Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

September 27, 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.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH DESK OF:

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

Already six months have passed since I wrote the first Parish Outreach Column. When I was asked to write the column, I remember thinking to myself: “What will I write?” As you have seen, I have a lot to write about!

My focus is to explain Parish Outreach, which encompasses many things, some of which you have read about in these columns: Catholic Social Teaching, Social Justice, Service Groups in the Parish, etc.

Another part of Parish Outreach that is not mentioned often enough is a service called I & R = Information and Referral. For example, if someone has difficulty paying for their medication(s), he or she can call the Parish Outreach (P.O.) Office, 215-679-2282, make an appointment, and we can talk about the various drug company’s medications, and which ones gives discounts for those who qualify. Or if heating bills are hard to keep up with, I usually have applications for LIHEAP-Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Knowing County and State resources is an important part of Parish Outreach.

Continue to read this column for occasional announcements of other social service resources. Christ met everyone’s needs. Your Parish tries to meet as many needs as possible.

I leave you in the warmth of the Trinity.

Sister Patricia Kelly

FIRST FRIDAY MASS

First Friday is October 2^nd. Mass is in Church at 9:00 am, followed by Adoration until evening Prayer at 7:00 pm.

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

Serving at Mass October 4^th

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dianne Kennedy Ernie Quatrani

Pat Kennedy

Priest

Deacon

Mark Meinzer

Pat Meinzer

Anna Murphy

Gerald Murphy

Jim Quigley

Annemarie Quigley

Linda Franks

Marci Jaman

7:30 am – Jim Michels John Gilmore

Pat Scheerbaum Theresa Gilmore

Priest

Deacon

Paul Moser

Maureen Moser

Chuck Rodgers

Maria Rodgers

Immaculata Barndt

Lori Brozena

Trish Dornisch

Mary R. Giambrone

9:30 am – Jack Nash Terry Benner

Monica Nash Wendy Benner

Priest

Jenny Josko

John McHale

11:00 am – Tinamarie Evans Eileen Davis

Amanda Charlton Luke Verna

Priest

Maryanne Charlton

Kevin Charlton

The 4^th Quarter Liturgical Ministers (Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Youth Altar Servers) schedule is now available. You can find it on the parish web site (www.spnparish.org). Printed copies for those who do not have computer access are available in the little room off the vestibule. The schedule covers the remainder of 2009. Also included is the opportunity to sign up for helping at Christmas Masses.

FOURTH QUARTER GREETER SCHEDULES

The Fourth Quarter Greeter Schedules are available in the vestibule of the Church and on the website.

TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Monday, September 28, Wenceslaus, Lawrence Ruiz

8:00 am – Clifford Rothenberger,

(Fr. Leo Letterhouse Council #6614)

Tuesday, September 29, Michael, Gabriel, & Raphael

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith, (Estate)

Wednesday, September 30, Jerome

7:00 pm – Mary Jean Mikanowicz, (Virus families)

Thursday, October 1, Therese of the Child Jesus

8:00 am – Patrick Cassidy, (Maureen Homan)

Friday, October 2, Guardian Angels

9:00 am – Mass in Church – First Friday

Jonathan Robinson, (Clark & Barbara Robinson)

Saturday, October 3

8:00 am – Christina Lupo, (Her family)

5:00 pm – In Honor of Ted & Ann Rutkowski on their

Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary

FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

The floral arrangement placed on the Altar is in memory of Eugene Cressman, requested by Wife Catherine and Family.

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sunday, October 4

7:30 am – Mary Brogan-Imparato, (Tom & Nancy Brogan)

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

11:00 am – Respect for all Life from conception to natural death

(SPN Respect Life Ministry)

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, Baby Robert John Riegel Jr., Robert Rukstalis, Mary Ann Bencie, Frances Cannon, Josh Frumnecht, Dianna Rynkiewicz, Ethel Buck, Gary Lester Keller, Baby Lucy Littlefield, Charlotte Azarovich, George Bradford, Margie Shelley, Matthew Melcher, Rick DeStefano, Catherine Wlazelek, Mark & Margaret Clark, Bill Engle, Carrie Desetto, Anthony Bodgon, Kathrine Kerivel, Herman Adam, Tommy Slattery, Ruth Wunder, Baby Olivia Enriquez, Elizabeth Brinckman, Jim Quigley & Carla Kozak.

