The Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 5, 2025
The Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and plated in the sea,' and it would obey you.
Luke 17:5-7
Parish Financial Statement
Available here or on the table behind the last pew in Church.
Urgent Need Sixth Grade Teacher Parish
Religious Education Program (CCD)
Our parish is in urgent need of a 6th grade Religious Education teacher for our
Wednesday evening program.
Time: Wednesdays, 5:15–6:30 PM
Start Date: As soon as possible
Due to an unexpected change, this class does not currently have a teacher.
If you love your faith and enjoy working with young people, please prayerfully
consider volunteering to share the faith with our 6th graders.
To volunteer or for more information, please contact:
John Collins, Director of Religious Education
Religious Education Program (CCD)
Our parish is in urgent need of a 6th grade Religious Education teacher for our
Wednesday evening program.
Time: Wednesdays, 5:15–6:30 PM
Start Date: As soon as possible
Due to an unexpected change, this class does not currently have a teacher.
If you love your faith and enjoy working with young people, please prayerfully
consider volunteering to share the faith with our 6th graders.
To volunteer or for more information, please contact:
John Collins, Director of Religious Education
Email: jcollins@stmax.org
Phone: 610-399-9642
Parish Religious Education Office
Phone: 610-399-9642
Parish Religious Education Office
SUNDAY MORNING PARKING LOT ALERT!
Due to the increased volume of cars for Sunday morning PREP, some changes needed to be made to the car line. PREP Parents will be dropping off students in the front and the rear of the school building.
Parents are being told to exit at Skiles Blvd, with two lines exiting.(see map below) This will be for about 10-15 minutes until 10:15 AM.
Parents are being told to exit at Skiles Blvd, with two lines exiting.(see map below) This will be for about 10-15 minutes until 10:15 AM.
PARISHIONERS ATTENDING THE 10:30 AM MASS SHOULD AVOID THE SKILES BLVD ENTRANCE TO THE PARKING LOT; AND SHOULD INSTEAD ENTER THE PARKING LOT BY WAY OF THE E. PLEASANT GROVE ROAD DRIVEWAY INTO THE PARKING LOT.
We look forward to seeing you
October 4, 2025!
Crafts ~ Food~
Children's Games ~
Baked Goods ~ Prizes
Theme & Sports Baskets
Please note: Due to construction at Camilla, no White Elephant Garage Sale this year.
Crafts ~ Food~
Children's Games ~
Baked Goods ~ Prizes
Theme & Sports Baskets
Please note: Due to construction at Camilla, no White Elephant Garage Sale this year.
Venue Parking
Camilla Hall, 100 Maxis Drive, Malvern, PA 19355
Camilla Hall, 100 Maxis Drive, Malvern, PA 19355
Camilla Hall is the Convent Home & Healthcare Center of the
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary All proceeds benefit Camilla Hall.
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary All proceeds benefit Camilla Hall.
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING COMING SOON!
Please read the Parent Letter, talk to your child and complete the Server Registration Form. Additional copies can be found on the table behind the last pew.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR HOLY DAY LIVESTREAM MASS SCHEDULE:
Due to bandwidth constraints the only Holy day Mass that will be livestreamed from the website - www.stmax.org will be the 9:00 am Mass
Weekend Liturgy Coordinator Needed
St. Maximilian Kolbe Church is looking for a weekend Liturgy Coordinator.
The Liturgy Coordinator works behind the scenes to ensure ministry
coverage for all Sunday masses and special liturgies such as Christmas,
Confirmation, First Holy Communion, and Holy Week. This individual would
also oversee the high school sacristans. Approximately 10 hours a week
(Saturday 3:00 – 5:00 pm and Sunday 8:30 – 11:30 am.
If interested,
please email Susan Barbella at bmanager@stmax.org.
please email Susan Barbella at bmanager@stmax.org.
SAVE THE DATE
CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL
-OCTOBER 11TH & 12TH
envelopes will be in the pews that weekend.
HELP US MEET OUR GOAL!
WE HAVE RAISED 39% OF OUR GOAL TO DATE
The 2025 Catholic Charities Appeal - Giving Hope to All! Please take an appeal envelope - they are located in the pews and on the back table of church. Your generosity means so much to those less fortunate! Please be generous!
Saint Maximilian Kolbe-West Chester has had gifts totaling $38,189. Saint Max Parish has the designated goal of $98,000. So far we have only reached 38.97% of our goal to-date. Please be as generous as possible during the IN-PEW collection coming up.
Step Up for the Community!
We are hosting a shoe drive to support the St. Maximilian Kolbe School Community. Bring your gently worn or new shoes. Drop them off to the shoe bin in the church narthex before or after any Mass. Help transform lives globally while also raising funds for our school. Shoe drive will run September 15 - November 15. Thanks for helping us make a difference one pair at a time!
We will have a speaker the weekend of October 4th & 5th who will speak on behalf of Annie's Home.
Annie's Home is a Philadelphia-based community where women thrive as they embrace motherhood.
