Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg

November 2, 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.

Ask deacon mike

Sometimes I like to take a break from my usual format and share with you some thoughts or recent experiences. This past Monday we had the wonderful privilege to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation here at our parish. Nearly one hundred of our children completed their initiation into the Church. This initiation all began at their Baptism when most of them were just infants. When they reached the 2^nd grade they received their First Holy Communion. Now, they have completed their full initiation into the Church as the sacrament of Confirmation was conferred upon them by Bishop Joseph McFadden.

As we all know it is in this great sacrament of Confirmation that we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives we possess the graces we need to confront any and all temptations and other occasions of sin that the devil throws our way. This is not easy. It means we need to dig deep into our soul to determine the level of our desire to resist the evils that confront us. If we truly wish to avoid them then the grace of the Holy Spirit will strengthen us to do so. But it is not my purpose here to give a theology lesson. What I want to do here is share with you some of my observations from the Confirmation Mass and also share a conversation that I recently had concerning how the Holy Spirit has worked in the lives of some people who are new to our faith.

As I stood in the back of church while the choir sang the opening song, Come Holy Ghost, I was struck with wonder and joy about what was about to happen. As we sang Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest and in our hearts take up Thy rest the procession of ministers began to slowly move down the center isle. While I tightly held high the Book of the Gospels I was overcome with anticipation as to what was about to take place. The Bishop would soon invoke the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of these young people. But fill their hearts with what?

Perhaps that is a tough question to answer. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives it is not a physical or even an emotional reaction that takes place. We don’t necessarily feel suddenly enlightened or inspired. No, I would venture to say that most of the time we may not even be aware that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. While we can be certain that the graces of the Spirit are ours, we must place ourselves in a position where we are open to being aware of the Spirit’s presence. Let me give you an example:

I was with our candidates in the RCIA the other night and we were talking about the Holy Spirit. I told them that even though they may not have been aware of it, they each had a common experience of the Holy Spirit working in their lives. Then I asked them to think about it and then share with us what it might be. They all thought for a while then one of them said “The Holy Spirit led us to be here.” What a powerful moment for all of us there. This might have been their first awareness that the Holy Spirit does exist in them. How much more powerful will this awareness be once they are baptized and confirmed? How about you? Think of those times when you were aware that the Holy Spirit was working in your life. How did you feel? What did it motivate you to do?

As the Confirmation Mass progressed the Bishop led those to be confirmed in the renewal of their baptismal promises. I thought to myself that only the power of the Holy Spirit could enable us to reject Satan and all his works and empty promises. While the Bishop confirmed each person the choir sang various songs appropriate for the occasion. Then they began to sing one of my favorite hymns: Surely the Presence of The Lord Is In This Place. I must admit that my eyes filled with tears as I listened to their beautiful voices blend in harmony as they sang: Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. I can feel His mighty power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angel’s wings; I see glory on each face. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

Amidst the beauty of our church, the sweetness of song, the presence of hundreds of people in prayer and the action of the bishop the Holy Spirit came to these children and strengthened their souls so that they can live as God’s sons and daughters. Let us continue to pray for them and for all who are sealed with the sign of the Holy Spirit that all will be open to the actions of the Spirit in their lives.

If you have any questions or topics that you would like for me to address please contact me in any of these ways: 1) Send an e-mail to deaconmikefranks@comcast.net, 2) drop a note in the Sunday collection basket or 3) send your question or comment to my attention at the rectory. Please use the last two options if you want to stay anonymous. In any case, I will not divulge anyone’s identify. Thank you and God bless you. And as always, I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks

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 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!

