Saint Peter

Catholic Church 2835 MANOR ROAD

WEST BRANDYWINE, PA 19320 www.saintpeterchurch.net

Phone: 610-380-9045; Fax: 610-380-9049

Parish Office e-mail: stpeterchesco@comcast.net

April 5, 2020

Palm Sunday The Passion of The Lord

Leadership Commission

REV. MICHAEL J. FITZPATRICK, PASTOR Rev. Emmanuel Iheaka (Chaplain in Residence) Fr. Emmanuel serves at Coatesville Veterans Hospital

Deacon Todd Smith: Permanent Deacon

Commissioned in Service of the Parish: Mrs. Robin Burckhardt: Coordinator of Parish Ministries schedule@saintpeterchurch.net Mr. Austin Flinn: Music Director, Coordinator of Liturgy musicdirector@saintpeterchurch.net Mr. Michael Field: Coordinator of Youth Ministries youthminister@saintpeterchurch.net Mrs. Dorothy Pepe: Business Manager bizmgr@saintpeterchurch.net Mrs. Susan Kenna: Administrative Assistant stpeterchesco@comcast.net

Mrs. Debbie Forrest: Safe Environment Coordinator SCRIP scrip@saintpeterchurch.net Mr. Steve Forrest: Buildings and Facilities Mrs. Kathy Hoffman: Parish Organist Mrs. Veronique Hadfield: Adult Choir Director

Commissioners: Serving on the Parish Pastoral Council Outreach: Jim Mulry, Carol and Chuck Beebe Welcome: Barbara McCleary Witness: Ken Slavik, Chris and Jessica Valentino Worship: Jeff Yoder, Ken and Polly Pratt Education: Tim Perry, Kathy Kelly-Borowski, Lori Johns, Cathy Turpin, Sharon and Ian Bowman

Parish Finance Council: Father Fitzpatrick, Pastor Tom Stern, Phil Moran, Jeff Gilbertson, Natalie Carrozza, Ted Mirenda, Don Courtney, Alicia de la Torre-Yoder, Chuck Mirarchi, Madelyn Wadlinger. (Dottie Pepe, Advisory Member - Business Mgr.)

Our Catholic Education Programs Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary : Phone: 610-384-5961 Fax: 610-384-5730 Principal: Dr. Sarah Kerins School Web Site: www.popejohnpaul2sch.org

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP): Office and Classes at Pope John Paul II School:

Phone: 610-384-3145 Fax: 610-679-5985 Director: Mrs. Patrice Peterson stpeterre@yahoo.com

PREP Advisory Council: Father Fitzpatrick, Pastor, Patrice Peterson, DRE, Debbie Boone, David Duva, Karen Givens, Jen Murphy, Pat O’Brien, Tim Perry, Tracy Philips, Jason Reed, Joe Stubblebine, and Ginny Fennimore.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

THIS WEEK AT SAINT PETER PARISH

Pray the Rosary & the Divine Mercy Chaplet Daily

Sunday April 5

Monday April 6

Tuesday April 7 6:15 p.m. Confessions - Shrine Rm

Wednesday April 8

Holy Thursday April 9

Good Friday April 10

Facilities & Parish Office Closed

Holy Saturday April 11

Facilities & Parish Office Closed

Easter Sunday April 12

Easter Monday April 13

Facilities & Parish Office Closed

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Register with us, and learn about our Parish, in the parish office currently 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Our Parish Vision Statement: We are a Vibrant and Prayerful Catholic Community Welcoming you to Worship God in Spirit and Truth.

Enlivening the Vision of Faithful Stewardship, Charitable Outreach and Dynamic Evangelization.

Our Parish Mission Statement: Baptized into the Life of the Holy Trinity and called to

Service in the Name of Jesus Christ, we of Saint Peter Parish strongly desire to be united as a Christian Family.

Together we will make prayer the source and strength of all our actions. As a Spirit-Filled Catholic community, we

commit ourselves to use our individual talents and gifts to reach out to one another in love and friendship.

