Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg, PA 18073

February 22, 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 PRAISH CHRIST TOGETHER

A letter from our Cardinal Archbishop.

February 19, 2009

Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia,

As the Archdiocese of Philadelphia enters its third century of serving the people of God, it is with gratitude that I reflect on the profound faith, vision and generosity of the Catholics who have preceded us. Along with the blessings of parishes, schools and institutions that we enjoy today, comes the responsibility for us to pass on to future generations all that we have received. Last year, we recommitted ourselves as a Catholic community to serving God and neighbor as we celebrated our Bicentennial as a Diocese. Taking the opportunity that the year-long Jubilee celebration presented, I invited a group of priests and lay people to assist me in identifying the needs of our Archdiocese now and in the years to come. The fruit of our reflection is a concerted effort to meet the challenges of the Church at this historic time.

With confidence, I am pleased to announce HERITAGE OF FAITH~VISION OF HOPE, a capital and endowment campaign that will support the charitable, educational and pastoral needs of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Our aim is high: minimally $200 million, but our needs are great. These monies will be deposited into a separately incorporated 501 [c] [3] charitable fund to be used exclusively to meet six goals: [1] to revitalize and renew parish life as the primary place in which we publicly live our faith, [2] to enable access to a high-quality Catholic education for many more of God’s children, [3] to renovate and restore the historic treasure that is the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, [4] to invest in priestly formation and campus infrastructure at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, [5] to ensure a dignified retirement and health care for retired priests, and [6] to respect the dignity and meet the basic needs of people in our region by providing vital human services.

Certainly the economic realities of the present are a cause of anxiety for all of us. Our nation faces much uncertainty and some would argue that now is not the time to begin an endeavor such as this campaign. The needs of the Archdiocese, however, cannot wait for the future. They require our response today. I am certain that this is the right response. I am very pleased to report that the early results of HERITAGE OF FAITH~VISION OF HOPE are truly remarkable. The pilot phrase, jut concluded, was nothing short of extraordinary. Twelve parishes raised $9.5 million, exceeding their collective goal by $2 million. The campaign is currently underway in more than 50 parishes, and in the coming 16 months, each of our 269 parishes and missions will participate. To date, HERITAGE OF FAITH~VISION OF HOPE has received more than $40 million in gifts and pledges. This inspiring display of generosity is a testament to the leadership of our priests, the commitment of campaign volunteers and the extraordinary charity of more than 2,500 donors.

I invite you to join me by making a sacrificial commitment to HERITAGE OF FAITH~VISION OF HOPE and am deeply grateful to those who have already done so. Our combined efforts will make a lasting contribution to the future of the Church of Philadelphia and help the Archdiocese live out the Bicentennial theme: Serving the People of God in the beginning, now and always. For two hundred years our Heavenly Father has blessed the Church of Philadelphia. Faith-filled people have humbly sacrificed their time, talent and treasure in building a community of believers with Jesus Christ as our foundation and cornerstone. We look to the future with grateful hearts, united in prayerful solidarity for this historic endeavor.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the patronage of our Blessed Mother, Saint John Neumann and Saint Katharine Drexel, may the Kingdom of God continue to grow within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Through the generosity of many, may our HERITAGE OF FAITH~VISION OF HOPE campaign be successful. May the Lord instill in us the desire to share our Heritage of Faith and invite others to embrace our Vision of Hope.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

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.

FIRST FRIDAY – MARCH 6^th

First Friday Mass in Church at 9:00 am on March 6^th. Adoration all day until Evening Prayer at 6:45 pm, followed by Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 7:00 pm.

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

Serving at Mass March 8

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Lisa Edleman Bob Piccone

Michael Edleman

Priest

LaRue Emmell

Claire Holcombe

7:30 am – Lori Brozena Pete Frank

Immaculata Barndt Michael Lynch

Priest

Michele Martin

Christine Adelsberger

Stephan Adelsberger

9:30 am – Andrew Souder M. Gehringer

Sharon Shaak Matthew Horvath

Priest

Deacon

Michael Sledgen

Rose Anderson

Michael Dougherty

Stephanie Greczek

Bob Brennan

Eleanor Brennan

Jeff Daley

Mary Godshall

11:00 am – Bob Schwind Jim Brinckman

Barbara Schwind Luke Verna

Priest

Deacon

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

Bill Orr

Mary Goodfellow

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

Christine Kemp

Lester Kemp

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

February 22, 2009

Monday, February 23, polycarp, bishop & martyr

8:00 am – James Engle, (Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home)