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 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

Serving at Mass November 16

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dianne Kennedy Bob Ellis

Patrick Kennedy

Priest

Alice Swift

Mark Meinzer

Pat Meinzer

7:30 am – Maria Rodgers Michael Lynch

Chuck Rodgers

Priest

Michele Martin

Jim Michels

Amy Rodgers

9:30 am – Anthony Pongia Susan DiMarco

Joan Pongia

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Rita Tokarski

John McHale

Mary Souder

Christine Kemp

Lester Kemp

Jenny Josko

Keith Greczek

11:00 am – Sarah Franks Donna Tarantino

Mary Goodfellow

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Mary Lavin

Jeanne Hermley

Bob Hermley

Anna Kells

Marlene Leidy

Dana Orr

Anita Weilnau

Commemoration of all the Faithful departed

November 2, 2008

Monday – November 3, Martin de Porres

8:00 am – Eugene Cressman, (Wife & Children)

12:10 pm – Cemetery – No Intention

Tuesday – November 4, Charles Borromeo, bishop

8:00 am – Mayann Moyer, (Judi, Jessica, Jaclynn & Isabella)

Wednesday – November 5

7:00 pm – Joseph Josko, (Cynthia Yanchus)

Thursday – November 6

8:00 am – Christopher Haynes,(Richard & Barbara Grochowski)

Friday – November 7, First Friday

9:00 am – Mass in Church

John Virus, (Jennie Virus)

Saturday – November 8

8:00 am – Persecuted Christians, (Maureen Homan)

5:00 pm – Albert Adomitis Sr., (Dave & Joy Tjarks)

Sunday – November 9

7:30 am – Joseph Grochowski, (Richard & Barbara Grochowski)

9:30 am – For the living & deceased members of the Parish.

11:00 am – Maria B. Goffredo, (Goffredo Family)

FLOWERS/ROSES

The floral arrangement placed on the center altar is in memory of Michael Sinisko on his Ninth Anniversary, requested by Wife, Viola & family.

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.

In honor of Cliff & Connie Marks on their

Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary, requested by:

Mark & Pat Meinzer

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 & Darrell Joslin.

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.

________________________________________________________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.

________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________

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 28, 2007 October 26, 2008

Envelopes $ 8,010.00 Envelopes $ 7,910.00

Loose 779.00 Loose 1,164.00

Children 63.50 Children 73.30

Total $ 8,852.50 Total $ 9,147.30

Census $19,972.00

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our parish Breakfast was held on Sunday, October 26^th, and we served 594 people with a profit of $3,595. We thank everyone who came out and worked so hard, not only for this breakfast, but for all the parish Breakfast’s held this year! Your dedication and hard work is truly appreciated! Please remember that there are no Breakfast’s in November and December. We hope to see all of you on January 25^th – our first Breakfast of 2009!

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – November 6th – Team #4

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: October 23^rd:

Players: 74

Games: 647.05 – Kitchen – 337.95 – Total $ 985.00

MEETINGS and EVENTS THIS WEEK

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 – Mom-to-Mom Connection – Elizabeth Ministry – gym – 12 noon

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

Monday, November 3^rd – All Souls Cemetery Mass – Holy Cross Cemetery – 12:10 pm

Monday, November 3^rd – CYO sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, November 3^rd – Bible Timeline Study – rectory – 7:00 pm

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

Tuesday, November 4^th – CYO sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Tuesday, November 4^th – Choir and Cantor Practice – Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, November 4^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

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

Wednesday, November 5^th – CYO sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Wednesday, November 5^th – PREP – Religious Education – school – 6:00 pm

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

Wednesday, November 5^th – ALPHA – gym – 6:30 pm

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

Thursday, November 6^th – Cub Scout Den Meeting – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

Thursday, November 6^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Friday, November 7^th – 1^st Friday Mass – Church – 9:00 am

Friday, November 7^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Friday, November 7^th – CYO sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Saturday, November 8^th – CYO sports – gym – 8am-8pm

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

Sunday, November 9^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – during the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, November 9^th – CYO sports – gym – 12 noon – 8pm

Sunday, November 9^th – Knights of Columbus General Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 9^th – Men’s 30 & over Basketball – 8 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

Youth Ministry – Sunday, November 23^rd –gym – 5:00 pm

Ministerium Thanksgiving Eve Service – Wednesday, November 26^th – St. Mark’s Church – 7:30 pm

Parish Thanksgiving Day Mass – Thursday, November 27^th – Church – 9:00 am

SCHOOL NEWS

Week of October 27^th

Preschool – The preschool was alive with the sights and sounds of Halloween. The children were excited to play ghost bingo and share a festive snack with their eighth grade prayer partners. They were thrilled to parade around the school in their colorful costumes.

