Church of Saint Philip Neri

Pennsburg, PA 18073

August 1, 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

Well August is here. Where has the year gone? I hope you are having a relaxing summer. Before we know it we will be singing Christmas Carols. Time passes too quickly.

I want to share with you a comment that I regularly hear which is then usually followed by a question. The comment is: My adult children don’t go to Mass. Then comes the question: What can I do? Perhaps you are one of those parents whose adult children have stopped coming to Mass or don’t attend weekly. If you are, you probably have asked yourself this same question many times. First of all let’s examine the reason for attending Mass on Sundays. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: The Church obliges the faithful “to take part in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days” and, prepared by the sacrament of Reconciliation, to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, if possible during the Easter season. But the Church strongly encourages the faithful to receive the holy Eucharist on Sundays and feast days, or more often still, even daily. However, the obligation is much more than just an injunction.

As Catholic Christians we desire membership in the Church when we ask to be baptized. In seeking membership in the Church we desire a new way of life, a life that brings us fulfillment. We realize that our life in the “world” does not fulfill us. When we accept baptism we also accept a way of life which leads us to a life style that goes beyond just going to church or doing a few good deeds. As Catholics we commit ourselves to a life of constantly seeking, living in and putting to use the grace of our loving God. One of the ways we seek, live in and utilize this grace is by prayer. Another way is to join with the other people in our community of faith to worship God, hear His words in the sacred scriptures and receive nourishment through the reception of the Blessed Sacrament. We accomplish this at Mass. Mass, in itself, is the Church’s greatest prayer.

People who do not attend Mass have not come to the realization that every aspect of their life is dependent upon the mercy and love of God. However, this life without the realization of the importance of God is also the condition for many who do attend Mass regularly. For many people, going to Mass is a rule that must be followed. They fail to realize that attending Mass is a choice made freely by one who desires a closer relationship with God. The desire to be one with God, to do His will is, in itself, good and holy. This desire strengthens us and enables us to grow as spiritual beings. The graces received at Mass are essential for this spiritual growth.

God is best summed up as a being who is totally self-giving. In the person of Jesus Christ God has totally given Himself to us for our redemption from the sins we commit in our lives. These sins are the result of our failure to respond to God’s love and mercy. Being One with God means that we extend that same love and mercy to others. Our selfishness, pride and even laziness separates us from God Who desires always to be with us. However, for this unity to take place we, too, must desire it and work hard to achieve it. The Mass, joining with others in faith, listening to the readings and homilies and reception of the Eucharist help us become one with God.

After stating their dismay and sadness at their adult children’s failure to attend Mass people often ask: What can I do? The only good answer is to be an example. Show your children through the example of your own life that God is ever-present in our world. Show that you rely on God to sustain you with His grace. Use that grace to be a sign of Christ’s peace and love in the world. Be the sacrament of God’s love to your children and all who come your way. Then pray for your children asking God to send His Holy Spirit upon them to inspire them to look deep into their own lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to help them see where their source of happiness really is.

Do not criticize them. Words like “If you don’t start going to church you will not go to heaven” don’t help. Our adult children do not want to be lectured. They, like us, are on a journey, a journey that has an end in the Kingdom of God. Remember the words of St. Paul: Do not nag your children, lest they loose heart.

To help anyone on their spiritual journey means we must know where they are. Even though their actions fall short, respect them because God loves them just as much as God loves you. This same loving and forgiving God desires for them to be one with Him. So trust God in your prayers.

As always, if you have any questions or comments about the Church, sacraments or anything dealing with parish life please let me know. You can send your question to me by e-mail at deaconmikefranks@verizon.net. You can also send your question to the rectory or drop it in the collection basket at Mass. Please address them to Ask Deacon Mike. Your identity will always remain anonymous. As we move into August I pray that your summer brings you relaxation and rest. And always remember: I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks.

FIRST FRIDAY

Friday, August 6th, is the first Friday of August. 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.