For those who have died, and in particular for Raymond Ginkiewicz & Robert Smith, Sr., grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

September 21, 2008 September 20, 2009

Envelope: $ 8,052.00 $ 7,813.00

Loose: 2,733.00 1,386.00

Children: 86.00 57.00

Total: $10,871.00 $ 9,256.00

Special: Vacation Make-up

$ 590.00

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – October 1^st – Team #3

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: September 17th – 66 players

Games: $ 328.92

Kitchen: 194.30

Total: $ 523.25

Paper Recycling:

August: 2.367 tons - $l1.83

Hoagie Sale:

233 hoagies sold

Profit: $558.70

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 Paul Burrier, requested by:

Anneliese Krakau

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

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, September 27^th – Parish Breakfast – gym – 7:00 am -12:30 pm

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

Sunday, September 27^th – Parish Youth Ministry – EDGE (Grade School) 6pm – 8pm, and Teens Living in Christ (High School) – at the rectory – 7:30 pm-9pm

Monday, September 28^th – Pre-Cana Team Committee Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Monday, September 28^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory -7:00 pm

Monday, September 28^th – Charismatic Prayer Group – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Monday, September 28^th – SPN Quilting – Gym Meeting Room – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, September 29^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – Church – 6:00 pm

Tuesday, September 29^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7pm

Wednesday, September 30^th – BETA Program – rectory meeting room – 10:00 am

Wednesday, September 30^th – PREP – Religious Education – School – 6:00 pm

Thursday, October 1^st – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, October 1^st – Cub Scouts – at the school – 6:45 pm

Thursday, October 1^st – Little Flowers Girls’ Club – Saint Philip Neri School Library – 6:30 pm

Friday, October 2^nd – First Friday Mass in Church at 9:00 am; Adoration in Church 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Friday, October 2^nd – SPN Quilting – Gym Meeting Room – 1:00 pm

Saturday, October 3^rd – Energy Committee Meeting – Gym Meeting Room – 10:00 am

Sunday, October 4^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, October 4^th – First day of Little Church – Gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, October 4^th – Respect Life Sunday – all Masses – donations for a “Rose for Life” – sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

Sunday, October 4^th – Blessing of Animals – Church – 1:00 pm

Sunday, October 4^th – Parish Youth Ministry – at St. Titus Church – East Norriton – 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sunday, October 4^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pre-Cana Workshop – Monday, October 5^th – at the Neri Center – 7:30 pm

Pre-Jordan (Baptismal) Class – Monday, October 5^th – rectory – 7:30 pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, October 6^th – in Church – 6:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, October 6^th – gym -7:00 pm

Welcome Committee Meeting – Tuesday, October 6^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Marian Devotion – School and Church – Wednesday, October 7^th – Church – 7:00 pm

BETA Program – Wednesday, October 7^th – Rectory Meeting Room – 10:00 am

Pennsburg Nursing Home Mass – Thursday, October 8^th – 10:00 am

Cub Scouts – Thursday, October 8^th – Saint Philip Neri School – 6:45 pm

Home & School Golf Outing – Friday, October 9^th –at Macoby Run Golf Course – 1:00 pm

Knights of Come-n-Go Bingo – Saturday, October 10^th – Gym – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Garden Club Fall Clean-up – Saturday, October 10^th – Church grounds – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, October 11^th – at the 9:30 am Mass

Little Church – Sunday, October 11^th – Gym – 9:30am

Youth Ministry – EDGE – Sunday, October 11^th – gym – 6:00 – 8:00 pm; TLIC – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Knights of Columbus Meeting – Sunday, October 11^th – rectory – 7:30 pm

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, October 11^th – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE

September 2009:

September 30^th – classes

October 2009:

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

November 2009:

November 4^th – classes

November 11^th – classes

November 18^th – classes

November 25^th – NO CLASSES

December 2009:

December 2^nd – classes

December 9^th – classes

December 16^th – PREP Advent Prayer Service – Social in Gym at 7:00 pm

December 23^rd – NO CLASSES

December 30^th – NO CLASSES

SCHOOL NEWS

Preschool – We welcomed autumn and made a full picture with colorful leaves. The children did a science experiment that involved ants, sugar and salt. They learned how God has made them “special” in religion.

