Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

March 14, 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 recently received a letter concerning the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, the appropriateness of the televised Mass in terms of meeting the Sunday obligation and the dispensation to attend Mass in cases of extremely inclement weather. I want to begin by thanking the sender of this inquiry as this is a very timely topic. Once again I will lean on the writings of the Late Pope John Paul II in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Let me clarify what we mean by “obligation to attend Mass”. Paragraph 2180 states: On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass. While this statement is straightforward, it does need a little further explanation. It challenges us to ask why, why should we be obliged to attend Mass. Paragraph 1247 speaks to the importance of the faith when we accept baptism. Baptism is part of our initiation into the faith. From Baptism flow all other sacraments. The one who is baptized should dispose himself / herself to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. The key word here is “dispose”. When we accept the faith, when we commit ourselves to live the faith we assume the obligation to participate in the sacraments. As I tell our catechumen and candidates in the R.C.I.A. the obligation is not placed upon us by the Church but rather we place ourselves under this obligation when we accept the faith. This is the choice we make when we accept baptism.

The Mass offers us the opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus Christ. Jesus is present with us in the assembly of the people. He assures us: where two or three are gathered in My name, I am with you. (Mt. 18:20) Jesus is present to us in the proclamation of the scriptures and the homily that explains those scriptures to us. Jesus is present to us in Holy Communion. If we have committed our lives to Christ in baptism how could we not want to be in His presence at the Sunday Mass?

The obligation to attend Mass exists only in circumstances where it is possible for us to attend. However, if we make choices that conflict with or preclude our participation at Mass then we break this obligation. As paragraph 2181 states: Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin. The Church does not impose the sin upon us, we through our free will choose to not attend Mass and therefore we choose to sin.

However, if it is not possible for us to attend Mass due to illness, responsibilities to care for another, unsafe travel conditions or other factors that are out of our control we look to Paragraph 2181 where it says: . . .the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason. The examples given above constitute serious reasons for being excused from the obligation which we place upon ourselves to attend Mass. These are examples of situations that are out of our control or require the charitable care for another. I hope this gives you a clearer understanding of what it means to be obliged, how and why this obligation comes about and some examples of when the obligation is excused.

The writer of this letter also asks about the legality of the televised Mass to fulfill our Sunday obligation. In no way does the televised Mass fulfill our obligation to attend Holy Mass. It cannot. The Mass consists of two parts: The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Participating in a televised Mass does not afford us the opportunity to receive the Eucharist. Therefore, it does not satisfy the criteria for Mass.

However, if for some uncontrollable cause the person is unable to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion the person is still encouraged to participate in a Liturgy of the Word. Paragraph 2183 states: If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommend that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop. Let’s examine what this means.

Most every diocese sponsors a televised Mass for shut-ins or those who, for no reason of their own choosing, cannot attend Mass in Church. Again, we are not referring to those who choose not to attend Mass. We are referring to those who cannot attend. While this does not meet the criteria for obligation to attend Mass it does offer those who cannot attend an opportunity to hear the Sacred Scriptures and the homily and to pray with those in attendance at the site of the televised Mass and with those others in similar circumstances watching on TV. For those who cannot attend Mass our parish provides specially trained Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who can bring the Blessed Sacrament to the home.

During one of the recent snow storms the driving conditions were so dangerous that Cardinal Rigali advised those who could not get to Church without traveling on the icy roads to stay home and participate in the televised Mass. Again, this televised Mass did not fulfill the requirement for Mass attendance but at the same time due to the dangerous conditions our Archbishop dispensed this obligation for those who were prohibited from travel. This is well within his right as the chief pastor of our Church of Philadelphia. The Cardinal did not say to just ignore the Sunday obligation. He said that anyone who would need to travel on the highways that had been declared unsafe by the local highway department should stay home and participate in the prayers and hear the scripture proclaimed and explained on TV.

I realize that this explanation is brief and may very well raise more questions than it answers. But, I hope it brings some clarity to the subject. Again, I wish to thank the person who submitted this question.

If you have questions concerning the Church, the sacraments or parish life please feel free to contact me. I will answer in as timely a manner as I can. You can submit your questions by placing them in the Sunday collection basket, sending them to the rectory office or by e-mail at deaconmikefranks@verizon.net. Please make sure you mark the envelop “Ask Deacon Mike”. Your questions will be treated anonymously.

As we reach the mid point of Lent I pray that all of you are using these six weeks of Lent to examine your relationship with Our Lord and making the necessary adjustments to come closer to Our Blessed Savior. God bless you and as always, I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks.