Kindergarten – This week the Kindergarten had a great time doing Halloween activities. We carved a pumpkin into a Jack-O-Lantern and placed a light inside. We also met with our prayer partners and shared the beautiful cards we made for them.

1st – In Art Class this week, the children made scary bats to decorate their houses. They are very excited about our Halloween activities that are planned for Friday with student council.

2nd – On Friday, the Second Grade enjoyed a special day of activities all related to Halloween fun. They spend time with their Sixth Grade Prayer Partners in the morning and with the entire school playing games of the season in the afternoon.

3rd – This week students will be learning about the life cycles of animals. Students asked various questions to learn more about chickens, turtles and bears. On Friday, we will be doing fun Halloween activities.

4th – We’ve made multiplication houses that reveal the “spooky sevens.” We are using arrays and patterns to understand multiplication concepts.

5th – On Monday, we made our Confirmation. Thank you for praying for us. We have some new organisms living in our saltwater habitat. It is very colorful.

6th – Our Sixth Grade Students received their Confirmation this week. It was a beautiful service. The students are loving “Number the Stars”. They are so excited about reading.

7th – For the past few weeks, we have been reading novels that each student chose to read with an assigned partner. We are almost finished our books. Everyone is enjoying this addition to our regular routine.

8th – The students are looking forward to the student mock election this week. In Religion class, we are focusing on prayer. We are examining the different forms of prayer and the types of prayer.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE:

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

December 3 – class

December 10 – class

December 17 – PREP Mass/Social in Hall – 7pm

December 24 – no class

December 31 – no class

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

CONFIRMATION THANK YOU!

On Monday, October 27^th, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation here at St. Philip Neri. It was a moving and powerful Event. Thank-you to our DRE, our Principal, the Teachers and Catechists, Choir, Greeters and Usher, Altar Servers and Deacon for training the Altar Servers.

To our Confirmation Class, I was so proud of you for your reverence and behavior. Thank you also parents for your devotion to the Faith.

God Bless you all!

HOLY HOUR OF PRAYER

FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION

Our Cardinal Archbishop has asked that a Holy Hour of Prayer and Eucharistic Exposition be held in every parish in the Archdiocese. We will pray before the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, November 2^nd from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Church. All parishioners are encouraged to attend this Holy Hour as we pray for the Tuesday general election and our country!

OCTOBER BAPTISMS

Congratulations to our newly baptized for the month of October:

Fiona Louise Basta,

Jillian Rose Busedu,

John Paul Hunsberger,

Jack Manning Narducci &

Zane Charles Petersen

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE:

CONGRATUATIONS to Dorothy Bartholomew, Carol Bradley, LaRue Emmell and Kathy Talbot! They are our Facilitators for the Parish’s Bereavement Support Groups. These ministry-minded women deepened their knowledge of Bereavement on Saturday, October 25^th, by attending a day long workshop sponsored by the Diocesan Family Life Office, on “Blessed Are They Who Mourn.” It was presented by Celia Ryan, DCSW; CT. Continued blessings on our Bereavement Support Group Facilitators. Thank you for your ministry to the People of God in St. Philip Neri Parish.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY NEWS

Can you remember when a brief conversation with your mom, sister or friend left you feeling energized and encouraged? The support of women for women is essential during the childbearing years – we all want to know that someone else understands our joys and sorrows and that someone does care. The Elizabeth Ministry at St. Philip Neri Parish reaches out to women in our parish to celebrate the expectancy, birth or adoption of a child, to console and comfort a woman experiencing the frustration of infertility, the pain of miscarriage or child death and even the confusion of raising a child with special needs. In following the example of our Blessed Mother as she visited the expecting St. Elizabeth, we want to sincerely love and support women in their time of need and happiness.

