Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg. PA 18073

February 1, 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.

ASK DEACON MIKE

As I stated in my last article, this month I want to answer a question concerning Living Wills. The questioner writes: Some years a go I asked the priest who was our pastor if the Church had any reservations about Living Wills. He checked with a theologian and said there was none. Since then I have heard different versions of this opinion. What is the Church’s official position on this matter?

This is a great question. I am sure that many of us have similar concerns. So, for the “official” teaching on this matter I went to the ultimate source: The Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism states:

2278. Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected.

This statement contains two very important points. The first deals with the refusal of treatment. Extraordinary means to sustain life can be withheld if the ability to impede or prevent death is not possible. In other words if the condition of the patient is terminal and the application of medicine or procedure will not prevent immanent death then medications and / or procedures to prolong life may be withheld.

The second point concerns how the decision is made. It is preferred that the patient makes this decision if he or she is competent enough to make the decision. If not the decision is to be made by those who are legally acting for the patient. The decision is not to be made without respect for the interest of the patient.

The Catechism goes on to explain:

The key principle in this statement is that one does not will to cause death. When a person has an underlying terminal disease, or their heart, or some other organ, cannot work without mechanical assistance, or a therapy being proposed is dangerous, or has little chance of success, then not using that machine or that therapy results in the person dying from the disease or organ failure they already have. The omission allows nature to takes its course. It does not directly kill the person; even though it may contribute to the person dying earlier than if aggressive treatment had been done.

The person who asked this question also asked about the Church’s stance on organ donations for transplantation, therapy, medical research and medical education. The late Pope John Paul II wrote:

[T]he Gospel of life is to be celebrated above all in daily living, which should be filled with self-giving love for others. …Over and above such outstanding moments, there is an everyday heroism, made up of gestures of sharing, big or small, which build up an authentic culture of life. A particularly praiseworthy example of such gestures is the donation of organs, performed in an ethically acceptable manner, with a view to offering a chance of health and even of life itself to the sick who sometimes have no other hope

The late Holy Father emphasizes that donations be performed in an ethically acceptable manner. I cannot suppose all of the various cases that this condition might cover. If you have specific questions you should contact a priest or deacon who can help you make your decision.

As always, I thank this person for this question on such and extremely important and sensitive topic. If you have any questions about the Catholic Church, the sacraments, or related matters that you would like answered please contact me in one of these ways: 1) place your question in an enveloped marked “Ask Deacon Mike” and drop it in the collection basket or send it to the rectory office. 2) Send me an e-mail at deaconmikefranks@comcast.net. with your question. In all cases whether you identify yourself or not I will keep your identify secret when I publicly answer your question.

May God’s blessings shower upon you and always remember that I love you all.

Deacon Mike Franks

FIRST FRIDAY

This Friday, February 6^th,is First Friday. Mass will be in Church at 9:00 am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament all day until Evening Prayer and Benediction at 5:00 pm.

The sign-up sheet for Adoration is in the Church vestibule.

Congratulations Karen Kaufmann – THANK YOU

Congratulations to Karen Kaufmann. On January 25^th, Karen received the Our Lady of Guadalupe Award for 15 years of Catechetical Ministry in our Parish Religious Education Program. Karen has helped in the formation of our faith with the children of the parish from our Little Church program to the preparation and formation of those who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Not only has Karen been a tremendous asset to the Director of Religious Education, but is a truly devoted member of our parish community that loves to share her faith with others.

Thank you for passing on the faith to so many over the years.

Congratulations to our newly baptized during January:

Aidan T. Day

Liam J. Day

Jackson R. Kenna

Alexa L. Maraldo &

Delaney G. Williamson

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

Serving at Mass February 15

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Janet Kendra Ed Tryon

Dawn Ellis

Priest

Jim Camarata

Dave Boone

Teri Boone

7:30 am – Joan Varallo Ernie Quatrani

Wally Varallo Michael Lynch

Priest

Pat Scheerbaum

Michele Martin

Chuck Rodgers

9:30 am – Christine Adelsberger Terry Benner

Stephan Adelsberger Wendy Benner

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Stephanie Greczek

Jack Nash

Monica Nash

Bill Gurgick

Lisa Gurgick

Joshua Hewitt

Lillian Hewitt

11:00 am – DJ Williams Donna Tarantino

Sandy Williams Luke Verna

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Sarah Franks

Bob Schwind

Barbara Schwind

Tony Shellaway

Sandy Shellaway

Anita Weilnau

Mary Goodfellow

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.

