School Phone: 610-269-8999

Fax: 610-269-2252

www.stjosephrc.org/school

Sister Catherine Irene, I.H.M. Principal

Sister Diane Licordare, I.H.M. Vice Principal

Mrs. Mary Jane McGeehan Administrative

Assistant

Parish Religious Education Program Phone: 610-873-8798

Fax: 610-873-5466 www.stjosephrc.org/prep

Mrs. Kathy Thomas Director of Religious

Education

Convent 484-593-4352

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Parish Staff

Mr. Allan Anderson Business Manager

Mrs. Roe DeRitis Parish Secretary

Ms. Anna Kozlowska Elder Care Program Manager

Mr. Dennis Luminella Maintenance Supervisor/ St. Joseph Cemetery Supervisor

Mrs. Dodie Milano Receptionist

Mrs. Mary Beth Mostyn Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Carol Orphanos Bookkeeper

Rev. Stephen F. Leva……………………………………..….Pastor Rev. Alexander W. Pancoast ……………………...Parochial Vicar Rev. John E. Donia………………………………………..Resident Rev. Francis J. Mulranen……………………………..…...Resident Deacon Jim Bogdan……………………………Permanent Deacon Deacon Matt Coyne……………………………Permanent Deacon Deacon Edward R. Schiappa…………………...Permanent Deacon

Phone: 610-269-8294 Fax: 610-269-2487 www.stjosephrc.org

332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335

August 18, 2019 | 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

“I have come to set the earth on fire.” Luke 12:49

BAPTISMS Parents of babies to be baptized are asked to please register for Pre-Jordan, a baptism preparation program at Saint Joseph Parish, recommended by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. You can find the class dates and register either online via our website or by filling out a form in the parish office or the Saint Katharine Drexel Room in church. For more information, please visit www.stjosephrc.org/sacraments/baptism, or contact the Parish Office at 610-269-8294. Congratulations to the following children baptized last weekend:

MARRIAGE

Couples planning to marry are asked to meet with their parish priest as soon as possible after their engagement and to enroll in a marriage-prep program (Pre-Cana) at least six months prior to the wedding. Registration forms can be found on our website at www.stjosephrc.org. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 610-269-8294.

TODAY’S READINGS The readings for the

20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

can be found at

#987 (C)

Celebration of the

Blessed Eucharist

Saturday: 5pm Vigil

Sunday: 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00

a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 4:00 p.m. Mon-Fri: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m.

Holy Days of Obligation

As Announced

Reconciliation

Saturday: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m.,

6:30 p.m.

Anointing of the Sick

Any sick or hospitalized parishioner

who is in need of the Sacrament of the

Sick should contact the Parish Office.

Perpetual Adoration of the

Blessed Sacrament

Holy Family Chapel in the Holy

Family Center.

Morning Prayer

Monday—Friday at 6:30 a.m. in

Church.

Devotions

The Holy Rosary:

Recited before the 9:00 a.m. Mass

daily.

Miraculous Medal Devotions:

Every Tuesday after the 9 a.m. Mass.

Novena to Saint Joseph:

Every Wednesday after the 9 a.m. Mass.

Divine Mercy Chaplet:

Every Thursday after the 9 a.m. Mass.

Litany to the Sacred Heart:

First Friday of the month after the 9

a.m. Mass.

First Saturday Devotions:

The First Saturday of each month at

8:30 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Every three months we will remove names from the military and sick list. This is to help ensure that our lists are always up to date. Please call the parish office to add/remove/re-add names. Thank you for your patience.

...those who are serving our country:

Brandon W. A’Hara, SSGT Steve Anderson, Petty

Officer Katesiree Cannon Boson, SPC Sam

Burwell, Caytie Castells, Ensign Morgan S.

Dankanich, Capt. Joseph S. DiBerardinis, Nicole

Doyle, Sean Doyle, Capt. Mark Edwards, Sargent Ian Fay, Daniel J. Heil, James Heisler, Victoria

Jones, Zachary Kish, Peter Kurtz, Lt. Col. Paul

Lang, Krzysztof Malarz, Major J. Kevin

McKittrick, Capt. Andrew C. Oddo, PFC Nicholas

Odgers, Pvt. Vincent Romano, 2nd Lt. Joseph W.

