• May 12, 2022 Thursday in the in the IV Week of Easter

   

  Prayers and Good Work for Ukraine Our parish will take up a collection for the suffering people of Ukraine on Sunday, June 5th at all Masses.            We have all been anxious as we watch the violence being leveled against the people of Ukraine. I recently spoke with the chief of staff for the Archeparch of Philadelphia, Borys Gudziak to learn what our parish can do. She told me that donations are necessary immediately, giving the Displaced People of Ukraine the ability to purchase goods in Poland, as well as, support the economy of Ukraine. I will soon be announcing how we as a parish can respond to the need for these people who are suffering so unjustly. I know that you are praying for the end of this madness as did our Holy Father, Pope Francis. In addition to prayer, especially in this Easter Season, we can help them financially. Catholic Relief Service offers a means to donate for the efforts on people of the people of Ukraine. Urgent Need in Ukraine | Catholic Relief Services (crs.org) From the United States Conference of Bishops WASHINGTON - In response to the leak of a draft opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, some abortion advocates are calling for nationwide demonstrations, disruptions of church services, and the personal intimidation of specific Supreme Court justices. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities invited the faithful to unite in fasting and prayer:   “In the midst of current tensions, we invite Catholics around the country to join us in fasting and praying the Rosary on Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. Let us offer our prayers and fasting for these intentions:   For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death. For the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court’s final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson. For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion. For a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished, and cared for; where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened; and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society. For Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and seeks to create a culture of life.   As Catholics, let us witness to the beautiful gift of life with civility and love, and with our peaceful prayers and our compassionate service to all those in need.   Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.

   

  Parish Events throughout the Month of May Thursday May 12th 7:00 PM – May Procession Blood Drive Sign ups – Saturday and Sunday May 14th and 15th Ascension Thursday May 26th – 7:30 AM, 12:00 noon, 7:00 PM Bike Rides – Pedal for a Purpose – Thursday May 26th – 8:30 to 11:00 AM Blood Drive May 26th – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

   

  Join us tonight for Solemn Vespers and the Crowning of the Statue of our Blessed Mother. Please join us this evening, Thursday at 7:00 PM in the church for solemn vespers and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. We will process from the church to the statue of Our Lady of Chadds Ford. Chloe Almeida who was confirmed this past March, will adorn Our Queen with a crown. Hope to see you there.

   

  American Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Cornelius!!  Thursday, May 26, 2022 1PM to 6PM - Parish Life Center Registration opportunity: May 14th & May 15th after all Masses! Or register at redcrossblood.org using St. Cornelius as the sponsor code or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Call Marilyn at 484-732-8842 leaving your name and phone number with any questions.  The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds. Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from generous donors like YOU.         Be that Good Samaritan!             Be a donor on May 26th !!!  Eligibility questions?   Call the Red Cross Donor Center @ 1-866-236-3276

   

  Let’s Go to the Movies!            In my never-ending efforts to evangelize, educate and entertain, I am looking to begin a new experience for our parish community – Movie Night! The first film we will is show The Way, starring Martin Sheen.             The Way is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world. Martin Sheen plays Tom, who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn’t plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him. From the unexpected and, oftentimes, amusing experiences along “The Way,” Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again. Through his unresolved relationship with his son, he discovers the difference between “the life we live and the life we choose.”             Next Thursday May 19th come to the PLC and join with others as we walk the Camino heading towards Santiago de Compostela. We start a 7:00 PM sharp.

