PLEASE PRAY FOR MORE PRIESTS Due to a lack of priests, we will only have 6:30 AM Mass during July and August on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Mass intentions scheduled for Mondays and Fridays will be transferred to other available 6:30 AM Masses. MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, July 9 8:30AM Matt Mullin 5:30PM Bob Russell SUNDAY, July 10 7:30AM Eleanor Capista 10:00AM Dr. Nicholas Pagliei 11:30AM Michael Ciavardini 5:30PM Patricia DeJesse MONDAY, July 11 6:30AM Communion Service 8:30AM Gerald McFadden TUESDAY, July 12 6:30AM Dr. Albert Andresen 8:30AM Anthony D’Angelo WEDNESDAY, July 13 6:30AM Matt Mullin 8:30AM Anne B. Rafferty THURSDAY, July 14 6:30AM Sick of the Parish 8:30AM John Moran FRIDAY, July 15 6:30AM Communion Service 8:30AM Susann Tervalon SATURDAY, July 16 8:30AM Margaret Mary Buchy 5:30PM Namao Magnanini SUNDAY, July 17 7:30AM Mary O’Reilley 10:00AM Dr. Francis Lazorik 11:30AM Marie Juliano 5:30PM Michael Ciavardini 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A Jesus’ Parables - July 10, 2011 First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11 God Provides Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23 Creations Awaits Mt. 13:1-23 or 13:1-9 The Parable of the Sower Gospel Summary – While we call this Gospel, “The Parable of the Sower,” it is much more about the seed than the farmer. Although there will be obstacles to telling others the Good News, the message will be received by many. Some of the sower’s seeds fell on rocky ground, on paths where people walked and among thorns. While these seeds probably won’t take, the seed that fell on good soil has the chance of reaping a tremendous harvest. Reflection for Families – We meet many obstacles and sometimes feel our children simply don’t hear us. But the seed that falls on good soil (and our children are good soil) will produce an enormous yield. We need only not to be discouraged nor give up in the face of obstacles. Bringing the Gospel Into the Family – This is a great Gospel to show children literally its meaning. Plant seeds in the types of places described in the Gospel-on rocky ground, paths where people walk, weed or thorn patches, and on good, fertile soil. Check the locations every day or two and notice what is happening. As a family, make connections between what is happening to your seed and seeds described in the Gospel. Continue the observations by connecting the seeds to your own lives. What does his lesson mean to your family? How are you like the seeds? Because the word became flesh and dwelt among us, both the seed and the Sower is Jesus Christ. How are you responding to the gift of faith in Jesus within your heart and among your relationships of responsibility? The way Jesus loves and forgives us is the way we are commanded to love and forgive our family, friends and foes. Flowers in the Chapel – Patrick Cotter Bread, Wine & Candle – In memory of Anthony D’Angelo SISTER CECIL GABRIEL HELPED FATHER RALPH DEVELOP A WISH BONE, BACK BONE AND FUNNY BONE. I always thought Sister Cecil Gabriel, my seventh and eight grade teacher, exaggerated and embellished her witness stories. After thirty five years of priesthood, I have witnessed so many miracles and God-incidences. I thank God for Sister Cecil who blessed me with spiritual wisdom. She stood four feet tall, but to all of us she proved a giant in empowering us with a backbone, funny bone and wishbone. SMM HEALING MASS Changed from Thursday to Friday Friday, July 22 at 7:30 PM On the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen, we will have a Healing Mass at 7:30 PM on Thursday, July 21st. We invite all to come and pray for personal and communal healing for all suffering from spiritual, emotional, social and physical illnesses and fears. -SMM0035 1 Family, friends, her Franciscan Community, and especially her students stand in praise of God and thank Sister Cecil for helping us develop a backbone, funny bone and wishbone. The one spiritual insight from her still delights my soul. In seventh grade she explained the First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart. If we participated at Mass for the nine First Fridays, we would be guaranteed a place in heaven with all the angels and saints. I figured this was an offer I could not resist, especially to amend my sinful ways. It took me two years to fulfill this commitment to the Sacred Heart. What started as a quick way to heaven became a lifelong love affair with Jesus as my personal Savior and the God –Man who has blessed me to be his priest and disciple. HEAVEN IS FOR REAL BY TODD BURPO “I tell you the truth, unless you become like a little child, you can not enter the kingdom of heaven” A four year old boy, Colton Burpo, has a life after death experience and reveals the reality of heaven connected to us through personal experience you can not dream or imagine. This is awesome spiritual reading for all, especially for those who do not believe our loved ones and Jesus are still in spiritual union with us. Colton Burpo will renew your faith in our Catholic Doctrines of heaven, the Communion of the Saints (Colton meets his grandfather), the role of angels, the sanctity of human life from conception (he meets his little sister who died due a two month miscarriage that he never knew). The last chapter will increase your faith. A Backbone: She challenged us to trust in God for the grace to be and do our best each day with the unique talents. Whenever I was not working to my potential, my parents were called in to partner with her in making sure I did not misuse my gifts. She taught us that report marks were important, but even more important were the character marks for conduct, responsibility, and faithfulness. IS OUR ADMINISTRATION ANTI-FAITH AND FAMILY? As he left the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin was asked, “What kind of government have you fashioned?” He responded, “A republic – if you can keep it.” Franklin insisted that a chaplain be assigned for the divine grace and strength of our Creator who endowed us with the certain unalienable rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This past week, the Veteran’s Administration declared that at funerals, we are not to mention God or Jesus Christ as part of our prayer for the repose of the men and women who died to preserve our freedom of religion. When we pray, who are we supposed to pray to? Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, proudly announced that she was instrumental in Lady Gaga doing a concert in Rome’s Circus Maximus to promote Gay Rights. That is the theatre where first Christians were martyred for the sanctity of life and marriage. The truth sets us free, but first makes us miserable. A Funny Bone: She knew we were sinners and frail, but she told us to laugh at our mistakes and use them as stepping stones to building a better future. She stressed that prayer, mass, and reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion were the necessary ingredients for wonderful relationship with God and others. Like my Mom, Sister's mind had spiritual radar which easily detected any evil spirit and she exorcised them immediately with a word of caution or instant correction. A Wish Bone: Balancing our divine calling to holiness and our battle with temptations, Sister Cecil demonstrated by her Franciscan spirit and devoted lifestyle that charity to others daily motivates us to overcome selfishness and enjoy the friendship of Jesus who came to serve and not be served. Through her littleness and powerlessness, she enabled us to wish beyond our imagination and discover that Catholic education opens horizons where most of us became more than we ever dreamed. As we celebrate the blessing of the Eucharist, the spiritual communion that nourishes all believers, pray that we may pass on the gift of faith to our children. Is your life with Jesus helping you become a more loving person? The wheel diagram: The Christian life can be pictured as a wheel. The rim of the wheel represents the Christian’s daily life. The hub of the wheel is the source of power and direction for the whole wheel. It holds the wheel together. The hub of the Christian life is Christ himself (on the throne, the center). In order to transmit the power and direction from the hub to the rim, spokes are needed. Some spokes in the Christian life are prayer, study, service, and community. These are means to put our whole life in contact with Christ, so that he can transform it with his power and directions. Sister Cecil Gabriel went home to God on June 27, 2011 celebrating 101 years of life and love while still praying for us at Assisi House in Aston. To us she is forever young because her love for Jesus and others, along with her Franciscan Spirit enabled and encouraged others to develop a back bone, funny bone, and wishbone. May we honor her by imitating her virtues and pray that like her, we can pass on Jesus to others. Love, Msgr. Ralph -SMM0035 2 WEDDINGS need to be arranged 6 months ahead. You need to be a practicing Catholic and registered. At least one partner must be a practicing and active member of our parish or their parents. Please call Msgr. Ralph. Call Peter or Mary Zurbach