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

February 1, 2009

Monday, February 2 – The Presentation of the Lord

8:00 am – Kevin Holzapfel,

(Tom & Valerie Seerveld)

Tuesday, February 3 – Blaise, bishop & martyr

8:00 am – Joseph Rudzenski,

(Stan & Betty Mikanowicz)

Wednesday, February 4

7:00 pm – Warrant Officer John Engeman,

(Jim & Ann Michels)

Thursday, February 5, Agatha

8:00 am – Kathleen Piepszowski,

(Marguerite DiBartolo)

Friday, February 6 – Paul Mike & his companions

9:00 am – Mass in Church

James Engle, (Mike & Paulette Macenka

& Michael Schasney)

Saturday, February 7

8:00 am – James Engle, (John & Betty Fronheiser)

5:00 pm – Antoinette & Sabatino Galluppi,

(Mark & Pat Meinzer)

Sunday, February 8

7:30 am – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

9:30 am – George & Frances Weidman,

(Dolores, Jack, Debbie & Jennifer)

11:00 am – Lester & Frances Bauer, (Tony Bauer)

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 & Debra Lee Steffenino.

For those who have died, and in particular for Dennis Eck, 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:

Tony Bauer and children

In memory of George Dykie, requested by:

Kathrine Kerivel & The Leemon Gaugler family

In memory of George Dykie, requested by:

Richard & Marilyn Husted, Genevieve Husted,

Kenneth & Grace Hoffman, Don & Bonnie Ritter

In memory of Clifford Rothenberger, requested by: Judi Virus, daughters, Jessica & Jaclynn

In memory of Edward Wisser, requested by:

Betty Wanczycki

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

In honor of Benjamin & Margaret Pupek on their 50^th Wedding Anniversary, requested by:

Mark & 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. 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 – February 5^th – Team #1

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: 1/22/09 – 70 players

Kitchen: 251.35 - Games - 670.35 – Total – $921.70

BREAKFAST

Our parish Breakfast was held on Sunday, January 25^th. We served 708 people!

We truly thank everyone who came out and worked so hard to make this a great success and also to those who came and enjoyed a delicious breakfast.

Our next breakfast is Sunday, February 22^nd! Mark your calendars and save the date!

Breakfast sales: $2,600.35

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

January 27, 2008 January 25, 2009

Envelopes - $8,486.00 $ 9,864.00

Loose - 1,694.00 1,698.00

Children - 109.00 62.00

Total $10,289.00 $11,624.00

Census YTD: $29,814.00

Meetings and Events this Week:

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

Monday, February 2^nd – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, February 2^nd – Bible Timeline – rectory – 7pm

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

Monday, February 2^nd – St. Philip Neri Pre-Cana – Neri Center – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, February 3^rd – SPN Craft Guild – gym – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, February 3^rd – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Tuesday, February 3^rd – Choir & Cantor practice – Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, February 3^rd – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, February 3^rd – Energy Committee Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 4^th– Grade School Talent Show – gym – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 4^th – PREP (Religious Education) – school – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, February 4^th – 1^st Communion Parent Meeting (Mandatory) – Neri Center – 6:10 pm

Thursday, February 5^th – Cub Scouts – Neri Center – 6:45pm

Thursday, February 5^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 5^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Friday, February 6^th – 1^st Friday Mass – Church – 9:00 am – Adoration all day until 7:00 pm – Evening Prayer & Benediction.

