Church
of Saint Philip Neri
Pennsburg, PA 18073
December 6,
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: 6th & 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 6th & Washington Streets East Greenville, PA 18041 ROSARY: Prayed in the Chapel Every Saturday after the 8:00 AM Mass Every 2nd 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 2nd & 3rd Sundays of each
month. Please
call the Rectory to schedule. 2nd Sunday
Baptisms are held at the 11:00 AM Mass 3rd Sunday
Baptisms are held at 12:30 PM PRE-JORDAN
CLASSES 1st
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
1st 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 write to you today
looking at my calendar and seeing December 1 pop out at me. Can you believe it? This year has gone by so quickly. Many things have happened to us this year
for which I am most grateful. I am not
sure exactly what I would rank as the most significant. But upon reflection I think that distinction
has to go to all of you for your warmth and love and support not just of my
ministry but for the mission of our entire parish. As our Mission Statement says we proclaim Christ’s love to all.
To be part of that with all of you makes me most grateful.
There are several
things I would like to address with you.
They are in no special order. So
here goes.
I was asked about our
new outdoor Stations of the Cross and when they will be dedicated. First of all, if you have not had a chance
to visit them please do so. They are
remarkable. Our Knights of Columbus
have done a magnificent job of clearing and preparing the area and erecting the
Stations. Through the generosity of
many of our parishioners the crosses bearing the stations and the benches for sitting and reflecting were
purchased. Our Knights did all of the
work as a service to all of us.
The Stations will be
dedicated sometime this spring. We want
to wait until the ground is a little more firmed up and less sloppy from the
rain. We are waiting to hear back to
see when one of our bishops will be available to come and bless and dedicate
them for us. We will let you know as
more information becomes available.
The question about the
stations was really aimed at if we can still go ahead and use them even if they
have not yet been blessed and dedicated.
This is a very good question.
The short answer is yes. The
mere fact that they exist is proof of God’s approval and blessing. The formal blessing will be a time for us to
publicly give thanks to those who gave, those who built and to God who provides
all good things for us.
Another question I was
asked concerns the marriage ceremony. A
person asked if it was inappropriate for a bride to be escorted by her father
down the isle or “given away”. This
person heard that the Church had changed this and now forbade it. I think a little catechesis is needed here.
First of all, no one
“gives” another person away. The very
nature of marriage is that only the parties involved give themselves. Marriage is the free commitment of a man and
a woman to each other in union with God and in the presence of the Church’s
minister and others whom the couple ask to witness their exchange of vows. Second, the celebrants of this sacrament are
the man and woman, themselves. The
ordained minister merely witnesses in the name of the Church. For this reason the Church suggests that as
the ceremony begins the bride and groom walk together down the isle. As the celebrants of the sacrament they
actually would be last in the procession.
However, the Church certainly allows for valid local customs to prevail. So, if a bride wishes to be escorted by her
father or mother (or both), then that is proper and allowed.
Finally, I have been
asked to address a situation that occurred at one of our Sunday Masses a few
weeks ago. Someone got up during a
homily and went and asked the parents of a fussy child to leave the
church. While I do not want to make
more of this than it really is there are several points that must be made – all
for pastoral purposes. Be assured that
I am not speaking solely for myself here but for Fr. Roncase, also. Nor am I defending or condoning what was
done.
No one, absolutely no one has any right
to ask another parishioner to leave Mass.
Mass is for everyone, including fussy children. Now you might say that if we had a cry room
perhaps everyone would be accommodated.
I think you would be wrong.
Children need to be taught how to behave in all types of situations, at
home, at church, at social events, etc.
Taking them out only plays into their desire to not be contained. Jesus tells us to let the little children
come to Him. Sequestering them and
isolating them goes against that notion.
We had a cry room in my church back home. Most of the time, it was occupied by older folks who did not want
to be around other people. That sort of
goes against the idea of Mass.
Having said this, if a
child creates such a disturbance then perhaps they are not ready to be brought
to Mass. Many parents of younger
children go to separate Masses for a while until the child can be taught to behave
properly.
It amazes me when
people take their kids out to the vestibule and let them start to run
around. Remember, those doors are glass
and we can still see you. There is no
separation wall so the noise can still be heard. I suggest parents work with their child rather than give in. Again, if they are not ready to be taught
then other arrangements should be made.
