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40 SPRING MOUNT ROAD • SCHWENKSVILLE • PA • 19473 • 610.287.8156 C ome and See! The Door is Always Open Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, I invite you to Come & See the beginning of something very exciting in your life. A re-awakening of your faith - a new experience as you walk with the Lord Jesus. Saint Mary Parish is not like any other community, we are a family; a spiritual family. We walk together on WE LOVE the journey of life. We are a family of believers that struggle with the BECAUSE HE FIRST same struggles everyone experiences. We fall on the journey of life like everyone else falls. However, there is something different here at LOVED US Saint Mary's. We walk, share, learn and live as a family of faith. We 1 JOHN 4:19, NRSV are here for each other. We depend on one another through good times and bad, the sorrows and the joys of life. We are sustained and nourished by God's powerful Word and efficacious Sacraments of Unity, Charity and Love. In particular, we are nourished by the Eucharist - THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY our Lord's Real Presence. We are changed! We become the people 40 Spring Mount Road • Schwenksville • PA • 19473 He has called us to be. We recognize that we do not go to CHURCH but are the CHURCH which is His Mystical Body. Parish House 610.287.8156 Perhaps you have been away from Church for some time? Perhaps St. Mary School 610.287.7757 you are new to the area? Perhaps you feel alone and have no one to share Religio life with? Perhaps you just want to Come & See? We do not judge! We us Education 610.287.4517 (PREP) do not question! We INVITE, We WELCOME, We are a warm community St. Mary FAX 610.287.4226 of BELIEVERS on the road to all that is GOOD and of GOD. Come & See Internet Website www.churchofsaintmary.org what God is inviting you to experience here at The Church of Saint Mary. St. Mary School Website www.smsk-8.org You will be amazed and surprised that God only wants you to take the FIRST STEP and His Grace will lead you home. Home to a place of love, MASS SCHEDULE home to a place of peace, home to a place of faith that you really need. Sunday - 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00 Noon I cordially invite to Mass this Sunday! May the power of the Eucharist transform your life by His holy grace. I invite you to the Sacrament of Monday through Friday - 9:00am Penance & Reconciliation so the power of God's Love can heal your Saturday - 9:00am and 4:00pm (Vigil) brokenness and make you whole again. I invite you to Come & See the awesomeness that God has in store for you this day. Please do not CONFESSIONS: Sat. 9:30am - 10:30am and 2:45pm - 3:45pm pass this opportunity. He is calling you by name to Come & See! PREP: 6:30 - 7:45pm Tuesday, Wednesday Saint Mary Parish has a dynamic school community. We will be glad LITTLE CHURCH : Pre-K and Kindergarten: Sunday 10:30am to welcome you to experience Saint Mary School with its Two Divisions: Our Preschool Division (3 and 4 year olds) and our Kindergarten through ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Eighth Grade Division. We also have an after school program called is all day, every day in our chapel. CARES running until 6PM. Saint Mary's has an extensive Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) which is an educational ministry for children BAPTISMS - 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month at 1:15 p.m. in Grades One through Six that do not attend our Catholic School. MARRIAGE PREPARATION Registered members please contact Come & See! Allow Jesus the Teacher instruct your children in the the parish house at least six (6) months prior to the wedding ways of Faith through our Parish Catholic Education Center. Our family here at Saint Mary's has many Adult Faith Formational date. A pre-Cana class must be attended. experiences for you to explore. Please browse through our Newsletter Rev. Louis P. Bellopede , Pastor and see what God is calling you to discover. I am sure you will find something that may spark an interest. If you are not a member of the Rev. Jeffrey Rott , In Residence Catholic Faith and have a desire to learn what the Catholic Church Deacon Donald O. Nichols teaches and believes then RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Sr. Marie Rose Gibson , RSM, Spiritual Ministry Adults is for you! Come & See! Mrs. Mary Beth O’Connor, Business Manager As you can tell - we are a Center of Faith, a community of believers, Ms. Stephanie Leichner , Administrative Asst. to the Pastor a family of God who desires to invite and encourage our brothers and Mrs. Kathleen Wasniewski , PREP Coordinator sisters to experience the joy of being fully alive in God, May the peace and joy of the Lord Jesus Christ abide with you and lead you to a deeper Mr. Kevin Conwell , Principal of St. Mary School relationship with Himself here at The Church of Saint Mary. Come & See! Mr. Eric Lenz , Facilities Manager Love and prayers, Father Bellopede page 2 Good News of St. Mary’s P a rish Ministries and Activities ST. MARY