Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

March 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.

According to the Compendium of Social Doctrine of the Church, by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the second area of service to which the lay faithful are called is Service in Culture.

(The first area of service, shared last month, was Service to the human person).

Service in Culture (Part I)….The Second Vatican Council sees the separation of Christian faith and daily life as one of the most serious errors of our day. It must be kept in mind that culture is that through which man, as man, becomes more man, is more, and has more access to being.

Fostering a social and political culture, inspired by the Gospel, must be an area of particular importance for the lay faithful…..an urgent priority today is the need to present the patrimony of Catholic tradition, its values and content, and the entire spiritual, intellectual, and moral heritage of Catholicism in culturally, up-to-date terms. Faith in Jesus Christ, who described Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life”, prompts Christians to commit themselves with firm and ever new resolve to building a social and political culture inspired by the Gospel.

The integral perfection of the person and the good of the whole of society are the essential ends of culture; the ethical dimension of culture is, therefore, a priority in the social action of the laity. Failure to pay attention to this dimension easily transforms culture into an instrument that impoverishes humanity.

The social and political involvement of the lay faithful, in the area of culture, moves today in specific directions. The first is that of seeking to guarantee the right of each person to a human and civil culture in harmony with the dignity of the human person…the commitment to the education and formation of the person has always represented the first concern of Christian social action.

(To be continued next month).

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday (March 28) thru Easter Sunday (April 4)

