Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg. PA 18073

March 8, 2009

Rev. Robert A. Roncase, Pastor

Deacon Michael J. Franks, Permanent Deacon

Rev. Edmond J. Speitel, Pastor Emeritus

Rev. John J. Scarcia, Retired Pastor

Rev. Raymond W. Smart, Retired, Resident

Shirley Misiak, Office Manager

Mark J. Meinzer, Business Manager

Catherine E. Faust, Director of Music

Patricia A. Schleeweiss, School Principal

Jeffrey W. Daley, Director of Religious Education

Colleen Daley, Parish Youth Minister

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

Rectory Phone 215.679.9275

Rectory Fax 215.679.0386

School Phone 215.679.7481

Religious Education Phone 215.541.3120

Religious Education Fax 215.541.1398

Parish Social Hall Phone 215.679.8116

Parish Outreach Phone 215.679.2282

Neri Center Phone 215-679-6490

Church & Rectory Address:

1325 Klinerd Road

Pennsburg, PA 18073

Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Email Address: spnofc@comcast.net

Website Address: www.spnparish.org

School Address:

6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville, PA 18041

Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Website Address: www.spnelementary.com

Religious Education Center Address

565 Main Street

East Greenville, PA 18041

Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Neri Center Address

6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville, PA 18041

ROSARY: Prayed every Saturday after the 8:00

AM Mass.

SCHEDULE OF MASSES

Saturday – Vigil Mass – 5:00 PM

Sunday – 7:30, 9:30, 11:00 AM

Weekdays – In the Chapel

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,

Friday & Saturday – 8:00 AM

Wednesday – 7:00 PM

HOLY DAYS:

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

Eve of Holy Days –5:00 PM

CHAPEL OPEN FOR VISITS

The Chapel will be opened Monday thru Saturday

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

CONFESSIONS

Saturdays: 4:00 – 4:45 PM

Eve of Holy Days: 4:15 – 4:45 PM

BAPTISMS

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

Please call the Rectory to schedule.

2^nd Sunday Baptisms are held at the

11:00 AM Mass

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

PRE-JORDAN CLASSES

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

Rectory meeting room.

MARRIAGES

Arrangements should be made at least SIX

MONTHS before the date of the wedding.

NEW PARISHIONERS

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

SHUT-INS

Please call the Parish Outreach Office.

SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING

Please call the Rectory.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

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

church, followed by Benediction.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

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

OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

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

WE PROCLAIM GOD’S HOPE AND LOVE TO ALL.

LET US PRAISE CHRIST TOGETHER

A year and a half ago, the Pastoral Council and I began to discuss the idea for a Parish Retreat. It had been some time since St. Philip Neri held a parish Mission. There are some well known Priests who conduct Parish Missions/Retreats and they are high in demand traveling throughout the United States and even foreign countries. Because of the high demand for these individuals, we knew we would have to plan way into the future. So in the Fall of 2007, we invited Father Dan Sullivan to come and conduct a retreat here at St. Philip Neri during Lent of 2009. Monsignor Sullivan responded with dates he had available and Topics for a Retreat/Mission.

We quickly responded to Father’s letter and chose the topic “Faces of Jesus”.

Time moves quickly and it will only be a few weeks now when this event planned so long ago will take place. A Parish Lenten Retreat is a time of blessing for a parish Community. It gives us the opportunity to grow into a deeper relationship with Christ; a truly spiritually-enriching experience. Monsignor Sullivan will preach all our Masses on the weekend of March 21^st/22^nd. Then on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, March 23^rd, 24^th, and 25^th at 7:00 pm in Church, Father will conduct our parish Retreat. I encourage all our families to come and join in this grace-filled event. Bring your friends and neighbors; together let us all grow and be renewed in Christ!

Praise Be Jesus Christ…Now and Forever!

Fr. Roncase

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.

