Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg, PA

January 25, 2009

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

A few parishioners have asked me about the yellow property tape that can be seen in the woods on our church property. Most of the wooded area is Church property! The yellow plastic tape in the woods gives the impression of a crime scene. Not to worry – it is not.

This past fall, the Knights of Columbus and I have been playing with the possibility of having outdoor Stations of the Cross on our property in the woods. In late October we took a walk attempting to decide what area of the woods would be the best area for this project. The yellow taped off-area was decided as the best spot for outdoor Stations of the Cross. This project is still very much in the planning phase with our Knights. Hopefully in the near future the project will begin to materialize and our parish will have a quiet reflective place for prayer outdoors on this beautiful property.

Praise Be Jesus Christ…Now and forever!

Fr. Roncase

FEAST OF ST. BLAISE

The Feast of St. Blaise is Tuesday, February 3^rd. The Blessing of Throats will take place at the weekend Masses of January 31^st/February 1^st. There will be a general Blessing at the end of Mass and individual blessings following for anyone wishing an individual blessing.

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.

MASS BOOK

The 2009 Mass Book is now open for Mass Intentions. Stop by the rectory or call Shirley at the rectory.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

January 25, 2009

Monday – January 26, Timothy & Titus, bishops

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith, (Estate)

Tuesday – January 27, Angela Merici, virgin

8:00 am – Walter & Constance Duklis,

(Duklis Family)

Wednesday – January 28, Thomas Aquinas

7:00 pm – Francis Luciere, (Jim & Ann Michels)

Thursday – January 29

8:00 am – Gerald Melcher,

(John & Betty Fronheiser)

Friday – January 30

8:00 am – James Engle, (Jim & Ann Michels)

Saturday – January 31

8:00 am – Nancy Riffert, (Maureen Homan)

5:00 pm – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

Sunday – February 1

7:30 am – George Ondra, (Ken & Rita Latshaw)

9:30 am – Kathleen Piepszowski,

(Stan & Betty Mikanowicz)

11:00 am – James Engle, (Donna & Henry Clifton)

Serving at Mass February 1

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – John Burke Mark Meinzer

Lee Johnson

Priest

Deacon

Dianne Kennedy

Patrick Kennedy

Claire Holcombe

Catherine Cahill

Lisa Edleman

Michael Edleman

LaRue Emmell

Alice Swift

7:30 am – Joan Varallo Ernie Quatrani

Wally Varallo J. Sakalouckas

Priest

Deacon

Keith Greczek

John McHale

Michele Martin

Immaculata Barndt

Lori Brozena

Dina Corrado

Peter D’Amico

Michael Duka

9:30 am – Judy Sledgen M. Gehringer

Mary Souder Susan DiMarco

Priest

Ed Tryon

Alicia Tryon

11:00 am – Doug DiTondo Jim Brincman

Linda DiTondo Bob Piccone

Priest

Anna Kells

Mary Goodfellow

Serving at Mass February 8

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Marci Jaman Bob Ellis

Linda Benko

Priest

Jim Quigley

Annmarie Quigley

7:30 am – Paul Moser Theresa Gilmore

Maureen Moser John Gilmore

Priest

Jim Michels

Mike Heveran

Mary R. Giambrone

9:30 am – Bob Brennan D. McCausland

Eleanor Brennan Matt Horvath

Priest

Rose Anderson

Michael Dougherty

Mary Godshall

11:00 am – Tina Evans Michele Charlton

Sarah Franks Eileen Davis

Priest

Deacon

Mary Lavin

Marlene Leidy

Kevin Charlton

Maryanne Charlton

Amanda Charlton

Anna Kells

Bill Orr

Anita Weilnau

FLOWERS AND ROSES

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother Altar are in memory of Thomas Virus, requested by His Wife, daughters and granddaughter.

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, Betty Watkins, Baby Robert John Riegel, Jr., Kelly Connolly, Mary Finkbeiner, Jennie Virus, Robert Rukstalis, Mary Ann Bencie, Frances Cannon, Josh Frumnecht, Steven Gebhardt, Ann Bowdren, Jack Cahill, Dianna Rynkiewicz, Ethel Buck, Gary Leister Keller, Tom Brogan, Mary R. Giambrone, Donna Tarantino & Catie O’Brien.

For those who have died, and in particular for James Zaun, grant them eternal rest and peace.

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 George Dykie, requested by:

Anne Dykie, James & Amy Dykie, Marie Fretz,

Anna Hoffman and Gerald & Joan McMahon.

In memory of Patricia Kleintop, requested by:

Paul & Vera Fronheiser.