   

  Loaves and Fishes We will continue to support the two drop-offs per month. We will no longer dedicate drop-offs to either casseroles or lunches. We have enough room to store the casseroles at the PLC so we can collect lunches and casseroles on both dates. The 2022 dates have been loaded into the Ministry Calendar on the parish website.   Our next collection is on May 20th between 9:30 and 10:00.    If you would like to make a casserole it should be of your choice, cooked, then frozen. We have included some recipes that are popular recommendations from the L & F team. These and other casserole recipes are available on the saintjohnshospice.org website. Also the recipes have been loaded on the St. Cornelius website, at https://www.saintcornelius.org/loaves-fishes  Remember we have casserole pans in the office at the PLC.   If you would like to bring a bag of apples, or oranges, or a box of granola bars those are also accepted and you can drop them off on any of the above dates.    If you prefer to donate baby supplies, we will deliver to YoungMoms in Kennett Square. You can drop-off baby supplies on any of the above dates. Diapers of size 4, 5, and 6 are preferred.   We meet at the PLC between 9:30 - 10:00 on the morning of the drop-off.     If you have a high school student who is helping and need their volunteer hours validated, simply email joburns66@gmail.com for assistance.   We are very thankful for all that you do, we hope you enjoy all the experiences St. Cornelius has to offer.

   

  St. Cornelius Literary Society - New            The next selection is The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin. Seventeen-year-old Lenni lives in the section of the Glasgow hospital for those who are terminally ill. She is alone because her mother returned to Sweden and Lenni told her father to follow a new girlfriend to Poland since his visits depressed her. She creates her own family with new friends. Father Arthur, the hospital chaplain, accepts her wit and disbelief when they speak. Lenni does not enjoy the company of other teens and joins an art session for those over 80, where she and 83-year-old Margot become close. The structure of the novel is clever as Lenni and Margot paint the story of their combined 100 years. The bittersweet story relates Margot's tragedies and romances while Lenni provides humorous dialogue. Teens will love the tearjerker ending.             We will probably gather in early June.

   

  The Pavers            I am re-igniting the sale of pavers by the Holy Family Portico. There are two sizes available for you to choose as a memorial for a loved one or you family. Take a walk to the Holy Family Portico and see what I mean. More information will be forth coming. Paver Order Form

   

  The Baskets are Back!! - New             Starting the weekend of June 4th and 5th we will once again commence with passing the basket at the collection as well as having an offertory procession.             For the summer months the collection baskets will be handled by the lectors for their respective Mass. By September we will need other people to serve this important role. For the presentation of the gifts, we will also need people to assist with this role.  Currently we have sign-up sheets in the vestibule where you can select your Mass. We are looking for volunteers to step forward or perhaps various ministry groups to take turns – because it will take parishioners to carry out this task.  Appropriate attire that is expected.

   

  Parish Pro-Life Group Rosary Join our Parish Pro-Life Group in the church this Sunday, May 15, at noon, as we pray a Rosary and the Litany of Loreto for the unborn and an end to abortion. It is a perfect way to perform a spiritual work of mercy for the most vulnerable. This event is scheduled every 3rd Sunday so please mark your calendars now. Bring a friend.

   

  Food Drive                The weekend of June 4th and 5th we are holding our Annual Food Drive to benefit the Kennett Food Cupboard, KACS (Kennett Area Community Services). Drop off your donations at the Parish Life Center prior to Mass that weekend. Some, but not all, suggested donations include: Low sugar cold cereals, Tuna, Canned tomato products, Cooking oil, vegetable oil, Rice (2 lb. packages), Canned low sugar fruit, Dried beans (kidney, black & pinto), Salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne pepper, Canned meals: Beef stew, pasta, baked beans, Spaghettios, SPAM, Various canned vegetables, Peanut butter & jelly, Ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce, Baking: Flour, sugar, maseca flour. Additional information can be found in the bulletin.

   

  Friday at the PLC            Beginning tomorrow, May 13th, the offices will be closed on Fridays at 12:00 noon. I will have more information about summer hours in another email.

   

  This past Monday until Wednesday I joined with 240 of the priests of the archdiocese for our annual convocation at Hershey. The Lodge not the Park. Covid canceled the last one. Unlike previous experiences the weather was fine. It usually rained while we were there. Going through an amusement park in the rain is sort of like a scene from a Stven King novel. There are life size images of the candy bars all over the place. By day three, I get an image of the Snicker Bar chasing me down the hall with a hatchet in his hands, accompany by Hershey Kisses with grimaces on their faces.            I’m glad to be home. Faithfully, Msgr. Diamond St. Cornelius Website Ministry Calendar