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

Serving at Mass March 22nd

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dave Boone Ed Tryon

Teri Boone

Priest

Mark Meinzer

Pat Meinzer

7:30 am – Joan Varallo Theresa Gilmore

Walery Varalo John Gilmore

Priest

Deacon

Paul Moser

Maureen Moser

Michele Martin

Chuck Rodgers

Mike Heveran

Jim Michels

Trish Dornisch

Keith Greczek

9:30 am – Christine Kemp Joe Cassarella

Lester Kemp Larry Concio

Priest

Deacon

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

Bill Orr

Mary Ellen Paulk

Marianne Peters

Sharon Shaak

Andrew Souder

Michael Sledgen

11:00 am – Bob Schwind D. McCausland

Barbara Schwind Adam Canigiani

Priest

Anita Weilnau

DJ Williams

Sandy Williams

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, & Pat Scheerbaum.

For those who have died, and in particular for Catherine Galluppi, grant them eternal rest and peace.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

March 8, 2009

Monday, March 9, Frances of Rome

8:00 am – James Engle, (Mr. & Mrs. Francis Grim)

Tuesday, March 10

8:00 am – George Nerf, (Mary Swannie)

Wednesday, March 11

12:10 pm – Mass in Church –

Special Intention for Ken Ruck, (Joe Morlock)

7:00 pm – Gordon Heckler, (Clark & Barbara Robinson)

Thursday, March 12

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

Friday, March 13

8:00 am –William & Florence Lampart, (Ed & Joan Lampart)

7:00 pm –Stations of the Cross - Church

Saturday, March 14

8:00 am – Joseph Rudzenski, (Jennie Virus)

5:00 pm – Charles Streeper, (Daughter Nancy & family)

Sunday, March 15

7:30 am – John Heveran, (Mike Heveran & family)

9:30 am – For the living & deceased members of the Parish

11:00 am – Ben Weidman, (Dolores, Jack, Debbie & Jennifer)

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.

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 Debra Lee Steffenino, requested by:

John & Martha Edwards

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 12^th – Team #2

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: 02/26/09 – 59 players

Kitchen: $ 222.25

Games: 67.75

Total: $ 290.00

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

March 2, 2008 March 1, 2009

Envelopes - $ 9,271.00 $ 9,608.00

Loose - 960.00 923.00

Children - 86.00 68.00

Total: $10,317.00 $ 10,599.00

Special Collection – Ash Wednesday:

$3,030.00

MEETINGS & EVENTS THIS WEEK

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

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

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

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

Monday, March 9^th – Pre-Jordan Baptismal Class – rectory – 7:30 pm (cancelled last week)

Tuesday, March 10^th – Hoagie Sale – gym – 12-6 pm

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

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

Wednesday, March 11^th – Alpha – Gym – 10:00 am

Wednesday, March 11^th – Lenten Mass – Church – 12:10pm

Wednesday, March 11^th – Grade School Stations of the Cross – Church – 1:00 pm

Wednesday, March 11^th – PREP Religious Education – School – 6:30 pm

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

Wednesday, March 11^th – Lenten Confessions – Church – 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm

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

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

Thursday, March 12^th – Cub Scout Den Meeting – School – 6:45 pm

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

Thursday, March 12^th – Diocesan Capital Campaign reception – Neri Center – 7:00 pm

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

Friday, March 13^th – Lenten Fish Fry – gym – 11am-2pm

Friday, March 13^th – Stations of the Cross – Church – 7pm

Saturday, March 14^th – Knights of Columbus – Come-n-Go Bingo – gym – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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

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

Sunday, March 15^th – Diocesan Capital Campaign Reception – Neri Center – 4:00 pm

Sunday, March 15^th – Men’s 30 and Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

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

Carnival Committee Meeting – Monday – March 30^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

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

Knights of Columbus Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 4^th – Church grounds – 10:00 am

Garden Club Spring clean-up – Saturday, April 4^th – Church grounds – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

Week of February 23^rd & March 2nd

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.

