1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Saint Mary Magdalen Parish
BUILDING A FAMILY OF FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST – THROUGH CATHOLIC WORSHIP, EDUCATION & CHARITY
Parish Office
610-566-8821
For emergencies after office
hours, please call Ext. 123 or 110
MARCH 15, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Office Hours
Mon, Tue 9AM to 8PM
Wed through Fri 9AM to 5PM
Office closed 12-1PM
info@stmarymagdalen.net
Rev. Msgr. Ralph J. Chieffo
Pastor
frralphsmm@verizon.net
Office extension 110
Rev. James F. Hughes
Pastor Emeritis
Rev. Timothy J. Buckley
Parochial Vicar
frtimsmm@verizon.net
Office extension 123
Rev. William J. Chiriaco
In Residence
Religious Education
Sr. Mary James McCaffrey, IHM
Directress of Religious Education
sistermj@stmarymagdalen.net
610-565-5782
Deacon Peter Zurbach
pzurbach@sju.edu
Deacon James DiFerdinand
jamesdiferdinand@gmail.com
School Office
610-565-1822
smsoffice@comcast.net
Mrs. Barbara Burke
Principal
bburke@stmarymagdalen.net
Mrs. Mary Anne Johnston
President
majohnston@stmarymagdalen.net
Mass Schedule
Saturday: 8:30 AM and 5:30 Vigil
Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM
Weekday: Monday thru Friday 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM
Holy Days: As noted in bulletin
Rosary and Prayer for Life and Vocations
Join us every Tuesday at 7:15 PM in the chapel to pray the rosary.
Pray the rosary before daily Mass at 8 AM.
Miraculous Medal Novena each Saturday after 8:30 AM Mass.
First Friday and First Saturday Devotions at 7:45 AM
Men’s Reflection - First Saturday after 8:30 AM Mass
Flame of Love Devotion - First Saturday 9:30AM to 10:45 AM
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Tuesdays - 7:00 - 7:30PM
Saturday 4:30 to 5 PM
or call to schedule a private reconciliation time
Lenten Penance Service
Tuesday, March 24, 7:00PM
St. Patrick Perpetual Adoration Chapel
Sunday, 1 PM to Saturday, 8:30 AM
2400 North Providence Road, Media, PA 19063
www.stmarymagdalen.net
PAGE 2—march 15, 2015 fourth Sunday of lent
Parish Staff
Mr. Anthony Antonello
Business Manager, Emeritus
tonysmm@verizon.net
Office extension 111
Mrs. Susan Edmundowicz
Business Manager
susansmm@verizon.net
Office extension 126
Mrs. Mary Louise Mayer
Office Manager
marylousmm@verizon.net
Office extension 109
Mrs. Nancy Pantuliano
Office Secretary
nancysmm@verizon.net
Office extension 107
Ms. Patricia Miniszak
Alumni Coordinator
presidentsmm@verizon.net
Office extension 122
Mrs. Anita Morro, R.N.
Healing Ministry
anitasmm@verizon.net
Office extension 121
Mrs. Shelly Zeller
Liturgical Coordinator
shellsing2@aol.com
Office extension 121
Mrs. Mary-Ellen Harris
Musical Director
maryellensmm@verizon.net
Office extension 128
Mrs. Lauren Kinslow-Finore
Youth Group
lfinore@stmarymagdalent.net
Additional ministries,
organizations & services
on page 9
ST. MARY MAGDALEN
BUILDING A FAMILY OF
FAITH WITH JESUS CHRIST,
THROUGH CATHOLIC
WORSHIP, EDUCATION
AND CHARITY.
Monsignor’s message
GOD IS RICH IN MERCY, SO REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!
At our Man Up Philly Men’s Spirituality Conference on Faith,
Family and Fatherhood, we learned that if a mother practices her faith only 37% of her children will practice their faith.
If a father practices his faith almost 93% of their children will practice. The best
scenario however, is if both the head and heart of the family together witness
how much they love God and care for their children. For “God so loved the world,
that He gave us his only Son, Jesus.” We light the pink candle and wear rose vestments to rejoice in the Lord for paying the price for our sins and raising us up to
new life and love.
Chronicles recalls that God rescued the enslaved Jews through the compassion of
the pagan Persian King Cyrus. Dr. Scott Hahn, a former Presbyterian Minister, began his conversion to the Catholic Church after participating at Mass. The Holy
Spirit convicted him that God is not only present in his word, but more intimately
in the celebration of the Eucharist. The Word of God becomes the Body and
Blood of Jesus shed on Calvary, so that we can become what we receive. The seven sacraments provide the grace and guidance for us to sacrifice our lives for the
glory of God and good of our family and friends.