Rule, 1st Lt. Eric F. Satterthwaite, Pvt. 1st Class

Matthew Scalia, Cmdr. Christopher Schwarz, Jr.,

Pvt. Nick Scott, Corporal Jeremy Solnosky,

Benjamin Starcheski, LT Sean Sweeney and Aaron

Thieroff

…those who are sick:

La Rayne Anderson, Sylvia Anderson, Carlos

(Charlie) Arayata, Frank Baker, Be Bonner, Faber

Botero, Cindy Bower, Catherine Bowman, Ashlyn

Brown, Marica Bukay, Connie Bull, Ellen Cassidy,

Mike Cesario, Dolly Colella, Baby Michael Corrigan,

Amelia D’Ginto, Frank Elko, Jack Falkner, George

Forczek, Butch Franciscus, Brooke Gabster, Dave

Goldstein, Karen Goldstein, David Grassey, Carrie

Grosso, Michele Halis, Scott Hastings, Liam Hawk,

George Hershey, Ryan Hieb, Sr. Marion Hicks, Rhys

Hopson, Danielle Horack, David Horack, Ryan

Jennings, Judy Kaplan, Lucy Perkinson Karvois,

Michelle Larkin, Delores Leifholt, Crystal Leff,

Andrew J. Lozinak, Anne Mace, Sylvia L. Mango,

Wendy Martini, McBeth Family, Justin McCarthy,

Jim McGowan, Pat Melcher, Peter Mikulich, Anna

Moschitta, David Mulder, Gerald Murphy, Wilma

Murphy, Judy Nelson, Sr. Mary O’Connor, Marie

O’Donnell, Kathleen Ott, Jeannie Panik, Sue Rizzo,

Dave Robey, Chris Samuelson, Msgr. Francis

Schmidt, Margaret Schmidt, John Schreiber, Mary

Setzer, Mike Smith, Agatha Szafran, Agnes Timothy,

Elizabeth Van Voorhees, Bobby Voldish, Lily

Walker, Margaret Weaver and Elizabeth Winters.

Please remember in your prayers all those who have died, including:

Peter Mikulich and Joseph Bissett

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

5:00 PM Eleanor & Louis

Mittendorf

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18

6:00 AM For Our Parishioners

7:30 AM Samuel & Barbara

Mento

9:00 AM Ralph Kordel

10:30 AM Florence Popadick

12:00 PM Regina Windisch

4:00 PM Joseph D. Ziegler

MONDAY, AUGUST 19

7:00 AM Margaret & Michael

Erbe

9:00 AM Benedict Poccia

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20

7:00 AM Dominic DiEugenio

9:00 AM Millie Pinto

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21

7:00 AM Ralph Kordel

9:00 AM Albert Fulco

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22

7:00 AM Mary Ursini

9:00 AM Sadie Keane

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

7:00 AM Busty Ruffini

(1st Anniv.)

9:00 AM Ben Valocchi

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

8:00 AM Elizabeth Smith

ANNOUNCED MASSES

NEXT WEEKEND

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

5:00 PM Florence Popadick

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

6:00 AM For Our Parishioners

7:30 AM Pat & Julia Cardelli

9:00 AM Manetta and Pace

Families

10:30 AM Mary Tully

12:00 PM Rita Bailey

4:00 PM Roger Patrizio

TIMOTHY JOHNSON

The Altar Flowers are

in memory of:

Mary & Al Viscusi

W E E K L Y L E T T E R August 18, 2019

Dear Parishioners,

Okay, I am willing to admit that I prefer Jesus talking about love

and peace and happy things. That is absolutely my preference. For instance,

earlier in Chapter 12 of Luke’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say, “Therefore I tell you,

do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what

you will wear. “And also, “Notice how the flowers grow.” Ah, see, those are the

things that I like Jesus to talk about, not worrying and flowers — those kind of

things.

So this weekend when we hear Jesus say, “I have come to set the earth on

fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” and “Do you think that I have come

to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” I have to be

honest and say it is a little unnerving for me. I understand that life can sometimes

be difficult or disappointing or harsh, I get that. However, I just prefer Jesus

talking about nice things, easy things, loving things, flowers and birds. I know

that is not always the way life goes. I do understand that life can sometimes be a

challenge and maybe even difficult. So it makes sense to me that when we hear

Jesus say the sort of things He says in our Gospel this weekend, we really should

take notice and pay attention.