Serving at Mass August 1

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Marci Jaman Larry Concio

Lee Johnson Pete Frank

Priest

Deacon

Dianne Kennedy

Pat Kennedy

7:30 am - Michael Duka Michael Lynch

Mary R. Giambrone Mark Meinzer

Priest

Deacon

Mike Heveran

Michelle Martin

9:30 am – Mary Souder Ed Tryon

Alicia Tryon Matt Horvath

Priest

Christine Adelsberger

Stephan Adelsberger

11:00 am – Jeanne Hermley Luke Verna

Bob Hermley Sue DiMarco

Priest

DJ Williams

Sandy Williams

Serving at Mass August 8

Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

5:00 pm – Janet Kendra Ernie Quatrani

Alice Swift Matt Horvath

Priest

Mark Meinzer

Pat Meinzer

7:30 am - Dina Corrado John Guckin

Denise Guckin Pete Frank

Priest

Pat Scheerbaum

Maureen Moser

Paul Moser

9:30 am - Ken Mayer Wendy Benner

Marilynn Mayer Terry Benner

Priest

Michael Sledgen

Bob Brennan

Eleanor Brennan

11:00 am – Barbara Schwind D. McCausland

Bob Schwind

Priest

Deacon

Anna Kells

Marlene Leidy

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 1, 2010

Monday, August 2, Saint Eusebius of Vercelli,

Saint Peter Julian Eymard

8:00 am – Jennie Virus, (Bob & Diana Virus)

Tuesday, August 3

8:00 am – Maria Dickmann,

(The Staff of Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home)

Wednesday, August 4, Saint John Mary Vianney

7:00 pm – William Spafford, (Joan Wieder)

Thursday, August 5, The Dedication of the Basilica of

Saint Mary Major in Rome

8:00 am – Mary Roncase, (Elaine Roncase)

Friday, August 6, The Transfiguration of the Lord

8:00 am – Joseph Josko, (Jenny Josko & Family)

Saturday, August 7, Saint Sixtus II, Saint Cajetan

8:00 am – Michael Scasney, (Tom & Nancy Fiorito)

5:00 pm – For the living and deceased members

of the Parish.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 8, 2010

Sunday, August 8

7:30 am – Carol Shaffer, (Sue Cimorelli)

9:30 am – Anthony Bogdon, (Stan & Betty Mikanowicz)

11:00 am – Robert A. Roncase, Sr.

(Raymond & Laurel Roncase)

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, Robert Rukstalis, Frances Cannon, Ethel Buck, Gary Lester Keller, Baby Lucy Littlefield, Charlotte Azarovich, George Bradford, Rick DeStefano, Tommy Slattery, Baby Olivia Enriquez, Adam Canigiani, Jr., Jo Maturo, Elsie Connelly, Theresa Homan, Colleen McMillar, Anthony Bonanno, David Campbell, Grace Guckin, Tony Interrante, Steven Gebhardt, John Culbertson, (Father of Ellen Abramo), Evelyn Dixon Mildred Moyer, Helga Camasso, Tom Brogan, Stephanie Dykie, Keith Hotz, Lily Morgitan, John Brazuk, Paul Fronheiser, Irene Maggs, Pat Scheerbaum, Mary Blaszczyk, Thomas Zappala, Peter Szczybek, Lori DiMarco, Tom Latshaw, & Bernadette Bevington

For those who have died, and in particular for Edith Roemhild, grant them eternal rest and peace.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

July 26, 2009 July 25, 2010

Envelopes: $ 9,005.50 $ 7,774.00

Loose: 1,732.00 1,745.00

Children’s: 56.00 88.00

Total: $10,793.50 $ 9,667.00

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 Beverly Latshaw, requested by:

Irwin Yerger, The Craft Guild Committee of SPN,

The Breakfast Committee of SPN: Pete Frank, Veroica Diehl, Dennis Krause, Dave Klauder, and Leonette Nicolaou.

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

WEEKLY BINGO

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 & 12:00 pm.

ACTIVITIES - *BINGO*

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

Working Thursday – August 5th – Team #3

All regular games pay $50

FINAL COVER – ALL SPECIAL PAYS: $500

Bingo: July 22 – 60 players

Games: $ 218.00

Kitchen: 122.00

Total: $ 340.00

BAKED GOODS NEEDED

Baked goods are needed for our weekly Bingo and monthly Breakfast. Soups are also needed for weekly Bingo. If anyone is interested in donating baked goods or soups, call Rita at: 215-679-7009.

PARISH BREAKFAST

Our parish Breakfast was held on Sunday, July 25 and 487 people were served. Thank you so much to those who came out and worked so hard to make this another successful Breakfast. Our profit was $2,355.00. Our next parish Breakfast is Sunday, August 22. Save the date!

