Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

May 2, 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

There are so many wonderful things about being associated with our parish that I would be hard pressed to list them all. Of course what makes this a wonderful parish is the spirit of the people. Jesus came to redeem us out of God’s shear love for His children. The way we live our lives is our response to that love. From the moment I arrived (now over ten years ago) I was struck by the generosity of the people here. I am not just referring to the Sunday collection, either. I am amazed at the level of service which you give to the parish in your time and talents, also.

About a week ago I was talking to a friend about this level of service. She pointed out to me how so many of our people are volunteers who think nothing of working on various projects and / or participate in other activities at both our parish and our school. I sort of bristle when I hear the word “volunteer” when it is associated with service to our parish community. I began to explain this to her and she listened for a while then said “Why don’t you explain this in your next edition of “Ask Deacon Mike”. So, today I want to explain to all of you why I believe what you do for the parish goes far beyond being a volunteer.

When we were baptized we were initiated into more than just a local congregation. We became members of the universal church. The prayer of anointing after baptism says: God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into His holy people. Through baptism we become members of God’s family. Being a member of a family implies certain rights and responsibilities. The prayer goes on to say: He now anoints you with the Chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as members of His body sharing everlasting life.

As members of Christ’s Church we are called to be priests who constantly offer our lives as a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God. We are called to be prophets who witness to the world God’s message of mercy and love by the way we live and by what we say. Finally we are called to be part of the royal family of God. Through the forgiveness of sin we have been raised to a higher level of existence in God’s blessed family.

The point of all of this is that through our baptism our words and actions take on greater meaning. We do what we do to bring honor and glory to God. When we participate in the life of the Church we do so because we have ownership. As members we give of our selves for the greater glory of God by loving each other and all whom God has created. For me this means that what we do is not a matter of volunteering, it is our privilege and responsibility as ministers of Christ’s Church.

Perhaps the word ministry is over-used. I don’t think so. Ministry means service. What makes your service to the parish a ministry is the fact that it is done for the glory of God by the building up of the Church. Regardless of the level of your service or the type of service, when it is done in the name of Jesus Christ for the well-being of God’s people then I believe it is a ministry.

I hope you take some time and think about this. Perhaps by seeing your service in this light it will add a special meaning to your wonderful acts of love and care for the support of the parish and one another. It doesn’t matter what you do. From mowing grass to working bingo to being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or a member of one of our many outreach programs, your service is a ministry because you lovingly accept your responsibility as a member of God’s family to care for one another.

In the Gospel for the 5^th Sunday of Easter we hear Jesus tell us: As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. All of us recognize Jesus as God’s great minister to His people. If we are called to do the same then we, too, are ministers of His love.

As always I welcome your questions concerning our Catholic faith, the sacraments or anything to do with parish life. You can place your question in an envelope and drop it in the Sunday collection or send it to the rectory. Please be sure to put “Ask Deacon Mike” on the outside. You can also contact me by e-mail at deaconmikefranks@verizon.net. Your identity is always kept anonymous.

As we continue this beautiful Easter season I pray that all of us continue to live in the hope of Christ’s resurrected glory. Our love and care for one another is our expression of that hope. God bless you and as always, I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks.

Serving at Mass May 2

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Dianne Kennedy Bob Piccone

Patrick Kennedy Larry Concio

Priest

Deacon

Pat Meinzer

Mark Meinzer

Marci Jaman

Alice Swift

Annemarie Quigley

Jim Quigley

Bob Talbot

Kathryn Talbot

7:30 am – Rita Tokarski John Gilmore

Joan Pongia Michael Lynch

Priest

Deacon

Maureen Moser

Paul Moser

Pat Scheerbaum

John McHale

Lori Brozena

Trish Dornisch

Christine Adelsberger

Stephan Adelsberger

9:30 am – Ed Tryon Matthew Horvath

Alicia Tryon Joe Cassarella

Priest

Sharon Shaak

Judy Sledgen

11:00 am – Mary Goodfellow D. McCausland

Anita Weilnau Luke Verna

Priest

Tony Shellaway

Sandy Shellaway

Serving at Mass May 9

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – LaRue Emmell Bob Ellis

Dawn Ellis S. Hunsberger

Priest

Dave Boone

Teri Boone

7:30 am – Denise Guckin Ernie Quatrani

Mary R. Giambrone John Guckin

Priest

Michael Duka

Peter D’Amico

Dina Corrado

9:30 am – John Nash Susan DiMarco

Monica Nash Eileen Koch

Priest

Linda Benko

Mary Ellen Paulk

Rose Anderson

11:00 am – Marlene Leidy Linda Franks

Sarah Franks M. Gehringer

Priest

Deacon

Bob Schwind

Barbara Schwind

Kevin Charlton

Maryanne Charlton

Amanda Charlton

Anna Kells

Robert Hermley

Jeanne Hermley

FIRST FRIDAY

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

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

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

MASS GREETERS NEEDED

Greeters are needed for Saturday and Sunday Masses. Greeters arrive at Mass about 15 minutes before the start of Mass; greet parishioners at the door, help take care of any special needs; and distribute the Bulletins at the conclusion of Mass.

