33 Conwell Drive Maple Glen, PA 19002 September 26th, 2021 (215) 646-4600 • (215) 646-0180 (Fax) The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time [email protected] www.stalphonsusparish.org

———————————— Rev. Msgr. Brian P. Hennessy, Pastor Most Rev. Timothy C. Senior, Assisting Rev. Keith Chylinski, Assisting

Deacon John Mischler James (JT) Toth Mary Frances Kelly Services Director

Sandra Lowery Business Manager Michele Gordon Director of Religious Education [email protected] P.R.E.P. (215) 643-7938

Jeffrey Clements Director of Communications & IT Dear Parishioners, Fran La Noce [email protected] As the busyness of the fall begins, I invite all of us to remember to keep prayer Parish Faith Director the cornerstone of our lives. Prayer allows us to maintain that healthy and holy balance of life which we all need and helps us to draw upon the strength of God without which Frank Stieber we can quickly lose perspective and become overwhelmed. The following is a catechesis Director of Music Ministry by Francis on prayer, which he offered on June 9th at his Wednesday Audience. (215) 542-8319 ———————————— God bless your week and let us pray for one another! PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday–Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sincerely in Christ, Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Monsignor Hennessy

MASS SCHEDULES In this penultimate catechesis on prayer we are going to speak about persever- Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm ance in praying. It is an invitation, indeed, a command that comes to us from Sacred Sunday 8:00 am, 10:15 am, 12 Noon Scripture. The spiritual journey of the Russian Pilgrim begins when he comes across a Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am phrase of Paul in the First Letter to the Thessalonians: “Pray constantly, always and for everything give thanks” (cf. 5:17-18). The Apostle’s words strike the man and he Contact the Rectory wonders how it is possible to pray without interruption, given that our lives are frag- mented into so many different moments, which do not always make concentration possi- CONFESSIONS ble. From this question he begins his search, which will lead him to discover what is Saturday Morning called the prayer of the heart. It consists in repeating with faith: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son 9:45 am — 10:30 am of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on Saturday Afternoon me, a sinner!”. A simple prayer, but very beautiful. A prayer that, little by little, adapts 3:30 pm — 4:30 pm itself to the rhythm of breath and extends throughout the day. Indeed, breath never stops, And By Appointment not even while we sleep; and prayer is the breath of life. ———————————— OUR LADY OF MERCY REGIONAL Continued on next page.. SCHOOL Principal John C. McGrath, M.Ed. 29 Conwell Drive Maple Glen, PA 19002 (215) 646-0150 www.OLMrcs.com How, then, is it possible to always preserve a state of prayer? The Catechism offers us beautiful quotations from the his- tory of spirituality, which insist on the need for continuous prayer, that it may be the fulcrum of Christian existence. I will look at some of them.

The Evagrius Ponticus states: “We have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast continually” — no, this is not demanded — “but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing” (CCC 2742). The heart in prayer. There is therefore an ardour in the Christian life, which must never fail. It is a little like that sacred fire that was kept in the an- cient temples, that burned without interruption and that the priests had the task of keeping alive. So too must there be a sacred fire in us, which burns continuously and which nothing can extinguish. And it is not easy, but it must be so.

Saint John Chrysostom, another pastor who was attentive to real life, preached: “Even while walking in public or strolling alone, or seated in your shop, while buying or selling, or even while cooking” (CCC 2743). Little prayers: “Lord, have mercy on us”, “Lord, help me”. So, prayer is a kind of musical staff, where we arrange the melody of our lives. It is not in con- trast with daily work; it does not contradict the many small obligations and appointments; if anything, it is the place where every action finds its meaning, its reason and its peace.

Certainly, putting these principles into practice is not easy. A father and a mother, caught up in a thousand tasks, may feel nostalgia for a time in their life in which it was easy to find regular times and spaces for prayer. Then come children, work, family life, ageing parents.... One has the impression that it will never be possible to get through it all. It is good then forus to think that God, our Father, who must take care of the entire universe, always remembers each one of us. Therefore, we too must always remember Him!

