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St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church 1229 E Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, PA 19010

www.stthomasofvillanova.org

Office Telephone: 610-525-4801 Preschool: 610-525-7554

Fax: 610-525-6041

A Stewardship Community - Sharing our Time, Talent and Treasure

Pastoral Staff: Fr. Joseph L. Narog, O.S.A. Pastor #210 pastor@stvparish.org Fr. Arthur D. Johnson, O.S.A. Parochial Vicar #206 pv@stvparish.org Deacon Donald DiCarlo, Jr. donald_dicarlo@verizon.net #610-585-2060 In residence: Fr. Allan D. Fitzgerald, O.S.A. allan.fitzgerald@gmail.com Pastoral Visitor to Sick & Homebound p.care@stvparish.org #225 Karen Farley Business Manager #202 bizmgr@stvparish.org Don Giannella Director of Music Don.giannella@villanova.edu Patricia Greenhalgh Director of Weddings #217 weddings@stvparish.org Mary Kurek Dir. Of St. Thomas Preschool stv.maryshouse1@gmail.com Jeanmarie Lorello Administrative Assistant #208 admin@stvparish.org Mary Kate McCauley Parish Nurse #209 nurse@stvparish.org Anne Murphy #205 Dir. of Christian Service service@stvparish.org Alice Obarski Director of Liturgy #203 liturgy@stvparish.org Kathy Roethlein Administrative Assistant #200 office@stvparish.org Tara Penza #204 Director of Religious Education rel.ed@stvparish.org

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION

Matrimony: Please call the Parish Center to make arrangements to meet with a parish priest at least 8 months prior to the wedding date. Reconciliation: Saturday after the 9:00am Liturgy in Rosemont Chapel, First Fridays after 12:05 Mass or call the Parish Center to make an appointment. Anointing of the Sick: We are happy to offer many support services to the sick and homebound. Visits are made by the Pastoral Staff and Eucharistic Ministers to homes and hospital care facilities. Call the Parish Center to make arrangements. Baptism: Baptisms are celebrated each month, except during Lent. Call the Parish Center to make arrangements and to receive materials.

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD

MARCH 29, 2015

MASS SCHEDULE

Villanova Church Sunday: 7:30am,10:30am, 7:00pm Rosemont Chapel Saturday: 9:00am Vigil Mass: 5:00pm Sunday: 9:00am

Daily Mass: Mon–Fri: 12:05pm Legal Holiday Mass: 9:00am

PARISH CENTER SCHEDULE MONDAY — FRIDAY:

9:00am - 4:30pm The Parish Center is closed from

12:00pm-1:00pm: Monday--Friday

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PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD MARCH 29, 2015

The Sacrament of Reconciliation by Ann Rafferty, RCIA Catechist

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were… Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.“ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.“ And when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:19-23) This scene of the apostles terrified and in hiding following Jesus’ crucifixion brings to life for us in a dramatic way our human need for God and for his gift of divine life. Jesus breathes forth the Holy Spirit to heal and give salvation to the apostles and through them to his Church. We receive the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit in the Seven Sacraments, “the Treasures of our Faith.” The Sacrament of Reconciliation (sometimes referred to as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession) is one of the Sacraments of Healing. Essential to the sacrament is conversion of heart, which is rooted in humility, as Jesus teaches us in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity--greedy, dishonest, adulterous--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”(Luke18:9-14) Conversion of heart is the result of God’s grace and begins a transformation process of redemption and salvation. In the parable of the Prodigal Son Jesus reveals the face of his forgiving father: While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, “Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” (Luke15:20-24) We encounter this mercy and forgiveness of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacrament “involves a conversion of our hearts to God, a confession of our sins to a priest, the forgiveness of our sins, a penance to make some amends for sin, and reconciliation with God and the Church. In this sacrament, the priest acts in the person of Christ, the Head of the Church, to reconcile the sinner to both God and the Church.” (US Catholic Catechism for Adults) Did you know?: - St. Augustine has been called “Doctor of Grace” - Pope Francis announced a new global jubilee “the Holy Year of Mercy “ (Dec. 8, 2015-Nov. 20, 2016) Suggestions to-do:

- If you don’t have one, take a copy of the Confession Excuse List being made available at the back of the churches. - Also take an Augustinian cross and wear it as a sign of God’s love and mercy. - Attend the Communal Reconciliation Service this Monday evening, March 30

th, at 7:30pm in the Villanova

Church. - Or avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Wednesday, April 1

st, 6:30pm-7:30pm in the

Rosemont Chapel or the Villanova Church. - Read Joseph Cardinal Bernardin’s The Gift of Peace. - Use this Holy Week to pray for peace and reconciliation in our families and in our world. - Reach out to someone with whom you have an unresolved issue and work to rebuild the relationship.