March 28^th – Palm Sunday

Vigil - 5:00 pm

Palm Sunday: 7:30 am

9:30 am

11:30 am

March 29^th – Monday

8:00 am Mass – Chapel

March 30^th – Tuesday

8:00 am Mass – Chapel

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Confessions in Church

March 31^st – Wednesday

8:00 am Mass – Chapel

12:10 pm Mass – Church

April 1^st – Thursday

No morning Mass

7:30 pm – Mass of the Last Supper – Church

Adoration in the Chapel 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm

April 2^nd – Friday

8:00 am – Morning Prayer in the Chapel

Adoration in the Chapel 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

7:30 pm – Veneration of the Cross, Passion, and Communion – Church

April 3^rd – Saturday

8:00 am – Morning Prayer in the Chapel

10:00 am – Decorating the Church for Easter

1:00 pm – Blessing of Easter Food in Church

8:00 pm – Easter Vigil Mass

April 4^th – Easter Sunday

7:30 am – Mass

9:30 am – Mass

11:30 am - Mass

Serving at Mass March 28

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Marci Jaman Pete Frank

Janet Kendra Larry Concio

Priest

Kathryn Talbot

Bob Talbot

7:30 am – Wally Varallo Ernie Quatrani

Joan Varallo John Guckin

Priest

Deacon

Michele Martin

Denise Guckin

9:30 am – Mary Souder Sue DiMarco

Sharon Shaak J. Sakalouckas

Priest

Deacon

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

11:30 am – Bob Schwind Mark Meinzer

Barbara Schwind Luke Verna

Priest

Anita Weilnau

DJ Williams

Sandy Williams

Holy Thursday April 1

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

7:30 pm – Pat Kennedy John Guckin

Linda Franks Wendy Benner

Priest

Deacon

Stephan Adelsberger

Christine Adelsberger

Mary Goodfellow

Denise Guckin

John Nash

Monica Nash

Mark Meinzer

Pat Meinzer

Good Friday April 2

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

7:30 pm – Linda Benko Matt Horvath

LaRue Emmell M. Gehringer

Priest

Deacon

Annemarie Quigley

Jim Quigley

Holy Saturday April 3

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

8:00 pm – Andrew Souder Bob Ellis

Mary Souder Mark Meinzer

Priest Pete Frank

Deacon D. McCausland

Pat Meinzer

Dawn Ellis

Dave Moser

Trudy Moser

Linda Franks

Sarah Franks

Tina Evans

Pat Kennedy

Easter Sunday April 4

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

7:30 am – Immaculata Barndt Michael Lynch

Lori Brozena Ernie Quatrani

Priest

Deacon

Dina Corrado

Peter D’Amico

Michael Duka

Mary R. Giambrone

Mike Heveran

Jim Michels

Paul Moser

Maureen Moser

9:30 am – Marianne Peters Joe Cassarella

Marci Jaman George Kirkwood

Priest

Joan Pongia

Rita Tokarski

11:30 am – Kevin Charlton Eileen Davis

Maryanne Charlton Bob Piccone

Priest

Amanda Charlton

Mary Lavin

2^nd Quarter Liturgical Ministers Schedule

The 2^nd Quarter Liturgical Ministers Schedule is now available. For those who have computer access, the schedule will be available next week on our parish website (www.spnparish.org). For those who do not have a computer, a limited amount of printed Schedules are available in the small room off the vestibule. Please do not take a paper Schedule if you have computer access.

This Schedule begins with the Holy Week and Easter. Please note an incorrect time for the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Good Friday Passion Service. The correct time for both services is 7:30 pm, not 7:00 pm as printed on the Schedule.

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

March 28, 2010

Monday, March 29

8:00 am – Jennie Virus

Tuesday, March 30

8:00 am – Robert Smith, Sr. (Charles & Eileen McMillen)

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm –Confessions in Church

Wednesday, March 31

8:00 am – Jennie & John Virus, (Estate)

12:10 pm – Emma Berardi, (Gerald & Joan McMahon)

Thursday, April 1

No morning Mass

7:30pm – Mass of the Last Supper – No Intention

Friday, April 2, Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

No morning Mass

7:30 pm – Veneration of the Cross,

Passion & Communion

Saturday, April 3, Holy Saturday

No morning Mass

1:00 pm – Blessing of Easter Food in Church

8:00 pm – Vigil Mass – No Intention

EASTER SUNDAY,

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

March 28, 2010

7:30 am – No Intention

9:30 am – No Intention

11:30 am – No Intention

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, Frances Cannon, 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, Charlotte Homan, Theresa Homan, Anna Hoffman, Colleen McMillar, Pete Duklis,Sr. & Ron Leckey.

For those who have died, and in particular for Leonard Hermley, (brother of Bob Hermley), Dianna Rynkiewicz, & Raymond A. Szymkiewicz, Jr. (son of Ray & Shirley Szymkiewicz) grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

March 15, 2009 March 14, 2010

Envelopes: $ 9,305.00 $ 8,122.00

Loose: 918.00 1,055.00

Children: 94.00 90.76

Total: $10,317.00 $ 9,267.76

March 22, 2009 March 21, 2010

Envelopes: $ 9,796.00 $ 8,370.00

Loose: 1,092.00 958.00

Children: 78.00 102.10

Total: $10,966.00 $ 9,430.10

FEBRUARY MONTHLY EXPENSES

Salaries: 43,244.00

Oil: 2,651.00

Electric: 5,624.00

Telephone: 373.00

Insurance: Parish 5,308.00

Insurance: Medical 5,875.00

Trash: 326.00

Assessment: -

Maintenance/Supplies: 9,831.00

Water/Sewer -

(East Greenville) 259.00

Total: $ 73,491.00

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 Raymond A. Szymkiewicz, Jr., requested by: Ray & Shirley Szymkiewicz

In memory of Elizabeth McCarron, requested by:

Gerald & Joan McMahon

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

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

There is no Bingo on Holy Thursday, April 1^st.

Bingo will resume on Thursday, April 8^th.

Bingo: 03/11/10 – 80 players

Kitchen: $ 162.00

Games: 935.00

Total: $1,097.00

Bingo: 03/18/10 – 57 players

Kitchen: $ 143.00

Games: 208.00

Total: $ 351.00

MARCH 28 – APRIL 4 – THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sunday, March 28

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

Parish Breakfast: 7:00 – 1:30 pm Gym

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

Youth Ministry: EDGE G.S. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Gym

Youth Ministry: TLIC H.S. 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Gym