If you would like to be a Greeter on a regular basis or as a substitute, please call Dawn at: 215-679-2160, Shirley at the rectory: 215-679-9275 or email Doris at: gmomdecker@yahoo.com.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 2, 2010

Monday, May 3 – Saint Philip & Saint James apostles

8:00 am – Patricia Cody,

(Andrew & Mary Souder and family)

Tuesday, May 4

8:00 am – Wayne Brinckman, (Jim & Ann Michels)

Wednesday, May 5

7:00 pm– Stanley H. Grochowski,

(Rich & Barbara Grochowski)

Thursday, May 6

8:00 am – Tom Virus, (Judi, daughters & granddaughter)

Friday, May 7 – First Friday

9:00 am – Joseph Josko, (David & Linda Martin)

Saturday, May 8

8:00 am – In honor of all Mothers on Mother’s Day,

(Respect Life Ministry)

5:00 pm – Josephine Mikanowicz, (Ed Mikanowicz)

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 9, 2010

Sunday, May 9 – Mother’s Day

7:30 am – For the names on the Altar.

9:30 am – For the names on the Altar.

11:00 am – For the names on the Altar.

ROSE/FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

The red roses placed on the Blessed Mother and Sacred Heart Altars are in memory of John & Felicia Pausic, Andy & Irene Iski and Judith Pausic, requested by Felicia & Joe Iski.

The floral arrangement on the altar is in memory of John & Felicia Pausic, Andy & Irene Iski and Judith Pausic, requested by Felicia & Joe Iski.

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 & John Cahill, Jr.

For those who have died, and in particular for Marie J. Fletcher and Michael Mikanowicz (Grandson of Stan & Betty Mikanowicz) grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

April 26, 2009 April 25, 2010

Envelopes: $ 8,618.00 $ 8,391.50

Loose 790.00 1,203.00

Children 62.70 76.00

Total: $ 9,470.70 $ 9,670.50

Special collection:

Catholic Home Missions $ 1,304.00

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 Michael Mikanowicz, requested by:

Daily Mass Attendees of St. Philip Neri.

In memory of Frank & Rose Adams, requested by:

John & Mary Ann Poslosky.

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our parish Breakfast was held on Sunday, April 25th. Thank you so much to those who came out and worked hard to make the Breakfast fun and successful. We served 528 people with a profit of $3,187.00! Our next parish Breakfast is May 23rd. Save the date!

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – May 6th – Team #2

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: April 22, 2010 – 62 players

Games: $ 295.50

Kitchen: 186.70

Total: $ 482.20

Please note: Brown paper bags are needed for Bingo. If you have any to spare, please drop them off at the Social Hall on Tuesday’s or Thursday’s between 8:30 am & 12 noon.

MAY – THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sunday, May 2nd

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, May 3rd

Pre-Jordan 7:00 pm Rectory

Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm Chapel

SPN Quilting 1:00 pm Gym

Tuesday, May 4th

Choir & Cantor Practice 6:00 pm Church

SPN Craft Guild 1:00 pm Gym

Garden Club (church grounds) 5:00 pm

Hoagie Sale 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm Gym

Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Gym

Wednesday, May 5th

ALPHA 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Rectory

Thursday, May 6th

Bingo 6:30 pm Gym

Cub Scouts 6:45 pm School

Little Flower Girls Club 6:30 pm -School

Friday, May 7th

First Friday Mass 9:00 am Church

Adoration 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Church

Benediction 7:00 pm Church

Saturday, May 8

KOC Come-n-Go Bingo 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Gym

Mother’s Day Carnations - After Mass

Sunday, May 9

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

Knights of Columbus Meeting 7:30 pm Rectory

Mother’s Day Carnations – After Masses

Youth Ministry: EDGE (Grade School) 6:00 pm Gym

Youth Ministry: TLIC (High School) 7:30 pm Gym

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pastoral Council Meeting – Monday, May 10^th – Rectory Meeting Room – 7:00 pm

Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, May 10^th – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Garden Club – Tuesday, May 11^th – Church Grounds – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

May Procession – Tuesday, May 11th – Church-6:30 pm

Boy Scouts – Tuesday, May 11^th – Gym – 7:00 pm

Ascension Thursday – Vigil Mass – Wednesday, May 12^th – Church – 5:00 pm

ALPHA – Wednesday – May 12^th – Rectory – 6:30 pm

Ascension Thursday (Holy Day) – Thursday, May 13^th; Masses in Church: 8:00 am; 9:30 am; & 7:30 pm.

