Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg, PA 18073

February 15, 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

You have noticed, I’m sure, the work taking place in our Church vestibule. Through the generosity of three parishioners, this is taking place. It started in thought eight months ago when the parish received the first class Relic of St. Philip Neri. (This first class relic is a sliver of his bone).

In the vestibule, the shrine has been erected; the mosaic of Jesus being baptized has been moved and framed in marble. This mosaic now mirrors the mosaic behind the altar. The baptismal font is being moved into the Church and our vestibule is in the process of being spruced up. I always thought our vestibule, the entry to the Church, was somewhat shabby for a receiving area and doorway to our Church. In a few weeks, it should look very presentable. No more card tables and laundry baskets! All this is being done for when we enthrone the relic on the Feast of Philip Neri, Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Bishop Thomas has been invited for an evening Mass on this date to take place at 6:30 pm. Following the Mass, we will have a parish dinner in our Social Hall; a fitting way to welcome St. Philip Neri’s Relic into Church and celebrate this year, the 90^th Anniversary of our Parish. Save the date! Let’s all celebrate this Feast Day with great joy!

Praise Be Jesus Christ…Now and forever!

Fr. Roncase

ASH WEDNESDAY

Lent begins Wednesday – February 25 – Ash Wednesday

Masses on Ash Wednesday are at 9:00 am; 12:10 pm; and 7:30 pm; all in Church. Ashes will be distributed at these Masses.

WEDNESDAYS OF LENT

During Lent, there will be two (2) Masses each Wednesday; 12:10 pm in Church and 7:00 pm in the Chapel.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Friday’s at 7:00 pm in Church on February 27^th, March 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 27^th, and April 3^rd.

Wednesday’s at 1:00 pm in Church on March 4^th, 11^th, and April 1^st.

CONFESSIONS ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS OF LENT

Confessions will be heard on Wednesday evenings of Lent in Church from 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, April 1^st & 8^th. Confessions are also heard every Saturday in Church from 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm.

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

Serving at Mass March 1

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Bob Talbot Mark Meinzer

Kathryn Talbot

Priest

Deacon

Linda Franks

Linda Benko

Dave Moser

Trudy Moser

John Burke

Jim Camarata

Catherine Cahill

Trish Dornisch

7:30 am - Joan Pongia John Gilmore

Anthony Pongia Theresa Gilmore

Priest

Deacon

Rita Tokarksi

Pat Scheerbaum

Joan Varallo

Wally Varallo

Chuck Rodgers

John McHale

Jim Michels

9:30 am - Ken Mayer D. McCausland

Marilynn Mayer Sue DiMarco

Priest

Maryellen Paulk

Marianne Peters

11:00 am – Kevin Charlton Eileen Davis

Maryanne Charlton Michele Charlton

Priest

Amanda Charlton

Marlene Leidy

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.

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

February 15, 2009

Monday, February 16

8:00 am – Stanley H. Grochowski,

(Rich & Barbara Grochowski)

Tuesday, February 17, seven founders of the

Order of Servites, religious

8:00 am – For all those enrolled in the Memorial Society.

Wednesday, February 18

7:00 pm – James Engle – (Tony Bauer)

Thursday, February 19

8:00 am – Deceased members of Stock, Ebert,

& LeGrand families. (Henry & Rita Tokarski)

Friday, February 20

8:00 am – Kathleen Piepszowski, (Ken & Rita Latshaw)

Saturday, February 21

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

5:00 pm – Stephan Kanya, Sr. (Bob & Pat Kanya)

Sunday, February 22

7:30 am – Richard Matus, Richard & Alex Matus, and

Mildred Matus, (Marie)

9:30 am – Stanley H. Grochowski,

(Rich & Barbara Grochowski)

11:00 am –For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

ROSE AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

The arrangement of floral bouquets on the side altars are in memory of Catherine Gehringer, requested by Joe & Madeleine Gehringer.

