Church of Saint Philip Neri Pennsburg, PA May 24, 2015

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1 Church of Saint Philip Neri Pennsburg, PA May 24, 2015 Rev. Robert A. Roncase, Pastor Rev. Raymond W. Smart, retired; resident Deacon Michael J. Franks Deacon Mark J. Meinzer, Business Manager Rev. Edmond J. Speitel, Pastor Emeritus Rev. John J. Scarcia, Retired Pastor Shirley Misiak, Office Manager Catherine E. Faust, Director of Music Wendy Benner, Coordinator of PREP/Religious ED Tom Dewees, Director Catholic Family Life Center Diane Cunningham, Adm. Assistant CFLC Anita Fuhs, Youth Minister Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T., Parish Outreach Parish Phone Numbers: Rectory Youth Ministry Religious Education/PREP Catholic Family Life Center Parish Hall Parish Outreach Neri Center Fax Numbers: Rectory Religious Education/PREP Catholic Family Life Center Church & Rectory Address: 1325 Klinerd Rd; Pennsburg Hours: 9:00 AM 4:00 PM Address: Website Address: Religious Education Office address & hours: 26 E. Sixth Street, East Greenville, PA Monday & Friday: Offices are closed Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 am 4:00 pm Wednesday: 12:00 pm 8:00 pm address: Neri Center Address 575 Main Street, East Greenville, PA Catholic Family Life Center Address 26 E. Sixth Street, East Greenville, PA address: Website Address: Youth Ministry Office hours: (East Greenville) Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Wednesday: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm address: spnym@comcast.net ROSARY: Prayed in the Chapel Saturday after the 9:00 AM Mass Monday at 1:00 PM EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 1 st Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Chapel, followed by Benediction. FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS For a floral arrangement to be placed at the altar, please call the rectory. SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil Mass 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30, 11:00 AM Holy Day Masses as announced WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE - St. Anne Chapel The Chapel is open Monday thru Saturday until 7:00 PM for your visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Daily Mass is celebrated in the Chapel attached to the rectory: Monday - 5:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:00 AM Saturday - 9:00 AM CONFESSIONS Saturdays: 4:00 4:45 PM or: at the Rectory BY APPOINTMENT anytime. BAPTISMS: Please call the Rectory to schedule 2 nd Sunday Baptisms are held at the 11 AM Mass 3 rd Sunday Baptisms are held at 12:30 PM SPONSORS: Sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation need to be at least 16 years of age, to be confirmed, attend Mass weekly, and if married, be in a valid marriage. PRE-JORDAN CLASSES 1 st Monday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Rectory meeting room. MARRIAGES Arrangements should be made at least SIX MONTHS before the date of the wedding. NEW PARISHIONERS Welcome to your new home! Please stop by or call the rectory between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm to fill out a registration card. SHUT-INS Please call the Parish Outreach Office. SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the Rectory. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 1

2 OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We are the Catholic Parish Community of St. Philip Neri, answering Christ's call to discipleship through Word, Sacrament and Service. We proclaim God's hope and love to all. As we prepare for the visit of Pope Francis The Office of the Pope, Successor of Peter (continued from last week) 4. Why do we call the Pope the Vicar of Christ? Jesus gave an office uniquely to St. Pete, the first of the Apostles, to be transmitted to the Successors of Peter. A vicar is someone who stands in the place of another. Peter was chosen by the Lord himself to be His vicar. He was not elected by the other Apostles to preside over the Church. Jesus Christ specifically prayed for Peter. Now, the Cardinals, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seek to choose the man whom the Lord has destined to be the next Pope. 5. What do we mean by the term "the power of the keys"? The Lord gave an office uniquely to St. Peter. The "power of the keys" entrusted to him represents this authority. By virtue of His office the Pope possesses supreme, full, immediate and universal ordinary power in the Church, which he is always able to exercise freely. 