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

The holidays have come and gone. Even though I had a bad cold during Christmas and New Years, I am still thankful for the many blessings during this time. The Church and rectory were busy during this Holy Season. I thank you all for the so many prayers, cards, gifts, food, and cookies that were dropped off at the rectory. Your kindness and thoughtfulness always overwhelms me. Thank you for helping prepare the Church. I promise my continued prayers for you all. I am sure that God will to continue to bless and keep us in His care and love.

This is our New Year Prayer! May the Lord bless us and keep us ever close to His loving heart!

(Miracle thanks you, too, for the gifts you sent to her…she is still enjoying the many boxes of biscuits and treats!)

Praise Be Jesus Christ…Now and forever!

Fr. Roncase

GREETER SCHEDULES

Greeter Schedules are now available for pick-up in the vestibule of the Church.

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.

The Baptism of the Lord

January 11, 2009

Monday – January 12

8:00 am – 25^th Anniversary, Catherine Malley Quinlan

(Judy & Duke Doherty)

Tuesday – January 13, Hilary, bishop & doctor

8:00 am – George Ondra, (Pat & Eileen Cahill)

Wednesday – January 14

7:00 pm – Millie Seachrist, (Catherine Wlazelek)

Thursday – January 15

8:00 am – Pauline Bozzelli,

(Children & Grandchildren)

Friday – January 16

8:00 am – Joseph Rudzenski, (Edward Mikanowicz)

Saturday – January 17

8:00 am – Ralph Bolognese, (Catherine Wlazelek)

5:00 pm – Anne Meinzer-Moll, (Mark & Pat Meinzer)

Sunday – January 18

7:30 am – For an end to Abortion,

(Respect Life Committee)

9:30 am – For the living and deceased members

of the Parish.

11:00 am – 15^th Anniversary, James V. Pulli,

(Joe & Luanne Pulli)

Serving at Mass: January 18, 2009

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dave Boone Ed Tryon

Teri Boone

Jim Camarata

Priest

Dawn Ellis

Linda Benko

7:30 am – Jim Michels Theresa Gilmore

Mary R. Giambrone John Gilmore

Michael Duka

Priest

Dina Corrado

Immaculata Barndt

9:30 am – Bill Gurgick Wendy Benner

Lisa Gurgick Terry Benner

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Mary Weber

Joshua Hewitt

Lillian Hewitt

Jenny Josko

Mary Ellen Paulk

Christine Kemp

Lester Kemp

11:00 am – Bob Schwind Eileen Davis

Barbara Schwind Donna Tarantino

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Linda Franks

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

Maryanne Charlton

Kevin Charlton

Amanda Charlton

Tina Evans

Serving at Mass January 25, 2009

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dave Moser Pete Frank

Trudy Moser

Priest

Bob Talbot

Kathryn Talbot

7:30 am – Mike Heveran John Guckin

Chuck Rodgers Michael Lynch

Priest

Deacon

Paul Moser

Maureen Moser

Denise Guckin

Pat Scheerbaum

Christine Adelsberger

Stephan Adelsberger

Michael Sledgen

Trish Dornisch

9:30 am – Irene Novelli Larry Concio

Michael Dougherty Joe Cassarella

Priest

Andrew Souder

Sharon Shaak

Jeff Daley

11:00 am – Jeanne Hermley Adam Canigiani

Bob Hernley Luke Verna

Bill Orr

Priest

DJ Williams

Sandy Williams

FLOWERS AND ROSES

The red & white Carnation Bouquet placed on the Blessed Mother Altar is in loving memory of Joseph J. Josko, Sr. on his 1^st Anniversary, requested by wife Jenny and family.

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, Jack Conlen, Mary Conover, Barbara Duklis, Olga Durco, Jake Kriebel, Baby Owen Gilbreath, Betty Watkins, Baby Robert John Riegel, Jr., Kelly Conolly, Mary Finkbeiner, Jennie Virus, Robert Rukstalis, Mary Ann Bencie, Frances Cannon, Josh Frumnecht, Steven Gebhardt, Ann Bowdren, Jack Cahill, Dianna Rynkiewicz, Ethel Buck & Gary Lester Keller.

For those who have died, and in particular for: Edward Azarovich, Mary LaRue Georgeff, Catherine Martin, David Nunan & Edward Wisser, grant them eternal rest and peace.

Please note: Every first week of the month, the names on our Prayer of the Faithful – Ill, will be removed. Anyone wishing to add a name or have a name removed from the Prayer of the Faithful – Ill, please call the rectory office between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; or email to: spnofc@comcast.net

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.

