BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CHURCH

1101 Main Street

Darby, PA 19023

Welcome to Blessed Virgin Mary Church and Parish!

Pastor:  Rev. Joseph M. Corley  610-583-2128  Fax: 610-583-9829 

 

                


 

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“BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PARISH, DARBY, CELEBRATING

                                                                   99  YEARS OF FAITH, HOPE, LOVE AND COMMUNITY”

Welcome to New Parishioners

Registration for new parishioners will take place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Rectory.
 Please call the Rectory at 610-583-2128 to be scheduled. 

SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS
 Invite people to our Parish and spread the good news about our school


EUCHARISTIC LITURGY  MASS SCHEDULE

Sunday Vigil Mass Saturday   Evening at 4:30 PM 

Sundays 8:00 & 11:00 AM  &  4:00 PM

Holy Days
7:30 PM Vigil
8:15 AM & 12:00 NOON & 7:30 PM 

Daily 8:15 AM Monday through Saturday 





Pope Francis



New Pope Francis (March 13, 2013)


Our new “Papa” has received a lot of attention in the media.  His selection of the name “Francis” stirs up memories of the great saint from Assisi who was loved for his poverty and generosity of spirit.  It is fascinating to remember how St. Francis received a call from God to “rebuild my church.”  We should pray for our new humble servant who has a lot of “rebuilding’ to do.  Like him we should trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to purify and renew us as individuals, as communities and as an institution.  The grace of Almighty God helps us to be resilient in every generation. God bless the pope and our church throughout the world.  May he continue to grow in truth, humility, charity and fortitude.

 

DEVOTIONS

Holy Rosary-Before 8:15 AM Mass Daily
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Saturday, 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Miraculous Medal Novena-Saturday after 8:15 AM Mass
 We have adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Saturday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.  Stop by for a little spiritual food.


Enter the World of Blessed Virgin Mary School Where Wonderful Things Happen

"BVM School is 
The Right Place to Learn, Grow and Worship"



Registration for new students.  Call the office (610-586-0638)


 BVM school is open for visits of parents interested in sending their children to a Catholic school and for registration. 



PRE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM  FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AT BVM
AN EXCEPTIONALLY LOW PRICE:  Full day, low price, after school cares available.  Please tell your friends to register now – limited space.  Call school if you want to visit or register (610-586-0638).




    SUNDAY SCHOOL
 

         Our Sunday Day School Program begins September 30 for children 1st through 6th grade.  Call Jean at 610-721-7938 to register.


 


SPONSOR A CHILD AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

If you would like to sponsor a deserving student from BVM (tuition for grade school or high school), please call Father Corley.



FORMER BVM GRADUATES

We are trying to locate former graduates of BVM School. 
If you know a graduate, please ask them or you can e-mail their name, address and year of graduation to bvmschool@comcast.net

         Basketball, Cheerleading and Soccer Coaches
 CYO needs coaches for the boys and girls teams.  Call George, 484-494-1476.



Congratulations, Sister Virginia!!!

Sister Virginia, BVM’s School Principal has been honored for leadership keeping our school on the cutting edge in faith formation, academic rigor and relevance as well as her generosity with other projects and willingness to be supportive of recommendations of the office of Catholic Education.







UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR PARISH & NEIGHBORHOOD

                    



                      


1.         May 26 – Father Benjamin celebrates 11 am mass with us.

2.         June 11 – 8th Grade Graduation Dance

3.         June 12 – 8th Grade Graduation.

4.         June 22-23 – Mary Knoll Missionary speaks at masses for the church in Brazil.

 

                                                               

                                       





                                                                                                      BVM Summer Day Camp:


June 17-21, 24-28, July 1-4.  Cost $70 per week, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on our grounds.  Aftercare is available for boys and girls ages 5-12.  Children should be members of BVM church or school.  For information call Mrs. Brabham 610-476-8089.




                                         June 3-8, 2013 – Father Chuck’s Challenge-join us on a pilgrimage with Food for the Poor, to the mountains
                                                             of Northern Nicaragua, we will visit homes of some of the 4,500 poor now sheltered by donors to
                                                             Father Chuck’s Challenge.  Call Monsignor Francis Schmidt at 610-676-0146
                                                             or email Connie Hunt at corneliahunt3@gmail.com.

