Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg

October 12, 2008

Rev. Robert A. Roncase, Pastor Deacon Michael J. Franks, Permanent Deacon Rev. Edmond J. Speitel, Pastor Emeritus Rev. John J. Scarcia, Retired Pastor Rev. Raymond W. Smart, Retired, Resident Shirley Misiak, Office Manager Mark J. Meinzer, Business Manager Catherine E. Faust, Director of Music Patricia A. Schleeweiss, School Principal Jeffrey W. Daley, Director of Religious Education Colleen Daley, Parish Youth Minister Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T., Parish Outreach Rectory Phone 215.679.9275 Rectory Fax 215.679.0386 School Phone 215.679.7481 Religious Education Phone 215.541.3120 Religious Education Fax 215.541.1398 Parish Social Hall Phone 215.679.8116 Parish Outreach Phone 215.679.2282 Neri Center Phone 215-679-6490 Church & Rectory Address: 1325 Klinerd Road Pennsburg, PA 18073 Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Email Address: spnofc@comcast.net Website Address: www.spnparish.org School Address: 6^th & Washington Streets East Greenville, PA 18041 Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Website Address: www.spnelementary.com Religious Education Center Address 565 Main Street East Greenville, PA 18041 Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Neri Center Address 6^th & Washington Streets East Greenville, PA 18041 ROSARY: Prayed every Saturday after the 8:00 AM Mass.

SCHEDULE OF MASSES Saturday – Vigil Mass – 5:00 PM Sunday – 7:30, 9:30, 11:00 AM Weekdays – In the Chapel Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 8:00 AM Wednesday – 7:00 PM HOLY DAYS: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 7:30 PM Eve of Holy Days –5:00 PM CHAPEL OPEN FOR VISITS The Chapel will be opened Monday thru Saturday until 7:00 pm for your visits to the Blessed Sacrament. CONFESSIONS Saturdays: 4:00 – 4:45 PM Eve of Holy Days: 4:15 – 4:45 PM BAPTISMS Celebrated the 2^nd & 3^rd Sundays of each month. Please call the Rectory to schedule. 2^nd Sunday Baptisms are held at the 11:00 AM Mass 3^rd Sunday Baptisms are held at 12:30 PM PRE-JORDAN CLASSES 1^st Monday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Rectory meeting room. MARRIAGES Arrangements should be made at least SIX MONTHS before the date of the wedding. NEW PARISHIONERS Welcome to your new home! Please stop by the rectory between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm to fill out a registration card. We are happy to have you in our parish and want to get to know you. SHUT-INS Please call the Parish Outreach Office. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING Please call the Rectory. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Every 1^st Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the church, followed by Benediction. FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS If you wish to have a floral arrangement placed in front of the altar, please call the rectory

OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

WE ARE THE CATHOLIC PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. PHILIP NERI, ANSWERING CHRIST’S CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH WORD, SACRAMENT AND SERVICE.

WE PROCLAIM GOD’S HOPE AND LOVE TO ALL.

LET US PRAISE CHRIST TOGETHER

On Monday, October 27^th, Bishop McFadden will be here at 4:00 pm to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation for our fifth and sixth graders of the parish. There are many challenges that our young people face in life. Peer pressure, a culture of death, self-centeredness – a busy life running from one activity to the next.

I recently read an article in Liguorian Magazine that addressed the issues of our young people. They are a generation seeking a place at the table of the Lord facing a world that many times is pulling them from God. As a parish Community, it is so very important for us to encourage and support them in their faith. At the same time, they, too, must realize that Confirmation is not an end of religious growth, but, really a new beginning. The Faith experience does not end when an individual turns eleven or twelve. In truth, it just begins in earnest.

Our youth say, “we haven’t been taught how to articulate our Faith well, so we find it harder to explain what it means to be Catholic to the bone”. Religious Education must continue so that our young people can deal with the demands of today and those that the future places on them. Because of this, I encourage our fifth and sixth graders to continue with religious classes. In the years ahead, they need to learn how to live the Faith they have studied, how to handle the moral questions facing them, how to respond to the social issues of the day, how to develop a deep prayer life. It is most necessary to continue with Religious Education in our parish school, our PREP classes, and the EDGE “Youth Ministry” program in our parish. As a parish family, we, too, have to accept our responsibility. What can we do as parents and a parish Community. A few thoughts:

1. Share you experience of time when belonging to the Church has brought you joy, comfort, grace and happiness.

2. Personally invite them to become a part of your organization or group.

3. Be welcoming and enthusiastic with them.

4. Be honest with young people; don’t be afraid of the hard questions asked.

5. Respect them as the church now, not the Church of the future.

Our young people are smart, funny, faithful, questioning people of integrity; and they are more like the rest of us than we might like to admit. The Catholic Church is richer for their presence and for the conversation that goes on when all people of faith raise their voices.

