Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

February 28, 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.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH DESK OF:

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

Last month I mentioned the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. I focused on Section 2 of Part III which discusses “Social Doctrine and Commitment of the Lay Faithful”.

Areas of service that the laity are called to are:

1. Service of the Human Person

2. Service in Culture

3. Service in the Economy

4. Service in Politics

I will share excerpts from each of these areas of service.

1. Service of the Human Person:

Among the areas of the social commitment of the laity, service to the human person is a priority. Promoting the dignity of every person is the central and unifying task which the Church, and the lay faithful in her, are called to render to the human family.

The first form in which this task is undertaken is to renew oneself interiorly. Social Institutions, of themselves, do not guarantee the common good; the internal renewal of the Christian spirit must precede the commitment to improve society according to the mind of the Church on the basis of social justice and social charity.

It is from the conversion of hearts that there arises concern for others. This concern helps us to understand the obligation and commitment to heal institutions, structures, and conditions of the life that are contrary to human dignity. Therefore, the laity must work, at the same time, for the conversion of hearts and the improvement of structures so that the dignity of every man and woman will be respected and promoted within institutions.

Promoting human dignity means affirming the individuality of the right to life, from conception to natural death, the first among all rights and the condition for all other rights of the person. Respect for human dignity requires that the religious dimension of person be recognized. This is a requirement bound up with the very reality of the individual. The recognition of the right to freedom of conscience and religious freedom is one of the most serious duties of everyone who truly wishes to ensure the good of the individual and of society.

In the present cultural context, there is an urgent need to protect marriage and the family. We can do this if we are convinced of the value of marriage and family, for true development of human society.

Next month I’ll write about the second area of service to which the lay faithful are called according to the Compendium.

FIRST FRIDAY

Friday, March 5th, is the first Friday of March. Mass is in Church at 9:00 am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Church from 10:00 am until evening Prayer and Benediction at 7:00 pm.

The sign-up binder to commit for adoration time can be found in the vestibule under the crucifix.

Please commit to spend some time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Serving at Mass February 28

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Marci Jaman Ed Tryon

Linda Benko Pete Frank

Priest

Patrick Kennedy

Diane Kennedy

7:30 am – Mike Heveran Ernie Quatrani

Jim Michels Mark Meinzer

Priest

Deacon

Maureen Moser

Paul Moser

9:30 am – John Nash J. Sakalouckas

Monica Nash M. Gehringer

Priest

Stephanie Greczek

Bob Brennan

Eleanor Brennan

11:00 am – Bob Schwind Sue DiMarco

Barbara Schwind Adam Canigiani

Priest

Marlene Leidy

D.J.Williams

Sandy Williams

Serving at Mass: March 7

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dawn Ellis Bob Ellis

Linda Franks Larry Concio

Priest

Deacon

Lisa Edleman

Michael Edleman

7:30 am – Joan Varallo John Guckin

Wally Varallo Michael Lynch

Priest

Deacon

Denise Guckin

Pat Scheerbaum

9:30 am – Lisa Gurgick Wendy Benner

Bill Gurgick Terry Benner

Priest

Joshua Hewitt

Lillian Hewitt

11:00 am – Tony Shellaway Luke Verna

Sandy Shellaway Bob Piccone

Priest

Linda DiTondo

Doug DiTondo

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

ALL MISSION SERVICES IN CHURCH

February 28, 2010

Monday, March 1

9:00 am – Helen Stubits

(Bob & Mary Fran Young and family)

1:00 pm – Prayer Service

7:00 pm – Mission Service

Tuesday, March 2

9:00 am – Jennie & John Virus, (Estate)

1:00 pm – Prayer Service

7:00 pm – Mission Service

Wednesday, March 3, St. Katharine Drexel

9:00 am – Barbara Rostien, (Michael & Dorothy Raab)

12:10 pm – Jonathan Robinson,

(Clark & Barbara Robinson)

1:00 pm – Prayer Service

7:00 pm – Mission Service

Thursday, March 4

9:00 am – Bryan Fairfield, (Mary Souder & family)