Serving at Mass: March 14

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Jim Quigley S. Hunsberger

Annemarie Quigley Mark Meinzer

Priest

Dave Boone

Teri Boone

7:30 am – Michael Duka John Gilmore

Peter D’Amico Theresa Gilmore

Priest

Dina Corrado

Lori Brozena

Immaculata Barndt

9:30 am – Alicia Tryon Matthew Horvath

Ed Tryon Joe Cassarella

Priest

Michael Dougherty

Rose Anderson

Mary Ellen Paulk

11:00 am – Sarah Franks Eileen Davis

Anita Weilnau D. McCausland

Priest

Deacon

Tinamarie Evans

Mary Goodfellow

Serving at Mass March 21

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dave Moser Bob Piccone

Trudy Moser Ed Tryon

Priest

Alice Swift

Pat Meinzer

Mark Meinzer

7:30 am – Pat Scheerbaum J. Sakalouckas

Jim Michels Pete Frank

Priest

John McHale

Mary R. Giambrone

Mike Heveran

9:30 am – Jenny Josko Eileen Koch

Keith Greczek M. Gehringer

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Mary Godshall

11:00 am – Kevin Charlton Adam Canigiani

Maryanne Charlton Donna Tarantino

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Amanda Charlton

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

March 14, 2010

Monday, March 15

8:00 am – William & Florence Lampart,

(Ed & Joan Lampart)

Tuesday, March 16

8:00 am – For Souls in Purgatory

Wednesday, March 17, Saint Patrick, bishop

12:10 pm – Joseph & Mary Kaiser, (Gloria Kaiser)

7:00 pm – Tom Virus, (Judi, daughters & granddaughter)

Thursday, March 18, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

8:00 am – Joseph Swann, (daughter Charlotte)

Friday, March 19, Saint Joseph, husband of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

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

7:00 pm – Stations of the Cross

Saturday, March 20

8:00 am – Lila & Paul Smith, (Estate)

5:00 pm – Jennie Virus, (Helen Fogel)

FIFTH SUNDARY OF LENT

March 21, 2010

7:30 am – Marie Treffeisen, (Sandy Paller)

9:30 am – For those enrolled in our

Building Memorial Society

11:00 am – For the living & deceased members

of the Parish.

FLOWERS/ROSES

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother & Sacred Heart Altars are in memory of Tom Virus, on his Third Anniversary, 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 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, Elsie Connelly, Richard Bellmar, Charlotte Homan, Theresa Homan & Anna Hoffman.

For those who have died, and in particular for James Pulice, (Father of Dominic Pulice), grant them eternal rest and peace.

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our next parish Breakfast is Sunday, March 28^th. Save the date!

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

March 8, 2009 March 7, 2010

Envelopes: $ 8,930.00 $ 10,335.00

Loose: 1,374.00 1,664.00

Children: 81.00 92.08

Total: $10,385.00 $ 12,091.08

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 James Pulice, requested by:

Tony & Sandy Shellaway

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

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – March 18^th – Team #3

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

MARCH 2010 – THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sunday, March 14

Children’s Liturgy of the Word 9:30 am At Mass

Little Church 9:30 am Gym

Knights of Columbus Meeting 7:30 pm Rectory

Youth Ministry – EDGE 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Gym

Youth Ministry – TLIC 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Gym

Men’s 30 + Basketball 8:00 pm –10:00 pm Gym

Monday, March 15

Liturgy Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Rectory

Bible Timeline Study 7:00 pm Rectory

Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm Chapel

Tuesday, March 16

Choir & Cantor Practice 6:00 pm Church

SPN Craft Guild 1:00 pm Gym

Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Gym

Wednesday, March 17

Lenten Mass 12:10 pm Church

PREP – Religious Ed 6:00 pm School

Elizabeth Ministry Meeting 7:00 pm Gym

Respect Life Ministry Meeting 7:30 pm Rectory

Thursday, March 18

Bingo 6:30 pm Gym

SPN Home & School Rollerskating

Cub Scouts 6:45 pm School

Friday, March 19

Parish Fish Fry 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Gym

No School – Faculty Retreat

Bible Timeline Study 9:00 am Rectory

SPN Quilting 1:00 pm Gym

Saturday, March 20

Free Day – No Activities

Sunday, March 21

Children’s Liturgy of the Word 9:30 am At Mass

Little Church 9:30 am Gym

Men’s 30 + Basketball 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm Gym

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Bible Timeline Study – Monday, March 22 – rectory – 7:00 pm

Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, March 22 – Chapel – 7:00 pm