Praise Be Jesus Christ…now and forever!

Fr. Roncase

They say laughter is good medicine. Here is a little joke I came across that made me laugh. Enjoy it!

A young boy entered a barber shop, and the barber whispered to his customer. “This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch and I’ll prove it to you.”

The barber put a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then called the boy over and asked “Which do you want son?” The boy took the quarters and left. “What did I tell you?” said the barber. “That kid never learns!” Later the customer saw the young boy coming out of an ice cream store. “Hey son, may I ask you a question. Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?” The boy licked his cone and replied, “Because the day I take the dollar, the game’s over!

CHAPEL OPEN FOR VISITS

Our Chapel is open Monday thru Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

2009 MASS BOOK is now open for Mass intentions. Stop by the rectory or call Shirley at the rectory.

Serving at Mass October 19

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Patrick Kennedy Bob Ellis

Dianne Kennedy

Priest

Marci Jaman

LaRue Emmell

Claire Holcombe

7:30 am – Immaculata Barndt Theresa Gilmore

Lori Brozena

Priest

Andrew Souder

Peter D’Amico

Michael Duka

9:30 am – Jenny Josko Matthew Horvath

Stephanie Greczek

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Linda Benko

Joshua Hewitt

Lillian Hewitt

Bill Gurgick

Lisa Gurgick

Mary Godshall

Michael Dougherty

11:00 am - Bob Schwind Jim Brinckman

Barbara Schwind

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Mary Lavin

Tony Shellaway

Sandy Shellaway

Anita Weilnau

Bill Orr

Rose Anderson

Mary Ellen Paulk

Serving at Mass: October 26

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Mark Meinzer Pete Frank

Priest

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Pat Meinzer

Dave Moser

Trudy Moser

Linda Benko

Alice Swift

Bob Talbot

Kathryn Talbot

7:30 am – Jim Michels John Gilmore

Priest

Deacon

Stephan Adelsberger

Christine Adelsberger

9:30 am – Colleen Daley Eileen Davis

Mary Weber

Priest

Mary Souder

Bob Brennan

Eleanor Brennan

11:00 am – Tinamarie Evans D. McCausland

Mary Goodfellow

Priest

Anna Kells

Jeanne Hermley, Bob Hermley

Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time

October 12, 2008

Monday – October 13

8:00 am – Anthony Elderhorst, (SPN Knights of Columbus #6614)

Tuesday – October 14, Callistus I, pope, martyr

8:00 am – Walter & Constance Duklis, (The Duklis family)

Wednesday – October 15, Teresa of Jesus, virgin

7:00 pm – Theodore & Josephine Mikanowicz,

(Stan & Betty Mikanowicz)

Thursday – October 16, Hedwig, religious, Margaret Mary Alacoque

8:00 am – Claudine Waldner, (Richard & Barbara Grochowski)

Friday – October 17, Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr

8:00 am – Rachel Dallas, (Bob & Dawn Ellis)

Saturday – October 18, Luke, evangelist

8:00 am – Deborah Austin, (Hank & Marie Tokarski)

5:00 pm – Third Anniversary – Jean Pulli, (Pulli family)

Sunday – October 19

7:30 am – Stanley H. Grochowski, (Richard & Barbara Grochowski)

9:30 am – Stanley & Anna Melcher,

(Leonette Nicolaou, Terry & Wendy Benner & children)

11:00 am – For the living and deceased members of the Parish.

FLOWERS/ROSES

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart Altars are in memory of Richard & Marie Wieder, requested by Joan Wieder.

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The special arrangement of roses and flowers placed at the Blessed Mother Altar is in loving memory of Brian Miklos, on his Tenth Anniversary, requested by his Grandmother, Erna Miklos.

BUILDING MEMORIALS

Give a St. Philip Neri Memorial Gift! For a donation of $25 or more, there is a beautiful folder recording the gift and donor to be presented to the family. A Mass is offered each month.

We also have “Living Memorials” for those special occasions in life.

WE INVITE YOUR PRAYERS

For the sick, those in hospitals, nursing homes and also for their caregivers.

