Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

February 7, 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.

Ask deacon mike

I spend a lot of time in the car driving back and forth between my home in Collegeville and our parish here in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. It is about thirty minutes each way. Sometimes I use the quiet time to think about the particular aspect of ministry that I will participate in that day. Other times I listen to music. But mostly I am a news and information junkie. I love NPR and other networks that help me gain a better perspective on the world I live in.

A few weeks ago I was on my way home after a long Sunday morning and I was listening to a local news station. There is one commentator that I particularly like to listen to, Bob Shieffer of CBS News. While most of the time he comments on the critical issues of our time, once in a while he deviates and does a bit of philosophizing. Such was the case this day.

Mr. Shieffer admitted up front that he had no idea from where what he was about to present came. But what he presented really struck me. First I could not stop laughing. But the more I though about what he said the more I began to think of the wisdom of the words. So, I would like to share with you what he shared with his audience that day:

What We Would Learn If Dogs Were Our Teachers.

Always run to greet loved ones when they come home.
Never pass the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Recognize the ecstasy of fresh air and wind in your face.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Thrive on attention.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, lie on your back in the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and find some shade.
When you are happy, dance around and wag your whole body.
Enjoy taking long walks.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you are not.
If what you want is buried, dig deep until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Obviously who ever composed this was more than a dog lover. This individual saw something in God’s creation that quietly gave testimony to the goodness and purpose of life. I think there are some very distinct values that we can garner from the world around us if we only open our eyes to what lies in front of us. I hope you enjoyed this and that you will take some time to reflect on these behaviors.

I also want to remind you to strongly consider joining us for our up-coming parish mission which will take place from February 28 through March 4. This will be an ideal Lenten exercise for all of us to participate in together. Check the Sunday bulletins for more details and times.

I have received some questions lately about baptism. I will address them in my next article. If you have any questions concerning baptism or any other sacrament or any other questions concerning the Church or parish life please let me know. You can reach me in several ways. 1) Send a note to the rectory addressed to me. 2) Drop a note in the Sunday collection basket addressed to me. 3) Send me an e-mail at deaconmikefranks@verizon.net. I promise that in all cases your identity will not be revealed.

Have a wonderful day and remember to take some time to learn from your furry friends. God bless you and I love you all.

Deacon Mike Franks

Serving at Mass February 7

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Pat Meinzer Ed Tryon

Marci Jaman Mark Meinzer Priest

Deacon

Trish Dornisch

LaRue Emmell

7:30 am – Paul Moser J.Sakalouckas

Maureen Moser

Priest

Deacon

Pat Scheerbaum

Keith Greczek

9:30 am – Joan Pongia Sue DiMarco

Rita Tokarski Joe Cassarella

Priest

Sharon Shaak

Marianne Peters

11:00 am – Tinamarie Evans Adam Canigiani

Amanda Charlton Eileen Davis

Priest

Maryanne Charlton

Kevin Charlton

Serving at Mass February 14

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Jim Quigley Ernie Quatrani

Annemarie Quigley Larry Concio

Priest

Dave Moser

Trudy Moser

7:30 am – Denise Guckin Michael Lynch

Lori Brozena John Guckin

Priest

Immaculata Barndt

Chuck Rodgers

Maria Rodgers

9:30 am – Christine Kemp Wendy Benner

Lester Kemp Terry Benner

Priest

Colleen Daley

Judy Sledgen

Linda Benko

11:00 am – Anna Kells Luke Verna

Sarah Franks D. McCausland

Priest

Deacon

Mary Goodfellow

Bill Orr

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

February 7, 2010

Monday, February 8, St. Jerome Emiliani &

St. Josephine Bakhita

8:00 am – For those enrolled,

in our Building Memorial Society

Tuesday, February 9

8:00 am – Lester & Frances Bauer, (Tony Bauer)

Wednesday, February 10, St. Scholastica

7:00 pm – For Souls in Purgatory

Thursday, February 11, Our Lady of Lourdes

8:00 am – Jennie Virus, (Dennis Mikanowicz & family)

Friday, February 12

8:00 am – Patricia Cody, (Stan & Betty Mikanowicz)

Saturday, February 13

8:00 am – Hazel Baklarz, (Mrs. James Zaun)

5:00 pm – For a Special Intention

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

February 14

7:30 am – Joseph Josko, (Wife Jenny Josko)

9:30 am – For the living and deceased members

of the Parish.