If you would like to serve other women in our parish or if you know someone who could use an understanding friend, please contact LaRue Emmell: 215-679-3086.

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.

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.

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

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 Little Flowers meet at the Neri Center, East Greenville, on the First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. 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

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.

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!

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Office of the Cardinal

November 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our Lord, speaking through the Prophet Jeremiah, says to his people: “I will give you shepherds according to my own heart” (Jeremiah 3:15) It is in this spirit that God calls men to serve as His priests. Since 1832, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary has assisted seminarians in their response to God’s call and in forming them for priestly service in the Church.

Our Seminary prepares men for Ordination to the Holy Priesthood in a tradition of excellence that is well respected both nationally and internationally. This reputation stems from God’s grace through a dedicated faculty and administration devoted to the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation of our seminarians who have responded with great courage and humility to God’s call to bring Jesus Christ to people and people to Jesus Christ.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes the blessing that is Saint Charles Seminary. Each year we have a special collection to support the work and mission of Saint Charles Seminary. I am grateful for previous sacrifices which you have made to the Annual Seminary Appeal. Your financial assistance is evidence of your belief in the importance of priestly vocations and the good works performed at Saint Charles Seminary. I ask you again this year to consider prayerfully making whatever sacrificial contribution may be possible for you.

Your gift will provide opportunity to educate, train and prepare priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as well as many other dioceses throughout the United States and the world. Your gift will provide financial aid to all Philadelphia seminarians who otherwise might not be able to pursue their vocation. Your gift will fund new programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and provide new technology to share resources with priests and lay faithful around the Archdiocese and beyond.

It is during their years in the Seminary when these men discover more intimately the profound calling to be shepherds according to the heart of Jesus Christ. Your continued prayers and contributions are essential to the future of the Church in our Archdiocese. Please support the Annual Seminary Appeal so that these men can continue their preparations to serve you.

Through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, and Saint Charles Borromeo, may our Lord Jesus bless you.

Sincerely yours,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

Please note: On the weekend of November 15/16, there will be a Seminarian here to speak on behalf of the Appeal.

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.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Thanksgiving Food Collection

Donations are needed for Thanksgiving. Catholic Social Services will be providing Thanksgiving dinners for 200 needy families in Montgomery County. We are in need of frozen turkeys, and all the trimmings needed to provide a dinner and dessert for a family. We will also accept donations of grocery store gift cards.

Drop-off dates are: Friday, November 21, 2008 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm or Sunday, November 23, 2008, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

If you have any questions, please call Catholic Social Services at: 610-279-7372. Our address is:

353 E. Johnson Highway, Norristown, PA 19401

ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

St. Pius X High School presents

The Crucible

a story of the Salem Witch Trials

Friday, November 7^th…7:30 pm

Saturday, November 8^th…7:30 pm

All seating general admission - $7.00

Students - $5.00

Sunday, November 9^th…2:00 pm

All seats - $5.00

For more information and tickets:

610-326-8990 – ext 37 or

Visit our website…http://www.StPiusDrama.com

AN INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE ABOUT MARRIAGE

FIREPROOF:

at the Grand Theater

November 7^th thru the 13th

CLOTHING DRIVE

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Drive – Saturday, November 8th & 9th – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at the following location:

St. Eleanor Church – 647 Locust Street – Collegeville.

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

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed/Day of the Dead

Now and at the hour of our death

When we pray the Hail Mary, we ask for the help of Mary our Mother at two crucial moments of our lives: “now, and at the hour of our death.” Now is an important occasion because it is the time of decision. The hour of our death is critical because it’s the last moment over which we exercise our will. When we pray for the dead, today and every day, we come to the spiritual assistance of those who can no longer help themselves. We can rest assured that one day the church will be supplying us with the same grace.