Tuesday, February 24

8:00 am – 8^th Anniversary, Ernest Greiss,

(Nancy Greiss-Brogan, Sarah Greiss)

Wednesday, February 25, Ash Wednesday

9:00 am – Mass in Church – Janice Harvey,

(Bob & Dawn Ellis)

12:10 pm – Mass in Church – Richard Lesiewski,

(Hank & Marie Tokarski)

7:30 pm – Mass in Church – Harold Moser,

(Joe Ritter & Mary Belfast)

Thursday, February 26

8:00 am – Harry Rigler, (Florence Kile)

Friday, February 27

8:00 am – Frank McHugh, (Anneliese Krakau)

7:00 pm – Stations of the Cross – in Church

Saturday, February 28

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith, (Estate)

5:00 pm – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

Sunday, March 1

7:30 am – Stephen & Anna Cichocki,

(Sisters: Olga, Catherine & Mary)

9:30 am – 10^th Anniversary,

Albert McArdle, (Ed & Joan Lampart)

11:00 am – Stephen Kanya, Jr. (Bob & Pat Kanya)

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 open for Mass Intentions. Stop by the rectory or call Shirley at the rectory.

ROSE AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

The red and white roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart altars are in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Strizziere, by Anita & Gerald Gillespie.

The red and white floral arrangement on the altar is in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Strizziere, by Anita & Gerald Gillespie.

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 Lester Keller, Tom Brogan, Mary R. Giambrone, Donna Tarantino, Debra Lee Steffenino, Michael Andrusko, Betty Risko & Christine Keer.

For those who have died, and in particular for Mary Bostwick & Mary Kate Smith, grant them eternal rest and peace.

BUILDING MEMORIALS

Give a St. Philip Neri Memorial Gift!

For a donation of $25 or more, there is a beautiful folder recording the gift and donor to be presented to the family. A Mass is offered each month.

In memory of Clifford Rothenberger, requested by:

Fred & Marie Appold and Matt & Jen Duka.

In memory of Bill Schultz, requested by:

Anna & Tony Bogdon, Christine & Jack, Jean & Bruce.

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 26^th – Team #4

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: 02/12/09 – 71 players

Kitchen: $ 101.30

Games: 791.35

Total: $ 892.65

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

February 17, 2008 February 15, 2009

Envelopes: $8,598.00 $ 8,652.50

Loose: 913.00 929.00

Children: 87.00 81.00

Total: $9,598.00 $ 9,662.50

Paper Recycling – January 2009: $18.25

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

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

Monday, February 23^rd – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Monday, Februray 23^rd – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, February 23^rd – Bible Timeline rectory – 7:00 pm

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

Tuesday, February 24^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Tuesday, February 24^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, February 24^th – Blue Knights Meeting – Neri Center – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, February 24^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

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

Wednesday, February 25^th – No PREP – Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 25^th – Ash Wednesday Masses in Church: 9:00 am; 12:10 pm; & 7:30 pm

Wednesday, February 25^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-9 pm

Thursday, February 26^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, February 26^th – Cub Scout Den Meeting – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

Thursday, February 26^th – RCIA – rectory – 7:00 pm

Friday, February 27^th – Bible Timeline – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, February 27^th – Parish Lenten Fish Fry – gym – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday, February 27^th – Stations of the Cross – Church – 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 28^th – CYO Sports – gym – 8am-8pm

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

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

Sunday, March 1^st – Men’s 30 & over Basketball – 8:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

1^st Penance – Monday, March 16^th – Church – 7:00 pm

Parish Mission – Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday – March 23, 24 & 25 – Church – 7:00 pm

1^st Communion Retreat Day – Tuesday, March 31^st – Church and gym – 8:00 am – 2:00 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.

SCHOOL NEWS: (continued)

Preschool – We learned about occupations in Social Studies this week. The children became aware of a great number of occupations and the way these workers help us today. Transportation, healthcare, sports, community helpers, communication, production, construction, and service workers were all included. The children enjoyed dressing up in their future job attire at the end of the week.

Kindergarten – The Kindergarten talked about the Presidents of the past and present this week. The students even made their own shadow portrait from the side. We may have a future president among us!