First Holy Communion Retreat – Grade School & PREP – Tuesday, March 23 – Church & Gym – 8am – 2pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, March 23 – Church – 6:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, March 23 – Gym – 7:00 pm

Lenten Mass – Wednesday, March 24 – in Church – 12:10 pm

Grade School Stations of the Cross – Wednesday, March 24 – in Church – 1:00 pm

PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday, March 24 – School – 6:00 pm

ALPHA – Wednesday, March 24– Rectory – 6:30 pm

Rosary at Pennsburg Manor – Thursday, March 25 – 1:15 pm

Bingo – Thursday, March 25 – gym – 6:30 pm

Respect Life: Food PREP for the Homeless – Thursday, March 25 – rectory – 5:15 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday, March 25 – School – 6:45 pm

Parish Fish Fry – Friday, March 26 – Gym – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Bible Timeline Study – Friday, March 26 – rectory – 9am

Parish Breakfast Set-up – Saturday, March 27 – gym

Palm Sunday Masses: 7:30 am; 9:30 am; & 11:30 am

Parish Breakfast – Sunday, March 28 – gym – 7:30 am -12:30 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, March 28 – Church – 9:30 am

Little Church – Sunday, March 28 – gym – 9:30 am

Youth Ministry – Sunday, March 28 – gym – EDGE (Grade School) 6pm – 8pm; TLIC (High School) – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Men’s 30 + Basketball – Sunday, March 28 – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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

Preschool – In Math we explored the concepts of morning, afternoon, and night. We did sequence of events: first, next, last, before and after. We read the book, “Rabbits Bedtime” by Nancy Wallace. The children discussed the different time periods used in the story.

Kindergarten – This week we learned more about measurement. We used non-standard units such as cubes and paper clips to measure the length of items in the classroom.

1st – We started a new chapter on Place value in Math. We also wrote stories using written dialogue.

2nd – Our class is reading the play, “The Pine Park Mystery.” We will be performing it for the entire school.

3rd – The students are reading the play, “The Crowded House.” They will each have their own character that they will act out and portray in the spring play.

4th – We have kept in contact with a classmate currently in Asia by following a blog, writing e-mails, and viewing photographs.

5th – The students took the Terra Nova Tests and began a new unit in Religion. They are learning about the Sacraments of Healing. They are also keeping a Lenten Journal using different scripture passages.

6th – The students presented their book reports to the class last week. Each student completed a written book report and a diorama, game or poster about the book. They also made an oral presentation.

7th – We just finished reading “The Outsiders” and have turned in some really nice projects. In Social Studies, we are discussing and creating political cartoons.

8th – This week, we completed an in depth lesson on canticles. Each student analyzed and memorized their assigned canticle. They also wrote and original canticle and recited it to their class.

PARISH NEWS

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 – April 12^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.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY UPDATE

Can you remember when a brief conversation with your mom, sister or friend left you feeling energized and encouraged? The support of women for women is essential during the childbearing years--we all want to know that someone else understands our joys and sorrows and that someone does care.

The Elizabeth Ministry at St. Philip Neri Parish reaches out to women in our parish to celebrate the expectancy, birth or adoption of a child, to console and comfort a woman experiencing the frustration of infertility, the pain of miscarriage or child death and the confusion of raising a child with special needs.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 17, 2010 starting at 7:00 PM in the meeting room of the Social Hall.

All are welcome. Mark your calendar and plan to attend.

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 others in the grieving process.

PARISH GARAGE SALE

Our Parish Garage Sale will be held from 9 am to 1 pm on Wed. May 12; Sat. May 15; Sun. May 16; Wed. May 19; Sun. May 23; Wed. May 26; Sat. May 29 and June 2^nd through June 6^th during the carnival.

DONATIONS are needed, so start gathering those unused items and bring them to the garage behind the church between 9 am and 1 pm on Sat. April 10; Sat. April17; Sat. April 24 and Sunday, April 25.

The following items will not be accepted: clothing, computers, exercise equipment, outdated books (i.e. encyclopedias, medical books) televisions, stuffed animals or large furniture (small furniture items such as end tables or coffee tables are acceptable).

GARAGE SALE VOLUNTEERS – To volunteer please call Shirley at 215-679-9275 (9am to 3 pm), Rich at 215-679-8256 or you may e-mail Rich at richnruthrod@enter.net.

Life in the Spirit Seminars at SPN Chapel

7:00 PM

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.

EASTER EGG HUNT

Ages 1 to 11 years

At: St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Saturday – March 27

10:00 AM SHARP!

