Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg

October 26, 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

Time does fly. In four months, (February), I will have been here at St. Philip Neri for three years. It feels like only a few months. Hopefully, you feel the same and are not saying it seems like an eternity. When first arriving after settling in for a few months, I began to appreciate the beauty and sacredness of St. Philip Neri. The change and transition here for you and I happened so quickly and unexpectantly that it did take a little time for us all to adjust. After the dust settled, I became so very aware of the unique place this parish is, with both the people and the physical plant. You the parishioners are a welcoming, and holy people. The grounds that make up our physical plant are serene, beautiful and reflective. It was because of this that I felt St. Philip Neri to be a unique and special parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Even though the rectory can be a busy place, there is always a calm and quietness about the Building.

The living quarters on the second floor are comfortable and inviting. There is a suite of rooms for me and another for Fr. Smart. In addition, we have two guest rooms with a shared bathroom. For these reasons, I always believed that St. Philip Neri could be a great place for priests to come and rest for awhile. A couple have taken me up on the offer. Every once in a while, it is good fir a priest to rest a day or two and reflect and pray. This parish is a perfect spot for this. In my effort to foster this, I asked myself, what else could I do. Sitting on my swing on the back of the rectory, I felt this would be a quiet spot for a patio. A resting spot for me and visiting priests to read and pray. So maybe you’ve noticed this past week, construction of the new patio has begun. This is my gift to the rectory and parish.

I am personally funding and paying for this project. You might ask why? It is because of the goodness of everyone here and the love you have for priests. I hope St. Philip Neri can be a quiet resting place and retreat for any priest who would like to take a day or two to rest and pray.

Praise Be Jesus Christ…now and forever!

Fr. Roncase

FIRST FRIDAY

1^ST Friday is November 7^th. Mass is in Church at 9:00 am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Church all day until 7:00 pm with Evening Prayer and Benediction.

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

This year the Feast (Holy Day) of all Saints, November 1^st, falls on a Saturday. Because it falls on a Saturday, there is no obligation to attend Mass. Mass on All Saints, November 1^st, is in the Chapel at 8:00 am.

FEAST OF ALL SOULS & CEMETERY MASS

The Feast of All Souls will be celebrated at all the Masses on Sunday, November 2^nd. There will be a Mass commemorating the Feast of All Souls in our parish Cemetery on Monday, November 3^rd at 12:10 pm. Anyone attending the cemetery Mass is reminded to bring a lawn chair!

CONFIRMATION AT ST. PHILIP NERI

Bishop McFadden will be here at St. Philip Neri on Monday, October 27^th at 4:00 pm to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. All parishioners are invited. Please pray for our Confirmation Class.

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: November 2

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm - Jim Camarata Ernie Quatrani

Linda Franks

Priest

Deacon

Dave Boone

Teri Boone

John Burke

Catherine Cahill

Lee Johnson

Trish Dornisch

Lisa Edleman

Mike Edleman

7:30 am - Anna Murphy John Guckin

Gerald Murphy

Priest

Deacon

Denise Guckin

Michele Martin

Joan Varallo

Wally Varallo

Mary R. Giambrone

Pat Scheerbaum

Maria Rodgers

Chuck Rodgers

9:30 am - Dana Orr George Kirkwood

Cecilia Kirkwood

Priest

Priest

Monica Nash

Jack Nash

11:00 am – DJ Williams Luke Verna

Sandy Williams

Priest

Priest

Mary Lavin

Marlene Leidy

Serving at Mass November 9

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Marci Jaman Bob Piccone

LaRue Emmell

Priest

Priest

Claire Holcombe

Janet Kendra

7:30 am - Lori Brozena J. Sakalouckas

Dina Corrado

Priest

Pat D’Amico

Michael Duka

Mary R. Giambrone

9:30 am – Jeff Daley Joe Cassarella

Marianne Peters

Priest

Kathy Raubertas

Michael Sledgen

Andrew Souder

11:00 am – Sarah Franks Michele Charlton

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

Maryanne Charlton

Kevin Charlton

Amanda Charlton

Anita Weilnau

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time

October 26, 2008

Monday – October 27

8:00 am – Adele Wyderka, (Hank & Marie Tokarski)