Please pray in particular for:

Rev. John J. Scarcia, Frances Cannon, Josh Fromnecht, Bernadette Hanna, Charles Snyder, Mary Ann Bencie, Madeline Eiser, Lori Thorsen, Jake Kriebel, Kate Nellett, Charlotte Azarovich, Bruce Gerhart, Henry Tarver, Mike Wieder, David Albright, Richard Whitney, Elizabeth Campaglia, Cathy Compos, Jim McCaughn, Natalie McNish, Mary Pondo, Cory Ronayne, Kelly Brogan, Marigo Vanim, Neal Hanke, Steven Gebhardt, Mary Finkbeiner, Peggy Romberger, David & Kim Koch, Baby Tristen Scott, David Leister, Robert Joseph Dreleick, Alice Swift, Jennie Virus, Lily Dusza & Jeremy Kircher.

For those who have died, grant them eternal rest and peace.

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

Knights of Columbus – Fr. Leo J. Letterhouse Council #6614 meets every second Sunday of the month in the Council Meeting Room at the rectory. Consider joining us by calling Duke Doherty at: 215-679-0660.

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St. Philip Neri Craft Guild – Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Social Hall Meeting Room from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. For more information, please call Connie Marks at: 610-287-9829.

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Boy Scouts – Tuesday evenings in parish Hall from 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm. Join our Boy Scouts by calling Mark Walther, 610-754-6541.

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CYO Sports – For more information, please contact Kevin Loose, 215-679-5481.

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Parish Youth Ministry – For more information, please contact Colleen Daley, 215-541-1716.

Bible Timeline Study – Monday evenings – 7:00 pm & Friday mornings – 9:00 am (except 1^st Friday – 10:00 am) in rectory meeting room for the next seven consecutive weeks.

For more information, call the rectory office: 215-679-9275.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

October 7, 2008 October 5, 2008

Envelopes $ 9,539.00 Envelopes $ 9,178.00

Loose 1,534.00 Loose 1,510.00

Children 55.00 Children 50.00

Total $11,128.00 Total $10,738.00

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

Kitchen opens 5:00 pm – Bingo – 6:30 pm

Working Thursday – October 16th – Team #1

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: October 2^nd

Players: 79

Games: 857.50 – Kitchen – 300.50 – Total $1,158.00

MEETINGS and EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, October 12^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, October 12^th – Knights of Columbus Communion Breakfast/Brunch after the 11:00 am Mass.

Sunday, October 12^th – Knights of Columbus Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Sunday, October 12^th – Youth Ministry – gym – 6-8 pm

Sunday, October 12^th – Men’s 30 & over basketball – 8pm

Monday, October 13^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Monday, October 13^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, October 13^th – Pre-Cana Workshop – Neri Center - 7:30 pm

Tuesday, October 14^th – Living Rosary – Church – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, October 14^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, October 14^th – Welcome Committee Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, October 14^th – Christmas Concert Committee Meeting – rectory – 8:15 pm

Wednesday, October 15^th – PREP (Religious Education) – school – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, October 15^th – Cub Scout Parent Meeting – Neri Center – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Wednesday, October 15^th – ALPHA – gym – 6:30 pm

Wednesday, October 15^th – Charismatic Prayer Meeting – Chapel – 7:30 pm

Thursday, October 16^th – Confirmation Day of Reflection – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Thursday, October 16^th- Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, October 16^th – Cub Scout Pack Meeting – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

Thursday, October 16^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Thursday, October 16^th – Pastoral Council Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Friday, October 17^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, October 17^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Sunday, October 19^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, October 19^th – Men’s 30 & over basketball – 8pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Training of Adult Altar Servers – Monday, October 20^th – Church – 7:00 pm

Confirmation Rehearsal – Students & Sponsors – Sunday, October 26^th – Church – 12:15 pm

H.O.P.E. General Meeting – Monday, October 27^th – gym – 7:00 pm

Confirmation – Monday, October 27^th – Church – 4:00 pm

All Souls Mss in our Parish Cemetery – Monday, November 3^rd – 12:10 pm

Pre-Jordan Baptismal Class – Monday, November 3^rd – rectory – 7:30 pm

1^st Penance Parent Meeting – (Mandatory Parent Meeting) – Wednesday, November 5^th – Neri Center – 6:10 pm

County Flu Shots – Wednesday, November 5^th – SPN gym – 10:00 am -12:00 noon

Pastoral Council Meeting – Monday, November 10^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

We Remember Mass – Tuesday, November 11^th – Church – 7:30 pm

Home & School Board Meeting – Wednesday, November 12^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

Week of October 6th

Pre-School – The Pre-school learned about Fire Safety this week. They were delighted with the visit of the East Greenville firemen and loved touring their truck.

Kindergarten – This week the Kindergarten practiced “Stop, Drop and Roll,” had a visit form the East Greenville Fire Company, and worked on a Fire Safety Booklet.

