LATE SUMMER 2010

ews of NSaint Mary’s

heT ISSUE 13

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n June, St. Mary’s said‘goodbye’ to Fr. ThomasFurey, our parochial vicar

who had become a staple visit-ing our students in the class-rooms of CCD and St. MarySchool for many years, celebrat-ing Masses and most recentlyorganizing neighborhood visitswith the Evangelization com-mittee. As we wish him well inhis new assignment as ParochialVicar at Saint Francis of Assisi

Parish in Springfield, we welcome Fr. Stephen DeLacy toSaint Mary’s.

Fr. DeLacy comes to us from St. Anastasia Parish inNewtown Square, where he served a dual position, cele-brating Masses at the church while holding down the posi-tion of school minister at Archbishop Carroll High School.His new assignment at St. Mary’s will duplicate that post,after being appointed school minister of the new highschool opening this fall in Royersford, Pope John Paul II(a merger between St. Pius X and Kennedy-Kenrick HighSchools www.pjphs.org).

A 1993 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School andWest Chester University, with a BA in Accounting, Fr. DeLacywas ordained in 2004 and was first assigned to SS. Peter &Paul in Goshen. He grew up in St. George Parish,Glenolden, “a small town parish where, coincidentally, Fr.McElroy was a resident.” He worked in the rectory duringhis high school and college years, and was happy to bejoining Fr. McElroy here at St. Mary’s.

As a resident of St. Mary’s with a separate assignment, Fr.DeLacy will not be able to be present on site as regularly asa parochial vicar, for example, but he is looking forward toobserving the parish and being an active part of the parish astime allows. Fr. DeLacy noted he has been invited to partic-ipate and attend the meetings of parish organizations andalthough “he is not obligated to attend them, he would liketo become familiar” with the inner workings of St. Mary’s.

As chaplain at Pope John Paul II, Fr. DeLacy will be respon-sible for organizing numerous Kairos retreats yearly, cele-brating Masses, offering opportunities for Confession,

developing ways to enhance the spiritual life of students allwhile juggling one period of theology and the day-to-daymonitoring of school areas that is normal routine for facul-ty members!

Fr. DeLacy is anxious to “take in the needs of both places— get to know both communities” before diving in andintroducing new ideas, although he has many of them. Heenjoys the interaction with parish youth, playing ‘ultimateFrisbee’ and ‘youth group nights.’ He does not want to“limit his time only to the youth of the parish,” however,and likes the diversity of his ministry. Fr. DeLacy loves agood BBQ, volleyball and basketball games — look for himon the sports fields this fall or better yet, invite him over fora cookout at home!

IIelcome Father Stephen DeLacy!W

ST. MARY FALL CALENDAROctober 3rd – 6th, from 7:00pm till 8:30pm: Parish Mission,“The Road to Emmaus” with Deacon Glenn and Linda Harmon

September 22nd - October 31st: 40 Days for Life -www.40daysforlife.com/collegeville

October 23rd: Healing Mass - 4:00PM

November 6th: Memorial Mass - 9:00AM

November 24th: Poor Man's Supper follows Vigil Mass to beginat 6:30PMNovember 25th: Thanksgiving Day Mass - 9:00AMSaturday/Sun. November 27th/28th: First Sunday of Advent

Fr. Furey greets organizers and well-wishers at his going awayparty in June. He was transferred and is the new Parochial Vicar

of St. Francis of Assisi, Springfield.

FATHER STEPHEN DELACY

eople are finding the Lord. We see many who havelost jobs, suffered economic distress as they look for-ward to increasing medical and other costs, and other

problems in their families, workplace and in the media,turning to God.

As we see that our own resources are limited and ourmind confused about what to do, we can recall that theLord said it quite simply. “Ask and you will receive, seekand you shall find, knock and the door will be opened,”He said. In particular, when we have no clue as to what theanswers might be, we turn to Him to solve the situation.

One important response is to take time, that is, actuallyput time for God in your daily calendar. Then find a quiet,peaceful place. Take a Bible and any other books for prayer.Then when the time comes, sit (or kneel, if it is not toouncomfortable) and turn to Him. He makes it easy whenwe remember that a man is also God, only one, Jesus.

As a man like us, He is here to facilitate getting in touchwith God. It is fairly easy to imagine talking to anotherhuman being face to face than a bright light somewhereabove, an impersonal Creator.

