Church of Saint Philip Neri,

Pennsburg, PA 18073

April 5, 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

Today we begin Holy Week. This has always been a special time for me. The Church offers us so much spiritual nourishment during this time that it is sometimes overwhelming for me. I don’t mean just attending the liturgies themselves, but more specifically the graces which God gives us as we walk with Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, share His last Passover Supper with His Apostles and keep watch as He prays in anguish in the garden on Holy Thursday then suffers the insult, humiliation and scourging at His trial, walk with Jesus on that painful road to Calvary and witness His brutal execution on the cross on Good Friday. But most importantly, we witness His glorious resurrection on Easter. I have always tried to place myself in the midst of all of these scenes. In doing so I gain a greater appreciation every year of the love our merciful Father has for each of us.

However, as I look forward to Holy Week 2009 I want to share with you something that happened to me a few weeks ago. I had stopped into a church for Reconciliation. The little chapel was quiet. There were four or five men lined up along the wall waiting for their turn in the confessional. After a minute of prayer I joined them. As I stood there I thought about my sins and what I wanted to say to the priest. Finally my turn came. After making my confession the priest gave me absolution then handed me a card. It read: Personal integrity before God, without any disguises or pretensions, is the essence of desert spirituality.

The priest asked me if that made sense to me. I was so amazed at how much sense it did make to me. What really struck me was the notion of personal integrity before God. I became extremely aware that I cannot hide from God. Of course I have always known this but it seemed especially real right then. I cannot stand, sit, run or hide without God knowing my every move, my motives, my desires and my needs.

All of this helped me realize just how important Holy Week is to me. I am not called to walk behind Jesus or watch from a distance as He prays, suffers, dies and rises in glory. I am called to be one with Him. I must suffer and die so that I can share His glory in the resurrection. While none of this is new to me, I suddenly was blessed with a realization that was so intense that it seemed like everything made much more sense. All of the events of Holy Week are meant for me, and you, to fully stand before God with out any disguises or pretensions as we accompany Jesus and share His passion, death and resurrection.

It is my sincere hope that you will set aside as much time as you can to be with us as we observe, remember and celebrate Christ’s saving acts. On Holy Thursday we commemorate the Institution of the Eucharist and priesthood. Our Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins at 7:30 PM. It is followed by a Eucharistic procession from the church to the rectory chapel where we will keep vigil with Jesus until 11:00 PM. On Good Friday we will have our Passion Service which includes veneration of the cross and Holy Communion beginning at 7:30 PM. Then on Saturday evening at 8:00 PM we will celebrate the great Easter Vigil. This is absolutely the most beautiful liturgy of the year. Yes, it is long, but if you take the time to attend you will see just how grace-filled this celebration is. We begin with the lighting of the new fire – Christ, our Light illumines our world darkened by sin and death. Then as we read from sacred scripture we trace our roots as God’s chosen people and witness the love and mercy which God shows toward His sinful children. We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection by baptizing and confirming those who have been preparing for full participation in the Church. We celebrate the Eucharist with them as they make their First Holy Communion in our midst.

For years now I have set aside these three days so that I could be with all who desire to die and rise with our Lord during this Holy Week. I hope you will join us. It is my prayer that all of you will be blessed by the graces that come from uniting yourself with our Lord at this most holy season. God bless you and I love you all.

Deacon Mike Franks.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Holy Thursday, April 9^th: No morning Mass

Mass of the Last Supper: 7:30 pm in Church

(Adoration in the Chapel Thursday evening – 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm)

Good Friday, April 10^th: No Mass

Morning prayer in the Chapel at 8:00 am

Adoration in the Chapel from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm

Veneration of the Cross and Communion at 7:30 pm in Church

Holy Saturday, April 11^th: No morning Mass

Morning prayer in the Chapel at 8:00 am

Decorating Church for Easter – 10:00 am

Blessing of Easter Food in Church at 1:00 pm

Easter Vigil Mass: Church – 8:00 pm

Easter Sunday Masses: April 12^th

7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

Daily Masses during Easter Week will be in Church

Confessions for Holy Week:

Wednesday, April 8^th – Church – 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

Four priests will be available for the sacrament of reconciliation.

EASTER MASSES

There is no 5:00 PM Vigil for Easter. The Easter Vigil Mass is in Church at 8:00 PM.

Masses on Easter Sunday:

April 12^th – 7:30 am; 9:30 am; 11:30 am

Please note: The 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday has been moved on Easter Sunday to 11:30 AM.

