Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg, PA 18073

February 8, 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 Serving at Mass

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

Serving at Mass February 22

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Marci Jaman Pete Frank

Alice Swift

Priest

Mark Meinzer

Pat Meinzer

7:30 am – Denise Guckin John Guckin

Immaculata Barndt J. Sakalouckas

Priest

Deacon

Lori Brozena

Dina Corrado

Pete D’Amico

Michael Duka

9:30 am – Jenny Josko Larry Concio

Colleen Daley Joe Cassarella

Priest

Mary Weber

Christine Kemp

Lester Kemp

11:00 am – Jeanne Hermley AdamCanigiani

Bob Hermley Bob Piccone

Priest

Tina Evans

Anna Kells

Mary Lavin

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.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

February 8, 2009

Monday, February 9

8:00 am – Marta Stark,

(Werner & Zenta Eisenmann)

Tuesday, February 10, scholastica

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith (Estate)

Wednesday, February 11, Our Lady of Lourdes

7:00 pm – Deceased members of Pausic &

Iski families, (Joe & Felicia Iski)

Thursday, February 12

8:00 am – George Ondra,

(St. Philip Neri Respect Life Committee)

Friday, February 13

8:00 am – Janice Harvey, (Ken & Jo Marie Smith)

Saturday, February 14, Cyril, monk & methodius

8:00 am – George Ondra, (Dorothy Krazek)

5:00 pm – Joseph Josko, (Jenny Josko)

Sunday, February 15

7:30 am – James Field, (Mr. & Mrs. Ed Keenan)

9:30 am – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

11:00 am – Benjamin Weidman,

(Dolores, Jack, Debbie & Jennifer)

and also for Michael Bayus, (Tony & Barbara Parestis)

ROSE/FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart Altars are in memory of the Pausic & Iski families, requested by Joe & Felicia Iski.

The floral arrangement placed on the center altar is in memory of the Pausic & Iski families, requested by Joe & Felicia Iski.

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, Michael Andrusko, Betty Risko & Christine Keer.

For those who have died, 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

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

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 12^th – Team #2

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: 1/29/09 – 55 players

Kitchen: $ 285.15

Games: 189.55

Total: $ 474.70

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

February 3, 2008 February 1, 2008

Envelopes: $9,479.00 $ 9,769.00

Loose: 1,869.00 1,342.00

Children: 67.79 71.50

Total: $11,415.79 $11,182.50

Meetings and Events this Week:

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

Monday, February 9^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Monday, February 9^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, February 9^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, February 9^th – SPN Pre-Cana Workshop – Neri Center – 7:30 pm

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

Tuesday, February 10^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, February 10^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

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

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

Wednesday, February 11^th – CYO Sports – 5-9 pm

Wednesday, February 11^th – PREP (Religious Education) – School – 6:00 pm

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

Thursday, February 12^th – Pennsburg Nursing Home Mass – 10:00 am

Thursday, February 12^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 12^th– Cub Scouts – 6:45 pm – Neri Center

Thursday, February 12^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 12^th – Diocesan Capital Campaign Committee Meeting – rectory – 8:00 pm

Friday, February 13^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, February 13^th – SPN Quilting Meeting – gym – 1pm

Friday, February 13^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Saturday, February 14^th – CYO Sports – gym – 8am-8pm

Sunday, February 15^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, February 15^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, February 15^th – Donut Man Concert - gym – 3 pm

Sunday, February 15^th – Parish Youth Ministry – after the Donut Man Concert in the gym at 5:00 pm

Sunday, February 15^th – Men’s 30 & over Basketball – 8pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

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

Car Show Committee Meeting – Tuesday, March 3^rd – rectory – 7:00 pm

Home & School Fundraising Event – “A Night with the Stars” – Saturday, March 7^th– gym – 7:00 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

Preschool – We had a delightful time during Catholic Schools Week! The children enjoyed all the fun activities especially the ice cream sundae party. Everyone enjoyed the M & M toppings with whipped cream.

Kindergarten – The Kindergarten, along with the rest of SPN, celebrated Catholic Schools Week last week. We had a great time bowling with the whole school and dancing the day away on “Get Up and Move Day”. We also had a blast seeing all the beautiful baskets for our Student Tricky Tray.

1st – The First graders also had a great Catholic Schools Week! Some of the children said their field trip to the Limerick Bowling Alley was the best field trip ever!

