Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

January 17, 2010

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.

ST. PHILIP NERI PASTORAL COUNCIL

Parish Council Approves New Bylaws:

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires that all parishes maintain a Parish Council to assist and advise the pastor on issues and activities relevant to the parish community. Several years ago when Father Roncase was appointed pastor, he set out to reorganize, broaden and strengthen our Council so it could better serve and support the many ministries within the parish. Under his guidance, the Council worked over the past year to develop a new set of bylaws to meet Father’s intended goal. After many revisions the newly developed bylaws were presented to Council and unanimously approved, and further approved by Father Roncase at the January 11, 2010 meeting.

The intended purpose of this notice is to summarize the main elements of the bylaws, which outline how all parish ministries integrate within the Council structure in relationship to the Parish Mission, and to also encourage all parishioners’ participation.

Role and Responsibility: The Parish Council is advisory to the Pastor, fulfilling the role as the voice of the parish community. It is responsible for facilitating, coordinating and supporting the activities of all parish ministries and representing the interest and needs of the entire parish.

Structure: The Parish Council is comprised of a total of 17 members. Six members are employed to perform administrative duties for the parish and have no official voting rights on Council. Three members are elected from the parish community as “At Large” members. Three are elected officers (President, Vice President and Secretary).

The remaining five members are appointed coordinators who oversee the five main ministries listed below.

a. Liturgical

b. Faith Formation and Faith Programs

c. Hospitality

d. Parish Life

e. Parish Outreach

Ministry Integration: There are currently 50 Associate Ministries, each assigned to one of the five listed above. Each Associate Ministry leader will have the support of the Main Ministry coordinator, so that all will work collaboratively to fulfill the needs and interest of each ministry.

Parishioner Participation: All regular Parish Council meetings will be announced in the parish bulletin. Any parishioner can request to speak to the Council (either directly or through an At Large member) regarding any parish issue. This can be accomplished by contacting a Council member or the parish rectory or through a question box which will be placed in the church lobby. Appropriate issues found within the box will be addressed in the bulletin.

Next week the process will be announced for those candidates who would be interested in being nominated to “At Large” member positions.

For a complete copy of the Parish Council Bylaws, access the Parish website (www.spnparish.org)or contact the rectory.

Serving at Mass January 17

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dave Moser Ed Tryon

Trudy Moser S. Hunsberger

Priest

LaRue Emmell

Claire Holcombe

John Burke

7:30 am – Christine Adelsberger Ernie Quatrani

Stephan Adelsberger J. Sakalouckas

Priest

Immaculata Barndt

Lori Brozena

Dina Corrado

9:30 am – John McHale Eileen Koch

Jenny Josko Matt Horvath

Priest

Deacon

Bill Orr

Colleen Daley

11:00 am – Jeanne Hermley D. McCausland

Bob Hermley Adam Canigiani

Priest

Deacon

Mary Lavin

Marlene Leidy

Serving at Mass January 24

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Lee Johnson Larry Concio

Janet Kendra Pete Frank

Priest

Patrick Kennedy

Diane Kennedy

7:30 am – Mary R. Giambrone John Guckin

Michael Duka Michael Lynch

Priest

Deacon

Peter D’Amico

Denise Guckin

9:30 am – Ken Mayer Joe Cassarella

Marilynn Mayer Mark Meinzer

Priest

Irene Novelli

Mary Ellen Paulk

Rose Anderson

11:00 am – Barb Schwind Luke Verna

Bob Schwind Bob Piccone

Priest

Anita Weilnau

DJ Williams

Sandy Williams

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

January 17, 2010

Monday, January 18

8:00 am – William Peters, (Bob & Marianne Peters)

Tuesday, January 19

8:00 am – Giosuelo Liguoro, (Silvene Bracalente)

Wednesday, January 20, St. Fabian

7:00 pm – Betty Cooper, (Joan Wieder)

Thursday, January 21, St. Agnes

8:00 am – Mary Rose Slemmer, (Regina & Joe Pinkowicz)

9:00 am - 7:00 pm – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, all day in our Chapel.