Besides, one’s obligation to participate in Mass cannot be fulfilled if
one is chasing a child around the back of the church. I know this is a touchy subject.
But we must learn to deal with it as best we can. If you have questions or concerns, please
see Fr. Roncase or me.
Well this wraps it up
for 2009. If you have any questions or
comments that you would like for me to address concerning the Church,
sacraments or any religious issue please send me an e-mail at
deaconmikefranks@verizon.net. I assure
you that your identity will be kept anonymous.
If you would like to remain anonymous even to me then just drop a note
in the collection basket or send it to the rectory to my attention.
As we journey through
Advent and prepare for the coming of our Savior I pray that you grow closer to
Our Lord through your charity towards one another. God bless you and remember:
I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks
HOLY DAY REMINDER
Tuesday, December 8th, is a Holy Day of
Obligation.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception:
Our National Patroness.
Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this
Feast Day.
Vigil Mass:
Monday, December 7th – 5:00 pm
Masses –
Tuesday, December 8th:
8:00 am; 9:30 am; & 7:30 pm
Anointing
of the Sick and Elderly
Anointing
of the sick and elderly will take place at all the Masses on the weekend of
December 12/13.
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE
CONFESSIONS
Our
Advent Penance Service (Confessions) will be held on Tuesday, December 15th,
at 7:00 pm. On this night, six (6)
Priests will be available for Confession.
DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS
We will
be decorating the Church for Christmas on Tuesday evening, December 22nd,
beginning at 6:00 pm. Anyone is welcome
to help! Many hands make for quick
work. Pizza will be provided for dinner.
CHRISTMAS MASSES
Christmas
Eve, December 24th:
5:00 PM
8:00 PM
12:00 Midnight
Christmas
Day, December 25th:
8:00 AM
10:00 AM
BAPTISMS
During
the months of September, October and November, we welcome the newly baptized
into the Faith and congratulate the parents.
Olivia
Swift, Saraya Sankar, Karyna Sankar, Archer Miller, Colin Merolla, Megan
McKnight, Billy McDade III, Maggie
McKean, Matthew Donahue, Teagan Clancy, Antonio Licopoli, Nole Donohue, Rhylan
Becky, Stephen Mumford, and Anna Willing.
Serving at Mass December
6
Extraordinary Ministers Lectors
5:00 pm – Dawn Ellis Bob Ellis
Marci Jaman
Priest
Janet
Kendra
Dave Boone
Teri Boone
7:30 am – Wally Varallo John Guckin
Joan Varallo Michael
Lynch
Priest
Denise Guckin
Chuck Rodgers
Maria Rodgers
9:30 am – Stephan Adelsberger Terry Benner
Christine Adelsberger Wendy Benner
Priest
Priest
Lester Kemp
Christine Kemp
11:00 am – Maryanne Charlton Eileen Davis
Kevin Charlton Susan DiMarco
Priest
Priest
Amanda Charlton
Mary Goodfellow
Serving at Mass December
8
Extraordinary Ministers Lectors
The Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary
5:00 pm – Jim
Quigley Bob
Ellis
Annemarie Quigley
Priest
Claire Holcombe
Bob Brennan
Eleanor Brennan
8:00 am – LaRue Emmell Mark Meinzer
Pete D’Amico
Priest
Pat Meinzer
Rita Tokarski
Joan Pongia
9:30 am – Bob Talbot George Kirkwood
Kathryn Talbot
Priest
Cecilia Kirkwood
Anna Murphy
Gerald Murphy
7:30 pm – Dianne Kennedy Wendy Benner
Patrick Kennedy
Priest
Alice Swift
Josh Hewitt
Lillian Hewitt
Serving at Mass December
13
Extraordinary Ministers Lectors
5:00 pm – John Burke Mark
Meinzer
Catherine Cahill
Priest
Priest
Lisa Edleman
Michael Edleman
7:30 am – Paul Moser Theresa Gilmore
Maureen Moser John Gilmore
Priest
Deacon
Stephan Adelsberger
Christine Adelsberger
Immaculata Barndt
Lori Brozena
Dina Corrado
Pete D’Amico
Trish Dornisch
Michael Duka
9:30 am - Michael Sledgen Joe Cassarella
Mary Souder Larry
Concio
Priest
Deacon
Linda Franks
Michael Dougherty
Colleen Daley
Mary Godshall
Keith Greczek
Mary Weber
Bill Gurgick
Lisa Gurgick
11:00 am – Jeanne Hermley Bob Piccone
Bob Hermley Luke Verna
Priest
Deacon
Doug DiTondo
Linda DiTondo
DJ Williams
Sandy Williams
Anna Kells
Anita Weilnau
Bob Schwind
Barbara Schwind
FLORAL ARRANGEMENT
The floral
arrangement placed on the altar is in Honor of Mr. & Mrs. George Zegiestowsky on their 55th Wedding
Anniversary, requested by The Family.
