Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

August 9, 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 in the Chapel

Every Saturday after the 8:00 AM Mass

Every 2^nd Monday at 1:00 PM

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

During the summer months, a great portion of our maintenance work is accomplished on our buildings. This year, is the case again. Two major Projects have been taking place during these warm summer months. The first has been the outside painting of the old rectory in East Greenville. It has become quite an eyesore. Some of our high school students under the direct of Mr. Dave Moser have been busy scraping and painting. It is safe to say that this needed to be done. One high school student, Tyler Moser, (Dave’s son) is involved in the Project. The last time this building was painted was by Dave when he was his son Tyler’s age. Well over 25 years ago! The boys are doing a great job!

A second Project taking place is also over on our East Greenville property. The school and Old Convent windows are being replaced. The windows on these buildings are the original from the 1950’s and were in very bad shape. By the beginning of the September School Year, this Project will have been completed. These buildings will then have energy efficient windows that are functional. It’s not that I like spending money, believe me I would rather save money. However, when our property is in much needed repair and cleaning, money needs to be spent and action taken.

PS: Our Knights of Columbus have been busy this summer, also. The outdoor Stations of the Cross in our woods should be completed in a few weeks. They are impressive and I’m sure will be used by many for prayer and the honor and Glory of God!

Praise Be Jesus Christ…Now and forever!

Fr. Roncase

FEAST of the ASSUMPTION

August 15^th

The Holy Day of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary this year is on Saturday, August 15^th. Because it falls on a Saturday, there is no obligation to attend Mass. The only Mass on this day is 8:00 am in the Chapel.

Serving at Mass August 16^th

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Michael Edleman Ed Tryon

Lisa Edleman

LaRue Emmell

Priest

Claire Holcombe

Marci Jaman

7:30 am – Michael Duka Joan Wieder

Mike Heveran Michael Lynch

Jim Michels

Priest

Stephan Adelsberger

Christine Adelsberger

9:30 am – Stephanie Greczek Terry Benner

Priest Wendy Benner

Deacon

Priest

Bill Gurgick

Lisa Gurgick

11:00 am – Anna Kells D. McCausland

Priest Adam Canigiani

Deacon

Priest

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

Serving at Mass August 23^rd

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm - Janet Kendra Ernie Quatrani

Alice Swift

Priest

Pat Kennedy

Diane Kennedy

7:30 am – Michele Martin Theresa Gilmore

Peter D’Amico John Gilmore

Priest

Deacon

Dina Corrado

Lori Brozena

9:30 am – Mary Godshall Matt Horvath

Michael Dougherty M. Gehringer

Jeff Daley

Priest

Eleanor Brennan

Bob Brennan

11:00 am – Kevin Charlton Eileen Davis

Maryanne Charlton Michele Charlton

Amanda Charlton

Priest

Jeanne Hermley

Bob Hermley

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 9, 2009

Monday, August 10, Lawrence, deacon & martyr

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith, (Estate)

Tuesday, August 11, Clare, virgin

8:00 am – George Dykie, (Tom & Traci O’Connor)

Wednesday, August 12, Jane Frances de Chantal

7:00 pm – Sung Suh, (Sung Suh & Sun He Suh)

Thursday, August 13, Pontian, pope & martyr,

Hippolytus, priest & martyr

8:00 am – For all those enrolled

in the Memorial Society.

Friday, August 14, Maximillian Mary Kolbe,

8:00 am – Tom Virus

Saturday, August 15, Assumption of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

8:00 am – George Dykie, (Amy Vakil)

5:00 pm – Creamer & Miller Families,

(Alan & Jean Miller)

Sunday, August 16

7:30 am – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

9:30 am – Frank Beck,

(John, Monica, Jack & Emily Nash)

11:00 am – Gordon Heckler, (Francis & Delia Grim)

FLORAL/ROSE ARRANGEMENT

The red rose placed on the Blessed Mother Altar is in memory of Carol Shaffer, requested by Sue Cimorelli.