to sign up for Baptismal class for all parents. Next Pre-Jordan is September 7, 2011. Sponsor Eligibility Letters from the parishes are needed three weeks before the Baptism. We ask you to come for instructions before you give birth so that you can be prepared in choosing your date and sponsors. We remind all parents and Godparents that they must be registered and practicing Catholics. Godparents must be 16 years of age and have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. REGISTRATION FOR ALL FAMILIES We invite all people to register in the SMM Offices. If you come to church every week, but have not filled out a registration form, you are not registered. You will need to fill out a registration form, which can be obtained at the offices or from one of the priests. Registration helps us to serve you when issuing letters in connection with sponsorship of Baptism, Confirmation or Matrimony. Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage are all sacraments which are taken very seriously. In order for you to receive a sacrament or play a role in someone else’s reception of a sacrament, you will need to be an active parishioner. When someone is asked to be a godparent or to sponsor someone’s Confirmation, a Letter of Eligibility is required from our Parish testifying that the godparent or sponsor is an active parishioner. A Letter of Eligibility is asking the priest to sign and acknowledge that the person is at least 16 years of age, confirmed, celebrating the sacraments regularly, and, if married, married in the Catholic Church. This person must be registered and an active member of the parish. This is the standard practice that all churches follow. If you move, we would appreciate a call to the Offices so your records will be up to date. A time to die… Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the families of our SMM Faith Community who have died and all the victims of war, and the 4,100 daily abortions. A time to heal: PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK & OUR SOLDIERS in harm’s way: Fr. James Hughes, Flo Albrecht, Baby Vaughan, Nina and Alfonzo Baldi, Farnsworth Bisbee, Jean Brennan, Bernie Brill, Giana Campbell, Antonette Carlino, (cousin) Ralph Chieffo, Dave Clark, Nancy Clay, Fran Cook, Sean Cosden, Regis Cronin, Paul Daniels, Chris DeFino, Michael Delaney, Carol Desko, Anna DiDonato, Gennela D’Orazio, Gina DiMarino, Carla Donato, Tim Dowd, Kathleen Durham, Bobbie Edwards, Stephanie Egan, Bernadette Farrell, Robert Franklin, Rev. John Freeman, Katie Gallagher, Bill Greto, Helen Hartman, Joan Husted, Junka Husted, Elliott & Henry Johnson, Lucille Konecny, Caren Pappano Ladd, Lucy Lanzellotti, Joe Malloy, Leo Maloney, Joe MacDonald, Debra Marcoux, Peggy Matthews, Rev. James Melle, Carmella Messina, Al Mestichelli, Larry Minisci, Anne Miniszak, Pat Miniszak, Eustace Mita, Jr, William O’Brien, Denis O’Brien, Andrea Orsini, Carolyn Paulson, Bryana Perea, Thomas Preising, Bill Purner III, Bob Ruggieri, Adeline Ruggieri, Carol Schwartz, Phyllis Scott, John Shea, Dan Shellington, Mark Storti, Laura Tomasetti, Joann Trolio, Anthony Truscello, Louise Veit, Tom Ward Sr., Larry Weathers, Dr. John Weigele, Francis Wesner. Call Msgr. Ralph, if you need a priest to offer the Sacrament of God’s Healing Love – cell 610-389-9541. INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY Delco IHN now has a website! Please go to www.dcihn.org and check it out. The website contains 2 informative videos for anyone wishing to make a donation. Find out more about this ministry and ways you can help. The families will be back at SMM the weeks of July 17 and August 28. If you would like to help out, go to www.mysignup.com/smmihn. The sign up sheet for August will go up later. Feel free to drop off your donation at any time if Sunday is a hardship. Please double bag. HUNGER NEVER TAKES A VACATION. Donations by mail can still be sent to DCIHN PO Box 2384, Chester, PA 19013. ROSARY and PRAYER FOR VOCATION Join us every Tuesday in the chapel at 7:15PM to pray the Rosary. What a wonderful way to enjoy the blessing of Jesus & Mary through all our joys, sorrows & glories. WELCOME OUR NEW FAMILIES James & Sonica Kearney & Family, Nicholas & Aja Sannelli & Family, Nicholas & Elizabeth Zammer & Rachael. See Msgr. Chieffo for a Registration Form after Mass or stop in our Parish Offices in the lower level Mon through Fri 8:30AM-4:30 PM. Offices close for lunch Noon-1PM. If you would like your family and home to be blessed, please call the parish office. If you are parish activities, contact Joanne Hinkle at 610-892-3998. -SMM0035 SMM LEGION OF