Grade 1 – The First Graders are learning about their Baptism and the special people that participated in it. They will be going on a field trip to Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center. The children will learn about the 18^th Century Germans that immigrated to Southeastern, PA.

Grade 2 – Our Second Grade class is writing their first letters to their new Sixth Grade Pen Pals from St. Francis Academy in Bally.

Grade 3- In Third Grade, we are researching about animals. We are discovering what they eat, if they migrate or hibernate, how big they are, and how they respond to their environment.

Grade 4 – Our Fourth Graders are noting the physical characteristics of the regions of PA. We will learn important study skills as we organize this information. To coincide with our lessons in Geography, we have made paper mache globes and painted the continents.

Grade 5 – Our class is working on preparing Presentations about the objects in our solar system; they are very creative. We are also looking forward to our Confirmation Retreat.

Grade 6 – The Sixth Grade Class is writing a personal narrative. They are working on their revisions. After the revisions, they will type their final product. The students are so excited to be finishing Unit 1 in our reading series. We will be starting a novel soon.

Grade 7 – Our class is investigating the cell by looking at its structure using microscopes. We are also finishing up several experiments about bread and how it molds, what keeps the flowers the freshest and how do potatoes sprout.

Grade 8 – The Math classes in grades 6-8 have just begun working in Algebra. I keep reminding all of them how important it is to learn the basics so they will have a foundation for high school Math. In Eighth Grade Social Studies, the students have picked or been assigned a candidate to support for the upcoming Student Mock Election. We are examining the important issues of this election and the positions and plans of both candidates.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE:

October 14^th – Living Rosary – church – 7:00 pm

October 15^th- class

October 16^th – Confirmation Day of Reflection – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm –

Our Lady of Czestochowa – Doylestown

October 22^nd – class

October 26^th – Confirmation Rehearsals for all Students and Sponsors (Church) – 12:15 pm after 11:am Mass

October 27^th – Sacrament of Confirmation – 4:00 pm

All children are to be at the Social Hall by 3:00 pm

October 29^th – class

November 5^th – class

November 5^th – First Penance Parent Meeting – 6:10 pm – Mandatory Meeting

November 12^th – class

November 19^th – class

November 26^th – NO CLASSES

THE EDGE

Our next meeting is October 12th (today) from 6-8 pm in the Social Hall. Our topic will be one we can all agree – we need to have Jesus at the center of our life. Won’t you step out in faith and come? WE NEED YOUTH!!!

After the masses October 11^th & 12^th, we will be handing out Flyers and bags to the parishioners for our food collection for Open Line. They need our help. This would be an excellent opportunity for service. Please call Mrs. Daley to sign up to help. We will also need more help the following weekend to collect the food and take to Open Line. Thanks for serving others!

Permission slips are due October 12th (today) for the Fall Fest that we will be attending on October 26^th. If you did not receive one, please let me know ASAP. Also, I was given permission for sixth graders to be able to attend, despite what the Form says. We will also need a few additional chaperones that night!

It is the youth leader’s prayer that each and every tween/teen build a closer relationship to Christ and His Church.

For more information, please call Mrs. Daley at: 215-541-1716 or email: prolifer53@comcast.net.

CONFIRMANDI AND YOUTH GROUP SERVICE PROJECT

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO ASSIST OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED! Next weekend at all Masses we will be collecting the following items for OPEN LINE. Please use the brown bags provided. They need our help.

All non-perishable food items such as: soups, stews, baby formula, ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, canned meats-spam, tuna, chicken, chili, cereal, jelly, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned veggies, spaghetti sauce, rice, instant potatoes, juice boxes, hamburger helper, complete meals, complete meals in a box w/meats. The following personal items: deodorant – male & female, toothpaste, paper products – toilet tissue & paper towels, shampoo.

Thanks for helping the Confirmandi and Youth Group members perform this service opportunity.

PARISH NEWS

The Living Rosary

The School and Parish Religious Education Program will be having their 2^nd Annual “Scriptural Living Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries” at 7:00 pm in the Church – Tuesday, October 14^th. Grades 2^nd thru 8^th will be reading and celebrating the Rosary. All parishioners are invited to join in this Parish Prayer Service.

Looking for Men & Women Altar Servers

Any adult man or woman who would like to serve Funeral Masses….we want you!

Training will take place on Monday, October 20^th at 7:00 pm.

If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please call Shirley at the rectory.

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE

40 DAYS FOR LIFE ***

Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.

September 24^th – November 2^nd

Forty Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting and constant vigil at local abortion chambers to end abortion in America. During this time, our community will be uniting with more than 80 cities in 32 states for the largest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in history – the nationwide Forty Days for Life Campaign. We pray that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of Abortion in America.