Kindergarten – We are enjoying being in school. We are starting to learn our letters, numbers, and especially our names. We love working and playing with our new friends!

1st – The children are excited and ready to learn many new things this year. Learning to read, write, add and subtract are just a few of the wonderful things they will learn to do.

2nd – The second grade is back in the swing again learning many things. They are especially excited getting to know their class guinea pig, S’mores. He is already being spoiled by the children as he is fattening up on parsley, celery, lettuce and carrots. He loves to eat!

3rd – Students are learning about immigrants. They made a poster that displays information about an immigrant they have interviewed or read about. Students are reading a play called “The Crowded House.” They will then perform the role of a particular character.

4th – We have been reviewing concepts in Math that include number sense.

We’ve begun to explore all that there is to know about the great state of Pennsylvania.

5th – We are off to a super start! We are enjoying the new windows in the school and the new fish in the saltwater habitat. We are learning about the Sacraments and how important it is to worship God. We are also practicing our inquiry skills in science making balloon rockets and designing airplanes.

6th – We are off and running! The Sixth Grade class is finishing their second story in ILA. We are learning to give everything we do our personal best. The students are writing personal narratives about a special event or happening in their lives.

7th – Seventh grade is learning about the beginnings of American history. In ILA, we are learning about idioms and writing comparison and contrast papers.

8th – The 8th Graders are excited to finally be “the big man on campus.” We are relying on them to act as good role models for our younger students. Currently, in Social Studies we are exploring the causes for the Civil War. In Religion, we are discussing how to be a good friend as Jesus is our friend.

PARISH NEWS

WELCOME COMMITTEE

Reminder: The Welcome Committee Meeting will meet on Tuesday, October 6th – 7:00 pm at the rectory. (the meeting had been originally scheduled on September 15^th)

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 – October 12^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.

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.

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.

RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY

October 4^th is Respect Life Sunday!

At all the Masses on October 3^rd and 4^th, the Knights of Columbus will be asking for donations for a Rose for Life, a symbol of the Pro-Life Movement. Remember, you are not “buying a rose”, but offering financial support to Birthright, A Baby’s Breath (both being local “all volunteer” crisis Pregnancy Center, “Priests for Life”, and other Respect Life activities.

Please take a “Rose for Life” before or after Mass, and make a “Pro-Life type donation” in our collective effort to fight on the local level against the 4,000 + abortions each day that occur in our United States of America.

We THANK YOU, for your generous support.

THE EDGE & TEENS LIVING IN CHRIST

Our Parish Youth Group returns this Sunday, September 27^th at 6:00 pm. This meeting will be up at the rectory meeting room for this night only. Come out to hear about the fun stuff in store and enjoy an Ice Cream Social!

Any questions, call Mrs. Daley at 215-541-1716 or email to: prolifer53@comcast.net.

PICNIC CANDY CONTEST WINNERS

1^st place – Rita Latshaw – Coconut Crème Eggs

1^st prize - $25 and baking cooling racks

2^nd place – Rita Latshaw – Candy Bar Fudge

2^nd prize - $15

3^rd place – Josephine Philips – Rocky Road Fudge

3^rd prize - $10

PICNIC 50/50 WINNER

Winner – Louise McMurtrie - $50

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.

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

LITTLE FLOWER GIRLS CLUB

Little Flower Girls Club is a Catholic Program for girls ages 5 and up based on learning Catholic virtues through the lives of Catholic Saints, Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Developed by a Catholic mom of nine (9), Rachel Watkins, and based on Fr. Lasance’s Catholic Girls Guide, the Club strives to bring the Catholic faith alive and inspire the girls to become authentic Catholic women. The girls will earn badges by studying the saint associated with each virtue. This year, we will be studying Wreath III of the Program.

For more information on the Program, please visit the website: www.eccehomopress.com. The Club is an informal group that meets the first Thursday of every month beginning in October. We will be meeting in the Saint Philip Neri School Library in East Greenville, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

If you are interested in this Program, call Joyce Patrick at: joycepatrick@comcast.net or JeanMarinari@yukon1@comcast.net.

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.

ATTENTION MEN – 30 & OVER

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball, every Sunday night at St. Philip Neri Social Hall from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

is hosting a FREE Informational Seminar on:

“Aging in America, the Confusing Legal

and Financial Issues Facing Today’s Retirees

and the Families Trying to Help Them”

As much as $23,396 a year is available for Wartime Veterans and their widows.