SECOND SUNDAY OF
ADVENT
December 6, 2009
Monday, December 7,
Ambrose
8:00 am – Stanley
Piontkowski,
(Staff of Mann-Slonaker
Funeral Home
5:00 pm – Vigil
Mass in Church
Hubert Boles, (The Daley Family)
Tuesday, December
8, Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed
Virgin Mary
8:00 am – Mass in
Church
Lila & Paul Smith,
(Estate)
9:30 am – Mass in
Church
7th Anniversary,
Jim Dykie, (Wife Anne & Family)
7:30 pm – Mass in
Church
George Dykie, (Anne Guy)
Wednesday,
December 9
7:00 pm – Christopher
Haynes, (Rich & Barb Grochowski)
Thursday, December
10
8:00 am – Alice
& Chester Belsky
Friday, December 11,
Damasus I, pope
9:00 am – Chuck
Snyder, (Francis & Delia Grim)
Saturday, December
12, Our Lady of Guadalupe
8:00 am – Clifford
Rothenberger,
(Fr. Leo Letterhouse Council
#6614)
5:00 pm – Anna
Mokriski, (John Mokriski)
THIRD SUNDAY OF
ADVENT
December 13, 2009
7:30 am – Stanly
Piontkowski, (Stephen Gardian)
9:30 am – For the
living & deceased members of the Parish.
11:00 am –First
Anniversary, Noreen Bauer, (Tony & children)
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 Brinckman, Carla Kozak, Bill Kulp, Janice Minnich,
Al Kornak, Michael Sinisko Jr., Bob McCarty, Christine Keer, Christine Erb,
Jean Kosich, Patrick Malloy, Tom
Brogan, William McAffee & Garrett Sterner.
For those who have died, and in particular for, Wayne
Brinckman, David Leister, Marija Lidkus, & Valeria Graziano, grant them eternal rest and peace.
SUNDAY COLLECTIONS
November
23, 2008 November 22, 2009
Envelope:
$ 8,744.00 $ 9,786.00
Loose: 1,109.00 1,104.00
Children:
63.00 97.00
Total: $ 9,916.00 $10,987.00
CENSUS
(BLOCK) Collection: year-to-date
$
23,941.19
November
30, 2008 November 29, 2009
Envelope:
$ 8,377.00 $ 9,574.00
Loose: 1,233.00 1,436.00
Children: 70.00 62.27
Total: $ 9,680.00 $11,072.27
ACTIVITIES -
*BINGO*
Kitchen
opens 5:00 pm – Bingo – 6:30 pm
Working
Thursday – December 10th– Team #1
All
regular games pay $50
FINAL
COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500
Bingo – November 19th
Players: 75
Games: $ 619.00
Kitchen: 183.00
Total: $ 802.00
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.
In memory
of William A. Heebner, requested by:
Mr. & Mrs. Karl Heebner & Family.
In memory
of Wayne Brinckman, requested by:
Joe &
Viola Kavacky, Ken & Rita Latshaw, Clifford & Connie Marks, Saint
Philip Neri Craft Guild, and Gerald & Joan McMahon.
We also
have “Living Memorials” for those
special occasions in life.