 



                                                                                       



                                                  We will celebrate our 100th Anniversary as a church in 2013


Here are a few ideas and dates to keep in mind.

  1. We will dedicate our own, unique shrine (in church) to Mary – the help of people who suffer with addictions – Brother Mickey McGrath will do the art.  The total cost should be $4,000.  We will accept donations of $100 or more.  Money will not come from our collections.
  2. We will have a Night of Fun at the “The Blue Mary Café” in our hall on Saturday, February 9, 2013.  The night will include poetry, live jazz, works of art and food from around the world.  The cost will be around $50 a person.  All profits will go towards the electric system in school.
  3. We will have a noon mass on Sunday, April 14, with Archbishop Chaput.  It will be followed by a modest and joyous social.
  4. Banquet at the Ramada on November 9, 2013, please tell your friends!

          If you are interested in helping with any of these events, call Father Corley, Chuck Marvel, Alma Bailey, Lawrence Eburuoh or  Sister Betty.




                                                                                              Mother Mary and Addictions


            I am meeting with Brother Mickey McGrath (he was the guest speaker at our Woman’s day retreat) to commission a work of art portraying Mother Mary as Patron/Intercessor for people and families who suffer with addictions.  We could make a shrine for it in church – total cost is about $4,000.  We already have $2,000 in donations.  Are you interested in donating $100 or more?  Those who make a donation of $100 or more will be identified on a plaque around the shrine.  Let me know what you think.  We will not use collection money for this project.  This could be our 100th anniversary focus on Holy Mary.








“Year of Faith” begins October 2012


            October 2012 is the beginning of our worldwide “Year of Faith.”  This will be a great opportunity to renew your understanding of our faith, and to ask for the grace of deeper faith.    Below is a list of some things you might do to benefit from the “Year of Faith.”

  1. Participate in Adult religious ED programs that will bring you up-to-date on the church‘s teachings since Vatican II.  i.e. join our bible study or RICA program.
  2. Try to make time for a weekend retreat or a day of reflection.  Contact Father Corley for suggestions.
  3. Examine your life each night.  Ask yourself if you followed the Spirit of Christ as you responded to people and challenges during the day.
  4. Read the bible (Gospels, Acts, Paul, Psalms) or books on faith and spirituality.
  5. Participate in devotions – attend Exposition on Saturdays, 3:15-4pm and say the rosary each day.
  6. Share your faith in a prayer group like our “BVM Unity Group” that starts up again in September.

Don’t take faith for granted.  It is a gift that needs to be nurtured, developed and internalized.





CONGRATULATIONS, FATHER CORLEY!


 Our Pastor, Father Corley was nominated for the “National Catholic Education Award” for Distinguished Pastor on Sunday, January 25 at the 11:00 AM Mass.  This nomination is given by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education for his distinguished work as Pastor of Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and great supporter of Catholic Education.

                Father Corley wishes to thank the Parish and School Staff for their cooperation and work to keep this “Train” moving.







YOUR TURN


            Over the last few years we have lost, through death, some outstanding people who were also loyal parishioners.  They raised good families.  They made sacrifices for their kids and our Church.  They found time to participate in our activities, sell Lottery Tickets, coach teams and help with different ministries.


            If you are in good health or have joined our Parish in the last 15 years, but do not feel really connected to BVM, now is the time for you to commit yourself to BVM Church.  Feel that BVM Church “is your Church too.”  Take responsibility for the ongoing development of our faith community.  Contribute your time, talents and treasure for the common good of all our people. 


Just as God gave grace to the previous generations who built BVM, God offers us the same Spirit to renew and preserve our future.  We are people full of hope and conviction.  Help us in our mission and goals to keep BVM alive, attractive – a place where people find faith and feel welcome.  The previous generations have given us so much.  They stepped up to serve the Church.  Now it is your turn.







OUR ST. VINCENT DePAUL SOCIETY
Needs food.  Can you help them with non-perishable items?  If so, call Joe Howard at 610-259-4914 to make arrangements to drop off the food.

