, 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM
St. Thomas More, Pottstown: 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM
Adult Faith Formation
Do You Hear What I Hear?: Come out this afternoon at 4:30 PM in church for a Christmas program for all ages, including Christmas carols, prayerful reflection and then light refreshments in the social hall. Walk-ins are most welcome! Get into the true spirit of Christmas!
RCIA News
Want to explore the Catholic Faith? Join our inquiry group on Mondays at 7:00 PM in St. John the Baptist Room. For more info, contact DRE Beth Riordan at
Elementary Faith Formation News
Advent Family Prayer Service: Thanks to all who participated so prayerfully at last week’s Advent Prayer Services. Regular EFF sessions are being held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Get Involved: Catechist aides and substitutes are especially needed during our Tuesday evening session, 6:30-7:45 PM. If you are available to assist, please contact Beth Riordan (610-646-6545).
Reminder: Parents of children planning to receive sacraments in Spring 2017, need to turn in your Registration, Photo Banner and Sponsor paperwork no later than January 13, 2017.
Saint Elizabeth Parish School News
Christmas Concert: Come out to the gym this Wednesday, December 14, at 1:30 PM or 7:00 PM for our Christmas Band and Harmonium concert.
Advent Prayer Service: Please join us on Thursday, December 22, at 2:00 PM in the church for a prayer service as we finish classes for 2016 and get ready to celebrate Christmas!
Financial Aid: Applications for financial aid for the 2017-2018 school year are available at www. smartaidforparents.com. For info, call 800-360-8027.
Welcome New Parishioners
Saint Elizabeth parish warmly welcomes the following individuals, couples and families who registered during November: James & Kimberly Baggio; Donald Martin, Jr.; Thomas & Laura Averitt; Edward & Jocelyn Little; John & Ann Kelly; David & Sharon Brown; Alok & Danielle Goel; Joseph & Rita Kassis; Gerald & Eileen Stepien; Arthur Locilento, Jr.; Ciaran & Kathryn Barrett; Matthew & Kathleen Canfield and Anthony & Courtney Picciani. Welcome one and all!
Stars Rewards Sales
Don’t forget to purchase Stars Rewards gift cards for your Christmas shopping. Cards are on sale in the ministry center after weekend Masses and this Friday, December 16, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Youth Ministry News
For info on any youth ministry activities, contact Ryan Schwalm at
High School Youth Group: Every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM in the CLC next to the social hall. And Bible Study every other Monday night at 8:00 PM, too!
Kairos Retreat: Please remember in your prayers the teenagers and adult leaders who are making a Kairos retreat this Thursday-Sunday at Camp Innabah.
Parish Young Adults: We are forming a new group for Catholic Young Adults ages 18 to 26. If you want to help us create this new program, contact Ryan Schwalm (
St. Elizabeth Athletic Ministry (SEAM):
Basketball: All practices and games are subject to cancellation due to weather. If school or EFF is closed for bad weather, all practices are cancelled. Coaches will contact teams if weekend games or practices are cancelled. Please use your best judgment in bad weather before coming out to the gym!
Words from the Pastor
Even though you are out of town or away on vacation, you can still listen to our pastor’s weekend homilies. Go to the parish website (stelizabethparish.org) and scroll down the home page for “Words from our Pastor.”
Financial Corner
Thank you for your consistent financial support of our parish community throughout the year.
Regular Collection for Sunday, November 26-27
Weekend Contributions: $22,948.24
[Amount of Loose Cash: $1,263,24]
Midweek & Auto-Giving: $10,984.55
Total Regular Collection: $33,932.79
Number of adult envelope contributions: 640
Auto-Giving: There are now 260 parish families making automatic contributions on a monthly or weekly basis. In this way, parishioners can provide consistent financial support to the parish throughout the year, including when they are out of town visiting family or away on vacation.
Why not consider using Auto-Giving for your regular collection contributions? To receive an electronic copy of the authorization form and/or if you have questions about Auto-Giving, contact Sam Venuti at 610-646-6515 or
2017 Breaking Bread Hymnals
While you are sitting in church, take a few moments to become more familiar with the liturgical sections of the 2017 Breaking Bread hymnal. Note that the ordinary parts of the Mass are provided on pages 3-30, including the Gloria (page 6), the Profession of Faith (page 9), and the Eucharistic Prayers (pages 12-26). Please do not remove the protective covers from the hymnals.
Upcoming Events & Meetings
RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist & conference room
CRHP-Women: Mondays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Parish School Band & Choral Concert: Wednesday (12/14), 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM, gymnasium
Girl Scouts: Wednesday (12/14), 7:00 PM, CLC
SDOS Planning Team: Wednesday (12/14), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Men’s CRHP Team: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Men’s Choir: Thursday (12/15), 7:00 PM, choir room
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM & Fridays 9:00 AM, St. Luke
6th Grade Girls Scouts: Friday (12/16), 6:00 PM, CLC
TAPistry Choir: Sunday (12/18), 9:30 AM, CLC
Church Decorating: Sunday (12/18), 1:00 PM, church and Holy Family Room
Pack 61 Cub Scouts: Sunday (12/18), 12:30 PM, social hall
Kairos Retreat Closing Ceremony: Sunday (12/18), 3:30 PM, social hall
Adult Faith Formation Committee: Monday (12/19), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Joseph’s People: Monday (12/19), 7:00 PM, St. Luke