Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

November 8, 2009

Rev. Robert A. Roncase, Pastor

Deacon Michael J. Franks, Permanent Deacon

Rev. Edmond J. Speitel, Pastor Emeritus

Rev. John J. Scarcia, Retired Pastor

Rev. Raymond W. Smart, Retired, Resident

Shirley Misiak, Office Manager

Mark J. Meinzer, Business Manager

Catherine E. Faust, Director of Music

Patricia A. Schleeweiss, School Principal

Jeffrey W. Daley, Director of Religious Education

Colleen Daley, Parish Youth Minister

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

Rectory Phone 215.679.9275

Rectory Fax 215.679.0386

School Phone 215.679.7481

Religious Education Phone 215.541.3120

Religious Education Fax 215.541.1398

Parish Social Hall Phone 215.679.8116

Parish Outreach Phone 215.679.2282

Neri Center Phone 215-679-6490

Church & Rectory Address:

1325 Klinerd Road

Pennsburg, PA 18073

Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Email Address: spnofc@comcast.net

Website Address: www.spnparish.org

School Address:

6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville, PA 18041

Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Website Address: www.spnelementary.com

Religious Education Center Address

565 Main Street

East Greenville, PA 18041

Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Neri Center Address

6^th & Washington Streets

East Greenville, PA 18041

ROSARY: Prayed 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.

Ask Deacon Mike

I would like to conclude our three part reflection on the Eucharist by examining the way the Mass is structured and by looking at the tradition, purpose and connection to the Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. In the previous reflection we examined the meaning of the Eucharistic Assembly. The gathering of God’s people to give worship and praise is the highest honor we can pay to God. We do this in the contest of Jesus’ eternal sacrifice on the Cross.

Mass is neither a remembrance nor a reenactment of Jesus’ saving act. Rather, it is the continuation of that saving act that will last until the end of the world. The Church through 2000+ years has always had the same basic form of worship – the Mass. Over the centuries it has essentially remained the same. There have been modifications here and there, prayers added, words changed, gestures enhanced but in the end it is Jesus’ self-giving sacrifice of Himself to His Father on our behalf.

The Mass is comprised of four basic parts: 1) the introductory rites, 2) the liturgy of the Word, 3) the liturgy of the Eucharist and 4) the concluding rites. Jesus is present to us throughout the Mass. The Church teaches us that Jesus is actually present to us in three ways. First, Jesus is with us as a people gathered for a common purpose. Second, Jesus is present to us in the Scriptures. Third, Jesus is with us in the Blessed Sacrament as the bread and wine are offered to God in thanksgiving for His love and mercy. This is the focus of our discussion today.

Many Christian denominations celebrate Eucharist or Holy Communion in one way or another. For many it is done in remembrance of Jesus. What sets Catholics apart from our Protestant brothers and sisters is the fact that we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. The consecrated bread does not represent Jesus body. It is Jesus’ body. The consecrated wine does not represent Jesus’ blood. It is Jesus’ blood “shed for many so that sins may be forgiven.”

We call this Transubstantiation. Through the authority placed upon him by the Church our priest prays that the Holy Spirit will come down and transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave now comes among us making Jesus present to us in the Eucharist. Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, the Father’s ultimate gift to His prodigal children comes to us to nourish our souls with His real presence. As a Eucharistic people we all rely on this grace to live the life to which God calls us.

When the priest elevates the host and cup for consecration we do not see the change. However, through the eyes of our faith we see the crucified and risen Savior rise before us to draw us all together before the Father. In those few seconds we see our past, present and future before us. Our past is forgiven, our present is made relevant and our future is secured by the mercy of God. As the priest holds up before us the Body and Blood of Jesus we look upon Him in reverence and adoration.

How unfortunate that this moment of pure prayer cannot last longer so that we can more fully meditate upon Christ’s presence among us. This was certainly the need of our ancestors. The elevation of the Eucharist at Mass was not enough. They wanted more time before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. For that reason the tradition of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was begun in the 13^th century.