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, Mary Conover, Barbara Duklis, Olga Durco, Baby Robert John Riegel, Jr., Kelly Connolly, Robert Rukstalis, Mary Ann Bencie, Frances Cannon, Josh Frumnecht, Steven Gebhardt, Ann Bowdren, Jack Cahill, Dianna Rynkiewicz, Ethel Buck, Gary Lester Keller, Michael Andrusko, Betty Risko, Christine Keer, Robert Joseph Drelick, Hilda Stine, Joe Johnson, Baby Lucy Littlefield, Charlotte Azarovich, George Bradford, Margie Shelley, Matthew Melcher, Rick DeStefano, Catherine Wlazelek, Viola Kavacky, Debbie Proffit, Elizabeth Hardy, Tom Healy, Kathleen Sturgeon, John Zan, Mark & Margaret Clark, Bill Engle, Carrie Desetto, Anthony Bodgon, Jean Miller, Agnes Josko & Rose Denyan.

For those who have died, and in particular for Patricia Cody & Dovie May, grant them eternal rest and peace.

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 - Our next meeting will be: Tuesday, August 4^th. 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 Joe Smith at: 484-824-4364.

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.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

August 3, 2008 August 2, 2009

Envelope: $ 8,408.15 $ 8,524.50

Loose: 1,325.00 964.00

Children: 59.20 74.00

Total: $ 9,792.35 $ 9,562.50

Special:

Heating & Airconditioning $ 1,653.50

JULY MONTHLY EXPENSES

Salaries: $ 48,795.94

Electric: 2,621.00

Telephone: 379.00

Insurance: Parish 5,671.00

Insurance: Medical 7,926.00

Trash: 535.00

Assessment: 16,000.00

Maintenance: 674.00

Water: 303.00

Total: $ 66,904.94

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

Kitchen opens 5:00 pm – Bingo – 6:30 pm

Working Thursday – August 13^th – Team #4

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: July 30th – 68 players

Games: $ 201.85

Kitchen: 255.60

Total: $ 457.45

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our next breakfast is Sunday – August 23^rd from 7:00 am to 12:30 pm in the gym.

Save the date and mark your calendars!

BAKED GOODS NEEDED

Baked Goods needed weekly for Bingo and monthly for parish Breakfast.

If anyone is willing to donate some goodies for the Bingo and Breakfast, please call Rita at: 215-679-7009 or the rectory office: 215-679-9275.

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 Lloyd Rothenberger, requested by:

Trish Dornisch, Pete & Linda Frank,

Saint Philip Neri Church Bingo Committee,

Joe & Viola Kavacky, and Ken & Rita Latshaw.

In memory of Hazel Baklarz, requested by:

Mrs. James Zaun

We also have “Living Memorials” for those special occasions in life.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, August 9^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, August 9^th – Knights of Columbus General Meeting – Rectory – 7:30 pm

Sunday, August 9^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm

Monday, August 10^th – SPN Quilting – gym – Meeting Room B – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Monday, August 10^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, August 10^th – Charismatic Prayer Group – in the Chapel at 7:00 pm

Tuesday, August 11^th – Garden Club – Church grounds – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Thursday, August 13^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Friday, August 14^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, August 14^th – SPN Quilting – gym – Meeting Room B – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Sunday, August 16^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, August 16^th – Men’s 30 and Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Finance Council Meeting – Monday, August 17^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Friendly Visitor’s General Meeting – Monday, August 17^th – gym – Meeting Rooms A&B – 7 pm

Bible Timeline Study – Monday, August 17^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Cub Parent Meeting – Wednesday, August 19^th – Neri Center – 6:00 pm

Parish Breakfast set-up – Saturday, August 22^nd – gym – 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

Parish Breakfast – Sunday, August 23^rd – gym – 7:00 am -12:30 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, 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.

Hurry, as we need to prepare for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year!

School begins on September 8th for Grades 1 to 8, September 11th for Kindergarten, September 14th for Pre K-4s, and September 15th for Pre K-3’s.

Please check out our website for any information about the 2009-10 school year at: www.spnelementary.com.

SCHOOL NEWS

A used Uniform Sale will be held on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Old Rectory. (currently Religious Ed office).