Jesus emphasized His love and concern for us by living afull life, then dying on the Cross for us, and amazinglyenough, coming back from the dead and remaining in theEucharist, as well as in our hearts. If you want to get evencloser to Him, think of setting the place to be ourAdoration Chapel. He is there.

So join the ever increasing number of people turning inprayer to ask the Lord for miracles. Actually, if you areobservant enough, there have always been countless mira-cles happening all around us (like healings). He certainlywants us to live better and happier lives – even if it takes amiracle.

- REV. CHARLES J. MCELROY, PASTOR

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page 2 Good News of St. Mary’s

he Bible and Courageous Generosityf you are a woman, you are fortunate to live in a parishwhere there is a Bible Studies class just for you! Andthe next one is just around the corner, beginning the

end of September. Courageous Generosity, lessons writtenspecifically for women on heroic sacrifice, will be facilitatedby Linda Nichols and it is a perfect opportunity for you toenjoy a bible studies class as so many others have beforeyou!

The sessions are offered two times a week during the dayor evening in order to make them available to women in allstages of life. St. Mary has been blessed to have thesestudy lessons which, although becoming more prevalent,are not held in all parishes. Nichols, who makes it clear sheis not a Bible scholar, has been offering them several timesa year since 2005. She was drawn into the study when shelived out west with her young family and was welcomedinto the neighborhood by many ‘wonderful women’ whoinvited her to join them at church. She found the Biblestudy time helped “her to grow deeper in her faith.”

Nichols is a graduate of the Church Ministry Institute(CMI) program, a three-year study for lay people in thechurch that helps parishioners to “discern [their] gift,where [they] are called” to work within a parish. She wasled to work with adults and assists Fr. McElroy with the RCIAprogram. The Womens Bible Study began around the sametime and through her work with adults, her career, the CMIand instruction from the leader study guides that go along

with the courses, she has learned how to direct the ses-sions.

The class sizes are between 8 – 12 people and the stud-ies are subjective in that each person reflects how the les-son applies to herself; however, it is the thoughts that comefrom a diversity of women that encourage a learningprocess for all. Attendee Connie Noonan, a newcomer toSt. Mary, found the diversity in the class uplifting. “I reallygot so much out of it — you hear other people’s opinionsand they might see it from another angle.” The people arewonderful, she explained, and women of all ages are in theclasses.

Some women have been attending sessions since itsinception; others, like Noonan, began with the Lenten ses-sion, “The Seven Last Words of Christ” which put thewomen “under the cross…I had never placed myself underit; I never put myself into it [the crucifixion]; it makes a big difference,” Noonan explained. She also appreciatedNichols’ approach as a facilitator noting that each womanis different — some might be quiet, others vocal. “Therewas no pressure, it is very relaxed.”

Perhaps you are being called to enjoy a Womens BibleStudy. If you would like to experience one of these thoughtprovoking and perhaps life-enriching study sessions, joinLinda this fall. You may call her with questions or to regis-ter 215.256.4941.

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Good News Of St. Mary’s page 3

n 1979, Pope John Paul II quietly began deliveringweekly addresses that discussed truth. The truth.About relationships, love, personal growth, human dig-

nity and self-esteem. He spoke for 20 – 30 minutes eachweek until 1984. In the end, the words were so compelling,that they were compiled and published. Today, they are thebasis of a theology curriculum which has been condensedand presented to both adults and teens as The Theology ofthe Body, a discussion about our relationship with God andeach other.

Parishioners Anita and Stephen Imms have taken on thejoyful task of introducing Theology of the Body for Teens(TOB) to St. Mary and will host their fourth session startingin September. The lessons are set in a guided, comfortablesetting with “no tests, no grades, no papers…it reallyopens up an opportunity for discussion, and questions justcome up,” they explained.

The Imms’ present TOB in their home, with permissionfrom Fr. McElroy, because the home is where a family begins;“understanding the union that starts with a family” is thebasis to understanding TOB lessons which are geared towardteens 14 and older. Held on Sunday evenings, each weekruns about two hours; on occasion, they run longer for spe-cial activities such as hosting a bonfire, attending a YouthMass, etc.