Preschool – On Ash Wednesday, we talked about Jesus’ great love and how we can show love to others during Lent. The children enjoyed studying about sound and vibration in Science.

Kindergarten – This week the Kindergarten continued with their silhouettes just like the Presidents’. They wrote what they would do if they were the President.

1st – The first graders will be getting ready for Easter! During Lent they will try to do more things that show they love God and others. First Grade will also learn about their five senses and identify the parts of their body that goes with their senses.

2nd – Our class will be making Lent a time when they walk with Jesus through prayer and sacrifice. In Math, we are exploring the characteristics of solid and plane figures and discovering that our world is full of them.

3rd – On Ash Wednesday, the students filled out letter cards. Students wrote one thing they will give up and one thing they want to work on during Lent. Then throughout the forty days they will check off whether or not they have accomplished these goals. In Math class, we started division. Students are doing a great job relating these division facts to multiplication facts.

4th – Before preparing for Lent by making sacrifices and choosing to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, we had a last Hoorah Mardi Gras parade. We wore masks, carried flags and sang a few rounds of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Fourth graders are memorizing the Preamble to the Constitution and discussing its very important words.

5th – The Fifth graders are preparing for Lent. We are participating in the school parade and planning to do something to become a better person by the end of Lent.

6th – Literature Circles are in full swing! The students have chosen their books and weekly jobs. In addition, we are learning about pyramids.

7th – The seventh graders are working on completing their science fair projects and research papers. Please come to see our Science Fair open house at 7:00 pm on Wednesday March 4th.

8th – The Eighth grade are preparing for Lent by discussing acts of service and penance. We also have been making rosaries for a mission in India and for the parish’s St. Elizabeth group.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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

New E-mail addresses for Liturgical Ministers

Please note that the e-mail address for Liturgical Ministers (Lectors, servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) has changed. The new address is spnlm@verizon.net. This change is effective immediately. Please update your address book.

New E-mail address for “Ask Deacon Mike”

Please change the address for “Ask Deacon Mike” to deaconmikefranks@verizon.net.

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

EASTER EGG HUNT

Ages 1 to 11 years

At: St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Saturday – April 4, 2009

10:00 AM SHARP!

RAIN or SHINE

Sponsored by: The Knights of Columbus

A reminder to all parents: you are responsible to bring and pick up your child/children.

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.

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 at: 610-323-1127.

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 - April 7, May 5, & June 2.

Call Dana Orr at: 215-679-8223.

BLUE KNIGHTS

Blue Knights Catholic Boys 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.

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

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.

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

March is a great month to place a MARKET DAY order. Help us earn extra dollars this month during Dessert Bonus Days! Don’t forget, you will get a FREE insulated bag when you buy 3 qualifying desserts.

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

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:

3/9/09 - 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

Exerpts from A Place at the Table: A Pastoral Reflection of the U.S. Catholic Bishops

A Mission: With our Church under challenge, our nation confronted by terror, and our world haunted by conflict, why focus on issues of poverty and human dignity at this time?

Our Faith calls us to it: The Gospel and Catholic social teaching place our service of the poor and vulnerable and our work for justice at the center of Christian witness.

Our Nation needs it: A sixth of our children are growing up poor in the richest nation on earth. The blessings and burdens of American life are not being shared fairly.

Our World requires it: More than 30,000 children die every day from hunger, deprivation and their consequences. Disease and debt, corruption and conflict are threatening the lives and dignity of millions in our increasingly globalized world.

Our Salvation demands it: In Jesus’ description of the Last Judgement, the critical question is “What did you do for the least of these?” Jesus identified himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisioned, and the stranger, insisting that when we serve them, we serve Him.

Our Actions can make a difference: In the face of these challenges, our community of faith must continue to preach the Gospel and pursue the Church’s evangelizing and social mission. We can help shape a world where the lives and dignity of all people are respected and protected.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD MINISTRIES

Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. The retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment in which women and men can express and reconcile their painful post-abortive emotions and begin the process of healing and renewal.