Bingo – Thursday, May 13^th – Gym – 6:30 pm

Cub Scouts – Thursday, May 13^th – School – 6:45 pm

Chicken Barbeque Set-Up – Friday, May 14^th – Gym

Chicken Barbeque – Saturday, May 15^th - Gym – 3-7 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Sunday, May 16^th – Church – 9:30 am Mass

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, May 16^th – gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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

SCHOOL NEWS

Preschool – We focused on the letter “Zz”. The children learned about “z”oo animals, especially the “z”ebra. We played zoo charades and the children made zebra masks. We ended the week with a stuffed zoo animal parade.

Kindergarten – This week the Kindergarten continued learning about habitats.

1st – We will begin a new chapter this week on measurement in Math. They will be estimating and comparing lengths of many different objects using nonstandard units. They also will use inch and centimeter rulers.

2nd – In Math, the children have been solving problems involving perimeter and area. They found out how much fence was needed for a yard 30 feet long and 20 feet wide. They pretended they just got a dog and wanted an area for it to run in.

3rd – This week we are concentrating on the human body. First we are learning about the skeletal system. Students will be constructing bones out of paper towel rolls and paper.

4th – Students proudly displayed the projects that they have been working on. Students followed the Scientific Method throughout their experiments.

5th – This week we are wrapping up our science fair projects. The oral reports were presented on Tuesday followed by an Open House on Wednesday night.

6th – The students are beginning the writing process for the compare and contrast papers. Their writing piece on two countries from the Eastern Hemisphere links ILA and Social Studies.

7th – We began the chapters on Geometry. We should be able to calculate the amount of paint needed for any spring clean-up project.

8th – We are continuing our study of the early 20th century. We have just learned about the Great Depression and are beginning World War II.

PARISH NEWS

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.

PARISH GARAGE SALE

Our Parish Garage Sale will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 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 June 2^nd thru June 6^th during the Carnival.

GARAGE SALE VOLUNTEERS – To volunteer, please call Shirley at 215-679-9275 (9:00 am – 3:00 pm), Rich at 215-679-8256 or you may email Rich at richnruthrod@enter.net

NEW FOR THE CARNIVAL

HOT WINGS

Two volunteers will be needed each day to prepare the wings. The carnival will be held from 6-10 pm on June 2, 3, 4, 5 and on Sunday June 6^th from 1-6 pm. Please contact Shirley at 215-679-9275 or email Doris at gmomdecker@yahoo.com, if you would like to prepare the Hot Wings anytime during the Carnival.

H.O.P.E.

ATTENTION H.O.P.E. RECIPIENTS! Until further notice, when you need help, please call Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T. in the Parish Outreach Office: 215-679-2282. DO NOT CALL Kathy or Bob Talbot because they will be moving soon.

If you need service, and do not get an answer at the Parish Outreach Office, you MUST leave your name and number on the recording. Say the number, twice.

ATTENTION: Are you aware that the Parish Outreach Office is ALSO a Catholic Social Services Office? In these trying economic times, with many unemployed and underemployed, there may be many of our sisters and brothers who have social service needs. If so, please call Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T. at the Parish Outreach Office: 215-679-2282. Say your number twice, if there is no answer.

TWILIGHT RETREAT

Don’t forget to respond about the Twilight Retreat time. Respond on or before May 11, 2010.

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 –

East 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). Yarn will be provided.

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.

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.

CURIOUS? Want to know more about Dorcas (her Greek name)? Read Acts 9: 36-42.

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.

ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH

HOAGIE SALE PICKUP

CHEESE, ITALIAN or TURKEY

TUESDAY – MAY 4, 2010

12:00 NOON – 6:00 PM

St. Philip Neri Social Hall

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

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!