RAIN or SHINE

SPONSORED BY: The Knights of Columbus

A reminder to all parents: You are responsible to bring and pick up your children.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Some calls are meant to be answered. www.HeedTheCall.org

SAFE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

Protecting God’s Children for Adults Awareness Sessions

Unless otherwise indicated, all sessions begin at 7pm.

Sessions are approximately 2.5 hours in length.

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

3.15.10 – Archdiocesan Office Center, 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 Office Center - Philadelphia – 6:30 pm

5.19.10 – Archdiocesan Office Center - Philadelphia – 6:30 pm

PRE-8^TH GRADE

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

June 28 – July 28

8:45 am – 1:00 pm

St. Joseph’s Preparatory School

1733 Girard Avenue – Philadelphia

Spend part of your summer at the PREP and participate in the Pre-8^th Grade Summer Enrichment Program!

PROGRAM TOPICS INCLUDE:

Algebra

Athletics

Computer Science

Creative Writing

Drama

Transportation is available in Philadelphia, New Jersey and the Five County area.

For more information, call the Summer School Office at: 215-978-1954 or visit our website: WWW.SJPREP.ORG/PRE8

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Catholic Social Services is looking for single or married adults to become foster parents to children of all ages and races. There is a special need for families who can provide care to Teenagers – a population that needs love, guidance, and support as they move into adulthood. To learn about becoming a foster parent, please call: 215-587-3960.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Clothing Drive

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia is collecting donations of usable men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. We will also be accepting small household goods (bed and bath linens, pots & pans, dishes, cooking utensils, shoes and books). We accept small appliances in good working order.

No baby equipment, only clothing.

Individuals are invited to take all donations on Saturday, March 20 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm to our truck located at the following location:

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

256 Swamp Pike

Limerick, PA

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.

TRISH SHORT FROM EWTN

Trish Short is best known from EWTN Global Catholic Television Network where she sings the contemporary Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song, weekends, worldwide.

This former model, actress and pro-choice feminist, found her life shattered in her twenties after two failed marriages and losing two children to the culture of death. In her late thirties, Trish would be introduced to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy by a friend. Through it, she found faith, hope, and healing in Christ.

Now an award-winning director, music producer, singer/songwriter, Trish is in full-time media and music ministry. She has founded Artists for Life in 2000 which uses the arts & media to build a culture of life. Their work has appeared on ABC Family Channel, Fox Network and on Christina Networks – EWTN, TBN and CBN.

Please join us on Wednesday evening, April 7^th, 7:00 pm at St. Isidore Church, located on: 2545 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, to hear her music and personal witness testifying to the love, the mercy and power of God!

AREA NEWS

RED HILL BAND SPRING CONCERT

You are all invited to the Red Hill Band 110^th Spring Concert on Sunday, May 16 at the Upper Perkiomen High School. The performance begins at 2:00 pm and as always is free to the pulic. Donations are willingly accepted!

Help Pope John Paul II find its MASCOT! – Calling all future students, parents and friends of Pope John Paul II High School! We are only six months away from opening this state-of-the-art Catholic School in Upper Providence Township, and we need YOUR help! It is now time for PJPII HS to find its MASCOT! Email your MASCOT suggestions to mascot@pjphs.org by March 24. Please add your reason and ideas for the MASCOT and how it connects with Pope John Paul II. For more information about the MASCOT Search, visit www.pjphs.org.

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.

TURKEY DINNER

(served family style)

St. John’s Lutheran Church

3104 Main Street

Route 63

Sumneytown, PA

Saturday: March 20

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Adults: $9.50 - Children: $3.50 (4-12)

Takeouts: $10.00

Our dining hall is handicapped accessible. Need directions? Call 215-234-4888. One of the profit donations from this Event will be Cystic Fibrosis which benefits two courageous 5 year old cousins.

Breakfast Volunteers NEEDED

Our Parish Breakfast is a major fundraiser for our Parish and a tremendous Community and Parish Social Event. We are in need of more parishioners to help with this monthly event. Our breakfast is held the 4^th Sunday of each month (excluding November & December).

CAN YOU HELP?

Not the entire morning…

but only a few hours each month!