You can also use this time to drop off any uniforms you no longer need.

“Back to School" Packets and Volunteer Information will be distributed before or after each Mass on August 22nd - 23rd and August 29th - 30th in the vestibule at church. The packets will also be available at the Used Uniform Sale. If you are a volunteering parishioner, please stop by the vestibule and pick up your Volunteer Information.

The following volunteer positions are still open for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year.

Parents and parishioners: If you are interested in volunteering for any of these positions, please complete the Volunteer Form included in this Bulletin (page 12) and return it to the rectory or email Agnes O’Connor at: aoc73156@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

HOME ROOM PARENTS:

5^th Grade

6^th Grade

7^th Grade

LIBRARY AIDES:

Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday (AM only)

Check books in or out, shelve returned books

LUNCH MONITORS: 11:20 am – 12:40 pm

Monday, Grades K-3; Grades 4-8

Wednesday, Grades 4-8

Thursday, Grades 4-8

Friday, Grades 4-8

PARISH NEWS

RCIA NEWS

Our parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will begin the 2009-2010 instructional year in September. If you or someone you know would like more information about the Catholic Church or are interested in becoming a Catholic please call the rectory at (215) 679-9275. Your name will be given to Deacon Mike Franks who will then contact you with more information. If you were baptized Catholic but never received the other sacraments or if you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church or would like to develop a deeper understanding of the faith then the RCIA is for you, too.

If anyone would like to be a member of our teaching and facilitating team or possibly be a sponsor we would love to have you join us. Just let Deacon Mike Franks know.

FATHER RONCASE AWAY

Father Roncase will be away from the Rectory on vacation from Sunday, August 9^th returning Saturday afternoon, August 15^th.

CHURCH MINISTRY INSTITUTE

The Church Ministry Institute of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers a three-year certificate program designed to enrich the faith formation of adults. One specific goal of the program is to foster a greater knowledge and deeper appreciation of the Catholic Church and her teachings. It also prepares lay men and women for ministry and service to their parish or other Apostolates.

Sessions begin in September and end in May. Classes are held one evening a week from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Brochures outlining the program and the various locations are in the vestibule of the church.

If you are interested in attending the program or would like additional information, please contact the rectory at 215-679-9275.

BLUE KNIGHTS CATHOLIC CLUB

The Blue Knights Catholic Club is a boys' club aimed at teaching the truths of the Catholic faith to boys through Scripture, saints' biographies, sports/games, crafts and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

This program developed by Major Dan McGuire maps out nine virtues for boys ages 5 and up in the first year, and then follows up with three years covering nine catechetical lessons each.

The boys keep track of their progress by earning badges that form shields to proudly display on their Crusader breastplates. Each year also has its own colored cape (blue, green, red, or gold) to mark your Blue Knight's advancement through the program.

If you are interested in this program, please contact Bill Orr at 215-679-8223 or dana@goodnews4health.net

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE

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

The mission of Elizabeth Ministry is to support women of childbearing age. We support women emotionally and spiritually through various means. One of the means is the Mom to Mom Connection. On Sunday, September 13 from Noon to 2:00 p.m., treat yourself to two hours of companionship with each other in the Social Hall meeting room.

See our Flyer in this Sunday's bulletin for more details about our 3rd Mom-to-Mom Connection.

Meeting St. Paul Today

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Understanding the Man, His Mission, and His Message by Daniel J. Harrington, SJ

“The teachings of the letters of St. Paul permeate just about everything Christians believe and practice, but many of us know very little about this great apostle of the Church.”

Tuesday evening – August 25th – 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

For further information, please call Madeleine Gehringer at: 215-679-0737 or email @ mgehringer47@hotmail.com.

Books and schedules are available at the rectory during regular business hours. The cost is $12.00/book.

Tuesday – August 25^th:

1. Who was Paul the Apostle?

2. What do we learn from Paul’s letters?

3. What do we learn from Later Pauline Letters?

4. How might we interpret A Pauline Text Today?

5. What can we learn from Paul today?

General questions to think about each week:

Did I read something that was new information or a new idea?