6. Who do we call the Pope the Servant of the Servants of God? The Pope is the head of the College of Bishops. He serves those who serve. When Christ bestowed special gifts on Peter, these were not to be considered or used as a special privileges for his own benefit; rather, these special gifts were to be a means of serving others. The Pope's life is spent in imitation of Jesus who came to serve and not to be served. 7. Who do we call the Pope the Holy Father? Catholics (and even non-catholics) refer to the Pope as "Holy Father" or "his Holiness" because these terms remind us that the Pope is the universal pastor of the Church, into which Christ wants to gather all the children of God into one. (cf John 11:52). The Pope's office has an objective sanctity about it, flowing from its divine institution. 8. How many Popes have there been in the history of the Church, including the present Pope? Including our present Holy Father, Pope Francis, there have been 266 Popes in the history of the Church. 9. What do we mean by "Apostolic Succession"? Apostolic Succession refers to the handing on of apostolic preaching and authority from Apostles to their successors, the bishops, by the laying on of hands. The office of bishop is a permanent office in the Church. Apostolic Succession is the transmission, by means of the sacrament of Holy Orders, of the office and power of the Apostles to their successors, the bishops. Thanks to the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Church remains in communion of faith and life throughout the ages, while she carries on the mission of Christ. Reference to Apostolic Succession can be traced back to the New Testament. Reference to it can also be found in the earliest writings of the Fathers of the Church - in Clement of Rome's Epistle to the Corinthians, which was written around 96 A.D. and Ignatius of Antioch's letter to the church of Philadelphia in Asia that was written in or about 106 A.D. 10. Name the Popes who reigned during the 20th Century. The Popes who reigned during the twentieth century include Leo XIII, who reigned as Pope from 1878 to 1903; St. Pius X, who reigned from 1903 to 1914; Benedict XV, who reigned from 1914 to 1922; Pius XI, who reigned from 1922 to 1939; Pius XII, who reigned from 1939 to 1958; St. John XXIII, who reigned from 1958 to 1963; Blessed Paul VI, who reigned from 1963 to 1978; John Paul I, who reigned as Pope for only thirtythree days in 1978; St. John Paul II, who reigned from 1978 to 2005; and Pope Benedict XVI, who reigned from 2005 to NOTE: Questions/answers eleven (11) through sixteen (16) will be published in next week's Bulletin. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 2

3 Serving at Mass May 31 Extraordinary Ministers Lectors 5:00 pm - Linda Franks Larry Concio Lee Johnson Bob Ellis Priest Deacon Janet Kendra Alice Swift 7:30 am - Jim Michels Pete Frank Priest Deacon Chuck Rodgers Maureen Moser Paul Moser Lori Brozena Mike Duka Mary R. Giambrone Rita Tokarski 9:30 am - Christine Kemp D. McCausland Lester Kemp Chris Meinzer Priest Deacon Jenny M. Josko Cecilia Kirkwood 11:00 am - Amanda Charlton Luke Verna Kevin Charlton Priest Deacon Maryanne Charlton LaRue Emmell PENTECOST SUNDAY May 24, 2015 Monday, May 25, St. Bede the Venerable 9:00 am - Christine Erb, (Paul & Maureen Moser) Tuesday, May 26, St. Philip Neri 8:00 am - Communion Service: NO Intentions Wednesday, May 27, St. Augustine 8:00 am - Communion Service: NO Intentions Thursday, May 28 5:00 pm - Second Anniversary, Mary Pondo (Barbara & Rich Grochowski) Friday, May 29 8:00 am - For all those enrolled in the Memorial Society. Saturday, May 30 9:00 am - Kazimiera Wieczorek, (Barbara & Rich Grochowski) 5:00 pm - Bessie Schwartz, (Bob & Dawn Ellis) THE MOST HOLY TRINITY May 31, :30 am - For all living and deceased Parishioners. 9:30 am - Helen Ondra, (Husband & children) 11:00am - Andrew & Peggy Mellon, (Barbara, Kathy & Andrea) FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS The red roses placed at the Sacred Heart Altar are in honor of Kitty & Karl Heebner's Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary; requested by the Children. **************************************************** The floral arrangement at the Center Altar is in honor of Kitty & Karl Heebner's Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary; requested by the Children. WE INVITE YOUR PRAYERS For the sick, those in hospitals, nursing homes, and also for their caregivers. Please pray in particular for: Reverend John J. Scarcia, Reverend William McGeown, Florence Anders, Terry Aston, Charlotte Azarovich, Terry Brooks, Frances Cannon, Dottie Cappelli, Danny Carr, Sue Ann Creamer, Helen Crouthamel, Jennifer Diascro, Lois Diephaus, Amy DiGirolamo, Ron & Joanne DiGirolamo, Sondra Dykie, Charles Eberle, Karen Freed, Steven Gebhardt, Stephanie Gebhardt, Fran Jacobs, Bob Kanya, Christine Keer, Christina Kemp, Don