SCHOOL BOY SCOUTS St. Mary Catholic School exists to enable our children to come to know St. Mary sponsors a Catholic Boy Scout Troop for boys in 5th through and love God. We hope to strengthen the sense of community within 12th grade. All boys are welcome and may join at any time. The troop the parish and create a Christian educational community where human focuses on traditional scouting skills and meetings are held weekly. culture and knowledge, enlightened by faith, is shared in a spirit of CONTACT: George Pinchok 610.287.3970 freedom and love. CONTACT: Principal, Kevin Conwell at 610.287.7757 CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT Come join a community of Catholic Christian families who enjoy fellowship and grow in the Faith together. Families of all sizes, interfaith couples, grandparents, single parents, empty nesters, are all welcome. Meetings usually are once a month and are flexible. Gatherings are in homes or in the church. CONTACT: Kim Spina 610.287.4370 CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW AND BAZAAR Join us on November 21st and 22nd, 2014 for St. Mary’s Annual Christmas Bazaar ! Features more than 50 crafters, a live nativity, raffle baskets, baked goods, food, entertainment, children’s activities, a visit from Santa and more! CONTACT: Sandi Olzinski at 610.287.0831 ST. MARY PRESCHOOL CYO - CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION Our program has flexible sessions and can be combined to create a full- THE CYO is our Catholic Youth Organization program which offers athletic day program for your child. Please call the school office with questions and other types of activities for our parish children. Programs are based or to enroll your child. CONTACT: 610.287.7757 on spiritual service, cultural, social and athletic projects and activities. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - PREP CYO includes boys and girls basketball grades 4-8, cross country, soccer, Parents of children attending public schools have an obligation to see girls field hockey, track, girls softball, boys baseball, and cheerleading. that their children receive a religious education. The dedicated people CONTACT: Jeff Flanegin at 610.287.0980 or [email protected] involved in our Religious Education Program look foward to sharing with you in the fulfillment of that obligation. Meets Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm - 7:45pm. CONTACT: Religious Education Office at 610.287.44517, EXT 244 ALTAR LINENS/ALTAR SERVER ALBS Volunteers help maintain a clean supply of altar linens, towels and the Priests' white lightweight albs along with miscellaneous linens. CONTACT: Mary Kalil at 610.287.8018 ALTAR SERVERS Servers assist Priests in the celebration of the Liturgy by carrying the cross and processional candles, holding the book for the Priest, and DIVINE MERCY assisting with the presentation of the bread, wine, and water and other In the 1930’s, St. Faustina received from the Lord a message of mercy duties. CONTACT: Donna Forsyth at 610.287.4517 ext. 244 that she was told to spread throughout the world. “No soul that has called upon My mercy has ever been disappointed.” The Divine Mercy SUMMER CAMPS AT ST. MARY’S prayer group meets the Thursday before the First Friday of each month CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING SUMMER CAMPS! at 7:30pm in the Chapel. CONTACT: Kathleen Bintner 610.287.5643 June 9-12 - LEGO Camp, 9:30am-12:00Noon, 2nd - 6th grades EXODUS BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY June 9-13 - Fun in the Sun, 9:00am-12:15pm, K - 3rd grade Ministers provide emotional and spiritual support in a group setting to June 9-13 - Christmas in June, 9:00am-12:15pm, K - 3rd grade those who have lost loved ones. Our Exodus ministers are here to journey June 16-19 - Junior Chef Camp, 9:30am-12Noon, 4th - 6th grades with you, and offer support from fellow travelers who have known the June 16-19 - Boys Basketball Camp, 9:30am-12:30pm pain of loss. CONTACT: Sr. Marie Rose at 610.287.8156 June 16-20 - Fun in the Sun, 9:00am-12:15pm, K - 3rd grade June 16-20 - Under the Sea, 9:00am-12Noon, 2nd - 4th grades HOME AND SCHOOL OF ST. MARY June 16-20 - World Art Camp, 1:00pm-4:00pm, 5th - 8th grades HASA’s Mission is to provide support to the educational, social and June 23-27 - Vacation Bible Camp - 8:45am-12Noon, Ages 4-9 spiritual needs of the students and faculty, as well as foster a sense of June 30-July 3 - Girls Basketball Camp, 9:30am-12:30pm community at St Mary’s. There are 3 general HASA Meetings in October, July 7-10 - Summer Playground Fun, 9:30am-12:30pm February and April and the HASA Board also meets the third Wednesday To register and for more detailed information on of each month at 7:00pm in the Parish House; all parents are encouraged Summer Camps go to www.churchofsaintmary.org to attend! CONTACT: Jackie Wagner at 215.527.0353 Good News Of St. Mary’s page 3
