Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

April 18, 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.

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

Serving at Mass April 25

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Claire Holcombe Ed Tryon

Lee Johnson S. Hunsberger

Priest

Janet Kendra

Dave Moser

Trudy Moser

7:30 am – Mike Heveran Michael Lynch

Keith Greczek Ernie Quatrani

Priest

Deacon

Michael Duka

Peter D’Amico

Joan Varallo

Wally Varallo

Jim Michels

John McHale

Dina Corrado

Michele Martin

9:30 am – Joshua Hewitt Wendy Benner

Lillian Hewitt Terry Benner

Priest

Irene Novelli

Ken Mayer

Marilynn Mayer

11:00 am – Bob Schwind D. Tarantino

Barbara Schwind Mark Meinzer

Priest

Tina Evans

DJ Williams

Sandy Williams

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

April 18, 2010

Monday, April 19

8:00 am – Third Anniversary, Joseph Kaiser, (Gloria Kaiser)

Tuesday, April 20

8:00 am – Fred & Ruth Schultz, (Catherine Wlazelek)

Wednesday, April 21, Saint Anselm

7:00 pm– For Souls in Purgatory

Thursday, April 22

8:00 am – Anna Mae Johnson, (Joe & Leona Johnson)

Friday, April 23, Saint George

8:00 am – Clarence Leibensperger, Jr. (Tom & Nancy Brogan)

Saturday, April 24

8:00 am – Wayne Brinckman, (Catherine Cressman)

5:00 pm – Second Anniversary, Stephen Fogel, (Wife Helen)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

April 25, 2010

Sunday, April 25

7:30 am – Martin Melcher, (John & Betty Fronheiser)

9:30 am – Patricia Cody, (Dennis Coughlin)

11:00 am – For the living and deceased members of the Parish.

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, Tommy Slattery, Baby Olivia Enriquez, Carla Kozak, Janice Minnich, Christine Erb, Jean Kosich, Patrick Malloy, William McAffee, John Brazuk, 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 & David Campbell.

For those who have died, and in particular for William Gebhardt, Robert Kelsch & Rose Schollenberger, (mother of Gloria Kaiser), grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

April 12, 2009 April 11, 2010

Envelopes: $ 8,709.00 $ 8,842.00

Loose 1,067.00 1,287.00

Children 77.00 70.89

Total: $ 9,305.50 $10,199.89

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 Pacovsky, requested by:

Tom & Irene Putera.

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 22nd – Team #4

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: April 8, 2010 – 62 players

Games: $ 853.00

Kitchen: 161.00

Total: $1,014.00

PARISH BREAKFAST

Just a reminder that the Parish Breakfast is next Sunday, April 25^th from 7:00 am until 12:30 pm. Please save the date!

APRIL – THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sunday, April 18

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

Little Church 9:30 am Gym

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

Monday, April 19

Pre Cana Workshop 7:00 pm Rectory

Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm Chapel

Tuesday, April 20

Choir & Cantor Practice 6:00 pm Church

SPN Craft Guild 1:00 pm Gym

Garden Club (church grounds) 5:00 pm

Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Gym

Wednesday, April 21

PREP – Religious Ed 6:00 pm School

ALPHA 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Rectory

Thursday, April 22

Rosary at Pennsburg Nursing Home 1:15 pm

Bingo 6:30 pm Gym

1^st Communion Practice 6:00 pm Church

Respect Life: Food PREP for homeless 5:15 pm Rectory

Cub Scouts 6:45 pm School

Friday, April 23

SPN Quilting 1:00 pm Gym

Saturday, April 24

1^st Communion 10:00 am Church

Parish Breakfast set-up Gym

Sunday, April 25

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

Parish Breakfast 7:00 am Gym

Youth Ministry:

EDGE (Grade School) 6:00 pm Gym

TLIC (High School) 7:30 pm Gym

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pre-Cana Workshop – Monday, April 26^th – Rectory – 7:00 pm