In Honor of
Betty McCarron on her 100th
Birthday, requested by Gerald & Joan McMahon.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK
Sunday, December 6th
– Breakfast w/Santa – gym – 7:00 am – 12:30 pm
Sunday, December 6th
– Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass
Sunday, December 6th
– Little Church – gym-9:30am
Sunday, December 6th
– Gifts returned to the Gift of Love Tree
Sunday, December 6th
– Youth Ministry Christmas Party – gym – All Youth – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday, December 6th
– Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Monday, December 7th
– Charismatic Prayer Group – Chapel – 7:00 pm
Monday, December 7th
– Pre-Jordan Baptismal Class – Rectory Meeting Room – 7:30 pm
Monday, December 7th
– Holy Day Vigil Mass in Church at 5:00 pm
Monday, December 7th
– SPN School Christmas Concert – gym – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8th
– NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, December 8th
– Holy Day Masses in Church: 8:00 am;
9:30 am; & 7:30 pm.
Tuesday, December 8th
– Choir & Cantor Practice in Church – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8th
– Boy Scouts – gym – 7pm
Tuesday, December 8th
– CYO Sports – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Wednesday, December 9th
– Home & School Board Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 9th
– PREP – Religious Ed – school – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, December 9th
– CYO Sports – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday, December 10th
– Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm
Thursday, December 10th
– Pennsburg Manor Nursing Home Mass – 10:00 am
Thursday, December 10th
– Cub Scouts – SPN School - 6:45 pm
Friday, December 11th
– NO SCHOOL, Teacher’s Conference
Friday, December 11th
– CYO Sports – gym – 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, December 12th
– Anointing of the Sick & Elderly – at the 5:00 pm Mass
Saturday, December 12th
– Gifts returned to Gift of Love Tree
Saturday, December 12th
– CYO Sports – gym – 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday, December 13th
– Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass
Sunday, December 13th
– Little Church-gym-9:30 am
Sunday, December 13th
– Anointing of the Sick & Elderly – at all Sunday Masses
Sunday, December 13th
– Last day for gifts returned to Gift of Love Tree
Sunday, December 13th
– Knights of Columbus Meeting – rectory -7:30 pm
Sunday, December 13th
– CYO Sports – gym – 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 13th
– Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
UPCOMING MEETINGS
TOSCO DAY – Home & School - Monday, Dec. 14th
Holy Rosary Prayer Group – Monday, December 14th
– Chapel – 1:00 pm
Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, December 14th
– Chapel – 7:00 pm
Pastoral Council Meeting – Monday, December 14th
– rectory – 7:00 pm
CYO Sports – Monday, December 14th –
gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Parish Advent Penance Service – Tuesday, December
15th – Church – 7:00 pm
Boy Scouts – Tuesday, December 15th –
gym – 7pm
CYO Sports – Tuesday, December 15th –
gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
PREP Prayer Service – Wednesday, December 16th
– Church – 7:00 pm
CYO Sports – Wednesday, December 16th –
gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cub Scouts – Thursday, December 17th –
at the School – 6:45 pm
CYO Sports – Friday, December 18th –
gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
CYO Sports – Saturday, December 19th –
gym – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, December 20th
– Church – at the 9:30 am Mass
Little Church – Sunday, Dec. 20th – gym
– 9:30 am
CYO Sports – Sunday, December 20th –
gym – 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm
Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, December
20th – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PREP SCHEDULE
December
2009:
December
9th – classes
December
16th – PREP Advent Prayer Service – Social in Gym at 7:00 pm
December
23rd – NO CLASSES
December
30th – NO CLASSES
January
2010:
January 6th
– classes resume – Happy New Year
January
13th – classes
January
20th – classes
January
20th – First Communion Parent Meeting – 6:10 pm – MANDATORY
MEETING
January
25th – First Penance
Prayer Service –
7:00 pm
in Church
January
27th – First Penance Prayer Service –
(SNOW
DATE)
February
2010:
February
3rd – Classes
February
3rd – First Communion Parent Meeting – 6:10 pm – Mandatory Meeting (SNOW
DATE)
February
10th – classes
February
17th – NO CLASSES
February
24th – classes
March
2010:
March 3rd
– classes
March 10th
– classes
March 17th
– classes
March 23rd
– First Communion Retreat – Social Hall/Church
March 24th
– classes
March 31st
– classes
April
2010:
April 4th
– Easter Sunday
April 7th
– classes
April 14th
– classes
April 21st
– classes
April 22nd
– First Communion Practice–Church – 6pm
April 24th
– First Holy Communion – in Church at 10:00 am
April 28th – last class
May 2010:
May 11th – Marian May Procession – in
Church at 7:00 pm
SCHOOL NEWS
Preschool – This week we studied
about reindeer in Science. The children
made reindeer pictures in art and they learned to dance to the “Reindeer
Pokey.”