Did I read something that affirmed what I presently think or believe?

Did I learn something that surprised me?

Did I read something that made me think in a different way?

Did I read something that had me wondering what others thought?

BIBLE TIMELINE

Evening session: Monday, August 10^th – 7pm

Day session: Friday, August 14^th – 9am

All sessions held in rectory meeting room

(next to Chapel)

This session will be seven (7) weeks starting with Lesson 18 (Messianic Fulfillment).

For those who have been with us for the entire Bible Timeline, welcome back.

For anyone wishing to join the group, please contact Joan Lampart: 215-529-5686.

BLOOD DRIVE

It is once again that time of year for our yearly Red Cross Blood Drive. Here is your chance to donate a vital source for life.

Please join us on Monday, August 31^st anytime between 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm in our air conditioned Parish Social Hall.

Refreshments served upon completion of your donation.

For more information on an appointment, please call Pete Frank: 215-679-6942.

SAINT PHILIP NERI CHURCH

SUMMER DIAPER DRIVE

Weeks of August 23^rd & August 30^th

Business is booming at Birthright in Pottstown. As you know, one of the many services that Birthright provides is practical help for Mothers who have chosen life for their babies. The one thing these Moms can’t just get enough of is…DIAPERS!

EVERY SIZE IS NEEDED!

If you wish to help these bare-bottomed little cherubs, just drop your diapers in the narthex of the Church on the following weekends: August 23^rd and August 30^th.

Baby and Maternity Clothes (new or used) are always needed also!

Any questions, or for more information, please call Pat Cahill: 215-234-0124.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

HOAGIE SALE

CHEESE, ITALIAN or TURKEY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

COST: $4.00

All orders due by:

Monday – August 31st

Please call:

Rita – 679-7009 or Pat – 679-5675

ST. PHILIP NERI PARISH PICNIC

Sunday – September 20^th

2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Our parish Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 20^th from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm on our Church grounds.

Once again, a good time is promised…

Live Music by RED BAND – 4:30 to 7:30 pm

St. Philip Neri Grade School Band Concert, Children’s games, Bingo, Moon Bounce,

Great Food, Beer and Wine

HOMEMADE CANDY is the baking contest Theme for this year. Four (4) judges are needed. Please call Shirley at the rectory: 215-679-9275 or send an email to: spnofc@comcast.net if you would like to be a judge.

Advance sale Food Tickets will be available August 22^nd thru September 13^th at the SCRIP table and at the rectory.

Fourth (4^th) Annual Tee Shirt information will follow shortly.

Save the date and see you at the picnic!

TROOP 591 NEWS

Troop 591, established in 1964, is the Boy Scout Troop of St. Philip Neri Parish, open to all boys in the Upper Perkiomen Valley age 11 years and older. Troop 591 strives to teach its scouts leadership, citizenship, personal enrichment and community service.

Troop 591 is looking for adults, young and old, to compliment the Troop’s current adult leadership. These leadership roles are typically held by the parents of past, current and prospective scouts, but the Troop is looking for non-parents to serve in this Parish ministry. We are looking for adults interested in sharing their time and talent with the scouts. Ideal candidates would be former scouts who would like to re-engage with scouting or people with no prior scouting experience who enjoy teaching and guiding young people.

If interested, please contact Andrew Souder, Troop Committee Chairman, at 215-804-0845 or andrew@rafind.com.

Also, Troop 591 is looking for two items: a storage shed, 10’x16’ or larger, in good condition (to store scout gear); and a 10 foot truck trailer (to haul scout gear). If anyone would like to donate such items, please contact the troop.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Heritage of Faith – Vision of Hope

Many of you are asking about where to send your payments. The Campaign is run by the Archdiocese and not by the Church.

You will receive from the Archdiocese a thank you letter with your Pledge Information. This will be followed by a letter (about 2-3 months after you receive the thank you) with a request for payment.

This letter should have Pledge Number and your ID Number. If you wish to send a payment to them before you receive your numbers, please use the address below.