11:00 am – Leon J. Blasiak, (Guy & Robin Piza)

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, Robert A. Roncase, Sr. (Father of Father Roncase), Baby Robert Riegel Jr., Robert Rukstalis, Mary Ann Bencie, Frances Cannon, Dianna Rynkiewicz, Ethel Buck, Gary Lester Keller, Baby Lucy Littlefield, Charlotte Azarovich, George Bradford, Rick DeStefano, Catherine Wlazelek, Mark & Margaret Clark, 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, Bob McCarty, Christine Keer, Christine Erb, Jean Kosich, Patrick Malloy, Tom Brogan, William McAffee, Delia Grim, Robert Engler, John Brazuk, Evelyn Dixon, Thomas Zappala & Adam Canigiani, Jr.

For those who have died, and in particular for Anna Mae Malasky, Linda Cooper & Margie Shelley, grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

February 1, 2009 January 31, 2010

Envelopes: $ 9,769.00 $ 8,748.00

Loose: 1,342.00 1,742.00

Children: 71.50 106.60

Total: $11,182.50 $10,596.60

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 William Engle, requested by:

James & Dorothy Engle, & The Lake Wallenpaupack Yacht Club, Incorporated.

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

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – February 11^th – Team #2

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: January 28^th

68 players

Games - $ 152.45

Kitchen - 140.55

Total - $ 293.00

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our next parish Breakfast is Sunday, February 28^th, from 7:00 am – 12:30 pm. Save the date!

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, February 7^th – Open House – SPN Grade School – 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Sunday, February 7^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, February 7^th – Little Church – gym – 9:30am

Sunday, February 7^th – CYO Sports – gym – 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm

Sunday, February 7^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Monday, February 8^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory meeting room – 7:00 pm

Monday, February 8^th – Pastoral Council Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Monday, February 8^th – SPN Quilting – gym – Meeting Room – 1:00 pm

Monday, February 8^th – CYO Sports –gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Monday, February 8^th – Charismatic Prayer Group – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, February 9^th – Choir & Cantor Practice – Church – 6:00 pm

Tuesday, February 9^th – Boy Scouts – gym – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, February 9^th – CYO Sports – gym – 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Wednesday, February 10^th – Home & School Board Meeting – rectory – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 10^th – PREP – Religious Ed – School – 6:00 pm

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

Thursday, February 11^th – Bingo – gym – 6:30 p

Thursday, February 11^th – Pennsburg Manor Nursing Home Mass – 10:0 am

Thursday, February 11^th – Cub Scouts – in the School – 6:45 pm

Friday, February 12^th – Set-up for the Parish Thank You Party – in the gym

Friday, February 12^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory – 9:00 am

Friday, February 12^th – SPN Quilting – gym – Meeting Room – 1:00 pm

Saturday, February 13^th – Parish Thank You Party – I the gym – 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Sunday, February 14^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, February 14^th – Little Church – gym-9:30am

Sunday, February 14^th – Knights of Columbus General Meeting – rectory – 7:30 pm

Sunday, February 14^th – Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Sunday, February 14^th – Youth Ministry – in the gym – ALL Youth – AGAPE Night – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

UPCOMING MEETINGS

No School – Monday, February 15^th

Bible Timeline Study – Monday, February 15^th – rectory meeting room – 7:00 pm

Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, February 15^th – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Carnival Committee Meeting – Tuesday, February 16^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

Garden Club Meeting – Tuesday, February 16^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

TOSCO DAY – Home & School – FAT TUESDAY

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, February 16^th – in Church at 6:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, February 16^th – gym – 7:00 pm

Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, February 17^th – Masses in Church at: 9:00 am; 12:10 pm; & 7:30 pm

No PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday, February 17^th

ALPHA – Wednesday, February 17^th – rectory meeting room – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday, February 18^th – at the School – 6:45 pm

Friendly Visitors Meeting – Thursday, February 18^th – rectory meeting room – 7:00 pm

Parish Fish Fry – Friday, February 19^th – in the gym – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Bible Timeline Study – Friday, February 19^th – rectory meeting room – 9:00 am