The center altar arrangement is in memory of Attilio Frank, requested by Joe & Madeleine Gehringer.

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 John A. Mordosky, Jr. – requested by Sam, Rosalie, Sam III & family, Heather & Mike.

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 19^th – Team #3

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: 02/05/09 – 65 players

Kitchen: $ 266.45

Games: 688.50

Total: $ 954.95

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

February 10, 2008 February 8, 2009

Envelopes: $8,255.00 $ 8,557.50

Loose: 1,211.00 1,261.00

Children: 93.00 90.95

Total: $9,559.00 $ 9,909.45

Special collection – Care for Aging & Ill Priests:

$ 1,209.00

Meetings and Events this Week:

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

Monday, February 16^th – no school

Monday, February 16^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, February 16^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 7pm

Monday, February 16^th – Pre-Cana Workshop – Neri Center – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, February 17^th – SPN Craft Guild – gym – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, February 17^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – in Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, February 17^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

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

Tuesday, February 17^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 18^th – PREP (Religious Education) – school – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, February 18^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-9 pm

Wednesday, February 18^th – Cub Parent Meeting – Neri Center – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, February 18^th – Friendly Visitors General Meeting – gym – 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 19^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 19^th – Cub Scout Meeting – school – 6:45 pm

Thursday, February 19^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 19^th – Archdiocesan Capital Campaign reception – Neri Center – 7:00 pm

Friday, February 20^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, February 20^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1pm

Friday, February 20^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Saturday, February 21^st – Parish Breakfast set-up – gym – 7:00 am

Sunday, February 22^nd – Parish Breakfast – gym – 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

Sunday, February 22^nd – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, February 22^nd – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, February 22^nd – CYO Sports – gym – 12pm-8pm

Sunday, February 22^nd – Archdiocesan Capital Campaign reception – Neri Center – 4:00 pm

Sunday, February 22^nd – Men’s 30 & over Basketball – 8pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

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

Pastoral Council Meeting – Monday, March 9^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

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

Knights of Columbus – Come-n-Go Bingo – Saturday, March 14^th – gym – 6:00 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to provide your son or daughter with a Catholic School education at St. Philip Neri School! Our school provides a safe, nurturing value-centered learning environment for students in Preschool through Eighth Grade. The Hop Ahead Preschool has a program Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3 year olds and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 4 year olds from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Our Kindergarten program is a full day program along with our First through Eighth Grade which begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m.

An after school program, C.A.R.E.S., is also available for students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.

If you would like any additional information on our school or would like to register your child for the 2009-2010 school year, please call the school office at 215-679-7481. When registering your child for Preschool, please have a copy of your child’s immunization records. If registering for Grades K through 8, please have the following at registration: original birth certificate, copy of baptismal certificate, and current immunization record as required by the State of PA at the time of registration.

School begins on September 8, for Grades 1 to 8.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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

FAST AND ABSTINENCE AND

OTHER ACTS OF PENANCE FOR LENT 2009

The Bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons who are fourteen years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, February 25^th on all the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. Further, all persons eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, while the other two meals on those days are to be light.

All the faithful are encouraged, when possible, to participate at Mass and to receive the Holy Eucharist daily, to celebrate frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertaking spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to participate in parish Lenten devotions as well as Lenten education programs. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is especially recommended.

All are encouraged to participate in “Operation Rice Bowl”, which has aided countless hungry persons here in the Archdiocese as well as throughout our nation and our world.

COME-N-GO BINGO

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Doors open at 6:00 pm

Games begin at 6:30 pm

Cost: $.25/game

Menu: hotdogs, bar-b-que & drinks.

If you bring a non-perishable item to benefit Open Line, you play two free games of Bingo!

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

ST. PHILIP NERI – EAST GREENVILLE

Students excel at Lansdale Catholic High School

Our parish recently received notification of the performance of our high school students on the First Semester Report. We are particularly proud of those who demonstrated academic excellence:

Julia C. Young ’12 – Second Honors

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 have just begun 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 next prayer gathering is Monday, March 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.