Annie’s Home is a caring community that empowers pregnant and parenting women to take positive and effective action on behalf of themselves and their children by providing physical, emotional, spiritual, and professional support.
Annie’s Home is a caring community that empowers pregnant and parenting women to take positive and effective action on behalf of themselves and their children by providing physical, emotional, spiritual, and professional support.
St. Max Spiritual Adoption Program
Everyone loves the beauty and innocence of a baby. As an expression of that love, we will begin an adoption program in our parish with sign-ups beginning the weekend of September 20th & 21st. We will have an opportunity to spiritually adopt a child who is newly conceived this month.
Not all newly conceived babies are allowed to be born. In fact, more than 1700 babies lose their lives to abortion EACH DAY in the United States. It is these babies you are being asked to “adopt”. You may “adopt” a child individually or as a family by simply picking up a prayer card and signing up after Mass during the weekend of September 20th & 21st.
Using the prayer on the back of the prayer card, you will be asked to pray daily for nine months for your unborn child and for all unborn children, for as we know… the power of prayer is great! You can name the child for whom you are praying, thereby giving the baby the humanity he or she deserves.
There will be monthly reports in the parish bulletin and Flocknote, describing your baby’s development. There are millions of unborn babies desperately in need of your prayers. Won’t you please consider spiritually adopting one and sharing the love for life that God has given you?
St. Max PREP News & Events
You can contact the PREP Office at smk-prep@stmax.org or by calling 610-399-9642 or visit the website
Parish Religious Education Program (CCD)
2025–2026
CLASS TIMES & SCHEDULE:
Sunday Mornings (Grades 1–6)
1st & 3rd Sundays, September 2025 – April 2026
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Sunday Nights (Grade 7 – Confirmation)
1st Sunday of each month, September – February
Exception: September meets on the 1st & 3rd Sundays
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday Nights (Grades 1–6)
Weekly, September 2025 – April 2026
Time: 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
1st & 3rd Sundays, September 2025 – April 2026
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Sunday Nights (Grade 7 – Confirmation)
1st Sunday of each month, September – February
Exception: September meets on the 1st & 3rd Sundays
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday Nights (Grades 1–6)
Weekly, September 2025 – April 2026
Time: 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A HUGE thank you to all the volunteers! PREP is now fully-staffed for the 2025-2026 Prep school year. And to thank all the parishioners who sent out prayers for the program.
John F. Collins
Director of Religious Education
610-579-2902
jcollins@stmax.org
Confirmation is not Graduation!
All ST MAX teens in grades 8 to 12 are invited to continue their spiritual journey to grow in faith with friends who share in this time of discovery as you grow closer to God and the plans he has for you. You are invited to join in several opportunities with neighboring parishes that have active Youth Ministries. You can join in the fun and planned events, bible studies, service projects, and meet new friends. The following parishes are open to welcoming you into their groups:
St. Norbert's in Paoli, has a 6:00 PM Sunday Youth Mass with a Youth Group Meeting that follows and ends at 8:45PM.
All are welcomed to this group of 50 teens from surrounding counties.
Contact: jferrell@parish.stnorbert.org
St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown
Youth Minister Anne Metz
St. Agnes Parish, West Chester
Youth Minister Annie Rainwater
Stagnesparish.org
Sunday Night 4:00 – 5:15 St. Patrick Hall
Marisally Santiago Office of Youth Ministry Archdiocese of Philadelphia Archdiocese
If you would like to be part of our parish bulk subscription program to the Magnificat publication - it's time to order/renew for 2026. Renewals are due by October 1st to avoid an interruption in your monthly subscription. By joining our bulk subscription program for $39 - you are saving $10 annually.
If you are not familiar with the beautiful Magnificat worship aid...please check-out their website for more information BUT DO NOT order from their website - instead please contact banmd@comcast.net or the
Rectory 610-399-6936
Catholic Grandparents Ministry
Grandparents, You have a great influence for evangelizing the family. Please join the Catholic Grandparents Ministry to support other Grandparents and to pray for our children and grandchildren. You can help build a vibrant Grandparents ministry and become equipped to pass on the faith.
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm by ZOOM. Our next zoom meeting will be Tuesday, September 2nd. We will be discussing Chapter 6 of the book A Generous Lap by Kathy Coffey.
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm by ZOOM. Our next zoom meeting will be Tuesday, September 2nd. We will be discussing Chapter 6 of the book A Generous Lap by Kathy Coffey.
If you need more information or want to be added to our email list and get the zoom link, please contact Lidia Manieri 610-350-7232 lidia@mmanieri.com.
St. Max School News & Events
Welcome to The Learning Loop!
A place for all to see some highlights on the ongoing process of learning at St. Maximilian Kolbe School.
Halloween Dance-a-Thon!
To Raise Money for playground fundraiser
Friday, October 31, 2025
We are so excited to debut our 1st annual St. Max Halloween Dance-a-Thon! Our students will be dancing in the MPR throughout the day to show their St. Max pride and help raise money for our school. The money raised will go towards our playground fundraising goal and other school activities and improvements.
