Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

April 11, 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 7:00 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

When I was in my mid 20s (yes, that was a long time ago) a newly ordained priest was assigned to my parish. At the time I was the president of our parish council. After his first meeting with us I discovered that he and I shared many interests. One of them was cold beer after a long meeting on a hot August night. As James Garner said of his side kick in the movie great (at least I thought it was great) Support Your Local Sheriff. “A beautiful friendship was born”.

Fr. Steve had a line that he always used: God is good. I was reminded of this simple but powerful statement this past weekend as our parish and the universal Church celebrated the great Easter Triduum. After a very harsh winter we were treated to three days of absolutely beautiful weather. But as we remembered Jesus’ Last Supper, His agonizing time in the Garden of Gethsemane, His questioning and beatings and eventual condemnation before Pilate, His painful walk to Calvary and His torturous death on the cross we were reminded of the effects of evil which we allow into our lives. But then came the great Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, itself.

As the Alleluias began to resound I could not help but begin to think that God is good, God is very good. Only God could take such sadness and ugliness and turn it into something so beautiful that its meaning and its effects on the lives of all believers far outshined the glow and warmth of the early spring sun. As I stood before the altar at the end of the 7:30 AM Mass on Easter Sunday I realized that the Triduum, its various liturgies, all of the preparations were coming to a close for me, all culminated in the closing song of the Mass: Alleluia, Alleluia Let the Holy Anthems Rise. As I stood there, my voice choking back some tears I could hear my friend Fr. Steve say, God is good!

I can only speak for myself, but I think we should spend more time looking for the goodness of God in our daily lives. Sure, we see the negative side of things very easily: politics, the economy, war, disease, poverty, etc. But perhaps we should focus more on the good things. For me, one of those signs of God’s goodness is baseball.

Now that may sound a little strange to some of you, but I love baseball. I am a huge fan and have been since I was a little boy. So, at 1:00 PM on Monday I fixed a snack and sat down to watch a few games. There is something special about opening day. Spring has arrived. The promise of summer is in the air. There is hope. On opening day everyone is in 1^st place. For a few minutes, at least, it seems that anything is possible.

As I sat before the TV excited about a new season I tuned to the Phillies station. They were playing in Washington and the President of the United States came to throw out the first pitch. Regardless of your politics, a presidential first pitch is a very big deal. The sun was bright, the crowds cheered and booed. The players came out for their introductions. It just seemed that for a brief moment, all was right with the world. Again, I could hear Fr. Steve say: God is good.

For me, God’s goodness is reflected in many people, places and things. I am not ashamed to say that baseball is one of them. I would like to think that perhaps when God created the universe and set it spinning on its course, after He looked at it and pronounced it all very good, He just might have thought next: Play ball!

If you have any questions concerning the faith, sacraments or the Church in general please let me know. You can place your question in the collection basket, mail it to the rectory or send it to me by e-mail at deaconmikefranks@verizon.net. Just be sure to address it to “Ask Deacon Mike”.

As we celebrate this beautiful Easter season let us reflect on just how good God is to us. Let us make a point to look for that goodness at every turn. As always, God bless you and I love you all. Deacon Mike.