Discounted tickets will be for sale:

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

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: _________________________

MARKET DAY

February is a great month to place a MARKET DAY order. All orders help us earn $250 in library books. Stock up this month to help us achieve our fundraising goal and help our library, too! MARKET DAY’S Spring Frequent Buyer program also begins in February. Quality to earn a FREE large insulated bag that’s great for frozen food, picnics, and game-day snacks!

Order on-line at www.marketday.com until NOON on February 18^th. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help, call Lisa Vetter at 215-538-2308. With your support, we look forward to reaching our fundraising goal of $6,000

ST. PHILIP NERI BOY SCOUT TROOP 591

45^TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Our Troop is celebrating our 45^th Anniversary. We are inviting all scouts and leaders for a dinner on Sunday March 15^th at St. Philip Neri Social Hall. Please bring your spouse or guest. This will primarily be a dinner and social event. We will have the troop picture albums displayed and ask that you bring any personal pictures that you would like to share.

We are attempting to update our records so we would be pleased to hear from you whether you are able to attend or not. If you know the whereabouts of any other scout or leader, please pass this information on to him.

Please respond by email: Troop-591@comcast.net or phone: John Walsh at 215-679-6029 or write us at: Troop 591 1077 Palm Hill Road, Palm, PA 18070.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Excerpts from A Place at the Table; a Pastoral Reflection by the U.S. Catholic Bishops.

A Table (continued)

In our world and nation, many of our sisters and brothers live in poverty. The causes are complex, but the results are clear. They cannot find decent work, feed their families, educate their children, secure health care, or find adequate housing. Millions of children live in nations with too much debt and not enough development in societies with deadly diseases and inadequate health care, in lands where conflict and corruption leave people without a place at the table. Millions of families cannot live in dignity because they lack the conditions worthy of human life.

As Catholics, we must come together with a common conviction that we can no longer tolerate the moral scandal of poverty in our land and so much hunger and deprivation in our world. As believers we can debate how best to overcome these realities, but we must be united in our determination to do so. Our faith teaches us that poor people are not issues or problems, but sisters and brothers in God’s one, human family.

In many ways, these are difficult times. We bishops and our church are confronted with the terrible scandal of clerical sexual abuse and all the hurt and pain and loss of trust and credibility that have come with it. We bear special responsibility to address this crisis and our roles in it. In our dioceses, and as a bishop’s conference, we are working diligently to protect our children and to restore trust. At the same time, we must recognize that our world faces other urgent challenges. Our nation is dealing with terror on its own shores. Our economy is hurting, shaken by corporate misconduct and its impact on workers and investors – as well as broader forces of globalization and economic change. Our world is broken by deadly violence and widespread hunger and deprivation.

INFORMATION NIGHT

“Annulments”

Monday – February 23

Corpus Christi Parish Center

Conference Rooms B & C - 7pm – 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 - 7pm – 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 for attendance. To register for this event, please contact corpuschristiaff@yahoo.com or 215-855-1311 (extension #122).

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

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Follow the leader

One suspects that Saint Paul’s advice, “avoid giving offense,” was intended to keep the peace in a politically charged world to stave off criticism of the followers of Christ from either the Jewish or pagan world. Was it what we currently call “political correctness”? When coined, “politically correct” suggested a graceful and profound respect for the sensibilities of others, especially minorities. Unfortunately it has come to suggest an awkward, even laughable wishy-washiness: being so afraid to give offense that one never takes a stand. Paul’s advice is hardly bland. He intends for the Christian to seek not his or her own benefit but that of others. Seeking the good in everything and for everyone is anything but bland, but neither is it a call for deadly perfectionism. It is doing neither what is impossible, nor what is expected, but doing the good we can.