The next local Rachel’s Vineyard retreat will be held on March 13-15 at the Villa Maria House of Studies in Immaculata, Pa. For more information or to register, please contact Priscilla at: 215-906-6337 or Gerri at: 610-399-0890. Financial assistance is available if necessary.

MASS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Annual Archdiocesan Eucharistic Liturgy with Persons with Disabilities, The Deaf Community, Family, Friends and Caregivers is scheduled for Sunday, March 22^nd at 2:30 pm at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter & Paul, Philadelphia. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the principal celebrant and homilist. There will be a light reception immediately following. All are welcome.

Please contact the Department for Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate at: 215-587-3530 (voice), 215-587-3913 (v/tty/vp) or email: PCPDDEAF@adphila.org.

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.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Malvern Retreat House – Malvern, PA

“MEETING JESUS: One is never the Same”

If you are looking for a special “time out” with God, this is your opportunity to renew your personal relationship with God, self and others!

A women’s retreat will be held on May 15^th thru May 17^th at the Family Life Center. The Family Life Center can accommodate 96 women; therefore, it is important to register early. ALL ARE WELCOME! MARK YOUR CALENDAR. The cost of the weekend is $195.00 (a $50 deposit is all that is necessary to hold a reservation). If you wish to register for the weekend of if you have any questions, please contact Dawn Ellis at: 215-679-2160.

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.

MARRIAGE HELP

Retrouvaille is a Catholic based program to help marriages that are stressed or in trouble. Retrouvaille has helped countless married couples in all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage. Retrouvaille can help your marriage, too. The next program will be held at St. Joseph in the Hills Malvern Retreat Center, Malvern, PA on April 17-19. All calls are confidential.

For more information, call 800-470-2230, 302-832-8044 or visit the website at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

Lansdale Catholic Registration for 2009: LC continues to accept registrations to the Class of 2013 as well as transfer students.

You may download an application by visiting www.lansdalecatholic.com/admission_faq.htm or contact Mrs. Kris Cope, Admissions Director at: 215-362-6160, ext. 194.

Lansdale Catholic 7^th Grade Practice Exam: LC will be holding their annual 7^th grade practice Scholarship Exam on Saturday, March 14^th at 8:00 am. Please call Kris Cope at: 215-362-6160 or email at: kcope@lansdalecatholic.com if you would like an application mailed to your student. All students from public, private or home school are eligible to take this test.

Lansdale Catholic’s Annual Senior Citizen Prom – attention: DATE CHANGE – Sunday, March 8^th – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the LC gym. Tickets are $10 each.

Lansdale Choreographer’s Concert will be held March 13^th & 14^th at 7:00 pm and on March 15^th at 2:00 pm. For more information, call Student Activities at: 215-362-6160, ext. 126.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

3104 Main Street – Sumneytown

Presents:

The Singing Boys of Pennsylvania

SPRING CONCERT

Sunday – March 8^th – 7:00 pm

CHICKEN POT PIE DINNER

Saturday – March 14^th

(snow date: March 21^st)

3:00 pm – 7:0 pm

Pennsburg UCC

$8.50/adult, $9.00/take out

$4.50/ages 6-12

Children 5 & under - FREE

“HOMEMADE” CHICKEN POT PIE SUPPER

Saturday – March 21^st

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Huff’s Union Church

540 Conrad Road – Alburtis

$7.00/adults, $5.00/children ages 6-12

Children 5 & under – FREE

Take-outs are available

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

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Second Sunday of Lent

Have you been to the mountaintop?

