Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg. PA 18073

March 1, 2009

Rev. Robert A. Roncase, Pastor

Deacon Michael J. Franks, Permanent Deacon

Rev. Edmond J. Speitel, Pastor Emeritus

Rev. John J. Scarcia, Retired Pastor

Rev. Raymond W. Smart, Retired, Resident

Shirley Misiak, Office Manager

Mark J. Meinzer, Business Manager

Catherine E. Faust, Director of Music

Patricia A. Schleeweiss, School Principal

Jeffrey W. Daley, Director of Religious Education

Colleen Daley, Parish Youth Minister

Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T., Parish Outreach

Rectory Phone 215.679.9275

Rectory Fax 215.679.0386

School Phone 215.679.7481

Religious Education Phone 215.541.3120

Religious Education Fax 215.541.1398

Parish Social Hall Phone 215.679.8116

Parish Outreach Phone 215.679.2282

Neri Center Phone 215-679-6490

Church & Rectory Address:

1325 Klinerd Road

Pennsburg, PA 18073

Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Email Address: spnofc@comcast.net

Website Address: www.spnparish.org

School Address:

6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville, PA 18041

Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Website Address: www.spnelementary.com

Religious Education Center Address

565 Main Street

East Greenville, PA 18041

Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Neri Center Address

6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville, PA 18041

ROSARY: Prayed every Saturday after the 8:00

AM Mass.

SCHEDULE OF MASSES

Saturday – Vigil Mass – 5:00 PM

Sunday – 7:30, 9:30, 11:00 AM

Weekdays – In the Chapel

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,

Friday & Saturday – 8:00 AM

Wednesday – 7:00 PM

HOLY DAYS:

8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 7:30 PM

Eve of Holy Days –5:00 PM

CHAPEL OPEN FOR VISITS

The Chapel will be opened Monday thru Saturday

until 7:00 pm for your visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

CONFESSIONS

Saturdays: 4:00 – 4:45 PM

Eve of Holy Days: 4:15 – 4:45 PM

BAPTISMS

Celebrated the 2^nd & 3^rd Sundays of each month.

Please call the Rectory to schedule.

2^nd Sunday Baptisms are held at the

11:00 AM Mass

3^rd Sunday Baptisms are held at 12:30 PM

PRE-JORDAN CLASSES

1^st Monday of every month at 7:30 PM in the

Rectory meeting room.

MARRIAGES

Arrangements should be made at least SIX

MONTHS before the date of the wedding.

NEW PARISHIONERS

Welcome to your new home! Please stop by the rectory between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm to fill out a registration card. We are happy to have you in our parish and want to get to know you.

SHUT-INS

Please call the Parish Outreach Office.

SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING

Please call the Rectory.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Every 1^st Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the

church, followed by Benediction.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

If you wish to have a floral arrangement placed in front of the altar, please call the rectory.

OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

WE ARE THE CATHOLIC PARISH COMMUNITY OF ST. PHILIP NERI, ANSWERING CHRIST’S CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH WORD, SACRAMENT AND SERVICE.

WE PROCLAIM GOD’S HOPE AND LOVE TO ALL.

ASK DEACON MIKE

Proper Behavior in Church

I have received a very large number of questions, comments and even complaints about the behavior of people (young children as well as adults) in Church, especially during Mass. Now let me begin by saying that I am not a strict disciplinarian. However, we must always remember that when we are in Church we are in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. We must also remember that the Church is not intended to be a social hall nor a play area for our children. While it is certainly appropriate to greet one another it is not appropriate to disturb others who are in prayer with our loud conversation (I, too, am guilty), laughter and movements. To allow children to run down isles, in and out of rows of pews and even crawl under the communion rail into the sanctuary can be very dangerous. Just imagine how tragic it would be if one of these little ones fell and hurt themselves. Having said this, allow me to expand on the issues which have been brought to my attention.

Coming Late for Mass

You may have noticed that once the procession forms in the back of Church we do not allow people to come through the doors. This is being done by the ushers / greeters at the request of Fr. Roncase, our visiting priests and me. Many times people try to come through the door to get to a pew while we are waiting to go down the isle. There have been numerous times where the priest, me and even the servers have literally been bumped and pushed out of the way. This cannot be tolerated. I will not even address the issue of coming late for the start of Mass. I know there are sometimes very good reasons. Sometimes there are not. I will just leave it at that. However, it is both disrespectful and dangerous to push your way through, especially to the servers who are holding lighted candles. The ushers / greeters have been instructed to block the doors until the procession has gone down the isle.