2nd – The Second graders enjoyed dressing up as famous Americans and shared their important contributions to our nation.

3rd – The Third Grade enjoyed dancing to music, decorating their door, making cards for people in our community and our parents who mean so much to us.

4th – During Catholic Schools Week, the students enjoyed a week of fun-filled activities to energize our belief in Catholic education. We are halfway through our academic year already. There is much more learning to do. Upcoming topics include The American Revolution, the reading of a folk tale with an important lesson, and problem solving with multiplication.

5th – The students enjoyed Catholic Schools Week! They used many creative ideas to illustrate their Saint as they decorated the classroom door of their prayer teams’ Saints.

6th – The Sixth Grade students have enjoyed many wonderful activities from bowling to the Spelling Bee during Catholic Schools Week. They also continued to prepare for their end of unit assessments.

7th – The Seventh Graders had a great time bowling! Thank you Home & School Association! We had a week filled with fun and service-oriented activities.

8th – The students were very excited about Catholic Schools Week and all of the planned events! They were also very happy about the success of their basketball teams. The girls’ team defeated St. Mary’s in an intense game by a score of 31-28, and the boys’ team continues their undefeated season.

ST. PHILIP NERI GRADE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Drawing Winners:

Williams Family – Flynn & O’Hara gift certificate

Carnesi (new family) - $100 tuition voucher & $20 in used Uniform Bucks

Ferdock Family - $25 off registration

Myers Family - $100 tuition voucher

Wall Family – Red Hill Florist arrangement

Lewinski Family – basket of school supplies

Gontz Family – basket of school supplies

Cahill Family – 2 Parish Breakfast tickets

Bagley Family – Tosco gift certificate

Libor Family – Tosco gift certificate

Tobin Family – Mario gift certificate

DiSantis Family - $50 in SCRIP

Many thanks to all who helped to make our Open House a huge success:

The Home & School Association

Tosco’s – donated two $25 gift certificates.

Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms –

donated two $25 gift certificates.

Red Hill Florist –

donated a beautiful centerpiece.

Mario’s – donated two $25 gift certificates.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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 10:00 am & 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:

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

The club will meet at the Neri Center on Tuesday evenings – once a month from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

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. 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!

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.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH FISH FRY

It’s getting to be that time of year again! Our Lenten Fish Fry begins on Friday, February 27^th and continues until Good Friday – April 10^th, in our parish Social Hall from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Eat-in or take out available.

For more information or questions, please call Rita at: 679-7009.

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.

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: _________________________

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

DID YOU KNOW that during 2008, there were weekly excerpts from Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States.

In that document, there are several references to helping to eliminate poverty, and letting everyone have a “place at the table”. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publishes many instructional materials for our Adult Faith Formation. One of them is Faithful Citizenship. Another one is A Place at the Table. Beginning with this week’s bulletin, and for several weeks thereafter, we will have excerpts from A Place at the Table; A Pastoral Reflection of the U.S. Catholic Bishops – Washington D.C. 2002.

A Table: A table is a place where people come together for food. For many, there is not enough food, and in some cases, no food at all. A table is a place where people meet to make decisions – in neighborhoods, nations, and the global community. Many people have no place at the table; their voices and needs are ignored or dismissed.

When we gather as Catholics to worship, we gather around an altar to celebrate Eucharist. It is at the altar of sacrifice that we hear the saving word of Christ and receive His body and blood. It is Christ’s sacrificial meal that nourishes us so that we can go forth to live the Gospel as His disciples. Too often the call of the Gospel and the social implications of the Eucharist are ignored or neglected in our daily lives. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church insists: “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest.” (no. 1397)

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

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 of Philadelphia 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^th

Corpus Christi Parish Center

Conference Rooms B & C

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Guest speaker: Msgr. Joseph Tracy

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 (extension #122).

AREA NEWS

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREATS -

for healing after abortion

February 20 – 22

Doylestown, PA

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.

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 US and internationally.

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

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Good intentions

Whenever we begin something, it is always a good idea to start with an intention. Take a few breaths and ask yourself, “What do I intend to get out of this day, this meeting, this work, this experience?” The dictionary defines intention as “the act of determining mentally upon some action or result.” In Latin in-tandere means “to stretch toward.” One way to think about intention is to ask yourself what you are willing to stretch toward. Then imagine that our compassionate and loving God is also stretching toward you, intending what is best for you. Now you’re praying. Plan to get up 15 minutes early and write your intention for the day.

