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Our Calendar & Handbook
All our parish ministries and activities cooperate in assembling our annual Parish Calendar and Handbook, and I thank all those who have been involved. In particular, I thank our perennial sponsor, The Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, Inc. (www.fluehr.com), not only for underwriting the cost, but also for Joe's personal involvement in its publication.
All parish activities planned from September, 2009, through August, 2010, have been included. To save space, the location of regular activities is ordinarily not included.
The Parish Handbook section helps new parishioners come to know the parish, and provides all with a handy reference. A Directory of key telephone numbers is on the last page.
We are a living parish, so we expect additions and possibly some changes. Please read our weekly Parish Newsletter to keep up-to-date. Both the Calendar and the Handbook are on-line at www.svdp-richboro.org.
This year we join the international Vincentian community in
celebrating a Jubilee Year commemorating the 350th anniversary
of the deaths of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac.
And in October, we begin our new Sunday Mass schedule to include
a permanent 6 P.M. Mass. I pray that our Sunday worship together
deepens our faith life and our mutual support of one another.
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Unite ourselves to God's will through the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
drawing on the graces of the Sacramental life.
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Teach others, through instruction and example,
the saving Word of Christ.
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Continue St. Vincent de Paul's legacy of charity and compassion to
all we encounter by providing assistance for those with spiritual
or corporal needs.
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Invite members of our parish community to participate in spiritual and social
activities, embracing without condition individuals whose burdens may
be lightened through a healing touch with the Eucharistic Lord.
- Recognize Jesus in all we meet, offering opportunities for all our members to share their talents and gifts with the broader community.
In pursuit of all our parish goals, we ask the intercession of Mary
to help us remember the unique role of the Family in our devotions and
good works. With her help we will seek to respond to Jesus' call,
"Come, follow Me." We ask this through Christ Our Lord. AMEN
Parish Patron
Vincent de Paul was born near Pouy (now St-Vincent de Paul), in Gascony, France, on April 24, 1581. He attended the universities of Dax and Toulouse. Ordained to the priesthood at the age of twenty, for ten years he aimed no higher than a clerical life of ease. During 1609 in Paris he came under the spiritual influence of Father Pierre (later Cardinal) de Bérulle, the founder of the Oratory in Paris.
In 1612, Bérulle was influential in Vincent's being assigned as Pastor in Clichy, a rural parish just northwest of Paris; the poor people there touched Vincent's heart, and he experienced the priesthood in a way unknown to him before. However, in less than a year, Bérulle recalled Vincent to Paris to become tutor and chaplain to the Gondi family. In 1617, Madame de Gondi had Vincent give a parish mission for the peasants on the family estates, making Vincent aware of their poverty — spiritual and material. That same year, with Bérulle's help, Vincent left Paris to become Pastor in Châtillon-les-Dombes in southeast France; there he formed the first Confraternity of Charity, organizing ministry to parishioners in need. He soon returned to the Gondi family, but with the condition that he would be free to preach missions. A great change had came over Vincent, and he dedicated the rest of his life to the service of the poor.
Eventually Vincent and Bérulle's spirituality grew apart, but Bérulle
was an important factor in Vincent's coming to see the poor as the
center of his life, and to see priesthood, not as a career, but
as a personal relationship with Jesus.
Back in Paris, Vincent organized the Ladies of Charity, made up of wealthy women who supplied food and other necessities for distribution to the poor and to the sick. In 1622 St. Francis de Sales appointed Vincent superior of the Parisian convents of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. In 1625 Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission, the priests we know as Vincentians. With them he originated seminaries for clergy formation, inaugurated programs for continuing clergy education, and fostered formal catechetical instruction of youth. In 1633, with Louise de Marillac, he founded the Daughters of Charity, the first congregation of "unenclosed" women entirely devoted to the poor and the sick. They nursed the poor in hospitals and dispensaries, and in their homes; they cared for the mentally ill, and visited patients after hospital discharge. Vincent was also active in organizing relief work during the religious wars in France.
In his own lifetime Vincent was a legend. Clergy and laity, rich and poor, outcasts and convicts all felt the charisma and selfless devotion of a man entirely consumed by the love of God and his neighbor.
Vincent died at age 80 in Paris on September 27, 1660.
He was canonized in 1737
and was named patron of works of charity in 1855.
His feast day
is September 27; however, our parish celebrates the feast
on a Sunday,
to help the community participate more fully.
Chapel Patron
Louise de Marillac was born in Paris in 1581, out of wedlock. She was acknowledged by, and provided for, by her father, Louis de Marillac, but never knew who her mother was. At a very young age, she was placed in the Abbey of Poissy to be educated with other children of noble birth. When she was around 12, her father died and Louise was sent to a Paris pension operated by a poor lady. There, she performed daily housekeeping chores and organized the other girls in performing handiwork for sale to help with the upkeep of the pension.
Although Louise expressed interest in a cloistered life, the Religious superiors with whom she consulted did not feel she had that vocation. Early in 1613, she was married to Antoine le Gras, secretary to the Queen Mother, Marie de Medici. Louise and Antoine experienced happiness in their marriage, and before the end of the year were blessed with the birth of their son, Michel Antoine. Born prematurely, Michel was both delicate in health and somewhat slow in learning. In 1621 Antoine became ill with a disease from which he never recovered, and the family's financial circumstances worsened severely. Antoine died in December, 1625
Louise endeavored to cope with these trials through prayer, sacrifices, and the advice of wise directors. Her regular spiritual director was Bishop Camus. In 1619, Louise met Francis de Sales, whose books had become a staple of her spiritual reading. In 1623, Bishop Camus was moved to a diocese outside of Paris, and he recommended Vincent de Paul as Louise's spiritual director. It seems that both Vincent and Louise had initial reservations: Vincent because he had found difficulty directing other noblewomen, and Louise because of the difference in their social station.