1:00 pm – Prayer Service

7:00 pm – Mission Service

Friday, March 5, First Friday

9:00 am – Mass in Church –

Henry Ford, (Brian, Dawn & girls)

7:00 pm – Stations of the Cross

Saturday, March 6

8:00 am – Linford & Anna Cressman,

(Catherine Cressman)

5:00 pm – First Anniversary, Charles Snyder

(Clark & Barbara Robinson)

THIRD SUNDARY OF LENT

March 7, 2010

7:30 am – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

9:30 am – Ninth Anniversary, Stanley Wlazelek,

(Wife Catherine)

11:00 am – Liam Williamson,

(Erin, Dan & Delaney Williamson)

ROSE/FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart Altars are in memory of Helen Stubits on her First Anniversary, requested by: Mary Fran, Rob & Julia Young.

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 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, 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, John Brazuk, Evelyn Dixon, Thomas Zappala, Adam Canigiani, Jr., & Jo Maturo.

For those who have died, grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

February 22, 2009 February 21, 2010

Envelopes: $ 8,183.00 $ 9,338.00

Loose: 1,001.00 1,343.00

Children: 60.00 212.50

Total: $ 9,244.00 $ 10,893.50

Special: Ash Wednesday

$ 2,584.00

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 John Dykie, requested by:

Robert & Sylvia Cichocki.

In memory of Anthony Bogdon, requested by: Mr. & Mrs. D. Stoudt, Helen Holiday, Eugene Binder, William & Nancy Farrell, Margaret Frisch, George & Robin Smith, Cheryl Frank, William Kruz, Christine Todde-Schultz, George, Alice & Krist Thodoropoulos, Curt & Mary Walter, Charles & Ana, Connie & Bill, Jeff, Todd, Matthew & Lisa.

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

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our parish Breakfast is today, Sunday, February 28^th, from 7:00 am – 12:30 pm in the parish gym.

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

NO BINGO – THURSDAY, MARCH 4^TH

PARISH MISSION

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

Bingo: February 18^th

77 Players

Games: $ 294.00

Kitchen: $ 222.00

Total: $ 516.00

Super Bowl Sunday:

$348.84

Paper Recycling:

December - $12.56

January - $ 5.31

MEETINGS AND EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, February 28^th – Parish Breakfast – gym – 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

Sunday, February 28^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass

Sunday, February 28^th – Little Church – gym-9:30 am

Sunday, February 28^th – Candy Sale – sponsored by the Parish Youth Group – sale will be after all Masses today and next weekend.

Sunday, February 28^th - Opening Parish Mission Service – in Church at 7:00 pm

Monday, March 1^st – Parish Mission – No Parish Activities

Tuesday, March 2^nd – Parish Mission – No Parish Activities

Wednesday, March 3^rd – Parish Mission – No Parish Activities

Thursday, March 4^th – Parish Mission – No Parish Activities

Friday, March 5^th – First Friday – Mass in Church at 9:00 am; Adoration in Church – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; Benediction at 7:00 pm

Friday, March 5^th – Parish Fish Fry – in the gym – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday, March 5^th – Bible Timeline Study – rectory – 10:00 am

Friday, March 5^th – SPN Quilting – gym – Meeting Room – 1:00 pm

Saturday, March 6^th – SPN Energy Committee Meeting – gym – 10:00 am

Saturday, March 6^th – Knights of Columbus – Come-n-Go Bingo – gym – 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Sunday, March 7^th – Children’s Liturgy of the Word – at the 9:30 am Mass in Church

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

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pre-Jordan – Monday, March 8^th – rectory – 7:30pm

Bible Timeline Study – Monday, March 8^th, rectory – 7:00 pm

Car Show Committee Meeting – Monday, March 8^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

