Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

September 13, 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

Below is a short reflection by Allison Davis. Allison has spent three interesting summers in Israel. I have asked her to share some memories for us. (Allison will be working this year in our parish grade school. I look forward to hearing more of her stories about the Holy Land).

Most of you know me but for those who do not, my name is Allison Davis. I was a student of St. Philip Neri, St. Pius X, and just graduated from Lycoming College with a B.A. in Archaeology and Culture of the Ancient Near East with a double minor in German and Biblical Languages. This summer I traveled to Israel for the third time with the same archaeological excavation the Tel Gezer Project. I have been all over the country and for some reason Galilee has had more of an effect on me than any other region in Israel. The best part about Galilee is that no matter where you are, you can see the Mediterranean Sea and feel its sea breezes. Some of you may remember my email that was posted in here two years ago from my first visit to Israel. I had a very moving experience while meditating in the tiny but gorgeous circular church on the Mount of the Beatitudes.

Last week the Gospel began speaking of Jesus’ travels through Galilee. Even traveling by car, I can tell you that these journeys would not have been easy; Galilee is mountainous. Driving up the ancient, newly paved roads along the slopes of Mount Carmel are frightening, even after widening them, but the views are rewarding. Galilee is filled with springs and streams; large conifers coat the mountains; valleys are patchworks of fields; rows and rows of date trees, gardens of wild flowers, and olive trees are dispersed between rocky ledges; and always the shine of the seas can be seen. From these mountains, you feel as if you could reach up and touch the clouds. It is easy to see why Jesus spent so much time in Galilee; I never want to leave its serenity.

This summer I especially had the joy of visiting Mount Carmel. I went to Muhraka, the lowest of the four peaks of the Carmel range. Muhraka means “burnt offering” in Arabic, and for good reason. Muhraka is the most famous of the peaks boasting a gorgeous view of the Jezreel Plain. Its name comes from the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, a story which I had only just translated directly from the Hebrew at the end of my Biblical Hebrew course in May. For those of you who may not be familiar with the story (I certainly didn’t when I was translating it), the prophet Elijah had gone up to the top of Mount Carmel to test the prophets of Baal. Baal was the king of the Canaanite gods, kind of like Zeus to the Greeks. There, Elijah set up an altar with wood and said that if Baal were the true god, he would take pity on his prophets and provide a ram and the fire for a burnt offering. Long story short, nothing happened. Then Elijah poured water over the altar, completely soaking it, and prayed deeply. Suddenly a ram appeared and the wood went ablaze. Today there is a Carmelite monastery sitting on the claimed area.

What surprises me the most about Galilee are the simple shrines dedicated to different known or possible Biblical sites. Nothing too fancy, but always more beautiful than one could ever imagine. I did not get to go into the Carmelite monastery, but its outside is made of carefully placed limestone bricks with minimal windows. Atop the building is the grand view of Galilee with a small circle on the floor pointing out the direction and distance of at least 50 famous cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Along the walls outside the stairwell leading up was a triptych carving of the story of Elijah the shrine is dedicated to. A tiny, simple, elegant garden sat in the corner in front of the monastery with its most beautiful section dedicated to a crowned Queen Mother. I also noticed the St. Francis statue situated next to a bird bath, my personal saint. And in the middle of the courtyard was a large statue of Elijah destroying the prophets of Baal. Underneath in Latin, Arabic, and Hebrew was an excerpt from the scripture passage. Of course I couldn’t help but say a quick passing prayer to Mary, St. Francis, and Elijah. Galilee will forever hold a special

Praise Be Jesus Christ …Now and forever!