While at prayer during one of her darkest periods, Louise had a vision in which she saw herself serving the poor and living the vows of a religious in community. She wrote this lumiere on parchment and carried it on her person as a reminder that, despite her difficulties, God was guiding her life. In that vision a priest appeared to her, whom she later identified as Vincent de Paul.
In 1629, Vincent, who had established the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians) in 1625, invited Louise to assist him with the Confraternities of Charity in the parishes of France. Through this work, she gained a deep knowledge of the needs of the poor, developed her own innate management skills, and identified effective structures for service. In 1633, in her own home, she began to train young women to address the needs of the poor and to gain support from their life together. From this humble beginning, the Daughters of Charity emerged. Louise provided leadership and expert management to the evolving network of services she and Vincent inspired.
At first the Daughters of Charity assisted the Conferences of Charity in the Paris area by preparing food and medicine which they would bring to the sick poor in their homes. As their reputation spread, they were asked to take over hospitals, the care of foundlings, ministry to the galley convicts, and nursing the wounded on battlefields . . . schools and institutions for elderly followed.
Actually, the Daughters of Charity functioned as a religious community for decades, before Vincent and Louise sought canonical approval from the Church. At that time religious communities of women were cloistered, but Vincent and Louise saw these women as working among the poor. Vincent told the Sisters: "You must have no other monasteries than the houses of the poor; no other cloisters than the streets of the cities and the wards of hospitals; no other veil than your modesty; you must treat the sick and the suffering with all the care and tenderness that a mother lavishes on her only son." However, Vincent knew that, not long before, Francis de Sales had envisioned the Visitation Sisters as working in the world, but they found themselves behind cloistered walls. Because the Daughters of Charity had worked in the world for decades when Vincent applied for their canonical recognition, they were permitted to continue and became the first non-cloistered community of religious women.
Louise, who died on March 15, 1660 just a few months before Vincent de Paul, was proclaimed a Saint of the Church in 1934. In 1960 Pope John XXIII proclaimed her the Patroness of all Social Workers. As a wife, mother, teacher, nurse, social worker and religious foundress, she stands as a model to all women.
Father McBride, Founding Pastor
John Cardinal Krol established our parish on May 28, 1968 and named Father William T. McBride as its founding pastor. One of the archdiocesan consultors had commented that if there were to be a parish in Richboro, perhaps it should be named for the patron of the poor. Cardinal Krol immediately decided that the name would be St. Vincent de Paul Parish.
Initially, Father McBride accepted Father Martin's offer to take up residence in St. Bede Rectory. He then moved into the first "rectory," a rented house in "downtown" Richboro. Weekday Mass and Baptisms were celebrated in the rectory; Sunday Mass was celebrated in the Churchville Elementary School auditorium. The parish had about 450 families. On November 15, 1970, the first Sunday Masses were celebrated in our Church. On May 8, 1971, Cardinal Krol dedicated the Church and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. Father McBride moved into the present rectory in 1975.
Religious Education classes were coordinated and taught by volunteers in the Church basement. In September, 1973, leadership for the program was assumed by two Missionary Franciscan Sisters, who lived in rented quarters in "downtown" Richboro until 1976 when the convent was ready. The Religious Education Building was completed in 1983. The Sisters left in 1984.
On May 18, 1993 Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua named Father McBride
Pastor Emeritus, and appointed
Father Joseph J. McLaughlin as our second Pastor.
Following a long recovery from surgery, Father McBride
moved into the Regina Coeli Residence for Priests in Warminster,
and continued to participate in the life of the parish until
his sudden death on October 21, 1998.
Initially, Father McBride was the only priest assigned to the parish. Religious priests teaching at Archbishop Wood High School assisted on Sundays. For a while, Father Francis Vanhee, CICM, was in residence at the old rectory. The first priest assigned to assist the pastor full-time was Father James Wagner who arrived in June, 1975. He was succeeded in turn by Father Joseph Dragon (June, 1978 - July, 1982), Father Michael Rzonca (July, 1982 - June, 1987), Father Thomas Furey (June, 1987 - January, 1988), Father John Gabin (January, 1988 - June, 2001), Father Hans Brouwers (June, 2001 - June, 2003), Father Richard Rudy (June, 2003 - September, 2008), Father James McCabe (September, 2008 - June, 2009). and Father George Cadwallader (June, 2009 - present).
Since Father McLaughlin's arrival, Catholic Life 2000
funds enabled the air conditioning of the Church and the computerization
of parish records. In November, 1996, our convent re-opened with a
community formed by Sister Geraldine Dranginis, IHM, who was then
our Director of Religious
Education, and several Sisters of St. Joseph working in other apostolates.
In 2009, Sister Alice Gallagher, who suceeded Sister Geraldine as
Director of Religious Education moved into the convent with
several other Sisters of St. Joseph.
Our walkway and prayer garden were first proposed in
September, 1997, the original design
donated by Russell Gardens
in memory of Ed Adamow.
The Father McBride Memorial Window was completed in time for the celebration of the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul in September, 2000. "Concept Drawings for a Parish Center" were presented in our Parish Newsletter for July 1, 2001, as the fruit of several months' reflection by our Parish Pastoral Council. Discussion within the parish led to a Feasibility Study in late 2002, and engaging the architect Martin A. De Sapio, AIA in July, 2003. In the summer of 2004, the Living Stones capital campaign was launched with goal of $2.74 million, based on December, 2003 cost estimates. The Northampton Township Board of Supervisors approved our land development application in March, 2006.