Movement During the Reading of Sacred Scripture

Jesus is just as present to us in the Scripture as He is in the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore, the same reverence and respect must be paid to the readings at Mass. Once the readings have begun the ushers / greeters have been instructed not to let anyone through the doors as this might distract those in the pews from hearing the Word of God. Once the reading has finished people may quickly come in to find a seat.

From where I sit I cannot help but notice how many children (even a few adults) immediately get up and go to the restroom or just to the vestibule when the readings start. Again, there are always legitimate reasons. However, I also notice that in many cases it is the same people. Parents, it is our responsibility to our children to teach them proper behavior. It is also our duty to avail our children to the Word of God. They may not always understand what they hear but as they grow older it will eventually start to make sense to them. Allowing them to wander around deprives them of their right as Christians to hear God’s Word.

At nearly every Mass I see people walking around, coming to / from restrooms, holding children etc. during the Consecration. At this most holy moment when Jesus, the Son of God, becomes physically present to us we should be in a posture that reflects our respect and reverence of what is happening right before us. I even watched a person fill out a check during the Consecration one day. If you find yourself in this situation, please think about what is happening at that moment. Not only are you missing this wonderful opportunity to adore Our Lord but your movements distract others as well.

Leaving Mass Before the Song Has Ended

Again, there are always times when someone needs to leave early. It is unfortunate but it happens. However, to leave before the song has finished is the same as cutting a prayer in half or not even saying the prayer at all. There is nothing we can do to stop this. However, we have now begun the policy that no bulletins will be passed out until the procession has reached the back of Church. Nor will there be any SCRIP sold until the procession has ended. To do otherwise only encourages people from not completing their prayer at Mass.

As you may now be aware we have a guitar group playing at various Masses during the month. We are certainly grateful for this addition to our music ministry. However, it was brought to my attention that people leaving Mass before the music ends going out the side door where the choir and musicians assemble has become problematic. A few people actually bumped into the musicians while they are playing. If you must leave early at least be considerate enough to walk around the front pew and exit that way.

Choir Loft

We have had many discussions concerning completely closing the choir loft. From a liturgical perspective there is no reason to seclude oneself from the rest of the congregation. The Church teaches us that Jesus is also present to us in the assembly just as much as He is present in the Word or the Blessed Sacrament. Some people feel that they are better off taking their young children up to the choir loft in case they become restless and disturb others. The problem is that it disturbs our musicians and choir. They have told me of many instances where people talking, cracking gum, talking on cell phones or children crying or running around distract them from their ministry. We will continue to leave the choir loft open. However, no one is permitted beyond the designated areas. Several times, as recently as this past Christmas Eve, people have let their children run around and as a result stops on the organ, switches on the amplifiers and positions of microphones have been changed. With all of the cords running along the floor it is a dangerous place to allow children to run free. Entrance to the choir loft is through the designated door only. Our ushers have been instructed to keep an eye on the activities up there. If the problem worsens we may be forced to close the choir loft to anyone other than those who have a need to be there.

I hope that none of what you read here is offensive. However, these are important matters that needed addressed. If you have issues, please do not argue or scold the ushers or greeters. Come to Fr. Roncase or me and we will try to explain better. We hope that using this forum will suffice in getting the message across. As Lent begins perhaps we can make a special effort to get to Mass on time and stay until the conclusion. May God bless you and, as always, I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks

Adult Confirmation

If you are a baptized Catholic adult who has not been confirmed you may be interested in a program which will be offered at St. Philip to prepare adults for this final Initiation Sacrament. Cardinal Rigali will confirm adults at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on Pentecost Sunday. Details will be forthcoming in a few weeks. If you are interested please contact the parish office and leave your name and phone number. Please mention that you are interested in the Adult Confirmation Program. Deacon Mike Franks will contact you with further information. Watch the bulletin for further announcements concerning this important program.

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. Sign-up sheet for Adoration can be found n a binder on the table under the Crucifix in the vestibule.