H.O.P.E. General Meeting – Monday, April 26^th – Gym Meeting Room – 7:00 pm

Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, April 26^th – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, April 27^th – Church – 6:00 pm

PREP – Religious Ed – Wednesday, April 28^th – School – 6:00 pm

ALPHA – Wednesday, April 28^th – Rectory Meeting Room – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Bingo – Thursday, April 29^th – Gym – 6:30 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday, April 29^th – School – 6:45 pm

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

SPN Energy Committee Meeting – Saturday, May 1^st – Gym Meeting Room -10:00 am

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, May 2^nd – Church – 9:30 am Mass

Little Church – Sunday, May 2^nd – Gym – 9:30 am

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, May 2^nd – Gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

April 21^st – classes

April 22^nd – First Communion Practice – Church – 6 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

SCHOOL NEWS

Preschool – In preschool we talked about God’s gift of trees. We learned how trees serve us in many ways. The children listed all the fruits that grow on trees. They learned about animals that make their homes in trees and everything that is made from wood.

Kindergarten – The Kindergarten started learning how to tell time to the hour. Paper plate clocks were made!

1st – First grade we are reading “Little Bear’s Friend”. The students will write about why they like to be a good neighbor.

2nd – The children have heard the story, “Flat Stanley”. Each second grader created their own Flat Stanley and mailed him to someone special for vacation. The Stanleys are arriving home and sharing their wonderful adventures with the class.

3rd – The students are discovered what mining does to the earth. They took out the chocolate chips in cookies and saw what the earth would look like after mining.

4th – Students have memorized the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. We recite it as a class daily and have spent time discussing the phrases and their meaning.

5th & 6th – The 5th & 6th grade students are continuing their study on the Sacraments at the service of Communion, Matrimony and Holy Orders.

7th – Seventh grade started literature circles. The students are excited to read the books they selected. In social studies, we’re learning about the first two Presidents and the birth of political parties.

8th – The Math classes for Grades 6, 7, and 8 are all working on percents. So, the next time you’re out shopping and there is a percent off sale have your student figure out the sale price. They can let you know how much money you saved!

PARISH NEWS

RECTORY OFFICES CLOSED

THE RECTORY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY, APRIL 23^RD AND WILL REOPEN ON MONDAY, APRIL 26^TH AT 9:00 AM.

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^nd – SAT JUNE 5^th – 6-10 PM

SUNDAY JUNE 6^th – 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.

LAWN SIGNS - Do you have a good place to put up a Lawn Sign, advertising the Carnival? If so, please call Judy at: 215-529-5952 or email her at jh42807@yahoo.com. Signs will be available for pick-up after Mass the weekend of May 8/9.

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 6:00 pm on any of the following dates: Monday, May 17^th, Tuesday, May 18^thand Tuesday, June 1^st. Rain dates are: Monday, May 24^th and Tuesday, May 25^th.

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 three (3) days this year; Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Cost of the Bracelet is $15.00. 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.

COMING-COMING-COMING-SOON!

What’s coming soon? CHANGE for CHANGE!

You will soon see large water bottles at the entrances to the Church building. We are asking that you drop your CHANGE into them.

Why are we asking for CHANGE??? To help change people’s lives who are having difficulty during these hard, economic times! So that is why we are starting CHANGE for CHANGE.

The CHANGE for CHANGE will go into a separate, special fund call the Dorcas Fund. St. Dorcas is a Saint in the Biblical times of St. Paul. She was a dress maker who made clothes for the poor people; also, she collected money to give to poor people.

The Dorcas Fund will help people who are temporarily facing hard, economic times. They are brothers and sisters in Christ.

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 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 – May 10^th.

EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY

Saint Philip Neri Boy Scout Troop 591 will be holding an Eagle Court of Honor today 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.

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.

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.