The project was put out to bid in May, 2006, and the construction contract was awarded to Berks Ridge Company Enterprises, Inc. The cost escalated, due primarily to increases in building costs and Northampton Township site development requirements. In August, 2006, Cardinal Rigali authorized our moving forward with the project at a total cost not to exceed $3,681,117.
Site work began in November, 2006; however, wet soil conditions stopped all work from January through April, 2007. We received the Certificate of Occupancy for the building on February 26, 2008, and began celebrating weekday Masses in the Chapel of St. Louise de Marillac the next day. Bishop Daniel Thomas blessed the new facilities on April 27, 2008.
On June 10, 2001, Cardinal Bevilacqua ordained parishioner
Jack Golaszewski to the permanent diaconate and appointed him
to ministry in the parish.
On June 6, 2004, Cardinal
Rigali ordained parishioner
Bill Iacobellis to the permanent diaconate and appointed him
to ministry in the parish.
The parish now has 1,992 families.
Baptisms are scheduled during the 11:30 A.M. Mass on the first Sunday of the month and at 1:00 P.M. on other Sundays. Final arrangements must be made with a parish priest or deacon at least two weeks in advance. Godparents must be practicing Catholics at least 16 years old with a letter of eligibility from their parish (see Sponsors and Godparents).
1. A person who is to be baptized or confirmed is to have a sponsor. While it has become a tradition to have two sponsors at Baptism, having only one sponsor is acceptable. No more than two sponsors are permitted, and the two may not be of the same sex.
2. A sponsor must be sixteen years of age, unless the pastor or minister of the sacrament grants an exception for a lower age, provided there is a just cause.
3. A Catholic who has not already received the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist may not be a sponsor. Such a Catholic should be encouraged to complete Christian Initiation at an appropriate time.
4. A priest or deacon may be a sponsor, but is not encouraged to be sponsor and minister of Baptism in the same ceremony. A member of an institute of consecrated life or society of apostolic life may be a sponsor.
5. A Catholic who has left the Church by a formal act may not be a sponsor. A non-practicing Catholic may be admitted as a sponsor only if the pastor or minister of the sacrament can determine that the person is in the process of returning to the regular practice of the faith.
6. With the Archbishop's permission, obtained through the Chancery, a substitute sponsor may be added to the sacramental register when, for example, the original sponsor has died or has left the Catholic Church by a formal act; however, the name of the original sponsor may not be removed.
7. A suitable member of the Eastern Orthodox Church may be admitted as a sponsor for Baptism, but only together with a Catholic sponsor, for a just cause as long as there is provision for the Catholic education of the person to be baptized. Similarly, a Catholic is not forbidden to stand as sponsor in an Eastern Orthodox Church, if he or she is invited.
8. A baptized non-Catholic may be admitted as a Christian witness at Baptism, but only together with a Catholic sponsor. Similarly, a Catholic may act as a Christian witness for a person being baptized in another ecclesial community, but not as a sponsor.
9. One who has left the Catholic Church by a formal act may not be a Christian witness, nor may an unbaptized person.
10. A parent may not be a sponsor for his or her child. An adoptive parent is to be discouraged from exercising this function.
The priests of our parish follow these guidelines in issuing
letters of eligibility for our parishioners. Parents should
consider these guidelines in the selection of godparents for
their children.
Students must be prepared in our Religious Education Program, in one of our neighboring parish schools, or in a Catholic academy. Our two-year program prepares students to receive First Communion when they are in second grade; special classes prepare older students. These preparations include the reception of First Penance on Saturday, January 23rd, and the First Eucharist Retreat on Thursday, April 29th.
Ideally, all first Sacraments should be made in the individual's own parish, but the Archdiocese of Philadelphia permits the pastor to make exceptions for good reason at the request of the parents. Father McLaughlin will permit students of a neighboring parish school or a Catholic academy to receive First Eucharist with their classmates, if their parents make the request.
For Catholics
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.
For our fellow Christians
We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (John 17:21).
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provision of canon law (cannon 844 § 4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 § 3).
For those not receiving Holy Communion
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
For non-Christians
We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
Students must be prepared in our Religious Education Program, in one of our neighboring parish schools, or in a Catholic academy. Our program prepares students to be confirmed when they are in sixth grade; special classes prepare older students. Sponsors must provide a letter of eligibility from their parish (see Sponsors and Godparents).
Ideally, all first Sacraments should be made in the individual's own parish, but the Archdiocese of Philadelphia permits the pastor to make exceptions for good reason at the request of the parents. Father McLaughlin will permit students of a neighboring parish school to receive Confirmation with their classmates in that parish, if their parents make the request.
At the initial interview, the priest will explain the certificates required and the questionnaires to be completed. It is assumed that one of the parties belongs to St. Vincent de Paul Parish, and that both are free to marry. For anyone — even a non-Catholic — who has been married previously and has not been widowed, a Catholic Church annulment is required to show freedom to marry again.
The couple must participate in a Marriage Preparation (Pre-Cana) Program approved by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Our parish conducts its own Marriage Preparation Program. The program consists of two Saturday sessions: February 6th, 9 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., and February 20th, 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.; To register please contact Carol and Mike Rykaczewski at 215-364-2552.