4:00 pm – Confirmation – Bishop McFadden

Tuesday – October 28, SS Simon & Jude, apostles

8:00 am – Marie Adam, (Son, Joe, Linda & family)

Wednesday – October 29

7:00 pm – Bolek Wieczprek, (Rich & Barbara Grochowski)

Thursday – October 30

8:00 am – Gerard J. Schneider, Sr., (Bob & Marianne Peters)

Friday – October 31

8:00 am – Ralph Bolognese,

(Gilbertsville Morning Doves Golf League)

Saturday – November 1, All Saints

8:00 am – Mary Sailer, (daughters Mary Ellen & Rose)

5:00 pm – Ninth Anniversary, Michael Sinisko, (Wife, Viola)

Sunday – November 2, All Souls

7:30 am – For all the names on the Altar.

9:30 am – For all the names on the Altar.

11:00 am – For all the names on the Altar.

FLOWERS/ROSES

The gold roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart Altars are in Honor of Clifford & Connie Marks Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.

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The floral arrangement placed on the Altar is in Honor of Clifford & Connie Marks Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.

Congratulations to Cliff & Connie!

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, 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, Edward Azarovich, Robert Rukstalis, Stanley Piontkowski & Michael O’Leary.

For those who have died, and in particular for Katherine Cress, (sister of Jeff Daley – parishioner) 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.

________________________________________________________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.

________________________________________________________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 21, 2007 October 19, 2008

Envelopes $ 8,296.00 Envelopes $ 8,534.50

Loose 1,249.00 Loose 1,557.00

Children 60.00 Children 62.00

Total $ 9,605.00 Total $10,153.50

Special collection:

World Mission Sunday - $1,951.50

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – October 30th – Team #3

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: October 16th

Players: 69

Games: 537.45 – Kitchen – 262.90 – Total $ 800.35

MEETINGS and EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, October 26^th – Parish Breakfast – gym – 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

Sunday, October 26^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

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

Sunday, October 26^th – EDGE – Youth Ministry – gym – 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunday, October 26^th – Men’s 30 and over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm

Monday, October 27^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

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

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

Monday, October 27^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, October 28^th – Choir and Cantor practice – Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, October 28^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, October 28^th – Christmas Concert Committee Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Wednesday, October 29^th – PREP Religious Education – school – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, October 26^th – ALPHA – gym – 6:30 pm

Wednesday, October 29^th – Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

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

Thursday, October 30^th – Cub Scouts – Neri Ctr. – 6:45 pm

Thursday, October 30^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Friday, October 31^st – Bible Timeline – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, October 31^st – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Sunday, November 2^nd – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, November 2^nd – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, November 2^nd – CYO Sports – gym – 12 noon – 8pm

Sunday, November 2^nd – Men’s 30 & over Basketball – 8pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Mom-to-Mom Connection (Elizabeth Ministry) – Sunday, November 2^nd – gym – 12 noon to 2:00 pm

All Souls Mass 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

Parish Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner – Saturday, November 15^th – gym – 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – takeout available, too.

Friendly Visitors General Meeting – Monday, November 17^th – gym – 7:00 pm

Liturgy Committee Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Cub Pack Parent Meeting – Wednesday, November 19^th – Neri Center – 6:00 pm

Respect Life Committee Meeting – Wednesday, November 19^th – rectory – 7:30 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

Week of October 20th

Kindergarten – The Kindergarten class continued to talk about pumpkins and how they grow. We also talked about other fall things such as scarecrows and made

1st – The First Grade students will learn about community workers this week and why they are important. They will write about what they would like to be when they grow up.

2nd – This week the Second Grade is having fun creating Rhyming Couplets during this Halloween season. “I see a scary goon. It is creeping on the blue moon.”

3rd – In Social Studies this week we are reviewing for our test. We have learned about urban, suburban and rural communities.

4th – In Religion, each student has become a Scripture writer. They have chosen a biblical verse that is meaningful to them and printed it on a beautiful scroll that they have created.

5th – The students are starting a new unit in Science. They are investigating energy types, forms and sources. They are also going to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday, October 27.

6th – The Sixth Grade class will be receiving their Confirmation on Monday, October 27. Please keep them in your prayers.