MARKET DAY

There is still time to order MARKET DAY and receive a FREE Get Grillin’ Starter Pack with the purchase of 2 qualifying grilling items. Every purchase you make helps us to reach our fundraising goal!

Order online at marketday.com until 11:00 pm CDT on April 21^st. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer to help, please call Lisa Vetter at 215-538-2308.

We appreciate your support and we are looking forward to seeing you at our MARKET DAY Sale!

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.

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!

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

Be not afraid to say “Yes” to Jesus.

Answer His call. 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.

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

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

CLOTHING DRIVE – May 2010

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia, serving the underprivileged of the Philadelphia five-county area since 1851, 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 also accept small appliances in good working order. No baby equipment – only clothing. Individuals are invited to take donations on May 22^nd & May 23^rd from 9am – 2pm: St. Eleanor Church, 647 Locust Street in Collegeville.

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

Religious Studies Division

How well do you know your faith? Consider taking a class or making a retreat at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary this summer.

Go to www.scsrsd.org for details.

Annual 25^th & 50^th Wedding Anniversary Masses

with Cardinal Justin Rigali

No registration is required.

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

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

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

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

GENERAL INFORMATION:

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

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

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

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.

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

Office of the Cardinal

April 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The shortage of priests is a growing problem in the United States. In mission dioceses of the United States, where funding is often limited, the call to educate and encourage future leaders is a serious challenge.

The Catholic Home Missions Appeal is dedicated to strengthening the Church here at home. It is sponsored by the United States Bishops’ Committee on the Home Missions. It supports Home Missions from the Deep South to the Western Mountains and beyond. With your support, mission parishes will have greater opportunity to support seminarian training, religious education and other important pastoral functions that will ensure their growth in the faith.

I am deeply grateful to you for your assistance to this splendid cause.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali

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.

AREA NEWS

St. Pius X High School &

Stage Players Extraordinaire

Proudly present:

The Final SPX Production at Father Doyne Hall

“CURTAINS”

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 St. - 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

Food available for purchase

Grand prize drawing for Casino Trip

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Bookmobiles on Site.

Questions? Call the Chamber Office: 679-3336; or visit our website: www.upvchamber.org.

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. For more information, please call: 215-855-1311.

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!

ST. PIUS X ALL CLASS REUNION UPDATE:

Baseball Alumni: All former players and coaches should bring their glove and play softball on Saturday, May 22^nd from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm at Edward J. Sweeney on the campus of St. Pius. Have some fun moments and renew old friendships!

Weekend schedule of Events:

Friday – May 21^st:

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Alumni Basketball Pick Up Games – Father Doyne Hall

Saturday – May 22^nd:

9:00 am -1:00 pm: Alumni Baseball Games on the Edward J. Sweeney Field

Saturday –May 22^nd:

6:30 pm -10:30 pm: All Class Reunion at the

Coach Mich Stadium; $40/person

Sunday – May 23^rd:

10:30 am: Memorial Mass in Father Doyne Hall

Sunday – May 23^rd:

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Family Picnic on the

St. Pius Campus; $5/family

St. Pius X Alumni Golf Outing:

Saturday, June 12^th – 1:00 pm at the:

Hickory Valley Golf Course;

Shotgun Start – Cost $100 – includes golf, cart, food and prizes. For additional information, please call: 610-326-8990 – ext. 26.

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

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Third Sunday of Easter

The great reversal

There comes that time in our lives when our parents or grandparents become too old or sick to care for themselves, and they stretch out their hands to us. It then becomes our task to dress them as they once dressed us and to take them where they don’t wish to go as they many times took us where we didn’t want to go. It’s part of the coming of God’s kingdom when the last are first, the first are last, the children become the parents, and the parents become the children. We glorify God by the manner in which we answer the call to serve those who once served us, and to receive the care of those for whom we once cared.

Today’s readings: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14

“When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.”