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Office for Accounting Services

P.O. Box 70883

Philadelphia, PA 19176

215-587-3943

Please reference the Parish Number 2280 on your payment.

ALL checks are to be made payable to:

SAINT JOHN MARIE VIANNEY – CURÉ OF ARS

Patron of Priests

The relic and icon of Saint John Marie Vianney, the patron of Priests, will be here in our Church from August 13^th to August 20^th. You are invited to venerate this relic as you pray for all priests during this Year of the Priest. During the weekdays, it will be in the Chapel.

YEAR of the PRIEST

Prayer for Priests

Ever-living God and Father of us all, you give to your Church the Priesthood of your Son, Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, you provide holy priests for a holy people.

We pray for all our priests, who announce the Word of God and celebrate the Sacraments, for those who are young and those who are old, for those who serve in difficult and trying circumstances, for those who are faithful and those who are faltering, and for those who have died.

We entrust all our priests to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that they may persevere with fidelity to you and to your Church. With Saint John Vianney, patron of priests, we pray that our priests may never fail to lead us to you.

We ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

RESPECT LIFE BULLETIN BRIEFS

“The Church…is called to proclaim the gift of life, to serve life, and to promote a culture of life. The proclamation of life, life in abundance, must be the heart of the new evangelization. For true life – our salvation – can only be found in the reconciliation, freedom, and love which are God’s precious gift.”

(Pope Benedict XVI, April 19, 2008)

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Office for Child & Youth Protection

SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

Protecting God’s Children for Adults Awareness Sessions.

Unless otherwise indicated, all sessions begin at 7:00 pm. Sessions are approximately 2.5 hours in length.

Summer 2009:

8/20/09 - St. Joseph – Downingtown

8/24/09 - St. Matthew – Philadelphia

8/26/09 - Archdiocesan Office Center

Philadelphia – (6:30 pm)

8/27/09 - St. Bernadette – Drexel Hill

To register: Those with internet access should visit the Virtus website: www.virtus.org. All others can call the Office for Child and Youth Protection at: 215-587-2466.

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY –

FALL COURSES

Is God calling you to a deeper knowledge of himself? Take a Theology class at one of the best Seminaries in the country, right here in our own Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This fall, consider a class on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Scared Scripture in the Liturgy, The Life and Thought of Benedict XVI, the History of Black Catholics in the United States, or Spiritual Gifts of African Americans. Can’t travel to the Seminary each week? Consider an online course on An Introduction to Catholic Theology, The Psalms, or the History of Black Catholics in the United States. Classes start August 31^st. Register today at www.StudyCatholicTheology.com

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED

You can change the future…by becoming a Foster Parent! Foster families provide temporary homes to children of all ages, races and religions whose families are in crisis. The love, service and example of Catholic Social Services foster parents, has a lasting and positive effect on the children whose lives they touch.

For more information on how you can become a foster parent, please call Melissa at: 215-587-2458!

AREA PARISH NEWS

BLESSED TERESA of CALCUTTA

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL!

August 20^th thru August 22^nd

6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Featuring: Amusement rides, live entertainment, bingo, children’s games, raffles, beer garden (21 or older) and a full menu of Italian, American and Polish foods.

For more details, visit: www.blteresacalcutta.com or call: 610-287-2525.

AREA NEWS

FATIMA DAY IN DOYLESTOWN

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa located at Doylestown, invites you to come and pray with us for peace in the world!

Join us on the 13^th of every month from now until October at 7:00 pm. We begin with Holy Mass followed by a candlelight procession, Holy Rosary recited in different languages and Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Your prayers and presence are needed!

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

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The food of eternal life

On their desert journey the Israelites gathered up and ate the manna that sustained them for their trek to the land of promise. Eventually they did arrive, but also, eventually, they died. Elijah depended on the food and drink that God provided so that he might make it to his destination, the mountain of God. He arrived, yet that prophet also died. John’s gospel, though, emphasizes our hunger for God, as constant and basic as our hunger for food, but also a spiritual hunger that will be satisfied only by our being nourished by the body of Christ. Jesus calls himself the bread of heaven not only to keep us going during our turn on the planet but as the taste of heaven so that we who partake “may eat it and not die.”