7th – The Seventh Graders are investigating the cell and its processes. Right now they are experimenting with eggs, corn syrup, vinegar and water to compare how substances move across the membrane.

8th – The Eighth Grade is beginning to study the Civil War. This week we will look at the Lincoln-Douglas debates which ties in nicely with the recent presidential debates. In Religion, we are looking at prayers and the many ways we can pray.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE:

October 26^th – Confirmation Rehearsals for all Students and Sponsors (Church) – 12:15 pm after 11:00 am Mass.

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

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

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.

PARISH NEWS

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

Mom-to-Mom Connection

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.

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP

Every Wednesday at 7:30 pm in the Chapel following the 7:00 pm Mass. 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 information

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, or DANA@GOODNEWS4HEALTH.NET or check the website: WWW.ECCEHOMOPRESS.COM

PORK & SAUERKRAUT DINNER MEETING

There will be a short meeting for the Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner on Wednesday, October 29^th in the rectory at 7:00 pm.

Anyone interested in this Committee is welcome to attend.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHRISTMAS CONCERT

St. Philip Neri Parish is proud to announce a Christmas Concert featuring well-known singer and performer John McNally on Saturday, December 6^th, at 7:30 pm in the Church. This Dublin native’s dynamic stage personality and glorious voice are reflected in over forty successful albums, top rated television specials for the TNN network and his many appearances on stage and TV throughout the US, Canada, Australia and Ireland.

Our upcoming concert will feature favorite Christmas Carols and also include many Celtic selections, religious favorites, and some “grand old standards.” An informal reception will follow in the parish hall.

Tickets are priced at $15/person with children 10 and under FREE and are available at the rectory or through individual sellers by calling: 215-541-1048 or 610-754-7185. You may also purchase tickets at the October parish Breakfast, at the SCRIP table after all Masses through November 30^th and at the Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner on November 15^th. Checks may be made payable to SPN Concert Committee.

Gather your family and friends and come to experience some of the many joys that the holidays bring.

ST. PHILIP NERI CUB SCOUTS

PACK # 591

BOYS – grades first thru fifth

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.

Contact Alicia Tryon at: 215-679-4193 or

Cubpack591@yahoo.com

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 Pork & Sauerkraut Supper

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, November 15^th

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Parish Social Hall

EAT-IN or TAKE-OUT

Adults - $8.00

Children 4-10 - $4.00

Under 4 – FREE

Take-out - $9.00

For tickets – call the rectory, 679-9275 or

purchase at SCRIP table after Masses.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

THANKSGIVING 300 SPECIAL

ON SALE NOW!

AT CHURCH ENTRANCES OR

CONTACT ANY KNIGHT

$10 DONATION

One winner for every 5 tickets sold

TOP PRIZE - $1000

Total of $2000 in cash prizes

DRAWING:

Sunday – November 30^th

AFTER ADVENT SERVICE

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

HOAGIE SALE

CHEESE, ITALIAN or TURKEY

TUESDAY – DECEMBER 2, 2008

12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

COST: $4.00

All orders due by:

Monday – November 24^th

Please call:

Rita: 679-7009 or Pat: 679-5675

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!

Single: $45 – Couples: $80

Tickets will be available soon!

THANK YOU FROM OUR KNIGHTS

Dear Father,

We would like to thank you for allowing us to continue our appeal on behalf of All Life at the Masses in Saint Philip Neri Parish. The people of the parish generously donated $1,264.90 at the Saturday and Sunday Masses to the Roses for Life Drive. This Drive was held on October 4^th & 5^th.

All monies go to the Knights of Columbus Valley Forge Chapter to support Respect Life Efforts in the area. The monies will be used in several Crisis Pregnancy Centers including Birthright of Pottstown and A Baby’s Breath in Norristown and Collegeville.

Please express our gratitude to the parishioners and again thanks for allowing us to conduct the appeal at Saint Philip Neri.

Sincerely,

Duke Doherty

Grand Knight

AREA NEWS

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Malvern Retreat House – Malvern, PA

“What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 11:51

A women’s retreat will take place on November 21^st thru

November 23^rd. Newcomers are more than welcome. The cost is $185. If you wish to register, please contact Linda Woll at: 215-256-4922.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

“Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus speaks these words today. Have you considered being a priest? Be a Fisher of Men. www.HeedTheCall.org.