Serving at Mass Sept. 20^th

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dave Boone Bob Ellis

Teri Boone

Catherine Cahill

Priest

Jim Camarata

Trish Dornisch

7:30 am – Lori Brozena JoanWieder

Immaculata Barndt Ernie Quatrani

Michele Martin

Priest

Michael Duka

Pat Scheerbaum

9:30 am – Colleen Daley Matt Horvath

Priest J. Sakalouckas

Deacon

Priest

Mary Ellen Paulk

Rose Anderson

Irene Novelli

Mary Weber

Bill Gurgick

Lisa Gurgick

Christine Kemp

Lester Kemp

11:00 am – Linda Franks Bob Piccone

Priest Luke Verna

Deacon

Priest

Tina Evans

Marlene Leidy

Mary Goodfellow

Anita Weilnau

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

DJ Williams

Sandy Williams

Serving at Mass Sept. 27^th

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Lisa Edleman Mark Meinzer

Mike Edleman

Claire Holcombe

Priest

Bob Talbot

Kathryn Talbot

7:30 am – Wally Varallo John Guckin

JoanVarallo Pete Frank

Deacon

Priest

Maureen Moser

Paul Moser

Denise Guckin

Anna Murphy

Gerald Murphy

Michael Duka

Peter D’Amico

Lori Brozena

9:30 am – Ed Tryon M. Gehringer

Alicia Tryon Susan DiMarco

Jenny Josko

Priest

Joshua Hewitt

Lillian Hewitt

11:00 am – Bob Schwind Adam Canigiani

Barbara Schwind D. McCausland

Anna Kells

Priest

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

TWENTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Monday, September 14, Exaltation of the Holy Cross

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith, (Estate)

Tuesday, September 15, Our Lady of Sorrows

8:00 am – Charles & Eva Duklis, (Tony & Anna Bogdon)

Wednesday, September 16, Cornelius & Cyprian

7:00 pm – William Dermody, (Christine Dermody)

Thursday, September 17, Robert Bellarmine

8:00 am – George Dykie, (John & Rita O’Neill)

Friday, September 18

8:00 am – David Allen, III (Ed Hurys)

Saturday, September 19

8:00 am – Debra Lee Steffenino, (Immaculata & Dale Barndt)

5:00 pm – Henry Meinzer, Jr. (Mark & Pat Meinzer)

TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sunday, September 20

7:30 am – 18^th Anniversary,

(Henry & Rita Tokarski)

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

11:00 am – John & Jennie Virus

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, Betty Risko, Christine Keer, Hilda Stine, Joe Johnson, Baby Lucy Littlefield, Charlotte Azarovich, George Bradford, Margie Shelley, Matthew Melcher, Rick DeStefano, Catherine Wlazelek, Debbie Proffit, Mark & Margaret Clark, Bill Engle, Carrie Desetto, Anthony Bodgon, Jean Miller, Kathrine Kerivel, Herman Adam, Tommy Slattery, Neal Lester, Ruth Wunder & Baby Olivia Enriquez.

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

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

September 7, 2008 September 6, 2009

Envelope: $ 9,078.65 $ 9,200.00

Loose: 1,133.00 1,512.00

Children: 67.55 45.31

Total: $10,279.20 $ 10,757.31

Special: Heating & Air Conditioning

$ 1,622.00

AUGUST MONTHLY EXPENSES

Salaries: $ 39,938.00

Electric: 2,932.05

Telephone: 392.18

Insurance: Parish

Insurance: Medical 5,799.43

Trash: 539.56

Assessment:

Maintenance: 1,390.87

Water/Sewer: 151.38

Total: $ 51,143.47

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our next breakfast is Sunday – September 27^th in the social hall gym from 7:00 am – 12:30 pm; save the date and mark your calendars!

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – September 17th – Team #1

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: September 3rd – 77 players

Games: $ 635.25

Kitchen: 118.46

Total: $ 753.71

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 Patricia Cody, requested by:

Dave & Kathy Harvey

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

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, September 13^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, September 13^th – Knights of Columbus Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Sunday, September 13^th – Elizabeth Ministry Mom to Mom Connection – gym – 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

Sunday, September 13^th – Men’s 30 & over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Monday, September 14^th – SPN Rosary Society – Chapel – 1:00 pm

Monday, September 14^th – Picnic Committee Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, Sept. 14^th – Pre-Jordan - rectory – 7:30 pm

Monday, Sept. 14^th – Parish Council Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, September 14^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, September 14^th – First Day of Pre-K4 at school

Monday, September 14^th – Charismatic Prayer Group – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, September 15^th – First day of Pre-K3 at school

Tuesday, Sept. 15^th – Hoagie Sale – gym – 12-6pm

Tuesday, September 15^th – Back-to-School Night – Grades 1 thru 8

Tuesday, September 15^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7pm

Tuesday, September 15^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – Church – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, September 16^th – PREP – Religious Ed – First day of class – school – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 16^th – BETA Program – rectory – Meeting Room – 10:00 am (note new location)

Wednesday, Sept. 16^th – Respect Life Ministry Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Thursday, Sept. 17^th – Cub Scouts – Neri Center – 6:45pm

Thursday, Sept. 17^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Friday, Sept. 18^th – Opening School Mass – in Church at 9:00 am

Friday, Sept. 18^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, Sept. 18^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1:00 pm

Sunday, Sept. 20^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, Sept. 20^th – Parish Picnic – Church Grounds – 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunday, Sept. 20^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