Monday, April 19

Easter weekday

Put on your angel face

Children often have that cherubic look—though they can be little devils sometimes! More rarely do we see that transcendent purity and beauty in the face of a grown-up. When we do glimpse it in the blazing appearance of a charismatic preacher, the gentle eyes of a wise elder, or even the loveliness of a stranger, it stirs in us a longing to learn more, to grow closer, perhaps even to follow. The angelic look isn’t reserved for the seraphic among us. We cultivate a heavenly appearance by keeping our gaze on God’s beautiful will—just as Saint Stephen did.

Today’s readings: Acts 6:8-15; John 6:22-29

“And all who sat in the council looked intently at [Stephen], and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”

Tuesday, April 20

Easter weekday

Scout’s honor

The Boy Scout Law contains 12 points, the first of which states that a scout is trustworthy. BoyScoutTrail.com describes the quality in this way: “Being ‘Worthy of Trust’ means a promise made is a promise fulfilled. It means a scout will do what he says he will do. It means the scout will see things through to the end.” Not a bad character trait at all, is it? We are blessed to have a trustworthy God. Let’s “be prepared” every day to follow suit.

Today’s readings: Acts 7:51-8:1a;

John 6:30-35

“I trust in the Lord” (Psalm 31:6).

Wednesday, April 21
Feast of Anselm, bishop, doctor of the church

Who do you say that he is?

Saint Anselm was a Benedictine monk, archbishop of Canterbury, and a scholar during the 11th and 12th centuries. He is also honored as a doctor of the church and is best known for using reason to prove the existence of God. Throughout his many scholarly writings there are also beautiful prayers, including ones that use different images to speak of God. In Prayer to Saint Paul Anselm wrote: “And you, Jesus, are you not also a mother? Are you not that mother who, like a hen, gathers her chicks under her wings?” How does this image of Jesus as mother speak to you? What other images do you have of God?

Today’s readings: Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life’”

Thursday, April 22

Easter weekday

Fill up on the bread

Pop quiz on biblical history: What is manna? Sorry, it’s not the name of an ancient Middle Eastern band or a slang greeting among the Israelites. Manna was a sweet-tasting food that, according to accounts of the Exodus, came down from heaven as the morning dew evaporated and nourished the Jewish people during their long desert sojourn. What can manna do for us today? It provides a powerful symbol of the truth, then as now, that God provides. Jesus is the living bread that has come down from heaven and offers eternal life—a never-ending feast!

Today’s readings: Acts 8:26-40;

John 6:44-51

“Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness.”

Friday, April 23

Feast of George, martyr

Role models

The human need for heroes is deep, so deep that when our assumptions about them are challenged we can become not only disappointed but angry. It may be disappointing to learn that the stories of Saint George as dragon-slayer can be traced to medieval Italian legends while George—who is honored because he gave his life for his faith—lived and died in third-century Palestine. Romanticizing the life of a hero may be good for the imagination, but it can also separate holiness from everyday life. The substance of being a good scout or a good soldier (George is patron of both) is not slaying dragons: It’s choosing to be honest, fair, compassionate, forgiving, and honorable.

Today’s readings: Acts 9:1-20; John 6:52-59

“Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings.”

Saturday, April 24

Easter weekday

When in doubt, choose love

Thomas Aquinas, the church’s great brain, after years of pondering and problem-solving came to this stark conclusion: “All the efforts of the human mind cannot exhaust the essence of a single fly.” Of course that hasn’t stopped us from trying. But Thomas’ hard saying about the limits of knowledge is a good reminder for us when we’re seized with doubt and disbelief. So much of what we experience we will never fully understand. Nagging questions will go unanswered, and we’ll wonder about the purpose and meaning of our lives. During those times of mental and spiritual anguish, simply choose to love—love yourself, love your enemies, love life, and love God, who is love.

Today’s readings: Acts 9:31-42;

John 6:60-69

“Then many of his disciples who were listening said, ‘This saying is hard; who can accept it?’ ”