Prayer is at the center of Forty Days for Life. During the campaign, prayer warriors across the nation fall on their knees before the Lord and ask Him to hear our plea and heal our land. Forty Days for Life promotes fasting from whatever separates us from God and keeps us from contributing to building a culture of life. This fasting can include food, television, and apathy.

CONSTANT VIGIL – The public centerpiece of this Forty Days for Life is a 40-day, 24 hour-a-day prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood’s abortion chamber in Warminster at 610 Louis Drive. This is a total of 960 hours. Our parish has volunteered for one (1) hour on Saturday, October 18^th, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. We will be leaving the Church parking lot after the 8:00 am Mass.

For more information, or if you can do more, please call Pat at: 215-234-0124, or visit: www.40daysforlife.com.

CONFIRMATION AT ST. PHILIP NERI

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the gifts we first received in Baptism and leads us to a closer union with Jesus Christ, our Savior. All those who are preparing to receive this sacrament realize that it is an important event in their lives. This is a time to grow, a time to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ better, a time of loving service.

Prayer for the Confirmandi – We pray for all those who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Almighty God, our Father, send forth your Holy Spirit upon all the Confirmandi to commit themselves to the work of Jesus as they prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Make them ready to live His Gospel and eager to do His will. May they never be ashamed to proclaim their faith to the entire world. We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen.

We ask that our parish families take a card on the communion rail and pray for that Confirmandi who is preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 27^th.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE:

FRIENDLY VISITORS MINISTRY

Are you recently retired? Is God calling you to serve someone in need? “As long as you did it for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.” Friendly Visiting is the ministry for you!

There are only two things required:

1.) a short orientation program,

2.) a willingness to listen.

If you can serve God’s people as a Friendly Visitor, please call the Parish Outreach Office at: 215-679-2282. Leave your name and number. (speak slowly)

Won’t you consider joining us as we serve our parishioners who are in need of a friend?

H.O.P.E.

Do you need a FREE ride to appointments, store, bank, phone assurance, light housekeeping? Volunteers are willing to respond to these needs.

Please call H.O.P.E. Outreach Office at 215-679-2282 or Kathy & Bob Talbot: 215-541-0250.

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Reminder: H.O.P.E. Meeting on Monday, October 27^th in the parish Social Hall.

If unable to attend, please call Kathy or Bob: 215-541-0250.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY UPDATE

Mom-to-Mom Connection: On the go all the time? Feel like your kids are busier than you are? Worried about how your kids are handling all the stress? Then join us to talk about “Preserving Childhood in a Fast-Paced World” on Sunday, November 2^nd from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm in the SPN social Hall. Bring your ideas, questions, concerns and share them with other moms. Mom-to-Mom Connection is a seasonal gathering of moms sponsored by the Elizabeth Ministry of SPN.

Our programs are designed to support and challenge each other in the amazing journey of motherhood.

We hope you will join us for this free, informative discussion. Light refreshments will be served.

HOSPITAL VISITS

Please call the rectory to request a visit when you or a family member is hospitalized. Due to the Privacy Act, a request to have a priest or the hospital minister visit and/or bring Holy Communion can be made only by you or a family member.

BOX TOPS/LABELS/REDNER’S RECEIPTS

Our parish school participants in several programs that benefit our school simply by collecting what would otherwise become trash. Please help us make the most of these programs by saving your Redner’s cash register receipts, Campbell’s soup & product labels and General Mills box tops. Please clip the UPC from Campbell’s products (they no longer require the front label) and the box top coupon from General Mills products.

A collection site is located in the church vestibule. Please remember that Redner’s receipts only qualify if you submit the ENTIRE RECEIPT and present your “Save-a-tape” card when checking out. If you do not have a card, any cashier can provide you with one at check-out time. Please call Agnes O’Connor at 267-923-8635 if you have any questions pertaining to these programs.

OCTOBER MARKET DAY

Our next Market Day pickup is Tuesday, October 21^st at the Neri Center. All orders need to be dropped off at St. Philip Neri School no later than Tuesday, October 14^th – 12:00 noon. All internet orders (marketday.com) are due Wednesday, October 15^th at 12:00 noon. Thank you for supporting our Market Day Fundraising Program!

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP

Every Wednesday at 7:30 pm in the Chapel following the 7:00 pm Mass starting October 15^th.Come to grow closer to God and experience the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, praise, song, scripture reading, teaching, witnessing, and use of the charisms. Discover the love of God in a more profound way.

Call Rich Grochowski at: 610-323-1127 for more info.