TOSCO Day – Monday – September 21^st

Liturgy Committee Meeting – Monday – Sept. 21^st – rectory – 7:00 pm

Bible Timeline Study – Monday – Sept. 21^st – rectory – 7:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday – Sept. 22^nd – gym – 7:00 pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday – Sept. 22^nd – Church – 6:00 pm

PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday – Sept. 23^rd – school – 6:00 pm

Safe Environment Workshops – Wednesday – Sept. 23^rd – Neri Center – 1^st workshop: 9-11:30 am; 2^nd workshop: 6:30-9:00 pm

Rosary at the Pennsburg Manor – Thursday – Sept. 24^th – 1:15 pm

Respect Life Ministry – Food PREP for the homeless – Thursday – Sept. 24^th – rectory – 5:15 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday – Sept. 24^th – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

Bible Timeline Study – Friday – Sept. 25^th – rectory – 9:00 am

Parish Breakfast set-up – Saturday – Sept. 26^th – gym

Parish Breakfast – Sunday – Sept. 27^th – gym – 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday – Sept. 27^th – at the 9:30 am Mass

Parish Youth Ministry – Sunday – Sept. 27^th – EDGE – gym - 6:00 – 8:00 pm; T.I.C. – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Men’s 30 & over Basketball – Sunday – Sept. 27^th – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE - September-October 2009:

September 16^th – First night of classes –

All grades – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

September 16^th- classes

September 23^rd – classes

September 30^th – classes

October 4^th – Little Church begins – 9:30 am – gym

October 7^th – Marion Prayer Service – Church

(School & PREP)

October 14^th – classes

October 14^th – First Penance Parent Meeting –

6:10 pm – mandatory Meeting – Neri Center

October 21^st – classes

October 28^th – classes

PARISH NEWS

SPN ROSARY SOCIETY

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 - Sept. 14^th.

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.

Please note: The Elizabeth Ministry Meeting scheduled to be held at the Neri Center on Tuesday, September 15^th, will now be held at the home of LaRue Emmell – 7:00 pm.

WELCOME COMMITTEE

The Welcome Committee Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 15^th, at the rectory has been changed to: Tuesday, October 6^th – 7:00 pm at the rectory.

BETA PROGRAM

Effective Wednesday, September 16^th, the BETA group will meet at the rectory in the meeting room – 10:00 am. They will no longer be held in the Social Hall Meeting Room.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

The Fall Bereavement Support Group will begin on Tuesday evening, September 29^th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Outreach Office. This Bereavement Support Group will meet every Tuesday evening from September 29^th thru November 10^th. We will end meetings by participating in the Remembrance Mass, in Church, on November 10^th. Mass will be followed by refreshments in the Parish Hall Meeting room.

Please come to the Bereavement Support Group; let God heal you of your loss, and let God use you to help others through their loss.

If you want to register, please phone the Parish Outreach Office at 215-679-2282, by September 22^nd.

If no answer, please leave a message, but please speak s-l-o-w-l-y.

CONFIRMATION NOTIFICATION

We (Saint Philip Neri Parish) have been notified from the Bishop’s office that the students will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation during their 6^th and 7^th grades in the School and PREP Program. This change will affect the present 4^th and 5^th grade students. With this change and transition, we are not scheduled to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation until Fall, 2011. During their Faith Formation process and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the child is required to be enrolled in our Parish School or Parish Religious Education Program up to and including the 7^th grade.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Jeff Daley, DRE at: 215-541-3120 or email to: egneri@comcast.net.

NEWLY REGISTERED FAMILIES

AUGUST 2009

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

The O’Reilly Family

The Rooney Family

The Walther Family &

The Yurik Family

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

HOAGIE SALE PICK-UP

Tuesday – September 15th

12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

COST: $4.00

ST. PHILIP NERI PARISH PICNIC

Sunday – September 20^th

2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

HOMEMADE CANDY is the baking contest Theme for this year.

Advance sale Food Tickets are available now thru September 13^th at the SCRIP table and at the rectory.

PARISH PICNIC TEE SHIRTS

Our 4th Annual Parish Picnic Tee Shirts are available for sale at all Masses:

Children’s sizes: $7.00

Adult sizes: $8.00 & $9.00

There is a limited supply of the 4th Annual Tee Shirts…so get them as soon as possible!