Lammers, Mara Maginnis, Kate Mausteller, John McArdle, Joanne Metzinger, Annie Moran, Rosalie Nelson, Bernard Nichols, Virignia Piechocki, Helen Pownall, James Rosso, Anthony Sammartino, Alexis Semler, Beverly Slifer, Sean Stefanowicz, Evelyn Steffenino, Bob Talbot, Anna Tedesco, Bill Tersine, Kathleen Tew, Susan Tew, Margaret Tocci, Christine Troll, Ralph Updegrove, Martin Waldenberger, Sarah Werkley, Vincent Wixted & Larry Wood. For those who have died, grant them eternal rest and peace. MAY 2015: THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE Sunday - May 24 Parish Breakfast 7:00 am - 12:30 pm Parish Hall Children's Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 am Mass Men's Basketball Monday May 25 Holy Rosary Hour 1:00 pm Chapel Rectory Offices closed Tuesday May St. Philip Neri, page 3

4 Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Parish Hall Wednesday May 27 Altar Server Training 7:00 pm Church Garden Club (Church grounds) 5:00 pm Men's Basketball Thursday - May 28 8:00 pm Parish Hall Friday May 29 Frontier Girls Meeting (call Karen for time) SPN Quilting 1:00 pm Parish Hall Saturday May 30 Altar Serving Training 2:00 pm Church Sunday - May 31 Children's Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 am Mass Men's Basketball 8:00 pm Parish Hall Youth Ministry Bake Sale after Masses UPCOMING MEETINGS Holy Rosary Hour - Monday, June 1 1:00 pm Chapel Pre-Jordan Baptismal Class - Monday, June 1 7:00 pm Rectory Meeting Room SPN Quilting - Monday, June 1 at 1:30 pm Parish Hall Meeting Rooms Boy Scouts - Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 pm Parish Hall Garden Club - Wednesday, June 3 at 5:00 pm Church grounds Men's Basketball - Thursday, June 4 at 8:00 pm Parish Hall First Friday - June 5 Mass in Church at 9:00 am Adoration and Benediction in Chapel at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Frontier Girls - Friday, June 5 at 6:30 pm Parish Hall (Meeting about Trip preparation) NO Charismatic Prayer Group - Saturday, June 6 Bingo Sunday - June 7 at 1:00 pm Parish Hall Children's Liturgy of the Word - Sunday, June 7 at the 9:30 am Mass Men's Basketball - Sunday, June 7 at 8:00 pm Parish Hall PARISH NEWS Saint Philip Neri Parish Council Members-at- Large welcome any questions or comments you may have. Names/ addresses: Tony Bauer: ajbauer337@gmail.com Matthew Fuhs: matthew.fuhs@comcast.net Dave Klauder: Marlene Leidy: Ed Tryon: stickman@enter.net marleneleidy@comcast.net greeneng2001@yahoo.com Theresa Walker: cheg1978@comcast.net SUNDAY COLLECTIONS May 11, 2014 May 18, 2014 Envelopes: $ 7, $ 4, Online: 1, , Loose: Children: Total: $10, $ 6, May 10, 2015 May 17, 2015 Envelopes: $ 6, $ 4, Online: 1, , Loose: Children: Total: $ 9, $ 6, Ascension Thursday: $ 1, nd Collection for: NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY We have all seen and heard the news about the devastation caused by the earthquake in Nepal. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has suggested that archdioceses consider sponsoring a collection to support Catholic Relief Services in their efforts to help the Nepalese people in their recovery. Therefore, Archbishop Chaput is asking the Pastors in the Archdiocese to consider taking up a voluntary collection for the benefit of the Nepalese people on the weekend of May 30/31. This collection will take place immediately after the first collection. Special Second Collections: May 2015 For those who do not receive Sunday collection envelopes or if you are an On-Line giver, the following second collections are: Ascension Thursday; Mother's Day; Parish Debt Collection 4th Quarter and Sharing Our Blessings 100th Anniversary. ONLINE GIVING Go green with St. Philip Neri Church by signing up for Online Giving. You have the option to keep receiving your regular offering envelope packets if you wish. ( Give a St. Philip Neri Memorial Gift! For a donation of $35 or more, there is a beautiful Folder recording the gift and donor to be presented to the family. In memory of Tom Paul; requested by: Lawrence & Cindy Morton. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 4