Kindergarten – This week we began
talking about Advent. We are preparing
for the birth of Jesus and the excitement leading up to Christmas Day!
1st – We are very busy in
December. We are getting ready to sing
in our Christmas Concert. We will also
be learning about how other countries are preparing for Jesus’ Birthday.
2nd – The children enjoyed
eating a full Thanksgiving meal with their sixth grade prayer partners last
week. They also made Turkey luminaries.
3rd – We are starting a
new chapter in Science about animals.
Students will do research on their favorite animal and will be able to
find information about where the animal lives and what its needs are.
4th – Tick, Tock. We are learning concepts with time. The students created scenarios and
determined elapsed time. We are looking
forward to seeing the Nutcracker with our school community.
5th – We are learning about
Advent and the importance of preparing our hearts for Jesus’ coming at
Christmas and at the end of time.
6th – The students are
continuing their novel study of “Number the Stars”. Also, we are preparing for the Christmas Around the World celebration. We are researching Mexico.
7th – We enjoyed the
Colonial Thanksgiving project. Now we
are beginning to learn about Public Service Announcements.
8th – We are completing
our study of the Civil War by doing our research project on a person or topic
from the Civil War.
PARISH NEWS
FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE
Elizabeth Ministry is based on Mary’s visit to
her cousin Elizabeth (Luke: 39-55). 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.
Needed: A few good men-and women to become a Friendly
Visitor and/or a H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Enthusiastically) Volunteer. A
short Orientation Program is required before beginning.
If you can serve God’s people as a Friendly
Visitor or, a H.O.P.E. Volunteer, please call Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T.
at the Parish Outreach Office: 215-679-2282.
If no answer, please speak slowly and leave your name and
number. Please say the number, twice.
MARTHA MINISTRY
Martha Ministry is an associate ministry of
Bereavement. The Martha Ministers are
representatives of St. Philip Neri Faith Community. They offer consolation and support to a bereaved family at the
time of loss of a loved one. Volunteers
(Martha Helpers) will offer food or dessert, if wanted. The Martha Minister will call/visit the
family (if they agree) and will attend the Funeral Mass as the Parish
Representative. Follow-up will
continue, as needed or wanted.
If interested in being a minister or helper,
please contact Kathy Talbot at: 215-541-0250 or Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T.
at the Parish Outreach Office: 215-679-2282.
THE GIFT OF LOVE TREE
IS HERE!
The “Gift
of Love Tree” has been set up in 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 13th. 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
Gift of Love Tree – Attention: For those of you who have taken a bell “ornament” from the Gift of Love
Tree, the bells are marked C.S.S. (Catholic Social Services). Each “bell” is for a particular family. In order to supply the whole C.S.S. family,
maybe you want to join with another S.P.N. to take care of the C.S.S.
family. Also, please remember that a
Gift Card to a Department Store will also be welcomed.
Saint Philip Neri Home & School
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 6, 2009
7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Adults: $7.00
Children
(4-11) $4.00
Children
3 and Under Free
Join us
for a holiday celebration:
**
Pictures with Santa **
**
Secret Santa Shop **
** 50/50
Raffle **
Saint Philip Neri Social Hall
1325 Klinerd Road
Pennsburg, PA
18073
Please note that Santa arrives at 9:00 AM!
COME-N-GO BINGO
St. Philip Neri Social Hall
Saturday – January 9, 2010
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Games begin at 6:30 pm
Cost: $.25/game
Menu: hotdogs, bar-b-que
& 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
SPN ROSARY SOCIETY
Come and pray the Rosary every 2nd
Monday of each month at 1:00 pm in the Chapel.
Our next prayer gathering is Monday - December 14th.