Couples may have the nuptial ceremony with or without a Mass. A nuptial Mass is highly recommended when both parties are Catholic; if one of the parties is not baptized, the wedding ritual is celebrated outside of Mass. Saturday weddings are scheduled at 11:00 A.M., 1:00 P.M. or 3:00 P.M.; if there is a 1:00 P.M. wedding, all attending the 11:00 A.M. wedding must leave the Church by 12:30 P.M.; all attending a 3:00 P.M., wedding must leave the Church by 4:30 P.M. in order to prepare for the 5:00 P.M. Mass. The earliest Saturday wedding is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. to allow for the possibility of a 9 A.M. Funeral Mass. Weddings may also be celebrated during the 11:30 A.M. Mass on Sunday.
See also Wedding Ministry
Men of faith, at least 35 years old, in good health and with financial security, who are discerning a call to the Permanent Diaconate, should contact a deacon or priest in the parish, or Deacon James T. Owens, Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Permanent Deacons (jowens@adphila.org or 610-664-2213).
It is the responsibility of the whole faith community to affirm and nurture those called to Holy Orders. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more workers into his harvest.
At the time of death, please call the Parish Office for the prayers and support of the parish. The Funeral Director also assists in the preparations for the Funeral Mass, and works with the parish priests. Funerals should normally be celebrated in the parish church of the deceased. However, any member of the faithful, or those in charge of the deceased person's funeral, may choose another church; this requires the consent of whoever is in charge of that church and a notification to the pastor of the deceased.
The Church permits cremation provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body, but prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites. However, when circumstances necessitate cremation before the funeral liturgy, the Mass may be celebrated in the presence of the cremated remains.
Since in baptism the body was marked with the seal of the Trinity and became the temple of the Holy Spirit, Christians respect and honor the bodies of the dead and the places where they rest. A Catholic cemetery is considered a sacred place, and supports our belief in the resurrection of the body and the communion of saints. After a cremation, the ashes are buried in a cemetery. It is only by way of exception that a Catholic is permitted burial in a non-Catholic cemetery.
Whenever possible the family should be involved in planning the funeral rites: e.g. in the choice of readings and readers, and in the selection of music.
The priests take
Holy Communion to the homebound on First Fridays.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are willing to visit
those who wish to receive Communion more frequently.
Names are included in the Newsletter "Prayers for the Sick" at the request of a family member or care-giver. Drop a note in Father McLaughlin's Atrium mailbox, e-mail Jeanne Flowers (jeanne@nni.com) or call the Parish Office with the name of the sick person, and the name, relationship and telephone number of the contact person.
A chaplain or priest from the closest parish ministers to each hospital's Catholic patients. Confidentiality policies prohibit most hospitals from informing the parish when a parishioner is admitted; families should inform the Parish Office. Parish nurses follow-up any hospital stays known to the parish.
Monthly Mass is celebrated at the Richboro Care Center and at Wynnwood Northampton Manor by a parish priest. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring the Eucharist to residents on most Sundays and the rosary is prayed at these facilities weekly.
In case of extreme illness or death, call the Parish Office (215-357-5905) for the services of the priests and the parish.
Adult men and women are also called to accept the invitation to become altar servers for funerals or other Liturgies when our school-age servers are not available. Training sessions will be scheduled.
Contact Father Cadwallader at 215-357-5905 EXT 103, or drop a note in his Atrium mailbox.
They are entrusted with distributing Communion at parish Masses, and with taking communion to the sick. After Sunday Mass, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion go to the Richboro Care Center and Wynwood Northampton Manor to visit with the sick and to distribute Holy Communion; the celebrant sends them on their mission on behalf of the worshiping community.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion also take Holy Communion to homebound
parishioners who desire to receive more frequently than on
First Fridays.
Alma Heflin (Heflina@verizon.net or 215-355-9080) coordinates the scheduling of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Through the generosity and patient research of a Core Group of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, our parish has a periodically updated handbook to provide our ministers with spiritual background, Church policy and practical instruction.
In the spirit of St. Martha, all are asked to consider giving one Sunday a month to this ministry during the Mass you normally attend. Some offer to serve more frequently; those unable to fulfill an assignment find a substitute from the phone list. New members receive written guidelines covering dress code and duties. Our coordinator, Kay Henry, (kayhenry529@yahoo.com or 215-355-5498) will answer any questions.
Joseph Ierubino (215-355-5608) trains new Lectors and coordinates their scheduling at both the Sunday and weekday Masses.
Our Director of Music Ministry is Joanne Donahue: Nine98@aol.com or 215-357-5905 EXT 108.
Cantors lead the congregation in song at the weekend liturgies, Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Vespers and Night Prayer), special feasts, Friday nights in May and October, and on Holydays (including Christmas). Cantor and music schedules are prepared in 6 to 8 week intervals. Tapes or rehearsals are available for anyone needing help with learning the music. The ability to carry a tune and be able to stand in front of the congregation and lead them in song is all that is required. The ability to read music is helpful but not a requirement. Anyone interested can speak to a cantor or contact Joanne Donahue.
The adult choir is composed of a group of individuals with a common bond — a love for music. Being a member offers those with this love for music the opportunity to join other singers to create beautiful melodic harmonies. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 pmm and sings at the 9:30 A.M. liturgy on the first and third Sunday of the month October through May, Christmas Eve, Holy Week and the Easter Vigil. Anyone interested is invited to join us on Thursday night. New members are always welcome.