The Church reminds us that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our faith. If we accept this then doesn’t it make sense that we need to focus more of our time on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament offers us that opportunity to spend time with Jesus, gazing upon Him in the Eucharist. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is derived from the Eucharistic Sacrifice. It draws us into a deeper experience of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, increases our awareness of Jesus’ true presence among us and motivates us in the practice of the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is not an action of and by itself. It is tied directly to the Mass. At Mass Jesus becomes present to us. That was His will at the first Mass – the Last Supper – where He desired to be with us forever. The Church clearly teaches us that it was Jesus’ will that He be near us to feed, heal and comfort us. This is accomplished only in the Eucharist. As a further sign of the connection of Exposition to the Mass the consecrated Host used at Exposition is consecrated at the Mass immediately proceeding Exposition.

We here at St. Philip Neri have the opportunity every 1^st Friday to spend time with Jesus. At the end of the morning Mass the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar until Benediction at 7:030 PM. If you find yourself longing for more time with Jesus then I urge you to come and spend time before the Blessed Sacrament. We always close with Evening Prayer and Benediction.

If you have any questions concerning the Church or sacraments or anything pertaining to our faith I invite you to write to me. You can place your question in the Sunday collection basket, mail it to the rectory or send me an e-mail at deaconmikefranks@verison.net. As always may God bless you and I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks.

Serving at Mass November 8

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Marci Jaman Mark Meinzer

Alice Swift

Priest

Gerald Murphy

Anna Murphy

7:30 am – Joan Varallo Ernie Quatrani

Wally Varallo John Guckin

Priest

Denise Guckin

Jim Michels

Immaculata Barndt

9:30 am – Lester Kemp Wendy Benner

Christine Kemp Terry Benner

Priest

Michael Sledgen

Jack Nash

Monica Nash

11:00 am – Maryanne Charlton Donna Tarantino

Kevin Charlton D. McCausland

Priest

Deacon

Amanda Charlton

Tinamarie Evans

Mary Goodfellow

Anna Kells

Jeanne Hermley

Bob Hermley

Mary Lavin

Marlene Leidy

Serving at Mass November 15

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – John Nash Bob Piccone

Monica Nash

Priest

Trish Dornisch

Jim Quigley

Annemarie Quigley

7:30 am – Michele Martin John Gilmore

Pat Scheerbaum Theresa Gilmore

Priest

Lori Brozena

Paul Moser

Maureen Moser

9:30 am – Mary Souder Larry Concio

Stephanie Greczek Sue DiMarco

Priest

Deacon

Priest

9:30 am – Jenny Josko

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

Irene Novelli

Marianne Peters

Mary Ellen Paulk

Rose Anderson

11:00 am – Lillian Hewitt Joe Cassarella

Joshua Hewitt Eileen Davis

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Sarah Franks

Linda DiTondo

Doug DiTondo

Anita Weilnau

Michael Dougherty

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

WE REMEMBER MASS

We pray for our parishioners who have died during the past year…We Remember Them.

Mass remembering them will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10^th at 7:30 pm in Church.

Everyone is welcome to come and pray with us in this Mass of Remembrance. A reception will follow in our Social Hall.

THIRTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

November 8, 2009

Monday, November 9, dedication of the

Lateran Basilica in Rome

8:00 am – Gordon Heckler, (Tony Bauer)

Tuesday, November 10, Leo the Great

8:00 am – Fiftieth Anniversary, James Malley,

(Judy & Duke Doherty)

Wednesday, November 11, Martin of Tours

7:00 pm – Persecuted Christians

Thursday, November 12, Josaphat

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith. (Estate)

Friday, November 13, Francis Xavier Cabrini

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

Saturday, November 14

8:00 am – Maryann Moyer, (The Virus Family)

5:00 pm – Deceased members of the Fuller Family,

(Mark & Pat Meinzer)

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

November 15, 2009

7:30 am – For all the names of the deceased on the Altar

9:30 am – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

11:00 am – Deceased members of the Piccinni Family,

(Dolores & Anthony Bucci)

ROSE/FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

The floral arrangement on the altar is in memory of Maria Goffredo, requested by the Family.