Serving at Mass April 11

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Linda Benko S. Hunsberger

John Burke Larry Concio

Priest

Dave Boone

Teri Boone

7:30 am – Joan Varallo Theresa Gilmore

Wally Varallo John Gilmore

Priest

Pat Scheerbaum

Stephan Adelsberger

Christine Adelsberger

9:30 am – Monica Nash Matt Horvath

John Nash Eileen Koch

Priest

Colleen Daley

Rose Anderson

Mary Ellen Paulk

11:00 am – Tina Evans Donna Tarantino

Mary Goodfellow M. Gehringer

Priest

Deacon

Jeanne Hermley

Robert Hermley

11:00 am - Bob Schwind

Barbara Schwind

Anna Kells

Marlene Leidy

Sandy Shellaway

Tony Shellaway

Serving at Mass Lector

Extraordinary Ministers April 18

5:00 pm – Catherine Cahill Bob Ellis

Trish Dornisch Mark Meinzer

Priest

Dawn Ellis

Lisa Edleman

Michael Edleman

7:30 am – Chuck Rodgers Pete Frank

Maria Rodgers John Guckin

Priest

Mary R. Giambrone

Lori Brozena

Denise Guckin

9:30 am – Bob Brennan Susan DiMarco

Eleanor Brennan Linda Franks

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Jeff Daley

Michael Dougherty

Mary Godshall

Stephanie Greczek

Jenny Josko

Bill Gurgick

Lisa Gurgick

11:00 am – Linda DiTondo Eileen Davis

Doug DiTondo Luke Verna

Priest

Deacon

Priest

Anita Weilnau

Mary Lavin

Amanda Charlton

Christine Kemp

Lester Kemp

Kevin Charlton

Maryanne Charlton

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

April 11, 2010

Monday, April 12

8:00 am – William & Teresa Harvey, (Elaine Roncase)

Tuesday, April 13

8:00 am –Patricia Cody, (Knights of Columbus Council #6614)

Wednesday, April 14

7:00 pm– For those enrolled in our Building Memorial Society.

Thursday, April 15

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

Friday, April 16

8:00 am –For the Intentions of Pete Penrose

Saturday, April 17

8:00 am – Maria Dickmann, (Helmut Gauss)

5:00 pm – Robert Smith, Sr., (Claude & Pat Balduzzi)

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

April 18, 2010

7:30 am – Maria Dickmann, (Francis & Eva Romano)

9:30 am – For the living & deceased members of the Parish.

11:00 am – Dr. Guillermo & Mrs. Amparo Gonzelez,

(Gloria Martel)

FLORAL/ROSE ARRANGMENT

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart Altars are in Honor of our parents, Paul & Vera Fronheiser on their Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary, requested by their children, Karen & Jeff Bauer and Glenn & Liz Fronheiser.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Sunday - April 11, 2010

We will celebrate in Church at 3:00 pm with prayers, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Adoration and Benediction.

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, Anthony Bonanno, Mary Lou Proffit, & Ben and Mary Finkbeiner.

For those who have died, and in particular for Joseph M. Banyas, Jr. & Geraldine Byrne, grant them eternal rest and peace.

FATHER RONCASE AWAY

Father Roncase will be away from the rectory on vacation from Monday, April 12^th returning on Saturday, April 17^th. Father Smart will be here for daily Mass and emergencies.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

Palm Sunday – 04.05.09 Palm Sunday – 03.28.10

Envelopes: $ 12,017.00 $ 10,157.00

Loose 1,477.00 1,188.00

Children 74.00 114.86

Total: $ 13,568.00 $ 12,559.00

Easter Sunday – 04.12.10 Easter Sunday – 04.04.10

Envelopes: $ 20,506.50 $ 18,359.00

Loose 3,006.00 2,186.00

Children 101.50 137.00

Total: $ 23,614.00 $ 20,682.00

Easter Flowers: $ 2,605.00

Good Friday: $ 1,578.00

Central & Eastern European Churches: $ 1,215.00

Operation Rice Bowl: $ 1,476.00

MARCH MONTHLY EXPENSES

Salaries: 46,338.83

Oil: 2,052.95

Electric: 5,950.74

Telephone: 376.74

Insurance: Parish 5,308.32

Insurance: Medical 5,875.12

Trash: 326.00

Assessment: -

Maintenance/Supplies: 9,848.00

Water/Sewer -

(East Greenville)

Total: $ 76,076.70

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: Pete & Linda Frank, Saint Philip Neri Bingo Committee, Saint Philip Neri Breakfast Committee, Saint Philip Neri Craft Guild and Clifford and Connie Marks.

In memory of Joseph M. Banyas, Jr., requested by: Nancy & Tom Brogan, Phyllis & John Schwarz, John & Susah Shuhler, Ed Shuhler & daughters, and Robert & Diana Virus.

In memory of Raymond R. Spohn, Jr. on his Seventh Anniversary, requested by his wife, Therese Spohn.