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Stations of the CrossStations of the CrossStations of the Cross

7:30pm Wednesday — April 1st at the Villanova Church

Led by Parish RCIA Team, Elect & Candidates

PENANCE —

SACRAMENT AND SO MUCH MORE

Words matter. In the early church, the experience of conversion and reconciliation was called ‘penance.’ Not long ago, it was called ‘confession.’ Vatican II introduced the scriptural word, ‘reconciliation,’ – perhaps to highlight the result of every process of repentance, renewal and reunion. What may be most important today about reaching the summit called ‘reconciliation’ is that it is a journey that can take many, many acts of kindness, of forgiveness and of compassion. The top of ‘Mount penance’ is set on a broad base and many of us remain in the foothills. Forgiveness can be found there, too. In the Lord’s Prayer we ask that our sins be forgiven insofar as we forgive others. This prayer that we often say can also be scary. How can I ask for forgiveness when I hold on to a harsh attitude toward someone else? Such a thought can keep a person ‘in the foothills’ – not in fear of ‘going to confession,’ but in need of being honest with oneself. But the celebration of the sacrament is not for the perfect; it can add a lot to us as we learn how to deal with the little contradictions that we all find within. The confession of our limitations can also be an everyday experience, as the letter of James (5:16) says: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another and this will cure you.” This is one of the paths up the mountain – a very down-to-earth way of building trust together with those we love, because it says “I’m not self-sufficient” or “I’m part of something bigger than me.” The give-and-take of forgiveness prepares us for the climb and makes it begin to happen. The first letter of Peter (4:8) tells us what we need to have in our backpack as we climb ‘Mount Penance:’ “Love covers a multitude of sins.” Augustine says:

So then, my dearest brothers and sisters, let us ... love wholeheartedly not only our friends but also our enemies; so that what is written may find its fulfillment in us: … Charity covers a multitude of sins. – Sermon 387, 3

Everyday forgiveness, honest confession and love of neighbor are part of the journey; they are also part of the sacrament of penance where – by God’s grace – a deeper connection between our life and our faith can be celebrated. – Fr. Allan Fitzgerald, O.S.A.

TRIDUUM 2015 THE HOLIEST OF DAYS

HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND 8:00PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper -

Villanova Church Solemn Adoration until 11:00PM in Corr Hall

Chapel

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD 3:00PM Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

Villanova Church

HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH

EASTER VIGIL 8:00PM (Villanova Church)

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 5TH 7:30AM - Villanova Church

9:00AM - Rosemont Chapel * (* American Sign Language Interpreter at Mass)

9:45AM - Villanova Church 11:00AM - Rosemont Chapel 11:30AM – Villanova Church

FOR SAFETY REASONS OCCUPANCY IS LIMITED IN THE VILLANOVA CHURCH TO 650 PERSONS AND IN THE ROSEMONT CHAPEL TO 550 PERSONS. This will be strictly observed. Parking for the Villanova Church is in the Main Lot on Lancaster Avenue EXCEPT for persons with Special Needs. For your safety and the safety of all, please follow the directions of the Public Safety Officers. Thank you!

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Schedule of Events for the week of: March 29, 2015

Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy.