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

Holy Rosary – Monday, March 8^th -

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

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

Welcome Committee Meeting – Tuesday, March 9^th – rectory – 7:00 pm

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

Lenten Mass – Wednesday, March 10^th – in Church – 12:10 pm

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

Grade School Stations of the Cross – Wednesday, March 10^th – Church – 1:00 pm

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

Bingo – Thursday, March 11^th – gym – 6:30 pm

Pennsburg Manor Nursing Home Mass – Thursday, March 11^th – 10:00 am

Cub Scouts – Thursday, March 11^th –School – 6:45pm

Little Flower Girls Club – Thursday, March 11^th – School Library – 6:30 pm

Parish Lenten Fish Fry – Friday, March 12^th – gym – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Home & School Silent Auction Set-up – Friday, March 12^th – in the gym

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

Home & School Silent Auction – Saturday, March 13^th – gym – 6:00 pm

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

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

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

Youth Ministry – Sunday, March 14^th – gym – EDGE Grade School – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Teens Living in Christ (High School) – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

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

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

March 3^rd – classes

March 10^th – classes

March 17^th – classes

March 23^rd – First Communion Retreat 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, Church 10:00 am

April 28^th – last class

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

SCHOOL NEWS

Annual Science Fair at Saint Philip Neri School

This year’s outstanding projects are:

8^th Grade

1^st "Plummeting Parachutes” Paul Davis

and Zachary Washko

2^nd "Teens and Multitasking" Isabel Perez

3^rd "Spectacular Ski Wax" Philip Myers

3^rd "Blobs of Lava Float Around…”Joshua Williams

Honorable Mention "What’s Your Favorite Color?" Christopher Malantonio

7^th Grade

1^st “Away With the Radicals” - Patrick Souder

2^nd “Spectral Fingerprints” - Nicholas Camarata

3^rd “Bubbles with A Kick” - Lauren Pera

3^rd “The Not So Simple - Simple Electric Motor” -

Charles Stoll

Honorable Mention “All Warm” - Keira Koch

Honorable Mention “Which Grows Best?”

Allison McCausland

6^th Grade

1^st "How Glow Can You Go?" - Cooper Wright

2^nd "May the Magnetic Force Be With You" -

Paul Chappelle and Richard Smith

3^rd "Solar Science" - Hannah Mattaliano

Honorable Mention “Light Savers” Meaghan McKiernan

Congratulations to our

Open House raffle winners!

Camarata Family – Free Registration

Kraus Family - $100.00 off Tuition for New Family

McKiernan Family - $100.00 off,

Tuition for Returning Family

Montes Family - $50.00 in SCRIP of your choice

Behrens Family and Patterson Family –

$25.00 Gift Certificate to Flynn & O’Hara

Davis Family – Floral Arrangement –

Courtesy of Red Hill Florist

Serafin Family and Eden Family –

Basket of School Supplies

Koch Family and Ferdock Family –

$25.00 Tosco’s Gift Certificate

On Monday, February 22^nd, our students had the wonderful opportunity of participating in the program Pennsylvania Educational Music in the Schools. The program was more than just a musical performance. It was an educational experience. The group consisted of an eight piece orchestra. Each member displayed their talents and engaged in “story telling.” The program exhibited the need for discipline and demonstrated the importance of music in their lives. The students learned that music can be fun. As the program neared its end, Mr. Craig Fisher challenged the students to spend an extra 15 minutes each day practicing a special talent or skill.

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

Jesus took His friends to pray.

When Jesus went up the mountain to pray, he brought His friends and because they were there with Him, they were able to witness the glory of prayer. Our Parish Mission begins tonight at 7:00 pm; bring along your friends so they, too, can witness the glory of prayer!

Details are in the Insert of this week’s Bulletin.

YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO DO.

YOU WILL NEVER HAVE SOMETHING BETTER.

PARISH MISSION DESSERTS NEEDED

Dessert and coffee will be served at the Social Hall following the close of our Parish Mission on Thursday, March 4^th.

If you can provide a dessert for the occasion, please bring to the Social Hall anytime after 6:00 pm and prior to the start of the Mission at 7:00 pm.

Any questions, please call Shirley at the rectory office: 215-679-9275.

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 – March 8^th.

FROM THE PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE

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? Go to: www.heretohelp.pa.gov. If you see something that will be helpful to you, you can apply for it online.