In memory of Noreen Bauer, requested by:

John & Elsie Connelly.

In memory of Edward Azarovich, requested by:

Pat & Chet Belsky.

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

In honor of: William & Marian Pershinsky and Helen Virus, requested by: Pat Meinzer.

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. Our next meeting will be: Tuesday, January 6, 2009. 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 at: 610-754-6541.

Cub Scouts – Thursday evenings in the Neri Center, East Greenville. Join our Cub Scouts by calling Alicia Tryon at: 215-679-4193 or email to: Cubpack591@yahoo.com.

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

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

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

December 25, 2007 December 30, 2007

Envelopes: $ 20,380.00 $ 8,491.00

Loose: 3,457.00 2,362.00

Children: 102.09 45.64

Total: $ 23,939.09 $ 10,898.64

December 25, 2008 December 28, 2008

Envelopes: $ 20,397.32 $ 9,435.00

Loose: 3,579.00 1,846.00

Children: 109.00 67.00

Total: $ 24,085.32 $ 11,348.00

Census 2008 – Year to date: $ 26,757.00

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

January 1, 2008 – Blessed Virgin Mary,

The Mother of God

Envelopes: $ 3,845.00

Loose: 382.00

Children: 8.00

Total: $ 4,235.00

January 1, 2009 – Blessed Virgin Mary –

The Mother of God

Envelopes: $ 3,439.00

Loose: 449.00

Children: 4.00

Total: $ 3,892.00

January 6, 2008 January 4, 2009

Envelopes: $ 10,001.00 $ 9,050.00

Loose: 1,044.00 1,975.02

Children: 36.25 71.00

Total: $ 11,081.25 $11,096.02

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – January 15^th – Team #2

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

No Bingo played December 25^th & January 1st

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our next parish Breakfast is Sunday, January 25, 2009, from 7:00 am to 12:30 pm in the parish Hall. Please save the date!

Volunteers are needed – if you can help us out, please call Shirley at the rectory office or Rita at: 215-679-7009.

MEETINGS and EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, January 11^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, January 11^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church during the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, January 11^th – CYO Sports – gym – 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunday, January 11^th – Knights of Columbus General Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Sunday, January 11^th – Men’s 30 and over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm

Monday, January 12^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1-3 pm

Monday, January 12^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, January 12^th – SPN Pre-Cana – Neri Center – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, January 13^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Tuesday, January 13^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, January 13^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – in Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, January 13^th – Car Show Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, January 13^th – Adult Altar Server Practice – Church – 7:30 pm

Wednesday, January 14^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-9 pm

Wednesday, January 14^th – PREP Religious Education – School – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, January 14^th – Charasmatic Prayer Meeting – Chapel – 7:30 pm

Thursday, January 15^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, January 15^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Thursday, January 15^th – Diocesan Capital Campaign Meeting – rectory – 8:00 pm

Thursday, January 15^th – Cub Scouts Den Meeting – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

Friday, January 16^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Friday, January 16^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Saturday, January 17^th – CYO Sports – gym – 8am-2pm

Sunday, January 18^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, January 18^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, January 18^th – CYO Sports – gym – 12pm-8pm

Sunday, January 18^th – Youth Ministry – gym – 5:00 pm

Sunday, January 18^th – Men’s 30 & over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Liturgy Committee Meeting – Monday – January 19^th – Rectory – 7:00 pm

Respect Life Meeting – Wednesday, January 21^st – rectory – 7:30 pm

Cub Scout Pack Meeting – Thursday, January 22^nd – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

Pro-Life March in Washington, D.C. – Thursday, January 22^nd

Catholic Schools Week – Sunday, January 25^th – Opening Mass in Church – 9:30 am

Parish Breakfast – Sunday, January 25^th – gym – 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

Grade School Talent Show – Wednesday, January 28^th – gym – 7:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE:

January 14 – class

January 21 – class

January 28 – class

February 4 – class &

First Communion Parent Meeting – 6:10 pm – Mandatory Meeting

February 11 – class

First Communion Parent Meeting – 6:10 pm – Mandatory Meeting (SNOW DATE)

February 18 – class

February 25 – Ash Wednesday –no class

February 27 – Stations of the Cross – 7:00 pm

March 4 – class

March 11 – class

March 16 – First Penance Prayer Service – in Church at 7:00 pm

March 18 – class

March 25 – NO CLASS – Parish Mission – Church

March 31 – First Communion Retreat – Social Hall/Church

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 to: prolifer53@comcast.net.

