Third Sunday of Easter April 10, 2016
Saints Simon and Jude
A stewardship parish + 8 Cavanaugh Court + West Chester, pa + www.simonandjude.org
We congratulate
Villanova university
NCAA National Champions
Third Sunday of Easter 2 April 10, 2016
MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm Weekday: 6:45 and 9:00 a.m. Divine Mercy prayed after 9:00 a.m. Mass Sat. Morning: 9:00 a.m. Holy Days: 7:00 Vigil, 6:45 & 9:00 a.m. & 7:00p.m.
RECONCILIATION Saturdays: 8:00-9:00 a.m. & 4:00-5:00 p.m.
RECTORY OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am-3:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Visit our Chapel day or night to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Exposition 7:30 am to 10:00 pm. Chapel is open 24/7. Call Kathy Bond at 610-296-2526 or Jackie Geary 610-436-5399 for more information.
ROSARY Weekdays: after 6:45 a.m. and before 9:00 a.m. Mass (Wednesdays-Liturgy of the Hours is prayed instead of Rosary).
REGISTRATION FOR NEW FAMILIES
New families should call or visit the Rectory Office (610-696-3624) to make an appointment with a priest to register in the Parish. Members of the parish who reach the age of 18 should register separately as adults. If you have recently changed your status, married, moved out of your parents home or graduated from college, you need to re-register. If you move, we would also appreciate a call to the Parish Office so that our records will be in order. Thank you.
BAPTISMS
Baptisms will be celebrated the first three Sundays of the month. Parents are asked to register their child for Baptism by calling the Parish Office. If this is your first child, it is required that you at-tend a Pre-Jordan Seminar. These are held on the fourth Sunday of the month (except December and July) at 10:00 a.m. in the SS. Simon and Jude Room in the Meehan Center.
WEDDINGS
We need at least six months to assist engaged couples to prepare for marriage. Please call the Parish Office for an appointment with a priest.
AGED, SHUT-IN & HOSPITALIZED
Notify the Parish Office when a neighbor, friend or relative is aged, sick or hospitalized. The sacraments of Penance, Eucharist or Anointing are our joy and privilege to administer.
PARISH CLERGY & RELIGIOUS STAFF Rev. Michael J. Gerlach, Pastor Rt. Rev. Ronald J. Rossi, Parochial Vicar Rev. James R. DeGrassa, Parochial Vicar Sister Elizabeth Bailey, IHM, Superior Sister Mary Beth Coyle, IHM, Evangelization /Adult Faith Formation Deacon James Lyon Deacon James Owens Deacon Joseph Ruggiero Deacon William Shearer
PARISH OFFICE Ronald B. Avellino, Business Manager Ellie Berry, Music Ministry Coordinator Angelo Golato, Maintenance Supervisor Marty Harris, Parish Services Director Melanie Hart, Receptionist Mary-Kay Lack, Financial Secretary Bernadette Moncrief, Candice (Candy) Savarese, Secretaries Address: 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382 Phone: 610-696-3624 Fax: 610-696-3971 e-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.simonandjude.org
SCHOOL OFFICE Sister Jeannine Norton, IHM, Principal Jennifer Appaneal, Advancement Director Susan D’Amore, School Secretary Address: 6 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382 Phone: 610-696-5249 Fax: 610-696-4682
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE Sister Barbara Jude Gentry IHM, DRE Mary Conway, Secretary Address: 6 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382 Phone: 610-692-3118
HOME AND SCHOOL BOARD Co-Presidents……………………...Maureen Steinetz and Theresa Hagman Treasurer…………………………...Lisa Baumann Recording Secretary……………….Molly Kelly Corresponding Secretary………….Megan DelFra
PASTORAL COUNCIL Fr. Gerlach Sr. Jeannine Norton
Sr. Mary Beth Coyle JoAnn Kunberger Dan Moran Michael Dacko Gordon Jefferes Mark Reber Karen Galese Sr. Barbara Jude Gentry Maureen Steinetz Theresa Hagman John Mattiola . Sue Surrichio
FINANCE COUNCIL
Fr. Gerlach Sr. Jeannine Norton Michael Bray Kathy Breslin Suzanne Burke Ralph Celidonio Gene Cleary Annette Glaudel Ray Mazza
MEEHAN CENTER Marty Harris, Phone: 610-235-4020 Web Site: www.meehancenter.org
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Third Sunday of Easter 3 April 10, 2016
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Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Sunday, April 10
M-M??