HOSPITALITY SUNDAY METANOIA YOUNG ADULTS This Group welcomes all new parishioners into St. Mary’s at a coffee Metanoia supports Catholics in their 20s and 30s looking to deepen social held monthly after the 9:00am and 10:30am Mass. CONTACT: their faith and meet fellow Catholics in the area. Our Ministry includes: Lisa Knol at 215.256.8852 Theology on Tap, faith based meetings, community service, retreats, and outdoor events. We meet every Tuesday (except on Theology on Tap nights) JUNIOR LEGION OF MARY 7:30pm at Corpus Christi, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, Rm. B The Junior Legion of Mary offers young people, ages 8 to 18, an of the Parish Center. CONTACT: http://metanoiayoungadults.weebly.com opportunity to seek the Lord under the banner of the Blessed Mother, encouraging members to grow in faith through active prayer, service MINISTRY OF GREETERS and apostolic works for the spiritual growth of our Parish community. Our goal is to make every person who comes through our church doors Meets on Thursdays at 6pm. Confirmation Candidates welcome! feel like a part of our parish family and for everyone who enters St. Mary’s CONTACT: Cassie Whitehead at 267.614.8214 Catholic Church whether it is a parishioner or visitor to feel welcomed and loved. Your welcoming smile, warm greeting, can help create a better KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS sense of community at our Liturgy. CONTACT: Suzette at 484.680.0669 Knights of Columbus is a fraternal benefit society committed to the founding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. Membership contributes MUSIC MINISTRIES - ACCLAIM to good works through council, church, youth, family and community This musical group plays the First Three Sundays of each month at the service. General meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month at 526 10:30 Mass. All teen and adults are invited to join us. Practice is held Main St. in Schwenksville at 7:30 pm. open to practicing Catholic men the first Sunday of each month at 11:30am. CONTACT: Sandi Olzinski who are at least 18 years old. CONTACT: Matt McCloskey 610.454.1207 610.287.0831 LAY MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY Volunteers are lay Catholics – a movement of consecrated persons with a specific vocation and mission: Missionaries of Charity following the Chari sma of Mother Teresa: missionaries of love, doing small things with great Love –with Jesus’ love. CONTACT: MaryKay Bushey 484.415.0338 LECTORS Ministers of God’s Word deliver the two readings before the Gospel as well as the Intercessions at weekend Masses and on other important occasions. CONTACT: Sara Jane McCurdy 610.287.4450 CHILDREN’S CHOIR LEGION OF MARY The Children's Choir is open to all parish children from grades 3 to 8. The Legion of Mary consists of prayer, and active cooperation in spiritual The choir serves the final Sunday of the month during the school year. works assigned by the Pastor. If you feel Mary, the Mother of God is Practice is held every other Monday during the school year from 7:00pm calling you to help spread God’s love through spiritual interaction in to 8:00 pm. CONTACT: Jane Weidemoyer at 215.234.4390 the community, then please come and see. It may be for you! Meetings are held every Tuesday evening at 7:30pm on the 2nd floor of the parish FOLK MUSIC MINISTRY house. CONTACT: Susan Rodzewich 610.287.5936, [email protected] The Folk Music Ministry serves the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month Adults and high school age musicians and singers are encouraged to MARKET DAY join us. Practice is held Monday following the 3rd Sunday of the month By doing your grocery shopping each month with Market Day, you are from 7:30pm. to 9:00pm. CONTACT: Jane Weidemoyer 215.234.4390 serving your family delicious, wholesome meals, earning Market Day credit AND helping St. Mary School earn a profit! CONTACT: Brandy Cahill at HANDBELL CHOIR 215.896.9407 or go to https://www.marketday.com to place an order. The group is open to high school and adult ringers. Rehearsals are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month during the School Year. The MEN OF ST. MARY’S GOSPEL REFLECTION GROUP Hand Bell Choir serves at various times during the year at special liturgical The Men of St. Mary’s is open to all men interested in exploring how celebrations. CONTACT: Jane Weidemoyer at 215.234.4390 knowledge of the Word of God can transform our lives. Meets every Saturday at 7:30am in the Annex. CONTACT: Stephen Imms at 610.324.2740 SPIRIT CHOIR The Spirit Choir serves the 3rd Saturday and the last Sunday's 9:00am Mass in addition to a variety of liturgies throughout the year. This contemporary music ensemble is opened to teens and adults, leading the assembly with an upbeat and energetic style. Singers and instrumentalists are always welcomed. CONTACT: Jim Rembisz at 215.234.8859 OASIS Open faith sharing group for women of all ages who desire to live out their Catholic faith in everyday life. Meets weekly on Fridays at 1pm in the Annex. CONTACT: Mary Schnaubelt 610.287.8272 page 4 Good News Of St. Mary’s