Monday, March 30, 2015 Golden Living 10:15AM Art Class - PC1 11:00AM Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 7:00PM Communal Reconciliation — VNCH 7:30PM Tuesday, March 31, 2015 STV Preschool Stations of the Cross 9:30AM Bible Study - PC2 10:00AM SFC Mentors 2:15PM Bible Study - PC2 7:00PM Genasis Bells - Aud 7:00PM Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 9:30AM Honickman Ministry 10:15AM Reconciliation - RMCH 6:30-7:30PM Reconciliation - VNCH 6:30-7:30PM Stations of the Cross - VNCH 7:30PM Thursday, April 2, 2015—HOLY THURSDAY Morning Prayer - RMCH 9:00AM Preschool Closed Mass of the Lord’s Supper - VMCN 8:00PM Friday, April 3, 2015—GOOD FRIDAY Preschool Closed Office Closed Morning Prayer - RMCH 9:00AM Celebration of the Lord’s Passion - VNCH 3:00PM Saturday, April 4, 2015—HOLY SATURDAY Morning Prayer - RMCH 9:00AM Easter Vigil Mass - VNCH 8:00PM Sunday, April 5, 2015 - EASTER SUNDAY Rosemont Village Eucharistic Prayer Service 10:30AM EASTER SUNDAY MASSES: 7:30AM - Villanova Church 9:00AM - Rosemont Chapel 9:45AM - Villanova Church 11:00AM - Rosemont Chapel 11:45AM - Villanova Church THERE ARE NO EVENING

MASSES AT THE VILLANOVA CHURCH ON

EASTER SUNDAY.

Mon., Mar. 30th Monday of Holy Week 12:05PM-RMCH Dr. Peter Arcuri - Family Tues., Mar. 31st Tuesday of Holy Week 12:05PM-RMCH Richard Antonetti - John Geraghty Wed., Apr. 1st Wednesday of Holy Week 12:05PM-RMCH Thurs., April 2nd HOLY THURSDAY 8:00PM-VNCH Mass of the Lord’s Supper Fri., April 3rd GOOD FRIDAY 3:00PM-VNCH Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Sat., April 4th HOLY SATURDAY 8:00PM-VNCH Easter Vigil Sun., April 5th EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

7:30AM-VNCH Alleluia 9:00AM-RMCH Alleluia 9:45AM-VNCH He 11:00AM-RMCH Is 11:30AM-VNCH Risen!

THERE ARE NO EVENING MASSES AT THE VILLANOVA CHURCH ON EASTER SUNDAY.

Stewardship Thought for the Week “Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, ’Crucify him.’” Mark 15:12-13 Jesus told us “whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.” Every day we are presented with opportunities to help someone. Every day we have the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in others and be the face of Jesus to others. Pray for the courage to stand up for those in need of our help.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: Is 42:1-7; Jn 12:1-11 Tuesday: Is 49:1-6; Jn 12:21-33, 36-38 Wednesday: Is 50:4-9a; Mt 26:14-25 Thursday: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 Friday: Is 52:13—53:19; Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn 18:1—19:42 Saturday: Gn 1:1—2:2 or 1:1, 26 31a; Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10, 13, 15 18; Ex 14:15—15:1; Is 54-5 14; Is 55:1-11; Bar 3:9-15,32—4:4; Ez 35:16-17a, 18-28; Rom 6:3-11; Mk 16:17 Sunday: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 10:1-9 or Mk 16:1-7

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“Masses in Interpreted American Sign Language”

We have an American Sign Language Interpreter at the 9:00am Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month. The interpreter will be here

on April 12 and 26, 2015.

Thank you for generosity for the weekend of March 21 and 22, 2015: Number of Envelopes 399 Envelope Amount $12,820.00 Loose Cash $1,666.53 Electronic Offerings $14,111.13 Other $120.00 Total $28,717.66 10% Tithe $2,871.77 March 23, 2014 $27,456.73

HOLY WEEKHOLY WEEKHOLY WEEK SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

OPPORTUNITIES IN LENTOPPORTUNITIES IN LENTOPPORTUNITIES IN LENT

Communal Reconciliation Service Monday of Holy Week, March 30th Villanova Church 7:30pm

Villanova Church Tuesday and Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm Rosemont Chapel Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm

LENT 2015 LOCAL PARISH PENANCE

SERVICES

St. Thomas of Villanova Mon., Mar. 30 7:30pm (Villanova Campus) St. Pius X Tues, Mar. 31 7:00pm St. Anastasia Wed., Apr. 1 7:00pm

Is God Calling you? Will you answer?!

Our Religious Education Program (REP) needs you!