Monday, March 29

Bible Timeline Study 7:00 pm Rectory

Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm Chapel

Tuesday, March 30

Confessions 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Church

Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Gym

Wednesday, March 31

Lenten Mass 12:10 pm Church

NO PREP – Religious Ed 6:00 pm School

ALPHA 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Rectory

Mass of the Last Supper – Thursday, April 1

No morning Mass

No School

No Bingo

No Cub Scouts

No Little Flowers Girl Club Meeting

Mass of the Last Supper 7:30 pm Church

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion –

Friday, April 2

No morning Mass

No School

Bible Timeline Study 9:00 am Rectory

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

Ministerium Service 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Veneration of the Cross &

Holy Communion 7:30 pm Church

Holy Saturday, April 3

No morning Mass

Decorating Church for Easter 10:00 am Church

Blessing of Easter Food 1:00 pm Church

Easter Vigil 8:00 pm Church

The Resurrection of the Lord,

Easter Sunday, April 4

Easter Sunday Masses: 7:30; 9:30; 11:30 am Church

Children’s Liturgy of the Word 9:30 am Church

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pre-Jordan – Monday, April 5^th – Rectory – 7:30 pm

Pre-Cana Workshop – Monday, April 5^th – Rectory Meeting Room – 7:00 pm

Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, April 5^th – Chapel – 7:00 pm

School resumes – Tuesday, April 6^th

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, April 6^th – Church at 6:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, April 6^th – Gym – 7:00 pm

PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday, April 7^th – School at 6:00 pm

ALPHA – Wednesday, April 7^th – Rectory Meeting Room – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Bingo – Thursday, April 8^th – Gym – 6:30 pm

Pennsburg Manor Nursing Home Mass – Thursday, April 8^th – 10:00 am

Cub Scouts – Thursday, April 8^th – School – 6:45 pm

Little Flowers Girl Club – Thursday, April 8^th – School Library – 6:30 pm

SPN Quilting – Friday, April 9^th – Gym – 1:00 pm

Garden Club Spring Clean-up – Saturday, April 10^th – Church Grounds – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, April 11^th – at the 9:30 Mass

Little Church – Sunday, April 11^th – Gym – 9:30 am

Knights of Columbus Meeting – Sunday, April 11^th – Rectory – 7:30 pm

Youth Ministry – EDGE (Grade School) – Sunday, April 11^th – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; TLIC (High School) Sunday, April 11^th – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (both in Gym)

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, April 11^th - in the Gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

March 31^st – NO PREP classes

April 4^th – Easter Sunday

April 7^th – classes

April 14^th – classes

April 21^st – classes

April 22^nd – First Communion Practice – in Church at 6:00 pm

April 24^th – First Holy Communion, in Church at 10:00 am

April 28^th – last class

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

SCHOOL NEWS

St. Philip Neri School

Honor Roll

March 2010

Grade

Distinguished Honors

First Honors

Second Honors

Rosario LaSpina

GraceAnne Shrift

Mandy Shrom

Claire Stoll

Marissa Wahl

Cassidy Wright

Matthew Souder

Laura Vetter

Danilo Perez

Ashley Serafin

Thomas Beck

Kate Ferdock

Nora Myers

Matthew Radzai

Ian Stephens

Richard Smith

Cooper Wright

Hayley Martin

Hannah Mattaliano

Meaghan McKiernan

Sara McMahon

Paul Chappelle

Kelsey Gallagher

Emily Beck

Nicholas Camarata

Patrick Souder

Keira Koch

Allison McCausland

Patrick Vetter

Lauren Serafin

Morgan Tielemans

Philip Myers

Isabel Perez

Joshua Williams

Zachary Washko

We are very proud of Keira Koch, Isabel Perez, Patrick Vetter and Cooper Wright for representing St. Philip Neri School in the Montgomery County Science Research Competition. Their participation is an extension of our excellent science program. Thank you, Mrs. Voelker for your dedication and guidance. Congratulations to all!

8^th Grade – Honorable Mention:

Isabel Perez – Teens & Multitasking

7^th Grade – Honorable Mention:

Keira Koch – All Warm?

6^th Grade – Honorable Mention:

Cooper Wright – How Glow Can You Go?

Our 7^th Grade Math and Science teams competed in the Lansdale Catholic Math and Science Bowl on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Members of our Math team were Emily Beck, Keira Koch, Allison McCausland and Patrick Vetter; Science team members were Nicholas Camarata, Lauren Serafin, Patrick Souder and Morgan Tielemans. Emily Beck and Patrick Vetter tied for the highest Math Score and Patrick Souder had the highest Science score for St. Philip Neri School.