The Youth Choir is open to all elementary school children of the parish. The choir sings at the 9:30 A.M. liturgy on the second Sunday of the month (October through April) as well as Christmas eve, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Rehearsals are on Thursdays 5:00 to 6:15 P.M. Any child who enjoys singing is encouraged to join us. Parents are welcome to call Mrs. Joanne Donahue at 215-357-5905 EXT 108 to learn more.
Bill Monaghan directs the vocalists and instrumentalists of our Teen Mass Music Group. During the school year, Teen Masses are scheduled every Sunday at 6 P.M., except Christmas night and Easter Sunday night. Occasionally, this group provides the music for the 5 P.M. Saturday Vigil Mass — e.g. Super Bowl Sunday weekend! They present at least one Concert of Praise each year.
Join this group that enjoys being together, producing lively music, celebrating Mass, and making a difference! All who like to play an instrument or enjoy singing are encouraged to participate — you don't have to read music! Watch the Parish Newsletter for practice times, or contact Bill Monaghan at thewordagospelopera@yahoo.com or 215-357-3370.
This ministry has been appreciated by the families and helps avoid some problems on the big day. New members of this ministry are most welcome.
To join this important ministry, or learn more about it, please call Suzanne Colonna at 215-355-0367. Thank You!
On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at 7:30 P.M. in Tamanend Park, the Boy Scouts sponsor The Living Rosary, a prayerful, candlelight recitation of the rosary in which all are invited to participate as "beads."
During May and October, Night Prayer (Compline) concludes the 7:30 to 8:30 P.M. Holy Hour each Friday at 8:15 P.M. in the Chapel of St. Louise de Marillac. This final daily prayer of the Liturgy of Hours consists of a hymn, a psalm, a reading, a meditation, and the singing of the Gospel Canticle. For the Salve Regina sung in honor of Mary, the Church is darkened so that only the Blessed Virgin's stained glass window is illuminated. The celebrant then moves to the head of the main aisle, and, in imitation of ancient Benedictine practice, all participants proceed toward the celebrant single-file to receive a blessing with holy water before leaving Church. All who have shared this devotion have been moved by it.
A plenary indulgence is granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. "Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!").
At our parish, the Image of Divine Mercy, is venerated at all Masses on the feast. At the 11:30 A.M. Mass, the choir sings the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a prayer for mercy given to Saint Faustina.
The Hour of Divine Mercy prayers begin at 3 P.M. and include the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Benediction begins at 8:15 P.M.
The priests take Holy Communion to the homebound on First Fridays. Extraordinary Ministers of Communion are willing to bring the Eucharist to those who wish to receive more frequently. To request a visit, please call the Parish Office (215-357-5905).
During Lent, the Holy Hour includes the Stations of the Cross.
During the months of May and October, Mary's months, the Holy Hour includes the celebration of Night Prayer. Also called Compline, this final daily prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours consists of a hymn, a psalm, a reading, a meditation and the singing of the Gospel Canticle, and the Salve Regina.
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all who are fourteen years of age and older are bound
to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent and
Good Friday;
- all eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, while the other two meals are to be light.
All are encouraged to participate in Mass and to receive the Eucharist daily, to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance frequently, to undertake spiritual reading, especially the study of Sacred Scripture, and to participate in parish Lenten devotions and educational programs — adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is especially recommended.
Also recommended is participation in Operation Rice Bowl, which has aided countless hungry persons here in the archdiocese and throughout our nation and our world.
Stations of the Cross and Benediction are celebrated in the Chapel of St. Louise de Marillac on Friday evenings at 7:30 P.M.
Our mission is to pray for our children and support one another in prayer. We meet for just 20 minutes. If you cannot be with us physically, please join us spiritually as we pray for our children and grandchildren.
The program begins in September and extends to the first or second week of June; classes meet from 9:30 A.M. to noon. Classes for the 3-day program, open to 3, 4 and 5 year olds, are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; tuition is $1,340 for 1 child. The 5-day Pre-K Program is for 4 and 5 year olds; tuition for this program is tuition is $2,225 for 1 child. Tuition is paid in ten monthly install-
ments. The minimum age requirements must be met by September 1, 2009. All students must be toilet trained.
The non-refundable $80 Registration Fee assures the child a place in the program. There are a limited number of tuition grants available. Forms are available in the school office.
Our Pre-School Program admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to our students. Similar policies apply to the school staff. Our Pre-School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, its admission policies, or in any school-administered program.
The director of St. Vincent's Pre-School Program is Susan Hesketh (work: 215-322-8423; home: 215-322-1547); the secretary is Carol Karpchuk.
We follow the decision of the Council Rock School District for snow or emergency closings. The code number announced on KYW Radio (1060 AM) is 756; Council Rock's emergency closing hot line is 215-957-4078; its web site is www.crsd.org.
You have asked to have your children baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor.
Our Religious Education Program assists parents in meeting
this responsibility with a strong program for grades 1 through 12
exhorting our youth to make their faith
rooted, living and active. Working with parents,
we strive to teach the fundamental
truths of our Catholic Religion, enabling the
students to become strong, responsible and practicing Catholics.
Classes for grades 1-8 meet once each week from the second week of September to the second week of May. The sessions being offered for 2009-2010 are:
| Levels 1 to 5 | 4:45- 6:00 P.M. Tuesday | Session #1 |
| 6:30- 7:45 P.M. Tuesday | Session #2 | |
| (Only Levels 1, 3, 4 & 6 in Session #2) | ||
| 5:15- 6:30 P.M. Wednesday | Session #3 | |
|
Levels 6 to 8 |
7:15- 8:30 P.M. Wednesday |
Session #4 |
|
Ages 3, 4 & K |
9:30-10:30 A.M. Sunday |
Church School |
Our program for 3 to 5 year-olds takes place during the 9:30 A.M. Sunday Mass. It is an introduction to God's love for all His children and an appreciation of God's creation.