Friday, January 22

7:30 am – Mass in Church

Tom Virus,

(Wife Judi, daughters, & granddaughter)

Saturday, January 23

8:00 am – Deceased members of the Stock, Ebert,

& LeGrand Families, (Rita & Henry Tokarski)

5:00 pm – Joseph Josko, (Wife Jenny Josko)

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

January 24, 2010

7:30 am – Jennie Virus, (Mike & Paulette Macenka)

9:30 am – Ignatius Sagan & Anthony Tokarski,

(Rita & Henry Tokarski)

11:00 am – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

FLORAL/ROSE ARRANGEMENT

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother are in memory of Tom Virus on his Birthday, requested by Wife Judi, Daughters and Granddaughter.

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, 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, Delia Grim, Robert Engler, John Brazuk, Evelyn Dixon, Thomas Zappala & Adam Canigiani, Jr.

For those who have died, and in particular for Dorothy Goodfellow, John Dykie, William Gebhard & Linda Frank (Mother of Madeleine Gehringer), grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

January 4, 2009 January 3, 2010

Envelopes: $ 3,439.00 $ 3,709.00

Loose: 449.00 324.00

Children: 4.00 0.00

Total: $ 3,892.00 $ 4,033.00

January 11, 2009 January 10, 2010

Envelopes: $ 7,397.00 $ 8,806.00

Loose: 1,052.00 1,656.00

Children: 73.25 99.00

Total: $ 8,522.25 $ 10,561.00

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – January 21st – Team #3

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: January 7, 2010

61 players

Games: $ 183.00

Kitchen: $ 209.00

Total: $ 392.00

PARISH BREAKFAST

Sunday – January 24, 2010

7:00 am – 12:30 pm

Save the date!

BUILDING MEMORIALS

Give a St. Philip Neri Memorial Gift!

For a donation of $35 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 Dorothy Goodfellow, requested by:

Joe Pulli & Luanne Pulli, The Anderson Family, and Tom & Mary Ann Londergan.

In loving memory of John Dykie, requested by:

Anne Dykie, Jim & Amy Dykie, Kathrine Kerivel,

Clifford & Connie Marks, Stella Roney, Anna Hoffman, and Carol Bradley.

In memory of Chancellor Galbraith, requested by:

Mark Nunan.

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

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, January 17^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, January 17^th – Little Church-gym-9:30am

Sunday, January 17^th – CYO Sports – gym – 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm

Sunday, January 17^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Monday, January 18^th – No School

Monday, January 18^th – Liturgy Committee Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, January 18^th – Free Throw Contest – gym – Registration begins at 6:30 pm

Monday, January 18^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Monday, January 18^th– Charismatic Prayer Group – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, January 19^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – in Church at 6:00 pm

Tuesday, January 19^th – SPN Craft Guild – gym – Meeting Room – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, January 19^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7pm

Tuesday, January 19^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Wednesday, January 20^th – First Communion Parent Meeting – Neri Center – 6:10 pm

Wednesday, January 20^th – PREP – Religious Ed – School – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, January 20^th – Respect Life Ministry Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Wednesday, January 20^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Thursday, January 21^st – Bingo – gym – 6:30 pm

Thursday, January 21^st – Pro-Life Adoration – Chapel – 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Thursday, January 21^st – Cub Scouts – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

Friday, January 22^nd – March for Life – Washington, DC – Mass in Church at 7:30 am

Friday, January 22^nd – SPN Quilting – gym – Meeting Room – 1:00 pm

Friday, January 22^nd – CYO Sports-gym- 5-10 pm

Saturday, January 23^rd – Parish Breakfast set-up in the gym

Sunday, January 24^th – Parish Breakfast – gym – 7:00 am to 12:30 pm

Sunday, January 24^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, January 24^th – Little Church-gym-9:30am

Sunday, January 24^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

First Penance – Monday, January 25^th – Church – at 7:00 pm

CYO Sports – Monday, January 25^th – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, January 25^th – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, January 26^th – in Church – 6:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, January 26^th – gym – 7pm

CYO Sports – Tuesday, January 26^th – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday, January 27^th – School – 6:00 pm