PARISH NEWS

Grade School & High School Sunday Envelopes

Grade School and High School Sunday Collection Envelopes are available for any student who has not received them for the 2009 year. They can be found in the vestibule of the Church. When taking a box of envelopes, please fill out the sign-up sheet (Print) with your name and the number on the envelope box.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE:

ELIZABETH MINISTRY UPDATE

Over the past year, thirty-six new mothers welcomed us to their home for a visit. We thank you for your generosity of spirit to allow us to come into your home. On Monday evening, January 19^th, we will celebrate our First Anniversary with a gathering at the Neri Center from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Everyone who wishes to celebrate with us is welcome.

The following is a prayer for those expecting a baby. Please feel free to clip it out and send it to someone you know.

PREGNANCY PRAYER

Help me, Lord, to enter the mystery unfolding deep within my womb. Allow me to accept this gift with wonder and excitement. Permit me to cherish the life I carry as it grows and changes me. I freely give you my body, mind, and spirit as my unique gift to this child. Lord, I know you are present, taking care of my child and me. Help me to experience your presence and know your loving care. Increase my faith and trust in you. Amen.

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.

The H.O.P.E. Ministry is part of Outreach and services our Church Community. H.O.P.E. provides FREE transportation for medical appointments, errands, respite care, light housekeeping and to mass. Our volunteers are parishioners who are willing to serve and answer your needs.

Please call Kathy or Bob Talbot, Coordinators at: 215-541-0250 or the Outreach Office: 215-679-2282.

H.O.P.E. STATISTICS

For January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, H.O.P.E. Ministry has served 309 requests with 607 volunteer hours given plus administrative time of approximately 85 hours.

We sincerely thank our volunteers who have answered their Baptismal call to serve one another!

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:

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

ADULT ALTAR SERVERS

We will be putting together a practice for any interested adult who would like to serve funerals and holy day Masses where student altar servers are not available.

If you are interested, please call the rectory and leave your name and phone number and Deacon Mike will contact you.

We welcome men and w men, husband and wife teams and teams of friends who would like to serve together. We will discuss scheduling at the practice.

Please call this week so we can get started as soon as possible. Practice has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 7:30 pm in the Church.

PRE-CANA WORKSHOP

The St. Philip Neri Pre-Cana Team will be offering a Workshop for couples preparing to marry in 2009.

The Workshop dates are all Monday evenings on:

January 12, 2009

January 26, 2009

February 2, 2009

February 9, 2009 &

February 16, 2009

You are required to attend all five (5) evenings to complete the Workshop.

Please call the rectory to register for this Pre-Cana Workshop.

FREE THROW CONTEST

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Monday – January 19, 2009

Registrations begin at 6:30 pm

This contest is for boys and girls ages ten (10) years old thru fourteen (14) years old.

Questions? Call Bernie at: 215-679-8275

SPN PASTORAL COUNCIL

Dear Pastoral Council members: As many of the Pastoral Council members are involved with the Pre-Cana Meeting on January 12^th, the council meeting date has been moved to Tuesday, January 20^th, 7:00 pm in the rectory meeting room.

MARCH FOR LIFE

Join Father Roncase as he leads our parish on the “March for Life” in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, January 22, 2009. The bus will leave from St. Philip Neri parking lot after the 7:30 am Mass. Cost is $25 per person (includes dinner and metro pass). $20 per student (dinner and metro pass inclusive also)

On this, the 36th Anniversary of the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision which legalized abortion, we ask you to join THOUSANDS from across our great land, in our nation’s capitol to discourage our new president from fulfilling his campaign promises, to abolish all existing laws that protect unborn children.

We will park at RFK Stadium.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!

Sponsored by: Our Parish

Call Joe at: 215-679-3637 for more information, to make payment and to reserve your seat!

Based on FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED

SPN ENERGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Needed: LEED certified Architects, Building & Mechanical Engineers, Construction & Design Professionals.

Volunteers with expertise in energy and building systems or interior design are being sought to participate in a newly formed Parish committee “SPN Parish Facilities & Energy Advisory Committee”. The purpose of the committee is to provide professional advice on an “as needed basis” when various building related projects or initiatives are being considered. If you can give of your talents and a little of your time, please contact Patrick Kennedy at: 215-234-9911 or leave your name with Father Roncase.

THANKYOU FROM BIRTHRIGHT

Dear Fr. Roncase,

Please thank all of your parishioners for the generous outpouring of gifts for our babies – there were five (5) deliveries!

Our supplies were very low – we were going to thrift stores just to have something to give to mothers who trust us to help them.

We can be here to speak for life, to love and to help only because of people who care. You all care and we thank you.

Gratefully,

Betty Ann Daily, Director

BINGO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are in need of Bingo Volunteers for BOTH the kitchen, and working the floor, checking winning Bingo cards.