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

Serving at Mass March 15^th

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Lee Johnson Bob Ellis

Janet Kendra

Priest

Alice Swift

Patrick Kennedy

Dianne Kennedy

7:30 am – Dina Corrado John Guckin

Peter D’Amico J. Sakalouckas

Priest

Denise Guckin

Michael Duka

Mary R. Giambrone

9:30 am – Bill Gurgick Wendy Benner

Lisa Gurgick Terry Benner

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Judy Sledgen

Mary Souder

Jenny Josko

Joshua Hewitt

Lillian Hewitt

Ed Tryon

Alicia Tryon

11:00 am – Jeanne Hermley Donna Tarantino

Bob Hermley Bob Piccone

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Jeff Daley

Doug DiTondo

Linda DiTondo

Anna Kells

Mary Lavin

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

March 1, 2009

Monday, March 2

8:00 am – Jonathan Robinson, (Barbara & Clark Robinson)

Tuesday, March 3, Katharine Drexel

8:00 am – Anna & Linford Cressman, (Catherine Cressman)

Wednesday, March 4, Casimir

12:10 pm – James Engle, (Rita & Henry Tokarski

7:00 pm – Katherine Cress, (Bob & Dawn Ellis)

Thursday, March 5

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith, (Estate)

Friday, March 6, First Friday

9:00 am – Mass in Church

Marcella Kanya, (Bob & Pat Kanya)

7:00 pm – Stations of the Cross - Church

Saturday, March 7

8:00 am – George Nerf, (Mary Swannie)

5:00 pm – Eighth Anniversary, Stanley Wlazelek,

( Catherine Wlazelek)

Sunday, March 8

7:30 am – For the living & deceased members of the Parish

9:30 am – Liam Williamson, (Dan & Erin Williamson)

11:00 am – Katherine Cress, (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.

ROSES/FLOWERS

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart Altars are in memory of Francis G. Keating on his birthday, requested by, David C. Gregory.

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, Jennie Virus, Robert Rukstalis, Mary Ann Bencie, Frances Cannon, Josh Frumnecht, Steven Gebhardt, Ann Bowdren, Jack Cahill, Dianna Rynkiewicz, Ethel Buck, Gary Lester Keller, Mary R. Giambrone, Donna Tarantino, Michael Andrusko, Betty Risko, Christine Keer. Anna Rickert & Robert Joseph Drelick.

For those who have died, and in particular for Harold A. Leonhardt Jr., Samuel Mann, Veronica Macenka, Carl Salcutti & Debra Lee Steffenino, 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.

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 – March 5^th – Team #1

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: 02/19/09 – 68 players

Kitchen: $ 272.00

Games: 843.00

Total: $1,115.00

BREAKFAST

Our parish Breakfast was held on February 22^nd and we served 573 people.

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

Our next breakfast is Sunday, March 22^nd; mark your calendars and save the date!

Breakfast sales: $3,403.00

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

February 24, 2008 February 22, 2009

Envelopes: $8,369.00 $ 8,183.00

Loose: 1,428.00 1,001.00

Children: 96.00 60.00

Total: $9,893.00 $ 9,244.00

MEETINGS & EVENTS THIS WEEK

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

Monday, March 2^nd – Bible Timeline – rectory – 7:00 pm

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

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

Tuesday, March 3^rd – Choir & Cantor Practice – Church – 6:30 pm

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

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

Wednesday, March 4^th – 12:10 pm Mass in Church

Wednesday, March 4^th – Grade School Stations of the Cross – Church – 1:00 pm

Wednesday, March 4^th – PREP (Religious Education) – School – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, March 4^th – Confessions – Church – 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm

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

Thursday, March 5^th – Cub Scouts Den Meeting – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

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

Thursday, March 5^th – Diocesan Capital Campaign Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Friday, March 6^th – First Friday Mass in Church at 9:00 am, Adoration all day until 6:45 pm Evening Prayer.

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

Friday, March 6^th – Parish Lenten Fish Fry – gym – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday, March 6^th – Stations of the Cross – Church – 7pm

Friday, March 6^th – Set-up for Home & School Dinner Dance – gym – 7:00 pm

Saturday, March 7^th – Home & School Dinner Dance, Tricky Tray, Silent Auction – gym – 7:00 pm

Preview – gym – 1-4 pm

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

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

Sunday, March 8^th – Youth Ministry – gym – 5-8 pm

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

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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.