CYO Sports – Wednesday, January 27^th – gym – 5:00 pm 10:00 pm

Rosary at Pennsburg Manor – Thursday, January 28^th – 1:15 pm

Respect Life Ministry – Food PREP for the Homeless – Thursday, January 28^th - rectory – 5:15 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday, January 28^th – Neri Center – 6:45 pm

CYO Sports – Friday, January 29^th – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

CYO Sports – Saturday, January 30^th – gym – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Catholic Schools Week – 9:30 am – Opening Mass – Sunday, January 31^st

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, January 31^st – at the 9:30 am Mass

Youth Ministry – Sunday, January 31^st – gym – EDGE Grade School – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; High School – TLIC – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, January 31^st – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE

January 2010:

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 – 6pm

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 – Church-6:30 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

Kindergarten – This week Kindergarten continued to work hard on reading, writing words and sentences. We also read the story, “The 3 Little Pigs” and acted it out.

1st – First grade will learn about Tomas Rivera in their reader this week. They will learn about a special story called a Biography. The students will also hear parts of Martin Luther King’s biography.

2nd – The 2nd grade children are incorporating Music into their Math Subtraction Basic Fact practice. They are doing Army drill chanting – For example: 13-4=9 (say twice). Respect other and be kind. (say twice)

3rd – In reading this week students are making a flow chart to go with the story “Centerfield Ballhawk.” Students are able to illustrate pictures to display what happened in the story.

4th – In science class the students are watching the weather, making barometers and discussing why it’s so hard to predict the weather accurately.

5th – In Math, students are interpreting data from various types of graphs. We’re discussing graphs that are fact vs. opinion and how to obtain a valid sample for recording data.

6th – The 6th grade students are writing a counting story. They will create and publish their stories. The creation of the counting book is an activity to help the students with nouns ~ singular, plural and possessive.

7th – In science, the students are learning about the skin, muscular and skeletal systems. They used a clothes pin activity to test their muscles.

8th – The 8th grade returned to class after the holidays ready to start a new year. It is finally 2010 ~ the year they graduate! Lots to do before June.

PARISH NEWS

JESUS WANTS TO MAKE A DATE WITH YOU!

St. Philip Neri Lenten Parish Mission

Sunday, February 28 thru Thursday, March 4

Main Service every evening at 7:00 pm

Father Don Miniscalco,

from the Shrine of St. John Neumann

- - - - - - - - - -

Without the love of Jesus, everything else is useless!

Pope John Paul, II

Philadelphia, October 4, 1979

DAILY MASS ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22^nd

Mass this Friday will be celebrated in Church at 7:30 am. Following the Mass, our parish sponsored bus will leave for Washington, D.C. and the Pro-Life March.

- - - - - - - - - -

PRO-LIFE ADORATION

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament all day, Thursday, January 21^st, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in our Chapel. Evening Prayer and Benediction at 7:00 pm.

Please make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament as we pray for the success of the Pro-Life March in Washington, D.C. and a return to the respect of all life in our country!

CONFESSIONS ON THE 2^nd and 4^th SATURDAYS

On the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of each month, Fr. Smart will be hearing Confessions in Father Roncase’s Confessional.

Confession time remains the same time every Saturday afternoon…4:00 pm to 4:45 pm.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE

Remember: GET WITH THE PROGRAM? What Program? The H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Enthusiastically)! Well, it is still serving people!

An important component of the H.O.P.E. Program is/are the Coordinator(s). Our present Coordinators, Bob & Kathy Talbot, have served for three (3) years. That is NOBLE! Now it is time for a new Coordinator, or new Coordinators!

The ministry of Coordinator(s) is compassionate and patient listening, along with some organizational skills and patience. If you feel that God is asking you to share your gifts for service as a Coordinator for H.O.P.E., please call Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T. at the Parish Outreach Office: 215-679-2282. Speak slowly and give your phone number, twice.

SAINT PHILIP NERI BIBLE STUDY

Do you know about the Gospel of Matthew?