Saints Simon and Jude “Rocks the House?”
Yes, we do…
Once a week the Holy Spirit
jams to the rhythm of the drums and sings to
the beat of the base here at SSJ!
...join us to experience the joyful noise when
we “rock the house” at Mass every Sunday
night at 6 pm for this jammin’ Mass presented
for our teenagers and the young at heart!
Peter, it is time to go to work.
In the 21st chapter of John, Peter is commanded by the Lord to
Feed and Tend the Sheep. Peter accepts. This three fold confession of
Peter now resolves his three fold denial of the Lord leading to Christ’s
crucifixion.
May you and I accept God’s graces from these Easter Mysteries to
Feed and Tend the Sheep the Lord has given to our care.
God Bless You. Father Gerlach
Hospitality Sunday is Today!!
All are welcome to join us after the 9:00
and 10:30 am Masses in
The Meehan Center!
The best coffee,
conversation and
“O” those doughnuts!!
Please Note:
***Morning Mass on Saturday, April 16th will be at 8:30 am.
Third Sunday of Easter 4 April 10, 2016
Bereavement Anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one is invited
to join us on Wednesday evening,
April 27 at 7 pm, in the Welcome Center.
The session affords a time to share cares
and sorrow as well as to help a person find
meaning in light of gift of our faith.
A Fun Employment Opportunity
Saints Simon and Jude School has an opening for a Lunch Room Aide. Those
interested and for more information please contact
Celeste at [email protected]
RCIA ~
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults An Invitation … Are you interested in
becoming Catholic? Do you need to
complete your sacraments of initiation?
Maybe you have questions about our religion or know
someone who does? We invite you and/or your friends
to join us for an Inquiry session on Wednesday evening,
April 13th, at 7:00 pm, in the Welcome Center. We will
talk about the place of the Bible in a life of faith. Please
be in touch with Sr. Mary Beth Coyle at the parish
office for further information.
Do you find comfort in the stories in the Chicken Soup
series? Donna Teti, a story-teller and author, is joining
us for sharing stories of love and pleasant memories, on
Wednesday, May 25th, at 7 pm,
in the Meehan Center.
The title of her presentation will be
Conversations with Jesus.
Mark your calendars now, invite your friends, and plan
to join us for a very inspirational evening.
An Evening of...
For Women Only: It’s almost time
for our 4-week series dealing with
Women in Scripture to begin. Did you
ever wonder how Job’s wife dealt
with all the sorrow that befell him –
and her? Mrs. Job is just one of the
women we’ll explore. We begin on
Monday evening, April 11th at 7 pm, in the
Welcome Center. Bring your Bibles. Other women
we’ll explore include Hagar, Abigail, and Photini.
The sharing is always interesting and the company is
even better. Women, do try to join us!
All Our High School Teens Travel with us to NEW YORK this summer
for an awesome youth conference!!
2016 Steubenville Youth Conference
June 24 - 26.
The $50.00 cost includes live bands,
international speakers, meals, wheels (bus
ride), lodging and tons of fun!
Watch out, this conference can change
your life for the better!
For more information or sign up contact
Dan Milani at [email protected].
Open to any teen who will be in high
school as of September 2016...
HURRY SEATS FILL UP FAST!!
ATTENTION!!
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Stewardship April 3, 2016 $35,730
April 5, 2015 (Easter) $84,084 Pastor: “As more of our parishioners have been willing to
take responsibility for our parish, we have been able to
accomplish much and continue to plan for the future of our
church and school. I know from speaking with many that more
and more of our parishioners have seen God working in their
lives as they try to offer him every part of their family,
marriage, finances etc. I know that God keeps his promises.