MARY HONOR THE BVM AND YOUR FAMILY FAITH All are invited to attend every Tuesday evening at 7 PM in the lower BVM Ministry Room. Call Karen Kelly at 610-565-6539 3 TAKE TIME TO RENEW YOUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS!!! Our small Faith Sharing group is more a discussion group with your fellow parishioners using the current Sunday Mass readings as a kick-off point. Meetings are kept to an hour in a relaxed, sociable setting. Facilitators and times of meetings are listed below. Please call Bonnie Clark (610-353-7930) or one of the facilitators. Mon 1:00PM: Betty Mulhern 610-353-5035. Twice monthly: Sue Mita 610-566-4819 Tues 7:30PM (2x a mo): Mary Ann Foster, 566-1399. Wed 7AM Men’s Group: Don Saleski 610-566-3492 in Church Gathering Room. Monthly, Wed: 9:30AM, toddler’s welcome: Jeanne Barker 610-627-1009. Thurs. 3 PM: Eleanor O’Rourke, White Horse Village 610-558-9128. Thurs 7:30PM: Bonnie Clark (2nd& 4th wks) 610-3537930. If you would like to start a group, call Msgr. PRAY FOR MERCY AND RECONCILIATION BETWEEN OUR PRIEST AND VICTIMS One of the most difficult challenges our church faces these days is that of the clergy sex-abuse scandal. No one wants to talk about it, and no one wants to encounter it in the daily news. Most of us wish it would go away. But it happened and was, in many cases, mishandled over decades, and now it’s as if we’re living with a series of aftershocks. While the incidence of new offenses has finally slowed, revelations of obfuscation and cover-up continue to surface and more and more dioceses face the uncertainty of bankruptcy. The book of Genesis bears some interesting parallels with this ongoing scandal in the church, and perhaps it can offer us a path through the difficult times that may still lie ahead. Scripture scholars tell us that even within the Scriptures themselves, the terrible sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is variously interpreted as homosexual activity, social injustice, and disregard for the poor or general immorality. Likewise, experts and ordinary Catholics alike will offer a wide variety of reasons for the sex-abuse scandal. In both cases, however, we know that a terrible violation of the human person is at the heart of the sin. Even Jesus warns us that God condemns anyone who abuses or even gives scandal to children: “It is better for that person to hang a millstone around his neck and be thrown into the sea.” SMM Employment Network presents: Linkedln is the world’s largest professional network with over 100 million members and growing rapidly. Linkedln connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. Come learn how you can use LINKED IN to improve your network, learn about potential opportunities and even find a job. Companies are actively using Linkedln to find talent and hire employees to help grow their businesses. If you’re not on Linkedln… you’re missing the boat! Looking for a job? Contact Paul & Barb at 484-4204246 0r e-mail them at smmemploy@gmail.com. Abraham rightly argues with the Lord himself that it’s not fair to punish the good along with the wicked. He knows, as Moses and Jesus will later affirm that God’s very nature is marked by mercy and forgiveness. But, as the story unfolds, we discover that a third trait of the divine is always justice. And, in fact, Abraham proves to be overly optimistic in his assessment of his neighbors. Not even ten righteous men will be found in the two cities. Thankfully our situation is far from being this dire. There are many, many good men at all levels of the church’s hierarchy, and we pray that they are working toward some kind of justice for all involved in this terrible scandal. HOPE MINISTRY: JOIN US!!! We are grateful for the many volunteers. Pray and participate and enjoy the blessings of sharing your love. Please email or call the Healing Ministry and the HOPE Program and volunteer. Step out in Faith that He is Leading you. Your Sister in Christ, Anita Morro R.N. B.S.N. Healing Ministry: anitasmm@verizon.net 610566-8821 ext #121 HOPE Meal Program: nvernahope@comcast.net. Blessings, Anita Morro In the Gospel, Jesus tells those who would follow him to offer no excuses in their commitment to the way. We will do well to heed his words. PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION To commit to a Holy Hour please contact Monica 610891-9483 or Shelly 610-353-7739. We are in need of Adorers on Tuesday @ 2AM. & Saturday @ 1AM. We are grateful to all our adorers and all who pray for us. Let us be vigilant and prayerful as we all do our part in protecting and promoting a safe environment for all our