Gus Lloyd and his wife Michele grew up Catholic, but lost their faith through
drugs, drinking and rock and roll. They began their journey back after a near
drowning of their two year Emily. Gus jumped in the pool to rescue his daughter
and as he knelt offering her CPR, he cried out to God to take his life rather than
hers. They went to Mass to thank God and listened how Jesus raised the twelve
year old daughter of Jairus from the dead. After much prayer and study with
Protestant congregations, Gus studied at the Catholic School of Lay Evangelization. Gus serves now as the host of Seize the Day, a new Catholic Radio Channel
on Sirius Radio XM 129 each weekday mornings.
Devin Schadt shared how the power of God our Father enables men to become
the son, father and leader they are called to be. A devoted Catholic husband and
father of five children (one handicapped) , the Lord helped him to see how much
faith God the Father had in choosing Saint Joseph to be the human foster father of
Jesus and the faithful husband of our Blessed Mother. A simple carpenter who
practiced his Jewish faith and listened to the angel rather than divorce Mary became the human role model for the Son of God to learn to sacrifice Himself for
our salvation. As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph this Thursday, Devin encourages us to believe that God often does not choose the “qualified and powerful, but equips the unqualified and weak to lead others to faith.”
The feminine genius, Marie Joseph, witnessed with a passion the treasures of our
Catholic Church which saved her from a failed marriage to help her restore selfworth in herself and raise her two children. She apologized for the women’s liberation movement that began as Pro Life and ended up being Pro Choice. After receiving her degree in Theology from Saint Charles Seminary, Marie taught catholic
school, worked as a missionary in Kenya and now is the Director of the Legacy of
Life Foundation ministering to women and families. She thanked our parishioner
Anthony Benedetto for renting her his office opposite the abortion center in Philadelphia. They have saved 283 babies.
Are you rejoicing in the Lord today?
Do you need to seek God’s mercy in Confession?”
Join our RCIA group this week, who will receive the
Sacrament of Reconciliation and Peace for the first time.
Parish news , march 15, 2015—page 3
OUR PARISH LENTEN REFLECTION THEME - TIME TO FALL IN LOVE WITH JESUS AND HIS FAMILY, THE CHURCH
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION - Enjoy the Peace of Christ
TUESDAYS OF LENT, 7:00 - 7:30 PM AND SATURDAYS, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
LENTEN REFLECTION WITH MONSIGNOR – TUESDAY, MAR 17 7:30 PM
STATIONS OF THE CROSS - FRIDAYS OF LENT: 9AM, 1:15PM and 7PM
our thoughts and actions to serve His Will, which is Our
Research proves that people with a deep faith in God also Peace.
The Final Blessing
enjoy a self-confidence in themselves and a great respect
The final blessing sends us back home to family, friends
for others. When we understand the Mass, we celebrate
and foes so that we can make a difference as we love and
God’s love with passion and purpose.
serve one another as brothers and sisters in Jesus.
Liturgy of the Word
The Mass then is the perfect prayer and demonstrates
We renew our Baptism by signing ourselves in the Name
of the Father who created us and sustains us each day, the how we should live and love. For as we live, so shall we
pray. When we are not living as God wants, then we need
Son who delivers us from evil by paying the price for our
to increase our prayer and participation at Mass.
sins, and the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be as holy
and loving as Jesus. Daily we sin, so we celebrate Reconciliation with God and each other as we confess our need MASS IS ESSENTIAL FOR CHRISTIAN
for God’s forgiveness and the power to heal our hurts.
DISCIPLESHIP
In his homily at the Man Up Philly, Archbishop Chaput
The Gloria
We join the angels and saints in praising God for winning challenged husbands and fathers to lead their families in
daily prayer and faithfully participate in worship at Sunday
the victory over sin and death.
Mass. The only way we can obey the Ten Commandments
The Word of God
is by believing in God, honoring his Holy Name and keepGod’s love letters to us teach us the purpose, plan and
ing holy the Lord’s Day. As we entrust our life to God’s
power to give meaning to who we are in loving heart of
love and mercy, we receive the grace and guidance of the
the Father. Our Father shows us Jesus, the Way and the
Truth to eternal Life and Love. Books can change bad hab- Holy Spirit to be reverent to God, respectful of all life and
its into good ones and there is no other proven way than take responsibility in promoting healing and harmony
among all. If we are struggling as parents and educators in
the Word of God.
passing on faith to others, he strongly recommended that
The Creed
we all join a scripture reflection group to better underThe creed renews the Sacrament of Confirmation by
stand and practice our faith. Saint Paul encourages the
uniting us as a family of faith to encourage and work toEphesians and us today to share the “gift of God…For we
gether in charity and compassion.
are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good
The Offertory Gifts
works that God has prepared in advance, that we should
The gifts represent all present at Mass so that we can offer live in them.”