The lessons are based on a series of twelve DVDs createdwith “young people in their 20s and 30s who are on firewith their relationship with the Lord,” said Anita and these

people really relate withthe teen viewers. Andalthough the content ofthe lessons center aroundour relationship with oth-ers — be it best friends,boyfriend-girlfriend, hus-band-wife — God “is atthe center and you needto keep Him there.”

“These are not chastitytalks,” explained Stephen,but intimacy is addressed.By “respecting the dignityof every human person,we are called to treatevery human as God calls

us.” And the lessons are specifically geared to teens’ ques-tions, whether male or female, “Who am I?” “What is truehappiness?” “What love really satisfies me?” If teens getanswers early, they may be better equipped to make good,as well as moral and faith-based decisions, added theImms’.

The lessons are guided, but reflective. Topics includevocations, understanding themselves, why the churchteaches what it does, why certain vows are important to areligious’ life, what is human sexuality. Current events alsoget introduced such as gay marriage, abortion and contra-ception. “Everything turns up and this gives a forum toask,” said the Imms’ adding, “the primary job of parents isto pass the faith on…this is not a religion class, although itis very religious…TOB is not about preaching, and it is notabout what not to do. It is about truth and they [teens]latch on to it.”

Consider joining the Imms’ in September — there is nopressure to stay and you don’t have to come back, saidStephen. The first night is enjoyed with separate parentand teen discussions, desserts and socializing. Some teenschoose to repeat the sessions and become youth leaders.Others have expressed that the lessons came at a time in hisor her life that helped them through crucial decision mak-ing, said Anita. “Living in freedom is the ultimate fulfill-ment and that is from God.” In a world that sends our chil-dren contrary messages daily, might it be a good idea toarm them with truth?

You may contact Anita or Stephen with further questionsor to register at 610.287.8959 or asimms1@verizon.net.

IIhat is Theology of the Body?W

Teens from Theology of the Body combine socialization and good food with learning spiritual truth

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talkedwith us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” — LUKE 24:27

s your heart burning with the love of the Lord? Or are you,like so many of us, a bit empty? A bit lonely? Missingsomething and just don’t know what it is? Perhaps you

just sort of wandered away from the church, or from God,and don’t know how to walk back? Now is a wonderful time.On Sunday, October 3rd, St. Mary will welcome Deacon GlennHarmon and his wife, Linda, as they lead our parish in a 4-daylong mission of spiritual renewal. Will you be there?

Formerly a high placed and well paid corporate vice pres-ident, Deacon Glenn and Linda have a wonderful personalstory detailing their faith journey and will share it with us asthey lead our community to deeper awareness of the Lordwith their message of “unconditional love, hope, healing,forgiveness and faith.” Unlike missions of the past, DeaconGlenn and Linda incorporate their own music with prayerand an evangelical style of teaching which fosters a trulyinteractive environment.

The mission will begin on Sunday night; however, lookforward to an introduction by the Deacon during the week-

end Masses. The week’shighlights include a periodfor reconciliation, a staffretreat, spiritual directionfor those who wish tomeet with Deacon Glennand Linda, personally, andevening services.There willalso be a day session onTuesday morning.

The theme of the mission is “The Road to Emmaus” andwill expound on how “God loves us” and through scriptureand personal faith stories “people will discover [His] over-whelming unconditional love” and how to live faithfully “tolove one another as [He] has loved you.”

The mission will end on Wednesday evening. Please planto attend and be renewed! “Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusionof rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” — DWIGHT L. MOODY

SAVE THE DATE: October 3rd – 6th, from 7 p.m. till 8:30 p.m.Also a morning session on Tuesday, October 5th from 9:45till 11:15 a.m. (following 9 a.m. mass)

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page 4 Good News Of St. Mary’s

he Mission is Coming! Are You Ready?T

First Holy Communion recipients from Lorna Duvinski's 2ndgrade CCD class take a moment to celebrate.

ST. MARY SCHOOL ALUMNISt. Mary School opened in the fall of 1961 and is nowapproaching it’s 50th Year Anniversary. In honor ofthis milestone, we would like to compile a St. MarySchool Alumni database. If you or someone you knowattended St. Mary School and would like to be includ-ed in this database, please send your name, address,phone number and email contact information tosmsalumni@smsk-8.org or call 610.287.8156 withthat information. Thank you for your help.