CONFESSIONS ON HOLY WEEK

Confessions of Holy Week will be heard on Wednesday, April 8^th in Church from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Four (4) priests will be available for Confession.

GOOD FRIDAY MINISTERIUM SERVICE

April 10^th

We will beging walking and praying the Stations of the Cross from St. Philip Neri School in East Greenville at 12 noon. The gathering of all Churches will take place at St. Mark’ Lutheran Church with a 1:00 pm Service.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Prayers, devotions and Adoration in Church from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

DIOCESAN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The Archdiocesan Capital Campaign continues here at St. Philip Neri. The goal given to us by the Archdiocese is $720,000. To date, we have pledged $386,000; 54% of our goal thus far.

The Campaign continues for two more months!

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.

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil

8:00 pm – John Nash Pete Frank

Monica Nash Mark Meinzer

Pat Kennedy M. Gehringer

Sarah Franks Matt Horvath

Pat Meinzer

Linda Franks

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord

7:30 am – Dave Moser Theresa Gilmore

Trudy Moser John Gilmore

Priest

Deacon

Mike Duka

Immaculata Barndt

9:30 am – Ken Mayer Joe Cassarella

Marilynn Mayer Terry Benner

Priest

Deacon

Marci Jaman

Andrew Souder

11:30 am – DJ Williams Eileen Davis

Sandy Williams Jim Brinckman

Priest

Mary Lavin

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

Serving at Mass April 19

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

Divine Mercy Sunday

5:00 pm – Alice Swift Ed Tryon

LaRue Emmell

Priest

John Burke

Teri Boone

Dave Boone

7:30 am – Lori Brozena Pete Frank

Dina Corrado E. Quatrani

Priest

Michele Martin

Peter D’Amico

Trish Dornisch

9:30 am – Christine Adelsberger Larry Concio

Stephan Adelsberger Matt Horvath

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Mary Godshall

Stephanie Greczek

Jenny Josko

Bill Gurgick

Lisa Gurgick

Christine Kemp

Lester Kemp

11:00 am – Sarah Franks D. McCausland

Bill Orr M. Charlton

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Marlene Leidy

Kevin Charlton

Maryanne Charlton

Amanda Charlton

Mary Goodfellow

Joshua Hewitt

Lillian Hewitt

LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE

Second Quarter 2009

Liturgical Ministers who do not have computers or web capability, paper copies are now available in the back of the church for pick up. Please be sure to pick up your copy.

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, 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, Michael Andrusko, Betty Risko, Christine Keer. Anna Rickert, Robert Joseph Drelick, Hilda Stine, Donald Abramo Sr., James Abramo & Christine Erb.

For those who have died, and in particular for Santa Maria Plonski & Eva Shosh, grant them eternal rest and peace.

CHAPEL OPEN FOR VISITS

Our chapel is open Monday thru Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

MASS BOOK

The 2009 Mass Book is now filled for Mass Intentions. Unannounced Masses are always available.

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

April 5, 2009

Monday, April 6

8:00 am – For the Gift of Life Donors (Mike Heveran)

Tuesday, April 7

8:00 am – Richard & Mildred Matus,

Richard & Alex Matus

Wednesday, April 8

12:10 pm – Mass in Church

Andre Welter, (Bob & Pat Kanya)

7:00 pm – Gordon Heckler, (Leanette & Calvin Jones)

Thursday, April 9

8:00 am – No morning Mass

7:30 pm – Mass of the Last Supper – No Intentions

Friday, April 10

8:00 am – No morning Mass

7:30 pm – Passion – Veneration of the Cross –

Communion, No Intention

Saturday, April 11

8:00 am – no morning Mass

1:00 pm – Blessing of Easter Food – Church

8:00 pm – Easter Vigil Mass – No Intention

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord – April 12

7:30 am – No Intention

9:30 am - No Intention

11:30 am –No Intention

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.

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.

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

There is no Bingo on Thursday, April 9^th.

Bingo will resume on Thursday, April 16^th.