LITTLE FLOWER GIRLS CLUB

Attention Girls ages 5-10 years…Saint Philip Neri Parish will be hosting the Little Flowers Girls’ Club this coming school year…Little Flowers Girls’ Club is a catholic program for girl’s ages 5-10 based on learning catholic virtues through the lives of catholic saints, scripture, and the catechism of the Catholic Church. The club strives to bring the catholic faith alive and inspire the girls to become authentic catholic women. The club will meet monthly to perform a craft/activity, sing songs, learn about saints, and earn badges. The Little Flowers will meet at the Neri Center, East Greenville, on the First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm starting in October. The schedule will be as follows:

November 4^th, December 2^nd

January 6^th, February 3^rd, March 3^rd,

April 7^th, May 5^th & June 2^nd.

If you are interested in this club, please call Dana Orr at: 215-679-8223, email: DANA@GOODNEWS4HEALTH.NET or check the website: WWW.ECCEHOMOPRESS.COM

BREAKFAST with SANTA

A planning meeting for Breakfast with Santa is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15^th at 7:00 pm in the rectory. Anyone who would like to be a part of the committee, please call the rectory.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHRISTMAS CONCERT

We are delighted to announce that the gifted Irish singer John McNally will be performing a Christmas Concert at St. Philip Neri Church on Saturday, December 6^th at 7:30 pm. This is a much-anticipated return engagement for the Dublin native who now resides in Sydney, Australia. His exceptional singing talent will not only provide us with favorite Christmas carols, but also many Irish selections, religious favorites and some of the grand “old” standards. John is relaxed and outgoing with his audience, but he is always the consummate professional musician and performer. The occasion promises to be an enjoyable evening and a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season! Tickets are available now for purchase and cost $15/person. Children ten and under are FREE! Save the date!

ST. PHILIP NERI CUB SCOUTS

PACK # 591

BOYS – grades first thru fifth

Cub Scout Pack 591 is underway!

We are looking for boys who want to have fun and adventure. Meetings are every Thursday in the Neri Center (East Greenville) from 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm.

COME JOIN THE FUN!!!

Contact Alicia Tryon at: 215-679-4193 or

Cubpack591@yahoo.com

BUS TRIP TO BATTLESHIP USS NEW JERSEY

On Saturday, October 25^th, the parish is offering a trip to Camden to tour the Battleship USS New Jersey. Jerry Mullaney, a parishioner, who is a certified tour guide on the ship and his fellow tour guides, will guide us through our visit. This tour is open to seniors, adults and children over age 12. We will meet in the parking lot at Perkiomen Tours – 875 Main Street – Pennsburg. The bus will depart promptly at 8:30 am and is expected to return to Pennsburg at approximately 1:00 pm. The cost, including bus transportation and admission to the ship is $37 for seniors, $40 for adults and children over age 12. If you are interested and wish to make a reservation, please call the rectory: 215-679-9275. Reservations are required since seating is limited.

Free Influenza/Pneumococcal Immunizations

Where? St. Philip Neri Social Hall

When? Wednesday, November 5th

Time? 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Provided to Montgomery County residents aged 50 years and older, children and adolescents aged 6 months through 18 years, pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers of high-risk individuals and of infants less than 6 months of age, and people who have a long-term health problem such as: Heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, anemia, asthma, weakened immune system due to steroid use, cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS. Medicare patients – please bring your Medicare Card.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

is hosting a FREE informational seminar on

“Aging in America,

the confusing issues facing today’s

Retirees and the families trying to help them”

Tuesday – October 21^st

7:00 pm

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

1. What needs to be done regarding your money (and how to protect it)

2. Changes that have occurred regarding nursing home and Medicaid rules.

3. End of life decisions and care restrictions that should be in place (and how to avoid mistakes).

4. Your Estate Planning steps under the new Medicaid Law (protecting your assets)

Sessions will touch on:

*Your money – taxes are going up, interest rates are going down and the market is very ugly; learn how to avoid or eliminate the higher taxes on your income and social security you may face this year as well as investment options that can guarantee your money. Presented by Thomas Rutter, Certified Senior Advisor, Certified Estate Planner.

*Estate Planning – Planning your estate to protect your life’s savings from nursing care expenses. Review of how Medicaid rules have changed significantly. The severe challenges that affect your Powers of Attorney and Living Will. Presented by elder law attorney, Gerald J. Mullaney, Sr., Esquire.

Nursing Home Costs and Contracts – learn the ins and outs of what nursing homes really do cost and what Medicare and Medicaid pay. Presented by Carole Monahan, former nursing home administrator.

Three excellent speakers.

Issues that are important to you and your family.

No cost, but it can save you and you family heartaches and headaches.