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever.”

Monday, August 10

Feast of Lawrence, deacon and martyr

In imitation of Christ

Little is known of the life of Saint Lawrence, who was martyred under the Emperor Valerian in 258, but what is clear is that he was immensely popular with the Christians of Rome. A basilica was built over his tomb 50 years after his death by the Emperor Constantine, and the anniversary of his martyrdom was kept in Rome as a solemn feast—by the sixth century one of the most important feasts in western Christendom. Saint Augustine said of him in a sermon: “He loved Christ in his life, he imitated him in his death.” While not many of us are called to martyrdom, all of us are called to love Christ in our own lives. Find your own way, however modest, to do so in your life.

Today’s readings: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26

“Whoever serves me must follow me.”

Tuesday, August 11

Feast of Clare, virgin

The stuff of happiness

Isn’t it amazing how much stuff we collect in our lives? You move into a house or an apartment with a few things and you think you’ve got plenty of room. But within a short period of time you’ve got no place left to put all of it. Saint Clare didn’t have that problem. Although from a wealthy family, she embraced a life of strict and total poverty, possessing absolutely nothing for the sake of the joy that comes with possessing only Christ. And joyful she was for nearly 40 years, so much so that she was declared a saint only two years after she died—ironic, when you consider that we collect stuff in an effort to be happy and can never seem to get enough.

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

“Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Wednesday, August 12

Feast of Jane Frances de Chantal, religious

Multitasking

Jane Frances de Chantal is one of those rare saints who was not only a religious sister but also a mother and a wife. She lived the joys and heartbreaks of family life and later, after her husband died and her children were grown, religious life. She knew what it was like both to pick up after her kids and create and lead an organization. She knew both the affection of close friends and the despair of dryness in prayer. Say a word of gratitude to the saintly folks around you today—the moms balancing family and work, the deacon ministering from a hospital to a blog and everywhere in between.

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Matthew 18:15-20

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Thursday, August 13

Feast of Pontian, pope and martyr, and Hippolytus, priest and martyr

The odd couple

What may be one of the strangest reconciliations in church history occurred between Pontian and Hippolytus. Pontian became pope in 235 A.D.—just in time for the Roman emperor Maximus’ persecution of Christians. He spent most of his reign as a slave in the mines of Sardinia. At odds with two popes (not Pontian), Hippolytus got the idea to have his followers name him pope. But his separation from the church did not prevent him from getting swept up in the same persecution that netted Pontian. Now both in prison, Hippolytus repented and Pontian reconciled him to the church. As today’s two saints came to know, forgiveness is always possible, no matter the circumstances.

Today’s readings: Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17; Matthew 18:21-19:1

“Lord . . . how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”

Friday, August 14

Feast of Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr

Passing the test

Maximilian Kolbe was a Franciscan friar who offered his life in order to save that of a stranger sentenced to die in the Auschwitz concentration camp. Canonized in 1982, he also was honored in 1998 as one of ten 20th-century Christian martyrs commemorated with statues over Westminster Abbey in London. The martyrs represent victims of religious persecution and oppression worldwide. “There has never been a time in Christian history when someone, somewhere, has not died rather than compromise with the powers of oppression, tyranny, and unbelief,” said the Rev. Dr. Anthony Harvey, sub-dean of Westminster, when the statues were unveiled in 1998. They responded when their faith was tested. Can we do the same?

Today’s readings: Joshua 24:1-13; Matthew 19:3-12

“Some Pharisees came to him . . . to test him.”

Saturday, August 15

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Our bodies, ourselves

Assumption is obviously a teaching about the Mother of God. But this dogma has much to say about all of us. It affirms the dignity of our bodies and how God is mindful of every hair that falls from our heads. In an era when the idea of the human person is continually under assault—from the arena of public policy to the refugee camps and killing fields of war—Mary’s Assumption is a divine response to our deepest fears as well as our greatest hopes about the fate of our bodies. God assures us: We will be lifted up.

Today’s readings: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.”