Days when classes meet are noted on the Parish Calendar. Holidays are announced in class and in the Parish Newsletter. For snow or emergency closings we have our own code number: 2108 on KYW Radio (1060 AM).
Our two-week Vacation Bible Camp is held each year in July — this year, July 6-16. It is an opportunity for learning in a relaxed atmosphere. The program includes instruction in the faith, arts and crafts, music and outdoor activities.
Our program is constantly expanding and changing, and we welcome co-workers in this vital ministry. Anyone interested in teaching Religious Education should contact Sister Alice. Teacher training and babysitting will be provided.
The office (215-322-1932) is open 9:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
during the time of classes, staffed by
Sister Alice Gallagher, SSJ,
Director of Religious Education (EXT 302),
and her assistant, Teresa Marcella, (EXT 301).
-
St. Andrew School, 51 Wrights Road, Newtown, PA (215-968-2685),
www.standrewcec.com. -
St. Bede the Venerable School, 1053 Holland Road, Holland, PA (215-357-4720),
www.inetteacher.com/SchoolHome.aspx?sid=202179&pgid=0&secid=1.
-
Nativity of Our Lord School, 585 West Street Road, Warminster, PA
(215-675-2820),
www.nativity-school.org.
- Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA (215-357-0267), www.school.olgc.org.
Parents pay the same tuition as members of the neighboring parish; St. Vincent de Paul Parish subsidizes the difference between parental tuition and the actual per pupil cost.
Our parish also pays a yearly assessment to help support the twenty-two high schools (grades 9-12) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Parishioners may enroll in any of these schools; the closest is: Archbishop Wood High School, 655 York Road, Warminster, PA; telephone 215-672-5050; fax 215-672-5451; WEB site www.archwood.org.
Parish families with students in grades K through 12 in any of the above schools, not exceeding certain household maximum income guidelines, may apply apply for tuition assistance. Visit www.BLOCS.org.
Sessions are held every Monday evening, 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. in the Bérulle Conference Room, from early September through just after Easter. Contact Ronnie Ronnie Scholl at 215-364-2766, Kathy Sepielli at 215-355-7357 or Father Cadwallader at 215-357-5905 EXT 103.
The Adult Faith Formation Ministry strives to provide opportunities for study, discussion, prayer and reflection on the Gospel message. Our goal is to assist parishioners in their spiritual journey, and help them to reach a deeper maturity and promote the Gospel in every facet of daily life.
Our committee sponsors Parish Missions, Days of Recollection and coordinates small faith sharing groups. We are continuously seeking programs and methods to appeal to our parish family. We welcome new members and new ideas to assist in this important parish function.
The committee meets on the second Monday of the month beginning in September and ending in May. For further information contact Mary Jo Hayes at 215-322-4257 or Shirley Lammert at 215-322-0763.
Each week, the texts for the following Sunday's readings are used as the foundation for reflection and discussion. The location of the texts may be found on page 2 of the weekly Parish Newsletter; our on-line Parish Calendar at www.svdp-richboro.org has a link to the readings themselves.
No Scriptural background is necessary: just a heart open to God's Word. Bring your own Bible: different translations can deepen understanding.
School of Community is called school because it teaches us to verify what happens in our life and recognize that reality is a continuous encounter with Jesus who asks us "What are you looking for?" and proposes to us to "Come and see . . . follow me", as He did to the Apostles.
Contact: Elisabetta and Jeff Erickson 215-364-3892. For more info on Communion and Liberation: www.clonline.us
Participants are given ample notice when asked to prepare a meal, and may turn down an assignment if the timing is not convenient. Anyone who cooks but doesn't drive (or drives but doesn't cook) can be matched with someone who does what he or she cannot do.
If you or someone you know could use our services, don't hesitate to get in touch. We will provide meals for a day, a week — or as long as the need exists. Our dedicated Food Angels are ready to help when help is needed.
To join the Ministry or make a request for assistance contact Jane Braun at janewbraun@verizon.net, 215-355-1636, or (cell) 215-962-4336.
This joint ministry of our parish conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and our parish Pro-Life Ministry provides support to needy parents who have chosen Life.
Parishioners are urged to donate blood, since many lives depend on this work of charity. You must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Persons who are older than 65 and in good health may usually donate with the approval of the blood bank physician. Federal regulations require that donors wait 56 days between donations. Please bring some form of ID.
We also need volunteers to make phone calls to blood donors, serve food and drinks during the drive, take registrations or help donors from the table to the kitchen for some goodies and a drink.
For information call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org. Our parish coordinator is Mary Ellen Butch (215-322-7399).
When a divorce occurs, the Catholic Church is always caught between two tensions. One is the unbreakableness of the bond of marriage. Jesus Himself said: "What God has joined, man must not divide." This is God's law. It cannot be broken by human intervention. On the other hand, the Church must be concerned about the spiritual welfare of the people involved. Can they be helped? Was this a true marriage? Even though the parties went through a Catholic marriage ceremony, was there some weakness in the consent of one or both of the persons involved?
The annulment procedure is designed to study the history of the marriage and why it failed. It does not affix blame. A Decree of Nullity has no effect on the legitimacy of children, or other matters such as custody or property settlements which are decided by civil law. If the marriage is annulled, both parties are free to marry in the Catholic Church.