Over 300 children & young people, kindergarten through grade 8, will sign up next fall to learn more about Jesus & the Catholic faith. You can help them learn and grow

by becoming a catechist or classroom aide for Faith Formation. With classes offered on Sunday mornings & Wednesday afternoons you are sure to find a time that

fits your schedule. We provide you with training, materials & support - you just bring your love of God!

For more information contact, Tara Penza, at 610-525-4801, x204, or rel.ed@stvprish.org.

Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish,

Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish and

the Center for Worship & Spirituality

at Villanova University

Welcome:

Jim Ziolkowski

Speaking on

FAITH AND SERVICE

MARK YOUR

CALENDARS!

Rescheduled for Monday, April 20th at

7:00PM

St. Thomas of Villanova Church

As you know by now, Villanova began its NCAA Tournament run on Thursday, March 19

th – the same

time we originally had Jim Ziolkowski scheduled to speak. Being a college basketball fan himself and wanting people to enjoy the game – and still hear his story, Jim graciously decided to postpone his talk. We’re grateful that he now plans to be with us on the evening of April 20

th; now all the more reason to come

out and give him a warm welcome! In the meantime, as I’ve recommended before, do yourself a favor and check out Jim’s National Bestseller and NY Times Bestselling Education Book, Walk in Their Shoes: Can One Person Change the World? I couldn’t put it down; a truly riveting and inspiring read! Copies also will be available that evening. Learn more, as well, about Jim and his efforts at the website: www.buildOn.org Fr. Joe

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We extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Brendan & Catherine Lake of Villanova Gilbert & Pamela LaMonaca & Family of Media July Mulrow of Haverford Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Katherine Breck, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Jack Geraghty, Patricia Ann Harley, Bridget Kelly, Joseph Maiorana, Madeleine O’Callaghan, Julia Boland Paparella, and Annie Sears.

Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world. Please also pray for the

soldiers who are returning from their assignments, especially the wounded soldiers.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at 610-525-4164 or email stv1964@verizon.net to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. PROJECT HOPE This is a transportation ministry for our Parish. If you need a ride to your medical appointments or to food shop this week, please call Pat Herbison at 610-527-3556 . Please give at least 3 days notice. DINNERS TO THE DOORSTEP This ministry is for parish families who are in crisis or for parish couples welcoming a new baby. Homemade dinners are delivered. Two parish coordinators keep a list of volunteers who are called as needed. If you are in need of this delicious community support, please call Maria Gunn at 610-291-7205. ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, April 19th. The Inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the poor and homeless people they serve with food, clothing and hospitality. This ministry is open to anyone 16 years or older. For more information and to sign up, contact our parish coordinator, Sheila Holst at 610-659-5828 or hagan1126@verizon.net.

Cradles to Crayons team is needed to roll up their sleeves and work at the Giving Factory at 30 Clipper Road, Conshohocken, PA

on Tuesday, April 21 — 6:00-8:00pm

We will sort clothing, clean and repair toys,

prepare gift bags for needy children all over the Delaware Valley. Middle school students and

older are welcome.

RSVP to: Cheryl Gibson at 8gibson@comcast.net

You are invited to join us for A Spring Concert Series

with the “El Escorial” Choir on Tuesday, April 7th at

7:30pm in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church

On the Villanova University Campus

The choir of “El Escorial” is a choir of about fifty

boys who reside and receive academic and musical training at the Augustinian Royal

Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid, Spain.

All are Welcome!! Free Admission

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Women of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish

Celebrate the Easter Season with TV Journalist and Book Author

LuAnn Cahn

As she

SHARES HER SECRET TO FINDING

NEW CHALLENGES IN LIFE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th

7:00pm

Rosemont Auditorium Going through the same motion week after week? Looking for your next adventure in Life? Then be sure not to miss this Emmy Award Winner. Cahn is the author of an inspirational memoir I DARE ME. Come hear how Cahn, an NBC News Reporter, took on a new “dare” every day for a year and how those little steps led her to a new career path as a Director of Career Services at Temple University School of Media and Communications. This thoughtful provoking talk will be followed by a wine and cheese social. Bring a friend! Please RSVP to Kathy at office@stvparish.org or call 610-525-4801.

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Preschool NOW ENROLLING!

St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool is now accepting applications for the

2015 - 2016 school year.