Paper Recycling – June 2010:

3.74 tons - $ 32.88

AUGUST:

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sunday – August 1st

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

Monday, August 2nd

Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm Chapel

Pre-Jordan Baptismal Class 7:00 pm Rectory

Tuesday, August 3rd

Garden Club – Church Grounds 5:00 pm

SPN Craft Guild Meeting 1:00 pm Gym

Wednesday, August 4th

NO ACTIVITIES PLANNED – FREE DAY

Thursday, August 5th

Bingo 6:30 pm Gym

Friday, August 6th

First Friday Mass 9:00 am Church

Adoration 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Church

SPN Quilting 1:00 pm Gym

Saturday, August 7th

Energy Committee Meeting 10:00 am Gym

Sunday, August 8th

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

Knights of Columbus Meeting 7:30 pm Rectory

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS

SPN Quilting – Monday, August 9^th – Gym – 1:00 on

Charismatic Prayer Group – Monday, August 9^th – Chapel – 7:00 pm

Choir & Cantor Practice – Tuesday, August 10^th – Church – 6:00 pm

Garden Club – Tuesday, August 10^th – Church grounds – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Bible Timeline Study – Wednesday, August 11^th – Rectory Meeting Room – 7:00 pm

Bingo – Thursday, August 12^th – Gym – 6:30 pm

Pennsburg Manor Nursing Home Communion Service – Thursday, August 12^th – 10:00 am

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Bible Timeline Study – Friday, August 13^th – Rectory – 9:00 am

SPN Quilting – Friday, August 13^th – Gym – 1:00 pm

FREE DAY – NO ACTIVITIES PLANNED – Saturday, August 14^th

Men’s 30 & Over Basketball – Sunday, August 15^th – Gym – 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

SCHOOL NEWS

Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to provide your son or daughter with a Catholic School education at St. Philip Neri School!

Our school provides a safe, nurturing value-centered learning environment for students in Preschool through Eighth Grade. If you forgot to register your child/children, now is the time to do so as we need to prepare for the upcoming 2010-11 school year! Please call the school office at: 215.679.7481 if you need a School Registration Form or for any inquiries you may have. School begins on Tuesday, September 7th for Grades 1 to 8, September 10th for Kindergarten, September 13th for Pre K-4s, and September 14th for Pre K-3’s. Please note that the AM Pre-4 School Program is COMPLETELY FULL, however, we are having a PM SESSION for Pre-4 that will run three (3) days from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm, and we are also offering an ALL DAY SESSION that runs from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm. Please check out the Flyer in today’s Bulletin for all details which also includes our CARES AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM and ALL FEES.

For those who have computer access, check our website: www.spnelementary.com for any information about the upcoming school year.

USED SCHOOL UNIFORM SALE

A used Uniform Sale will be held on Monday, August 16^th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. You can also use this time to drop off any uniforms you no longer need.

For location of Used Uniform Sale, please call or email Agnes O’Connor at: 267.923.8635 or: aoc73156@hotmail.com.

PARISH NEWS

FATHER RONCASE AWAY

Father Roncase will be away, beginning Sunday afternoon August 8^th, returning on Saturday, August 14^th. Father Smart will be available for emergencies and Mass.

RCIA: We will resume our parish RCIA process in September. Anyone who wishes to join the Catholic Church or learn more about the Catholic faith is invited to join us on Thursday evenings. If you would like further information please call the rectory and leave your name and phone number. Deacon Mike Franks will contact you. Watch the bulletin for more information in the coming weeks.

MASS TIME CHANGE – WEDNESDAY’S

Effective January 1, 2011, the Chapel Masses on Wednesday’s will be at 5:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm.

PARISH COUNSELING AVAILABLE

Confidential, professional counseling can be provided through our Parish Outreach Office.

The types/kinds of counseling that can be done are: Relationship Counseling; Marriage Counseling; Situational Counseling; and Project Rachel Counseling (for women who have had an abortion).

Call for an appointment: 215-679-2282. If no answer, leave your first name and number. Say the number, twice.

SAINT PHILIP NERI ROSARY PRAYER GROUP

Our Lady of the Rosary Prayer Group at St. Philip Neri, will now meet every Monday at 1:00 pm in the Chapel. If there are any questions, please call Kathy Kulp at: 267.923.5173.

PARISH LIBRARY -

BOOK SEASON HAS ARRIVED!!

The St Philip Neri bookcases are being filled. We are looking for gently used or new books. They must be pertaining to our Catholic faith. We are looking for CD's or DVD's as well, movies or music. We can use the large print editions, too. Please drop off your books at the rectory during business hours. If you don't have any books to donate please consider a contribution to be made "In Memory Of" and we will purchase the requested book and place a memorial marker inside of it.