SAFE ENVIRONMENT WORKSHOP

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Neri Center

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

You MUST register on or before Monday, September 14th, 2009 to attend this class. You can register by completing the attached form or by calling Agnes O'Connor at 267-823-8635. Forms can be sent to school or dropped off at the Rectory.

Please remember that you MUST have a current Safe Environment Certificate to volunteer at our school. If you are unable to attend this session you can obtain a complete list of sessions at Virtus.org or by contacting Agnes O'Connor at 267-923-8635 or via email at aoc73156@hotmail.com

Thank You!

----------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________________________________

Name & Phone #

___________________________________________

Parish

Please check one:

□ I will attend from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

□ I will attend from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

CUB SCOUT PACK 591 CAR WASH

St. Philip Neri Center

Saturday – September 26^th

12:00 noon – 5:00 pm

$5.00/car

Please contact Scott Klugh for more information at: 267-374-6469.

COME-N-GO BINGO

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Saturday – October 10, 2009

Doors open at 6:00 pm

Games begin at 6:30 pm

Cost: $.25/game

Menu: hotdogs, barbeque & 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

RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY

“USED” Clothing & Food Collection for Homeless

On the weekends of September 20^th & 27^th, the Respect Life Ministry will be conducting a Fall & Winter Clothing & Food Drive to benefit the homeless in the Philadelphia area.

We are requesting your help in supplying the following “used” items of clothing:

Blankets, coats, sweaters, socks, shirts, scarves, gloves, sweatshirts, hats and pants.

We are also asking for the following food and personal items in “travel size”:

Juice boxes, granola bars (soft texture), crackers (cheese/wheat or peanutbutter), raisins (box), homemade cookies, soap/deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, shaving gel or cream and after shave.

Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. *Monetary gifts will be used to purchase food.

If you wish to donate any of the above items, please drop them in the box in the vestibule, located in the back of the Church. Thank you for your generosity in the past, and know that you will be giving comfort to those in dire need.

May God bless you!

If you wish more information, call Mike: 215-541-9032 or Pat: 215-234-0124.

CASINO TRIP

Enjoy a visit to the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Atlantic City with Silver Spirits and have a great time!

October 31, 2009 at 10:00 am from St. Philip Neri Church Parking Lot.

Cost: $30.00/person (includes gratuity)

Package includes:

*$25.00 in slot play for all passengers

*Motorcoach transportation

*Pick-up and return to St. Philip Neri Church

Please contact:

Kathy Talbot: 215-541-0250 or:

Kathy Kulp: 267-923-5173

***Payment confirms your reservation***

Reservations and money due by October 11th

OUTLET STORES SHOPPING & CHRISTMAS SHOW

Tuesday, November 17, 2009, a trip to Rockvale Outlets for a morning of shopping and lunch on our own; then we are off to the American Music Theatre to see a Christmas Show that will delight everyone!

The cost to you is $65.00. For more details/information, call Kathy Talbot: 215-541-0250 or Kathy Kulp: 267-923-5173.

Reservations and money due by October 11th

MARKET DAY

There is still time to place your MARKET DAY order and participate in two great promotions! Qualify for a FREE Car Organizer and a FREE 4-pack of Turkey Tournedos. Check your September order guide or shop online at: www.marketday.com for details.

Order online until NOON on September 16^th. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer to help, call Lisa Vetter at: 215-538-2308. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at our MARKET DAY Sale!

FAMILY RETREAT

Are you looking for an opportunity for your family to take a vacation with God? At a Malvern Family Retreat, you will experience activities focused on fun and spiritual growth for all ages!

Friday, October 16^th thru Sunday, October 18^th: Our Lady of the Rosary Retreat.

For more information, contact Bill & Dana Orr: 215-679-8223 or dana@goodnews4health.net.

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, red, green 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 email to: dana@goodnewshealth.net.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

RESPECT LIFE BULLETIN BRIEFS

“A handicap, any form of handicap, never affects the dignity of the person nor his [or her] right to a better quality of life.”

(Pope John Paul II, November 1993)

AREA PARISH NEWS

Calix is coming to Saint Eleanor

What is Calix? The Calix Society is men and women suffering from addiction, helping each other get through the next 24 hours. Using the principles of twelve-step recovery and Catholic spirituality, Calix can help you recover from addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex or work. Whatever your addiction, let the Calix Society help.

THROUGH FAITH AND CHARITY,

RECOVER YOUR HOPE!!!

First meeting: September 27^th – 8:00 pm at the Vianney Hall (lower level of St. Eleanor Rectory). For more information, call Joe: 215-872-5570, Eileen: 484-368-2633 or Pat: 484-685-8769.