FREE THROW CONTEST
St. Philip Neri Social Hall
Monday – January 18, 2010
Registrations begin at 6:30 pm.
This
contest is for boys and girls ages ten (10) years old thru fourteen (14) years
old.
Questions? Call Bernie at:
215-679-8275
Sponsored by: The Knights of Columbus
PRICE INCREASE:
BUILDING & LIVING MEMORIALS
Due to rising printing costs, the Building and
Living Memorials will increase to $35.00 effective January 1, 2010.
QUILTERS NEEDED!
Saint Philip Neri Church Quilting Group is need of
Quilters. Come join our group and have
fellowship as we quilt. If anyone is
interested, please call Connie Marks at 610-287-9829.
WELCOME COMMITTEE:
NEW MEMBERS NEEDED!
If you haven’t been born and raised in the area,
you know how you felt when you first moved into the parish. You don’t know anyone. Did you know that St. Philip Neri Church has
a Welcome Committee? Did you know that
we contact new parishioners soon after they register in the parish and tell
them all about the parish, its activities and groups within the Parish. Our parish is growing; so our Welcome
Committee is growing. We need a few
good men or women, or couples to contact these new families – the more the
merrier! We meet four (4) times a year
to find way to improve our approach to new families. Can we count on you?
For more information, please contact Joan Lampart
at 215-529-5686 or email to jmlampart@verizon.net
(please put SPN Welcome Committee on the Subject Line so I will know it is from
a parishioner.)
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS –
Thanksgiving 300
Special
The winners of the Thanksgiving 300 Special will
be posted in the Bulletin dated December 20th.
Parish Bulletin Holiday Transmission Schedule
Announcements for the December 20th
Bulletin must be submitted to Shirley by Thursday, December 10th. No exceptions will be made.
Announcements for the December 27th
Bulletin must be submitted to Shirley by Wednesday, December 16th. No exceptions will be made.
Announcements for the January 3rd
Bulletin must be submitted to Shirley by Friday, December 18th. No exceptions will be made.
New Year’s Eve Party
Dinner: Catering from Tosco’s Restaurant
Champagne Toast at Midnight
Music: DJ from A+ Entertainment
When: December 31, 2009
9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Where: St. Philip Neri Social Hall
Ticket: $55/person $100/couple
The proceeds from the
party will go to St. Philip Neri Elementary Home and School Association.
If you would like
tickets please fill out the form below and return it to us with payment at one
of the following locations by December 20, 2009.
1. Sending the form into the school with your child.
2. Putting the form in an envelope marked New
Years Eve and putting it in the collection basket at church.
3. You can mail it to:
Georgine Heibeck
1036 Montgomery Ave
Pennsburg, PA 18073
If you have any
questions you can call Georgine Heibeck at 215-541-4115 or email Heibeck@verizon.net
Ticket
form for the New Year’s Eve Party
Name:_________________________
Phone Number: ____________________
Number of Tickets needed: ________________________
Amount
Enclosed:______________________________
ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS
ARCHDIOCESAN BOY CHOIR OF PHILADELPHIA
Presents:
For the Birth of Christ –
A Concert of Christmas Music
Sunday – December 20th - 3:00 pm
St. Colman Church – Ardmore, PA
Freewill donations accepted at the door
Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen
and grow—a day at a time.
Sunday,
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday
of Advent
Be the voice
Who should play John the Baptist,
that great shaggy herald, in the movies? My vote goes to Viggo Mortensen: He’s
tough, fit, wild, and just dreamy-eyed enough to be the prophet. My only regret
is that Clint Eastwood is so far north of 30 or he’d be a shoo-in. We might
argue the casting for a motion picture, but we don’t get to argue who gets to
play the herald of the Lord in real life: That would be you and me. The wilder
the place in which we find ourselves, the louder we must cry: Prepare the way!
Today’s readings: Baruch 5:1-9;
Philippians
1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6
“The voice of
one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’ ”
Monday,
December 7
Feast of
Ambrose, bishop, doctor of the church
Be open to God’s truth as others see it
In the third century the church
was bitterly divided over the Arian heresy, and Saint Ambrose was in the thick
of it, vigorously defending the Catholic position but also being a remarkably
generous and flexible bishop. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, he said—a
reference to his willingness to adapt to local custom and tradition in liturgical
matters. He was a champion of Mary and of the role of the local bishop, and he
also gave the church a style of chant and a selection of hymns, including one
of this season we still use: “O come, Redeemer of the earth, / and manifest thy
virgin birth. Let every age in wonder fall / such birth befits the God of all.”