My prayer is that each person comes to know that truth with
the deepest conviction.”
Parishioner: “Without taking a ‘giant leap in faith’ the tithing
message would have simply been a request for church support.
I prayed; the solution became clear to me. Tithing would have
to become an important part of my life - as important to me as
my parish and my way of thanking God for His goodness.”
Third Sunday of Easter 5 April 10, 2016
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Charismatic Prayer
40th Anniversary Celebration
April 25, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Saints Simon and Jude Church
Sacred Heart Chapel
For more information please contact Margaret at
610.608.1372 or
Adult Social Club RIVERDANCE
20th Anniversary
World Tour Academy of Music
Saturday, June 18, 2016 12:15. The group departs SS. Simon and Jude via deluxe
motor coach, Center Parquet Seat, Dinner at
Tir na nog Irish Bar & Grille with a Choice of three
entrees. Return approximately at 8:00 pm.
$211 for members $216 for Non-members
For reservations contact Ruth Ayres at
610-692-3891.
Calling all 7th Graders!
YOU ARE INVITED to
BISHOP SHANAHAN
HIGH SCHOOL
7th Grade Visitation Day April 14, 2016 - 8:30 to 1:30 pm
6th, 7th & 8th Grade Open House All Families and Friends welcome!
April 21, 2016 – 7:00 pm
Visit www.shanahan.org Admissions - Upcoming Events to register for each
event or call Sister Jane at 610-343-6231.
Questions? Email [email protected] or
call 610-343-6206.
Join us for Vacation Bible Camp’s IRELAND!!
June 27 thru July 1 From 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
This year our summer camp will take us to the land of green shamrocks!
We will focus on the Blessed Trinity God the Father, God the Son and
God the Holy Spirit. We will teach about Saint Patrick and have
fun with many other activities. VOLUNTEERS ~
This Thursday is our FIRST IRELAND MEETING presenting our vision for this
years’ VBC!! Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 pm
in school cafeteria All volunteers MUST have the required clearances before they can assist in the
school/camp.
Knights’ Korner Knights of Columbus
SS. Simon & Jude Council
Download The Informational Tri-Fold With “Mail In Form”
From The Knights’ Website: www.ssjknights.org
www.ssjknights.org E-mail: [email protected]
Appalachia Service Project ~ Students Needed Without your help cancellation is possible...
This year has been an anomaly for our ASP trip. At this
time we only have four students with their paperwork
in for the trip and another three who plan to go.
Every other year, we have had 20 students and
sometimes a wait list. I have reached out to Shanahan
and East High Schools with no results.
We need 3 more teens to make the trip work. If you
hear of anyone who is interested, please have them
contact me at [email protected].
My cutoff deadline is next Wednesday, April 13. If I do
not get three more students, we will sadly be canceling
the trip for this year.
Thank you for your help and prayers,
Annette Glaudel
Third Sunday of Easter 6 April 10, 2016
Saints Simon and Jude Parishioners Our parish is in need of Adults who are willing to
assist with serving funeral Masses in the morning,
during the week. This service greatly helps the priests
as well as the grieving families.
Interested adults please contact
Fr. Jim DeGrassa at 610.696.3624.
SSJ SCHOOL NEWS!! Many reasons to say Alleluia around SSJ! The school community prayed with and rejoiced with the parish RCIA as they were welcomed into the sacramental life of the church at Easter. And this week, the second and sixth graders participated in events in preparation for their own upcoming sacramental receptions. Each second grade class had a day of retreat as they look forward to First Holy Communion on May 7 and Grade 6 having had their retreat day enjoyed a celebration afternoon which included making a craft which will be a favorite memento for them. The 7th and 8th graders enjoyed a fun Friday evening at a dance held at Saint Peter and Paul and all SSJ young ladies K-8 were invited to a sweetheart dance with their dads or other VIP adult. Upcoming Schedule: Mon. 4/11 1:15-2:30 Grandparents/VIP Day Thurs. 4/14 Grade 7 High School Visitation Day Fri. 4/15 Faculty Retreat Day - No School for Students There are openings at this time for the 16-17 school year. Do NOT let finances hold you back from giving your child the gift of Catholic Education. Links for SSJ Catholic Education Fund are available on the school website for the coming 16-17 year. (BLOCS applications are no longer being accepted.) For general information about the school, visit our school website at: www.simonandjude.org click on parish school or call 610-696-5249 during school offices hours 8:00-4:00 and ask for Jenn Appaneal.