MARTHA MINISTERS REMINDER:

There will be a meeting of the Martha Ministers o March 11, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the Parish Outreach Office. We need your input, so your attendance is necessary.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Jesus wants to continue to heal you and comfort you on the death of your loved one. One of the ways He uses is our Bi-Annual Bereavement Support Group.

Our next Bereavement Support Group will be held for six (6) consecutive Tuesday evenings, beginning March 16^th and ending on April 20^th. Meetings begin at 7:00 pm in the Parish Outreach Office in the rectory building.

By attending our Bereavement Support Group, you can help yourself and other in the grieving process.

If you plan to attend, please call Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T. at the Parish Outreach Office: 215-679-2282*. If no answer, please leave your name and telephone number. Please say the number slowly.

*Before March 12^th

SPRING CASINO TRIP

SHOWBOAT CASINO IN ATLANTIC CITY

Saturday, March 6^th (note new date)

10:00 AM departure from SPN Church

$30 cost w/$25 return in free slot play!

For more information, please call Kathy Kulp at: 267-923-5173.

RSVP’S ARE DUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

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

Life in the Spirit Seminars at SPN Chapel

7:00 PM

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

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

PARISH YOUTH GROUP EASTER CANDY SALE

The Parish Youth Group will be selling Gertrude Hawk Candy after all Masses beginning this weekend and next weekend. The funds from the Easter Candy Sale will go directly towards lowering the costs for the students to attend the High School Conference in June.

Please note that there is no Youth Group Meeting this Sunday, February 28^th due to the Parish Mission. However, it is suggested that all attend with your families.

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 the Parish Breakfast on Sunday, February 28^th from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. You can also buy a box for the men and women serving overseas; money donated for cookies will go to our local Council and case 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!

SAINT PHILIP NERI – EAST GREENVILLE

Students excel at:

St. Pius X High School

Our parish recently received notification of the performance of our high school students on the First Semester Report. We are particularly proud of those who demonstrated academic excellence.

The following students ranked in the top ten of their respective classes:

Katrina Faust ’12 – was #10 &

Regina Souder ’13 – was #3

Students who achieved First Honors include:

Katrina Faust ’12,

Jacqueline Smith ’13, Regina Souder ’13, &

Eric J. Wahl, ‘13

Among those earning Second Honors were the following students from our parish:

Ellen Knauff ’11, Alessandra Lowe ’11,

Bryan Washko ’11, Emily Guckin ’12,

Jospeh Williams ’12, Christopher Hillegass ’13,

Austin Jaman ’13 & Emilia Lowe ’13.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Jesus said: “You did not choose me: I chose you.” Is Jesus calling you to be a priest? Consider the call.

www.HeedTheCall.org

ARCHDIOCESE of PHILADELPHIA

Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants & Refugees

13^th Annual National Migration Week Mass

His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali,

Principal Celebrant & Homilist

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Procession of Ethnic Communities – 2:00 pm

Mass – 2:30 pm

Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter & Paul

18^th & Ben Franklin Parkway

For more information, call 215-587-3540.

Annual 25^th & 50^th Wedding Anniversary Masses

with Cardinal Justin Rigali

No registration is required.

Anniversary Masses will be celebrated on Sunday, May 2^nd at 11:0 am and 2:30 pm at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter & Paul in Philadelphia. In order to accommodate the large number of couples and their families attending, we ask that you attend the Mass designated for your county.

Couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage from Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties are invited to the 11:00 am Mass.

Couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage from Bucks, Chester and Delaware Counties, as well as couples celebrating 25 or more years of marriage from all counties, are invited to the 2:30 pm Mass.

Family members and friends are most welcome and will be seated with the anniversary couple.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Parking: Limited parking is available on the Cathedral parking lot and on the street. Additional parking is available at the Gateway Parking Garage located at 16^th & Vine Streets (fee charged).

Arrival and Seating: Anniversary couples and their families will be seated together on a first come first serve basis; therefore, please allow ample time for arrival and seating. Everyone is asked to be seated 15 minutes before the beginning of the Mass.