You can access more Information by either going to our

website or calling our school at 610.525.7554

Feel free to make an appointment to visit with our Director:

Ms. Mary Kurek

Come to our Open House Monday, April 20th through Friday, April 24th

9:00am — 11:00am

Visit us on the web at www.stvpreschool.org

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Catholic Relief Services Hungering for Seeds of Home We follow Jesus this week on our Lenten journey as he enters into Jerusalem, a community he knew well. CRS Rice Bowl asks us, too, to prayerfully enter into our own communities, to find those who are hungry and thirsty, who need our help. How does our Lenten journey motivate us to serve those we encounter in our daily lives? Please turn in your Rice Bowls on Palm Sunday weekend. Please convert your money to a check made payable to St. Thomas of Villanova and with “CRS Rice Bowl” on the memo line. Thank you.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

APPEAL

Giving Hope 2015

Please Give Generously!

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS NEEDED!! We are looking for “Retired” Eucharistic Ministers willing to visit homebound parishioners once a month on a very flexible schedule. Please contact Mary Kate McCauley at nurse@stvparish.org or call 610-525-4801, ext. 209.

THE ALLELULIA! MINISTRY

NEEDS YOU

ON EASTER SUNDAY

In 2014 we welcomed over 2,500 parishioners, extended family and visitors to our Vigil and Easter Sunday Liturgies. Would you be willing to share one hour before and 15 minutes after the Easter Liturgy you plan to attend to make sure that each person who joins us for Easter will feel….. WARM WELCOMED WANTED WORTHY What is the job description of an Alleluia Minister? Stand outside the doors of the church, opening the doors, expressing a warm welcome. After Mass you will stand outside doors expressing a goodbye and asking our guests to “come back” and distribute an Easter Card. If you can be an Alleluia Minister to welcome all who will join us this Easter, please contact Anne Murphy at service @stvparish.org or 610-525-4801, ext. 205.

ST. THOMAS OF VILANOVA PARISH

LENTEN SHARING

Thank you to parishioners who served at the St. Francis Inn, St. John’s Hospice, Cradles to Crayons and for all of the food you have brought to stock the St. Cyprian’s Food Bank.

WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES

Register early for the World Meeting of Families! Early registration pricing for the World Meeting of

Families ends April 30. Register your family today! The Basic Package is the most affordable pricing

option ($125/adult; $95/child for a 4-day ticket until April 30). Visit the website to learn more and register:

WorldMeeting2015.org.

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HEARING THE CRY OF THE POOR:

Lenten Almsgiving

How exciting the World Meeting of Families and the Pope’s visit will be for all of us in Philadelphia. This dynamic Pope has spoken forcibly about those who are poor and suffering. Pope Francis said.... “In a world where there is so much wealth so many resources to feed everybody, it is unfathomable that there are so many hungry children, so many children without an education so many poor persons. Poverty today is a cry.” The Pope will reiterate that message next fall in Philadelphia. We need to hear this message. Philadelphia has a poverty rate of 26% - the highest among the 10 largest cities nationwide. Almost one in three children lives in poverty. Food pantries are strained to meet the growing needs of people facing food insecurity. That includes the Food Pantry at St. Cyprian’s Parish (our sister parish) in West Philadelphia. St. Cyprian pantry is in dire need of help this Lent. Please drop off canned foods including: tuna fish, spaghetti sauce, cereals canned fruits, hearty soups, prepared box dinners with meat, boxed milk, pasta, peanut butter and jelly. Bring your Lenten offering to the Parish Center during the week or to the Rosemont Chapel around weekend Liturgies. We cannot accept food at the Villanova Church. Parishioners and the Youth Group will be delivering food to St. Cyprian’s on Palm Sunday weekend. Rice Bowl is another almsgiving vehicle for Lent. Your financial gift helps Catholic Relief Services to provide food and supplies in many war town countries around the world. Questions about Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl, www.crs.org.

Villanova University News 2015 Oscar Romero Solidarity Lecture

Villanova University’s Center for Peace and Justice Education welcomes all to attend the 2015 Oscar Romero Solidarity Lecture: “Solidarity, Romero, and Today's Movement for Immigrant Justice” given by Peter Pedemonti, Co-Founder and Director of New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia. The event will be held on the anniversary of Romero’s martyrdom, Tuesday, March 24

th at 7:00 p.m.

in Bartley Hall 2001. For any questions about the event, contact sharon.discher@villanova.edu.