Sister Jeannine Norton, Principal
CYACC ~ Catholic Young Adults of Chester County
“CYACC GOES TO PROM”
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 8:00 PM
The Meehan Center
Saints Simon and Jude of West Chester
Check our Facebook page or email us at
Alpha
PLEASE JOIN US for the 2016 Alpha Reunion Dinner
Party and Auction! If you attended an Alpha Course
at any church over the years, you (and your guests/friends) are
invited to attend the
ALPHA PARTY Reunion Dinner and Auction
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 6:30 PM
Saints Simon and Jude Church ~The Meehan Center
8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA.
(www.simonandjude.org) Cost is $50.00 per person and
includes appetizers, dinner, refreshments, dancing and auction.
Cash bar available. Proceeds from this year's Alpha Party will benefit The Youth
Alpha Film Series, among other initiatives of Alpha Mid
Atlantic. For tickets or information, please contact: Terry
Gile at [email protected] or 610-721-9961.
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A New VISION of Service – Catholic Charities
For 2016 there is a new vision guiding the Catholic Charities Appeal. In addition to our traditional and vital work among the
poorest and most disadvantaged, this year Catholic Charities is targeting virtually every aspect of Catholic life for enrichment
and improvement. We are taking on a bigger challenge than ever before. This year, your donations will benefit nearly 180
ministries and programs helping everything from childcare to retirement living, from homelessness to growing the Church on
college campuses. However, doing more good requires raising more money. So we ask you to look deep in your heart and be as
generous as you can to help us reach our $15 million goal. The Catholic Charities Appeal is the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s
single most important fundraiser and we’re counting on your support.
The Catholic Charities Appeal is recognized as a non-profit institution. As such, all gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent
allowed by law. It has its own Employer Identification Number (EIN) and receives a separate financial audit. Besides gifts of
cash, donors to the 2016 Catholic Charities Appeal may contribute in many other ways, each offering tax advantages according
to their circumstances.
To see a full listing of Catholic Charities Appeal 2016 Beneficiaries please visit catholiccharitiesappeal.org
To Donate go to http://www.catholiccharitiesappeal.org/ways-give/ TEXT CCA TO 42828 TO GET THE CCA APP
Third Sunday of Easter 7 April 10, 2016
Baby Isabella Grace, Baby Carolyn, Baby Wyatt Matthew Hausch, Baby Everly Irwin, Baby Samantha Levey, Vincent Musumeci, Baby Charlie Garmon, Baby Christian Porpora, Baby Lily Rose Sonon, Baby Oscar David Sprague, Baby Noah Thomas, Baby Michael Yarnall, Baby Benjamin Zikas, Jaxon Ford, Jonathan Lukas, Kelsey Hull, Kiera McMahon, Robert
Francis Bartley, Micah Bennett (child), Sr. Frederick Bauman, Bob Baxter, Grace Bond, Kevin Branin, John Buoni, Bonnie W. Burns, Scott Butler, Kerry Butler, Jim Byrne, Michael Cantwell, Peggy Chapman, Carol Chipps, Gunnar Coper, Mary Ellen Cornelius, Maria Piedad Coy, Jill Daly, Mattia D’Angelo, Rose D’Antonio, Debbie Davis, Samantha DiTonno, Mary Ann Docherty, Rosemarie Duane, Irene Dudasik, Ginny Dunn, Kirk Ebbs, Elizabeth Erikson, William F. Etter, Leonarda Ferraro, Monica Fickenscher, Anthony Fiorenza, Jean Flanagan, Andy Foss, Susan George, Kevin Gidden, Richard Golato, James Goodnetter, Adele Gray, Ann Guba, Sean Haegele, Bill Haley, Ed Harootunian, Dean Harris, Doris Haynie, Kitty Heller, Dana Herbert, Chuck Hollander, John Francis Holmes, Mya Hostutler, Ernie Iovannone, Frank Janssen, Barbara Johnson, Sr. Honora Johnston IHM, Pat Kahl, Collette Kazanjian, Jack Kirsch, Doug Kley, Taylor Kulp, Ron Lafferty, Faustina Laird, Noah Lamar, Marie Levin, Joseph Levy, William Lloyd, Leo MacEntee III, Anne Malone, Badolato