GARDEN CLUB – HELP NEEDED

Our Garden Club of St. Philip Neri Church needs your help to maintain the Church grounds, Flower Beds, watering, weeding, etc.

The Garden Club meets every Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on the Church grounds; BUT, you are most welcome to come over any day of the week and a time that best meets your schedule.

Any questions, please call Lee Johnson: 679-6309.

SAINT PHILIP NERI VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Due to a LACK OF ENROLLMENT, the Vacation Bible School scheduled to take place at the Social Hall from Monday, August 2^nd thru Friday, August 6^th, has been CANCELLED.

If there are any questions, please call Jeff Daley at: 215.541.3120 or 215.541.1716.

PARISH OUTREACH OFFICE

FRIENDLY VISITORS: We need a few more Friendly Visitors to extend care and concern to our Parishioners who cannot go out. If you can answer Christ’s call to serve others be being a Friendly Visitor, please call 215.679.2282. A short Orientation is required.

H.O.P.E. Helping Other People Enthusiastically can provide free transportation to doctors’ appointments, therapy appointments, lawyers’ offices, grocery stores, weekend Mass, etc. Call 215.679.2282 and let your Parish Family assist you.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY UPDATE

Are you pregnant and getting close to delivery? Or, the parent of a newborn or toddler(s)? Are you overjoyed, exasperated, blessed, exhausted, lonely, or in need of solitude all in one day? Are you a mom looking for camaraderie, a friendly ear to listen, or another mom to laugh with? We are here for you. The Elizabeth Ministry is a community of women and mothers who have experienced many of the same joys and challenges you are facing and we want to support each other by being a willing listeners and extending our empathy. Just call me, LaRue Emmell at 215-679-3086 or send an email to lemmell2@comcast.net and I will pair you up with another mom who has gone through the same thing. Or, better yet, come to the Mom-to-Mom Connection to “meet and greet” other young moms and socialize for a couple of hours. We will be getting together on Sunday afternoon, August 29, 2010 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM in the Social Hall meeting room to talk about some of the challenges of motherhood.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY

Note: Don’t forget about the Mother’s Market that is being held on Saturday, September 11^th from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. See the announcement in today’s Bulletin.

SAINT PHILIP NERI CRAFT GUILD

Reminder: The St. Philip Neri Craft Guild will meet Tuesday, August 3^rd – 1:00 pm in the Meeting Room of the Social Hall. Questions, please call Connie Marks: 610.287.9829.

END OF SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION

Tuesday – August 24^th – 7:00 pm

St. Philip Neri Rectory Meeting Room

“MY LIFE WITH THE SAINTS”

By: Martin James, SJ.

A Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of 2006.

“An outstanding and often hilarious memoir of one man’s interaction with the saints of the Roman Catholic tradition”.

Winner of a 2007 Christopher Award for books that “affirm the highest values of the human spirit”.

Books will be ordered and available at a later date for purchase. The cost to you is $20.00

For more information, please call Madeleine Gehringer at: 215-679-0737 or call the rectory office at: 215-679-9275.

Do you know about the Gospel of Matthew?

The Parish Bible Study group invites you to join in for the 2^nd part of a 24 week-study of Matthew’s writings. The program has been broken into three (3) eight (8) week sessions. Study materials will be available. It won’t be hard to catch up if you would like to join us.

Each week we will watch a video on a specific lesson, discuss the portions of Matthew’s Gospel that apply. Through the discussion we will have a better understanding of what Matthew’s message means to us. This study is part of The Great Adventure series.

There are morning and evening sessions – Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings.

First evening class is Wednesday, August 11^th at 7:00 pm and the first morning class is Friday, August 13^that 9:00 am. All sessions are in the Library/conference room in the Rectory.

The cost for study materials is $35.00. Checks should be made payable to St. Philip Neri Church.

For those who are first time members of Bible Study, please register by August 1, 2010.

To register, contact Joan Lampart, 215-529-5686 or email jmlampart@verizon.net.

(Please put Bible Study on subject/memo line).

ONLINE GIVING

St. Philip Neri now offers Online Giving! Online Giving is an option for all who wish to financially support St. Philip Neri Parish and its efforts.

Online Giving can be used on its own or in cooperation with regular offering envelopes. If you would like to still receive envelope packets but also want to give online, you have the option to do so.