Today’s readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46;

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

Monday, February 16

Presidents’ Day

That’s a keeper

No president can govern alone or solve the nation’s problems single-handedly. We all have a role to play, and it begins with caring about our neighbors and trying to lend a helping hand when times are tough. That way we rise above the selfish, “what about me?” attitude that was Cain’s downfall. Be your brothers’ and sisters’ “keeper”—find a way to help someone who is hurting. In doing so we help our leaders guide the nation on the road to peace and prosperity.

Today’s readings: Genesis 4:1-15, 25;

Mark 8:11-13

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ ”

Tuesday, February 17

Looks like rain

Big floods tend to produce stories. Folks can recall much about the “flood of 2008 or 1996 or 1956 . . . .” People in biblical times had heard flood stories, too. But the flood Genesis described was the Big One, the flood to end all floods—almost. God was so angry God decided all of creation was pretty much corrupt and the only solution was to wipe it all out. But in an almost human way God left the door open a crack. Noah got to be the ark that preserved a righteous few, including handy mating pairs of all creatures in order to repopulate the earth once the waters receded. So God’s wrath was not final. There’s always the possibility of return to God, constantly offered. When the waters of despair, regret, and cynicism threaten to inundate you, remember there’s a dove on the way.

Today’s readings: Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Mark 8:14-21

“Then the Lord said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you alone are righteous before me in this generation.’ ”

Wednesday, February 18

Through the glass darkly

Anyone with severe nearsightedness or otherwise impaired eyesight knows what it’s like to try to see without help: Everything’s a blur. So they know what a blind person Jesus healed went through after Jesus’ two-part healing of him—two-part because after part one he saw only “people looking like trees and walking.” After that Jesus laid hands on him and finished the job. Why this bit-by-bit healing? Why not the instant restoration to health and wholeness Jesus bestowed on other ailing people? Because the return of the man’s sight mirrors what it’s like to be a disciple of Christ: a gradual process of coming to know and believe in Jesus. What steps can you take toward fuller sight?

Today’s readings: Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22; Mark 8:22-26

“Jesus asked the blind man, ‘Do you see anything?’ The man replied, ‘I see people looking like trees and walking.’ ”

Thursday, February 19

God’s surrender

Following the flooding of the world, God makes a covenant with humanity to never again destroy the earth by water. To write his promise into the heavens, God tells Noah that he will place his “bow” into the clouds. God has surrendered God’s “weapons.” Imagine God, bow fallen and palms raised as a sign of peace. These palms, the open palms of his peacefulness, are those into which we will drive the nails of his passion. By setting down his bow, God not only says, “You are safe by me” but also “you will do with me what you will.” Consider laying down the weapons you bear and opening yourself up to those around you.

Today’s readings: Genesis 9:1-13;

Mark 8:27-33

“This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations.”

Friday, February 20

Pride before the fall

Saint John Vianney, ever the practical preacher, had this to say about the spirit of arrogance: “No, my dear brethren, there is nothing that is quite as ridiculous or stupid as to be forever talking about what we have or what we do. . . . This sin is even more to be feared in people who put on a good show of piety and religion.” Padre Pio, born nearly a century later, offered this antidote to pride: “All that is good in me I have received from God on loan and I should be a fool to boast of what is not mine.”

Today’s readings: Genesis 11:1-9;

Mark 8:34-9:1

“Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and so make a name for ourselves.”

Saturday, February 21

Give God the final say

When we read the newspaper or watch television, we ask ourselves why God allows so much pain and suffering in the world. At the same time we believe that God is involved and present in every individual and every moment. How to reconcile these two seemingly contradictory views? With one word: faith. By faith we understand that the events of our lives are rolled, wrapped, enfolded into the unfinished story of creation that is always tending toward the good. The universe is still expanding, the conclusion has not been written, the jury may never return; how can we judge with absolute certainty whether any experience is ultimately good or bad? Like the earth revolving around the sun, it simply is.

Today’s readings: Hebrews 11:1-7;

Mark 9:2-13

“By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God.”