Protecting God’s Children Awareness Session

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta will be hosting a Protecting God’s Children Awareness Session on October 14^th at 6:00 pm. To pre-register, go to www.virtus.org. or call Maureen Mochwart at: 610-287-2525 ext. 104.

POLISH/SLOVAK DINNER

St. Gabriel Church

Howard & Jefferson Streets

Stowe, PA

Saturday – September 26^th

Church Social Hall

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Cost: $8.00

(includes holubky, halusky,

pirohy & kielbasa)

A la carte & take out availab

AREA NEWS

ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL – QUAKERTOWN

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION OF:

The New St. Luke’s Upper Perk Outpatient Center at 663 and Geryville Pike on Saturday, October 10^th and Sunday, October 11^th from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Free screenings, tour of facility, and many fun, family focused activities such as a pumpkin patch and face painting will be featured. Services include a family practice, walk in lab testing, radiology, physical therapy and more. The Center opened August 24, 2009.

FORTY DAYS FOR LIFE

This fall, join the hundreds of thousands of people participating in 40 Days for Life across North America and internationally.

40 Days for Life saves lives through: Prayer and Fasting for an end to abortion, Peaceful Vigil outside the abortion facility at Planned Parenthood, 644 High Street and Community Outreach to spread the message that life is sacred.

Learn how you can help save lives here in (Pottstown) by contacting Marie Deterinidad at: 484-363-2376 or by visiting:

HOPE FOR FAMILIES FACING FRUSTRATION

the awareness continues…

next Event:

Tuesday – October 6^th – 7:00 pm

“YOUTH SCENE INVESTIGATION”

Can you find the evidence?

AN EYE OPENING TEEN BEDROOM SIMULATION EXHIBIT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE PARENTS WITH FACTS ABOUT TEENAGE DRUG & ALCOHOL USE. THE EVENT INCLUDES A PRESENTATION ABOUT CURRENT TRENDS OF USE, AND IS INTENDED TO OPEN DIALOGUES BETWEEN ADULTS & YOUTH. PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP OF BERKS COUNTY.

UPSD Education Center (Old Embassy Skating Rink) – Buck Road – Pennsburg.

SPONSORED BY:

Nate Clemens Fund for Substance Recovery

Youth & Family Services

Montgomery County Office of:

Drug & Alcohol Programs

UPPER PERKIOMEN MINISTERIUM

For information call: 215-234-9372

IHM SISTERS’ NIGHT

Young women (18+) are invited to share informally with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA, on Friday, September 25^th.

For more information, please contact Sister Carmen Teresa at 610-889-1553, ext. 532 or email to: ihmvoc2@aol.com.

2009 – 2010

Montgomery County Health Department

Free Influenza/Pneumococcal Immunizations

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination only

NOT Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic Influenza Vaccine. As updates are available on Swine Flu Vaccine, the Health Department will be alerting residents through Ready Notify. Sign-up at: http://www.readynotifypa.org

Provided to:

Montgomery County residents aged 50 years and older, children and adolescents aged 6 months through 18 years, pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers of high-risk individuals and of infants less than 6 months of age, and people who have a long-term health problem such as: Heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, anemia, asthma, weakened immune system due to steroid use, cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS.

SAVE TIME! Pre-register at:

http://health.montcopa.org

Medicare participants:

Please bring your Medicare card!

Listed below are the dates, times and sites for the month of October only:

Date: Time: Location:

10/3 10am-1pm Upper Perk High School

Pennsburg

10/8 10am-1pm Congregation Beth Or

239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen

10/15 10am-1pm Fairview Village Church

of Nazarene

3044 W. Germantown Pike

Eagleville

10/17 10am-1pm Abington Sr. High School

900 Highland Av., Abington

10/20 10am-1pm Central Schwenkfelder Church

2111 Val. Forge Rd., Worcester

10/27 10am-1pm Franconia Mennonite Church

613 Harleysville Pk., Telford

10/29 10am-1pm Plymouth Meeting Mall –

(Church on the Mall)

500 W. Germantown Pike

Plymouth Meeting

10/30 10am-1pm Upper Salford Fire Station

782 Old Skippack Rd., Salford

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

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Tell the truth

What does it mean “to speak truth to power”? Jesus provides a good example. He frequently confronted civic and religious authorities whose use of power resulted in oppression of people. That did not make Jesus a hero. Often he was thrown out of places, attacked, and ridiculed. Eventually he was killed for proclaiming the Good News. As followers of Jesus the Christ, that is our inheritance. We must summon the courage to speak the truth of our experience. We may not be called to do this in epic moments so much as in our day-to-day relationships. How do we speak the truth to people we love and live with every day? How do we speak a truth that is transformative, not destructive?