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, Kathy Rukstalis, Mary Ann Bencie, Frances Cannon, 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 & Wayne Brinckman, Carla Kozak, Bill Kulp, Janice Minnich, Al Kornak, Michael Sinisko, Jr. Bob McCarty, Christine Keer & Jean Kosich.

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

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

November 2, 2008 November 1, 2009

Envelope: $ 8,444.00 $ 9,023.00

Loose: 2,010.00 1,712.00

Children: 46.55 70.00

Total: $ 10,500.55 $10,805.00

CEMETERY Collection:

$ 1,110.00

ALL SOULS Collection:

$ 1,458.00

CENSUS (BLOCK) Collection:

$ 19,792.44

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – November 12th – Team #1

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: October 29th – 68 players

Games: $ 177.10

Kitchen: 164.90

Total: $ 342.00

BUILDING MEMORIALS

Give a St. Philip Neri Memorial Gift!

For a donation of $25 or more, there is a beautiful folder recording the gift and donor to be presented to the family. A Mass is offered each month.

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

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, November 8^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass.

Sunday, November 8^th – Little Church – in the Gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, November 8^th – Knights of Columbus Meeting – Rectory – 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 8^th– Parish Youth Ministry – The EDGE in the gym – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Teens Living in Christ (High School) – gym – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday, November 8^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – in the Gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Monday, November 9^th – Pastoral Council Meeting – Rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, November 9^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5-10 pm

Monday, November 9^th – Holy Rosary Prayer Group – Chapel – 1:00 pm

Monday, November 9^th – Charismatic Prayer Group – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Monday, November 9^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1pm

Tuesday, November 10^th – Hoagie Sale – gym & meeting rooms – 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm

Tuesday, November 10^th – We Remember Mass – in Church at 7:30 pm; Social to follow in the gym

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

Wednesday, November 11^th – PREP – Religious Ed – school – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, November 11^th-CYO Sports-gym-5-10pm

Thursday, November 12^th – Pennsburg Manor Nursing Home Mass – 10:00 am

Thursday, November 12^th – Cub Scouts – School – 6:45 pm

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

Friday, November 13th-No School-Teacher Workshop

Friday, November 13^th – SPN Quilting – gym – 1pm

Friday, November 13th-CYO Sports-gym-5pm-10pm

Saturday, November 14^th – Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner – in the gym – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Sunday, November 15^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, November 15^th – Little Church – Gym – in the Gym – 9:30 am

Sunday, November 15^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – in the gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Sunday, November 15^th – Cub Scouts Continental District National Jamboree – Neri Center – 5pm-9pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pre-Cana – Monday, November 16^th – at the Neri Center – 7:30 pm

Friendly Visitors Meeting – Monday, November 16^th – Social Hall Meeting Rooms – 7:00 pm

CYO Sports – Monday, November 16^th – Gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, November 17^th – Church – 6:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, November 17^th – gym – 7pm

CYO Sports – Tuesday, November 17^th – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday, November 18^th – School – 6:00 pm

Respect Life Ministry Meeting – Wednesday, November 18^th – rectory – 7:30 pm

CYO Sports – Wednesday – November 18^th – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday, November 19^th – School – 6:45 pm

Respect Life Ministry – Food PREP for the Homeless – Friday, November 20^th – rectory – 5:15 pm

CYO Sports – Friday, November 20^th – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Gift of Love Tree Tags – Saturday, November 21^st – at ALL Masses

CYO Sports – Saturday, November 21^st – gym – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Gift of Love Tree Tags – Sunday, November 22^nd – at ALL Masses

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, November 22^nd – at the 9:30 am Mass

Little Church – Sunday, November 22^nd– gym-9:30am

CYO Sports – Sunday, November 22^nd – gym – 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm

Youth Ministry – Sunday, November 22^nd – gym – Grade School – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; TLIC (High School) – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, November 22^nd – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE

November 2009:

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

January 2010:

January 6^th – classes resume – Happy New Year

January 13^th – classes

January 20^th – classes

January 20^th – First Communion Parent Meeting – 6:10 pm – MANDATORY MEETING

January 25^th – First Penance Prayer Service –

7:00 pm in Church

January 27^th – First Penance Prayer Service –

(SNOW DATE)

February 2010:

February 3^rd – Classes

February 3^rd – First Communion Parent Meeting – 6:10 pm – Mandatory Meeting (SNOW DATE)

February 10^th – classes

February 17^th – NO CLASSES

February 24^th – classes

March 2010:

March 3^rd – classes

March 10^th – classes

March 17^th – classes

March 23^rd – First Communion Retreat – Social Hall/Church

March 24^th – classes

March 31^st – classes

April 2010:

April 4^th – Easter Sunday

April 7^th – classes

April 14^th – classes

April 21^st – classes

April 22^nd – First Communion Practice – Church – 6:00 pm

April 24^th – First Holy Communion – in Church at 10:00 am

April 28^th – last class

May 2010:

May 11^th – Marian May Procession – in Church at 7:00 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

November 2^nd thru November 6^th

Preschool – We welcomed November! The children collected leaves and made turkeys with them. They enjoyed learning turkey rhymes.

Kindergarten – In Math the students worked on counting objects and writing numbers. We are already counting to 100!

1st – This week first grade will present their saint projects. Everyone worked so hard to make beautiful, creative models of their saints. The students will show them to class as well as read their reports about their saints.

2nd – The students met with their sixth grade prayer partners for some Halloween fun. They made ghoulish lips of apple and teeth made of nuts, pretzels and all sorts of treats. The children played “Boo Am I,” a game where the children acted out a trick or treater and the class guessed who they were.

3rd – This week students are completing a distance activity. Students brought in toy race cars to measure the distance of how far they traveled. Students also compared the distance of how far the car traveled based on the amount of force they used on the car.

4th – In Science the students made colorful models of the ocean floor, wrote a tour for them, and then presented them to the class.

5th – In Math, we used sales circulars to determine the cost per item. We estimated quotients using rounding and compatible numbers. We plan to be smart shoppers in the future.

6th – The sixth grade students are beginning their novel study of “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry. Also, the students are starting a new writing piece, Diamante Poems.

7th – The Seventh grade has begun reading a dramatic adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” In December, we will be going on a field trip with the sixth and eighth grades to see the play performed.

8th – The 7th & 8th grade Religion had the opportunity to learn about archaeological digs from SPN parishioner and school staff member, Allison Davis. The students were fascinated and eagerly await her next presentation.

PARISH NEWS

LITURGY COMMITTEE MEETING

Just a reminder that the Liturgy Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday, November 16^th, has been changed to: Monday, November 23^rd, 7:00 pm at the rectory.

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 – November 9th.

HOAGIE SALE

Just a reminder that the Hoagie Sale pick-up is Tuesday, November 10^th, in the Social Hall from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE

Eli

Elizabeth Ministry is based on Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth (Luke: 39-55). With Jesus in her womb she hastened to Elizabeth’s home so she could share her joy and awe at the power of God. Elizabeth’s pure and simple response must have brought great comfort to her. The Elizabeth Ministry hopes to support women in our parish who are expecting a child or have recently given birth, too. We seek to emulate Mary, our Mother, by sharing with other women in the joys, challenges and sorrows of the childbearing years. If you or someone you know is expecting a child or has given birth, please call us to share in your joy and receive support in the challenges of motherhood. We are willing listeners and can provide caring companionship, as Mary offered to Elizabeth. Call the rectory at (215)679-9275 or LaRue Emmell at (215)679-3086.

H.O.P.E.