In memory of Nancy Newcomer, requested by:

Sam & Rosalie Morgan, Sam III, Heather & Mike.

In memory of Clifford Rothenberger, requested by

The Boone family.

In memory of Edward Wisser, requested by:

Tom & Shirley Wisser.

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: 610-287-9829.

Boy Scouts – Tuesday evenings in Social 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.

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – January 29th – Team #4

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: 1/15/09 – 64 players

Kitchen: $ 25.20

Games: 604.40

Total: $629.60

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

January 20, 2008 January 18, 2009

Envelopes - $7,160.00 $7,768.00

Loose - 1,308.00 1,250.00

Children - 61.00 74.00

Total $8,529.00 $9,092.00

Meetings and Events this Week:

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

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

Sunday, January 25^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, January 25^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, January 25^th – CYO Sports – gym – 4-8 pm

Sunday, January 25^th – Men’s 30 & over basketball – gym – 8:00 pm

Monday, January 26^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1-3 pm

Monday, January 26^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, January 26^th – SPN Pre-Cana Workshop – Neri Center – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, January 27^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Tuesday, January 27^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, January 27^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, January 28^th – PREP (Religious Education) – School – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, January 28^th – School Talent Show (Catholic School Week) gym – 7:00 pm

Thursday, January 29^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, January 29^th – Diocesan Capital Campaign – Neri Center – 7:00 pm

Friday, January 30^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Friday, January 30^th – SPN Catholic Schools Week – Sixth thru Eighth Grade Dance with St. Mary’s, St. Isidore’s, and St. Francis – SPN gym – 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Saturday, January 31^st – CYO Sports – gym – 8am-8pm

Sunday, February 1^st – SPN Grade School Open House – 7:30 am – 12:30 pm – School

Sunday, February 1^st – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, February 1^st – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, February 1^st – CYO Sports – gym – 12pm-8pm

Sunday, February 1^st – Super Bowl Pre-Order Food Take-Out – gym – 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pre-Jordan Baptismal Class – Monday, February 2^nd – rectory – 7:30 pm

First Communion Mandatory Parent Meeting – Wednesday, February 4^th – Neri Center – 6:10 pm

Knights of Columbus General Meeting – Sunday, February 8^th – rectory – 7:30 pm

Pastoral Council Meeting – Tuesday, February 10^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Garden Club New Season Meeting – Tuesday, February 10^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Home & School Board Meeting – Wednesday, February 11^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Elizabeth Ministry Meeting – Tuesday, February 17^th – Neri Center – 7:00 pm

Friendly Visitors General Meeting – Monday, February 16^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Liturgy Committee Meeting – Monday, February 23^rd – rectory – 7:00 pm

Carnival Committee Meeting – Tuesday, February 24^th – rectory 7:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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 all Mrs. Daley at: 215-541-1716 or email to: prolifer53@comcast.net.

SCHOOL NEWS

Preschool – Preschool studied about birds in winter. They made bird feeders for their feathered friends. The children were asked to chart the types of birds that come to their feeders. We will make a line graph of the types of birds in Math class.

Kindergarten – This week the Kindergarten read a mini magazine all about Barack Obama. We also talked about what the President does and what the Inauguration is all about.

1st – The First graders will begin to learn about halves, one thirds and one fourths. In Religion, we continue learning how we are called to be Jesus’ apostles today.

2nd – Our class will be working on two special reading assignments. They will be writing back to their pen-pals at St. Francis Academy. Also, S’mores, our pet guinea pig, is Star of the Week. We will be writing a story about what we think it is like to be a guinea pig for a day!

3rd – Students will be reading about the miracles that Jesus performed. Students will read a play about the cure of the blind man. This week, we are also concluding chapter four in Social Studies. Students learned about the various ways in which we modify our environment.

4th – Students viewed the Inauguration on Tuesday. The S.S. curriculum currently has the students learning about the colonists’ struggle for freedom from Britain. Multiplication skills are polished as we multiply large numbers, look for patterns and apply problem solving strategies.

5th – The students are learning about Salvation History by reading stories of the Patriarchs from the Bible. They are also learning about sound and how it travels. They used spoons and yarn to help them to understand wave lengths, frequency, pitch and volume.

6th – The Sixth Grade students have completed several units in ILA. The class will complete several review activities such as Jeopardy and Sparkle.

7th – The Seventh Graders are creating political cartoons representing life in the colonies at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. In Science, they are learning about the circulatory system and working on science fair projects.

8th – The Eighth Graders are working on their “Old West” projects. Student groups will investigate and report in the lives of cowboys, Native Americans and settlers. They will discuss why we associate the Western mystique with the American identity. In Religion, we are discussing what makes people holy and how we can practice holiness.