CCD and SMS Confirmandi prepare to enter the church to receivethe Sacrament of Confirmation in May.

Youth Group Leader, Lisa Longua assisted Brad Embree in selling Reading Phillies tickets for their spring fundraiser.

Good News Of St. Mary’s page 5

t. Mary’s has, through the hardworking FundraisingCommittee, introduced a variety of events in the pastfew years that are new to the St. Mary landscape. We

have had clambakes, Lenten fish dinners, car raffles, andthis summer, an old-fashioned Summer Festival.

Originally planned as a clambake with extras, the unfor-tunate situation in the Gulf of Mexico put a halt to plan-ning and seafood availability. The committee decided tomove with a summer festival theme, offering pulled porksandwiches, fixings and desserts. They sought to attract alarger crowd and reach out to the community, as well, sothey advertised throughout the area and received the per-mission of Fr. McElroy to host a beer garden, adult gamesof chance and numerous fun games for the children.

According to committee member Peggy Hinson, it was agreat day with a moderate crowd, especially considering theblistering heat that was hanging in the air for much of theday. The children, however, found the hottest place to be atthe goldfish toss where golf balls were endlessly tossed intowater filled bowls in the hopes of winning a prized swimmer.

The adults enjoyed the beer garden and the moneywheel, which always piques the interest of attendees.According to Hinson, more than 200 dinners were servedduring the festival, which was setup throughout the parishgrounds. Committee members had earlier prepared thebeer garden in the modular trailers, cleaning and preppingthe trailers weeks before the big day. The dining hall wasset up in the gymnasium and the children’s games decorat-ed the parking lot.

It was a wonderful day, according to Hinson, and every-one seemed to enjoy themselves. It was a good first forayinto a festival event. Hinson could not guess at the profitthat was made for the parish, as it was too close to printday to have the expense report completed. It did, howev-er, profit the parish greatly in the fun, community spirit anddiverse crowd that was present that day. Look for otherevents that you can partake in at St. Mary’s! They are listedweekly in our parish bulletin, and if you are unable to getto church, our bulletin is posted on the parish website atwww.churchofsaintmary.org.

SSnd They Had Fun, Fun, Fun at the Summer FestivalA

In May, the 8th Grade graduating class of St. Mary Schoolhelped Gym Teacher Karen Habermehl organize and runthe annual Field Day for the school students. At the endof the day, the Faculty/8th Grade Volleyball match is held.The 8th Grade, and their teacher, Karen Cwalina, survived!The students will be attending numerous schools in thefall including Mount St. Joe, Notre Dame, Pope John PaulII, Gwynedd Mercy, La Salle, Souderton and Spring-FordHigh Schools. Good Luck always!

8th Grade Field Day at St. Mary School

Parish children smile with their winning fish at the First SaintMary Summer Festival in July

Youth Group teens show off some of their own face-painting talentswhich they provided for children at the Summer Festival

Church of St. Mary40 Spring Mount Road

Schwenksville, PA 19473-1739Parish House: 610.287.8156

www.churchofsaintmary.org

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDSchwenksville, PA

19473Permit No 1

In May, 14 members of our parish who belong tovarious organizations attended a spiritual “mini-retreat” of renewal. The thought pondered through-

out the day was “What Do You Want of Me, Lord?” A key response to this question, provided by facilitator,

Sr. Marie Michele Donnelly, is that as Catholics, we focustoo much on our relationship with the church and notenough with our relationship with the Lord. However, if wecenter ourselves in the Lord, we will be empowered by theHoly Spirit and find our calling, serving out of God’s love.

In doing this, we will be more able to reach out and helpour brothers and sisters, with a self-giving love that comesfrom God. Sr. Marie Michele ended the day with a messagefrom St. Teresa of Avila. They are words that sum up ourmission here on earth, that is, to serve God by living…whatwe do in our day-to-day honors God, if we offer our serviceup to God, rather than for personal gain.

“Christ…has no body now on earth but yours. No handsbut yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes throughwhich Christ’s compassion is to look out ot the world.

Yours are the feet with which Christ is to go about doinggood. Yours are the hands with which Christ is to bless allpeople now.” — ST. TERESA OF AVILAOO

olunteers Enjoy Mini-RetreatV

St. Mary’s Youth Group and Evangelization members were present at Schwenksville Day: Letters to Troops &

Face painting were two activities