You only work one each month on Thursday evenings. We have 4 teams for both the kitchen and floor and are in need of help on each team.

CAN YOU HELP?

NOT EVERY WEEK –

JUST ONE WEEK, ONCE A MONTH!

If you can help, please check the area you are interested in.

PLEASE PRINT AND RETURN IN THE COLLECTION BASKET OR TO THE RECTORY.

_____KITCHEN

_____FLOOR WORKER

Name: _________________________

Phone:_________________________

Breakfast Volunteers NEEDED

Our Parish Breakfast is a major fundraiser for our Parish and a tremendous Community and Parish Social Event. We are in need of more parishioners to help with this monthly event. Our breakfast is held the 4^th Sunday of each month (excluding November & December).

CAN YOU HELP?

Not the entire morning…

but only a few hours each month!

Please print and return in collection basket or to the rectory:

Cooks: Line Servers:

___6am-9am ___6:45 am- 9:00 am

___9am-11am ___9:00 am – 11:00 am

___11am-1pm ___11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Dishwashers: Cleaning the gym:

___7:30am-10:00 am ___12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

___10:00 am – 12noon

___12noon – 2:00 pm

Washing Trays Dessert table, coffee

___8am-10am ___7:00 am – 9:00 am

___10am – 12noon ___9:00 am – 11:00 am

___12noon-1:30 pm ___11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Name: _________________________

Phone: ________________________

PARISH NEWS

Attention all participants of Bible Timeline:

The next segment of the Bible Timeline will start on Monday, February 2^nd at 7:00 pm (evening session) and Friday, February 6^th after First Friday Mass. (morning session). This segment will start with Session 9. Please prepare by reading the book of Joshua.

Any questions, please call Joan Lampart: 215-529-5686.

AREA NEWS

SAT REVIEW COURSE

The new SAT Review Course is being offered at St. Pius X High School by Apex Learning Program. Parent Information Night and registration will be held on Thursday, January 22^nd at 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm in the Library.

Classes are held Monday and Wednesday with two class times at 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm or 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The Course starts Monday, January 26^th and ends Wednesday, March 11^th.

Checks are payable to Apex Learning Programs.

Any questions or to register, call Mrs. Julia Sedlock at: 610-326-8990 ext. 37.

LANSDALE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Registration for 2009: LC continues to accept registrations to the Class of 2013 as well as transfer students. Aware of the economic situation some of our families face, we are currently accepting $75 with your initial application to the Class of 2013. However, you must pay the balance by March 1, 2009, in order to secure your place in the class due to rostering commitments. Both payments are NON-REFUNDABLE. You may download an application by visiting www.lansdalecatholic.com/admission_faq.htm or contact Mrs. Kris Cope, Admissions Director at: 215-362-6160 ext. 194.

AREA PARISH NEWS

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Clothing Drive – February 2009

Philadelphia, PA – the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia, serving the underprivileged of the Philadelphia five county area since 1851, is collecting donations of usable men’s, women’s & children’s clothing. We will also be accepting small household goods and small appliances in good working order. No baby equipment – only clothing.

Individuals are invited to take all donations on Saturday, February 21^st to St. Eleanor Church – 647 Locust Street – Collegeville, PA.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Office of the Cardinal

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The annual Catholic Relief Services Collection challenges American Catholics to see “Jesus in disguise” in the faces of our brothers and sisters in drought-affected Ethiopia, families in storm-affected communities such as Haiti, refugees in Lebanon and the hundreds of thousands of families affected by the global food crisis in many parts of our world.

Catholic Relief Services gives active witness to the mandate of Jesus Christ to respond to the needs of the human family. The collection supports agencies that build the international social ministry of the Catholic Church. Ministries include relief and resettlement services, development programs to improve the living conditions of the poor, peacemaking and advocacy for a more just and peaceful world.

The collection will be taken up in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia the weekend of January 17-18, 2009. The American Catholic community, and in particular, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, have always responded generously to this annual collection.

I am grateful to you for your charitable response to this request. May you be blessed for your faithfulness to the Gospel and in recognizing Jesus in those who are in need.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

Archbishop of Philadelphia

Religious Classes at St. Charles Seminary

Take a class at St. Charles Seminary! The Religious Studies Division announces its Spring 2009 course schedule. Registrations for the Catechetical Institute non-credit adult catechesis classes, undergraduate courses, and applications for the Master of Arts Program are now being accepted.

To register, go to www.scs.edu and click on Religious Studies – Register for Classes.

The Spring semester begins January 20^th,