PARISH NEWS

2008 Contribution Statements

Anyone wishing to receive their contribution statement for 2008, must contact the rectory offices between the hours of 10:00am – 4:00 pm.

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.

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.

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, March 3, April 7

May 5, & June 2

If you are interested in this club, please call Dana Orr at 215-679-8223.

BLUE KNIGHTS CATHOLIC BOYS CLUB

St. Philip Neri is starting a Blue Knights Club. The club will meet at the Neri Center on Tuesday evenings – once a month from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Listed below are the first three dates:

January 27, February 24, March 31,

April 21, May 19 & June 30

The Blue Knights is a Boys Club aimed at teaching the truths of the Catholic faith to boys thru Scripture, saints, biographies, sports, games, activities, crafts and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This program maps out virtues for boys ages 5 and up. The boys keep track of their progress by earning badges that form shields to proudly display on their Crusader breastplates. Each year also has its own colored cape (blue, green, red or gold) to mark your Blue Knight’s advancement through the program. For more information, please call Bill Orr at: 215-679-8223.

YOUTH GROUP SOUP DRIVE

Please assist our Youth Group with SOUPer Bowl Sunday Service Project. Please bring a can or box of soup to Mass with you on January 31 or February 1 to be delivered to Open Line. Thank you for the spirit of giving.

YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS

There will be no Youth Group Meeting on February 1^st; however, please sign up with Mrs. Daley for a Mass that you can assist collecting cans of soup.

There will be a meeting on February 15^th after the Donut Man. Please plan accordingly; and we will also need help as ushers for the Event which starts at 3:00 pm. Please be at the Social Hall at 2:30 pm if you can assist.

We are pleased to announce that our Youth Group has grown significantly this year, but, we are still missing ‘U’. Please try this fun ministry!

For any questions regarding THE EDGE, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Daley!

COMPUTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Needed:

Computer, data based & web design experts.

Volunteers with expertise in computer hardware, data base development and web design are being sought to participate in newly formed committee “SPN Information System (IS) Committee”. The committee will be asked to primarily provide professional advice in the design of IS related activities to support various initiative of the parish to include the design and updating of the Parish’s web page and the development, upkeep and use of data base to improve the methods and broadness of communication throughout our parish community. 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.

SPN VOLUNTEER THANK YOU PARTY

Our Parish Volunteer Thank You Party is scheduled for Saturday evening, February 7^th in the social hall from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

The theme this year: Hollywood – A Night with the Stars.

Invitations are in the mail; if you have not received one by Monday, February 2^nd, please call Shirley at the rectory.

Our Thank-you for the hundreds and hundreds of parish volunteers!

PARISH CARNIVAL COMMITTEE MEETING

Our first meeting for our Annual Parish Carnival will be held on Tuesday, February 24^th at the rectory at 7:00 pm. Anyone who would like to be on the Carnival Committee, is invited to this meeting.

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.

CASINO TRIP – TROPICANO RESORT

Silver Spirits

Tuesday – February 17th

Cost: $20.00 –

Includes a Show Ticket & $10 cash return

Pick-up at 10:00 am in Church lot

Please call Kathy at: 267-923-5173 with any questions.

You can place your payment by check in collection plate or drop off at rectory.

Please include your name and phone number with payment.

AREA NEWS

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.

Lansdale Catholic looking for Substitute Bus/Van Drivers – Bus drivers must have valid certified CDL with an S endorsement. He/she would be asked to drive either a van or small school bus on an “as needed basis” for Lansdale Catholic High School. Scheduling would include morning and/or afternoon driving. This is a paid position. Please call 215-362-6160 to schedule an interview. (x133)

Lansdale Catholic has coaching positions available – LC is looking fir a Varsity Head Coach for Girls Lacrosse and a Varsity Head Coach for Baseball. Anyone interested in applying for either of these openings should mail their resume/cover letter to Mr. Tim Quinn, Principal – 700 Lansdale Avenue – Lansdale, PA 19446-2995.

RACHEL’S VINEYARDS –

For Healing after Abortion

Rachel’s Vineyard is an extraordinary opportunity for any person who struggles with emotional and spiritual pain of past abortion (s). The weekend is a unique and effective process designed specifically to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God. There are many exercises to help you grieve your loss and an opportunity to understand and release the deep feelings of anger, shame, guilt, and grief that frequently accompanies an abortion experience. This process is extremely helpful for those who struggle with forgiving themselves or others. The weekend will help your soul find a voice, and transform the pain of the past into hope. Rachel’s Vineyard is a “therapy for the soul” which combines a unique and creative process for psychological and spiritual healing. Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries will be hosting a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for Healing after Abortion February 20 thru February 22 in Doylestown. For more information, please call Susan Fetta at: 267-880-3631. Read more about it online at: www.rachelsvineyard.org.