Friday, February 6^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Friday, February 6^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 10:00 am

Friday, February 6^th – Parish Volunteer – Thank You Party – set-up in gym

Saturday, February 7^th – Parish Volunteer Thank You Party – gym – 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Sunday, February 8^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, February 8^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass.

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

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

Sunday, February 8^th – Men’s 30 & over basketball - 8pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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 – Wednesday, February 18^th – rectory – 7:30 pm following the Mass in Chapel.

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

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

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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

April 1 – class

April 8 – no class

April 12 – Easter

April 15 – class

April 22 – class

April 22 – First Communion Practice – Church – 7pm

April 25 – First Holy Communion

April 29 – Last class

May 6 – Marian May Procession

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.

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 VISITOR MINISTRY

The Friendly Visitor Ministry is a social ministry program in which we extend care and friendship to parishioners who cannot join us at Weekend Liturgy. We let them know about Parish Activities and listen to what they wish to talk about. As visitors we have reaped blessings and benefits and have formed lasting friendships with those we visit.

If you or someone you know would like a Friendly Visitor to visit you, please call the Outreach Office at (215)679-3086 or the rectory at (215)679-9275.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY UPDATE:

Elizabeth Ministry is not a “new ministry” but a “form” for a very traditional and beautiful ministry that has a long history. It began with the Scripture story of the Visitation between Mary and Elizabeth. It is from that story that we get the name for Elizabeth Ministry.

One of the goals of this ministry is to join with parents in celebrating the wonders of pregnancy and birth and the mystery of life. Please feel free to cut out the following prayer.

Birth Prayer

My heart overflows with love and praise for you, God, as I think of the blessing this child is to our family. Guide me in my wonderful role as a parent. Make me an instrument of you love. Let me give myself unselfishly so my child might know the security of being loved unconditionally. Give me the wisdom to help my child discover the wonders of life. Help me nurture my child’s faith in you and mature in my own awareness of your presence. Amen

Our next meeting will be Tuesday evening, February 17, 2009 in the Neri Center.

Please call LaRue Emmell at (215)679-3086 for more information.

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.

SPN ROSARY SOCIETY

We are beginning a Rosary Society here at St. Philip Neri. Come and pray the Rosary every 2^nd Monday of each month at 1:00 pm in the Chapel. Our first prayer gathering is Monday, February 9^th at 1:00 pm.

PRE-LENTEN JEWELRY SALE

Our Youth Ministry once again will be selling jewelry and medals in the Church Vestibule on the weekends of February 14^th/15^th and February 21^st/22^nd.

The monies raised helps support our Youth Ministry activities.

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:

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. For more information, please call Bill Orr at: 215-679-8223.

YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS

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.

SILVER SPIRITS TRAVEL CLUB

“Washington D.C. Trip”

When: Saturday – June 13, 2009

Departure – 7:00 am

Return – approximately 10:30 pm

Price - $60/person

ITINERARY:

7:00 am – depart from SPN Church parking lot. Brief rest stop enroute.

11:00 am – Canal boat ride on “The Georgetown”

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – free time for browsing; lunch on own.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm- guided tour of Basilica of the National Shrine with free time after tour to browse gift shop.

4:15 – 6:00 pm- visit National Zoological Park in DC. Fast food stop enroute home.

Please complete the form below. All payments are to be made to “Silver Spirit Travel Club” and are due by May 11^th. (checks will be the only form of payment accepted)

For additional information or questions, please call Kathy at 267-923-5173.

Name(s) _________________________________________

Phone#: _________________________________________

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: _________________________

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

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SK John Gilmore: 215-679-2451

SK Joe Cassarella: 215-679-3637

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

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time; World Day for Consecrated Life

Sacred lives

How does this sound for a life plan? Share your possessions with one another so that you earn and spend with the good of the community in mind. Make choices with an awareness of the needs of all—and with an openness to listen to God and those around you—and let that inform your priorities. Keep your feelings and desires appropriate to the relationships you’re in. Sound good? Catholicism calls these ways of living poverty, obedience, and chastity. They are values people in “consecrated life,” those who belong to religious orders, commit themselves too formally. These folks lead the rest of us to see how all lives are consecrated—the word means dedicated to the sacred. Pray and support them and do what you can to encourage others to live a “consecrated life.”