Please print and return in collection basket or to the rectory:

Donate baked goods:

Cooks: Line Servers:

___6am-9am ___6:45 am- 9:00 am

___9am-11am ___9:00 am – 11:00 am

___11am-1pm ___11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Dishwashers: Cleaning the gym:

___7:30am-10:00 am ___12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

___10:00 am – 12noon

___12noon – 2:00 pm

Washing Trays Dessert table, coffee

___8am-10am ___7:00 am – 9:00 am

___10am – 12noon ___9:00 am – 11:00 am

___12noon-1:30 pm ___11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Name: _________________________

Phone: ________________________

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

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Fourth Sunday of Lent

The Prodigal Father’s parable

Accused of hanging out with sinners, Jesus tells one of his best stories. “A man had two sons,” the elder (oh-so-good) and the younger (not-so-much). It’s a story about extravagance and wastefulness—prodigality—but not the son’s. The “prodigal father’s” affection and forgiveness go overboard, a spendthrift with his love. The parable closes with a party dad throws for his son who “once was lost and now is found” but the older son refuses to join the celebration, so that the father has to beg him to go beyond his joyless (self-)righteousness. The father actually runs out to meet a son twice: once to kiss the errant, broken younger one and then to bring into the warmth that stubborn elder one. Jesus still “consorts with sinners,” no manner which kind we are.

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 5:9a, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

“This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Monday, March 15

Lenten weekday

Yes we can, with God’s help

Our faith might be more conditional than we’d like to admit. We may expect it to magically solve all our problems, perhaps by way of miraculous signs and wonders such as the Galileans expected of Jesus. It’s understandable, but that is not how faith always works. It’s not only about a miracle fix but rather about facing and resolving life’s challenges with confidence that we do not face them alone—God is at our side. So rather than hope for a miracle today, work on resolving a problem yourself, with confidence and serenity that God is with you.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 65:17-21;

John 4:43-54

“The Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival.”

Tuesday, March 16

Lenten weekday

Healing is within reach

What do you do when what you need is beyond your grasp? That was the problem for the man who’d been waiting by the healing pool of Bethesda for 38 long years. The waters were only beneficial if you reached them when the angel had stirred them. At the pace this poor fellow moved, someone always beat him to it. The arrival of Jesus changed the rules of the game. No more did healing depend on special moments, healing mediums, or preferential considerations. The word of Jesus sufficed to make the sick man whole. His word remains the one that saves.

Today’s readings: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12;

John 5:1-16

“Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking.”

Wednesday, March 17

Feast of Patrick, bishop

Get a strong start

“Saint Patrick’s Breastplate,” an Irish morning prayer from the eighth century, is a testament to Patrick’s almost palpable sense of closeness to God: “Christ shield me this day . . ./ Christ with me,/ Christ before me,/ Christ behind me,/ Christ in me,/ Christ beneath me,/ Christ above me . . .” and on the litany goes. Just as Jesus describes how he cannot do anything except through the Father, so Patrick prays that anything he does goes through the Son. Jesus is Patrick’s protector, his friend, and above all, Patrick believes that it is Jesus whom he will encounter through “every eye that sees” him each day. What breastplate can you fashion today that will help strengthen your faith? Perhaps you can begin with a morning prayer.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 49:8-15;

John 5:17-30

“Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”

Thursday, March 18

Feast of Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor of the church

Hat trick

There aren’t many saints venerated by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglicans alike, but Cyril of Jerusalem (313-386) is one. If that weren’t enough of a distinction, Cyril is also honored as a doctor of the church. Why so special? He was a key voice in resolving a number of doctrinal disputes in the early church and helped advance the belief that the consecrated bread and wine are not mere symbols but the actual body and blood of Christ. The next time you receive Communion, give a nod of thanks to Cyril for helping illuminate the experience. You’ll be in good company doing so.

Today’s readings: Exodus 32:7-14;

John 5:31-47

“There is another who testifies on my behalf.”

Friday, March 19
Solemnity of Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Just do it

Although Saint Joseph does not say a word in the gospels, we know that he was both a deeply spiritual and an immensely practical person. How else could he have managed to take Mary on that difficult and dangerous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, find shelter, help her give birth to their son, change plans, transport his family safely to Egypt in the middle of the night, and support them in exile for years until it was finally safe to return to Nazareth? Joseph’s actions speak volumes. Reflect on these words of Leonardo da Vinci: “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Being willing is not enough, we must do.”

Today’s readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a

“I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.”

Saturday, March 20

Lenten weekday

Not what you had planned

The path from plan to reality can be rough and sometimes goes off in unexpected directions. That’s especially true when people insist something has to be so because that’s the way they want it or can’t imagine anything different. Jesus found himself in this situation when people were arguing about whether he fit the description of who they thought the Messiah or a prophet was supposed to be. Unfortunately this discussion blinded them to actually believing in him. Try to get past always seeing how things are supposed to be (and frequently aren’t) to how they really are.

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20;

John 7:40-53

“Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.”