What needs to be done regarding your money (and how to protect it)

Changes that have occurred regarding Nursing Home and Medicaid rules.

End-of-life decisions and care restrictions that should be in place (and how to avoid mistakes)

Your Estate Planning Steps under the Medicaid Law (protecting your assets)

Wednesday – October 21, 2009

7:00 pm

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Sessions will touch on:

Your Money – taxes are going up, interest rates are going down and the market is very ugly; learn how to avoid or eliminate the higher taxes on your income and Social Security you may face this year as well as investment options that can guarantee your money. Presented by Thomas Rutter, Certified Senior Advisor, Certified Estate Planner.

Estate Planning; Elder Law – planning your estate to protect your life’s savings from Nursing Care expenses. Review of how Medicaid rules have changed significantly. The severe changes that affect your Powers of Attorney and Living Will. Presented by Gerald J. Mullaney, Sr., Attorney at Law.

Two Excellent Speakers,

Issues that are important to you and your family,

No cost, but it can save you and your family heartaches and headaches!

Light refreshments will be served

PLAN TO ATTEND!!!

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

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

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

RESPECT LIFE BULLETIN BRIEFS

“The outpouring of God’s mercy cannot penetrate our hearts as long as we have not forgiven those who have trespassed against us.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church #3840)

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY –

A Year of the Priest

The Catechetical Institute, an Adult Catechesis Program at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, is celebrating The Year of the Priest with a special two-part series on What is Catholic Priesthood?, on October 3^rd and October 17^th.

Other Fall courses include Overview of the Old Testament, Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing and Vocation, Foundations of the Church and Christian Anthropology. Classes begin in October. Visit www.studycatholictheology.com for a Schedule and Registration Form.

AREA PARISH NEWS

PARISH MISSION SERVICE

Everyone is INVITED to attend

SAINT ALOYSIUS CHURCH

223 BEECH STREET

POTTSTOWN, PA

Monday – September 28^th to:

Thursday – October 1^st

7:00 PM

Service each evening will last about one hour.

Dynamic Speaker:

Fr. Donald Miniscalco, C.S.S.R.

Any questions, please call Cathy Remick at: 610-326-5877, ext. 323

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.

ST, COLUMBKILL SENIOR GROUP

Flea Market & Bake Sale

Saturday – October 3^rd

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

40 Tables of gently used items for sale.

Light breakfast & lunch served.

Homemade soup & pie available for takeout

St. Columbkill Church

200 Indian Spring Rd. – Boyertown

AREA NEWS

APEX LEARNING SAT PREP CLASS

Sponsored by:

St. Pius X High School

Pottstown, PA

All classes start:

September 28^th to November 4^th

Classes are held:

Monday and Wednesday

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SAT Book is included

For more information, and pre-registration, please call Mrs. Sedlock: 610-326-8990 x37.

ORGAN RECITAL

By: Wesley Parrott

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Pennsburg, PA

Sunday, October 4^th – 4:00 pm

(directions available on website:

www.stmarkspennsburg.com

The Recital will feature works by:

Mendelssohn, Bach, Widor, Howells & others

A free-will offering will be taken.

Reception following recital.

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

11/05 10am-1pm Norristown Public Library

1001 Powell Street

Norristown

11/09 9:30 am to

11:30 am St. Luke’s UCC Church

200 W. Main Street

Trappe

11/12 10:00 am to

12:00 pm The Fellowship House –

of Conshohocken

515 Harry Street

Conshohocken

11/13 9am-3pm Pottstown Health Center

364 King Street

Pottstown

11/17 9am-3pm Montgomery County

Human Services Center

1430 DeKalb Street

Norristown

11/19 9am-3pm Eastern Court House Annex

102 York Road

Suite 401

Willow Grove

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?

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

For information call: 215-234-9372

PARENTS ONLY – NO CHILDREN

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

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Universal acceptance

Religious traditions have a funny habit of condemning all other traditions. It wasn’t that long ago that Catholics consigned all Protestants to hell, and vice versa. Some of us can even remember when it was considered a sin for parishioners of the Irish church to go across the street to the Italian church, or the Polish church, or the German church, or whatever the other church was. But Jesus taught extraordinary tolerance and acceptance of everyone of good will. We embrace our faith, but not to the rejection of Jews, Muslims, other Christians, or even nonbelievers. We’re all in this together.