Not much is known about Matthew. Also called “Levi,” he was a tax collector before answering Jesus’ call to discipleship. Like many tax collectors of the time, he may also have been a scribe. Matthew once held a feast for Jesus and was later chosen by Jesus to be one of his twelve apostles.

The Parish Bible Study group invites you to 24 weeks of study of Matthew’s writings. The program will be broken into 3- 8 week sessions. Study materials will be available.

Each week we will watch a video on a specific lesson, discuss the portions of Matthew’s Gospel that apply. Through the discussion we will have a better understanding of what Matthew’s message means to us. This study is part of The Great Adventure series.

You will have two opportunities to join us – Monday evenings or Friday mornings.

First evening class is Monday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rectory meeting room.

First morning class is Friday, February 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Rectory meeting room.

The cost for study materials is $35.00. Checks should be made payable to St. Philip Neri Church. For those who are first time members of Bible Study, please register before January 15, 2010. To register, contact Joan Lampart, 215-529-5686 or email jmlampart@verizon.net (please put Bible Study on subject line).

GREETERS SCHEDULE

The First Quarter 2010 Greeters Schedule is available on the Parish Website. Paper copies are available in the small room off the vestibule for those who do not have Internet access.

CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS - 2009

Any parishioner wishing to receive a copy of their 2009 Contribution Statement is asked to please call the rectory office: 215-679-9275. Copies will be mailed upon request only.

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

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 – February 8th.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH FISH FRY

It’s getting to be that time of year again! Our Lenten Fish Fry begins on Friday, February 19th and continues until Good Friday – April 2nd^h, in our parish Social Hall from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Eat-in or take out available.

Any questions regarding the Menu and prices or any other general information, please call Rita Latshaw at: 215-679-7009.

SAINT PHILIP NERI CHURCH,

DAISY GIRL SCOUT TROOP 71802

SPN Daisy Girl Scout Troop 71802 will be selling Girl Scout cookies in the social hall during our parish breakfast on Sunday, Jan 24 from 8 to 12:30. You can also buy a box for the men and women serving overseas – money donated for cookies for overseas will go to our local Council and cases of cookies will be sent overseas to our Troops.

Please support our Girl Scout Troop and buy a box of cookies – for yourself or our overseas program!

SPN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION –

FALL DISCIPLE AWARDS

Congratulations to the following students who have received the FALL DISCIPLE AWARDS:

1A – Robert Carpenter, Meghan Carlin

1B – Kevin Tulone, Emma Walters

2A – Paige Burgert, Trevor Cairns

2B – Gavin Fuhs, Catherine Gibson

3A – Olivia Benner, Tyler Raymond

3B – David Fletcher, Kelly Friedman

4A – Kaylee Heimes, Marc Molnar

4B – Nicholas Batori, Alyssa Sullivan

5A – Anthony Boyle, Lauren Weeks

5B – Abigail Edleman, Jack Whitney

This Award which is presented three times a year, (Fall, Winter, Spring) to two or more PREP Students who best exemplify the Christian values of a follower of Our Lord. The recipients of this honor, who are selected by their Catechists, have consistently displayed courteous behavior in the classroom toward their teachers and classmates; have faithfully attended weekly classes; and have advanced in love and in knowledge of their Faith. The Awards consist of a certificate, Holy Spirit Pin and a Holy Trade Card, which features a Saint as a Christian role model and spiritual guide.

We would like to extend a “Thank You” to the Father Leo Letterhouse Council #6614 of the Knights of Columbus for sponsoring this Award.

Thank You from Catholic Social Services

Dear Father Roncase,

We are very grateful for St. Philip Neri Parish’s donation of Christmas gifts to Catholic Social Services through your “Giving Tree”. On behalf of the families who received your very generous donations, we would like to extend our Thank You for your commitment to help the needy in Montgomery County.

With your assistance, we were able to provide a wonderful Christmas for Montgomery County families who are experiencing financial hardship. They were very grateful to receive these gifts.

We are blessed to have your support. We would not be able to fulfill our mission without the help of your parishioners.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Peteraf, M.A.

Program Manager

Thank you from St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to you and your families.