Bingo: 03/26/09 – 53 players

Kitchen: $ 204.25

Games: 63.75

Total: $ 268.00

Fish Fry: $ 846.00

Attention: Volunteers needed at Bingo once or twice a month to sell the Nevada Pull-tab tickets on Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Call Shirley at the rectory office if interested.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

March 30, 2008 March 29, 2009

Envelopes: $ 9,009.00 $ 8,709.00

Loose 1,630.00 1,067.00

Children 73.46 77.00

Total: $10,712.46 $ 9,853.00

Easter Flowers: $ 1,434.00

MEETINGS & EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, April 5^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, April 5^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Church – during the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, April 5^th – Youth Ministry – gym – 5:00 pm

Sunday, April 5^th- Men’s 30 & over basketball – 8:00 pm

Monday, April 6^th – Pre-Jordan (Baptismal Class) – rectory – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, April 7^th – SPN Craft Guild – gym – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, April 7^th – Garden Club – Church grounds 5-7pm

Tuesday, April 7^th – Choir & Cantor Practice in Church – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, April 7^th – Little Flowers Girls’ Club – Neri Center – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, April 7^th - Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 8^th – Grade School Noon dismissal

Wednesday, April 8^th – No PREP Religious Education class

Wednesday, April 8^th – Confessions – Church – 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm with visiting priests

Thursday, April 9^th – Mass of The Last Supper – Church – 7:30 pm

Thursday, April 9^th – No Bingo

Friday, April 10^th – Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Communion - Church – 7:30 pm

Saturday, April 11^th – Decorating Church for Easter – 10am

Saturday, April 11^th–Blessing of Easter Food –Church-1pm

Saturday, April 11^th – Easter Vigil Mass – Church – 8:00 pm

Sunday, April 12^th – No Children’s Liturgy of the Word or Little Church

Sunday, April 12^th-Easter Masses: 7:30 am;9;30am;11:30am

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Elizabeth Ministry Meeting – Tuesday, April 14^th – 7:00 pm – Neri Center

Home & School Board Meeting – April 15^th – 7pm - rectory

Cub Parent Meeting – Wednesday, April 15^th – 6:00 pm - Neri Center

Knights of Columbus General Meeting – Sunday, April 19^th – 7:30 pm – rectory

Liturgy Committee Meeting – Monday, April 20^th – 7:00 pm – rectory

Pastoral Council Meeting – Tuesday, April 21^st – 7:00 pm – rectory

Car Show Committee Meeting – Wednesday, April 22^nd – rectory – 7:00 pm

Carnival Committee Meeting – Monday, April 27^th – 7:00 pm – rectory

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

April 8 – no class

April 12 – Easter

April 15 – class

April 22 – class

April 22 – First Communion Practice –

Church – 6:15 pm

April 25 – First Holy Communion

April 29 – Last class

May 6 – Marian May Procession

SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL REGISTRATION – 2009 - 2010

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.

PARISH NEWS

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE

FRIENDLY VISITOR UPDATE

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. Sirach 6:14. Are you willing to be of service to one of God’s people by lending a listening ear and making small conversation in order to lift spirits? You would be developing a valuable friendship with another parishioner who is lonely and homebound. The rewards are immeasurable. Call Shirley at the rectory: 215-679-9275, or Sister Patricia Kelly at the Outreach Office: 215-679-2282. Speak slowly, please.

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.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY UPDATE

Sharing our love through positive action; an Elizabeth Minister makes a commitment to celebrate new life, to support families with young children, to encourage those trying to become new parents and to comfort those in crisis and death circumstances. The role of Elizabeth Ministers is not to do the extraordinary, but to engage the ordinary with an extraordinary degree of love.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 14, 2009, in the Neri Center at 7:00 pm. Come meet us.

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.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

ATTENTION!

“Come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” Are you heavily burdened because of grief over the death of a loved one? Is your heart heavy with grief? Is it difficult to “get on” with your life without your loved one?

What might be a help to you, and to others, is to come to our Bereavement Support Group beginning on Tuesday mornings, April 14, 2009 and ending on Tuesday morning, May 12^th. Meetings will be from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the Parish Outreach Office in the rectory building.

Call the Parish Outreach Office at 215-679-2282 on or before April 7^th if you plan to attend. If no answer, speak slowly; leave your name and number. Please say your phone number twice.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM:

The Parish Outreach Office:

If you are having extreme difficulty paying for your prescriptions, I have the phone numbers of several pharmaceutical companies that will give them to you FREE, if you qualify. If interested, please call Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T. at the Parish Outreach Office at: 215-679-2282.

If no answer, please speak slowly and leave your name and phone number.

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, April 13th 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, on the First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm - April 7th, May 5th, & June 2nd.

For more information, 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 - April 21^st, May 19^th & June 30^th.

This program maps out virtues for boys ages 5 and up.

For more information, call Bill Orr: 215-679-8223.