Saint Peter Parish Apostleship of Prayer

I n your prayers, please remember the sick of our parish including…

Gayle Jacobs, Toni Sharpless, Linda Belmonte, Barbara Schober, Joseph D’Angelo, Jenna Cummings, Tom Sandri, Donna & John Byrne, Walter Tremoglie,

Laurie Flynn, Marianne Lewis, Ed Morris, Richard Kern. Joan Trembecki, Kathy Reaney, Joe Formica,

Margaret Gentry, Fr. Andy Lasko, Kathy Przychodzien, Kathy Newell, John Lynch, Thomas Alvord, Barbara Lombardi, Jerry Readon, Jay Algier,

Franklin Knowles, Kurt Martin, Bud Griffin, Bea Thomas, Michael Morris, Julie Ann Kibler, Chris Valentino, Kevin T. Moran, Edward Pristernik, Peter Knebel,

Avery Reif Shaefer, Tony Vabre, Antonio Cummings, Steven Pennock, Doug Gaston, Marilyn Cimijotti, Sr. Irene Setlow, Ashlie Krejci, Frank Laurento,

Steve Anthony, Robert Anderson, Jr., Alan Reger, Mary R. Chanudet, William Boyd, Erika Coull,

Alexandra Ford, Ruth Soto, Dick Harbaugh, Gilbert Dillinger, Michael Cervone, Arthur Norek,

Barbara Larkin, Anita Kelly, Bernard Korch, Ramsey DiLibero, Charles Arayata, Evelyn Kulp,

Tascha Knowlton-Konopelski, Jack Clarkson, Cecilia & Roman D’Amico, Gina Pine, Heather Mullen,

Sullivan Simpson, Patrice Peterson, Stephanie Bahr, Maryann Brown-Martin, Bill Harkness, Donald Hopkins,

the Selcher family, Melanie Boyle, Helen Ramaley, Bruce Katz, Frank and Steven Sherlock, Joan Dugery, Victor DiMartino, Virginia Mistretta, Sue Thompson,

and all the residents of our nursing homes.

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Please join in prayer for those remembered in our Mass Intentions

for the Week of 4/6/2020

Nicholas Vassallo Wednesday Holy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday Easter Sunday

The publication of the intention of the Mass in the Parish Bulletin fulfills the obligation to “announce” the intention of the Mass.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR ALL OUR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE ARMED SERVICES:

Brandon A’Hara, Ron Jon Annaballi, Timothy M. Bruce, Anthony Christof, Sean Douglas Cobourn,

Dillan T. Duvall, Geoffrey Finch, Timothy Givens, Cristin A. Goerlitz, Brittany Kessler, Brendan Kessler, Mallory Kessler, Tim Laurento, Jr., Ryan McGuckin, Molly McGuckin, Garrett C. McKinney, Ian Miller,

Brandon Mistretta, Kevin & James Moran, Timothy R. Powledge, Camilo Ramirez,

Zachary Schaeffer, Mark Thompson, Claudia Twiss, Jason Twiss, Matthew Twiss, Brian Weightman,

Erick Williams, and Jodi Zellers.

April 2020 PRAYER INTENTIONS OF POPE FRANCIS Freedom from Addiction: We pray that those suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied.

In accord with Archdiocesan Policy

and following the recommendations of the

Centers for Disease Control

all public celebrations of Mass

at Saint Peter Catholic Church

are suspended for the foreseeable future.

Stewardship Commission

Sunday, March 29 $ 15,684.26

Annual Fund 3,440.00

Annual Fund to date 63,057.00

Thank you to those who are financially supporting us during the epidemic and suspension of Masses. We are praying for all our families, especially those facing financial stress.

The practice of tithing provides a regular reminder of your dependence on God. In good times, tithing helps you re-member that God is the source of all blessings, and it allows you to demonstrate your gratitude for His care. In hard times, tithing motivates you to remember God’s faithfulness and enables you to demonstrate trust in God to provide for all of our needs.

When you tithe you enable those whom God has called to serve as pastors, ministry personnel, and parish leadership to faithfully build up the church accomplishing the works of Christ in our parish!

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Mark 4:35-40 Jesus Calms the Storm That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In a remarkable blessing ‘to the city and the world’ on Friday, March 27, Pope Francis spoke of the faith we need in these days: “Faith begins when we realize we are in need of salvation. We are not self-sufficient; by ourselves, we founder: we need the Lord like ancient navigators needed the stars. Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives. Let us hand over our fears to him so that he can conquer them. Like the disciples, we will experience that with him on board there will be no shipwreck. Because this is God’s strength: turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things. He brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies.”