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 2:21-28

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people.”

Monday, February 2

The Presentation of the Lord

Favorable destiny

The information in scripture on Jesus’ childhood is a bit sketchy. At the end of the story of the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, we read that Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom . . . .” When we next hear of him, Jesus is 12 years old, discussing Jewish teachings at the temple, and “astounding” those who hear him. Quite a bit of growth and development obviously transpired in the intervening years! Mary and Joseph are the unsung heroes here, for having nurtured and raised Jesus in such a way that he was ready to fulfill his destiny. How can you continue to grow and develop in your faith?

Today’s readings: Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

“The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

Tuesday, February 3

Feast of Blaise, bishop and martyr

Get past the facts

Many stories of saints that have been handed down to us over the centuries are questionable. But to ask, “Did it really happen?” misses the point. Matters of faith aren’t based on hard facts. In the story of Saint Blaise, who knows whether a boy really got a fish bone caught in his throat and Blaise saved him, or whether, years later, the boy’s grateful mother brought Blaise food and candles while he was in prison? We believe that Blaise was a man of kindness and faith who suffered for his belief in Jesus Christ. And today, in his name, we are offered a blessing on our throats with two candles. Those are all the facts we need.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 12:1-4; Mark 5:21-43

“Jesus said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’ ”

Wednesday, February 4

The flip side

“He could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.” Jesus was amazed at the lack of faith of the people in his hometown of Nazareth. Mark’s throwaway line—“apart from curing a few sick people”—is stunning understatement, especially if you happened to be one of those few cured at Jesus’ hands. What is more astonishing, however, is the power of a lack of faith in Jesus. At times in the gospel Jesus is amazed at a person’s faith, and faith is often what Jesus credits for the healing. Here we see the other side of the coin. Jesus is amazed—would dismayed be a better word?—at a lack of faith. What this story may ultimately be about is the power of the narrow mind, the rut, the stereotype, the assumption—all of which inhibit the ordinary miracles of love all around us as well as the extraordinary work only Jesus can perform.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15; Mark 6:1-6

“Jesus was not able to perform any mighty deed in Nazareth, apart from curing a few sick people. He was amazed at their lack of faith.”

Thursday, February 5

Feast of Agatha, virgin and martyr

Faithful graciousness

Have you ever accepted an invitation to do something with a friend and then been tempted to bow out because a better invitation came along? That’s why Jesus told his disciples to stay in one house when they entered a town. Only humble people would welcome humble men with no money. But surely better offers would come along in time. Rather than embarrass their original hosts, they should turn down more comfortable lodgings. Faith in the gospel means a commitment to humility and the option of poverty. It was a big choice for Saint Agatha that cost her her life. It is a hundred little choices in a day that steer us toward the Kingdom of God.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24; Mark 6:7-13

“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.”

Friday, February 6

Feast of Paul Miki, martyr, and companions, martyrs

An unchanging creed

Paul Miki (1562-1597) was baptized at age 5. A man of his culture with a profound knowledge of Buddhism, he made an effective and affectionate preacher among the Japanese. When his fellow Jesuits were expelled from Japan, he remained and was eventually crucified with 25 others in Nagasaki. For each generation of Christians the demands of faith and the promises of Christ remain the same: Love God and love one another and you will live in love eternally.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 13:1-8; Mark 6:14-29

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Saturday, February 7

Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Pray first, then act

Almost every Saturday of the year, we’re encouraged to consider the example of Mary. As Mother of the Church, she shows us what it means to be a disciple. Her Magnificat is the perfect prayer, “the fruit of lips” that lays the groundwork for all that disciples do. As Saint John Climacus wrote, “[Prayer] is an expiation of sin, a bridge across temptation, a bulwark against affliction. It wipes out conflict, is the work of angels, and is the nourishment of everything spiritual.” Embrace every opportunity to lift a prayer heavenward.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21; Mark 6:30-34

“Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.”