Mariano, Chrissy Martin, Thomas McArdle, Neil McDermott, Michael McDonald, Paul McDyre, Jennifer McGlone, Dolores McGovern, Leonard McLain Jr., Albert Medoro, Lynn Meehan, Jeri Mellonger, Loretta O’Fria, Jack O’Neill Family, Marta Panaccio, Charles Pearson, Gene Pertchack, Joseph Posivak, Ruth Rogers, “Russ”, Gloria Ryan, Barbara Savini, Daniel Simpson, Alexander Sera, Mary Schultz, Judy Sherlock, Stephen Sinclair, Mary Sivek, Jo Ann Slifer, Kathy Smith, Clara Sollecito, Danielle Stechel, Debbie Steel, Howard Steel, Daniel Stevens, Kay Stevens, Gerry Streetie, Louise Terruso, Ernest Towne, Dan Trasatti, Fran & Bill Traylor, Verencur Family, Mary Walsh, Marie Welge, John Wineburg, Matthew Wolf, Cathy Wood, Julia (Judy) Yanak.
PREP ~ Parish Religious Education Program Pre School: We will close out the school year on Sunday, April 24. Students, parents and teachers have enjoyed a terrific year!!
First Holy Communion: Thank you to all those who volunteered to help the First Holy Communion boys and girls during their special Retreat Days. The children are excited as they anticipate receiving the Body of Christ for the very first time on Saturday, May 7. The first Mass is at 10:00 am and the second Mass is at 1:00 pm. We pray and support these boys and girls as they prepare for this special encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus. Elementary Levels: The students are “turning the corner” and preparing for their final weeks of class time. Some students are striving and hoping for “PERFECT ATTENDANCE” certificates while others may receive a certificate for “Good and Faithful” attendance. These certificates will be distributed on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 3 and 4 during our prayer services. The final class will be Tuesday, May 10. We rejoice during these Easter days! Alleluia!
7th and 8th Grade Youth Group: No gathering today. On April 17 students will prepare for speaking to Level 6 boys and girls explaining activities of our Junior High Youth Group. The ending gathering will be a Bowling Party! We hope the students can volunteer their time to help out with Vacation Bible Camp, “IRELAND” June 27 thru July 1.
Confirmation: On Saturday, April 16th our parish family will welcome Bishop Timothy C. Senior to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on those candidates eligible to receive this Holy Sacrament. Masses will be at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm with Bishop Senior. Therefore, the regular daily 9 am Mass will be moved to 8:30 am to accommodate the preparations for Confirmation. We appreciate your prayerful support of these boys and girls, their sponsors, parents and teachers.
Registration for PREP School Year 2016 to 2017 We are preparing to distribute registration forms to all families this month. Now is the time for all parents to plan for next year’s activities. If you have any questions, please call the PREP office at 610 692 3118. Consider helping out as a PREP Volunteer. “Volunteers are at the heart of the Church”. Training is provided. Adults who have contact with the parish children are required to be in compliance with all background checks. The parish will pay the fees associated with obtaining these clearances.
God Bless you, Sister Barbara Jude Gentry, Director
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Prayer to the Holy Spirit Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth,
Who are everywhere present and fill all things Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, Come and dwell within us;
Cleanse us of all that defiles us, and O Good One, save our souls. Amen.
Third Sunday of Easter 8 April 10, 2016
MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, April 9
5:00 pm Dr. Martin Rocco
Sunday, April 10
7:30 am Living and Deceased of Parish
9:00 am Frank McCarry
10:30 am Jennie R. Gervatoski
12:00 pm Thomas Walker
6:00 pm Intention of the Priest Celebrant
Monday, April 11
6:45 am John Laumakis
9:00 am W. George Devens, Jr.