We at St. Mary Franciscan Shelter would like to express our gratitude for your generous contributions.

Even with the strain of the economy, our closets, shelves and pantry have been well restocked due to your kindness and generosity.

Thank you again for your thoughtfulness; may your year be filled with many blessings.

Sincerely,

Kate and the Staff at St. Mary’s

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Office of the Cardinal

January 2010

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the story of the Last Judgment, Jesus reminds us to care for those in need and to recognize Him in the poor, the hungry and the disadvantaged. When we act with compassion and commitment to justice for the “least among us”, we act as true disciples of Jesus.

The Catholic Relief Services Collection provides a real opportunity for Catholics in the United States to express Christian compassion and generosity. In a concrete way, the collection helps build the Church’s international social ministry by funding the work of six agencies: Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., the Holy Father’s Relief Fund, Migration and Refugee Services, Justice, Peace and Human Development and the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church.

In addressing today’s global realities, resources raised by the annual collection make possible much needed humanitarian aid to people suffering, such as young Congolese boys, families in Chadian refugee camps, orphans in Lesotho, and victims of conflict in places like Sudan, Israel, Palestine and other war-torn nations.

We, who are so blessed with abundant resources must always remember the poor since service to those in need is at the heart of the mission of the Church. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Cardinal Justin Rigali

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

3211 FOURTH STREET NE – WASHINGTON DC 20017-1194 – 202-541-3103 – FAX 202-541-3166

URGENT: USCCB NATIONWIDE BULLETIN INSERT

Stop Abortion Funding in Health Care Reform!

Protect Conscience

Ensure Affordable Health Coverage

Allow Immigrants to Purchase Private Health Insurance

As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral

case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all,

especially the poor and vulnerable. Health care reform should not advance a pro-abortion agenda in

our country.

· On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform that

reaffirms the essential, longstanding and widely supported policy against using federal funds

for elective abortions and includes positive measures on affordability and immigrants.

· On December 24, the U.S. Senate rejected this policy and passed health care reform that

requires federal funds to help subsidize and promote health plans that cover elective

abortions. All purchasers of such plans will be required to pay for other people’s abortions

through a separate payment solely to pay for abortion.

· Outside the abortion context, neither bill has adequate conscience protection for health care

providers, plans or employers.

· These two bills must now be combined into one bill that both the House and Senate will vote

on in final form. Provisions against abortion funding and in favor of conscience protection,

affordability, and immigrants’ access to health care must be part of a fair and just health care

reform bill, or the final bill must be opposed.

ACTION: Contact your Representative and Senators today by e-mail, phone or FAX.

· 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.

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

MESSAGE—HOUSE:

“I am pleased that the House health care bill maintains the longstanding policy against

federal funding of abortion. I urge you to work to uphold essential provisions against

abortion funding, to include full conscience protection and to assure that health care is

accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose

the final bill.”

MESSAGE—SENATE:

“I am deeply disappointed that the Senate health care bill fails to maintain the longstanding

policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate protection for

conscience. I urge you to support essential provisions against abortion funding, similar to

those in the House bill. Include full conscience protection and assure that health care is

accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose

the final bill.”

WHEN: Votes in the House and Senate on the final bill are expected in January.

Act today! Thank You!

Updated 1/7/10

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Men’s Spirituality Conference

March 13, 2010

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Mike Piazza,

Member of Catholic Athletes for Christ,

12 time Baseball All-Star

Jesse Romero

Catholic Evangelist

3-time World Police Boxing Champion

8:45 am – 5:00 pm

Archbishop Ryan High School

11201 Academy Rd., Philadelphia

Mass for Sunday – 4:00 pm

Cardinal Justin Rigali

For more information, please call: 215-87-5639 or email us at: mcquestions@adphila.org.

AREA PARISH NEWS

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Individuals are invited to take all donations on Saturday, February 13, 2010, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm to our truck located at the following location:

St. Mary Delphi

40 Spring Mound Road

Schwenskville, PA 19473

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

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading the signs

Ever notice how God never requires us to “say when”? The extravagant gesture is God’s signature statement. In the time of Elijah a jar of meal and a jug of oil refused to go empty, no matter how many times a certain widow dipped into both. On the occasion of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with one boy’s lunch, there was enough for leftovers. And when Jesus turned water into wine, it was a lot of wine, and the best kind, too. Abundance is God’s way of doing things. In your charitable giving count on God’s making it up to you—and then some!