Pope Francis spoke of the reality we are facing now: “For weeks now it has been evening. Thick darkness has gath-ered over our squares, our streets, and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void, that stops everything as it passes by; we feel it in the air, we notice in people’s gestures, their glances give them away. We find ourselves afraid and lost. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. On this boat… are all of us. Just like those disciples, who spoke anxiously with one voice, saying “We are perishing” (v. 38), so we too have realized that we cannot go on thinking of ourselves, but only together can we do this.”

Recently, the President has called for the social distancing regulations to continue at least through April 30. We have gotten used to the changes that continue to come in terms of restrictions on the public celebration of the Mass and other sacraments.

The Archdiocese has restricted the celebration of Mass to private celebrations only and I assure you that I am praying the Mass and the Liturgy of the hours for you and your family daily, although privately. Some years ago, we began to gradually invest in technology that has proven successful in allowing us to web stream the celebration of Mass each weekend. Please follow Holy Week from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia web site, from the Vatican, or from your favorite venue.

We are hoping to continue to open the church each Sunday for private visits and the chapel Monday - Friday so that we can pray for each other.

Fr. Fitzpatrick

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): We begin with prayer based on the Sunday readings followed by teaching and discussion.

Our time is guided by Keith Kibler, Nancy Schneider, Deb Reif, Jan and Todd Smith,

along with Fr. Fitzpatrick. Our candidate and potential cate-chumens this year include folks from a wide range of ages and religious backgrounds, and from no particular religious background. I invite your prayers for Justin, Nicole, Mark, and Lindsay.

“Giving is more than a responsibility—it is a privilege; more than an act of obedience—it is evidence of our faith.”

William Arthur Ward (1921-49) American educator

FAST AND ABSTINENCE AND OTHER ACTS OF PENANCE FOR LENT 2020

The Bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons who are fourteen years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on all the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. Further, all persons eighteen years of age and old-er, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Good Friday, while the other two meals on that day are to be light.

All the faithful are encouraged, when possible, to participate at Mass and to receive the Holy Eucharist daily, to celebrate fre-quently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertake spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to participate in parish Lenten devotions as well as Lenten education programs. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is especially recommended.

All are encouraged to participate in Operation Rice Bowl, which has aided countless hungry persons here in the Archdiocese, as well as throughout our nation and our world.

Worship Commission

Parish Devotional & Spiritual Formation Ministries: TUESDAY: Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament Gethsemane Holy Hour (6 - 7 p.m.) (Rosary and Intercessory Prayer) Evening Prayer and Benediction at 7 p.m.

The Chapel is open 5:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays for Adoration and prayer.

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Palm Sunday ~ The Passion of the Lord April 4 & 5, 2020

First Reading Isaiah 50: 4 - 7 The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

Responsorial: Psalm 22 R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Second Reading Philippians 2: 6 – 11

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied him-self, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel Matthew 27: 11 – 54

Jesus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The gover-nor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praeto-rium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha — which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way. From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, ‘Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”

Parish Sacramental Celebrations

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) Tuesdays 6:15 to 7 p.m. / Saturdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Sacrament Anointing of the Sick: The Pastor should be notified as soon as possible when a family member or friend becomes ill, is hospi-talized, or is in danger of death.

Sacrament of Baptism: Infant Baptisms are usually celebrated on the first and third Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. Prior arrangements for Baptism are made through the parish office at least one month before the celebration of the sacrament. Please call the parish office.

Sacrament of Marriage. Arrangements for Marriage are made with the parish office at least six months prior to the wedding.

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Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Announces the Suspension of All Public Masses

in The Archdiocese Of Philadelphia beginning on Wednesday, March 18, and until further notice.

Last week, the Archbishop dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Both decisions were made in re-sponse to the growing concern over the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the directives provided by government and health department officials at the local, state, and national levels. These measures will be re-evaluated pending future developments.

Archbishop Pérez said, “As the Archbishop of Philadelphia, my first priority is to ensure the health and welfare of those entrust-ed to the pastoral and temporal care of our Church. So, in light of the developing Coronavirus pandemic, a decision has been made to suspend the public celebration of all Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the time being.

All of us need to do our part to slow the spread of this illness. Like you, we are monitoring coronavirus developments and look forward to continuing our lives on a more normal basis.

While things may look and feel different during these uncertain times, I want to be very clear that the Catholic Church in Phila-delphia is not closing down. It is not disappearing and it will not abandon you. Time and again as our history has proven the Church has risen to meet great challenges and provide a beacon of hope and light.