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

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – April 15th – Team #3

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

APRIL – THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11

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

Little Church 9:30 am Gym

Divine Mercy Sunday 3:00 pm Church

Knights of Columbus Meeting 7:30 pm Rectory

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

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

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball 8:00 pm Gym

Monday, April 12

Pastoral Council Meeting 7:00 pm Rectory

SPN Quilting 1:00 pm Gym

Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm Chapel

Tuesday, April 13

Choir & Cantor Practice 6:00 pm Church

Car Show Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Rectory

Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Gym

Wednesday, April 14

Home & School Board Meeting 7:00 pm School

PREP – Religious Ed 6:00 pm School

ALPHA 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Rectory

Thursday, April 15

Bingo 6:30 pm Gym

Cub Scouts 6:45 pm School

Friday, April 16

SPN Quilting 1:00 pm Gym

Saturday, April 17

Cub Scouts Blue & Gold Banquet 9:30 am Gym

Sunday, April 18

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

Little Church 9:30 am Gym

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball 8:00 pm Gym

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pre-Cana Workshop – Monday, April 19^th – Rectory – 7:00 pm

Charis. Prayer Gr.– Monday, April 19^th – Chapel – 7 pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, April 20^th – in Church at 6:00 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, April 20^th – gym – 7:00 pm

PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday, April 21st – School at

6:00 pm

ALPHA – Wednesday, April 21st – Rectory – 6:30 pm

Elizabeth Ministry Meeting – Wednesday, April 21^st – Parish Outreach Office – 7:00 pm

Rosary at Pennsburg Manor – Thursday, April 22^nd – 1:15 pm

Bingo – Thursday, April 22nd – Gym at 6:30 pm

First Communion Practice – Parents & Children – Thursday, April 22^nd – 6:00 pm in Church

Respect Life – Food PREP for the Homeless – Thursday, April 22^nd – Rectory – 5:15 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday, April 22nd – School at 6:45 pm

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

Parish Breakfast set-up – Saturday, April 24^th – Gym

Parish Breakfast – Gym – Sunday, April 25^th – Gym – 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, April 25^th – at the 9:30 am Mass

Little Church – Sunday, April 25^th – gym – 9:30 am

Youth Ministry – The EDGE (Grade School) Sunday, April 25^th – Gym – 6:00 – 8:00 pm; TLIC (High School) – Gym – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, April 25^th – Gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our parish Breakfast was held on Palm Sunday, March 28^th and 600 people were served. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to help and to make our breakfast a success. The next breakfast is Sunday, April 25^th. Save the date!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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, Church at 10:00 am

April 28^th – last class

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

PARISH NEWS

PARISH GARAGE SALE

Our Parish Garage Sale will be held from 9 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, May 12^th; Saturday, May 15^th; Sunday, May 16^th; Wednesday, May 19^th; Sunday, May 23^rd; Wednesday, May 26^th; Saturday, May 29^th and Wednesday, June 2^nd through Sunday, 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 Saturday, April 17^th; Saturday, April 24^th; and Sunday, April 25^th.

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.

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.

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.

Reminder: H.O.P.E. General Meeting – Thursday, April 29^th, at the Rectory – 7:00 pm.

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!!

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.

EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY

Saint Philip Neri Boy Scout Troop 591 will be holding an Eagle Court of Honor on Sunday April 18^th for Adam Kulp.

Members of the parish and community are invited to attend this special event honoring Adam for achieving the highest rank in boy scouts – that of Eagle Scout.

The ceremony will be at 2:00 pm at the church.

Refreshments to follow at the social hall.

CAR SHOW COMMITTEE MEETING

The Car Show Committee scheduled for Monday, April 12^th, has been changed to Tuesday, April 13^th, 7:00 pm at the rectory. Please mark your calendars! Any questions, please call Pete Frank at 215-679-6942.

SCRIP

We have a new SCRIP Gift Card now available for purchase: PIZZA COMO/PC PUB. Each card value is $25.00. SCRIP is always available for purchase before or after all Masses.

WELCOME COMMITTEE

ATTENTION! Parishioners who have registered in the past six (6) months, are invited to the Parish Breakfast on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Your breakfast is FREE, after the 9:30 am Mass. Please be sure to join us.