children at home, school, church and play. Only a good Christian conscience and the grace of God can give us the grace to overcome sin and enjoy the blessing of respecting the presence of God in all our children. ENJOY THE SACRAMENT OF PEACE AND LOVE BY RECEIVING CHRIST’S FORGIVENESS EACH SATURDAY AT 4:30 PM OR SEE MSGR. RALPH. -SMM0035 4 Caitlin Watson, SMM Class of 2002, graduated from Penn State with a degree in Elementary Education and writes, “Without SMM and the wonderful teachers and administration, I do not know if I would be where I am today! Having the experience I did at SMM definitely influenced my decision to become an educator to help our youth grow into outstanding individuals.” Chase Watson, SMM Class of 1997, is playing hockey professionally after graduating from Providence. Brett Watson, SMM Class of 1999, graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and is working for JP Morgan. STEWARDSHIP AND TITHING We are grateful for your generous donations to Catholic Charities this month. Know you touch many lives by your kindness. Our SMM Charity Board distributed $76,634.00 to a variety of charities from the 5% taken from our weekly collections and special gifts for Orphanage in Kenya, BVM School, Darby, Mother of Sorrows School, Philadelphia, Interfaith Hospitality, Sisters of St. Francis, Bethesda and future SMM St.Vincent DePaul Conference + YOUR FAITH GIFTS AND TALENTS ARE PRECIOUS TO ALL OF US July 3rd - $18,252.00 Last Year –$14,719.00 The Endowment benefits our school, PREP, Youth Ministry, and adult formation class. SUNDAY BUS TRANSPORTATION: Bus will park at the corner of church, be careful! Bus pick up is at 9 AM- 9:15 AM from Lima Estates and pickup is at 9:20 until 9:30 AM from Sunrise at Granite. Jeff Dowd, SMM Class of 1990, is realtor with Zommick McMahon Commercial Real Estate for over the last 10 years. He has sold and leased numerous industrial, retail and office space transactions in the Delaware and Chester County areas. Congratulations to these SMM graduates as they followed their dreams! The following received honors at Villa Maria Academy for the Second Semester: Distinguished Honors: Leah Lombardi First Honors: Madeline Inglis, Julianna Ricco, Ellen Wilson and Brenna Donato Second Honors: Johanna Lenahan, Michelle Dunn, Gianna Ciro and Celine Lombardi we’re very proud of you for your achievements. From Mrs. Burke’s Desk… This week we were notified by the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools that they have reviewed and accepted our Mid-Point Review. The report was found to be complete and showed evidence of faithful implementation of our strategic plan for growth and improvement. We will continue to conduct and maintain Annual Reviews of the progress on our goals. Our work to maintain our accreditation is on-going. Have a safe and peace-filled summer! Celebrate God each week at Mass…we will see you in September! Registration information: 610-565-1822. Celebrate our vision for learning…moral awareness, academic excellence, responsible citizenship, and cultural development. COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART: Highest Honors: Lauryn Elia, Stephanie Finley, and Lauren Grajewski. Honors: Katarina Kinslow and Marcela Marino. Merion Mercy Academy: Distinguished Honors: Alexandra LaMonaca, Alyssia LaMonaca, Maura C. Murphy, Christina M. O’Shea, Mary A. Hope and Tammy H. Le. Honors: Clare M. Brabson, Jennifer C. Grugan, Jennifer A. Heinerichs, Kathryn M. Welliver, Sarah E. Byrnes, Taylor M. McElwee and Kathryn Natale. Congratulations to Evan Barr for achieving Second Honors at Bishop Shanahan High School. SMM ALUMNI NEWS: The Cabrini College Class of 2011 voted Dolores Weathers, SMM Class of 2003, as the graduate who best fulfilled the ideas of the college. She received the Mother Ursula Award at the 2011 Commencement Ceremony on May 15 for Academic Achievement, Extra-curricula Activities, Leadership and Service. Each year, Cabrini’s graduating class votes on the recipient of the Mother Ursula Award. Dolores earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. She was a member of the women’s lacrosse team for four years, and tutored anatomy and physiology, and exercise science and health courses. She also volunteered at the Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester tutoring elementary students. -SMM0035 Alumni remember to save the date: November 12, 2011 for an All Class Reunion for those who attended SMM School from 1963 to 2003. Information will be emailed or mailed to those who we have registered in the association. If you wish to stay in contact simply e-mail presidentsmm@verizon.net or call Miss Miniszak at 610-566-8821 at ext. 122. Also, we would love to hear about our former students about what is happening in their lives. Please e-mail us! 20013 SMM WILL CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY- plan to help celebrate our parish!!! 