Controversies continue to exist today among Christians. Can we, like Ambrose,
maintain the truth we believe and be willing to lovingly compromise?
Today’s readings: Isaiah 35:1-10;
Luke 5:17-26
“The eyes of
the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.”
Tuesday,
December 8
Solemnity of
the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Make room to be filled
A professor visits a wise man in
search of the meaning of life. The wise man offers his visitor a cup of tea,
which he pours until the cup is full, then overflowing. The professor exclaims,
“Stop! The cup is full; no more can go in!” The wise man responds, “Like this
cup, you are full of opinions, judgments, and speculations. You have no room
for anything else.” With the feast of the Immaculate Conception we acknowledge
that Mary, the future Mother of God, was born without sin. Her cup was truly
empty so she could be filled with God. During this season of Advent let’s pray
that we may empty ourselves to make room for Jesus to be born in our hearts.
Today’s readings: Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38
“And
[Gabriel] came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’
”
Wednesday, December
9
Advent weekday
Grow in strength on humble pie
Two words Jesus uses to describe
himself—meek and humble—do not get the best press these days. But
these gentle words imply a quiet strength that may not be apparent at first
glance. The word meek comes from an old Norse word related to supple,
which is strength with flexibility. Humility is related to the Greek
word for earth or ground and can be understood as describing
someone who has his or her “feet on the ground” or is “firmly grounded.” Supple
and grounded are not bad qualities to possess. Strive to be meek and
humble in the best sense of the words!
Today’s readings: Isaiah 40:25-31;
Matthew 11:28-30
“Take my yoke
upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”
Thursday,
December 10
Advent weekday
Take the Kingdom by peace
Kids have a way of holding their
parents’ feet to the fire. It goes something like this: “I cleaned up my room
like you told me. Now you have to take me to the mall”—even though going to the
mall doesn’t work right now. The same kids will cry injustice if you send them
to their room for misbehaving. Grown-ups do that with God. Those who manage to
be righteous will insist that God hold up God’s end of the bargain. Then they
cry out when things don’t go their way. But Jesus says that God gives
the Kingdom to those who ask. There’s no reason to take it by force. It’s a
gift.
Today’s readings: Isaiah 41:13-20;
Matthew 11:11-15
“From the
days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,
and the violent take it by force.”
Friday,
December 11
Feast of
Damasus I
Take good care of holy history
Pope Damasus I (304-384) was named
patron saint of archaeology for his work preserving church archives and
buildings and restoring the Roman catacombs, which had served as the burial
place for several generations of Christian martyrs and contained important
early Christian drawings and inscriptions. His wisdom and foresight were not
altogether appreciated at the time, but centuries later renowned Christian
archaeologist Giovanni Battista De Rossi referred to the first volume he wrote
about the catacombs as the “second Damasus,” a tribute to the vital role the
early pope played in preserving Christian history. Consider the holy history
being made in your own life and times and find ways to preserve it for the next
generation.
Today’s readings: Isaiah 48:17-19;
Matthew
11:16-19
“Wisdom is
vindicated by her works.”
Saturday,
December 12
Feast of Our
Lady of Guadalupe
E pluribus unum
The Virgin of Guadalupe, said to
have appeared on a hilltop at the outskirts of present-day Mexico City in 1531,
has served as a symbol of Mexican unity for centuries. Author Judy King calls
Guadalupe the “common denominator” uniting a people composed of a vast
patchwork of differences—ethnic, linguistic, geographic, economic. As the
United States becomes ever more diverse, it sometimes appears our differences
will pull us apart instead of draw us together. Let Our Lady of Guadalupe, who
is honored as the “Patroness of the Americas,” serve as a unifying symbol in
our multicultural society.
Today’s readings: Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab;
Luke 1:26-38
or 1:39-47
“Many nations shall join
themselves to the Lord . . . and they shall be his people.”