If you could be helped, or have a friend or acquaintance who
might be helped, please
suggest that the person contact the Tribunal,
222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103;
TEL 215-587-3750; FAX 215-587-0508;
www.philatribunal.comcastbiz.net/.
The Tribunal will be happy to forward an application. Have no
fear. All interviews are private. There are no confrontations.
The Marthas meet once a week in Church, usually on Thursdays after the 9 A.M. Mass, to dust, sweep and clean. Volunteers give of themselves for only one or two hours a week. Please join them — the more helping hands, the easier and faster the job.
Our freezers have room for 200 pans.
Please consider joining this ministry.
It's an easy project you do at home at your convenience
and the cost for ingredients is under $10.
Those who do not cook may
donate toilet articles, band-aids, aspirin, towels, washcloths, new socks,
and tablespoons.
Contact Jeanne Flowers: 215-322-8924 (home); 215-357-5905 EXT 101 (work); or jeanne@nni.com.
Please consider joining our parish Outreach to help our extended family in Christ; simply drop a note in our mailbox in the Atrium or call us. Anyone in need of Outreach services should call. Contact Jeanne Flowers: 215-357-5905, EXT 101 or jeanne@nni.com.
One registered nurse coordinates all our nurse volunteers' activities; she can be contacted through the Parish Office (215-357-5905 EXT 101). Notify parish nurses of indivi- duals recently hospitalized, those with a chronic medical condition, and new mothers.
Nurses (R.N.'s and L.P.N.'s) who could be available once or twice a month to help in this ministry are also asked to contact the Parish Office.
In recent years, demands on area food banks have increased, while government support has remained constant, or even cut back. People to People Sunday can make a difference.
Use of Acme, GIANT, Kohls, Home Goods, Marshalls, Super Fresh, Richboro Shop n Bag, Shop Rite, T.J. Max and A.J. Wright. scrip helps the pro-life cause financially. Scrip is accepted as cash, and the store contributes $5 of every $100 to our ministry. Scrip costs you nothing extra, but helps us help others. Contact Vi Ludovoci at 215-355-5788 to purchase script.
Our ministry provides maternity clothes, infant clothes, blankets, cribs, playpens, etc. for those less fortunate than ourselves. To donate please call Vi. We will pick up.
To provide this personal and neighborly help, Vincentians organize themselves into small working groups known as Conferences. Vincentian activity consists in any form of person-to-person service which relieves human suffering, furthers self-help efforts, and promotes the individual's dignity.
Our parish Conference began in June, 1997, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, and welcomes new members. Members act as case workers who visit homes, as administrators who coordinate volunteers and support services, and as occasional helpers who visit shut-ins, help a widow, etc.
Poor Box donations in Church are used by our parish Conference to meet needs in our area: e.g. help provide food to the needy, shelter to the homeless, and heating oil, electric bills, mortgage payments, and health insurance premiums for the unemployed.
To request help or refer a hardship case in the area, leave voice-mail at 215-357-3517. Confidentiality is observed in all cases.
The Society's Central Council of Philadelphia located at 901 E Luzerne St, Philadelphia, PA 19124, coordinates clothing drives, used furniture pick-ups, thrift stores, etc., and may be reached at 215-288-8160, or through www.svdp-phila.org.
Regular background checks are required, not just of clergy, but also of Religious and lay staff, and all volunteers who work with our youth. That includes Religious Ed teachers, all CYO adult moderators and coaches, the High School Youth Group core team, etc. In addition, there are mandatory training sessions for all these individuals — and for our youth — so all are aware of standards of behavior and boundaries, and what to do if a problem is suspected.
Anyone making contact can expect confidential consultation with a licensed social worker who will provide this confidential service. The Archdiocese is committed to assisting in the pursuit of any victim's emotional and spiritual well-being.
All our high school youth are invited to participate in great discussions, fun activities, awesome service projects, a ski trip, Halloween at Dorney Park, a summer mission week, etc. Make great friends, grow personally, and make a difference in the parish!
A core group of youth and adults plans faith formation discussions, Bible Study, Teen Masses, social activities, and service opportunities. Teens and parents are welcome as members of the core group.
Contact Dan Tarrant at 215-718-7485 or dantarrant315@yahoo.com.
In our 36 year history, Troop 240 has provided hundreds of boys camaraderie, personal growth, and a deep appreciation of the mystique of the outdoors. The Troop has produced over 80 Eagle Scouts since 1973, a fact which reflects the strength of the program.
Troop meetings are held each Friday evening 7 to 9 P.M., except on the one camping weekend each month.
Contact Mr. Louis Lescas, Scoutmaster, at 215-322-8053. Visit
Pack 240 is a family-oriented activity, and encourages parental involvement at all levels. Come explore the world of scouting: camping, family activities, father-son activities, and a lot more!
Contact Mr. Steve Rochford, Cubmaster, at 215-322-4548.
Activities are announced in the Parish Newsletter and in flyers mailed directly to the youth.
Soccer: Sign-ups for girls and boys in grades K through 8 are in May after all the Masses on several weekends; the dates are announced in the Parish Newsletter.
St. Vincent de Paul Parish participates in the CYO Region 11 Soccer League. For league news, schedules, standings, etc., consult the league's WEB site:
Football:
The Saints football
team is made up of 5th and 6th graders (Junior Varsity)
and 7th and 8th graders (Varsity).
The team is hosted by St. Cyril's in Jamison.
Team members must be from one of the following parishes: St. Cyril,
Jamison; St. Joseph/St. Robert, Warrington; Nativity of Our Lord, Warminster;
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Southampton; St. Vincent de Paul, Richboro.