5 YOUTH ALTAR SERVER TRAINING We are currently recruiting and training new Altar Servers. If your child is currently in the third grade or higher and would like to become a Sunday Mass Altar Server, please read the information below: There will be three (3) training sessions. The prospective new server is expected to attend two (2) of the three (3) sessions scheduled. The first session was held on Saturday, May 23. The second training session is Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 pm in SPN Church and the third session is Saturday, May 30 at 2:00 pm in Church. A parent is expected to come with the child and remain with him/her. Sessions will not last more than one (1) hour. Please do not drop your child off and leave. Important information will be given to you at the training session. New Servers will be added to the July, August & September schedule. Any questions, contact Deacon Mike Franks. His contact info is in the bulletin and parish website. PARISH OUTREACH HELP! HELP for H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Enthusiastically). A woman in Hereford needs a ride to Mass, the second Sunday of each month. If you will HELP, call Mary Ellen Paulk at: Reminder...SPN Senior Club Meeting is Wednesday, May 27 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the Parish Hall. HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: Our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 16-7:00 pm at the Catholic Family Life Center. To be a part of this committee, contact: Eileen at: ; eileendavis62@gmail.com. or contact Doris: ; gmomdecker@yahoo.com. CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP There will be NO Charismatic Prayer Meeting on Saturday, June 6 in the Chapel. The next meeting is Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 am. FIRST FRIDAY Friday, June 5 is First Friday. Mass is in Church at 9:00 AM. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Chapel from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM followed by Benediction. Please commit to spend some time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. DISCOUNT DORNEY PARK TICKETS Dorney Park opened its regular season on May 23. (thru September 7); weekends only from September 8 thru November 1. You can preorder & pre-pay for your tickets. Tickets are good for any one regular admission; all age groups to both Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom. The cost is $28; a savings of $26 per ticket. Order forms are available anywhere SCRIP is sold: at Church after each Mass or call the rectory office: between 10am & 4pm. Payment by cash or check only. ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS PRIESTS' CONVOCATION Archbishop Charles Chaput will assemble with the priests of the Archdiocese for a Priests' Convocation from May 26 through May 28. This Priests' Convocation provides a unique opportunity for priestly fraternity and unity. It is also a time dedicated to prayer and reflection on the gift of the ministerial priesthood instituted by Christ for the Church. These days will include the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours and Holy Mass, as well as talks on the theme, The Priesthood Fully Engaged, given by Matthew Kelly of the Dynamic Catholic Institute. The Deans have planned in advance for the sacramental needs and emergencies in our parishes and institutions during these days with the help of many Religious, senior and retired priests. Please pray for our Archbishop, Auxiliary Bishops and Priests during the upcoming Priests' Convocation. May this Priests' Convocation bear fruit for our priests in holiness of life and of greater service to Christ and His Church. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 5

6 World Meeting of Families Philadelphia Transportation Are YOU going to the WMOF? Help us plan for this exciting Event by taking our quick online survey about how you are getting to the WMOF! Visit worldmeeting2015.org on our Transportation page to take the Survey. World Meeting of Families Registration to volunteer is now open! website ( On the volunteer page of the World Meeting of Families, there are two volunteer portals; "General Volunteers" and "Deacons, Men & Women Religious". To register as a volunteer, one must complete a two-step process that includes completing an online user registration form and a background check request. Once these two steps are completed, registrants will receive a series of s regarding eligibility. After you have successfully passed the background check (allow 48 hours) you will receive an with a link to sign up for events. This link will take you to the Volunteer Hub where you will choose the days and time slots for which you would like to volunteer. Questions regarding registration can be sent to: volunteersupport@worldmeeting2015.org or speak with staff : Promotional Resources regarding: Documentary on Philadelphia's Catholic History With the endorsement of Archbishop Chaput, History Making Productions (HMP) is producing a series called Urban Trinity: The Story of Catholic Philadelphia which will be broadcast on our local ABC affiliate during the week of the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia HMP is interested in identifying and possibly using photographs and home movies that might include any of the following: Archbishop