our Body and Blood in union with the sacrifice of Jesus on At our Pastoral Council and Liturgy meeting this past
the Cross two-thousand years ago. The more we sacrifice week, we again listened to your concerns to improve our
for the good of others in imitation of Jesus, the more the worship at Mass and the formation of Christian disciples
Mass becomes meaningful.
through our school, PREP, and adult formation so that we
The Preface and the Holy, Holy
can grow in charity and compassion. We ask you to acWe invite Jesus to become present to us through the grace tively pray, sing and greet one another in your pews so
of the priest who consecrates the bread and wine through that all feel welcomed and become part of our faith famithe power of the Holy Spirit.
ly. We will invite and recruit our new members to be involved in our many ministries. We are rotating the choirs
The Eucharistic Prayer
and welcome new members as cantors, musicians, lectors,
In the Eucharistic Prayer, we seek the partnership of the
Angels and Saints and all who have died in our family. We greeters, and families to bring up the gifts. Let us know
your gifts so that we can be blessed by your person.
pray the Our Father for the daily bread that delivers us
Above all, pray and ask Jesus to send God’s Powerful Spirit
from the Evil One and sustains us for our daily commit(GPS) to build a home for the Lord in our hearts and parish
ments and duties.
family. We ask your thoughts on changing our 5:30 PM
Holy Communion
We become what we receive at Holy Communion so that Saturday and Sunday Masses to 5 PM. Please contact me
we renew our love for the parish family and community of or any of our parish leaders to serve as a convicted, courageous and contagious Christian disciple.
faith throughout the world. We pray quietly to ask God
Jesus loves you and so do I, Msgr. Ralph
for the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit to direct all
RENEWING OUR LOVE FOR JESUS AT MASS
School, alumni and parish news march 15, 2015—page 4
FROM MRS. BURKE’S DESK…
Principal, St. Mary Magdalen School
The following students received the Disciples
of Jesus Award for practicing the virtue of Honesty during the month of February. Grade 8:
Brennan Robinson, Julia Randazzo; Grade 7: Sara
McDougall, Caroline Keyvani; Grade 6: Bridget
McGonigle, Lucy Stewart; Grade 5: Liam Buckley, Julia
Scholtz, Shane Wilson; Grade 4: Aidan Fowler, Anna
McCarthy, Isabella Mingioni; Grade 3: Michael Foster,
Abigail Reger, Grace Cullen; Grade 2: Kevin McCarthy,
Will Cipollone; Grade 1: Jim Smith and Eustace Mita. We
are most proud of these students.
Mrs. Burke can be reached bburke@stmarymagdalen.net
or 610-565-1822, x101
SPECIAL FAMILY MASS FOR EACH GRADE
Today our 9:30 Mass, is a special mass for the 6th grade
students of SMM school, PREP and their families. Sixth
grade students will be participating in many parts of the
Mass. We ask that all 6th grade students and their families sit together on the choir side of the church. Our next
class Mass will be after Easter in April.
SMM SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWS
Congratulations to Garrett Wolk who achieved
First Honors at Rustin High School for the first
semester.
CONGRATULATIONS MICHELE MCALEE
Congratulations to Mrs.
Michele McAlee who was
honored last week at the annual Cardinal O’Hara HS Communion Breakfast. Each year
the Alumni Association honors individuals who have given their time and talent to
the O’Hara Community with the Spirit of O’Hara Award.
Mrs, McAlee is pictured with her husband, Larry, daughter, Nicole, SMM ‘08, who attends the University of Notre
Dame and son, Steve, SMM ‘10, who attends Boston College. Congratulations to Michele on this special award and
thank you for all your have done for SMM School!
Please contact Pat Miniszak at 610-566-8821 x122 or
presidentsmm@verizon.net
EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDIT
Partner with SMM in providing our students with tuition
assistance instead of paying your state taxes. Apply for
the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit and donate that
money to our scholarship fund instead. In return, you will
receive either 75 or 90% credit on your taxes. 100% of
your donation will go directly to tuition assistance. BLOCS
and EITC report that during the school year 2014-15, we
assisted 20 students at SMM with $21,000 and $4,000
toward technology. Please contact Don Saleski(856)7733300 x611 or Joe Powell (610) 359-1388 for additional
information.
BLOCS TUITION ASSISTANCE
FIRM DEADLINE, MARCH 31, 2015
The BLOCS program is available to assist those who might
need tuition help or feel they cannot afford a Catholic
school education. Applications must be submitted by
March 31. www.BLOCS.org
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JUNE 22-26, 8:30 - 12 PM
Vacation Bible School is back this year! Please contact Sr.
Mary James 610-565-5782 if you would like to have your
child attend or to help with the program.
SCHOOL AND PREP PROGRAM
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
We at Saint Mary Magdalen, appreciate your trust and
value your partnership in the faith formation of your children. Our Finance Committee and Pastoral Council have
prayerfully considered that in an effort to establish funding stability and ensure the financial longevity of the
school, we are implementing a new registration requirement, a Financial Commitment letter. These letters will be
sent with your first tuition statement for the next school
year.