Online Giving at St. Philip Neri is a secure process monitored by Our Sunday Visitor. Click the ICON below to access a list of FAQ’S for more information and to begin donating online:

BLOOD DRIVE

It is once again that time of year for our yearly Red Cross Blood Drive. Here is your chance to donate a vital source for life. Please join us on Monday, August 30th anytime between 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm in our air conditioned Parish Social Hall. Refreshments served upon completion of your donation. For more information on an appointment, or any questions you may have, please call Pete Frank: 215-679-6942.

MOTHER’S MARKET

The Elizabeth Ministry of St. Philip Neri is looking for anyone interested in selling gently used baby and children’s equipment, clothing, or toys at their MOTHER’S MARKET that will be held on Saturday, September 11^th from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm in the St. Philip Neri Social Hall. Tables will cost $10 each. If interested, please call Kathy at: ElizMinnfo@yahoo.com or 215.541.9180.

ST. PHILIP NERI PARISH PICNIC

Sunday – September 19^th

2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Our parish Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 19^th from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm on our Church grounds.

Once again, a good time is promised…

Live Music by RED BAND

St. Philip Neri Grade School Band Concert,

Historical Committee “Share your Memories Event”

Children’s games, Bingo, Moon Bounce,

Great Food, Beer and Wine

Save the date and see you at the picnic!

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, October 8

Fourth Annual

St. Philip Neri Golf Outing

Macoby Run Golf Course,

Green Lane, PA

18 Hole 4-golfer Scramble,

1:00 pm

Shotgun Start

Food, Beer, Prizes

$70 per golfer

To register your foursome or to volunteer, contact:

Andrew Souder - 215-804-0845

OR, email to Andrew@rafind.com

CEMETERY MEMORIAL TREES

Memorial Trees are available for purchase to be planted throughout our Parish Cemetery “Holy Cross”. The cost is $425; this covers the price of the tree, its planting and the Memorial Plaque.

Shade and Evergreen Trees will be planted throughout the cemetery where space is available. To purchase a Memorial Tree, please call the rectory.

St. Philip Neri Grade School Tuition Assistance

Did you know that Tuition Assistance is available for your child to attend St. Philip Neri Grade School? Tuition Assistance is available to those showing a real need. Address your request to:

St. Philip Neri Tuition Assistance Program

1325 Klinerd Rd. – Pennsburg, PA 18073

You will receive a letter asking for some information and you will be notified of any decision before the school year starts.

Guidelines for:

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Minimal Criteria

1. Tuition Assistance will apply only to students in grades K-8 who are enrolled at Saint Philip Neri Elementary School.

2. Parent or legal guardian must be a registered parishioner of St. Philip Neri Parish.

3. Must demonstrate financial need, subject to review and approval of Tuition Committee.

4. Must be active and volunteer in parish activities.

5. Tuition Assistance will be applied towards tuition as credit.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS

“Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus speaks these words today. Have you considered being a priest? Be a Fisher of Men.

www.HeedTheCall.org.

Are you Deaf or know someone who is Deaf?

Contact:

CATHOLIC DEAF APOSTOLATE

Masses in ASL and Interpreted Masses

Religious Education/

Preparation for Sacraments

Adult Faith Formation and Socials

Summer Camp for Deaf Children

Interpreters for Catholic Events

PCPDDEAF@adphila.org

215-587-3913 (V) (TTY)

267-507-1215 (VP)

Google: Deaf Apostolate Phila

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

You can change the future – by becoming a Foster Parent!

Foster families provide temporary homes to children of all ages, races, and religions whose families are in crisis.

The love, service and example of Catholic Social Services foster parents have a lasting and positive effect on the children whose lives they touch.

For information on how you can become a foster parent, please call 215-587-3960!

AREA NEWS

MARRIAGE RETROUVAILLE

RETROUVAILLE is a Catholic based program to help marriages that are stressed or in trouble.

RETROUVAILLE has helped countless married couples in all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage.

RETROUVAILLE can help your marriage too. The next program will be at St. Joseph in the Hills – Malvern Retreat Center, on August 13, 14 & 15. All calls are confidential.

For more information, please call 800-470-2230, 215-766-3944, or visit our website: www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

CAR WASH – SAVE THE DATES!

The Pope John Paul II High School Cheerleaders will be holding carwashes on the following dates and locations:

Saturday, August 7th 10am-3pm @ Sunoco Gas Station-Ridge & Swamp Pike, Limerick

Sunday, August 15th 10am-3pm @ Shell Gas Station, Park Avenue & Ridge Pike, Lower Providence

Saturday, September 11 10am-3pm @ Sunoco Gas Station-Ridge & Swamp Pike, Limerick

Any questions, please call: Ms. Meghan Callen, Director of Admissions – Pope John Paul II High School – 610.275.8862 or email to: mcallen@pjphs.org.