All requests are strictly confidential.

The Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat has been approved as a resource for post abortion healing by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Manual, written by Dr. Theresa Burke, has also received the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This program is offered throughout the United States and internationally.

AREA PARISH NEWS

VALENTINE DINNER DANCE

Knights of Columbus Archbishop Sheen Assembly is inviting all sweethearts to a Valentine Dinner Dance at Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in Douglasville on Saturday, February 14, 2009. Dinner will start at 6:00 pm with Hors d’oeuvres followed by a champagne toast and a full buffet dinner with assorted desserts. We will be entertained with music by DJ Todd Hartzman.

A limited number of tickets are still available for $25 per person or $45 per couple if purchased by February 10^th.

For more information, to make reservations or to purchase tickets – call:

SK Deacon Paul Hiryak: 610-202-8072

SK Ron Schwendt: 610-326-6636

SK Jerry Truitt: 215-679-3648

SK John Gilmore: 215-679-2451

SK Joe Cassarella: 215-679-3637

INFORMATION NIGHT

“Annulments”

Monday – February 23, 2009

Corpus Christi Parish Center

Conference Rooms B&C

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Guest speaker: Msgr. Michael Fitzgerald

The Metropolitan Tribunal of the Philadelphia Archdiocese is conducting an “Information Night” on Church annulments.

The session includes an explanation of the grounds for an annulment and the annulment process, as well as a question-and-answer period. A declaration of nullity by the Church is the recognition that a presumably valid union is not now recognized as such because of some serious, pre-existing flaw according to Church law. Those who are divorced, remarried civilly, or considering a second marriage are encouraged to attend.

To register for this event, please contact Angela McClellan at corpuschristiaff@yahoo.com or 215-855-1311. There is no cost for attendance.

SPIRITUAL CONFERENCE

“End of Life Issues”

Thursday – March 5, 2009

Corpus Christi Parish Center

Conference Rooms B&C

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Guest speaker: Msgr. Joseph Tracey

Pope John Paul II taught us by word and example that, “One must be accustomed to thinking confidently about the mystery of death so that the definitive encounter with God occurs in a climate of interior peace.”

Our presenter will examine the moral principles which flow from the light of the truth about the gift of human life in all its stages from conception to natural death.

There is no cost to attend this conference. To register for this event, please contact corpuschristiaff@yahoo.com or 215-855-1311 (ext. 122).

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

Dinner Dance and Silent Auction

Tickets at a pre-sale discounted price will be available until February 13.

$30/person, $50/couple until February 13.

$35/person, $60/couple after February 13.

March 7, 2009

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Doors open at 6:00 pm

Featuring:

“The Bill Koss Band”

Catered meal by Tosco’s

Free raffle tickets included w/admission ticket purchase.

TICKET PURCHASES:

Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase at $30/person or $50/couple.

Payment for discounted ticket prices must be received by February l3.

Discounted tickets will be for sale:

At breakfast on January 25 (this Sunday)

After masses February 7^th & 8^th by calling Georgine Heibeck: 215-541-4115.

By sending below order form to rectory or school.

Regular pricing effective after February 13 for $35/person, $60/couple.

Tickets may be pre-ordered at regular pricing.

PLEASE DETACH THE FORM BELOW

For discount, if sending the stub below, payment must be received at the school or rectory by February 13 at 2:00 pm.

Headcount must be sent to caterer by March 1^st.

Please RSVP even if payment cannot be made immediately!

Payment may be made at the door at regular pricing.

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS – March 7, 2009

RSVP FORM

Name: _____________________________________________

Number of tickets needed: ________________________

Payment enclosed: ________________________________

DONATIONS

Donations are needed for Raffle and Silent Auction. This year we would like to extend our request for donations to the church community.

Perhaps you have a gift that you would like to recycle. Perhaps you provide a service that you would consider:

DONATING, COOKING, CLEANING, AUTO SERVICE, HOME REPAIR. PERHAPS YOU OWN A VACATION HOME THAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER DONATING TIME FOR A VACATION WEEKEND. THE OPTIONS ARE LIMITLESS.

If you are able, please consider donating for this event. Your investment benefits the future of our church community.

Please send the form below to Colleen Daley via the school or call her at: 215-541-1716.