Prendergast, Cardinals Dougherty, O'Hara, Krol; Pope John Paul II's visit to Philadelphia in 1979; sacred ceremonies including celebrations of a Mass, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals; ethnic and community festivals and celebrations of Saints; Catholic community events involving senior citizens, Catholic Youth Organizations; imagery of well-known Catholic Philadelphians; and related materials. If you own and can find these types of photographic or film/video materials and might be willing to share it with the producers of the documentary, please contact them by at willa@historymakingproductions.com or by calling All materials will be returned. Vocation Office for Diocesan Priesthood Make a difference. Consider the Priesthood. CATHOLIC PHILLY.COM Stay informed, educated and inspired by visiting CatholicPhilly.com every day. Discover Catholic news, photos, videos and columns on Catholic life and spirituality. Help CatholicPhilly.com spread the Good News by becoming our fan on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Upcoming Retreats at Malvern Retreat House Spirituality of Athletics: Coaches, athletes and anyone interested in sports is encouraged to attend a day of reflection at Malvern Retreat House on Thursday, June 4 from 9am-3pm. The retreat titled Spirituality of Athletics will be led by Jim Rogers, a much sought after speaker on topics of adult wellness, spirituality and values in sports. The cost is $35 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Please visit malvernretreat.com to register or call for more information. Charismatic Retreat: Malvern Retreat House is hosting a Charismatic retreat led by two of the Catholic Church s most prophetic voices: Dr. Ralph Martin and Sr. Ann Shields. The June retreat will focus on the theme What is the Holy Spirit Saying to You Today? This retreat will include a healing service led by Kathleen McCarthy. Please visit malvernretreat.com to register or call for more information. Motherhood Day of Reflection: Mothers are invited to a special day of reflection at Malvern Retreat House on Sunday, June 14 from 2pm-7pm. Speaker Marie Joseph, Executive Director of Legacy Life Foundation, will focus on the theme Mother Mary: The Hidden Path to Peace. The cost is $30. Please visit malvernretreat.com to register or call for more information. Healing of Families: Malvern Retreat House is hosting a day retreat on family relationships to help strengthen ties. The retreat Healing of Families: Building Healthy Relationships will be held on Sunday, May 31. Directors Msgr. Ralph Chieffo and Dr. Peter Kleponis, a licensed clinical therapist, will lead the retreat. The cost is $30. Please visit malvernretreat.com to register or call for more information. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 6

7 Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow a day at a time. SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST Sing a new song A sequence is part of the Liturgy of the Word, sung before the gospel on the greatest feasts in the year. However, it seems to be hardly ever sung anymore. Does it prolong the liturgy? Why not celebrate the gift of God s Spirit today and discover yourself embraced by God s Spirit in one of these thrilling manifestations: Come, Holy Spirit. Come, father of the poor, giver of gifts, light of the heart. Greatest comforter, sweet guest of the soul, sweet consolation. In labor, rest, in heat, temperance, in tears, solace. Cleanse what is unclean, water that which is dry, heal that which is wounded. Bend that which is inflexible, fire that which is chilled, correct what goes astray. Grant eternal joy. TODAY S READINGS: Day: Acts 2:1-11; Galatians 5:16-25 or 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13; Sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus; John 20:19-23 (63). He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. MONDAY, MAY 25 FEAST OF BEDE THE VENERABLE, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH wisdom. Turn off the media and find three wise sayings in Sirach meant for you. TODAY S READINGS: Sirach 17:20-24; Mark 10:17-27 (347). No more can the dead give praise than those who have never lived. TUESDAY, MAY 26 FEAST OF PHILIP NERI, PRIEST Let your life be your sermon Philip Neri was a popular spiritual advisor and confessor. But this saint of Rome who lived during the Council of Trent also was criticized by some for allowing laymen to preach and for using hymns written in the language of the people. History is a great teacher that in this case reminds us that a saint of the church recognized the richness of faith within the laity of his day and encouraged the use of everyday language in the singing of hymns. Say a