Handicapped Access: An access ramp is located from the Cathedral parking lot, chapel side. (limited handicapped parking spaces are available). Please call the Family Life Office if someone will be attending in a wheelchair. (215-587-3516)

SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

Protecting God’s Children for Adults Awareness Sessions

Unless otherwise indicated, all sessions begin at 7:00 pm. Sessions are approximately 2.5 hours in length.

www.virtus.org or call: 215-587-2466 to register.

3.02.10 – Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill – 6:00 pm

3.11.10 – Assumption B.V.M. in Feasterville

3.15.10 – Archdiocesan Ofc. Ctr. in Philadelphia – 6:30 pm

3.22.10 – Sacred Heart in Phoenixville – 6:30 pm

4.06.10 – SS Simon & Jude in West Chester – 6:15pm

4.12.10 – Pope John Paul II School, in W. Brandywine

4.14.10 – Archdiocesan Ofc. Ctr. - Philadelphia – 6:30 pm

5.19.10 – Archdiocesan Ofc. Ctr. - in Philadelphia – 6:30 pm

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. For ticket information, call 215-587-3519. Proceeds from the Concert will benefit the Archdiocesan Priest Retirement Fund.

AREA PARISH NEWS

Novena of Prayer to St. Peregrine for Healing

Corpus Christi Parish in Lansdale will have its Annual Nine Week Novena of Prayer for Healing to St. Peregrine, Patron Saint of Cancer Patients, every Wednesday evening in the Chapel from March 3^rd through April 28^th. The Novena will immediately follow Benediction which will begin at 6:30 pm.

There is also Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Wednesday – 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. On April 28^th, the last night of the Novena, there will be a Mass of Anointing of the Sick at 7:30 pm in Church.

The Main Celebrant will be Father Pio Mandato. For more information, please call: 215-855-1311.

SAINTS TO LEAN ON:

Spiritual Companions for Illness & Disability

Meet eleven different members of the communion of the saints and how they cope spiritually with their illnesses and disabilities. See how the faith of these saints helped them to deal with such illnesses as terminal illness, stroke, mental illness, addiction, and other difficulties. Copies of Sister Janice’s book of the same title will be available for purchase. To register for this Event, contact corpuschristiaff@yahoo.com or 215-855-1311.

Tuesday, March 23

12:45 pm to 1:30 pm

Corpus Christi Church

Religious Education Room

Guest Presenter: Sister Janice McGrane, S.S.J.,

AREA NEWS

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

(FOCUSING ON CMEROON)

SUNDAY – MARCH 7^TH

3:00 PM

HOSTED BY: PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH

Refreshments to be served following Service.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE

Christians throughout Collegeville and surrounding communities are invited to take part in the national 40 Days for Life effort from February 17^th through March 28^th.

In addition to 40 days of peaceful prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, please consider volunteering to pray outside the Collegeville’s Planned Parenthood on Route 29 across from the Acme Shopping Center during the 40 Days, and spread the word to others about this important life-saving effort.

To get more information, or to volunteer to help, please contact Carolyn Stenger: 215-206-9108 or cjsteng@yahoo.com or you may sign up through the national 40 days for life website at www.40daysforlife.com/collegeville. All welcome!

GRANDVIEW HOSPITAL HOSPICE –

VOLUNTEER TRAINING COURSE

The Hospice Program at Grand View Hospital is committed to meeting the needs of terminally ill patients and their families with skill, caring, and compassion.

We are looking for caring people willing to share their time and presence in this important ministry. Training includes instruction in Hospice philosophy, listening and communication skills, the experience of death, dying, and grief, and practical information needed to assist patients and their families.

Our next Training Session will start the beginning of May.

If you are interested in this rewarding work, please call Volunteer Coordinator, Michele Bongiovanni, R.N. at 215-453-4149 to registed and schedule an interview. Deadline for registration is March 30^th.

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

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Second Sunday of Lent

See beyond the surface

Peter gets the Transfiguration wrong, as he does so many things at first. Upon seeing a glimpse of Jesus’ glory, his impulse is to mark the spot, to memorialize it with a shrine. We can understand that, though today we take digital photos and videos, vainly trying to capture a place, a person, or a moment that can never be held—except in the heart. In Lent we remember that our faith is not only a matter of medals, holy cards, a rosary hung from the car’s rearview mirror or worn as a necklace. These do not sum up our faith any more than children are their photographs. Tokens remind us of someone or something important; at their best, they move us to an act of love. Those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process are not supported only by browsing through photos in our parish directory but by seeing faith in action: on the street, at work, in the homes of believers.