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

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

You’re free to choose good

What does it mean to be free? For some it’s a matter of not being trapped in oppressive circumstances, like an unsatisfying job, a difficult relationship, or an illness. For others it’s the ability to find ways to live creatively within those situations. Some say freedom is about having choices. And there are those who think it’s simply being able to do whatever they want. Christians believe Christ has freed them to discern what is truly important: to be generous rather than selfish, caring and kind instead of indifferent and cruel, truthful, not false. Use your freedom to choose what is good.

Today’s readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21

“If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is.”

Monday, August 2

Feast of Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop

Fighting for the faith

When is a martyr not a martyr? Usually when he or she dies peacefully after a long life, as did today’s saint, Eusebius of Vercelli (283-371). Nevertheless, the church honors Eusebius as a martyr because he endured a great deal of suffering. As a bishop during the church’s formative years hashing out doctrine and theology, Eusebius struggled against opponents whose ideas about God were contrary to his own. These were not polite discussions. The debates featured fights, kidnappings, and an occasional homicide. Eusebius himself got run out of town. In memory of Saint Eusebius’s hardships, work to bring conflicts to peaceful resolutions.

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 28:1-17; Matthew 14:13-21

“And the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, ‘Listen, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you made this people trust in a lie.’ ”

Tuesday, August 3

Heal our home

Religion is not all about consolation. It also contains a warning intended to shock us out of complacency. The prophets often delivered divine oracles that roughly translated as “all is lost.” When it comes to the urgent science of climate change, it may sound like the hurt suffered by our planet is incurable with creeping desertification, pollution of rivers, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and the increase of natural disasters. All, however, is not lost—yet. But the poor stand to lose first. As a recent papal document says: “If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation.”

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Matthew 14:22-36 or 15:1-2, 10-14

“For thus says the Lord: Your hurt is incurable, your wound is grievous.”

Wednesday, August 4

Don’t prejudice the outcome

Religious prejudices and tensions between Jews and their Gentile neighbors are highlighted in the gospel story where a Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter only to receive a stern rebuke. Tensions are exposed, but at the end of the day, the Canaanite woman finds a way to break through and Jesus responds with admiration and compassion. The lesson for all of us is to seek the path beyond our own prejudice to the point where admiration and compassion rule the day in our interactions with others. Let your prejudices be teachable moments!

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 31:1-7;

Matthew 15:21-28

“She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ ”

Thursday, August 5

Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

People, places, and things

As Catholics we celebrate the huge variety of the ways the Spirit moves in our lives, not only sacraments and saints but also buildings and even the chair of Peter! “Things,” like holy people, speak to our fundamental belief that God is in everything—people, relationships, events, and the stuff of everyday life. The feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome is one such event: It celebrates one of four papal basilicas in Rome, the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Look around at the ordinary stuff of your life—the rocker where you rocked your newborn to sleep, your first electric guitar, the flip-flops your sister gave you. How are these signs of the sacred for you?

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 16:13-23

“On this rock I will build my church.”

Friday, August 6

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

The sound of silence

In early 1930 Mohandas Gandhi spent several weeks in seclusion to discern how to begin the process of nonviolently extricating India from British rule. By March he had made his decision: He would challenge the so-called “salt laws” that unjustly taxed this essential commodity. Early on the morning of March 12, Gandhi and a small group of followers set off toward Dandi on the sea. Thousands joined them along what came to be known as the Salt March. India’s nonviolent struggle for independence had begun. Later Gandhi observed: “In the attitude of silence the soul finds its path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness.” Talking is often overrated. Spend some time in silence today.

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28b-36

“And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.”

Saturday, August 7

Unsolved mysteries

Why do some people—habitual criminals for example—choose to do evil? Is it because they don’t think they’re really doing anything wrong? Or do they feel driven by necessity—like poverty or an addiction? Has their moral compass gone haywire, or are they so cynical as to know what they’re doing and embrace it anyway? Christians believe that what God created is good, including human beings. Yet some of God’s creatures are so consumed by evil that any glimmer of goodness in them seems to have gone out. Ponder these questions—how would you answer?

Today’s readings: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4; Matthew 17:14-20

“Why do you look on the treacherous, and are silent when the wicked swallow those more righteous than they?”