HELP WANTED:

Part-time In-Home Companion for elderly St. Philip Neri parishioner ten (10) – fifteen (15) hours a week. Please call: 610-850-3872.

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

Five parishioners joined this ministry in the Fall of 2008 for a total of fourteen (14). This is a Social Ministry in which care and friendship are extended to people who cannot join the parish at Weekend Liturgy. Friendly Visitors visit on a mutually agreed schedule and listen to them. A good listener is what the shut-ins deeply appreciate. In 2008, these homebound parishioners received 262 home visits with a total of 492.5 hours. Friendly Visitor Ministry can always use more volunteers! Friendly Visitors meet quarterly with guest speakers pertaining to their needs. If you are interested, or have questions, please call Sr. Patricia Kelly at the Outreach Office – 215-679-2282.

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 here 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.

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 Little Flowers meet at the Neri Center, East Greenville, on the First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm - March 3, April 7, May 5, & June 2.

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 - 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.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH FISH FRY

Our Lenten Fish Fry started up on 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 Kulp at 267-923-5173 or Kathy Talbot at 215-541-0250.

Name(s) _________________________

Phone: _________________________

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.

MARKET DAY

We would like to thank everyone who supported our February Market Day Sale. Dessert Bonus Days are back! Help us earn extra dollars with every Sweet Rewards purchase. The more desserts we sell, the more we earn on each item!

Order online atmarketday.com until 11:00 pm on March 18^th or Market Day Flyers can be found in the bins where you exit Church.

If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, call Lisa Vetter at: 215-538-2308. With your support, we look forward to reaching our fundraising goals of $4,000.00

ATTENTION ALL SCRAPBOOKERS AND CRAFTERS:

Would you like a day to get caught up on some crafts or scrapbooks that you are working on? Let’s get together for a day of crafting/scrapping and fellowship:

Neri Center – 6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville

Saturday, March 21^st

8:30 am- 6:00 pm

Space is limited; please register with Wendy Benner at: 215-234-0354.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Office for Child and Youth Protection

Protecting God’s Children for Adults Awareness Sessions. Unless otherwise indicated, all sessions begin at 7:00 pm and are approximately 2.5 hours.

Spring 2009:

3/2/09 - Msgr. Bonner High School – Drexel Hill – 6pm

¾/09 - St. Luke the Evangelist – Glenside

3/9/09 - Archdiocesan Office Center – 6:30 pm

3/10/09 - Archbishop Wood High School – Warminster

3/19/09 - St. Rose of Lima – North Wales – 9:30 am

4/16/09 - St. Maria Goretti – Hatfield

AREA PARISH NEWS

St. Eleanor Church

647 Locust Street – Collegeville

610-489-1647

PARISH MISSION

Sunday, March 15 – Thursday, March 19

7:00 pm each evening

Conducted by: Rev. Msgr. George Tomichek

AREA NEWS

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

All parishioners of St. Philip Neri Parish are invited to attend the World Day of Prayer Service on Sunday, March 8^th at 3:00 pm being held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, Red Hill. This is an event sponsored by the Upper Perkiomen Ministerium; and the entire community is invited to attend. Members of all local churches will be participating, including
St. Philip Neri.

The focus this year will be on the women and children of Papua New Guinea whose communities are struggling to maintain their history and culture in an ever-changing world.

JOB FAIR AND TRAINING

FOR CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS

St. Mary Manor – Lansdale, is recruiting Certified Nursing Assistants. A special Job Fair will be held on March 4^th & 5^th from 8:00 am – 6:30 pm. For those who are interested in becoming a CAN, we offer paid training classes on a regular basis. Great benefits and career advancement opportunities! The Job Fair will feature refreshments and door prizes. Interviews and tours available. No appointment necessary; just stop by! Questions? – call 215-368-0900.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

Administrative Assistant needed full time to provide support to Administrator and Development department of LTC facility located in Philadelphia.