The H.O.P.E. Ministry is part of Outreach and services our Church Community. H.O.P.E. provides FREE transportation for medical appointments, errands, respite care, light housekeeping and to mass. Our volunteers are parishioners who are willing to serve and answer your needs. Please call Kathy or Bob Talbot–Coordinators at: 215-541-0250 or the Outreach Office: 215-679-2282.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

PORK & SAUERKRAUT SUPPER

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, November 14^th

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Tickets may be purchased at all Masses thru November 8^th. The prices are as follows:

Adults - $8.00

Children 4-10 - $4.00

Under 4 – FREE

TAKE-OUT - $9.00

PARISH NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

SAVE THE DATE!

THURSDAY EVENING – DECEMBER 31^st

8:00 PM TO 1:00 AM

Dinner dance for those 21 years of age & older!

Single person: $50 (note price increase)

Couples: $100 (note price increase)

Tickets will be available soon!

INFORMATION – IMPORTANT

Do you need help in obtaining low-cost prescription medications? Contact the RX Support Program to obtain assistance.

The phone number is: 1-877-747-7257.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

LIHEAP=Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Applications will be available for first time requestors at Open Line on November 2, 2009. If a family has had LIHEAP previously, an application will be sent directly to the home.

Note: There will be a few LIHEAP applications in the Parish Outreach Office. Call 215-679-2282. Speak slowly if leaving a message.

CYO SPORTS NEWS –

NEW CANDIDATES NEEDED

2010-2011 BASKETBALL SEASON

The following positions will be available for the 2010-2011 season:

Athletic Director

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Snack Stand Coordinator

(newly created position)

If anyone is interested in any of these positions, please call Kevin Loose at: 215-679-5481 as soon as possible.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Our next meeting for Youth Ministry is this Sunday, November 8^th, in the Social Hall. The EDGE meets from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Highschoolers meet from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Our High School Youth Group will be starting Theology of the Body for Teens. If you are interested, please call Colleen Daley ASAP. The books have been ordered.

Our Youth Group will be selling Soft Pretzels outside of all Masses this weekend (November 7/8). Pretzels are $1/each or 4 for $3. Please help out a worthy cause.

We also collect used printer cartridges for recycling. Please put them in the basket in back of Church.

If you have any questions, please call Colleen Daley at 215-5410-1716 or email at prolifer53@comcast.net.

ITALIAN HOLIDAY TRIP

If anyone would be interested in a visit to the eternal city of Rome and travel to Assisi as well as Padre Pio’s home church, and end our visit in Venice around late Fall of 2010, please call Kathy at: 267-923-5173.

Our stay would be between eight to ten days.

THE GIFT OF LOVE TREE

The “Gift of Love” Tree will once again be set up on the sanctuary of the Church.

If you wish to participate, take a tag from the tree, purchase the item described, affix tag, and return it as soon as possible. All gifts should be returned by Sunday, December 13^th. Please attach the tag to the gift and do not wrap the Present!

The gifts will benefit Birthright in Pottstown, St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter and Catholic Social Services.

For more information, please call the rectory office at 215-679-9275.

Sponsored by the SPN Respect Life Ministry

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

THANKSGIVING 300 SPECIAL

ON SALE NOW!

AT CHURCH ENTRANCES,

CONTACT ANY KNIGHT, OR

JOE CASSARELLA: 215-679-3637

$10 DONATION

One winner for every 5 tickets sold

TOP PRIZE - $500

Total of $2000 in cash prizes

DRAWING:

Sunday – November 29th

AFTER ADVENT SERVICE

BAKERS NEEDED

The Home & School is sponsoring the Craft Show at the Social Hall on Friday, November 27^th and Saturday, November 28^th.

The kitchen will be open both days and baked goods will be needed.

If you can help, please drop off your baked goods after 2:00 on Friday and after 7:00 am on Saturday at the Social Hall.