As your Shepherd, I promise that the Church remains steadfast and is prepared to walk with you and serve you. Neither the Church nor its charitable works will stop. God is always by our side. He never abandons us. I invite you to join me in prayerful solidarity for the intentions of the sick, suffering, and their caregivers as well as government and health officials. With God’s grace and blessing, we will navigate the difficult waters of this challenge as a united human family, for after all is said and done, we are people of Hope!”

Pastors, along with all those who work with them, will be as attentive as possible to all the spiritual, pastoral, and charitable needs of the people they serve. Priests will continue to offer the sacrifice of the Holy Mass during this period and to honor all requested Mass intentions.

Churches can remain open as a location for private prayer at the discretion of the pastor. Baptisms, Confessions, Marriages, and Funerals will take place as usual but with due regard for the limitation of participants and reasonable social distancing.

In conjunction with directives already in force in hospitals and institutions, all visits to the sick with Holy Communion, including in private homes, by priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are suspended. In such instances, only priests will be available to celebrate the Sacraments for those in immediate danger of death. In all circumstances, government and health agency directives for group size and social distancing are to be observed as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia strives to meet the pastoral and temporal needs of all those in need.

Additional information regarding opportunities for prayer and devotions are available on the Archdiocesan website.

Community

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Joni and Friends, a faith-based charity serving the disabled, is requesting donations of mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches.) The equipment is restored and then delivered to those in need in developing countries. Donations are

tax deductible. For more information or to donate, contact Larry Easton at leaston78@gmail.com or 315-416-1716.

Spiritual Support for Addiction: Hope in Christ: Seeking spir-itual support in the journey towards recovery? Many parishes around the Archdiocese are extending God’s merciful and loving hand to those who have an addiction as well as their families and loved ones. The Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addic-tion webpage provides a central location for resources, ongoing support, testimonies and events that are happening throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Visit archphila.org/hope for details and new postings.

The Little Saints Academy at Pope John Paul II School is a full time Child Care Center in an Elementary school. We offer comprehensive care for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children. We have summer camp as well as school year care. Our program has recently grown and we look for-

ward to more expansion. To fill this need, we are looking to hire caring, compassionate, enthusiastic people, to join our team of caretakers and educators. We are currently hiring for part-time positions; all shifts are available. Our part-time shifts offer flexibility and are perfect for students or people enjoying retirement. If you are interested, please contact Patty Tarquinio at: 610-384-5961 or by email at: ptarquinio@popejohnpaul2sch.org. Come join the fun, and be a Little Saint! Part-time maintenance at Pope John Paul II Elementary School. Interested and qualified applicants please contact Dr. Sarah Kerins, Principal:skerins@popejohnpaul2sch.org with a resume, cover letter, and updated clearances (FBI fingerprint, Child Abuse, and Criminal Background). Groundskeeper: St. Mary of Providence Center is looking for a year-round groundskeeper for mowing, maintenance of flowers beds, weed removal and mulching, bush and hedge trimming, light tree trimming, weed-whacking, mowing, snow removal, leaf pick-up, and some painting. Knowledge of equipment and mechanical ability is a must! Contact Sr. Brenda at 610-942-4166 or stmaryofprov@comcast.net.

Did you know that if have children in PJPII or the PREP Program, a percent of your sales can go towards tuition? We offer GIFT CARDS (SCRIP) to: Crop’s,

Wawa, Sheetz, American Eagle, Gap, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Amazon, iTunes, Boscov’s, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Mar-shall’s Home Goods, Wal-Mart, Target, Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Staples, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Regal Cinema, Game Stop, Pet Smart, Bath and Body Works, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Barnes & Noble, Ap-plebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Olive Garden, Outback, Red Lobster, Shady Maple, Giant, ACME, and so much more! SCRIP may be purchased in the parish office. Please call before stopping in.

PJPII 9th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing: All are invited to participate in the 9th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing to support tuition assistance for PJPII students. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at Ron Jaworksi's Downingtown Country Club. For registration, sponsor-ship, and advertising opportunities, please contact Krystal Snyder at 484-459-4748 or visit the Golf

Outing page at www.popejohnpaul2sch.org/golf-outing. Brochures are also available in the literature racks/tables.

Education Commission

Save the Date!

Vacation Bible camp is coming July 6 - 10!