Today’s readings: Isaiah 50:5-9a; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

“It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?”

Monday, September 14

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Lift high the cross

It’s not always easy to face the things that hurt us or our loved ones. So why would we lift up the cross, honoring that which symbolizes pain and the death of Jesus? As Christians we choose to face the cross. In doing so we confront not only the reality of suffering and death but also the hope and belief in new life, in that “something more” of salvation. And somehow in facing our pain, instead of pretending it isn’t there or whitewashing the reality, there is acknowledgement of our vulnerability. We become open to healing. The exaltation of the cross is not only a reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is also an invitation to lift up our own pain and find in it a path to healing and wholeness. What symbol of your pain can you “exalt”?

Today’s readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Philemon 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

“So must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Tuesday, September 15

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

A mother’s sorrow

Pop quiz on Catholic tradition: Name the “seven sorrows” in the life of the Virgin Mary. OK, time’s up! While all seven may not have come to mind quickly, here’s a tip: They’re all found in gospel passages. Today is a good day to read and ponder them: the Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34); the Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13); the Boy Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:43); the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:27); the Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:26); the Descent from the Cross (John 19:39); the Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55).

Today’s readings: 1 Timothy 3:1-13;

John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35

“He said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’”

Wednesday, September 16
Feast of Cyprian, bishop, martyr

Why hope?

Wake up on the gloomy side of the bed today? Or encounter someone who did at breakfast, in school, at the office, or on the bus? Sooner or later we all need a reason to hope. Saint Cyprian found one. Born rich and with the world by the tail, he encountered Christianity in his 40s and went for it wholesale. Within 12 years of his baptism he’d sold everything, donated it to the poor, become a bishop, and was martyred for his faith. His rationale? God takes care of every creature, even those “who have no sense of things Christian. . . . Do you think that to one dear to the Lord anything will be lacking?”

Today’s readings: 1 Timothy 3:14-16;

Luke 7:31-35

“If I am delayed, You . . . know how one ought to behave in the household of God.”

Thursday, September 17
Feast of Robert Bellarmine, bishop, doctor of the church

Keep a tally of love

One of life’s great lessons is to realize that when the list of people who have offended or aggrieved you reaches ten, cross off everyone’s name and put your own at the top. People disappoint, hurt, and infuriate us on a daily basis. We can argue and stew and harbor resentments. But at the end of the day the only beneficial response is to forgive. Open your heart; realize other people’s fears and vulnerabilities; acknowledge your own. Then work toward acceptance and ultimately charity, which Saint Robert Bellarmine tells us is essential to our salvation: “Charity is that with which no [one] is lost, and without which no [one] is saved.”

Today’s readings: 1 Timothy 4:12-16;

Luke 7:36-50

“The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”

Friday, September 18

Consider your legacy

We’ve all heard the adage, “You can’t take it with you.” Although it’s a true statement, it’s not a very inspiring one. Another way to say the same thing is to ask, “What will you leave behind?” A recent family reunion brought this question to mind. As folks offered their thoughts and thanks at the final gathering, it became impossible not to think of our grandparents, without whom none of us would have been born. What will you leave behind? Will it be a pile of money and a large house? Or will it be oft-told stories of love, humor, and compassion; youngsters who grow up to be faith-filled, responsible adults; a web of meaningful friendships; worthwhile work and a bit of beauty?

Today’s readings: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12;

Luke 8:1-3

“For we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it.”

Saturday, September 19
Feast of Januarius, bishop, martyr

Get your blood moving

The feast of San Gennaro (Italian for Januarius) is familiar to anyone who has ever been to New York’s Little Italy around this time of year. Despite the saint’s popularity, there is virtually no record of him, except for later legends and the famous miracle of the saint’s preserved blood, which allegedly liquefies several times a year in his church in Naples. The phrase “to get one’s blood running” comes to mind—a miracle we can all seek or make happen whenever we move beyond apathy. Saints’ days have long given rise to festivals and celebration, but it’s a shame if all we do is point to others’ holiness. We have to come alive ourselves and make current and vigorous in our lives today the heroic qualities we remember in long-dead saints.

Today’s readings: 1 Timothy 6:13-16;

Luke 8:4-15

“In the presence of God, who gives life to all things . . . I charge you to keep the commandment.”