GREETER SCHEDULES

The second quarter schedule is now available. Those with computer capability can go to the website; paper copies can be picked up in the small room off the vestibule.

NEWLY REGISTERED FAMILIES

January – March 2009

We welcome the following new parishioners into our parish Family here at St. Philip Neri!

The Beckur Family The Haselbarth Family

The Benhardt Family The Holsinger Family

The Bevington Family The Kent Family

The Butler Family The McAndrews Family

The Durkin Family The McKiernan Family

The Grier Family The Santos Family

The Guertin Family The Slowick Family

OUR PARISH BULLETIN NEEDS YOUR HELP!

It is free and provides important revenues to our parish.

Please have your Business, Service or Practice recommend to all our parish families with an AD supporting our Bulletin.

Please call Jim Finnen at your earliest convenience on his cell phone or home phone number:

Cell phone: 610-653-2145

Home phone: 610-838-2238

It is one of the few, inexpensive local advertising opportunities left in our area and your parish thanks you!

CHICKEN BARBQUE & BAKE SALE

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Saturday – May 2, 2009

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Advanced tickets available for purchase by calling Rita: 215-679-7009, Connie: 610-287-9829 or Joan: 215-234-4813.

FLYER Insert to follow in the next week or so.

Sponsored by the SPN Craft Guild

SILVER SPIRIT SOCIAL

On Sunday, May 3^rd, at 1:00 pm in the parish Social Hall, we invite you to attend a social hour to share ides and thoughts as to where you would like to travel to; whether it be a Dinner Show or a Broadway Show or even a Sports Event.

We have collected lots of information to share with you; so please bring your ideas to this meeting and we can see where the bus goes next!

Light refreshments will be served.

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#: _________________________________________

HOME & SCHOOL NEWS

The Texas Hold’em Event scheduled for Saturday, April 18^th, has been cancelled. The Home & School is truly sorry that we cannot run the Event as planned and apologizes for any inconvenience this causes you. In place of the Event, we have planned a Family Fest. Plese consider bringing your games and crafts.

There will be food and drinks for sale during the “Fest”.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

THANK YOU

The Home & School would like to thank all of the people who helped with our Fundraiser; “A Night With The Stars” either by attending or donating an item to the Event. Your generosity will help to enrich the curriculum at St. Philip Neri Elementary School. We are going to use the money raised to continue our efforts to provide the students of St. Philip Neri with state-of-the-art technology. This will allow them to access information from around the world and present that information in new and exciting ways. The money will also be used to enhance learning by funding Assemblies and Presentations that will add to the lessons being taught in the classroom. We would not be able to do this without your help and are very grateful for it. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Thanks again for your kindness.

Georgine Heibeck

President – St. Philip Neri Home & School Association

PARISH GARAGE SALE

Our Parish Garage Sale will be held from 9:00 am to noon on Wednesday, May 6^th, Saturday, May 9^th, Wednesday, May 13^th, Saturday, May 16^th, Wednesday, May 20^th and Saturday, May 23^rd; and during the Carnival: May 27^th through May 31^st.

DONATIONS are needed; so start gathering those unused items and bring them to the garage behind the church between 9:00 am and 12 noon on the following Saturday’s: April 4^th, 11^th, 18^th & 25^th.

NO DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 4/25!

The following items will not be accepted: clothing, computers, exercise equipment, furniture, large appliances, outdated books (i.e. encyclopedias, medical books) televisions or stuffed animals.

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:

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

Wedding Anniversary Masses at the Cathedral:

The annual Wedding Anniversary Masses with Cardinal Justin Rigali will be on Sunday, May 3^rd in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. There are two Masses: 11:00 am for couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage from Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties; and 2:30 pm, for couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage from Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties, and couples celebrating 25 or more years of marriage from all counties. For those with disabilities, an access ramp is on the parking lot side of the Cathedral. Please contact the Family Life Office at: 215-587-3516 if someone will need special help.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Office of the Cardinal

April 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Each year we celebrate the day of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday as a day of prayer and fasting. It is a solemn day, contemplating the sacrifice which Jesus willingly undertook to redeem us from sin and death. It also has been our longstanding tradition as Catholics of the sacred sites of our redemption.

The present circumstances of the Christian community in the Holy Land continue to be fraught with tension, violence and terror. Our brothers and sisters there often feel isolated from the rest of the Church. Their numbers are small and their needs are great.

On behalf of those Christians and others in so much need, I seek your most generous and sacrificial support of the Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land on April 10, 2009. I know that God our Father will reward your generosity beyond all measure.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

AREA NEWS

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 or if you have any questions, please contact Dawn Ellis at: 215-679-2160.