Camp is from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (please note time change)

Faithful Stewardship St. Peter PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) Families Monthly Contribution in Support of Saint Peter Parish

January 2020 115 Families February 2020 115 Families

No Contributions 58 Families No Contributions 53 Families

$5 to $59 33 Families $5 to $59 30 Families

$60 or more 24 Families $60 or more 32 Families

Total Stewardship $ 5,828 Total Stewardship $6,680

Faithful Stewardship Saint Peter Catholic Elementary School Families at PJPII Monthly Contribution in Support of Saint Peter Parish

January 2020 174 Families February 2020 174 Families

No Contributions 81 Families No Contributions 84 Families

$5. to $59. 41 Families $5. to $59. 38 Families

$60 or more 52 Families $60 or more 52 Families

Total Stewardship $ 7,528 Total Stewardship $7,874

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School www.popejohnpaul2sch.org Phone: 610-384-5961 Fax: 610-384-5730

Dr. Sarah Kerins, Principal Mrs. Patty Tarquinio, Vice Principal

PJPII School Enrollment 622 ~ St. Peter Students 324

Applications for PreK-3 through Grade 8 are now being accept-ed for the 2020-21 school year. Apply early to avoid being waitlisted. Admission to Little Saints Academy (LSA) is rolling. LSA serves infants and toddlers 6 weeks to 36 months of age. For more information or to schedule a tour, please feel free to visit www.popejohnpaul2sch.org.

Are you an Amazon or AmeriGas customer?

Here are “two” easy ways to help support Pope John Paul II Catholic School:

1) AmazonSmile - AmazonSmile is a website operated by Am-azon that lets you enjoy the same shopping experience as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop at Ama-zonSmile (smile.amazn.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchase to PJPII School. Visit https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1744547 and search Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School in Coatesville, Pa. to get started.

2) AmeriGas School Days Program - If you purchase propane from AmeriGas or are affiliated with a business that purchases propane from AmeriGas, look for the "SCHOOL DAYS RECEIPT" section of your invoice. This program awards 2 cents to PJP II for every gallon of gas a customer uses up to $2,000 per year. Clip the "School Days Receipt" portion of your invoice and drop off at the school or mail to PJPII School - 2875 Manor Rd., West Brandywine, Pa 19320.

Questions? Contact the Advancement office: msamson@popejohnpaul2sch.org or 610-384-5961.

Thank you for your support!

Bishop Shanahan High School www.shanahan.org

Phone: 610-518-1300 Fax: 610-343-6220 Sr. Regina Plunkett IHM, President Mr. Michael J. McCardle, Principal

PREP - Parish Religious Education Program

This program is for all children who attend Public, Charter Schools, or are Homeschooled.

Classes are held at PJPII School for Grades 1 - 8

Grades 1 - 8 offered at both sessions:

Sunday: 9:15 - 10:45 a.m. Tuesday: 6:15 - 7:45 p.m.

Phone: 610-384-3145 Fax: 610-679-5985

E-mail: stpeterre@yahoo.com Director: Mrs. Patrice Peterson

Life as we know it is quickly coming to a screeching halt. Each day brings new directives in response to the spreading of the coronavirus. All indicators point to a crisis which has yet to peak.

The latest mandates have closed PREP programs through April 14. Any new changes will be communicated to you. All this is being done for the safety and well-being of the PREP staff, volunteers, and families.

ALL PREP Classes are now being conducted as a “Home-Study Model.” Parents please follow the schedule of classes and chapters to teach, which can be found on the PREP page of the Parish Website. Additionally, parents will receive weekly updates from the catechists.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we navigate these new waters together.

If at any time you have questions or concerns, email stpeterre@yahoo.com

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Our parish celebration of 1st Communion will be re-scheduled—the new date TBA.

Outreach Commission

The Serenity/AA Group: “God, grant me the se-renity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

The Cancer Support Group meets the sec-ond Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. in Meeting Rooms SS. Drexel & Neumann. We offer support to anyone diagnosed with cancer,

anyone who is presently undergoing treatment, has com-pleted treatment, is a family member and/or caregiver. Our next meeting May 9 at 11 a.m. is contingent upon the Coronavirus and CDC recommendations.