Our school budget for 2013-14 was $2,050,535, Tuition
and school donations: $1,329,041, Parish subsidy:
$721,494, Gym renovation expense: $230,000, Technology program and staff expense: $200,000, netting a deficit
for the parish of over $300,000. We used $250,000 from
our Heritage of Faith to pay the debts. Our school budget
increased to $2,236,680 for the year 2014-15. We raised
tuition $200 per student, which amounted to $80,000 additional gross income. The school deficit for the year is
estimated at $827,639 which will come from church collections or fundraising. The Parish Finance Committee
estimates that collections can only subsidize the school
$600,000 without going into deficit spending.
Our pastoral donations in the parish collections have consistently decreased and are down 4.5% year over year.
While our school enrollment has been maintained with
the 37 students in the preschool program. There are 361
students in grades K-8 compared to the 400 students we
had a few years ago. While we have initiated a new preschool program, the average cost per student is in actuality, approximately $6,500. The need for this commitment
is simple, we are partners and the letter reminds each of
us of our part in the Catholic education of your child.
I believe if we all pray together at home, school and
church, God will provide all we need spiritually and financially. The Lord’s grace and peace, Msgr. Chieffo
Parish News march 15, 2015—page 5
SMM SENIORS DAY OF
LENTEN REFLECTION
MARCH 17, 9 AM-2 PM
On Tuesday March 17 we will hold a
Seniors Day of Reflection from 9AM2PM. All members of the parish are
invited to attend. Rev. John Mulgrew
is the Celebrant. Program includes:
breakfast, morning and afternoon programs, Mass in Chapel, and Lunch.
Cost is $10.00 per person. For more
information contact Bill Moore at 484
420-4575.
fillment of All Desire" by Ralph Martin. All women are welcome. For information contact Camille Morrison
610-566-2186
BETHESDA PROJECT
THIS WEEK, CASSEROLES!
As we prepare to wear green for St.
Patrick, let us first thank all who donated as 74 casseroles were delivered
in February! A special thank you to
the CYO JV Boys B team (gr. 5&6)
who as a group made 15 casseroles!
Personal grooming and laundry detergents are also very useful. Your sharST JOSEPH’S DAY TABLE
ing and caring is appreciated beyond
MARCH 19, 6 PM
In honor of St. Joseph Day, the parish- words. Thanks for all your support
ioners enrolled in the diaconate forand have a delightful St. Patrick's
mation program (Joe Boyle, Paul
Day. For info please contact Joanne,
Stoyell-Mulholland, and Tom Verna)
johinkle@verizon.net or Jean,
and their wives are coordinating a “St. jean@cotterfamily.com
Joseph Day Table.” This tradition beFLAME OF LOVE LENTEN
gan in the middle ages, in response to
RETREAT
answered prayers to St. Joseph. We
MARCH 21, 8:00 AM
invite you to bring food dishes, learn
A Flame of Love Lenten Retreat will be
about the Table, share the meal, celeheld on Sat. March 21, at Archbishop
brate Mass at 8 PM and honor St. JoPrendergast HS Auditorium. The event
seph in the Eucharist. We will begin
starts at 8 a.m., and is free of
at 6 p.m. in the St. Francis Room.
charge, and lunch is included. Please
Please RSVP! Please call Paul or Barb
pre-register at 267-353-5276 or
at 484-420-4246 or e-mail them
online at https://gfts.wufoo.com/
bstoyell@comcast.net
forms/lenten-flame-of-love-retreatgoing-deeper/ The event features
SMM YOUTH GROUP
MARCH 22, AFTER 5:30 MASS three speakers, Mass, a Rosary and
Our group had a great turnout last
will end at 2:30pm. Visit our site at
meeting! Our tour of the stations of
www.FlameofLove.us.
the cross was a great way to deepen
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
our understanding of lent. We created
FOOD CUPBOARD
a Lenten “prayer chain” that we will
Below is a summary of our activities
use each day to remind us of one posifor the fiscal year 10/1/13-9/30/14.
tive thing we can do each day. Our
60 visits to homes, 31 people helped
final Mass and gathering is on March
totaling $1,500, $3,900 gift cards dis22. We will then be preparing for the
tributed, 750 hours and funds expendhomeless families to stay through
ed to help our neighbors $15,981.
IHM. Ideas for summer service will be
Your generosity has helped people in
shared as well as a special dinner. We
need with almost $20,000! The 750
hope to see you there! For info or to
hours of showing love to others Is
be added to the youth ministry
PRICELESS! For info or to help: John
emails, please contact Lauren
Donohue 610-359-9394
Kinslow-Finore, 610-742-7695 or
lfinore@stmarymagdalen.net.