We can also remember that in , work has always been held in great esteem, not only because of the moral duty to provide for oneself and others, but also for a sort of balance, an inner balance: it is risky for man to cultivatean interest so abstract that he loses contact with reality. Work helps us to stay in touch with reality. The monk’s folded hands bear the calluses of one who holds shovels and hoes. When, in the Gospel of Luke (cf. 10:38-42), Jesus tells Saint Martha that the only thing that is truly necessary is to listen to God, in no way does he mean to disparage the many services that she was performing with such dedication.

Everything in the human being is “binary”: our body is symmetrical, we have two arms, two eyes, two hands… And so, work and prayer are also complementary. Prayer — which is the “breath” of everything — remains as the vital backdrop of work, even in moments in which this is not explicit. It is inhuman to be so absorbed by work that you can no longer find the time for prayer.

At the same time, a prayer that alienates itself from life is not healthy. A prayer that alienates us from the concreteness of life becomes spiritualism, or worse, ritualism. Let us remember that Jesus, after revealing his glory to the disciples on Mount Ta- bor, did not want to prolong that moment of ecstasy, but instead came down from the mountain with them and resumed the daily journey. Because that experience had to remain in their hearts as the light and strength of their faith; also a light and strength for the days that were soon to come: those of the Passion. In this way, the time dedicated to being with God revives faith, which helps us in the practicalities of living, and faith, in turn, nurtures prayer, without interruption. In this circularity between faith, life and prayer, one keeps alight that flame of Christian love that God expects of us.

And let us repeat the simple prayer that it is so good to repeat during the day. All together: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”.

Pope Francis

ACT OF SPIRITUAL READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK COMMUNION (St. Alphonsus Ligouri) Reading I: Numbers 11: 25-29 Joshua was loyal to Moses, so that when others prophesied, he really believed My Jesus, I believe that You are pre- that they were usurping Moses’ role. Moses answered with magnanimity of sent in the Most Holy Sacrament. I heart by approving theses other authentic prophets. love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I Reading II: James 5: 1-6 cannot at this moment receive You The author issues a warning to the community about the fate of those who sacramentally, come at least spiritual- abuse their riches. He also consoles those whom the rich have oppressed. ly into my heart. I embrace You as if The Gospel: Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48 You were already there and unite my- Jesus is as tolerant of non-disciples casting out demons in His name as Moses self wholly to You. Never permit me to had been of other prophets in his time. Later, Jesus warns against letting one’s senses trap you into sin or giving bad example. He also describes hell much be separated from You. Amen. like Isaiah did.

Page 2 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected] The Sanctuary Light Burns Mass Intentions for the Week in Honor of Gregory Klemick from Saturday, September 25th: 9:00 AM: Debbie Hobbs— Kathy Klemick Terrence & Michele Gallagher 5:00 PM: Harry Sears— The Bread & Wine is The Sears Family offered for Edward Mazzilli from Kathy Klemick Sunday, September 26th: 8:00 AM: Elisabetta Serratore— The Roselli Family Deceased Relatives and Friends Mary Waninger & Mary Burke 10:15 AM: Donald M. Stanton— Arlene, Dave, & The White Family Sick Relatives, Friends and the Homebound 12:00 PM: People of the Parish Joe Gisondi Gerald Taddei Tuesday, September 28th: Irma MacKenzie John Pasceri 9:00 AM: Francesco Paone

Bishop Robert P. Maginnis Bet Nardiello Angela Roselli

Fr. Wilfred Maloney Angelo Caggiano Wednesday, September 29th:

Michael Rafter Bob Bogner 9:00 AM: Sarah Neve— Libby Romano Vera Dierkes John Brown