So what is up with all of this fire and division talk? To be honest, I look at what Jesus says in this weekend’s

Gospel and I see it as an opportunity to trust in God’s goodness in the midst of the blazing fire that sometimes comes

with living this life. The fire that Jesus talks about is a purifying fire, it is a fire that refines and makes new and while it

may not be easy to endure all the time, we must always remember that we are not alone in that effort. The next time you

feel the heat of life burning around you, and it is almost as if you cannot see the next step in life from the “smoke” of the

fire, remember the fire that Jesus speaks about today. Remember also that God is with us in the fire and that God wishes

to mold us into something precious, something new and wonderful. Where we can see only worthless destruction from

the flames, God sees promise and hope, God sees new life. Trust in God, He will never let us down.

Peace ,

Fr. Steve Leva

St. Joseph Elder Care

St. Joseph Parish Elder Care Program provides care

management services to older parishioners and their caregivers.

The mission of the program is to help seniors enjoy wellbeing

while aging in place or in the long term care setting. Some of the

services may include securing in-home assistance, help with

accessing benefits and resources, addressing crisis situations, and

planning for the future. A Geriatric Care Manager will meet with

you at your home or at the parish office. Services are free and

confidential. If you or your loved one needs help, please call

Anna Kozlowska at 610-269-7480. We are looking forward to

serving you!

Are you grieving the death of a loved one?

Wherever you are on your journey of grief, you don’t have

to travel alone. Grief is unique to each person, and

journeying through it can be painful, lonely, and confusing,

but it can be comforting to share this journey with others.

We invite you to take part in our six-week grief support

program called “Grieving the Death of a Loved One.”

The group will meet on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

from September 11 to October 16 in the St. John Neumann

room at Church.

To register, please fill out a form by August 28. They are

available on the website, in the St. Katharine Drexel room

in church, and in the parish office. Questions: Please contact

Mary Beth at MaryBethM@stjosephrc.org

P A R I S H N E W S Parish Ministries Coordinator

Part Time We are seeking an outstanding individual to join our parish staff.

The Coordinator of Parish Ministries seeks to animate and equip

parishioners with the tools and support to carry out effectively a

variety of ministries. Requirements: Experience working in a

Catholic parish/school/organization setting, sound interpersonal

communication skills, a talent for organization, and the ability to

help bring about a good working relationship between the

ministries of our parish. Preference will be given to the candidate

who possesses a degree in theology or a comparable pastoral

program/experience. If you are passionate about your Catholic

faith and would like to share that passion with the broader

community please send your resume to Father Leva at

FrLeva@stjosephrc.org. For more info, call 610-269-8294.

Weekly gatherings will resume on Wednesday evenings

from 7:00-8:30 PM in September.

RCIA is for those who have never been baptized, baptized

in another denomination and wishing to become a Catholic,

or completing reception of the Sacraments of Initiation if

already baptized Catholic. Contact Kathy Thomas for more

information (kathyt@stjosephrc.org or 610-873-8798).

Christian Retreat for Persons with Disabilities

A three day retreat at Malvern Retreat House has been scheduled

for October 8, 9 & 10, 2019 for adults with disabilities. The

retreat is geared for adults with intellectual, physical or emotional

disabilities. The retreat directors are Fr. Jim McGuinn and Fr.

Mike Speziale and the theme is: We All Belong. If you or

someone you know would enjoy a three day retreat that includes

having your faith in God refreshed and strengthened please email

OLCRetreat@gmail.com or call Malvern Retreat Center at 610-

644-0400 for a brochure and registration form. The registration

form is also on line at www.opdarchphilly.org.

If you would like to be a volunteer companion on this retreat

contact Jenny Mars at marsfam1@gmail.com.

Join Us for

Walking With Purpose: A Women’s Bible Study 2019-2020 For the woman who desires to grow in her Catholic faith,

seeking connection

For the woman who feels she is doing so much, but none of

it very well

For the woman who silently asks, “Isn’t there something

more to life than this?”