Today’s readings: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36

“Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.”

Monday, March 1

Lenten weekday

Tell it like it is

The biggest saints were often some of the biggest sinners. The difference between them and us may be that they sought liberation through confessing their wrongdoing. Holding onto sin means letting it hold onto us, or as Saint Alphonsus Liguori said, “After we have offended God, the devil labors to keep the mouth closed.” The sixth-century monk John Climacus was even more picturesque about it: “Eggs warmed in dung hatch out. Unconfessed evil thoughts hatch evil actions.” Don’t let the spirit of jealousy, resentment, or dishonesty hatch out! Run, don’t walk, to the sacrament that liberates!

Today’s readings: Daniel 9:4b-10;

Luke 6:36-38

“Ah, Lord, great and awesome God . . . we have sinned and done wrong.”

Tuesday, March 2

Lenten weekday

Understanding God

Although the Pledge of Allegiance has been around since 1892, the words “under God” were not officially added by Congress until 1954. While some have criticized the move as breaching the church-state divide, the notion that we are all under a Supreme Being in fact encourages the egalitarian spirit the United States is known for. The idea that no one is above God reinforces the American belief that no one is above the law either. The sense that we are a people living under God can help us see each other as brothers and sisters and motivate us to work for greater equality and justice for all.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12

“You have one teacher, and you are all students.”

Wednesday, March 3

Feast of Katharine Drexel, virgin

The best of both worlds

Katherine Drexel (1858-1955) went beyond herself in many ways. Beyond her economic class—she gave away millions of dollars of her inheritance to charities. Beyond her race—she founded a religious order of women to help African Americans and Native Americans. When she was 77, however, her life of service changed to one of quiet and prayer after she suffered a heart attack. Katherine’s story shows the importance of both prayer and service, contemplation and action. Find that balance in your own life.

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28

“Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.”

Thursday, March 4

Lenten weekday

Be a good steward of yourself

In the season of Lent, tradition calls on Christians to fast. Fasting has a long history, going all the way back to biblical times. Jesus fasted in the wilderness before embarking on his ministry. As a spiritual discipline fasting points to a period of preparation—in Lent, preparation to celebrate the Easter mysteries. It reminds you to clear away distractions and look more closely at yourself and where things come from and where they go. Think of all the “resources” in your life: time, money, food, possessions, even love. Are you using them well? Now’s the time to find out.

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10;

Luke 16:19-31

“I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all . . . according to the fruit of their doings.”

Friday, March 5

Lenten weekday

No regrets?

You may be tempted to believe you have “failed” Lent; you might have relaxed your resolutions or Lenten practices. But you should not think that your Lent is over the instant you stumble. The third- and fourth-century church father Saint John Chrysostom reminds us that our task is rather simple: “Have you sinned? Mourn and annul the sin. How toilsome is this? . . . I am not telling you to cleave the oceans, or to navigate slowly into port from the high seas, or to march, or to depart on an endless journey . . . Then what? Mourn the sin.” Always be willing to reevaluate your goals for this Lent, keeping in mind that repentance is all that is asked of you.

Today’s readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?’ ”

Saturday, March 6

Lenten weekday

Restrain a prodigious appetite

The gospel story of the “prodigal son” provides a vivid illustration of the limits of acquisitiveness and self-indulgence. The son first demands his inheritance from his father while his father is still alive (ouch!). If that weren’t enough, he then quickly runs through it in the biblical equivalent of a Las Vegas weekend splurge. Only when he hungers to fill his empty stomach does he come to his senses. In a similar way, feeling a bit of hunger—the effect of the traditional Lenten discipline of fasting—might help us reflect on our own shortcomings and make adjustments and amends as necessary. Consider skipping a meal today for the sake of your spirit.

Today’s readings: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

“He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating.”