Spaghetti Dinner – hosted by Boy Scout Troop #591 – Saturday, February 20^th – gym – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, February 21^st – at the 9:30 am Mass

Little Church – Sunday, February 21^st – in the gym – 9:30 am

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, February 21^st – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PREP SCHEDULE

February 2010:

February 10^th – classes

February 17^th – NO CLASSES

February 24^th – classes

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 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 11^th – Marian May Procession – Church-6:30 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

At St. Philip Neri School we have been enjoying celebrating Catholic Schools Week. We began our week last Sunday with the 9:30 School Mass. Thank you to all of our parents and students who participated in this Mass. We would also like to thank all of our parents and students who spoke at our other masses as well. We would like to thank once again all of our parishioners who support our school.

On Monday, our students in Grades K-8 enjoyed their annual bowling trip. Upon our return, we had a wonderful Pep Rally in the Neri Center and then completed the day with an afternoon of DEAR Day (Drop Everything And Read), the teachers served milk and cookies to their students.

The rest of the week included our 6th, 7th & 8th Graders attending an Academic Bowl at St. Pius X High School, our Kindergarten through 3rd Graders playing Religion Jeopardy, and our 4th through 8th Graders having a Religion Bee. We appreciated our volunteers on Volunteer Appreciation Day by providing hot drinks, cookies, and cards made by the students. We celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day by having a Prayer Service, lunch, and cupcakes with Father Roncase. We also celebrated Teacher & Staff Appreciation Day by having a Teacher’s Breakfast provided by Student Council and Teacher's Luncheon provided by the Home & School Association. On this day, the students were encouraged to "Get Up and Move" when a song was played over the intercom. On Friday, we attended First Friday Mass followed by Adoration. We celebrated Parent & Community Appreciation Day by writing thank you notes to our parents for sending us to Catholic school and to our community members (policemen, fireman and bus drivers) for all of their hard work and service.

Today (Sunday, February 7th) is our Open House from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.! Please come and visit the school after Mass. We hope to see you there!

PARISH NEWS

HAVE YOU FOUND YOURSELF

ON THE “BEST STRESSED” LIST LATELY?

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE –

COME TO THE PARISH MISSION

SAVE THE DATES

Sunday, February 28 to Thursday March 4

“Here I am”, said I. “Send me!”

Isaiah 6: 1-2a, 3-8

Do you have friends who are lost? Friends who once were practicing Catholics but have fallen away from the Church? Maybe someone who has been asking you questions about your faith? Who will help them? You! Bring them to our Parish Mission the week of February 28^th and help them find their way back. See the Insert in this week’s Bulletin for more information.

YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING ELSE TO DO.

YOU WILL NEVER HAVE SOMETHING BETTER.

FAST AND ABSTINENCE AND

OTHER ACTS OF PENANCE FOR LENT 2009

The Bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons who are fourteen years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, February 17, on all the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. Further, all persons eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, while the other two meals on those days are to be light.

All the faithful are encouraged, when possible, to participate at Mass and to receive the Holy Eucharist daily, to celebrate frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertaking spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to participate in parish Lenten devotions as well as Lenten education programs. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is especially recommended.

All are encouraged to participate in “Operation Rice Bowl”, which has aided countless hungry persons here in the Archdiocese as well as throughout our nation and our world.

Special note: Because the Feast of Saint Joseph will be on a Friday in Lent this year, the obligation to abstain from meat does not bind on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Friday, March 19^th.

St. Philip Neri Parish Council Election News:

St. Philip Neri Parish Council Election Committee is seeking prospective candidates for three (3) open At-Large, Parish Council positions. According to the By-Laws of the Parish Council, At-Large members have the following duties:

6.3. At-Large Members: The three (3) At-Large members shall act as general representatives of the parish and shall be the main communications link between the Parish Council and Parish community.

The At-Large members shall be responsible to solicit input from parish members, for maintaining the suggestion box and reporting to the Parish Council any and all issues, concerns, needs and desires which any member of the parish community has risen. Moreover the senior At-Large representative will be responsible for preparing and placing approved communications and responses into the parish bulletin and web page.