Today’s readings: Numbers 11:25-29; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

“Whoever is not against us is for us.”

Monday, September 28

Feast of Wenceslaus, martyr

A legend in our own time

Legend surrounds the brief life of Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia (907-935), originally venerated because of his martyrdom but most remembered today because of a Christmas carol from the 16th century that celebrated him as a model of generosity. Separating fact from fiction may be difficult after 1,000 years, but your own track record with regard to generosity should be easier to tally. Will anyone sing praises of your generosity a millennium from now? A hundred years? Ten minutes after you are gone? If not, what can you do today to start building your own lasting legacy?

Today’s readings: Zechariah 8:1-8;

Luke 9:46-50

“The least among all of you is the greatest.”

Tuesday, September 29

Feast of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Which side is God on?

The Bible sometimes reads like a chapter from Dungeons and Dragons. In the apocalyptic passages of Daniel and the Book of Revelation we meet serpents, angels, ancient ones, prophets, and warriors. These characters are set against a backdrop of fire, war, struggle, truth, and deceit. Such images paint a picture of a God who shows love by crushing the enemies of God’s people. This is a God who takes sides. Such images may shock us because we tend not to associate God’s love with violence or conflict. We live in a world that is deeply interconnected, one in which we can see the human suffering on all sides as a result of violent conflict. What images of God are needed today? What image might we have when we consider that God is on everybody’s side?

Today’s readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12a; John 1:47-51

“War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.”

Wednesday, September 30
Feast of Jerome, priest, doctor of the church

Wise talk

A 98-year-old woman recently expressed surprise at the tone of modern public discourse. All the antagonism, accusation, and aggression! “After a century, you learn there are no sides to take,” she reflected, “no divisions, no right and wrong people. You just see people. You just hear their fear.” Saint Jerome agreed that respecting the humanity of others is key. He noted: “Where there is no honor, there is contempt; where there is contempt, insult is frequent; where there is insult, there is indignation; where there is indignation, there is no rest.” Want peace? Start with respect.

Today’s readings: Nehemiah 2:1-8;

Luke 9:57-62

“Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Thursday, October 1
Feast of Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church

Walk with me

Today we honor Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, beloved for her “Little Way,” which has encouraged countless “ordinary people” doing ordinary things on the road to sanctity. Thérèse lived in a Carmelite convent with her older sister Pauline, who was “like a second mother,” Thérèse wrote. Pauline was with Thérèse throughout her brief life, illness, and death at the tender age of 24. It is no accident that Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs. Having a spiritual companion, as Thérèse did, can be of great help and comfort on the sometimes difficult spiritual journey. Cultivate spiritual friendships in your own life.

Today’s readings: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Luke 10:1-12

“Other disciples . . . he sent ahead of him in pairs.”

Friday, October 2

Feast of the Guardian Angels

Saved by an angel

Joan Wester Anderson has been writing about angels since 1989 after her son was mysteriously rescued from a devastating snow storm on Christmas Eve. That experience resulted in her first book of true stories of remarkable encounters with angels, Where Angels Walk. Since then she has written many more books on the subject, and all of them offer spine-tingling, inspiring tales of ordinary people who have been rescued, healed, comforted, and sheltered by heavenly visitors. These amazing stories make the case that every one of us has a guardian angel and that we are constantly being guided, guarded, and protected by these messengers from God.

Today’s readings: Baruch 1:15-22;

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.”

Saturday, October 3

Crossing the bridge

A prayer of Jesus recorded in all three synoptic gospels catches him in a kind of ecstasy, thrilled that the gulf between God and humanity is being bridged, and he is the bridge! Jesus acknowledges that “no one knows the Father but the Son,” which is certainly wonderful for Jesus, but if it were left there we’d still be on the outside looking in. Then comes that little word—“and.” No one knows God but Jesus himself, “and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” That’s us! Jesus’ whole mission was to show us both who God is (loving Parent) and what God is like (full of justice and mercy). Jesus looks at the likes of you and me and says, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see, the ears that hear what you hear.” We’re blessed indeed when we look to Jesus to show us, again and again, who God really is.

Today’s readings: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Luke 10:17-24

“All things have been handed over to me by my Father.”