NEWLY REGISTERED FAMILIES

We welcome the following new parishioners into our parish Family here at St. Philip Neri!

December 2009; January – March 2010

The Allavena & Bush family The Lees Family

The Barboni Family The Lujan Family

The Benensky Family The Morrison Family

The Finneran Family The Pacheco Family

The Frydlewicz Family The Pearre Family

The Harris Family The Porter Family

The Hillegass Family The Reeves Family

The Hoffman Family The Saenz Family

The Hurley Family The Simon Family

The Jones Family The Swearingen Family

The Lamson Family The Torres Family

The Lechman Family The Westermann Family

PARISH HISTORICAL

COMMITTEE MEETING

When: Monday April 26^th - 7 pm

Where: The Old Rectory

565 Main St., East Greenville

We are looking for new members with many different talents to join the committee.

Help is need to:

· Conduct interviews with fellow parishioners

· Take pictures at parish activities

· Collect newspaper articles, pictures & ads

· Write up information about various parish events

· Scan & organize pictures on the computer

If you have any questions or would like to be part of this committee, you can call Shirley at 215-679-9275, e-mail Doris at gmomdecker@yahoo.com or just come to the meeting on April 26th.

PRE-JORDAN CLASSES – TIME CHANGE

Effective Monday, May 3^rd, Pre-Jordan Classes will be held at 7:00 pm instead of 7:30 pm in the Meeting Room of the Rectory.

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

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

Saturday – May 8, 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

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!

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

HELP WANTED: Courageous, committed men to do the work of the Lord. Consider the priesthood. 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.

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

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, PA

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

AREA NEWS

St. Pius X High School &

Stage Players Extraordinaire

Proudly present:

The Final SPX Production at Father Doyne Hall

“CURTAINS”

Dates & times:

April 16, April 17, (Friday-Saturday)

April 23, April 24 (Friday-Saturday)

7:30 pm

Reserved Seating $15

General Seating $10

Elementary/Blue & Gold Card $8

April 18 (Sunday)

2:00pm

Free will offering

Location: St. Pius X High School

844 N. Keim Street – Pottstown

610-326-8990 x37

or:

visit our website: www.StPiusDrama.com

COMMUNITY & BUSINESS EXPO

Tuesday – April 27^th

Free Admission open to the public

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

1325 Klinerd Road - Pennsburg

Food available for purchase

Grand prize drawing for Casino Trip

(will take place during last hour)

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Bookmobiles on Site.

Questions? Please call the Chamber Office:

215-679-3336

or:

Visit our website: www.upvchamber.org

ST. PIUS X CAR WASH & SENIOR NIGHT

SONIC SENIOR NIGHT!!! Need a night off from the kitchen? Sonic in Limerick is hosting a Sonic Senior Night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday, April 29^th. Ten percent of all sales will benefit St. Pius X High School Class of 2010 graduation. No coupon is necessary to participate in this great night out; come show your support to the LAST St. Pius X High School Class!

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 now 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.

MARRIED COUPLE PRAYER RETREAT

Marriage Retorno, a couple prayer Retreat will be held July 10-11 at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli. Marriage Retorno is a Scripture based Couple Prayer Retreat for married couples wanting to deepen their relationship with one another in the Lord. While it is the second step of Marriage Encounter, couples do not need to attend ME first. The cost is $290/couple (overnight) or $165/couple (commuting). Space is limited. For information, call Joe & May Ward: 215-362-8699 or the website at: www.marriageretorno.org.

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

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Solemnity of the Second Sunday of Easter; Divine Mercy Sunday

A hands-on gospel

The apostle Thomas went from doubting to believing, all in a moment. Faith arrived in the form of a hands-on experience of Jesus. And it was no miraculous wonder Thomas had been in need of simple contact with the wounds of Christ. Nothing opens the heart and widens the capacity of our understanding like an encounter with wounded humanity. On this Sunday that ends the eight days—or octave—of Easter, engage the spirit of mercy by touching the wounded Christ in the world. Visit a sick friend, call a hurting family member, or show kindness to a stranger. Christ is there!