OUR LADY OF FATIMA PRAYER GROUP Blessed Mother. The celebration begins with the Noon Mass followed Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group meets the first Saturday of each month by the Rosary, food, games, activities for the children, a cakewalk, raffle after the 9:00am Mass. CONTACT: Joanne Kunz at 610.584.6552 baskets, baked goods, fellowship and more! To volunteer or for more information CONTACT: Susan Rodzewich 610.287.5936. PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Personal prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament ST. MARY’S PRAYER GROUP is a special gift. We offer continuous exposition of the Open charismatic prayer meetings for people who want to be renewed Blessed Sacrament for the purpose of uninterrupted through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Meets on Mondays adoration, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week in our from 7:30-8:30pm in Cafe. CONTACT: Maria Richardson 215.721.4320 Chapel. CONTACT: MaryKay Bushey 484.415.0338. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA) Is an international Catholic organization of lay persons, who provide RCIA classes form each fall. This adult faith formation class prepares food, shelter, clothing, transportation and financial assistance for others, non-Catholics for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Eucharist and as well as holiday visitations to the homebound in our parish. SVDP Confirmation in order to become Catholic and prepares current Catholics meets the 1st Sunday of each month following the 9am Mass. to complete a Sacrament or deepen their faith. Sessions are held Tuesday CONTACT: Mary Cosgrove 610.287.6552 evenings from September to May. CONTACT: Deacon Don Nichols at THEOLOGY OF THE BODY FOR TEENS [email protected] or 610.287.8156 Beginning Sunday, April 13th from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, a six session ROSARY GROUP introduction to Blessed John Paul II’s Theology of the Body especially for Our Rosary Group meets before 9am Daily Mass, Monday - Friday and teens. Sessions will be held at St. Mary’s and will include prayer, a before the Noon Mass on Sunday’s. All are welcome. presentation of the material, discussion, and fellowship. This program is an exploration of the ultimate purpose of our lives, and the SCRIP essential meaning of our creation as man and woman – eternal Purchase gift cards and earn money for St. Mary’s as well as tuition communion with God. It is open to any teen aged 14 through 20.CONTACT: credit to any school in the U.S. Volunteers are also needed to sell the Stephen and Anita Imms at: 610.324.2339, 610.324.2740 or 610.287.8959 SCRIP Gift Cards. CONTACT: Mary Beth O’Connor 610.287.8156 ST. KATHERINE DREXEL OF HOPE Services provided by H.O.P.E. volunteers include:, hot meals, transportation to appointments, light housekeeping, shopping/running errands. Any parishioner in need can request service by calling or emailing the H.O.P.E. Ministry Leader at [email protected] CONTACT: De Yarrison, 610.287.4205 or [email protected] ST. MARY DAY CELEBRATION St. Mary Day Celebration and Parish Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 7th, 2014 on the church grounds honoring the birth of our
New Parishioners and Visitors THEOLOGY ON TAP Welcome to the Church of St. Mary! Theology on Tap is held every third Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. Location TBD. CONTACT: Mike Muckian at 724.674.6395 If you would like to join our parish, please contact the Parish House at 610.287.8156 - We would love to have you! WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Upcoming Events at St. Mary’s - Save the date! Six to twelve week discussion based studies offered at various times throughout the year. We seek to strengthen our faith and draw closer May 23 - Memorial Day Celebration - Mass at 9:00am to the Lord through the study of Sacred Scripture and its application to followed by a celebration at 10:45am to honor our veterans our lives. CONTACT: Linda Nichols 215.256.4941 • [email protected] May 26 - Saint Mary’s Flea Market - 8am to 12pm. Spaces are $10 and we can supply you a table at just $5 more! Spaces are WOMEN’S GROWTH GROUP limited! To reserve your spot e-mail Denise at [email protected] Gathers to share life experiences and offers opportunities for enrichment, June 1 - Hospitality Sunday - 10am - SVDP Food Collection fellowship and support in a Catholic atmosphere. The Growth Group June 24 - Catholic Charities Night with the Phillies 7:05 p.m. meets the 3rd Monday each month after the 9am Mass in the Parish at Citizens Bank Park! www.phillies.com/catholiccharitiesnight House. CONTACT: Sr. Marie Rose Gibson at 610.287.8156 September 7 - Saint Mary Day Celebration Begins with the YOUTH GROUP Noon Mass followed by Food, Fellowship and Fun! All teens in 7th through 12th grades are welcome to attend. There are November 21, 22 - Christmas Craft Show and Bazaar games, food, socializing, group discussions, service project opportunities, Check out our bulletin, yearly calendar, and website archdiocese events, and more! Meets 6:30pm on the 1st and 3rd Sundays www.churchofsaintmary.org for more information! of the month from September - June. CONTACT: Stephanie Embree at [email protected] or 610.287.0269