Further, According to the By-Laws of the Parish Council, prospective At-Large member candidates must be at least 18 years of age and meet the following criteria to be considered for candidacy:

7.1 Eligibility: As a general condition, to hold any position on Parish Council, an individual must be a registered member of the Parish for at least one year, a practicing Catholic and additionally meeting the specific eligibility requirements set forth for each position to include any mandatory hiatus periods.

7.1.2 At-Large Members: Eligible candidates are persons who have either (A) been a regular member of any parish ministry for a period of at least one (1) year or (B) has actively participated in any recognized parish function, i.e. carnival, PREP, Boy Scouts etc., for a period of at least two years.

Any registered member of the parish may nominate themselves or submit the names of any person(s) for any one of the open positions.

Use the nomination ballot below or the insert in the bulletin to submit your name or that of another person for prospective candidacy.

Return the ballot either in the collection basket or to the rectory.

For more information please contact the Election Committee Chair, Jack Nash at (610) 812-0971 or jtnash@comcast.net.

Parish Council Nomination Ballot

Prospective Candidate Name:

Parish Member Since:

Address:

Phone/email:

Parish Ministry(ies) and length of service. Examples: Hospitality, Liturgy, Parish Life, Faith Formation, Outreach Ministries:

Parish function(s) and years of participation. Examples: Carnival, PREP, CYO, Boy Scouts, Bingo, PreCana, Lawn Care, etc.

Notable Qualities of Prospective Candidate:

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, prices, or any other general information, please call Rita Latshaw at: 215-679-7009.

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.

PARISH CARNIVAL COMMITTEE MEETING

Our first meeting for our Annual Parish Carnival will be held on Tuesday, February 16^th at the rectory at 7:00 pm. Anyone who would like to be on the Carnival Committee, is invited to this meeting.

ALPHA

ALPHA begins on Wednesday, February 17^th. Come to the first (INTRODUCTORY) Session in the rectory meeting room at 6:30 pm. For more information, please go to the website: www.alphausa.org. ALL ARE WELCOME!

For more information or any questions, please call Sue DiMarco: 215-679-7193.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE

Elizabeth Ministry Update

We wish to extend our thanks to the thirty-seven (37) new mothers in our parish who welcomed us into their home so graciously in this past year We continue to strive to support the new families in our parish through home visits, meetings, play groups and special presentations with our Mom-Mom Connection. Our next meeting is on St. Patrick’s Day evening, Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at the Neri Center. Interested? Call LaRue Emmell at 215-679-3086 or email: lemmell2@comcast.net. We always welcome new members!

H.O.P.E.

HOPE is Helping Other People Enthusiastically. Church volunteers are ready to help our parishioners with free transportation appointments with doctors, errands, etc. Please call us with your needs – Bob & Kathy Talbot: 215-541-0250

A new website to access Social Service Programs:

Did you know that . . . Governor Rendell has launched a new website to access social service programs? The website is: www.heretohelp.pa.gov. If you see something that will be helpful to you, you can apply for it online.

ROME TRIP

A FIRM COMMITMENT IS NEEDED BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15^th.

PLEASE CALL KATHY KULP AT: 267-923-5173.

ATTENTION -

ALL SCRAPBOOKERS AND CRAFTERS…

Let’s get together for a day of Scrapbooking/Crafting and fellowship.

Where: Neri Center – East Greenville

When: Saturday, February 27^th

Time: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm

Come for the whole day or just a few hours!

Please register with Wendy Benner by calling 215-234-0354 as soon as possible. Space is limited.

Life in the Spirit Seminars at SPN Chapel

7:00 PM

Monday – February 15^th –God’s Love

Monday – February 22^nd – Salvation

Monday – March 1^st – Parish Mission in Church

Monday – March 8^th – The New Life

Monday – March 15^th – Receiving God’s Gift

Monday – March 22^nd – Baptized in the Spirit

Monday – March 29^th – Growth

Monday – April 5^th – Transformation in Christ

Cardinal Suenens stated that Jesus is like a toaster; He doesn’t work unless you plug Him into you.

On Pentecost 2008, Pope Benedict XVI said:

“I invite you all to experience the beauty of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

Fr. Ed Fride, Pastor of Christ the King Catholic Charismatic Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the Mass of on the Vigil of Pentecost 2009 said: “It is possible for Jesus of Nazareth to be more real to you than the person sitting next to you.”