Discover something more: Walking with Purpose is a Catholic

women’s bible study program that aims to bring women of all

ages to a deeper relationship with Christ through scripture.

Please Join Us at an Open House to Learn More!

Share in dynamic discussions of spiritual truths and connect with

other women to build meaningful friendships as we learn, pray

and serve together. This year, we will be offering the courses

Opening Your Heart and Grounded in Hope. For more

information, go to www.walkingwithpurpose.com or email

Jeannine Yousif (jeannineyousif@gmail.com) or Fran Ota

(fannieota@gmail.com).

DATE TIME LOCATION

Wednesday,

Sept. 16

9:00-10:30am Parish Meeting

Center, Room 2

Monday,

Sept. 23

6:30-8:30pm Parish Meeting

Center, Room 2

Reading Excites All Learners A one-on-one tutoring program in Chester County created

to support at-risk readers in early grades

Join your neighbors and fellow

parishioners and make a REAL

impact in the life of a 2nd grade

student at St. Joseph School, or 5

other local grade schools.

Administered by Partners in Outreach,

REAL: Reading Excites All Learners

is a one-on-one tutoring program built

to support at-risk readers in early

grades. Join the REAL team and help

a second grade student with their

reading skills on a weekly or bi-

weekly basis, or serve as a substitute

as openings occur. No experience is

necessary.

For more information visit our website at www.RealTutoring.org,

email Diane Ward at dward@partnersinoutreach.org, or call 610-

308-3357. All training and materials will be provided by Partners

in Outreach.

P A R I S H N E W S

Have You Visited the

Kiosk?

Our parish kiosk offers the

finest Catholic media

available for purchase.

Please feel free to browse

the shelves for your next

book, pamphlet, or CD.

Prices are listed on the

kiosk (donation bin is

located in the bottom of the

kiosk).

Searching for the perfect

gift? Check out the kiosk

today!

St. Joseph School News Registration is now open for the 2019-2020 school year for

Grades Pre-K3 to Grade 8. There are still openings in most

grades, including all our full-day and half-day Pre-K programs.

This year, we will open and Early Three-Year-Old program for

children whose birthdays are between September and December.

Details and registration materials can be found on our school

website, https://stjosephrc.org/school/admissions/registration/.

Beginning this school year, we will transform our computer lab

to a STEM lab for all grades. For working families, please know

that we offer a CARES program for both before and after school

for Grades PRE-K 4 and up. Our morning CARES program

begins at 7:00 am and after school CARES is available until 6:00

pm.

We are pleased to announce that St. Joseph School will offer the

Bishop’s Tuition Transfer Grant Program. This grant is available

to any public, private or charter school student who transfers to

St. Joseph School for grades 2 to 7. Each student will receive a

two-year grant totaling $1,500 ($1,000 in the first year – 2019-

2020 and $500 in the second year – 2020-2021). If you receive a

transfer grant, you may also still qualify for additional, need-

based financial aid.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call Sister

Catherine Irene, IHM, our principal, or Mrs. Mary Jane

McGeehan, our Administrative Secretary, at 610-269-8999.

PREP News Oh, no! They’re at it again!

PREP Volunteers are needed to help the parish children learn

about the Catholic faith, to keep the children safe, and to assist in

other ways. Contact us to find out how you can help

(PREP@stjosephrc.org or 610-783-8798).

Please prayerfully consider joining us using the thoughts below as

a guide.

I can’t be a catechist because:

I don’t know enough;

I’m not a very organized person;

I can’t keep 15 children attentive and interested in

learning about Jesus;

I can’t do this by myself.

I can be a catechist because: I can learn more about Jesus and my faith;

I can become better organized;

I can tell children how much Jesus loves them and wants

to know them better so they can know Him better;

Jesus will be with me every step of the way.

How about:

I’ll give it a try because I am available during the time

my children come for classes. I may not be perfect, but

I’ll give it a try for Jesus.

God is not asking for perfection.

There is no perfect person, but there is you.

You are the one God is calling to teach His children.

So close your eyes, take a deep breath, clasp your fingers to

your nose, and dive into the catechist pool. God’s grace will

help you with every stroke.

Prayers Unite the World began on the first anniversary of

the World Meeting of Families September 19, 2016. It is a

website through which peoples' prayer requests are shared

with Catholic religious communities and organizations

around the world. Within 24 hours of submitting the

request, the petitioner receives an email with links to all of

those communities that have members praying for them.