Thank you to our students for all their hard work. Additional thanks go to Mrs. Andrea Welch and Mrs. Emily Voelker for their efforts in working with our students.

PARISH NEWS

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.

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.

PARISH CARNIVAL

WED JUNE 2 – SAT JUNE 5 6-10 PM

SUNDAY JUNE 6 1-6 PM

ADVANCED FOOD TICKETS can be purchased April 24^th to May 30^th at the SCRIP table or at the rectory until Thursday, May 28^th. For every $5 purchased, you receive $6 in food tickets.

CARNIVAL SET UP - Help is needed with setting up stands and tents, roping off areas, moving tables and getting the grounds ready for the carnival. If you can help either call Shirley at 215-679-9275, email Doris at gmomdecker@yahoo.com, or just come to the Church grounds at 6pm on any of the following dates; Monday, May 17; Tuesday, May 18; and Tuesday, June 1. Rain dates re Monday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 25.

CHANCES – chances for our grand prize drawing should arrive in the mail. Returns made before Tuesday, May 4^th will be placed for a special Early Bird Drawing on this day!

More tickets can be picked up at the rectory.

RIDE BRACELETS - We will be selling Ride Bracelets for carnival rides on (3) three days this year. Wednesday, June 2^nd, Thursday, June 3^rd and Sunday, June 6^th. Cost of the Bracelet is $15. Individual ride tickets will also be available. With a Ride Bracelet, you can ride all night.

NEEDED FOR THE CARNIVAL

EXPERIENCED CARD DEALERS

Card dealers are needed each day of the Carnival. The Carnival will be held from 6-10 PM on June 2, June 3, June 4, & June 5^th, (Wednesday thru Saturday) and on Sunday, June 6^th from 1-6 PM.

If interested, please contact Shirley at: 215-679-9275 or email Doris at: gmomdecker@yahoo.com.

BROWN BAGS ARE NEEDED FOR BINGO!

Please drop off at the Social Hall on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s between 8:00 am & 12:00 pm.

Life in the Spirit Seminars at SPN Chapel

7:00 PM

Monday – March 29^th – Growth

Monday – April 5^th – Transformation in Christ

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

YOUTH MINISTRY

Easter Flowers will again be available for purchase after Masses on Palm Sunday (March 28) and Easter Sunday (April 4). These sales assist the Youth of the Parish.

There is some Easter Candy for sale, and Wii Raffle Tickets will be available.

Our next Youth Group Meeting will take place on March 28. On April 2, Good Friday, the Youth of the Parish will be going to Corpus Christi for their Passion Play. We will leave the Social Hall at 11:10 and return about 2:00 pm. If interested, please let Mrs. Daley know ASAP!

Thanks so much for your support of the Youth of the Parish.

PARISH OUTREACH – H.O.P.E.

The Good News of the Gospel tells us that Jesus Christ suffered, died, and resurrected for YOU! What will you do for HIM??? Will you volunteer to coordinate H.O.P.E.? (Helping Other People Enthusiastically) It will take a few hours a week, working from your own home telephone.

If you feel you can coordinate H.O.P.E., please call Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T. at the Parish Outreach Office: 215-679-2282. If no answer, please speak slowly. Leave your number, twice.

FRIENDLY VISITORS

Do we have an active parish or what??? During the year of 2009 to 2010 FRIENDLY VISITORS (8 & ½ years old) made 245 visits – giving 463 hours of service.

Thank you Friendly Visitors for your sacrifice of time and talent and generous service to our brothers and sisters.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

HOAGIE SALE

CHEESE, ITALIAN or TURKEY

TUESDAY – MAY 4, 2010

12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

COST: $4.00

All orders due by:

Monday – April 26th

Please call:

Rita: 679-7009 or Pat: 679-5675

CHICKEN BARBQUE & BAKE SALE

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

Saturday – May 15, 2010 (note date change)

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Cost: $8.00

Eat-in or Take-out

For more information, please call Rita: 215-679-7009; Connie: 610-287-9829 or Joan: 215-234-4813.