Plan on attending!!!

ALL DAY SCRAP BOOKING EVENT

Where? – Neri Center

6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville

When? – Saturday, October 25^th

8:30 am – 6:00 pm

Enjoy a day of fellowship and the opportunity to get away for awhile and work on your scrapbooks.

Please provide your own refreshments.

This is a free Event, but, space is limited – so please register with Wendy Benner: 215-234-0354, ASAP!

St. Philip Neri Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner

Parish Social Hall

Saturday, November 15^th

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Save the date – more information coming!

CASINO TRIP

Tuesday – December 9^th

Christmas Show Package at the TROPICANA!

Cost: $20.00

you receive a $10.00 coin voucher!

Bus departs SPN Church parking lot at 10AM!

Reservations must be received by November 15th

Call Kathy: 267-923-5173 or

Janet: 215-679-6175

PARISH NEW YEARS’S EVE PARTY

Save the date

Wednesday evening, December 31^st – 8pm to 1am

Dinner dance for those 21 years of age and older!

Tickets will be available soon!

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Office of the Cardinal

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Each of us, at Baptism, is given a special responsibility. We are called, by our Lord, to tell the world the “Good News” of His love and salvation. We are to be His Missionaries. Each year, on World Mission Sunday, all baptized Catholics gather for Mass – in small chapels, as well as in large cathedrals around the globe – to celebrate our Missionary vocation, and to offer prayers and sacrifices for the Missionary task.

World Mission Sunday, this year on October 19^th, takes on added significance as the Church here at home marks the passing of one hundred years since a papal decree removed the designation of “Mission territory” from the United States – 100 years of independence from the generosity of the Catholics of Europe through the Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

In fact, two thirds of the very first collection of the Propagation of the Faith was sent to the Church here – to Kentucky and the vast diocese of Louisiana, which then extended from the Florida Keys to Canada. Philadelphia, from the beginning, was one of the first recipients of help from the Propagation of the Faith. Years of such assistance helped build schools and churches, provide for the education and work of Priests and Religious and support evangelization here at home. Concurrently, World Mission Sunday, 2008 will also honor the many Missionaries from Europe who brought the Lord’s gift of faith and His message of hope to our people here.

As we remember our own Mission history this World Mission Sunday, we can offer our prayers and financial help for the young and growing churches of the Missions today. Your generosity through the Propagation of the Faith will reach those who await the “Good News” of Jesus, who long to experience His hope and love.

Please be as generous as your means will allow this World Mission Sunday. In accord with the message of our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, let us join together in prayer, that our celebration will encourage all of us to rediscover the word of God in our lives and our urgent need to proclaim the Gospel.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

Archbishop of Philadelphia

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Annual Open House

Spend a day at the Seminary! Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will host its 55^th Annual Open House on Sunday, October 26^th. There will be tours from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by Evening Prayer at 5:00 pm.

You are invited to tour our grounds, learn about life at the Seminary, and view our sacred and historical art collection from noon to 4:00 pm and then join us for Evening Prayer and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:00 pm.

To learn more about the Seminary, please visit our website: www.scs.edu.

For further information or for directions, please contact: Office for Development at 610-785-6231, Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 4:30 pm.

Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood

Are you between the ages of 16 and 24? Have you ever thought about being a priest? Does the thought interest you? HEED THE CALL. Come and join others for a weekend October 17, 18, and 19 at St. Charles Seminary to explore the call.

For more information, please visit our website: www.HeedTheCall.org or call: 610-667-5778 for more information. Registration is required

AREA NEWS

Father Tony Bianco Honored

Fr. Anthony M. Bianco, CRSP – the pioneer of the Barnabite mission in the Lehigh Valley will be honored on Saturday, October 25^th at the Barnabite Spiritual Center, 4301 Hecktown Rd., Bethlehem. The celebration will start with a concelebrated Mass at 11:00 am with Fr. Tony, followed by the dedication of the conference room in his honor.

RSVP by October 18^th – 610-691-8648 or email to: barnabitespiritualcenter@gmail.com

Before his retirement, Fr. Tony helped here at St. Philip Neri celebrating many Sunday Masses.

Congratulations Father for over 50 years of priesthood.

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A place set for you at the table

That tiny wafer we receive at Communion and the little sip we take from the cup doesn’t seem like much of a feast. But look at it this way: As it says in one of the Mass prayers, it’s the “foretaste and promise of the Paschal feast of heaven.” Our little banquet in church is a sacrament, the visible sign of an invisible reality. What we don’t yet see is the fullness and completeness of life to which the sign points, described in scripture as a wedding reception. The nice thing about this wedding is that we are not simply guests—we are the bride!