Today’s readings: Acts 5:12-16;

Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31

“Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”

Monday, April 12

Easter weekday

Everyone deserves a hearing

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel. At great political risk he came to Jesus under cover of night to seek a better understanding of his teachings. Nicodemus makes an excellent role model for our political leaders, so bitterly divided they seem unable at times even to communicate with each other, much less work together. Nicodemus had the strength to keep an open mind and seek the truth despite the wrath and ridicule of his peers. For this reason he is honored as a saint in the church. Do what you can to encourage those in the halls of government to give everyone—even their opponents—a fair hearing. It’s the right thing to do.

Today’s readings: Acts 4:23-31; John 3:1-8

“He came to Jesus by night.”

Tuesday, April 13

Feast of Martin I, pope, martyr

Gone but not forgotten

Saint Martin is the last pope in history to be honored as a martyr, but his death for the faith did not occur quickly. After being elected pope in 649 A.D. he made enemies by opposing a heresy and condemning the emperor for supporting that heresy. As a result, while lying sick, Martin was kidnapped and carted off to the East, where he was jailed and eventually exiled. During this time he was given poor food, not allowed to wash regularly, and came down with dysentery. On top of that he was ignored by his church back home. “I wonder . . . at those who belong to the church of Saint Peter for the little concern they show for one of their body,” he wrote. Let this saint’s experience motivate you to perform the corporal works of mercy denied him—like clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and visiting the prisoner.

Today’s readings: Acts 4:32-37;

John 3:7b-15

“There was not a needy person among them.”

Wednesday, April 14

Easter weekday

Get out of jail free

Imagine it’s your turn to stand up in church, before God and everybody, and tell what you know about being a Christian. What would you say? In the early church the apostles were jailed for speaking about Jesus—then liberated by an angel to go out and do it again. At that time testifying to the faith was dangerous. In most places it’s only a little scary now. Reflect on what your faith means to you: Is it a matter of obligation or love, fear or hope, joy or indifference? When it’s your turn to testify, what will you say?

Today’s readings: Acts 5:17-26;

John 3:16-21

“Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.”

Thursday, April 15

Easter weekday

Good and plenty

God’s generous abundance is obscured by the drumbeat of economic scarcity drilled into us daily; there will never be enough for everybody, we are led to believe. Theologian Walter Brueggemann deals with this subject, saying that when we forget that Jesus is the abundant bread of the world, we “start eating junk food. . . . The closer we stay to Jesus, the more we will bring a new economy of abundance to the world. The disciples often don’t get what Jesus is about . . . but Paul gets it. We say it takes money to make money. Paul says it takes poverty to produce abundance.” What’s the real “bottom line”? There can be enough of everything for everybody—if we learn to share.

Today’s readings: Acts 5:27-33;

John 3:31-36

“He gives the Spirit without measure.”

Friday, April 16

Easter weekday

Get well-grounded

In this post-Easter season we are invited to reflect on the intentions behind our actions. When our motives are pure, when they are truly selfless—in other words, when they come from God—then whatever we do will bear good fruit. If on the other hand our deeds stem from vanity, arrogance, or a desire for praise, then they will not bear good fruit, no matter how altruistic we may appear to others. Take a moment today to pray that your words and actions will come from your inner being, your center, where God resides. Then know that anything is possible! Everything is possible!

Today’s readings: Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15

“Let them alone; because if this plan . . . is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.”

Saturday, April 17

Easter weekday

Leaders in service

This year is designated the Year for Priests—and note that preposition: for priests, not of priests. Many Catholics are accustomed to thinking of priests as a separate species, but they are called from among us, not placed over us, and they are called to serve. There is no privileged class in the church of Christ Jesus. A year for priests reminds us that priests, like the Temple priests in the early church who came to believe in Christ, need to become more and more “obedient to the faith,” as do all of us. Even as they shepherd us, our ministers need our prayer, compassion, encouragement, support, and a continuing challenge to holiness.

Today’s readings: Acts 6:1-7; John 6:16-21

“They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”