BAKED GOODS WILL BE APPRECIATED!

More details will be available – so please save the date!

ST. PHILIP NERI PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

IT’S NEW! - IT’S HERE!

Do you like to knit or crochet? Do you know someone who is unable to participate in parish activities, but would enjoy creating a Prayer Shawl for someone? We are beginning a Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Philip Neri. The making of a Prayer Shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver.

The great thing about this Ministry is it can be done in the group setting or in your own home!

When: Monday – May 3^rd – 7:00 pm

Where: 565 Main Street – E. Greenville (old Rectory)

Wanted: people of any age –

(with or without experience)

(We will teach you; this is an opportunity to learn a new craft).

To make: shawls, afghans, caps, etc.

For: people at different phases of life

Ex: Illness, marriage

Any questions, call Jo Ellen Carr: 215-679-6547

Looking forward to seeing you!! – Save the date!!

SHOWBOAT CASINO

Saturday – July 31^st

Cost is $30 with $25 in Slot Play return. Leave St. Philip Neri Church parking lot at 10:00 am. Please call Kathy at: 267-923-5173 with your reservation requests. Bus fills during the summer months.

Please save the date!

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

Office of the Cardinal

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Good Friday, April 2, we celebrate the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, contemplating the sacrifice by which Jesus redeemed the human race from sin and death. It also has been our longstanding tradition as Catholics to offer alms in support of the Catholic Community in the Holy Land.

As directed by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, funds generated by this collection support programs and services in the Holy Land. Support is needed to maintain the sacred places, to provide educational and pastoral programs as well as outreach programs for the poor through established charitable institutions.

On behalf of those Christians and others in so much need, I seek your most generous and sacrificial support of the Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land on April 2, 2010. I know that God our Father will reward your generosity beyond all measure.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

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.

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 – Phila. – 6:30 pm

5.19.10 – Archdiocesan Office Center – Phila. – 6:30 pm

2010 CENSUS

Please remember to participate in the 2010 Census, which has already begun. The confidential information you provide will impact decisions regarding allocation of federal tax dollars for use in schools, hospitals, senior centers, housing and transportation. It also affects the number of representatives allowed for each state. In addition to funding, this information assists the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with planning and the implementation of services and programs to support various needs of our community. For more information go to www.2010.census.gov.

HOLY THURSDAY IN THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST

On Holy Thursday, parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will begin the solemn observances with the Liturgy of the Hours. Then, Cardinal Justin Rigali will concelebrate with all of his priests the Holy Mass of Chrism at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. On Holy Thursday, the Church recalls the institution of the holy priesthood by Christ Himself. During this Year of the Priest, all are invited to attend, view or listen to this Chrism Mass.

The Chrism Mass will be streamed live on the Archdiocesan website www.archphila.org beginning with the Procession at 9:40 am. Mass begins at 10:00 am and will also be broadcast live on Holy Spirit Radio 1570 AM (WISP) and 1420 AM (WCOJ) and on the Catholic Channel on Sirius 159 and XM117.

During this Mass, Cardinal Rigali will conscrate the Oil of Chrism and bless the Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick. These holy oils will be used throughout the Archdiocese during the coming year in the celebration of the Sacraments.

This Mass is a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ, which continues to be present in the Church.

Later in the day on Holy Thursday, parishes will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. At the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Cardinal Rigali will celebrate this Mass at 5:00 pm. After the Homily, following the example of Christ who washed the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper, the Cardinal will wash the feet of twelve seminarians from St Charles Borromeo Seminary. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, the Holy Sacrament of Holy Orders and gave up His commandment to love one another.

Please pray that our continued observance of this Year of the Priest truly provide the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with holy priests for a holy people!

AREA NEWS

ST. PIUS X CAR WASH & SENIOR NIGHT

STILL HAVE ROAD SALT ON YOUR CAR? St. Pius X High School class of 2010 is holding a Car Wash to benefit their last graduation of the school. It is being held on April 3^rd at St. Pius High School upper parking lot in Pottstown and at the SUNOCO Gas Station in Limerick from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Donations will be accepted for every car washed. There will also be an Easter Bake Sale at each location. (Rain date is April 10 at both locations).