Must have experience and be proficient in MS Office Software. Fax resume’s to: 215-727-8524 or email to:

phhumanresources@littlesistersofthepoor.org

COME TO A HIGH SCHOOL PLAY

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, March 1, 2009

First Sunday of Lent

Step into the desert

Deserts can be places of beauty but also of danger. Anyone journeying into them needs to take measures to safeguard themselves. Jesus spent some time in the desert. Right after his baptism the Spirit of God drove him into the desert, where he spent 40 days—like the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness—facing down Satan and wild animals and beginning the journey of his ministry. He was ready and also protected, for angels waited on him. Today you take the first step into the desert of the Lenten journey. God puts you there, but God will also accompany you and welcome you at the end. What old temptations and beasts of your soul will you guard against?

Today’s readings: Genesis 9:8-15;

1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15

“The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan.”

Monday, March 2

Lenten weekday

Collect all six

Here’s a challenge for these 40 days of Lent: Complete all six works of mercy listed in Matthew 25. Be creative: You can literally give someone a glass of water, or provide a lonely person with the company for which he or she spiritually thirsts. You might participate in the diocesan prison ministry, or send financial support to an interfaith group like Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS). You may care for an ill family member or someone who’s sick at heart because of a difficult experience. Keep the list posted and see how many ways your family can find to serve the poor Christ.

Today’s readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Matthew 25:31-46

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me . . .”

Tuesday, March 3

Feast of Katharine Drexel, virgin

How many prayers are in your wallet?

“Oh, how far I am at 84 years of age from being an image of Jesus in his sacred life on earth!” These are the humble words of an amazing U.S. saint, Katharine Drexel, who died in 1955. Born into extravagant wealth in Philadelphia, she inherited her family’s fortune before the age of 30—and then proceeded to spend $20 million on the underserved education of Native and African American students. Rather than multiplying pious words, she multiplied generous deeds. Consider how much good could be done if more of us prayed with our pocketbooks.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 55:10-11;

Matthew 6:7-15

“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.”

Wednesday, March 4

Lenten weekday

Lent is also a season for gift-giving

According to biblical accounts, the queen of Sheba—the “queen of the south” Jesus mentions in Luke—heard of the wisdom of King Solomon and journeyed to Israel to test him with questions. The queen was amazed at Solomon’s answers and offered lavish gifts and blessings on the God of Israel. This Lent consider what you might offer in thanksgiving for the wisdom of God revealed to us in the person and teachings of Jesus. Your gift does not have to involve riches—a bit of your time or talent offered in service to others will do quite nicely.

Today’s readings: Jonah 3:1-10;

Luke 11:29-32

“At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them.”

Thursday, March 5

Lenten weekday

Have mercy on me!

What does it mean to “throw oneself on the mercy of another?” It means admitting we are completely unprotected and need help. It means surrendering control over our future and accepting the present moment. It means trusting in the goodness of the one whose compassion we are asking for and having faith we might be good enough to deserve it. Hopefully, rare will be the times when we must throw ourselves on the mercy of another human being. But consider this: Might it be beneficial to throw ourselves consciously on the mercy of God every day?

Today’s readings: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Matthew 7:7-12

“Save us by your power, and help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord.”

Friday, March 6

Lenten weekday; World Day of Prayer

Reaching past the pews

Giving “alms” is traditionally one of Lent’s “big three” practices, and giving alms includes acts of reconciliation and healing. Reconciliation was a word heard often after the genocide in Rwanda, and a current project in Australia is determined to build “relationships for change between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians”—the former long relegated to second-class status. Such attempts are not easy, especially when the gulf between parties lies along religious or ethnic fault lines. Yet what better way to mark World Day of Prayer than to open ourselves beyond our own conceptions of God, identity, and righteousness? For what better thing to fast and pray on the first Friday of Lent?

Today’s readings: Ezekiel 18:21-28;

Matthew 5:20-26

“If you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift before the altar and be reconciled.”

Saturday, March 7

Lenten weekday

A challenging commandment

Imagine at Mass this Sunday after the Creed, the deacon turns to the General Intercessions and starts praying for our enemies. He prays to God for the insurgents in Iraq. He prays for Osama bin Laden. He intercedes for the Taliban and al-Qaida. Would we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer” or walk out in disgust? Maybe if we showed love for our enemies and prayed for our persecutors as Jesus commanded, it would lead to an end of the violence and bring our soldiers home. It couldn’t hurt.

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”