Congratulations to the following students who have received the Winter Disciple Award:

1A – Dillon Brendle, Jenna Sullivan

1B – Emily Batori, Harrison Gavin

2A – Michaela Greczek, Bobby Lynch

2B – Jacob Batori, Jessica Merena

3A – Kelsie McGonigle, Tyler Weber

3B – Mary Camuso, Abriana Gatto

4A – Liam Boyle, Madison Cairns

4B – Ashley McHale, Kieley Raymond

5A – Ellie Kohler, Matthew Sitko

5B – Molly Engle, Josh Felbinger

Congratulations to the following students who have received the Spring Disciple Award:

1A – Malachi Duka, Mara Maginnis

1B – Sarah Patrick, Andrew Wertz

2A – Nathan Do, Evelyn Gerhart

2B – David Kilroy, Madison Reger

3A – Madison Modugno, Jacob Rehrig

3B – Benjamin Houseknecht, Naomi Kohler

4A – Julia Cupitt, Christopher Rynn

4B – Lena Felix, Chandler Gavin

5A – Amy Ma, Jacob Vogel

5B – Emily Keeney, Brandon Reil

This award which is presented three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring) to two or more PREP Students who best exemplify the Christian values of a follower of Our Lord. The recipients of this honor, who are selected by their Catechists, have consistently displayed courteous behavior in the classroom toward their teachers and classmates; have faithfully attended weekly classes; and have advanced in love and in knowledge of their Faith.

The Award consists of a certificate, Holy Spirit Pin and a Holy Trader Card, which features a saint as a Christian role model and spiritual guide.

We would like to extend a “Thank You” to the Father Leo Letterhouse Council #6614 of the Knights of Columbus for sponsoring this award.

ST. TIMOTHY AWARD

On Tuesday, May 4^th, Edward Felix and Bryan Washko will receive the St. Timothy Award from Bishop Joseph P. McFadden at the Recognition Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter & Paul in Philadelphia.

The St. Timothy Award is the highest recognition from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry presented to young men or women in their Junior or Senior year of high school for outstanding leadership and service to their Church and community.

Saint Philip Neri Parish

Jeffrey Daley, DRE

565 Main Street ~ East Greenville, PA 18041

Office 215-541-3120 ~ Fax 215-541-1398 ~ Email- Egneri@comcast.net

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

AUGUST 2^ND THRU AUGUST 6^TH

BAOBOB BLAST

K – 4^TH GRADES

AT LEAST 12 ADULT VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

TO ASSIST WITH PROGRAM.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR CALANDAR AND HELP WITH THIS GREAT WEEK OF FUN, SCRIPTURE, CRAFTS AND SAINTS.

PLEASE CALL 215-541-3120

OR EMAIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS

MEETING MAY 5^TH - 7 P.M. AT

THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE

565 MAIN STREET, EAST GREENVILLE

RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE

We are asking for used summer clothing (i.e. T-shirts, jeans, light pants, used blankets), new underwear (men’s briefs size 38-42 waist) and used shoes (sneakers/casual) for the homeless. Items will be collected on weekends of May 15-16 & May 22-23. The clothing will be directly distributed to the homeless in Philadelphia. Thank you all for your efforts/donations to put the Gospels into action.

CARNIVAL DECORATING HELP

May 26, 2010

The Carnival Committee has decided to brighten up our stands and the stand area with lights and flags. If you would like to help, contact Shirley at 215-679-9275, email Doris at gmomdecker@yahoo.com or come to the Church grounds at 6:00 pm.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

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.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

CLOTHING DRIVE – May 2010

Individuals are invited to take donations on May 22^nd & May 23^rd from 9am – 2pm: St. Eleanor Church, 647 Locust Street in Collegeville.

CORPUS CHRISTI CELEBRATION –

FIRST HOLY COMMUNICANTS & FAMILIES

His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on Sunday, June 6^th with a Mass at 2:00 pm at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, followed by a procession and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Cardinal Rigali is inviting all of the First Holy Communicants of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join him for this special Event. A personal invitation was mailed to each First Holy Communicant. Families are asked to respond to the invitation by Monday, May 3^rd. If you did not receive your invitation or if you have any questions, please contact the Office for Special Projects at: 215-587-3519 or visit the Archdiocesan website at www.archphila.org

AREA NEWS

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Pope John Paul II Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach Caitlin Rimgalia will be having an Informational Meeting on Wednesday, May 5^th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Visitation B.V.M. in the Larkin Center (basement meeting room of rectory next to garage). The meeting is open to all interested players that will be attending Pope John Paul II next school year (2010-2011) and their parents.

CHEERLEADING

Pope John Paul II Cheerleading Head Coach Erin Tolan will be having an Informational Meeting on May 10^th at 7:00 pm at St. Eleanor School in the gym. This meeting is for all parents/guardians of those students interested in cheering at PJPHS. Students are invited to attend, but they must be with a parent/guardian. Try-outs will be held on June 1^st, June 3^rd, & June 4^th – 5:30 pm at St. Eleanor School Gym in Collegeville.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Enjoy a delicious Spaghetti Dinner at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Education Center located on Swamp Pike & Neiffer Road in Limerick Township, today, Sunday, May 2^nd – 2:00 – 6:00 pm. Cost is $9/adults; $5/children ages 5-10; FREE for children ages 4 & under. Meal includes: spaghetti, meatball, sausage, roll, salad, dessert & beverage. Takeout is available, but you must buy a ticket in advance by calling 610-287-1525.