If there are any questions, please call Agnes at 267-923-8635 or the rectory office, 679-9275.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Tell Congress: Remove Abortion Funding & Mandates from Needed Health Care Reform

Congress is preparing to debate health care reform legislation on the House and Senate floors. Genuine health care reform should protect the life and dignity of all people from the moment of conception until natural death. The U.S. bishops’ conference has concluded that all committee approved bills are seriously deficient on the issues of abortion and conscience, and do not provide adequate access to health care for immigrants and the poor. The bills will have to change or the bishops have pledged to oppose them. Our nation is at a crossroads. Policies adopted in health care reform will have an impact for good or

ill for years to come. None of the bills retains longstanding current policies against abortion funding or abortion coverage mandates, and none fully protects conscience rights in health care. As the U.S. bishops’ letter of October 8 states: “No one should be required to pay for or participate in abortion. It is essential that the legislation clearly apply to this new program longstanding and widely supported federal restrictions on abortion funding and mandates, and protections for rights of conscience. No current bill meets this test…. If acceptable language in these areas cannot be found,

we will have to oppose the health care bill vigorously.”

For the full text of this letter and more information on proposed legislation and the bishops’ advocacy for authentic health care reform, visit: www.usccb.org/healthcare. Congressional leaders are attempting to put together final bills for floor consideration. Please contact your Representative and Senators today and urge them to fix these bills with the pro-life amendments noted below. Otherwise much needed health care reform will have to be opposed. Health care reform should be about saving lives, not destroying them. ACTION: Contact Members through e-mail, phone calls or FAX letters.

· To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action.

· Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices.

· Full contact info can be found on Members’ web sites at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov.

MESSAGE to SENATE: “During floor debate on the health care reform bill, please support an amendment to incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of conscience rights. If these serious concerns are not addressed, the final bill should be opposed.” MESSAGE to HOUSE:

“Please support the Stupak Amendment that addresses essential pro-life concerns on abortion funding and conscience rights in the health care reform bill. Help ensure that the Rule for the bill allows a vote on this amendment. If these serious concerns are not addressed, the final bill should be opposed.”

WHEN: Both House and Senate are preparing for floor votes now. Act today! Thank you!

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

ANNUAL APPEAL

Please generously support

The Annual Seminary Appeal!

The Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Annual Appeal kicks off during the month of November. Please consider supporting the Seminary, and, if possible, increasing your gift over what you gave last year.

The Seminary community is grateful to you for your faithful support. Your tax-deductible gift helps to enhance the many resources needed for priestly training and enables the Church to form holy, educated, and dedicates priests.

PLEASE SEND YOUR DONATION TO:

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Office for Development

100 E. Wynnewood Road

Wynnewood, PA 19096

Or:

make your donation online by visiting:

www.scs.edu

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

CATHOLIC LIFE CONGRESS 2009

Saturday, November 14^th

Archbishop Carroll High School

Celebration of the Eucharist:

The Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis

Keynote Address: Joseph Paprocki

Presentacion principal: Marta McGlade

Download the registration at:

:www.archdiocese-phl.org/evangelization/clg.htm.

For information call: 215-587-5667

LITURGICAL ARTS EVENT – Open to the Public

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will sponsor a Liturgical Arts Event on Saturday, November 21^st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Archdiocesan Office Center (222 N. 17^th Street, Philadelphia). This Event, which is open to the public, will provide an opportunity for individuals to acquire paintings and prints that have been restored and preserved, as well as 19^th century religious engravings. A limited number of stained glass remnants will also be available. For additional information, contact the Office for Special Projects at 215-587-3996.

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

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Have a generous point of view

In praising the widow who gave her last two coins to the temple treasury, Jesus is not suggesting that you and I need to give away our last penny. Rather, Jesus acknowledges that it is often the poorest of the poor who show the greatest charity, who risk the most to be loving. Jesus criticized the scribes and priests not only because of their apparent stinginess in donating to the Temple, but also because people such as the widow were often made poor by those in power who laid religious taxes and excessive expectations upon them. It is the responsibility of governments, churches, and individuals not only to come to the relief of the poor but to prevent them from being crushed in the first place.

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16;

Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

“But she out of her poverty has put in . . . all she had to live on.”