His parish bulletin listed the names of 22 Seminarians and 8 women in Formation discerning religious life, all from his parish.

For information and to register, please call Rich Grochowski: 610-323-1127.

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.

COME-N-GO BINGO
St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Saturday – March 6, 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

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

HOAGIE SALE

CHEESE, ITALIAN or TURKEY

TUESDAY – MARCH 9, 2010

12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

COST: $4.00

All orders due by:

Monday – March 1st

Please call:

Rita: 679-7009 or Pat: 679-5675

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Are you Deaf or know someone who is Deaf?

Contact:

CATHOLIC DEAF APOSTOLATE

Masses in ASL and Interpreted Masses

Religious Education/Preparation for Sacraments

Adult Faith Formation and Socials

Summer Camp for Deaf Children

Interpreters for Catholic Events

PCPDDEAF@adphila.org

215-587-3913 (V) (TTY)

267-507-1215 (VP)

Google: Deaf Apostolate Phila

YEAR OF THE PRIEST

CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC

Thursday, March 25^th ~ 7:30 pm

Cathedral – Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Featuring;
The Philadelphia Priest Singers

The Keystone Boychoir

The All Catholic Secondary Chorus

Celebrate the “Year of the Priest” at a Concert of Sacred Music” featuring the Archdiocesan All Catholic Secondary Chorus, the Keystone Boychoir, and the “Philadelphia Priest Singers” – a group of our Archdiocesan priests singing sacred music from our heritage.

One-time Performance will be held on Thursday, March 25^th in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Limited tickets are available beginning on February 8^th. For ticket information, call 215-587-3519. Proceeds from the Concert will benefit the Archdiocesan Priest Retirement Fund.

AREA PARISH NEWS

CRAFTERS WANTED

Applications are now being accepted for the Annual Holiday Craft Fair to be held at the new Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, on Saturday, November 13^th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

This Craft Fair was previously held at Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School. Individuals with handcrafted products are welcome to reserve spaces for $50 each.

For additional information or to receive an application, please contact Anne Tomassi at: 610-275-2752 or email at bhiriak@pjphs.org.

AREA NEWS

DISCERNMENT RETREAT – SISTERS OF IHM

God has a great idea! You could be in the center of it! Young women (18-35) are invited to participate in a Discernment Retreat with the IHM Sisters the weekend of February 26-27 at Villa Maria House of Studies. Please contact Sister Carmen Teresa at ihmvoc2@aol.com or 610-889-1553.

The retreat will provide an opportunity to listen to God’s call, a time for personal and communal prayer and an opportunity to interact with the Sisters in Formation.

LIFE LINE SCREENING

February 14th:

Lighthouse Christian Fellowship is pleased to offer a preventive health event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive, painless health screenings on 4/8/2010. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries, which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms, which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat, which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package with Heart Rhythm for $149. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Your Health is in Your Hands, so call 1-888-653-6441 for more information or to pre-register.

February 28th:

Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Have members of your family suffered from these ailments? Do you have a poor diet? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to consider being screened for your risk of stroke through the services of Life Line Screening. Life Line Screening uses ultrasound technology to view the plaque build up in your carotid arteries, the main arteries that carry blood to the brain. Blockages in these arteries are a leading cause of stroke. We are pleased to host this Life Line Screening event on 4/8/2010 at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. Register for a Wellness Package with Heart Rhythm for $149. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Your Health is in Your Hands, so call 1-888-653-6441 for more information or to pre-register.

March 14th:

Do your legs ache after walking a short distance? If so, you may want to consider being screened for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the arms or legs become narrowed or clogged by plaque, slowing or stopping the flow of blood. Life Line Screening will bring this preventive health event that can assess one’s risk of PAD through an ankle brachial index (ABI). PAD is closely linked to coronary artery disease, and identifying PAD can also help prevent heart attack and stroke. We are pleased to host a screening on 4/8/2010 at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. Register for a Wellness Package with Heart Rhythm for $149. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Your Health is in Your Hands, so call 1-888-653-6441 for more information or to pre-register.