MOMMY PRAY AND PLAY
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S
READING GROUP
APRIL 1, 7:00 PM
THURSDAY APRIL 9, 9:30 AM
Join our group of loving moms and
adorable children that meet every 2nd
Thursday of the month from 9:30amThe Catholic Women's Reading Group
11:00am in the St. Francis Room.
will meet on Wed., April 1, in the
Bring your precious little ones (or
Gathering Room to discuss, " The Fullcome alone). We offer new friend-
ships, fresh ideas, thoughtful reflections, refreshments and babysitters.
For info: Colleen Robinson, colleencrobinson@comcast.net or Maria
Anderson, ariacleanse@gmail.com
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Congratulations to Seamus Rogers
who was the Boys’ Age 9 Knights of
Columbus Free Throw Regional Champion. Good luck as Seamus moves on
to state competition.
For Information, contact
www.smmknightsinfo@yahoo.com
CATECHETICAL CORNER
Good liturgy requires the three H’s:
good hospitality, good homilies and
good hymns. Jesus is already here,
you can’t get any better than that!
The Lord meets us where we are: if
we show up and do our very best, He
will do the rest! This week’s action:
Hospitality has been identified as a
needed and wanted element in our
Parish community. We are looking for
individuals or families who might be
interested in assisting in our Hospitality Ministry. Contact Shelly Zeller,
office x121. We need and want you!
SMM SENIORS MEETING
APRIL 8, 1 PM
Seniors will meet at 1:00p.m. in St.
Francis Hall, (the lower level of the
church). All those 55+ are welcome to
join us. Following the business
meeting there will be a presentation
of MARK TWAIN. Light refreshments
will be served. For more information
contact Marie Burns at 484-574-8870
LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
SPRING CONCERT
APRIL 11, 6:00 PM
Chase the winter blues away by coming to the Little Sisters Spring Concert,
featuring the Irish Group, Scythian.
The concert will be held at Villanova’s
Jake Nevin Field House. Admission is
$50pp, $20 students and $10 ages 12,
also includes food and beverages.
For info: 215-729-5153 of
www.littlesistersofthepoorphiladelph
ia.org.
SMM HOME & SCHOOL
EASTER FLOWER SALE
MARCH 28-29
AFTER ALL MASSES
PAGE 6—march 15, 2015 Gospel summary, Calendars & parish news
GOSPEL SUMMARY
Read: John 3:14-21
“In those days...the people added infidelity to infidelity.”
And God’s response “early and often” was to have
“compassion on his people” - a compassion too often
taken for granted. The “people preferred darkness to
light” and were taken into captivity in Babylon. Desolate
n their exile, they experienced : “the immeasurable riches of his grace: through a refusal to forget God. Those
who are dead in their transgressions and who remember
that “God is rich in mercy” bear sure hope to be brought
“to life with Christ.” So much does God love those exiled in the world, “he gave his only Son.”
CHORAL PRAISE HYMNAL
Readings for today can be found on page 614 in Choral
and Praise. March 22 is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Gospel
John 12:20-33, Page 617.
NEW FIFTH GRADE ALTAR SERVERS
Thank you to Ms. Miniszak for tirelessly training our new
group of fifth grade altar servers. Congratulations to:
Jonathan Aman, Charles Bastian, J. P. Breen, Liam
Buckley, Thomas Cullen, Jack Freind, Emily Hassey,
Paulina Iacona, Sarah Kichula, Kyria McAnulla, Ellie
Miller, Colleen Murtagh, Marisa Pace, Maria Procaccini,
William Reger, Alexis Sapnas, Julia Scholtz, Matthew
Sparling, and Alice Verna. Thank you for your dedication to serving the church.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 21, 2015—5:30 PM Mass
Celebrant: Father Chiriaco
Lector: John O’Loughlin
Altar Servers: J. Boyle, K. Goldhorn, J. Hassey
Sunday, March 22, 2015—7:30 AM Mass
Celebrant: Monsignor Chieffo (Peter preaching)
Lector: Debra Mathews
Altar Servers: M. Giannini, S. Bramley
Sunday, March 22, 2015 – 9:30 AM Mass
Celebrant: Father Buckley—(Peter preaching)
Lector: Jean Godorecci
Altar Servers: M. Matteo, J. Daly, K. Edmundowicz
Sunday, March 22, 2015 -11:30 AM Mass
Celebrant: Father Chiriaco
Lector: Tom Verna
Altar Servers: C. Conroy, S. Hennessy, S. Verna
Sunday, March 22, 2015 - 5:30 PM Mass
Celebrant: Legion of Christ
Lector: Youth Ministry
Altar Servers: R. Maguire, D. Bastian, T. Bradley
JOIN US AT ST MARY MAGDALEN!