5 Petition: Lord, grant me the grace to be generous and trustful concerning your plan for me. PREP INFORMATION Registrations forms for the 2011-2012 Prep Program have been mailed to all current Prep families. Registration forms are also available in the Church Narthex. Prep families are asked to check for an e-mail from Deacon James about home visits. Please call with any concerns or questions at 610-565-5782. Have a great summer. 1. Jesus Needs Apostles: A condition for the Kingdom to grow is that it have protagonists. Christ refuses to be a one-man show. We honor and bow before the divine choice expressed in Christ’s desire to let his victory be realized through others, beginning with the Twelve. In the Twelve we find the model of every call of Christ to build his Kingdom, to spread the faith by word and deed. If there is no response to his call, there is no Kingdom. Have I meditated on my call often? Do I see it linked to my family and to my workplace? Have I responded to it? 2. The Calling: Many were on the mountain that day. Many were drawn to him and longed to be close to him, but only 12 received the explicit call to be Apostles. The sense of predilection is in every vocation and every mission from God. What we are chosen for in life, no one else can fulfill it. We are called by name, meaning that Christ knows us well when he calls, including all our defects and weaknesses. He did not ask the Twelve for their preferences, look at their SAT scores, or scrutinize their résumés. The choice of God, revealed in prayer, is sovereign and omnipotent in action. The Twelve cannot think there has been some mistake or some miscalculation. The voice of God, who neither deceives nor can be deceived, is speaking. 3. A Free Response: Christ called freely, and in freedom the Twelve responded. He did not bring down angels from heaven to overwhelm them to cooperate, he merely prayed to the Father. As Lord of the harvest, he has called each one of us. Our vocation as an apostle is not a question of our wanting to be one. It is not a question of our talents or compelling feelings for this or that, but of our faith-driven awareness of God asking and our responding. Why are we where we are now in our vocation in life? In our particular marriage? In a particular lay movement? We can never know fully, for only God knows the depths of his own wisdom. This is the first mystery of the Kingdom that touches each one of us personally: God called, he willed it, and we said “yes.” This is the only answer an apostle must seek. Anything else slows down the mission and interrupts the dialogue of love and service to the mission. Conversation with Christ: Lord, I want to affirm that all my work today is going to be my response to your call to be your disciple and a light to others in this world. I resolve never to doubt the special and perfect nature of your plan for me. May my heart always be confident and generous in responding to your voice. SMM CYO in need of coaches. We are in need of JV field hockey coach and JV volleyball coach. If interested, please contact Maureen Rennie mwardrennie@gmail.com or 610-405-2407. JESUS ROCKS BIBLE CAMPERS Our Jesus Rocks! Bible Campers Raised Funds for the Needy of our Community. Thanks to the generous hearts of our campers, we will be donating $59.05 to the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Our campers collected their loose pennies, Nickels, dimes and quarters and brought them smiling to our collection jar. The donation will be made in our campers’ names to help the needy of our community. Way to go, Campers! Jesus continues to rock in our hearts this summer! Choosing an Apostle Matthew 10:1-7 Jesus summoned his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Introductory Prayer: Lord, I bring myself into your presence knowing the zeal of your heart for souls. The glory of your heavenly Father can shape my own heart. I am confident that, just as the Twelve lit the flame of their love for their mission from the furnace of your divine love, I can ignite all that is lukewarm and tepid in my own soul today. I desire to fulfill more perfectly the mission you have given me. -SMM0035 Resolution: I will take the hardest part of my day and embrace it with greater joy out of love for the one who has called me. Fr. George Grima 6 BETHESDA PROJECT Summer surely is flying by. Next Sunday, the 17th is Casserole Sunday. Don’t forget to pick up a recipe booklet and a few tins. Sincere thanks and appreciation to those of you who have been remembering the folks at Bethesda. They are grateful-not only for the food-but knowing that everyday the casseroles represent prayers, love and concern for them. It makes them feel special and important and words are inadequate to express the hope that it brings them. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Don’t take a summer vacation from enriching your marriage. God wants to be part of you marriage all summer long. Bring a breath of fresh air to your relationship. . Our next weekend will be July 29 – 31, 2011. Early registration is highly recommended. For more info, call 1 800 456 8330 or visit our website at: www.wwme-philly.org. LAUGH WITH THE PASTOR ON AGE A flaw of old age is that it does not last long enough. Age is an issue of mind over matter; if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. Old age is not a hindrance to men chasing women; they just have trouble remembering why. Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Forty years isn’t old if you are a tree. Old age begins when you realize that forever is not as long as it used to be. It’s nice to have birthdays, they make you live longer. JOIN OUR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS We meet the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM in the St. Francis Room. Contact our Grand Knight Steven Visek at 610-565-0231 or visit our parish website. We were happy to sponsor the Easter Egg Hunt and assist at the parish picnic. We look forward to our Pancake Breakfast on October 2. Come and be a Catholic Knight practicing faith and building a stronger culture of life. H.O.P.E. PRAYER CHAIN HOPE accepts prayer requests to show our parish spiritual support during difficult times. Contact Maria Flannery at 610-565-3144 for your prayer request and also to be a prayer warrior for SMM. Lift up your fears and anxieties to God and receive his gracious peace. All calls are confidential. TUNE INTO MSGR. RALPH ON THURSDAYS 800 AM Radio from 5 PM – 6 PM Call 610-527-2906 for your comments and questions. We thank you for donating $600 for the program from our Healing Mass last month. Please tune in and learn about our Faith. FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART Come to me all who labor…Since every heart innately yearns for God, this Gospel passage ought to be prized above all others, for it teaches us the secret for satisfying that yearning. To encounter God requires only one thing. Not intellectual prowess, worldly excellence, or sophisticated achievements, but simplicity. God gives himself to those who are “mere children” – to those who are childlike. The mark of children is not innocence; most often they are quite mischievous. It is not ignorance, for they often surprise us with their insights and thoughtful questions. Nor is it helplessness, for many of them are streetwise survivors, as often seen in situations of poverty and war. SUNDAY BUS TRANSPORTATION: Bus will park at the corner of church, be careful! Bus pick up is at 9 AM- 9:15 AM from Lima Estates and pickup is at 9:20 until 9:30 AM from Sunrise at Granite. The mark of the child is trust. Children readily put their trust in those given charge over them until that trust is violated. It is natural for children to depend on their parents, to follow unquestioningly their older siblings. They have not yet developed the average adult’s haughty air of self-sufficiency. By word and example as for example in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus teaches us that intimacy with God requires trust above all. Faith is trusting that what God reveals is true; hope is trusting that what he promises will come about, love is trusting that what he asks us to do is what we should do. If we put our trust in God, and not in ourselves, we will find God. NEW SCHOOL SIGN Many thanks to the people and companies who assisted us in making our new school sign come to life. Judge Anthony & Carolyn Truscello, Nick Merlino, Gricco’s Auto Services Inc, Gaetano Fizzano, A-Jon Cement, Carl Galantino, Joseph Conan. ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE Saturday, July 16 5:30PM – M. Goldhorn, J. Conroy Sunday, July 17 7:30AM – A. Gargano, S. Newby 10:00AM – Trang Le, D. Rennie, C. Keith 11:30AM – L. & C Croquette 5:30PM – C. Toddy, M. Nolen -SMM0035 GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!! When you can not understand His ways with your mind, trust Him with your heart!! 7