Today’s readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-11

“Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory.”

Monday, January 18

United we stand

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began in 1908. The dates of the week were proposed by Father Paul Wattson, cofounder of the Graymoor Franciscan Friars. Popes Pius X blessed the concept and Benedict XV encouraged its observance. Protestant leaders in the mid-1920s also proposed an annual octave of prayer for unity. In 1948, with the founding of the World Council of Churches, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity became increasingly recognized by different churches throughout the world. Take a moment today to pray that, despite our differences, Christians of various backgrounds and traditions may indeed “all be one.”

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 15:16-23;

Mark 2:18-22

“One puts new wine into fresh wineskins.”

Tuesday, January 19

Listen and speak

The theme for this second day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is from the Gospel of Luke: “You are witnesses of these things.” The word witness is both a noun and a verb. We are witnesses because we are Christian: We have experienced the reality of Jesus in our lives. But witnesses also speak: We are called to share our stories of faith with others. In our culture of deeply divisive language, politics, and, particularly, religion, we must actively strive to find creative ways to share our encounters with Jesus and hear the stories of other Christians. Our intention, though, begins with some reflection: How willing am I to share my faith stories with others? How willing am I to listen to theirs?

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 16:1-13;

Mark 2:23-28

“Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath.’ ”

Wednesday, January 20
Feast of Fabian, pope, martyr

The accidental pope

Can a layperson be chosen pope? It happened in the year 236, when it is said that those who had gathered to elect a new bishop of Rome saw a dove alight upon the head of Fabian, an unknown layman and farmer who happened to be visiting the city. He was at once proclaimed bishop of Rome by acclamation. Fabian made important contributions to the church, including his decision to send seven bishops to Gaul to evangelize the region we know today as France and Belgium. Be prepared for service both great and small at any time of day or night.

Today’s readings:

1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Mark 3:1-6

“Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?”

Thursday, January 21

Across the great divide

While Christian unity comes to our attention each January, in the daily “culture wars” what divides people (including Christian from Christian) seems always more prominent. In the health-care debate for example, we focus on divergent views on issues rather than a common goal like securing health care and insurance for the poor or illegal immigrants. Yes, illegal. See what I mean? Immediately the voices of righteousness and indignation (like that of the elder son in the story of the Prodigal Son) rise—even to belligerence. What of the borderless kingship of Christ? Christ’s unconditional compassion is real only insofar as it is acted in our flesh. Unity among Christians will elude us as long as any of us clings to anyone or anything other than Christ.

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Mark 3:7-12

“Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, ‘The king should not sin against his servant David.’ ”

Friday, January 22

Please take this call

To what will you be called this day? Will it be to reconciliation and right relationship with a friend or coworker? To lead the way on a project using your gifts and a bit of inspiration from the Spirit? To lay down your own good ideas, your plan, or perhaps even your own pride or reputation in order to help another person? To make someone smile? You may not see it coming, and you might not even

realize it when it is happening, but throughout this day, indeed this and every day, you are called by God to some small or large part of bringing about the gospel of Christ Jesus. Listen, and be ready!

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 24:3-21;

Mark 3:13-19

“[Jesus] went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted.”

Saturday, January 23

The challenge of Christian unity

In the opening verses of 2 Samuel, David mourns the death of Saul, the king of Israel. Never mind that Saul spent most of 1 Samuel trying to kill David. But David understood that there was something in life bigger than his own concerns, his own problems. The king had fallen, and that needed to be mourned. Jesus taught the people to love their enemies, too. Maybe that’s why his family thought he was crazy. And maybe the first step toward Christian unity, for which we pray this week, is understanding that there’s something more important than our differences. All Christians need to love one another.

Today’s readings: 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Mark 3:20-21

“When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, ‘He has gone out of his mind.’ ”