AID FOR FRIENDS NEEDS YOUR HELP –
We need dinners for our Aid for Friends Program.  Please drop them off at the Rectory.  If you have any questions call Sister Betty at 484-494-4566.


PAPER RECYCLING BIN
Please bring your newspapers, junk mail, magazines and books without covers to our Green Paper Bins in the Parking Lot.  Thank you.



 
SPECIAL THANKS


To Rev. John Large for his generous donation to renovate the electrical system at BVM.

To the people of St. Mary Magdalen parish in Media and Monsignor Chieffo for their generous support.

BVM Class of 1960 has donated over $2,500 to our BVM School Tuition Assistance Program.  “Thank you.  Thank you very much.”
THANKS TO JOHN MELLON who donated the money from the sale of his estate to BVM Parish.  The gift will be used to fix the front steps of Church,  and buy one or two heaters for school.

MANY THANKS!  Our Parish has been given an anonymous gift of $2,000.  We are grateful!

 Mr. Tristian Jablonski, representing the Pennsylvania Machine Works, Inc., Aston, for the gift of $500 to Blessed Virgin Mary School.

 Special thanks for the anonymous gift of $15,000 to our Building Fund.

Our Afternoon Club :  for their generous donation towards air-conditioning in the Hall.      

-St. Mary Magdalen Parish gave $2,500 to the BVM School Tuition Assistance Program.


 Little Flower Manor – for donating $300 towards the BVM Tuition Assistance Program.


Thanks to Father Chieffo and St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media.  Each donated $1,000 to Blessed Virgin Mary School Assistance Program.


ADULT ROLE MODELS
         Sincere thanks for all the adults from our Parish who volunteer their time and talent to have a positive influence on our children through CYO and CCD.  God bless all of you!
BVM COMPASSIONATE COMPANIONS
are Parishioners of the BVM Community who make a commitment to take a special interest in a parishioner who is homebound, dependent or living alone.  If you are interested in this program please contact Father Corley (610-583-2128) or Sister Betty (484-494-4566).

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
 if you are searching for a job, or your business is looking for help, contact Father Corley or Sister Betty.

ST. VINCENT dePAUL NEEDS
canned goods, peanut butter and jelly, etc.  Drop off at Old School Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, 11:00 AM to 12 Noon, or bring to Church on the weekend.  Thank you.  For more info call Joe Howard  at 610-259-4914.


AID FOR FRIENDS
 Our freezer is EMPTY.  Please help those in need and bring your frozen meals to the Rectory.

H-O-P-E Helping Other People Everyday – driving the needy to Doctor’s appointments, helping with groceries, visit the homebound, make calls, etc.  If you are interested in being a member of this group, please contact Sister Betty at 484-494-4566.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

    “Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”
                    -Robert Heinlein-

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
PRAY FOR PEACE

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."        



   We remember, with sadness and love, those who have died serving our country and freedom.  May their souls rest in peace.  May God change the hearts of our enemies and guide our leaders in the ways of justice and peace.
 

 


        PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS:  Please remember Ian Forbes, Terrance Foster, Nicholas Huozda, USN, Joseph Barbine, Robert Wilson, Tim Sechrist, US Army, Michael Dixon, Tim Anderlonis, Anthony Sloan, George Barbine,  Billy Farmer, III and Matthew J. Loheide  especially in your prayers.

 

If you have a relative or friend in the military and want him/her remembered in our prayers, please hand in their name on an envelope with your name and phone number to Father Corley or an Usher.



POPE JOHN PAUL II
1920-2005


 “When the moment of our definitive ‘passage’ comes,  grant that we may face it with serenity, without regret for what we shall leave behind.  For in meeting You, after having sought You for so long, we shall find once more every authentic good which we have known here on earth, in the company of all who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith and hope.”

                                                                                -Pope John Paul II-



THE EUCHARIST

The word Eucharist means thanks.  When we reach out for the Eucharist, no matter how sad or upset, we are saying thanks to God for the hope offered to us through faith in Jesus.  The evil spirit intentionally divides people, the Eucharist unites us in faith, hope and love.