Thursday, September 30th: 9:00 AM: Keith Melinson—

Liz Selgrath

Friday, October 1st: Prayer List names are on a 6 week rotation. Please contact 9:00 AM: John Bonanni— the rectory with any extension or early removal requests. Donna & Peter Ierardi PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS Austin Schultz, 2nd Lt., Captain Colleen Saturday, October 2nd: McIntyre Osborne, Captain Andrew O’Grady, Sgt. Kyle J. Mullen, 2nd Lt. 9:00 AM: Maurice O’Neill Gregory J. Fry, Major Matthew Miller, 1st Lt. Ryan A. John & Suzanne Dougherty Schieber, Andrew J. Urban, Captain Christopher Smith, 5:00 PM: People of the Parish Ensign Justin Price USN, Sgt. Michael Hiltwine, Captain Sean Milde, Daniel R. Plefka, USAF, Cpl. Matthew S. Leonardo, Lt. Christopher M. Boss, Capt. Thomas Nell, Sunday, October 3rd: USMC, Eric Burns, Anthony Szczurek, Tania Szczurek, 8:00 AM: James Butler— Matthew Trimborn, Major Gabriel J. Zinni, Ryan Greene, Michael McDonald, Col. John Sullivan, Lt. The Saint Alphonsus Commander Thomas Luft, Lt. James D. Voter, USN, Parishioners Commander Frank Walter, Commander J. Milo Sew- 10:15 AM: Stan Weglos— ards, USN, Captain Andrew O’Grady, USA, Harry Kil- patrick, IV, USMC, Pvt. Joseph T. Donohue, USA, 1st Patrick and Mary Frances Lt. Jeffrey Mann, 1st Lt. Stephen Geiss Kelly Together as a parish we pray for their safety. Contact John Cavanaugh if you would like to add a 12:00 PM: Lawrence P. Finnegan III— name or for more information at [email protected] or Jeannie Weber & Family 215-643-3299.

Page 3 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected] October 2nd and 3rd The Word Among Us Complimentary copies of the September issue of The Next Sunday’s Celebrants Word Among Us are now available in the Nar- thex. Please take one for your summer prayer time. 5:00 PM: Monsignor Brian Hennessy 8:00 AM: Timothy Senior 10:15 AM: Father Keith Chylinski Openings for Adoration 12:00 PM: Monsignor Brian Hennessy Thank you to all those who have signed up for an hour for Adoration on Wednesdays. We still need two vol- Celebrants subject to change unteers for 11:00 a.m. and one volunteer each for 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please call Fran La Noce at the Parish Office, 215-646-4600. Stewardship Report September September 11th, 12th, For the Week Ending: 2021 2020

Sunday Collection $12,159 $8,529 Parish Giving (net of fees) 9,762 7,304 Total Weekly Collections $21,921 $15,833

Fiscal YTD Collections $190,932 $187,384

The generosity and support of our parishioners is greatly appreciated during these challenging times.

Parish Support for OLM

This collection helps the parish support Our Lady of Mercy. A joint ministry of Saint Al- phonsus, Saint Anthony of Padua in Am- bler, and Saint Catherine of Siena in Horsham that serves to give children Pre-K through 8 a Catholic education. Why Me?; Scriptural Answers to Suffering and Its Meaning Virtual Rosary on Zoom Catholic Updates from Liguori Publications are concise, Join us weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. to pray the readable, four-page articles on topics of interest in the Rosary together on Zoom. To receive an invitation, Church today. Please take a copy from the wall rack on email Jeff Clements at the right as you leave the church. Look for new updates [email protected] each month.

Confirmation 2022 If you currently have a 6th grader in private school (not OLM) please contact Michele Gordon in the PREP of- Simplify another thing in your life and sign up for automated Parish Giving. fice ([email protected]) so you can be To sign up, go to our website, www.stalphonsusparish.org, and click on the Parish Giving Icon on the sidebar. Have your bank account or credit card put on the Confirmation preparation e-mail list. information available when you sign up. The program also includes holy days and second collections. Please feel free to call the rectory if you need any help.