All players must be registered in their parish, and must attend either
Catholic School or the Parish Religious Education Program.
The Saints play 9 league games against other CYO teams in the archdiocese. Home games are played either at Log College or at Archbishop Wood High School. Registration cost is $95 until August 1st; then, it is increased to $115 until August 15th; it is $135 after August 15th. Team equipment is provided.
The Saints also have non-competition cheerleading.
For more information, or to join the coaching staff (completion of the Archdiocesan Child Abuse Awareness Program is mandatory), contact SAINTCYO@comcast.net or Joe Meehan at 215-672-8245, or Dave Armstrong at 215-783-3587.
Members are elected for three year terms, and may be re-elected for one additional term. Their names and the year their terms expire are published in the Parish Newsletter as part of the minutes of each meeting.
Parishioners are encouraged to read the minutes and share any comments or recommendations with any Council member.
Members are appointed to the committee by the Pastor for three year terms, renewable once. Their names are listed in the Parish Newsletter in the minutes of each meeting.
Parishioners are encouraged to read the minutes and share any comments or recommendations with any Committee member.
Contact Joy Lee at 215-357-4088.
Items for the following Sunday's edition are due
in Jeanne Flowers' mailbox in the Atrium or in the Parish Office
by 9:30 A.M. Tuesday.
Earlier submission of articles is appreciated.
Advertising revenue covers the entire cost of printing the Newsletter, and provides the parish with some additional funds. The parish is grateful for the support of our advertisers and encourages parishioners to patronize them. To advertise in our Newsletter, contact John Patrick Publishing Company at 800-333-3166 or www.jppc.net.
Current news, such as a Funeral, is posted on the home page. The "Links" page provides access to web sites in the universal Church and in our local community. Directions to Church are given, and may be of use to families preparing for a wedding, etc.
Suggestions to improve communication through our WEB site are welcome.
Parishioners leaving the parish are also asked to notify the Parish Office.
In response to requests from those outside our territory who worship with us and support the parish, we register them as "Friends of St. Vincent." This enables them to continue their registration in their territorial parish, and helps us fulfill our obligation to document their living the faith (e.g. for eligibility certificates), and verify contributions.
Those who wish to become "Friends of St. Vincent" should ask the Pastor of the parish in which they reside for a letter giving permission for the family to register here.
Our boundaries begin at the intersection of Bustleton Pike and Bristol Rd in Churchville (the lowest boundary point on the above map), and continue west on Bristol Rd to Newtown Rd; then the boundary follows an air line north, as if Newtown Rd were extended; this air line meets Almshouse Rd approximately at Solly's stand; the boundary
continues west on Almshouse Rd to
Spencer Rd; then north on Spencer Rd
(extended) to Neshaminy Creek; it follows the creek
east to the air line extension of Holland Rd, and
follows that air line to Newtown-Richboro Rd, proceeds
west to 2nd Street Pike in downtown Richboro, and follows
2nd Street Pike, then Bustleton Pike, south to Bristol Rd.
In mid-April. heads of parish organizations are asked to submit their Calendar entries and Handbook updates to the Parish Secretary. By mid-May these events have been posted and representatives of all parish organizations can review the preliminary calendar at www.svdp-richboro.org, the parish web site, to ensure that entries have been entered correctly, and resolve any unanticipated conflicts. Final formatting and handbook revision continue into the summer when the calendar goes to press.
St. Vincent de Paul Parish is grateful to our calendar's sponsor: The Joseph A. Fluehr, III Funeral Home, Inc. ( www.fluehr.com).
The Calendar and Handbook are updated throughout the year on the parish web site, www.svdp-richboro.org.
This year's Calendar and Handbook cover highlights the Jubilee Year commemorating the 350th anniversary of the deaths of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Throughout the year we hope to join the international Vincentian community in reflecting on the charisms of St. Vincent and St. Louise, and integrating their examples of service into both our personal lives and our parish ministries.
As part of our parish's celebration of this Jubilee Year, Father G. Gregory Gay, III, CM, a Baltimore native, and the worldwide superior general of the Congregation of the Mission, known as the Vincentian Fathers and Brothers, and the Daughters of Charity, will visit our parish and celebrate Mass with us on Sunday morning, November 22nd. He is the 23rd successor of St. Vincent de Paul, who founded the Congregation in 1625.
The images for each month highlight some of the activities in which our parishioners give glory to God, and service to His people.
This program provides primary coverage for the first $300 of covered medical expenses; benefits above $300 (to $1,000,000) are payable, but only in excess of any other available medical coverage or hospitalization plan. Brochures describing coverage, conditions, limitations and exclusions are available in the Parish Office, as are claim forms. All claims should be reported promptly.
Statements of donations for the previous calendar year are mailed in January to all families who have contributed $250 or more, the amount above which I.R.S. requires documentation. They are also available by request when announced in the Parish Newsletter.
Parishioners involved in the various parish ministries and activities may be given addresses and telephone numbers necessary for their roles in the parish. All parish data is considered confidential and is not released without permission of the parishioner.
| Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) | 215-574-6900 |
| Al-Anon (If you love an addict) | 215-222-5244 |
| Gamblers Anonymous (GA) | 215-468-1991 |
| Overeaters Anonymous (OA) | 215-698-1701 |
| Narcotics Anonymous (NA) | 215-934-3944 |
| PDD/Autism Support Group | 215-343-5851 |
|
Society of St. Vincent de Paul |
|
| Parish Conference | 215-357-3517 |
| Pick-ups & Inquiries | 215-288-8160 |
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