Visit the website https://prayersunitetheworld.org/ to

learn more and submit your prayer requests!

Be happy at all times;

pray constantly; and

for all things give

thanks to God.

1 Th. 5:12-22

Good Works, Partner Church

Join us as we partner with Good Works, on the third Saturday of

the month (volunteer one month or every month) to make repairs

on a home of someone in need. Bring along your teenage

children, no experience is required. Email

gwpartnerchuch@gmail.com to sign up.

P A R I S H G R O U P S

Flame of Love Prayer Group

All are invited to learn more about the Flame of Love and to join

us in prayer every Thursday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph's

Chapel. Meetings consist of a br ief teaching followed by

prayer and recitation of the rosary. To learn more about the

Flame of Love, visit www.flameoflove.us. For more information

or questions regarding The Flame of Love Prayer Cenacle

meetings, contact Cathy Moser at

mosercathy375@gmail.com.

Legion of Mary Is Our Blessed Mother calling you?

Everyone is welcome. The Legion of

Mary meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

in the Church’s Saint John Neumann

Room. For more information, please

call Jim McGowan at 610-812-4160.

Aid for Friends Help fill the fridge!

Meals are needed for elderly, isolated local neighbors. Packets of pans are available in the church office or in the St. Katharine Drexel room in church. Please pick up a packet, make some meals, freeze and place in the Aid For Friends freezer in the Holy Family Center as soon as possible. A visitor will deliver them. For more information contact Debby at dokeefe19@hotmail.com.

Volunteer with Project Linus

Project Linus mission is to

provide love, a sense of

security, warmth and comfort

to children who are seriously

ill, traumatized, or otherwise

in need through the gifts of

new, handmade blankets and

afghans, lovingly created by

volunteer “blanketeers.”

Joann Fabrics in

Downingtown is now

accepting Project Linus

blankets. Please do not bring the blankets to the parish office or

church.

Safe Environment When: Saturday, August 24th

Where: Parish Meeting Center, located at

the back of the school

Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Registration: www.virtus.org

Knights of Columbus Membership to our fraternal

benefits society is open to all

practicing Catholic Men, 18

and older. All membership

applications require a

sponsor, but if you are new to

our church and area, please

do not be concerned. We will

find a suitable sponsor to

work with you.

Membership applications are reviewed at two consecutive

council meetings, so the process may take a few

weeks. Dues are nominal and benefits are many! For more

information, please contact Dennis Calvey at 484-883-1851.

P A R I S H G R O U P S Helping Other

People Everyday

HOPE is a transportation ministry which

provides rides to doctor’s appointments,

the grocery store, the pharmacy, and

other necessary errands.

Rides require a minimum of 48 hours notice and can be

requested a week in advance.

To request rides the week of August 19

Please contact Mary Sweeney at 610-269-0604

Or Michele DiGiantomasso at 267-312-2269

To request rides the week of August 26

Please contact Joan Hewitt at 610-513-6769

Or Debbie Hastings at 610-304-0631

For more info or to volunteer, please contact Debbie Hastings at 610-304-0631.

Charismatic Prayer Group

Charismatic prayer group meets on

Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Please join us in

the chapel as we deepen our prayer life,

deepen our relationship with the Lord,

and worship as a community. For more

information, call Joe McCahon at 610-

716-3084.

The King’s Men The King’s Men (18 & over) offers a time with other men to

engage, discuss and challenge you into living a full Christian life.

Every meeting starts with a rosary, a 15- minute spiritual

exercise, 30 minutes for discussion and 15- minutes of challenges

among your peers. King’s Men meetings take place each

Thursday evening in the Parish Meeting Center at 7:30 PM.

St. Joe’s Pro-Life Group Find out more about St. Joe’s Dynamic Pro Life group! Please

call or email Cindy O’Brien at 484-908-4515,

cobrien16@comcast.net or Georgeann McGarry 484-955-

4278, geemcgarry@gmail.com

Sex selective abortion has led to

a missing 100 million women in

the world.

St. Joseph Parish Library Located in the Parish Office. Open during office hours.

Books recently added to the Library. Check them out in the

“New Titles” display!