PLEASE DETACH THE FORM BELOW

DONATION FORM

Name: _________________________________

I would like to donate the following item/items:______________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________

I would like to donate the following service/services:_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________

Please call me at this number to discuss arrangements: _________________________

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

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time; Catholic Schools Week begins

The gospel truth

Catholic Schools Week begins today. Its purpose, according to the National Catholic Education Association, is to build community awareness of and involvement in Catholic schools throughout the country and to celebrate “education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life [to prepare] students for a Christian life.” Catholic school teachers show a special dedication by the sacrifices they and other teachers make on behalf of their students. Go out of your way to thank one of them this week, as you look for ways you and your family can help support education that promotes gospel values.

Today’s readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Monday, January 26

One true thing

“What is truth?” Pontius Pilate famously asked at Jesus’ trial. His question showed he had no idea what Jesus meant when Christ said: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). While people sometimes go to the opposite of Pilate’s question and are a little too quick to call something the Truth, most of us understand truth to mean something we know to be so—something we can trust.

The one we know is always telling the truth is God. How? One place to look is scripture. Listen to God’s Word revealed to us and learn it well, and you will “belong to the truth.”

Today’s readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5; Mark 3:22-30

“For the sake of the faith . . . and the knowledge of the truth . . . that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.”

Tuesday, January 27

Feast of Angela Merici, virgin

What a difference it makes to be different

Jesus was truly an extraordinary personality, an original thinker who continually challenged his followers (and us) to think beyond rigid definitions and long-established rules. Angela Merici (1470-1540) was one who accepted this challenge. At a time when women were either supposed to marry or enter a convent, Angela understood that single women could live with their families, immerse themselves in their community, and evangelize through their good works. She considered the women who joined her mission her “daughters,” and thus expanded, as Jesus calls us to do, our perception of who is family. In what ways do our definitions restrict what we think is possible? How can we open ourselves up to think in new ways, as Jesus and Angela Merici did?

Today’s readings: Hebrews 10:1-10; Mark 3:31-35

“Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Wednesday, January 28

Feast of Thomas Aquinas, priest, doctor of the church

The ears have it

Surely the word sown has seldom brought in so great a harvest as it did in the heart of Thomas Aquinas. His formidable writings are still studied today, not only by theologians but by secular philosophers as well. While he did refer to his massive and unfinished Summa Theologiae as “so much straw” when compared with what he came to discover in his relationship with Christ, he is nonetheless an important model for us today when clear thought and study do not seem as prized as how we “feel” about life and God. We can also show Thomas respect by holding on to the intrinsic universality of our Catholic tradition, seeking to include rather than exclude, to understand more than worrying about being understood.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 10:11-18; Mark 4:1-20

“When he was alone, those who were around him along with the Twelve asked him about the parables.”

Thursday, January 29

Good works, good lives

Children have virtuous living figured out. “If you do good things,” one child wrote in her report, “you will have good experiences. If you do bad things,” she continued, “you will have bad experiences.” Sounds like a plan. Jesus says it differently in the gospel: “The measure you give will be the measure you get.” So how do we get our children to live good lives? It might be wise during Catholic Schools Week to learn a lesson from our children. If we want them to live good lives, we need to live good lives ourselves.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 10:19-25; Mark 4:21-25

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.”

Friday, January 30

Whose stuff is this?

Christians commonly suffered the confiscation of their property during the persecutions of the early church, and church property has been confiscated by hostile governments ever since. Perhaps that is why the Catholic Church defends the right to private property. Yet the church also says that this right is not absolute; it is limited by the concept of the “social mortgage,” our mutual obligations to one another and to a just distribution of wealth. You can read about church teaching on property and other social issues in the first “social encyclical,” Rerum novarum (“On the Condition of Labor”), written by Pope Leo XIII and issued in 1891 (see the Vatican website, www.vatican.va).

Today’s readings: Hebrews 10:32-39; Mark 4:26-34

“You cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting.”

Saturday, January 31

Feast of John Bosco, priest

Before there were Boys’ Clubs

With some notable exceptions, the default position throughout much of history for disciplining children was to force them to be good by punishing them harshly when they were bad. One of these exceptions was the 19th-century Italian priest John Bosco. As a young priest working in Turin, he encountered masses of boys left out in the cold. In response he established youth clubs, hostels, and boarding schools. What was especially unique was his “preventive system” of dealing with the boys, which was based on reason, religion, and kindness. It appealed to their intelligence and their desire for God and the good. Try it yourself: Rather than trying to force the bad out of a person, appeal to their good.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Mark 4:35-41

“Where did this man get all this? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary?”