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

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Fifth Sunday of Easter

All that glitters

How do people know you’re Catholic? Is it because of your jewelry, the crosses that dangle from your ears, or the really nice crucifix on the gold chain around your neck? Perhaps it’s the bumper sticker or the rosary swinging from your rearview mirror. Maybe the T-shirt or sweatshirt you’re wearing marks you as a believer, or the fact that you go to church every Sunday. Jesus says there’s only one thing that can truly identify you as a disciple, and that’s the love you show to others. Now can anyone tell you’re Catholic?

Today’s readings: Acts 14:21-27;

Revelation 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a, 34-35

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Monday, May 3

Feast of Philip and James, apostles

Worthy of consideration

Each one of us—men and women, rich and poor, gifted and average—has from time to time felt undeserving of God’s blessings and love. The lives of Philip and James, two of Jesus’ apostles whom we remember today, demonstrate that our fears are unfounded. They were ordinary men who made mistakes and often didn’t understand. Nevertheless they achieved greatness, not through any action on their part but through the grace of God. Reflect on this today: Worthy and unworthy are human constructs; they are not part of God’s vocabulary. How are these categories preventing you from receiving all that God wants to give?

Today’s readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14

“The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these.”

Tuesday, May 4

Easter weekday - Tough day at the office?

We all have bad hair days, blue Mondays, and getting-out-on-the-wrong-side-of-bed days. But other days go badly after they begin. Perhaps none are so bad as the day Saint Paul faced a shower of rocks from an angry mob and was left for dead. After his friends found him, he got up and reentered the city. It’s not recorded that a miracle took place, healing him and taking the pain away. Chances are Paul stood up, bruised and bloody and sore as heck—and went back to work. This sort of perseverance involves a single-hearted dedication to the love of Christ. Ask for it!

Today’s readings: Acts 14:19-28;

John 14:27-31a

“Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.”

Wednesday, May 5

Easter weekday

Best friends forever

“Abide” in Jesus, the gospel says. Abide—remain—is a verb of intimacy and suggests the level of indwelling Jesus seeks with his followers. Jesus doesn’t want to be some distant figure in the sky we occasionally acknowledge with a bow or a hurried prayer. He wishes and offers to be our closest confidant, the friend who sticks around through thick and thin long after other friends have moved on. In a highly mobile world, he promises a different kind of relationship, one that lasts, that endures, that abides. Take him up on that offer today.

Today’s readings: Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8

“Abide in me as I abide in you.”

Thursday, May 6

Easter weekday

The tie that binds

What comes to mind when you think of love? Maybe it’s the deep connection you have with a loved one. Jesus talked about love in this way: The close relationship he had to the Father was the one he had with his disciples. He also gave us an example of a love that respects others, is patient, and is willing to make sacrifices for the good of others. Love, then, is about both contemplation and action: entering the bond you have with Jesus and the Father and also responding to it. Christ said another thing about love: It makes you happy. There’s a unique joy in loving others. Find it today.

Today’s readings: Acts 15:7-21;

John 15:9-11

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

Friday, May 7

Easter weekday

Image conscious

The New Testament is filled with images of Jesus—from a good shepherd to a mother hen, from a royal king to a dear friend. Writers, theologians, mystics, and artists also have given us many images that can help us deepen our own experience of God and stretch us in new ways. While some images may surprise us, they can also spark a new way of thinking about how God is present in our everyday life. At different times one image might speak to us more than another. Which image of Jesus do you most relate to today? Which do you find challenges you and opens you to new ways of experiencing God?

Today’s readings: Acts 15:22-31;

John 15:12-17

“I have called you friends.”

Saturday, May 8

Easter weekday

The trouble with being Christian

No one goes looking for trouble, but Jesus’ words in John 15 suggest that trouble will find us. He does not mean the ordinary roller coaster of life, the joys and sorrows that come and go. When Jesus says that the world will hate us, his followers, he means trouble will come to us not because of our haloes but because we buck the tide of self-interest, materialism, and power-seeking. We can be easy targets for trouble when we take the part of the poor and the excluded, when we do not yield to free-floating rage, when we can forgive enemies and deal honestly with all people. We stand out because of this . . . don’t we?

Today’s readings: Acts 16:1-10;

John 15:18-21

“You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”