Sunday - March 15
Little Sisters of the Poor at all Masses
9:30 AM - Childcare, 0-3 years, St. Francis Hall
Tuesday - March 16
7:00 PM - Confessions (to 7:30 PM)
7:15 PM - Rosary, Chapel
7:35 PM - Lenten reflection with Monsignor, Chapel
Wednesday - March 17
9:00 AM– Senior Retreat, St. Francis Hall
Thursday - March 19
6:00 PM - St. Joseph’s Day Table, St. Francis Hall
7:00 PM - AA Meeting, Rectory Basement
7:00 PM - Knights of Columbus Meeting, Gathering Room
Friday - March 20
9:00 AM, 1:15 PM and 7:00 PM - Stations of the Cross
Sunday - March 22
9:30 AM - Childcare, 0-3 years, St. Francis Hall
6:30 PM - Youth Group after 5:30 Mass, St. Thomas
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
March 24 - Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service, 7PM
Holy Thursday, April 2 - 7:30 PM
Good Friday, April 3 - 3:00 PM
Holy Saturday, April 4 - 7:00 PM
Easter, April 5 - 7:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 11:30 AM
Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12 - 2 PM
First Communion, May 3, 11:30 AM
WELCOME LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
AT ALL MASSES, MARCH 14-15
We welcome Sister Veronica and the Little Sisters of the
Poor who ask for your generosity toward their efforts in
assisting the elderly. Please make your checks payable to
the Holy Family Home or the Little Sisters of the Poor.
MOTHER’S HOME THANK YOU
Thank you for your generous donation for our much need
kitchen renovations! The money will be wisely used and we
are very much appreciate your thoughtfulness and help. Here
at Mothers’ Home, our residents are given this chance of a
fresh start with new hopes and dreams. Christmas At Mothers
Home was filled with love and blessing from our friends and
family: you. We witnessed the many gifts that came for the
residents and even shared a day as they opened the presents
at our Annual Pajama Christmas Party. The smiles, hugs and
thank yous were in abundance. It was because of the friends
that we have that Christmas presents were even possible. We
are continually amazed at your generosity and we are honored
to know you and thank you fall for your well wishes,
treasures, and time. We hope that your new year will be
enjoyable. May the essence of this New Year blend sweetness
in your life that last forever! We wish you a very Happy New
Year!! Humbly, we say THANK YOU! Lenora Pope, MS, Executive Director
Mass Intentions, prayer list and announcements March 15, 2015 - page 7
WE WELCOME OUR NEW FAMILIES:
James & Stephanie Colgan and Family
New family to our parish? See Msgr. Chieffo for a registration form
after Mass or stop in our Parish Offices, Mon–Fri 9AM to 5PM. If you
would like your family and home blessed, please contact Fr. Buckley,
extension 123.
WELCOMED HOME BY GOD:
Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the family of all the victims of war, all of the 4,100 daily abortions and all our SMM Faith
Community for those who have died.
GOD BLESS THE NEWLY BAPTIZED!
If you are a parishioner and would like to schedule a baptism, please
contact Nancy, x107
A TIME TO HEAL. Please pray for our sick:
Fr. James Hughes, Edwina Amoroso, Eileen Belanger, Chris Bogdash,
Kay Greenblatt, Giana Campbell, Dave Clark, George Closs, Fran
Cook, William DeCarlo, Gennela D’Orazio, Kathleen Durham, Baby
Andrew Dzara, Annabeth Rose Ebert, Michael Fedula, Abigail
Foster, Jennifer Gianfrancesco, Francis Greisser, William Hampton,
Patrick Hennessy, Baby Hudson, Jim Huff, Elliot and Henry Johnson,
Leo Kazmierczak, Tom King, Caren Pappano Ladd, Joe Malloy,
Andrea Orsini, Robert Pappano, Jr. , James Pinto, Bill Purner, III,
Harry Reid, William Rescigno, Gary Rosenzweig, Dan Shellington,
Katherine Smith, Janis Testa, and Joann Trolio.
SMM OASIS OF PEACE CHILDRENS HOME,
KENYA
Please consider assisting the children of our SMM Orphanage in Kenya! A cost of only $120.00/ month will
care for every aspect of a child in this home: food,
clothing, medicine, school fees, uniforms. All expenses to run the school and orphanage are also included
in this amount. Would you consider this amazing opportunity to help secure a life and create a future for
one or more of God's precious children in Africa? Families could partner
in their sponsorship if the cost would be more feasible. Consider honored a loved one with a donation to the orphanage. Contact Sue Mita,
610-574-1531.
From God... Through us...To them. We can and will make a difference!
THANK YOU KNIGHTS!
The Bethesda Project would like to thank the SMM Knights for hosting
our monthly dinner in February. The residents of the Connelly House
enjoyed and appreciated the meal. It is a beautiful testament to what
the Knights of Columbus do for the needy and the homeless.