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.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR TRIBUNAL?

The Tribunal is a group of specially qualified priests, sisters, and lay persons whose responsibility is to come to the help of people who have experienced divorce.

When a divorce occurs, the Catholic Church always seems to balance two realities. One is the unbreakableness of the bond of marriage. This is God’s law. It cannot be broken by human intervention. On the other hand, the Church is concerned about the spiritual welfare of the people involved. Was this a true marriage? Even though a Catholic marriage was celebrated, was there perhaps some weakness in the consent of the parties involved? The annulment procedure addresses this problem without affixing blame on either party.

If you are divorced or married outside the Catholic Church, please telephone or write the Tribunal Office. Have no fear. All interviews are private.

The Tribunal

222 N. 17^th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

215-587-3750

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES – FOSTER FAMILIES

Catholic Social Services is looking for single or married adults to become foster parents to children of all ages and races. There is a special need for families who can provide care to Teenagers – a population that needs love, guidance and support as they move into adulthood. To learn more about becoming a foster parent, call Melissa or Pat at: 215-587-3960.

THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF PENNSYLVANIA

A call to Faithful Citizenship and Respect for Life

October is Respect Life Month – a special time each year when we prayerfully reflect on how each person at every stage of life deserves dignity and respect, and when we remind ourselves of the need to protect the most vulnerable among us.

It is also a time when we must pause to give thanks to God for the freedom we enjoy as Americans and as citizens of Pennsylvania to participate in life. Recognizing our responsibility to promote the common good, we encourage our Catholic citizens, after they have formed their consciences in accord with right reason and Church teaching, to take the opportunity that our democracy affords them to influence the choices their government bodies will make in the future.

We encourage our Catholic people to read and study the document of our United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (available at: www.faithfulcitizenship.org). This document provides a good overview of Catholic teaching on important issues affecting the public policy in our nation and here in Pennsylvania, reminding us that the core of the Catholic moral and social teaching is respect for the life and dignity of every human person.

We wish to reiterate that the intentional destruction of innocent human life, as in abortion and euthanasia, is not just one issue among many. Time and time again, we bishops have taught that the right to life is the most basic and fundamental human right and must always be defended. Intrinsic evils can never be supported. Catholic teaching does not treat all issues as morally equivalent. The protection of human life from conception until natural death is the preeminent obligation of a truly just society.

THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF PENNSYLVANIA

A call to Faithful Citizenship and Respect for Life

The Catholic Church teaches a consistent ethic of life which includes important teaching also on issues of war and peace, economic justice, care of the needy and vulnerable, education, stewardship of the Lord’s creation, etc. We have a moral obligation to defend human life and dignity, to protect the poor and the vulnerable, and to work for justice and peace. At the same time, however, we must never forget the words of our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. He wrote, “Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights – for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture – is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination.” (On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful, no. 38)

We encourage the Catholic citizens of Pennsylvania to study carefully the Church’s teaching as they prepare for Election Day. We bishops do not endorse any candidate or party. Our role is to teach and form consciences. Above all else, we seek to ensure that the message of the Gospel is heard and upheld. Many of the issues facing our nation and our Commonwealth have important moral and ethical dimensions. We urge our Catholic faithful to be informed and guided by the moral truths of our faith and to exercise faithful citizenship.

May the Holy Spirit guide us with His manifold gifts! May God bless our nation and our Commonwealth with His abundant grace!

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

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Priesthood Sunday

Support your local priest

The ministry of the priesthood has taken quite a beating in recent years. The crimes committed by some priests are horrific, and the consequences for the victims, their families, and the entire community of faith have been truly tragic. Yet it’s also important to remember that the vast majority of priests are honest, sincere, faith-filled, loving, and compassionate human beings. They are present and active at the most important moments of our lives: baptisms and weddings, first communions, reconciliations, illnesses, and funerals. If you have ever heard an inspiring homily or received a blessing that was truly healing or been present at a prayerful wedding or a meaningful baptism, take a moment to give thanks for priests today.