1st – The First graders continue to work on becoming great readers. This week they will be working with words that have the long vowel sound of “a”. In Math, the first graders are learning to tell time and read calendars.

2nd – The Second graders celebrated Valentine’s Day on Friday. Enthusiastically, they made “Heart” Rice Krispie Treats and passed out sweet treats and cards. Then, they spent part of their afternoon with their sixth grade prayer partners exchanging cards, playing Valentine Bingo, having popcorn and juice, and watching a holiday movie.

3rd – This week, the Third Grade is continuing to solve multiplication problems. Students will also learn how to solve word problems that involve multiplication facts. In Science, students are learning about the various systems within their body. Students will explore their five senses by taste testing an apple and describing how it feels.

4th – On Friday, our class took a trip to Doylestown’s Mercer Museum. In connection with our study of Pennsylvania, we participated in demonstrations of colonial life as well as a tour of the fascinating museum.

5th – The Fifth graders are starting to work on their science fair projects. They are investigating different things; photography, inclined planes, foods, bridges, radio waves and the list goes on.

6th – The Sixth Grade students are discovering ancient worlds through our literature stories. Also, we are beginning Literature Circles in a few weeks. The students are preparing their book choices.

7th – We are learning about writing effective research papers in ILA. In Social Studies, we are studying about the Revolutionary War and have just completed reading the Declaration of Independence.

8th – In eighth grade Religion, we are learning about the marks of the Church and our responsibilities to help the Church grow. In Social Studies, we are focusing on the American Industrial Revolution and the arrival of immigrants to our shores. The students are learning about the changes in America at the turn of the 20th and how the large number of immigrants contributed to the economic and cultural growth of our country.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

HOAGIE SALE

CHEESE, ITALIAN or TURKEY

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009

(please note date change)

12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

COST: $4.00

All orders due by:

Monday, March 2nd

Please call:

Rita – 679-7009 or Pat – 679-5675

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

WANT TO RENEW THE JOY OF YOUR FAITH?

FIND OUT HOW.

COME TO AN IFORMATION GATHERING…

Wednesday – March 4^th

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

SPN Social Hall Meeting Room

For more information on this gathering, please call Sue DiMarco: 215-679-7193.

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 has many involvement areas. One area that is often overlooked by many is the ability or inability to conceive. We are there for you if you wish to talk about your situation. Below is a special prayer for someone who is experiencing this issue.

Prayer to Conceive or Adopt

Lord God, my desire for a child grows stronger everyday. Cradle me in your love and calm my anxieties. I look to you for insight so I can do my part in making my dream of parenthood a reality. Stir in my heart the desire to follow your will in all my decisions. Give me courage to trust your guiding presence. Help me, Lord, to prepare myself for the day on which I may be blessed with a child. Deepen my trust in your plan for our family. Amen.

If you wish for someone to listen to you, call the Elizabeth Ministry at (215)679-3086.

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 weekend of 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

Blue Knights Catholic Boys Club will meet this Tuesday, February 24^th at 6:30 pm. The club will meet at the Neri Center on Tuesday evenings – once a month from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

February 24^th, March 31^st,

April 21^st, May 19^th & June 30^th

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, call Bill Orr: 215-679-8223.

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

$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:

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: _________________________

ALPHA

On Wednesday, March 11^th –

The new ALPHA PROGRAM BEGINS.

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

SPN Social Hall Meeting Room

For more information:

Call Sue DiMarco: 215-679-7193 or

Joanne DiGirolamo: 267-923-8129

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. 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.

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).

AREA NEWS

All area seniors are invited to enjoy a FREE afternoon performance of the play “Oklahoma” being presented at the Upper Perkiomen High School on Wednesday, March 11^th – 1:00 pm. This performance, a gift to the seniors of the Upper Perkiomen & surrounding areas, has been coordinated with the UPHS by RSVP of Montgomery County which promotes volunteerism particularly among persons 55 years of age throughout Montgomery County.

For your convenience, please register wheel chair use by calling: 215-679-3610.