MASS INTENTIONS
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
7:30AM - Dennis George Edmunds
9:30A M - Anne Regina Creamer
11:30AM - Nina Baldi
5:30PM - Marie Schneider
MONDAY, MARCH 16
6:30AM – Philip Franco, III
8:30AM – Mary O’Loughlin
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
6:30AM – Paul Vasco
8:30AM – Joseph P. Mylotte
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
6:30AM - Betty Madden
8:30AM - Jean B. Colagreco
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
6:30AM – Gloria Elia
8:30AM - Catherine Dever
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
6:30AM— Anthony D’Angelo
8:30AM - Joseph Rabena
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
8:30AM - Rosemary Alvare
5:30PM - Michael Ciavardini
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
7:30 AM - John J. Sullivan
9:30 AM - Rev. Russell DeSimone
11:30 AM - Reynaldo San Gabriel
5:30 PM - Marie Schneider
CANDLE
In memory of - Anthony D’Angelo
FLOWERS IN THE CHAPEL
In memory of -
BREAD & WINE
In memory of - Anthony D’Angelo
HOPE MEAL PROGRAM
Contact: Mary Stevenson
marymstevenson@verizon.net
PAGE 8—march 15, 2015 - parish sacraments, stewardship & tithing
STEWARDSHIP AND TITHING
Gracious and loving God, we know that it is from your hand that
we receive all that we have and all that we are. We believe that
you call us to be the stewards of the gifts you have entrusted to us.
Help us to respond to your generosity, by our generosity to all in
need; to respond to your forgiveness, by our willingness to forgive
others. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
YOUR FAITH GIFTS AND TALENTS ARE PRECIOUS TO ALL OF US
March 8 Collection - $16,343
March Mail in - $3,343
March Total - $19,686
Last Year - $26,536
Church in Africa - $1,048
Champions for Christ - $15,809
Our student sponsored school appeal. Net donations to date
FAITH DIRECT - ELECTRONIC FUNDS
Please note! While we have implemented a new convenient way
for you to support our parish offertory and second collections, we
continue to have our own Electronic Funds Program, if you so
choose. Faith Direct enables you to make your contributions
through your credit cards, checking or savings accounts. Our own
EFT program is limited to checking and savings accounts. To securely enroll in Faith Direct, please visit www.faithdirect.net. Our
parish code is PA675. If you would like to enroll in our parish program, please contact the parish offices.
SACRAMENT INFORMATION:
BAPTISM:
Call Deacon Peter or Mary Zurbach 610-5655736 to sign up for Baptismal class for all parents. Sponsor Eligibility Letters from the parishes are needed three weeks before the Baptism. We ask you to come for instructions before you give birth so that you can be prepared in choosing your date and sponsors. We
remind all parents and Godparents that they
must be registered and practicing Catholics.
Godparents must be 16 years of age and have
received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our
next Pre-Jordan Meeting: May 6, 7:00PM
WEDDINGS:
Weddings are arranged 6 months ahead. At
least one partner or their parents must be a
practicing and active member of our parish.
Please call Msgr. Chieffo at Ext. 110 or Fr.
Buckley at Ext. 123 for the initial paperwork
and to arrange your wedding date.
RCIA:
Interested in becoming a Catholic or a Catholic who needs to complete their sacraments?
Call Deacon Peter and Mary Zurbach,
(610) 565-5736.
Please pray for and invite someone in your family
who is not praying with us at Mass on the weekend.
SECOND COLLECTION - MARCH 21 - 22
CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA
LAUGH WITH THE PASTOR
A man knew his marriage was in trouble the day he was married.
No sooner did the priest say, “Do you take Mary as your lawful
wife? When her mother answered “He does!”
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! Why do people wear shamrocks on St.
Patrick’s Day? Because regular rocks are too heavy.
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILES HELP
Thousands will visit for this international event held from September 22-27, 2015. Consider opening your home to a family or individual. Be a part of this historic event! Learn more at
WorldMeeting2015.org or email host@worldmeeting2015.org
CATHOLICS COME HOME FOR LENT
If you have been away or if you are not Catholic and
would like to learn about the Catholic faith, our welcomes you with open arms! We’re here to help you
begin or continue your faith journey, so you can find
true peace, happiness and purpose in life! Please pick up a copy
of our literature in the back of the Narthex. Please contact me so
we can share God’s faith, hope, love and mercy, Msgr. Ralph
FAITH SHARING:
Rejuvenating Our Catholic Faith through Jesus
Our Faith Sharing groups are discussion groups with
your fellow parishioners reflecting on the Sunday
reading and Fr. Robert Barron’s videos on Catholicism. Fr. Barron’s books and CD’s are available in
the narthex. Meetings are kept to an hour. Facilitators and times of meetings are listed below.