Today’s readings: Wisdom 3:1-9;

Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40

“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them.”

Monday, November 3

Where no one is “inconvenient”

In the neighborhood lives an elderly man who’s had a record five strokes. Each has taken a little piece of his ability and freedom away. He gets along with a small army of friends and assistants who come in a few hours at a time to care for him. But the one thing he really wants is to for someone to take him out to lunch. No one wants that responsibility. The inconvenience of lifting a disabled fellow in and out of a car seems too great. When Jesus throws a banquet, however, folks like this are at the top of the list.

Today’s readings: Philippians 2:1-4;

Luke 14:12-14

“When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.”

Tuesday, November 4

Election day

Power politics

Election day. By the end of today the country will have decided on a new president-elect and other leaders as well as on a number of issues before us. To vote is the most obvious way to support democracy. In addition to lining up at the polls, though, we can better inform ourselves about what candidates really stand for; about becoming educated consumers of campaign rhetoric; about keeping office holders accountable for their actions. And we have an even greater responsibility to embrace: remembering that to God, who endorses no political parties and knows no national boundaries, belongs all true power and authority.

Today’s readings: Philippians 2:5-11;

Luke 14:15-24

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”

Wednesday, November 5

Star children

The letters of Saint Paul begin with greetings, some of which are used as greetings at Mass, like “Grace and peace from God our Father . . . .” While such formal salutations might seem to be merely pious forms of “To Whom It May Concern,” they are heartfelt for Paul, and that is especially true with regard to the church at Philippi (in modern-day Turkey). Paul had deep affection for the members of this church because not only did they “get” the message, they became Paul’s partners in mission who supported him even up until the time he wrote to them from prison. The Philippians always remained Paul’s “beloved and longed-for brothers and sisters.” Why can’t a local church community enter into a serious and long-lasting relationship of support for a traveling missionary evangelist?

Today’s readings: Philippians 2:12-18;

Luke 14:25-33

“Do all things so that you may be children of God and shine like stars in the world.”

Thursday, November 6

The lost and found

“Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone . . . ?” pop vocalist Joni Mitchell sang several decades ago. Anyone who has lost their way in life, even for a short while, can relate. Scripture speaks of the rejoicing that goes on in heaven when such a life is turned around, when a lost soul is found. The world is filled with lost souls; what is needed is a larger supply of those willing to join the search party for the lost sheep or sweep for the lost coin. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and join the effort? Someone out there will be most grateful.

Today’s readings: Philippians 3:3-8a;

Luke 15:1-10

“ ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ ”

Friday, November 7

Between the lines

We humans are hard-wired to focus our attention on the object in front of us: the oncoming car, the apples we are slicing for pie, the words on a page. Yet also worthy of our notice is the space between those things, which is captured in the German term Zwischenraum. Zwischenraum is the space between the pickets of a fence, the branches of a bare tree in winter; it is the pauses in a piece of music or conversation. Noticing the Zwischenraum can help us become better at remembering that what we see in front of us right now is only temporary and only part of the picture. There is another, invisible reality, which is of the spirit—otherwise known as heaven.

Today’s readings: Philippians 3:17-4:1;

Luke 16:1-8

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Saturday, November 8

Getting and spending

The Gospel of Luke suspects money to be connected to evil because, one would guess, of the ease with which people can accumulate and wield it at the expense of others. But not entirely. You can put material wealth to either good or bad ends. At one level how much or little you have is a matter of great importance—“I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty,” Saint Paul told the Philippians. At a deeper level, however, lies the question of how you value it. Is it your master? Or is God your master, and is the making and spending of your resources for God’s purposes?

Today’s readings: Philippians 4:10-19;

Luke 16:9-15

“You cannot serve God and wealth.”