YOU ARE INVITED TO A

BROWN BAG LUNCH

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

12:45PM — Rosemont Auditorium

TOPIC: A GRAND TOUR OF ANTIETAM,

SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND

HARPER’S FERRY Presenter: Parishioner, Peter Romeika Peter began his studies of the Civil War in the 1980’s. He is a graduate of Mt. St. Mary’s College and has represented his alma mater at a rededication ceremony at the old Cathedral Cemetery in Philadelphia. Peter is an active member of several Civil War organizations.

Drinks and desserts are available.

Please join us.

Office for Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Mothers of Children with Disabilities Retreat: Monday, May 4, 2015 at Malvern Retreat House. Bishop Timothy Senior will direct a retreat for mothers who are raising children with disabilities and also those who have adult children with disabilities. There will be time to pray, reflect, and chat with other mothers. To register or for more information, please contact Malvern Retreat House at 610-644-0400, malvernretreat.com or St. Kathleen Schipani at 215-587-3330, or

PALM SUNDAY

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WELCOME VISITORS

Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you are visiting our beautiful church or chapel, please know you are most welcome! If you have questions or are interested in joining our parish community, please call the parish office at 610-525-4801.

Adult Faith Enrichment Survey “We would like to hear from You!”

An email was sent to parishioners requesting your input on ways to expand and enhance adult faith development at St Thomas of Villanova (STV) parish. You are being directed to an independent web site for the survey which will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete. We would like to ask that each adult respond individually. If you have an email address and did not receive the survey, you may send an email to admin@stvparish.org requesting the survey be sent. If you do not have an email address, please stop by the parish office or just call and we will send a survey to your home. You may either return it by mail or drop them off at the office in a white envelope with “Adult Faith Survey” written on the envelope. All information is confidential and your identity is unknown unless you elect to provide it. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration and response.

ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA “DAY TRIPPERS” ARE READY TO GO!

Join parishioners on a trip to Asheville, North Carolina to see the Biltmore Estate, home of the Vanderbilt's” with a stop at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Returning home we stop at Charlottesville, Virginia, home of James Monroe, and to Monticello, Virginia, home of Thomas Jefferson.

Monday, September 28th to Friday, October 2nd

Pricing for this trip: Single - $1,075.00/pp; Double - $815.00/pp; Triple - $735.00/pp Tour includes: 4 night accommodation — 4 deluxe continental breakfasts — 2 lunches — 2 dinners Guide service, transportation, and taxes and gratuities. Checks Payable to: St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, Mail to: Thomas J. Seidner, 1501 Ashton Road, Havertown, PA 19083 If you have any questions, please call Thom at 610-853-1776.

The Path of the Unaccompanied Minor Examining Legal and Community Responses to the

Humanitarian Crisis

Sponsored by Villanova University Law School Clinical Program and the Villanova University Partnership with Catholic Relief Services and

Villanova University Campus Ministry Date: Thursday, April 9, 2015 Time: 10:00am-5:30pm (Attend Sessions that Fit Your Schedule) Location: Villanova Law School Room 101, Commons The Conference is Free and Open to the Public Lunch Registration, Directions and Event Program: http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/mission/crs/events.html The Path of the Unaccompanied Minor: Examining Legal and Community Responses to a Humanitarian Crisis is a joint initiative of the Villanova School of Law Clinical Program, the Villanova University Partnership with Catholic Relief Services, and Campus Ministry. Drawing on the expertise of those with first-hand experience working with unaccompanied migrant children from the “Northern Triangle” countries of Central America, the purpose of the conference is to shed light on the seriousness of this crisis, speak to the moral and ethical urgency to address it, and recommend specific action on a number of levels that can be taken. The conference will trace the path of the unaccompanied children through five aspects of their journey: the push factors driving them out of their home countries, the conditions of the detention facilities that the children are held in when they reach the U.S., the legal obstacles they face when they arrive, the unique challenges they face integrating into U.S. communities, and their fate if deported. It will also identify resources, current efforts and contacts to aid in this crisis and suggest effective ways to help.