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

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Have that empty feeling?

When we think of heroes we usually think of those who save people through their use of power or force, those who establish empires, those who dominate the competition—think Superman, Alexander the Great, Michael Jordan. But Jesus broke the mold when it comes to heroes. He shows us another way to live a heroic life: emptying ourselves in service to others—think Mother Teresa, Saint Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Oscar Romero. The Easter story teaches us that when we pour ourselves out for the sake of others, our resulting “emptiness” allows us to rise to the very heavens.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 50:40-7;

Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39

“He emptied himself . . . . Because of this, God greatly exalted him.”

Monday, April 6

Monday of Holy Week

Try a little tenderness

Images of Jesus and Mary abound, but one in particular speaks volumes about the compassion and affection that characterized their relationship: Our Lady of Tenderness. The iconic image shows the child Jesus nestled in his mother’s embrace, his cheek touching hers. It not only warms the heart but calls us to be women and men of tenderness. The church models that when we anoint one another with oil or ashes, when we clasp hands or embrace at the sign of peace. Tenderness is a way of being that allows us to let others know that they matter, that they are loved, however inwardly bruised or broken they may be. In what way might you be called to tender love of another?

Today’s readings: Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.”

Tuesday, April 7

Tuesday of Holy Week

Come! Live in the light!

Jesus makes it clear to Peter and the rest of his disciples that they will follow him. Following Jesus, the light of the world, is the call of all Christians. What does it mean to follow the Lord? The prophet Micah puts it simply: To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (6:8). Unsure you’re equal to the task? Take small steps each day toward the light by acknowledging a mistake, forgiving an offense, or letting go of an argument. Soon light will shine from you.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38

“I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Wednesday, April 8

Wednesday of Holy Week

We’ve met the enemy

So how have you done so far this Lent? How many times did you bail out of your Lenten give-ups? How often were you willing to just let it go for the sake of something you really liked, or because the situation called for it, or because it just sort of happened? Human nature being what it is, it doesn’t take much for us to throw our good intentions under the bus, kind of like Judas tossed Jesus to the wolves. Thirty pieces of silver wasn’t a bad payday. But it changed the life of Judas forever. Lent is supposed to be a time when we allow God to change our lives for the good. How are we doing?

Today’s readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a;

Matthew 26:14-25

“What will you give me if I betray him to you?”

Thursday, April 9

Holy Thursday

Guess who’s coming to dinner

Tonight, Christians worldwide commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper, which was a celebration of the Jewish Passover Seder meal that Jews celebrated last evening. Christian adaptations of the Seder meal are growing in popularity as a way to connect with our Jewish roots. Key elements of the Seder include lamb (pesach), unleavened bread (matzoh), bitter herbs (moror), green herbs dipped in salt water, and haroseth, a mixture of chopped apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine that represents the mortar that Jews used to construct palaces during their Egyptian servitude. Wine is dipped into a common bowl for the four cups of blessing, representing “four different words for redemption, spoken by God to Moses.” “Christian” Seders held on Holy Thursday also commemorate the Word spoken by God for redemption of the world.

Today’s readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

“This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate.”

Friday, April 10

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

Life out of death

One of the reasons Jesus was able to die such an inwardly peaceful death is that he understood fully and deeply that he was the Son of God. He lived in keeping with that knowledge and accomplished all that he had come here to do. Thus Jesus was able to die gracefully, without regret, and even forgive those who had crucified him. We are all going to die some day. But rare is the person who, like Jesus, remembers this fact and draws inspiration from it each day. Today and throughout the Easter season we might practice the habit of asking, “What do I want to be true at the end of my life?” and live accordingly.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

“When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Saturday, April 11

Holy Saturday

In service of the light

During the dramatic service of light at the beginning of the Easter Vigil, the priest lights the paschal candle with these words: “May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.” What is the darkness in your heart and mind? Now is the time to let go of the hurt, resentment, and anger you feel. Now is the time to allow the light of Christ to shine through you. Jesus suffered, died, and rose again so that you, personally, would experience freedom from all of the burdens you carry—so that you, personally, would know that salvation is yours. Now is the time to unchain your heart and mind.

Today’s readings: Genesis 1:1-2:2; Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus 14:15-15:1; Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11; Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Romans 6:3-11;

Mark 16:1-7

“We know that our old self was crucified with him . . . that we might no longer be in slavery to sin.”