Tuesday, April 12 6:45 am Baby Lola Carr
9:00 am Eugene T. and MaryAnn Dochety
Wednesday, April 13
6:45 am John Small
9:00 am Jean Galletta
Thursday, April 14 6:45 am Cathy and Jim Madison
9:00 am James Donaghey
Friday, April 15
6:45 am Charles Moribondo
9:00 am Clementine Avellino
Saturday, April 16
9:00 am Kathryn A. Lilly (39th Anniversary)
5:00 pm Thomas Batten
Sunday, April 17
7:30 am Living & Deceased of Parish
9:00 am For the poor in memory of Fr. Meehan
10:30 am Dennis Hagan
12:00 pm John Ferraro
6:00 pm Intention of the Priest Celebrant
WEEKLY EVENTS Sunday, April 10 ~ Hospitality Sunday
8:45 am Pre-School PREP (School)
9:00 am Children’s Liturgy (Chapel)
10:00 am Hospitality (Meehan Center)
7:00 pm Youth Led Ministry (Choir Room)
7:00 pm AA (East)
7:30 pm Chester County Voice Abroad (MC)
Monday, April 11
9:45 pm Prayer Group (Welcome Center)
2:00 pm Whitehorse Village Mass
4:30 pm Children’s Choir (St. Cecilia Room)
7:00 pm Respect Life Holy Hour (Chapel)
7:00 pm Charismatic Prayer Grp (St. Cecilia Rm.)
7:00 pm H & S Board (St. Katharine Drexel Room)
7:00 pm Women in Scripture (IHM room)
Tuesday, April 12
7:15 am Men’s Bible Study II (Welcome Center)
2:30 pm Pembrooke Nursing Home Mass
4:15 pm PREP (School)
6:00 pm PREP (School)
7:00 pm RCIA (IHM & St. Joseph Rooms)
7:00 pm Cub Scouts Pack Meeting (East Hall)
7:00 pm Pastoral Council (SSimon and Jude Room)
Wednesday, April 13
9:30 pm Legion of Mary (Welcome Center)
1:00 pm Women’s Bible Study (Welcome Center)
6:00 pm PREP (School)
Thursday, April 14 2:00 pm Rosary at Pembrooke Nursing Home
6:30 pm Flame of Love Holy Hour (Chapel)
7:00 pm Vacation Bible Camp Meeting (SKD)
7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (SSJ Room)
Friday, April 15
9:00 am Church Cleaners (Church and Chapel)
9:45 am Book Club (IHM &SJoe Rooms)
7:30 pm NA (East Hall)
Saturday, April 16 ~ Confirmation Day
7:00 am Men’s Bible Study (IHM & SJoe Room)
8:30 am Morning Mass in Chapel
10:00 am FYI Faith (Welcome Center)
10:00 am Confirmation
2:00 pm Confirmation
6:30 pm Retrouvaille CORE (S.Simon and S. Jude Rm
6:00 pm SSJ Sweetheart Dance (Meehan Center)
Sunday, April 17
8:30 am Pre-School PREP (School)
9:00 am Children’s Liturgy of Word (Chapel)
2:00 pm Adult Social Club (Meehan Center)
7:00 pm Youth Led Ministry (Meehan Center) 7:00 pm 7 & 8 Grade Youth Group (Cavanaugh Hall)
7:00 pm AA (East Hall)
Bethesda Casseroles will be collected the third Sunday of the
month from 8:15 to 11:00 am Please drop off your
FROZEN casseroles in the kitchen in Monihan Hall.
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Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Give each other a weekend to reconnect!
The next weekends in our area are April 22-
24 at Malvern Retreat House in Malvern,
and July 8-10 at Our Lady of Czestochowa
in Doylestown.
Early registration is recommended. For more infor-
mation go to www.wwme-philly.org or contact Al &
Mary Liz Heumann at
[email protected] or call 610.449.1859