Today’s readings: John 7:1-4, 6-7;

1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23; Mark 1:29-39

“In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.”

Monday, February 9

Tree cheers for Tu Bishvat

Today in the Jewish calendar is Tu Bishvat (or Tu B’Shevat), the “New Year of the Trees.” Customs include planting trees and eating dried fruits and nuts, especially figs, dates, raisins, carob, and almonds. In Israel the flowering of almond trees around the country coincides with Tu Bishvat, and the holiday is often observed by planting trees or raising money to plant trees. Why not do the same in honor of our call to be good stewards? Visit www.arborday.org for green ideas.

Today’s readings: Genesis 1:1-19; Mark 6:53-56

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ ”

Tuesday, February 10

Feast of Scholastica, virgin

How you can get God’s attention

How to be sure God knows our needs? Imitate Saint Scholastica, who knew God can’t resist the prayer of a holy person. Scholastica enjoyed a precious annual visit from her brother, Saint Benedict. At the end of her life Benedict visited as always but was anxious to return home at the appointed time. Scholastica entreated him to stay but he refused. So she literally “prayed up a storm” whose ferocity made travel impossible. “What have you done?” her brother asked. Scholastica answered, “I asked and you would not listen; so I asked my God and he did listen.” Storm heaven with your prayers!

Today’s readings: Genesis 1:20-2:4a;

Mark 7:1-13

“God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good.”

Wednesday, February 11

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes; World Day of Prayer for the Sick

Wishing you well

For 150 years visitors to the shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes have believed in the healing power of water that flows from a natural spring there. Closer to home, some parishes commemorate World Day of Prayer for the Sick by asking pastoral care ministers and ministers of Holy Communion to visit the homebound and hospitalized; placing the names of the sick in a special book displayed in church; writing the names of the sick on pieces of paper and asking parishioners to take a name, pray for the person, and send him or her a card. What can you do today?

Today’s readings: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17; Mark 7:14-23

“A stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground.”

Thursday, February 12

Unqualified love

There was a time not that long ago when Catholics believed that anyone who wasn’t Catholic was going straight to hell in a handbasket. The Jews during Jesus’ time held similar views toward other religions. Syro-Phoenicians, who were enemies of Israel and didn’t share in the same faith, were, in the minds of Jesus’ disciples, unworthy of God’s help. But Jesus turned that attitude on its head. For Christians, all human life has sacred dignity and is beloved by God, even the lives of our enemies. Stepping up to that truth sometimes requires repentance on our part.

Today’s readings: Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 7:24-30

“Jesus said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ ”

Friday, February 13

Knowledge vs. wisdom

“Knowledge is power,” said Ben Franklin. The serpent said the same thing to Eve, and she bought it. Although knowledge often does give us access to the corridors of power, it doesn’t guarantee us wisdom. An attribute of God, wisdom is acquired only through the indwelling Holy Spirit. In the Bible knowledge is imagined sometimes as tantalizing fruit dangling from a forbidden tree. Wisdom, however, sets a lavish table at which her guests may dine by accepting her invitation. When faced with the choice between fast and slow food, take the opportunity to savor the meal that lasts to eternity.

Today’s readings: Genesis 3:1-8;

Mark 7:31-37

“But the serpent said to the woman, ‘God knows well that the moment you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods.’ ”

Saturday, February 14

Feast of Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop

In their own words

There’s a small detail in the gospel story of how Jesus fed 4,000 people with a few loaves and fish: “Some of them have come from a great distance.” Sounds like a simple piece of common sense—the people were tired and couldn’t travel back without something under their belts. But “great distance” here was a code word for “outsider.” Even outsiders, like Gentiles, were welcome at God’s table.

Eight centuries later the brothers Cyril and Methodius were called out of monastic life to be missionaries. They not only evangelized but also translated scripture and liturgy into the language of the people (which also required them to invent an alphabet), and resisted the insistence of other missionaries that everything be in Latin. These saints recognized that truly welcoming everyone—including outsiders—to God’s kingdom called for moving out of established boundaries and starting with people where they were. And that’s a miracle we, too, can be part of.

Today’s readings: Genesis 3:9-24;

Mark 8:1-10

“If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way—and some of them have come from a great distance.”