Mondays: 1:30 PM
Camille Antonello, 610-566-0148
Tuesdays: 7:45PM
Joanne Hinkle, 610-892-3998
Wednesdays: 7:00AM (Men’s Group)
Dennis Murphy, 610-565-5568
Thursdays: 9:15AM
Mary Jane McCloskey, 610-356-4132
Fridays: 7:30AM (Men’ Group in Chester)
Eustice Mita, emita@mitamanagement.com
Bimonthly on Mondays
Sue Mita, 610-566-4819
Second Wednesdays: 9:30AM
Jeanne Barker, 610-627-1009
Bimonthly on Wednesdays
Mary Ann Foster, 610-566-1399
First Wednesday of the month– 7:30PM
Mary Beth Yount, 610-358-4224
Worship
Adult Choir
Altar Servers
Altar Society
Extraordinary Ministers
Greeters
Guitar Group
Lectors
Moms In Prayer
Perpetual Adoration
Prayer Chain
Youth Choir
Mary-Ellen Harris
Susan Edmundowicz
Anne Chillemi
James & Ro DiFerdinand
Barbara Eubanks
John Dezell
James & Ro DiFerdinand
Nicky Verna
Shelly Zeller
Maria Flannery
Maryl Apadula
610-566-8821
610-566-8821
610-566-3206
610-892-9567
610-361-8787
610-565-8234
610-892-9567
610-639-3816
610-353-7739
484-467-3166
914-552-9443
maryellensmm@verizon.net
susansmm@verizon.net
Peter Zurbach
Fran Poole
Carolyn Giacomucci
Karen Kelly
Anne Fenerty
Frances Jackson
James Colombo,MD
Dennis & Lorraine Kinslow
Phila Marriage Prep
Dennis Murphy
John Brokars
610-565-5736
610-565-4090
610-357-0636
610-565-6539
610-565-6228
610-592-4216
610-891-0731
610-558-0322
610-873-2017
610-565-5568
610-696-5969
pzurbach@sju.edu
fmpoole1@verizon.net
pezgirl23@aol.com
litlway1@comcast.net
afenerty@verizon.net
Anita Morro, RN
Barbara Eubanks
Bernadette Ciavardini
Nicky Verna
Joshua Ortego
Monica Grzeczkowski
Joanne Hinkle
Susan Fromhold
John Donohue
610-566-8821
610-361-8787
610-353-1375
610-639-3816
610-635-8407
610-891-9483
610-892-3998
610-356-3626
610-359-9394
anitasmm@verizon.net
brierwood@live.com
bernsing@yahoo.com
nicky@verna.com
abcjosh@yahoo.com
monicajmj@gmail.com
johinkle@verizon.net
sfromholddcihn1@verizon.net
jadd9394@aol.com
Thursdays, 7PM
Dan Morrow
Barbara Stoyell-Mulholland
Bill O’Shea
Rosemary Procaccini
Melissa Bergen
Joe Bodalski
Tom Henson
John Duffin
Marie Burns
Dr. Bartholomew Tortella
Al Spinelli
Kerry Boyle
610-566-3269
484-420-4246
610-627-0607
610-355-2366
610-558-4944
610-565-9598
610-892-7361
610-565-5032
484-574-8870
610-356-7491
610-566-4202
610-565-3417
Rectory Basement
dmorrow@cleanearthinc.com
bstoyell@comcast.net
heilbrono@aol.com
rose614bud@yahoo.com
mcbergen@comcast.net
jb623623@yahoo.com
thenson@janney.com
duffinfam@comcast.net
marie.burns48@yahoo.com
bartholomew.tortella@yahoo.com
rspin1204@gmail.com
kerry.boyle@me.com
jamesdiferdinand@gmail.com
brierwood@live.com
jfdezell@gmail.com
jamesdiferdinand@gmail.com
nicky@verna.com
shellsing2@aol.com
flannm@gmail.com
maryl.apadula17@gmail.com
Faith Formation
Baptismal Prep
Centering Prayer
Children’s Liturgy
Legion of Mary
Little Church School
Childcare (9:30AM Mass)
Malvern Retreat
Marriage Encounter
Marriage Prep
Men’s Bible Study
Neo Catechumenal
colombo.jaca@yahoo.com
lkinslow@marykay.com
amy@philamarriageprep.com
murph2825@comcast.net
johnbrokars@yahoo.com
Healing, Ministry & Stewardship
Healing Ministry
Bereavement Support
Funeral Planner
Hope Ministry
Charity Board
Church Care
Bethesda
Food Collection
St. Vincent de Paul
Organizations
AA Meeting
CYO
Employment Network
Finance Committee
Home & School
PREP Board
Pastoral Council
Religious Endowment
Respect Life
Seniors Group
Knights of Columbus
Ushers
WebMaster
Copy Deadline for Bulletin
Submit copy at least 10 days
ahead to susansmm@verizon.net