Page 4 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected] Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Young Adult Small Faith Group Beginning Adoration will resume on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. Parishioners Mike and Mary Kate Tomasetti will host a to 6:00 p.m., followed by Benediction. Adoration is a small faith group for young adults in their home on four peaceful, quiet time of personal prayer and closeness consecutive Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 begin- ning on October 19th. This is an opportunity to pray, to Jesus in the Eucharist. We are looking for parishion- read Scripture, and talk about the challenges of living ers to sign up for an hour weekly on a regular basis. At the Gospel message in daily life. The evenings will end times, we also need people we can call to substitute with time to enjoy snacks and socialize. To register, when someone is absent. If you would like to partici- call Fran La Noce, Faith Formation Director, at the Par- pate in this prayer opportunity, please call Fran La ish Office, 215-646-4600. Noce at the parish office, 215-646-4600.

Saint Alphonsus Bible Study Prep News PREP is in need of assistants on Tuesday afternoons. Are You Ready to Learn the Bible? No experience necessary! This is a great way for chil- dren in 7th grade or higher to fulfill service require- The Bible is at the heart of our Catholic faith. It is the ments. This is a very rewarding and important ministry. living word of God, where God speaks to us. The story Please contact Michele Gordon in the PREP office of the Bible is it is God’s plan that unfolds throughout (215-643- 7938, [email protected]) if history and continues to unfold today. Once you are interested. we grasp the big picture, the readings at Mass make more sense making it easier to see how our lives fit into PREP registration is now closed, except for new fami- God’s loving plan. lies joining our parish. Existing families who have not registered need to call the PREP office (215-643- We invite you to join us each Tuesday morning at 730 7938). For families new to PREP with children entering AM (no longer 6:30 AM) in the narthex (and on Zoom) grades 1-6, please go to our PREP website, https:// as we gather to learn more from scripture to help us on stalphonsusparish.org/ registration, for new family reg- our life’s journey. Our Bible Study Group is studying istration information. Once you submit the new family First Corinthians “The Church and the Christian Com- registration form, you will receive an email from Parish munity”. We use the Ascension series that requires a Giving regarding registration. workbook. For more information about our bible study program contact Dave White (215-601-3424) In order for our pre-school program Shining Stars to ([email protected]) or Peter Anninos (267-467- run this year, we need more children to enroll. These 2138) ([email protected]). Better yet, just show up children learn the weekly Gospel lessons in a fun and next Tuesday morning September 14 at 7:30 AM when loving way during the 10:15 Mass. Registration can be we begin our fall session. found on our parish website.

Page 5 Bulletin notices are due no later than Monday noon to [email protected] OLM Re-opened on Sept. 20

following the tornado damage OLM had to delay their opening day from Wed., September 8 after significant damage to the original part of OLM from Ida. Despite the many challenges, OLM re-opens its doors to 450 students, missing just 8 school Our Lady of Mercy Regional days. Students were greeted by special 29 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen 215-646-0150 messages as they entered the building. Here’s to a great school year!

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT NEW DATE As a result of the recent storm, we are changing the date of the upcoming Golf Out- ing NEW DATE: Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 Please join us for a fun day of golf! Can’t golf? Please consider a small sponsor- ship of $50 dollars. Proceeds benefit Mercy Grants to provide tuition assistance for famileis Registration can be found at www.OLMrcs.com at the bottom of the home page.

St. Catherine’s ’s Night St. Catherine’s Young Adult Group invites you to join us on 10/7/2021 for our monthly Disciples’ Night as we listen to a recorded talk on the Divine Revelation. We will have mass at 7pm in the Chapel followed by social hour in the farmhouse, then presentation with reflection Please email [email protected] if you and discussion of the sacred scripture, , have any questions. and magisterium making up the Divine Revelation. If you have any questions or would like to attend, please contact us at [email protected]. Walk-ins are always welcome. We meet the first Thursday of each month if you cannot attend this month. Please join our Facebook group “St Catherine’s Young Adults” for additional information.

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