Caring for Friends: Cooks: Please con-tinue to prepare meals so that we can keep the freezer full and feed those who are dependent on our help. Thank you for

your generosity. Visitors: As has been communicated to you by email, please continue to take meals to your friends but just deliver the meals to the door. You might also want to call your friend instead of the usual visit. New volunteers: We are always in need of new volunteers to participate in the ministry. At this time, volunteer cooks would be greatly appreciated. For more information, please call Ellen at 610-384-7160 or email ecerritelli@comcast.net.

The next meeting for the Caregivers Support Group will be Monday, April 20, at 10 a.m. in the Bethany Lounge. The support group will now be known as “Nourish For Caregivers.” We recognize

that virtually everyone of us will care for a loved one at some point in our lives. Nourish provides caregivers a faith perspective, as well as, practical and emotional support, use-ful tools, and shared experiences. Please come and join us and be “Nourished.” For more information please call or email: Cathy Samoylo 484-433-9705, csamoylo@yahoo.com; or Beth Trubachik 330-242-0206, BethTrubachik@ME.com. Our next meeting April 20 is contingent upon the Corona-virus and CDC recommendations.

Good Works: We are St. Peter Parish volun-teers who join many other local Christian church groups in performing home repairs. We reach out in love and friendship to transform

substandard houses into warmer, safer, and drier homes, and by doing so, turn despair into hope. The team welcomes new volunteers of all skill levels. For more information or to be a part of Good Works, contact Jim at 610-496-1393 or jim_mulry@mcenvironmental.com.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Do you know someone who is suffering, struggling, facing overwhelming challenges, or major life changes? Consider gift-ing them with a prayer shawl or lap blanket to

bring them comfort and let them know people are praying for them, no matter their age, faith, or problem. Our ministry members are knitters and crocheters of all skill levels and others who deliver our handiwork. All of us weave prayers into our handiwork and pray for all our recipients who live nearby, around the country, and even overseas! If you’d like to join our ministry, our gatherings are fun, inspirational, and optional. To find out more or select a piece for someone, contact Jan Smith at 610-269-1756 or editsmith3@aol.com. The date of our next gathering is contingent upon the Coronavirus and CDC recommendations.

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Our church garden has been put to rest for the winter. We have pro-duced an abundance of produce for

delivery to area pantries. Gardening will begin again in the spring. If you are interested in volunteering please email Lawrence at barronLF@comcast.net.

Please help feed the hungry!

Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of the holiest of Christian weeks. Let us pray for the grace to take up our own cross and to follow Jesus through death to new life. Please support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

so that together we can help the poor as they carry their cross of suffering and pain. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Helpline is 610-470-9090. Your donation can be mailed directly to the parish office designating SVDP.

Many thanks to our generous parishioners for the out-pouring of donations for this past weekend’s food drive,

delivered to the Honey Brook Food pantry. Biggest load ever!

Witness Commission

The King’s Men are a group of Catholic men geared towards coming together for weekly formation and accountability to be strengthened in their roles as leader, protector, and provider.

Welcome Commission

Hospitality Committee! What does it involve? Baking goodies or providing other items needed for parish activities. If you are interested, please contact us at welcome@saintpeterchurch.net or

btmccleary7@gmail.com.

SILVER LINING SENIORS: We hope all of you are taking some extra time for prayer during this Lenten season as we prepare for the great Easter Feast. Hope your Easter is a wonderful celebra-

tion! New members are welcome to join us any time! Call Pat at the aforementioned number if you have questions. Our next meeting May 12 at 1 p.m. is contingent upon the Coronavirus and CDC recommendations.

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CALLING ALL TEENAGERS: ROCK is looking for YOU to get involved in exploring your faith in a new and exciting way. We will focus on Fellowship, Faith Sharing, Service, and Wor-

ship. All are encouraged to invite a friend! For dates and ways to become active, contact Mike Field at youthminister@saintpeterchurch.net.

THINKING ABOUT THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS? We welcome your interest! The Knights of Colum-

bus is a Catholic family service organization dedicated to lives of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Known as the “Strong Right Arm of the Church,” Knights contribute volunteer service and charitable outreach to support our parish and to build community. Membership is open to all Catholic men in good standing. OUR FAITH: Through our

programs and resources we strive to help men, their families, and their parishes grow closer to Christ. OUR MISSION: We are Catholic men who lead, serve, protect, and defend. We share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors, and role models. There is much good and necessary work to be done in the world, and that's what we do every day. To learn more about becoming a Knight, contact Roy Staszak at rjcastas@verizon.net.