prayer of gratitude today for the faith that is yours alone to preach by the way in which you live. TODAY S READINGS: Sirach 35:1-12; Mark 10:28-31 (348). But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first. WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 FEAST OF AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP, So many books, so little time RELIGIOUS, MISSIONARY You know the drill: You buy the book, then never The original Canterbury tale read it. It gathers dust and remorse the longer it Imagine being uprooted from a monastic life and sits on the shelf. Your intentions were sincere, but told to march across medieval Europe to time always seems short, energy scarce. It s much Christianize a far-flung kingdom with unknown easier to watch television or surf the internet than gods. This was the task given to Augustine of to give yourself to the pursuit of learning! The Canterbury, a Benedictine monk who became the Venerable Bede made the time: for learning first archbishop of Canterbury and a founder of the languages, studying scripture, pouring over English church in the year 597. We would not be histories, and becoming truly wise. Today we begin talking about Augustine today had he listened to a week of reading Sirach, a compilation of acquired the men in his mission who, seeing the task before them, urged Augustine to turn back and cancel the 059-St. Philip Neri, page 7

8 undertaking soon after it began. Encouraged by Pope Gregory the Great, Augustine and the men persevered and succeeded. If we stay the course through the difficult times, our mission of faith large or small can and will be completed. Hang in there! TODAY S READINGS: Sirach 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17; Mark 10:32-45 (349). Come to our aid, O God of the universe, look upon us, show us the light of your mercies. THURSDAY, MAY 28 Let failings lead you to faith Many of us find it difficult to ask for help. We would much rather give than be vulnerable enough to receive. While faith tells us that God is in charge, we so often forget and live as if we are in control of our lives. Then something stops us in our tracks: a disappointment, a diagnosis, a failure, or a death. And in that moment pride is revealed for the false god that it is and we cry out, Master, help me see. Write a note of gratitude to someone whose strength has been revealed in weakness. TODAY S READINGS: Sirach 42:15-25; Mark 10:46-52 (350). Many rebuked him telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more. FRIDAY, MAY 29 God bless Mom, God bless Dad.... Remembering the goodness and faithfulness of living and departed holy men and women is the first step in paying our respects. To ensure a lasting legacy, we must follow their examples of radical love. TODAY S READINGS: Sirach 44:1, 9-13; Mark 11:11-26 (351). Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time. SATURDAY, MAY 30 FEAST OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY She just keeps showing up Some people put great faith in the apparitions of Mary those times throughout history when the Mother of Jesus has been reported to appear, speak, and sometimes perform a miraculous sign. The church officially makes belief in Marian apparitions a matter of decision, not doctrine. Still, as one Protestant believer has phrased it, whether you credit these visions or not, what do you make of the idea that folks throughout history and around the world keep seeing her? Mary speaks to our longing for a personal encounter with the sacred. She had one. We re all invited to be Christbearers. TODAY S READINGS: Sirach 51:12c-20; Mark 11:27-33 (352). When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. A prayer for the ages Shrines, home altars, burial grounds, memorial services these are all common ways people honor their ancestors. For Christians, we have the Litany of Saints, one of the oldest prayers in Christianity, where we call to mind the holy men and women in our salvation history. The litany is most often sung at Easter Vigil Mass and All Saints Day, but many of us also pray modified litanies each night calling out the names of our own special circle of saints: 059-St. Philip Neri, page 8

9 Youth Group Bake Sale after Masses May 31 Help our 8 youth group members get to the Steubenville Conference Retreat. The cost is $300 per person to attend. Please help us expose our youth to this encounter with Christ. 059-St. Philip Neri, page 1

10 ST. PHILIP NERI SUNDAY BINGO June 7, 2015 Working Team #2 Bingo begins at 1PM; Doors open at 12 NOON Parish Hall 1325 Klinerd Rd Pennsburg All Regular Games Prize is $50 Final Cover All-Special Prize is $500 Great food available in Parish Hall Kitchen 059-St. Philip Neri, page 2