Was Jesus transformed, or were his disciples? These three friends of Jesus were not always the most perceptive bunch. They weren’t a particularly wise or well-schooled group of folks, especially when it came to formal religious training. But on one special day they glimpsed the truth about their friend and teacher. The story of Jesus’ transfiguration in front of Peter, James, and John serves as inspiration and promise that we, too, can catch a glimpse of God’s glory, regardless of our walk of life or prior training. All that is required is a willingness to follow Jesus to the mountaintop.

Today’s readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10

“Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here!’ ”

Monday, March 9

Feast of Frances of Rome, religious

Make the most of mercy

Seeking mercy for others even when none has been shown you is a sure sign of holiness. Saint Frances of Rome (1384-1440) suffered tremendous trials, including the death of two of her children, her husband injured in battle, another son exiled, and her family fortune seized. Through all her suffering Frances extended loving care to the poor and sick of Rome. One of the rare saints called an exemplary wife and mother, Frances was an extraordinary neighbor as well. She rejected a noble’s life of frivolity and, instead, chose to dedicate herself to the service of others during a time of war, famine, and plague. What tender mercies can you offer today?

Today’s readings: Daniel 9:4b-10;

Luke 6:36-38

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged.”

Tuesday, March 10

Lenten weekday; Jewish Feast of Purim

Saturday for the soul

A lot of us put off chores till Saturday, when we have more time to straighten up the living room, punch some pillows, gather up the newspapers, and sort through the mail. Isaiah issues the invitation today to set things right internally as well as externally. When do we ever observe a Saturday for the soul? Gathering and sorting are spiritual matters as much as material ones. And, yes, sometimes we may need to resort to a little straightening up, too. As our Jewish friends celebrate Purim with charitable works, let’s reflect on how we might “set things right” closer to home.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12

“Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord.”

Wednesday, March 11

Lenten weekday

The ladder of success

“Does a ladder go up or down?” a child asked. Good question! The answer depends on where you happen to be positioned in relationship to it. When it comes to the Christian journey, the ladder most certainly goes down, at least at first. Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped, as Paul tells us in his Letter to the Philippians. Down to earth, down into our humanity, and down into suffering, death, and the tomb is the trajectory Jesus took. He could therefore teach from experience that the one who wishes to be great must be the servant of all. Seek every chance to serve.

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28

“Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.”

Thursday, March 12

Lenten weekday

Tapping your generous spirit

It is tempting at a time of economic downturn to focus only on your own financial challenges and security. The instinct is to become less generous, not more so. But our own hard times, no matter how stressing, pale in comparison to the daily struggle for survival in many parts of the world. Many of the world’s poorest, for example, must spend hours each day just to obtain a few gallons of water. The next time you turn on the tap in your home, say a short prayer for the world’s poorest. And if you want to take the next step, Catholic Relief Services will show you how: Visit www.crs.org.

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10;

Luke 16:19-31

“A poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table.”

Friday, March 13

Lenten weekday

Coming at you!

Wouldn’t it be great if there were such things as “Lenten 3-D glasses” that we could wear every year from Ash Wednesday until Easter? They would make distractions disappear into the background and the things that are really important—like faith in God, love of our neighbor, and care for the Earth—pop out. Of course those lenses don’t exist, but the traditional practices of Lent, that is, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, have the potential to produce similar results. When observed with the right spirit these disciplines help us ignore the hype and noise of our culture and make it possible to see more clearly the true value of people and things. How is your Lent going?

Today’s readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes!”

Saturday, March 14

Lenten weekday

Rightness is not righteousness

The story of the prodigal son is one of Jesus’ best, and one in which many can find themselves: the errant one who has come to his or her senses at last and is coming home, afraid it may be too late. Jesus seems, however, to point even beyond the father’s breathtaking forgiveness for the son who has come home. There is that other son. That’s the one we have to be worried about and be careful we do not become. The younger son, embarrassed and contrite (mostly), has accepted a love he may not even understand, but the righteousness (dare we say self-righteousness?) of the elder son (who has always done everything right) may be breaking away from his father in a far more destructive way.

Today’s readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

“And when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him.”