Today’s readings: Exodus: 22:20-26; 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-30

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

Monday, October 27

Come any day to be healed

How law-abiding we can be when we spot someone else getting away with an infraction—speeding, shoplifting, cheating in one way or another. We can wax eloquent about the decline of moral standards and write our “Enough is enough!” letters of outrage to the editors of the world. So the synagogue leaders, upon seeing Jesus raise up a woman bent in two by years of infirmity, were indignant that Jesus had done this astonishing, good thing on the Sabbath, a day when it was forbidden to work. It seems that those who choose external compliance over compassion are more bent over—bent in upon themselves—than the woman whom Jesus bids, “Stand up.” To be truly upright or, as some say, a “stand-up” person, sometimes means going against convention, expectation, and even laws.

Today’s readings: Ephesians 4:32-5:8;

Luke 13:10-17

“Ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day?”

Tuesday, October 28

Feast of Simon and Jude, apostles

Join the right club

The Zealots, of which the apostle Simon was a member, were the radical and militant resistance to the Roman military occupation of Palestine in the first century. Today we would call them insurgents. We don’t think the apostle Jude belonged to the Zealots, but the devotion that bears his name today is one of the most zealously fervent in the church. Both Simon and Jude, then, join with us in fighting against the oppression that would take away our hope. To that end we are invited to join our resources with organizations like the National Shrine of St. Jude and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help carry on the fight.

Today’s readings: Ephesians 2:19-22;

Luke 6:12-16

“He called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve . . . Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James.”

Wednesday, October 29

You can’t take it with you

Jesus speaks of entering salvation through the “narrow door.” Other translations refer to it as the “narrow gate.” Walled portions of Jerusalem contained some gates that were so narrow it was said a person would have trouble passing through them carrying much with them. Perhaps this image can help us consider why the path to salvation involves a narrow passage—we can’t carry anything with us to the other side; it’s only us, shorn of our props and possessions, and God. It might be a good idea to begin detaching from those possessions now, so that we will be free and unburdened when the time comes to pass through the narrow gate.

Today’s readings: Ephesians 6:1-9;

Luke 13:22-30

“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.”

Thursday, October 30

I have overcome the world

People who take religion seriously can sometimes see the world in black and white—especially black—alert to every danger to their faith, real or imagined. Yet there is a difference between being alert, watchful, and wary, and being paranoid. In recent years, for example, some people have found Halloween to be a threat to Christianity, unaware, apparently, that the very name is a contraction of All Hallows (that is, All Saints) Eve. One is hard pressed, however, to see children dressed as dinosaurs and robots (or even ghosts and goblins) to be signs of turpitude. A parent who constantly agonizes over the physical, moral, and emotional pitfalls surrounding a child may become so overprotective that the child, while kept “safe,” may very well be unable to grow up healthy and able to face the real challenges of life. While never underestimating the power or reality of evil in the world, we must not be crippled by fear. Christ is with us.

Today’s readings: Ephesians 6:10-20;

Luke 13:31-35

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.”

Friday, October 31

Take some time

“How sour sweet music is / When time is broke and no proportion kept / So is it in the music of men’s lives.” In this passage from Richard II, William Shakespeare was commenting on the critical ingredient of time in our lives: the necessary pauses and silences that keep everything from happening at once. Sometimes the most critical ingredient in a venture—whether it’s a new career, a cake in the oven, or our own spiritual journey—is time. Today is a day to practice patience with ourselves for being wherever we are right now, and for not yet having arrived where we want to be.

Today’s readings: Philippians 1:1-11;

Luke 14:1-6

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”

Saturday, November 1

Solemnity of All Saints

Where do saints come from?

The answer is: Saints come from everywhere. They come from small towns and big cities, from our neighborhoods and from faraway lands. They are men and women, old and young, laborers and professionals, humble folk and royalty. They wear nurses’ uniforms, the miters of bishops, the habits of nuns, the blue shirts of working people, and the rags of beggars. They are the blessed of the gospel beatitudes, a word from the old Latin that means “happy.” One of them could be sitting down reading this page right now. It all depends on how happy you want to be.

Today’s readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

“One of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?’ ”