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

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Called to serve

The prophet Isaiah’s four “servant songs” (Isaiah 42:17; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12) describe the qualities of the ideal servant leader. To begin with this person is the “chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations” (42:1b). It’s not surprising that the early Christians saw in the servant songs a remarkable similarity to Jesus’ life and ministry. The third song (which is proclaimed today) talks of a suffering servant. This passage helped Jesus’ followers understand his death on the cross in a new and hopeful way. We are all God’s servants; how is this truth expressed in your life?

Today’s readings: Isaiah 50:4-7;

Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56 or 23:1-49

“The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced.”

Monday, March 29

Monday of Holy Week

Honestly assess your motives

It’s good to keep in mind that Jesus chose a thief to be one of his 12 apostles. Otherwise we might think Jesus chose us because we’re so good! It’s also ironic that Judas’ false protest that the money spent to anoint Jesus should have been given to the poor elicited this famous rebuke from Jesus: “You will always have the poor with you.” We use that quote today to put off giving to the poor. In reality the money we possess has been entrusted to us to help the needy. When we refuse to do so, we are thieves like Judas. There’s one week left to repent.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 42:1-7;

John 12:1-11

“He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief.”

Tuesday, March 30

Tuesday of Holy Week

Look to yourself

We move into Holy Week with a sober reminder of our imperfect nature, exemplified by predictions of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial of Jesus. It would be easy to point a finger at their failings while denying our own potential to do the same. At one time or another we all disappoint those who count on us for support. Today is a good day to make some amends for past shortcomings or betrayals. Then you can move toward Easter with a lighter spirit and a more joyful heart.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 49:1-6;

John 13:21-33, 36-38

“Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

Wednesday, March 31

Wednesday of Holy Week

Listen up

As Holy Week continues you might stop to think about the importance of listening for your Lenten journey. In prayer you listen for the Spirit of God and the promptings of your own heart. In almsgiving you listen for the voices of those in need and then respond. In fasting you listen to your own spiritual and physical hungers to sort out what is truly important. In these last few days of Lent take some time to listen.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a;

Matthew 26:14-25

“The Lord God has opened my ear.”

Thursday, April 1

Holy Thursday

Live the memory

The liturgy of Holy Thursday is rich in symbolism and meaning. The stories of the first Passover and of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his friends contain images foundational to our self-understanding as Christians, images that for centuries have inspired our prayer, art, imagination, and theology. Today we do not merely remember the story of the Last Supper and the washing of feet; we open ourselves to God’s presence here and now, which we experience in communion with our family and friends over a meal, during a liturgy, and by caring for one another and for those in need. May Holy Thursday be nourishing to you this day and may you find ways to make present the reality of God’s deep love for you and for the world.

Today’s readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

“This day shall be a day of remembrance for you.”

Friday, April 2

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

Allow yourself to be raised up

On this most solemn of days we focus on the Passion and death of Jesus. But remember what happens tomorrow night: resurrection. The story is not over until that happens. Beyond the darkness of Good Friday will shine Easter light. God reaches out a hand to raise us up out of suffering, sin, even death, and calls us back to God. And the crucified Jesus shows us God’s love: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” Jesus says in the Gospel of John (15:13). Jesus is the human hand of God; all we need to do is grasp it.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

“See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up.”

Saturday, April 3

Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter

Nothing but the truth

In a world that so often teeters between white lies and damnable ones, God speaks the truth. God is truth, so when God says, Let there be light, prepare to be dazzled! And when Jesus says, I am the light of the world, trust that we can follow him through the dark valley of death and find our way. Jesus also says to his friends: You are the light of the world—which means it’s up to us now to carry “Christ our light” higher than the darkest deceptions of our times. He is risen! Who needs to hear this message tonight?

Today’s readings: Vigil: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a; Genesis 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Exodus 14:15-15:1;

Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11; Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Romans 6:3-11; Luke 24:1-12

“Then God commanded, ‘Let there be light’—and light appeared.”