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

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Something old, something new

We have—probably appropriately—mixed feelings about new versus old, stability versus change. Consider on the one hand those who, 40 years later, still complain about “all those changes” in the church, and on the other hand those who blanch at the church’s reluctance to embrace, say, a married priesthood. In Isaiah 43, God clearly speaks up for change, but not mere novelty. It is God’s desire to let go, indeed to forget, the wasteland of our sins, the deserts of our folly. God strikes a humanlike pose insisting that God is fatigued by our holding on to the old, perhaps the precious silliness that we can work out our own salvation. We cannot. We did not. God, for God’s own sake, remembers our sins no more. That is a change we can all embrace.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Mark 2:1-12

“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing.”

Monday, February 23

Feast of Polycarp, bishop and martyr

Faith creates the future

A passage from Philippians says that, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (4:13). Faith in God and communion with God in Christ unites us so closely with the Creator that God creates a future to accommodate our faith. God’s creative power is without limit and God’s love for us is infinite. Trusting in God we can literally accomplish anything. Saint Polycarp (d. c. 155 A.D.) was so convinced of the power of faith that he chose death rather than renounce his belief. We make the same choice every day when we opt for hope rather than despair.

Today’s readings: Sirach 1:1-10;

Mark 9:14-29

“All things can be done for the one who believes.”

Tuesday, February 24

Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras

Give your body a rest

“Carnival” ends today, and tomorrow our time of attentiveness to spiritual matters begins. Being in the world and then removing ourselves for a time from the world are all part of the process of building God’s reign. Flesh and spirit are essential elements in Christian discipleship, as are justice and mercy and intimacy and awe. Knowing how to appropriately weave these elements in our daily lives is the role of wisdom. Use Lent as a time to give your full attention to prayer, spiritual reading, and devotional practices. Ultimately your body and soul will be the stronger and wiser for it.

Today’s readings: Sirach 2:1-11;

Mark 9:30-37

“You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.”

Wednesday, February 25

Ash Wednesday; day of fast and abstinence

Out and about

With the beginning of Lent—or at least this standing on the “front porch” of Lent between today and next Sunday—we might tend to look inward, to focus on prayer and repentance, on resetting our interior compass in more God-ward directions. But the three traditional practices of Lent—prayer, fasting, almsgiving (which work all year round, by the way)—point us out as much as in. We pray for both ourselves and others. We fast to clear our lives of what prevents us from seeing God in others and the world. And we learn to show more generosity to those around us. So this year don’t let yourself get Lenten cabin fever.

Today’s readings: Joel 2:12-18;

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

“We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us.”

Thursday, February 26

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

How to choose life

Choosing life over death seems like a no-brainer—instinctive, natural, wholesome. Yet, our culture, with its emphasis on escaping pain at all costs, can easily lead to emotional, spiritual, and physical death. Don’t want to face the humiliation of asking for forgiveness? Cut off your relationship with a loved one. Don’t want to be hurt by anyone? Close the door on intimacy. Don’t want to feel the pain of loss, confusion, or failure? Numb yourself with alcohol or drugs. Don’t want to deal with an unexpected pregnancy? Destroy the fetus. Don’t want to negotiate with your enemies? Bomb them into oblivion. Our faith offers a different strategy. It’s called love. Try loving yourself, others, and God just a little bit more to get you past the pain.

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25

“Moses said to the people: ‘Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom.’ ”

Friday, February 27

Friday after Ash Wednesday; day of abstinence

The meat of the matter

Of the three disciplines of Lent—fasting, prayer, and charitable giving—it is certainly fasting and abstinence that got our attention back in the day. You could end up in hell for chomping a hotdog on a Friday, no questions asked. We’re still bound to observe the days of fasting and abstinence during Lent. But the prophet Isaiah reminds us to see fasting as a change of attitude about the poor, the hungry, and the oppressed. By repenting of our pursuit of comfort and turning our resources to the service of the needy, we help to “fulfill” the Lenten obligation to fast and abstain.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a;

Matthew 9:14-15

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”

Saturday, February 28

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

I heal homes

While, for most Americans, working has as its goal the creation of a stable home, more often than not it becomes the main hindrance to people’s coming together as a family. Making money often seems more important than the life and family income is meant to support. But, with the high cost of stability in America today, the majority of families find two incomes are needed simply to stay afloat, leaving many children lacking the presence and influence of their parents for much of their lives. We are called today by Isaiah to be rebuilders of our household. That, of course, begins at the home. This week try to hold at least one gathering within your home.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 58:9b-14;

Luke 5:27-32

“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations.”