The Library has just added many new titles to its DVD collection.

There are more than 400 movies for adults and children including

heart-warming family stories, children’s classics, lives of the

saints, and travelogues of the Holy Land. If you are looking for

free family entertainment over the summer, check out our books

and DVDs in the Parish Library!

Prime Timers St. Joseph’s seniors meet in the Parish Meeting Center behind the

school from September to June for socialization & activities. We

usually meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 2pm. New &

potential members’ first meeting is free. For more info call Mary

at 610-269-3650.

The first meeting of the 2019-

2020 Prime Timers will be on the

2nd Wednesday of September.

That is September 11th at 2 pm

in the Parish Meeting Room.

There will be no formal program

as this is our Social Gathering —

after all, we haven’t seen each

other since June! This is when you provide the treats. If your last

name begins with “A thru L” please bring a dessert. Membership

dues of $15.00 will be collected at this meeting.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Join the children in grades K-3

on Sundays during the 9:00

Mass, beginning again on

Sunday, September 8th!

Leaders (of the Word,

discussion, and prayer) and

Shepherds (guiding children

with participation and good

behavior) are needed and

wanted. We are grateful for

your assistance in bringing

God’s Word alive for these younger children.

Please contact Leif Erickson at leife100@gmail.com if you

would like more information about being a Leader and/or

Shepherd for our children in grades K-2/3.

Join

CLOW!

S T E W A R D S H I P

August Mercy Hospice Schedule Group 3 - Mock Stroganoff

Group 4 - Chinese Chicken & Noodles Please call Gail for more info at 610-269-9574.

Besides meals, the Women of HOPE are in need of the following to meet the needs of the homeless and poor:

The following items would be very appreciated in both full-size and travel-size packaging:

* Toothbrush * Toothpaste * Deodorant * Body Wash * Shampoo * Lotions * Cream Rinse (Conditioner)

The following items are also much-needed: * Feminine hygiene products * Underwear (sizes small — 5X) * Sheets and blankets for twin beds (light colors)

We will be collecting items to be taken down each month with the casseroles. Please leave items in the Fish and Loaves closet in the bin marked “Mercy Hospice”. The closet is located on the right as your enter the church from the parking lot.

Shopping on Amazon? Use the St. Joseph AmazonSmiles charity link and a portion of

your total purchase will be donated to St. Joseph Parish.

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1365111

August 11 Collection: Weekly Collection: $28,154

Monthly eGiving: $16,471

August 11 Total: $44,625

Fiscal Year July 1 2019-20 2018-19

Year to Date $276,528 $306,997

The Poor Box for August will benefit

Bridge of HOPE

August 11 Total: $151

August Total: $1,136

Thank you for your generosity!

Friendly Reminder: If you are enrolled in automatic giving, please

remember to update any changes to your checking

account or credit cards used for the donations. If a

credit card expires, we can not process the transaction.

If you change banks, the funds will not be taken out of the closed account. Thank you!

What is Adoration? Our beautiful Adoration

Chapel is a place of solace.

We bring prayers of thanks

and prayers for loved ones,

families, friends. Some

bring rosaries, Bibles,

books and journals and let

God’s words wash over

them. Some pray for our

Unborn, our Religious, Neighbors, Community,

Service Members and so

many more. We reflect on our loved ones who are no longer with

us, think about our times as a child with that special someone. All

the while, we give thanks to God for the many blessings in our

lives. And don’t worry if you don’t know how to start, Jesus will

guide you. He just wants time with you -- to heal you, rejoice with

you, and strengthen you with His mercy

and love. If you can commit to the best

hour of your week, join the Adoration

Ministry. If you fear committing your time, you are like all of us. Don’t be

fearful. Should life throw you a

curveball during the hour you sign up

for, we now have many co-adorers,

visitors and if all else fails, a cover for

the Monstrance. If the Lord is asking

you to come, why not do it? You have

nothing to lose and everything to gain.

A copy of the Adoration schedule can

be found outside the chapel or contact

Peg Cassidy, ptcassidy1980@gmail.com, so you can

select the best hour of your week.

The Loaves & Fishes Project

With the Loaves and Fishes Project, giving is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Grab a can of soup, a box of pasta,

or any non-perishable item from your cupboard as you dash out the door to Mass.