Monday, November 9

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

How firm a foundation

If any building in Christianity can be said to have a long history, it would be the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Starting as the site of an ancient Roman mansion and then a barracks for the imperial guard, the Lateran Palace later served as a meeting place of church councils. The emperor Constantine built and enriched a cathedral there—which was pillaged by barbarians and burnt down on several occasions, only to be rebuilt. From Roman house to the remodeling of the church that gave it its present appearance in 1735: about 2,000 years. Then add the time since then, and the centuries start to add up. This sacred building, and others like it, testify to the enduring witness of faith.

Today’s readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12;

1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22

“No one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.”

Tuesday, November 10

Feast of Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the church

Holding it together

Elected in 440 A.D., Pope Saint Leo I assumed leadership of the church in the midst of the quickening disintegration of the Roman Empire, when both Western and Eastern Europe were becoming increasingly decentralized. As a result, understanding about the nature of Christ and salvation similarly underwent a variety of interpretations. One school of thought prevalent at the time taught that Christ’s life and death were merely an example that we should follow, rather than a sacrifice for our salvation. Taking his position seriously, Leo greatly strengthened and consolidated Roman authority on matters of doctrine.

Today’s readings: Wisdom 2:23-3:9;

Luke 17:7-10

“Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love.”

Wednesday, November 11

Feast of Martin of Tours, bishop

The advent of Advent

For centuries Lent was not the only 40-day season of fasting and abstinence in church tradition. Devotion to Saint Martin of Tours was so popular that from the time of his death in 397 until the Middle Ages his November 11 feast day inaugurated a 40-day period of fasting in much of Western Europe and Great Britain. The fast was known as “St. Martin’s Lent,” “St. Martin’s Fast,” or “Quadragesima Sancti Martini”—“the 40 days of Saint Martin.” The feast day itself was celebrated with hearty food and drink, with a fast to follow, much as Lent is preceded by Mardi Gras. Saint Martin’s Fast later gave way to our present-day season of Advent, during which the spirit of quiet restraint continues. Get your Advent off to an early start this year!

Today’s readings: Wisdom 6:1-11;

Luke 17:11-19

“ ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ ”

Thursday, November 12

Feast of Josaphat, bishop, martyr

All Catholics East and West

When people use the word Catholic, just about everyone thinks Roman Catholic. But there are other kinds of Catholics, too, like some churches found in Eastern Europe, who are in communion with the Roman Catholic Church but who celebrate liturgy much like the Eastern Orthodox Church. Way back in the 15th and 16th centuries Saint Josaphat worked to bring the Eastern and Western churches closer together, and for his efforts was killed in 1623. Of this unity he said to the people of Vitebsk, in present-day Belarus, where he was bishop: “I am here among you as a shepherd, and you ought to know that I would be happy to give my life for you. I am ready to die for the holy union . . . .” In memory of Josaphat pray for the unity of Christians today.

Today’s readings: Wisdom 7:22b-8:1;

Luke 17:20-25

“Wisdom . . . . reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well.”

Friday, November 13

Feast of Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin

The education of the heart

Reading, writing, and ’rithmetic are important skills to master. But even in the late 1800s, Mother Cabrini insisted that children needed more than these fundamentals to thrive. In her schools she stressed the need for music, drama, art, and physical education as well, calling that a God-centered approach based on love of the whole person. By creating an environment of warm relationships, “education becomes an act of love,” she taught the sisters in the religious order she founded. We learn best from those who love us.

Today’s readings: Wisdom 13:1-9;

Luke 17:26-37

“From the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator.”

Saturday, November 14

Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A deferred prayer

There’s a story told about a woman who prayed to the Virgin that one of her sons would become a priest. She had seven sons, but all of them married and raised families. Then she prayed that one of her grandsons would become a priest. She had many grandsons, but none chose that life. The woman continued her prayer. She was almost a 100 years old and near death when one of her grandsons, at the age of 33, decided to become a priest. She died a happy woman knowing her lifelong prayer was finally answered. The story is true, told by the priest himself. Prayer works; you just have to keep at it.

Today’s readings: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9; Luke 18:1-8

“Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.”