Today’s readings: Isaiah 25:6-10a;

Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14

“ ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, and everything is ready.’ ”

Monday, October 13

Sukkot begins

Pack your bags

As much as setting down roots allows us to experience nourishment and growth, they all the same can make us rigid and insensitive. If we take the biblical history of the Israelites as any example, God clearly believes it’s important that God’s followers occasionally be uprooted and sent wandering in order to be transformed and find their Lord anew. Today begins the Jewish Feast of Booths (also called Sukkot), first celebrated to remind the Israelites of their 40 years of wandering. It is traditional that during this feast Jews should construct a temporary, destructible shelter in which to live, annually uprooting themselves from the comforts and burdens of their daily lives. Imagine your own way to practice this uprooting in the following days.

Today’s readings: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1; Luke 11:29-32

“For freedom Christ has set us free.”

Tuesday, October 14

Feast of Callistus I, pope, martyr

The saint of second chances

Callistus (d. 222) started out as a slave, bungler, and brawler—not the usual career path for a pope. As a slave he lost a sum of money his Christian master had entrusted to him and fled in terror only to be caught later. Sentenced to hard labor, his captors eventually released him in the hope he would work off his debt. But he got into a fight and was imprisoned again. After our hero was once again freed, the current pope, Saint Zephrinus, took note of Callistus and decided to trust him by putting him in charge of a Christian cemetery in Rome. Becoming pope himself, Callistus was known for his mercy and said that even murderers could be admitted to communion after they had done penance for their sin. Perhaps Callistus appreciated the second chances and new trust he had received and wanted to return the favor. Do you give people another chance, and do you make good on those given to you?

Today’s readings: Galatians 5:1-6;

Luke 11:37-41

“For in Christ Jesus . . . the only thing that counts is faith working through love.”

Wednesday, October 15
Feast of Teresa of Jesus, virgin, doctor

Time for a spiritual checkup

Ever wonder whether you are in good spiritual health? It’s easy to assess: If love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control come easily to you, you’re in good shape. If hatred, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, and envy are your frequent reactions to events, you’re in need of a spiritual workout. Let Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), reformer and church doctor, be your spiritual trainer. Step one: Recite this Teresian prayer daily: “Let nothing disturb you; Let nothing dismay you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience attains all that it strives for. He who has God lacks for nothing: God alone suffices.” Step two: There is no need for a step two if you master step one.

Today’s readings: Galatians 5:18-25;

Luke 11:42-46

“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Thursday, October 16

Knowing ahead of time

It helps to know things will work out before you get started on them. Paying bills is easy when you know the money is there. Getting something fixed is a less anxious experience when you have confidence in the repairperson. So it is with the spiritual life. In all the apparent struggle to believe, live a holy life, and do the right thing, we can forget how much God has already done for us. Saint Paul makes this point many times. We are already blessed. We already have redemption in Christ. God has revealed God’s plan for us and the world and has chosen and adopted us as God’s children. All we have to do is to stay close to God and offer praise. God has given us so much and promises to lead us to glory. Knowing that might make the journey a bit easier.

Today’s readings: Ephesians 1:1-10;

Luke 11:47-54

“With all wisdom and insight God has made known to us the mystery of the divine will set forth in Christ.”

Friday, October 17
Feast of Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr

In the arms of Christ

Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-110) is one of the apostolic fathers of the church, a small group of Christian authors who lived close to the time of Jesus and had personal contact with some of the 12 apostles. It is said that Saint Peter himself appointed Ignatius to be bishop of Antioch. Tradition also has it that as a young child Ignatius had been one of the children Jesus took in his arms and blessed (Matthew 19:13-15). Whether or not historically true, this story signals something each of us can make our own—the image of being held in the loving arms of our Savior. That indeed is a tradition that remains unbroken, from the time of Jesus down to the present.

Today’s readings: Ephesians 1:11-14;

Luke 12:1-7

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.”

Saturday, October 18

Feast of Luke, evangelist

Show and tell

Today we remember and celebrate Saint Luke, author of the Acts of the Apostles as well as the gospel that bears his name. Thanks to Luke we have an original, compelling portrait of Jesus the master who emphasized the importance of prayer and who cared deeply for women and the poor, the outcast, the ill, and the lowly of society. Luke is the only one of the four evangelists whose stated purpose in writing his gospel is so that others would be assured of the truth of their earlier instruction about Jesus. Let us be grateful to parents, teachers, mentors, and others who, like Luke, freely share what they have learned for the benefit of others.

Today’s readings: 2 Timothy 4:10-17b;

Luke 10:1-9

“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.”