2. Drop off your donation in the “Loaves and Fishes” closet on your right as you come into church.

3. Enter the church with the warm feeling of a nourished soul!

The Loaves and Fishes team delivers the items to the Lord’s

Pantry in Downingtown. As a church family, we can make a

much appreciated contribution and a significant impact to a

charity that helps over 700 families every week. Please contact

Nancy Farrington at nmfarrington@gmail.com or 610-620-3619

for more info.

L O C A L N E W S

Reunion Time!

Bonner-Prendie Class Of 1969: 50th Reunion Friday, October 4, 2019

For details, visit Facebook page "BonnerPrendie1969" or send

your email address and questions to:

bonnerprendie1969@gmail.com and information will be sent to

you.

Bonner-Prendie Class of 1964: 55th Reunion Sunday, October 13, 2019

Springfield Country Club, Springfield, PA, 1PM- 5PM

Email PrendergastHS1964@gmail.com with your contact

information, or FaceBook: Bonner - Prendie class of 1964

West Philly Catholic Girls’ High School Class of 1959: 60th Reunion Sunday, October 20, 2019

West Philadelphia Catholic Girls’ High School On Sunday,

October 20, 2019 at Overbrook Golf and Country Club in

Villanova, PA 19085 Please contact Christine Feeser Jackson at

610-247-1145 or wctinky@msn.com for more information.

Attention Men One of the biggest issues that destroys our own happiness, and

rips apart marriages and families is pornography. It’s estimated

that 60-70% of men are engaging porn with some

frequency. If this is an issue you or a loved one deals with, we

have a powerful solution for you. It’s called STRIVE and it’s an

ANONYMOUS 21-day challenge that men all around the world

are taking to break free from pornography. The normal cost is

$49, but STRIVE is being provided for FREE for a limited time

for all the men at our parish. All you need to do is sign-up at

strive21.com and you can begin right away.

5th Annual Honey Brook Music Fest Saturday, Aug 24 @ Honey Brook Golf Club

An evening of music benefitting the

Honey Brook food pantry. $20 ticket

includes: 100% donation to the food

pantry, access to the stage area (bring your

lawn chair!), picnic burger or hot dog, and

beverage. A cash bar will also be

available. Tickets available at the Honey

Brook Golf Club and Greenside Grill.

Shanahan Designer Bag Bingo! Join us on Friday, September 20,

2019 for the premium Designer

Bag BINGO event of the season

hosted by the Bishop Shanahan

High School Alumni Association!

This adults only event is a great

opportunity for a ladies' night out!

BYOB! Doors open at 6:30 PM

and games begin at 7:00 PM.

Ticket includes 10 regular rounds

with game sheets and light

refreshments. 2 special games featuring exclusive designer bags,

50/50 raffle, and extra game sheets will also be available for

purchase. Table reservations are available for groups of 8 or more

through the online registration page (you must include the names

of the individuals in your group).

Register today at: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=93eXig.

LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE SO DO NOT DELAY IN

REGISTERING. Proceeds from this event support Shanahan

students in need of tuition assistance.

St. Bede’s Padre Pio Festival 1071 Holland Road, Holland PA

Sat/Sun: Sept. 14-15 (beginning at Noon each day)

Join us starting Saturday at noon for the All American Picnic

buffet, including live music and karaoke contest. Food and craft

vendors onsite, plus games and amusements. Padre Pio relics on

display during the festival in the Mass chapel. On Sunday,

Solemn Mass in honor of Padre Pio to be celebrated at 12:30 with

guest homilist Fr. Pio Mandato.

For more information, visit www.PadrePioFestivalHollandPa.com

125th Anniversary Newman Celebration

Did you know the first Newman club in the country was here in

Philadelphia? Celebrate campus ministry in America, as well as

the canonization of Cardinal Newman and the inauguration of the

new four story Newman Center this Oct. 4-6th! A conference will

host nationally recognized speakers and will have topics on the

future of the Church and why Newman still matters, the Saturday

evening gala will be held at the Inn at Penn, and Sunday’s

festivities include a Celebration Mass and ribbon cutting. For

more info or to buy a ticket, visit newman.upenn.edu/newmancelebration.