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

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Answer the call

Ever feel overwhelmed in the face of a monumental experience? Many of us have been there, including the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah had known firsthand the glory of God. In the face of such great beauty and goodness, he felt keenly his own imperfections and those of his community. God, too, saw the truth of Isaiah’s situation, but God also saw Isaiah’s commitment and desire to serve. God accepted Isaiah as he was and at the same time helped transform him so that he could more fully serve God. That enabled Isaiah to step up and volunteer his life. In what ways do you hear God’s call? What will help free you to step up to the call?

Today’s readings: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11; Luke 5:1-11

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send . . . ?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’ ”

Monday, February 8

Feast of Jerome Emiliani, priest, religious founder

New directions amid life’s twists and turns

There are a number of saints like Jerome Emiliani, men who had been mercenary soldiers and in some cases lived hard lives, gambling, drinking, and brawling. Some even landed in prison. But they later underwent profound conversions that redirected them to lives of service. Emiliani, for example, ran away from home when he was 15 and became a soldier in Venice in 1506, only to be captured by the enemy. Praying for deliverance to the Virgin Mary, he got away, hung his chains on a church wall as an offering, and began studying for the priesthood. During an outbreak of spotted fever he cared for the sick and orphans in his own home. He later founded orphanages, a hospital, and a religious order. Jerome turned out right after making some wrong turns. Remember that God makes it possible for you and the people around you to be more than your pasts and always to find new paths.

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Mark 6:53-56

“Wherever he went . . . they laid the sick in the marketplaces . . . and all who touched it were healed.”

Tuesday, February 9

Are your lips sealed?

The 19th-century Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defined “lip service” as “verbal devotion; honoring with the lips while the heart takes no part nor lot in the matter.” This definition holds up pretty well today, as it did in biblical times. Technology may progress and develop, but human nature is much more stubborn. The next time you find yourself worshipping, whether in a pew, a prayer group, or in your own home, reflect on whether what is on your lips is also in your heart. If not, pray for a renewed heart!

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Mark 7:1-13

“This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

Wednesday, February 10

Feast of Scholastica, virgin

Ask and you will receive

Little is known of Saint Scholastica’s life beyond the fact that she was the twin sister of Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism. She and her brother were accustomed to meeting once a year to talk and pray. On what Scholastica sensed would be their last evening together, she asked Benedict to stay with her until morning. He refused, citing his rule that a monk may not be away from the monastery overnight. Scholastica then bowed her head in prayer and almost immediately a severe thunderstorm broke out, making it impossible for Benedict to leave. God loves to be asked to help. Rather than stewing in resentment or worry, remember Scholastica and ask God to help you with God’s wonderfully creative solutions to trouble and conflict.

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 10:1-10; Mark 7:14-23

“Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you.”

Thursday, February 11

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes; World Day of Prayer for the Sick

Everyday miracles

Today, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick, a reminder that Jesus’ reputation was largely as a healer. The sick of Jesus’ day were often assumed to be on God’s wrong side and as such were often excluded from society. Healing was rare. While medicine is now a science able to help countless people recover from illness, it is still true that a caring, human touch can also have a healing effect. Lourdes perhaps more than any other Marian shrine is associated with the miracle of healing. Today I can perform the miracle of breaking the barrier of isolation that makes illness even harder to bear.

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 11:4-13; Mark 7:24-30

“A woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet.”

Friday, February 12

Listen up, speak up

Jesus performed many miracles but never did so by force. Neither would he coerce anyone to listen to him, much less to speak up on his behalf. If we choose to ignore the Good News in our own lives, we have the free will to do so. It does us well to be on guard, therefore, so that we do not fall into a sort of spiritual deafness and muteness in which we neither listen to nor speak of our faith. God would never force you to do so—faith is freely given and freely exercised. Exercise yours today.

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19; Mark 7:31-37

“He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

Saturday, February 13

Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Don’t leave hungry

Some folks will always set out food when you visit their homes no matter what time of day it is. If you’re smart you learn to drop by when you’re good and hungry! Jesus never let anyone walk away hungry either—even if it meant setting the table for 5,000. His mother foretold that fact in her great song, the Magnificat: “He has filled the hungry with good things.” When tired of the junk food the world has to offer, pray Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:47-55) in faith that God will fill you with good things.

Today’s readings: 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Mark 8:1-10

“If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way.”