The goal is for every student to participate and help raise as much money as we can for St. Max! Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, businesses, etc. can sponsor a student by making a pledge of any amount!
Are you a St. Maximilian Kolbe Parishioner, but do not have a child in our school? No worries! We are accepting anonymous donors so all of our students can receive a prize! Any amount helps.
Submitting your donation:
⧫ Funds should be submitted to the front office by the day of the event: Friday, 10/31/25 ⧫ Cash or checks (made payable to St. Maximilian Kolbe School) will be accepted. Memo: Dance-A-Thon donation.
We have some fantastic prizes for our students!
Prizes for students based on amount raised!
$10.00 – $49.99: Homework pass (*PreK / K – Special candy gram)
$50.00 – $99.99: Homework pass + Dress down pass + Spirit Wear tee-shirt
$100.00+: All above prizes, plus student will be entered into a drawing for $100 gift card Red & White Sponsor Level: Families that raise $150+ will also be entered into a $500 Tuition Credit drawing
Grand Prizes for top fundraising students!
1st overall: Lunch for student and a friend with Mrs. Reinhardt off campus
2nd overall: Pizza lunch for his/her entire class
3rd overall: Popcorn and movie party for his/her class
GRADE with the highest amount raised per capita: Extra recess session with a Kona Ice Truck visit! ADDED BONUS: If the school raises a combined $7,500 or higher, there will be three consecutive dress down days during the week of Thanksgiving Break!
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE SCHOOL
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Open to All Grades | Fall 2025 Session
ENRICH. EXPLORE. EXCEL
We’re thrilled to offer exciting after-school enrichment opportunities for St. Maximilian Kolbe students in all grades! Each session runs for 5 weeks, held from 3:15–4:15 PM, and is packed with fun, hands-on learning experiences tailored to every age and interest.
New EITC Income Limits for tuition assistance grants:
Come pray the Rosary with us! We will be praying the Rosary every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm in the St. Max Chapel. All are welcome to join - the world needs your prayers!
Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Pilgrim Statue
Our parish invites you to host the Flame of Love Pilgrim Virgin Statue in your home for one week!
Prayerfully consider inviting Our Lady into your home. To reserve your week, please use Sign Up Genius or scan the QR code.
Contact Terry David at 610-316-4445. to learn more about this devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
FLAME OF LOVE RETURNS:
Please join us at St. Max on October 4th for the next First Saturday Devotion.
Our Lady (of Fatima) asks each one of us to repent and confess our sins, receive Holy Communion, pray the Rosary, pray for our Pope while keeping her company with a spirit of reparation for five first Saturdays. Come pray with us and bring your prayer petitions.
Mass at 8:00am
followed by the Flame of Love Rosary
Confession is available
The Kolbe Travel Club and Touriffic Travel
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Performing at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Wed., October 29, 2025
Step into the legendary night where rock ‘n’ roll history was made! On December 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together in a recording studio in Memphis for one of the greatest jam sessions ever. This Broadway sensation MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings to life an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets and celebrations. This electrifying musical features smash-hits including “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Fever”, “Walk the Line”, “Sixteen Tons”, “Who Do You Love?”, “Great Balls of Fire”, “Hound Dog”, and more. Cost $203.00
St. Maximilian Kolbe Church
and Touriffic Travel present
“NOAH” - Sight & Sound Theatre - Lancaster, Pa
Friday, December 12, 2025
Attention Catholic Singles
The Saint Raphael Fellowship is a ‘single connect’ group in the West Chester area Catholic churches. Saint Raphael is the patron Saint of happy meetings.
This Fellowship is geared to providing a ‘happy meeting’ place for those single Catholics who abide by teachings, morals and ethics of our wonderful faith.
Our activities-based group will be engaging in works of service to the church and community, faith-building events such as lectures, video & book discussions, as well as social outings and just attending mass with other singles together!
This is not a dating group but rather a way to engage with other Catholics who happen to find themselves in the single state or vocation.
Saint Raphael Fellowship's Mission is to server the adult single Catholic community with activities based in Faith, Fellowship, and Service. If you would like more information or have questions please reach out to Carolyn Ansley 484-459-1522 or Lisa LoMonaco 484-753-1101. Read what is going on in the newsletter below:
Join Us for:
We have a number of options for events this month - Potential Chester County Historic Walk on the 11th- for those who want to purchase tix in advance plz let me know- Also, there may be an opportunity to help out with a Ugandan school as part of our social service. Please read the newsletter and RSVP for any events you're interested in.
HIGHLIGHTING OCTOBER EVENTS:
Click on the PDF ! St. Raphael shares their full October Schedule in the PDF.
Welcome to your New Baby!
Congratulations!
We would love to help walk you through the Baptism process. Please call the Rectory at 610-399-6936, and we will get you started with the information you need.
MANY ON-LINE and IN-PERSON SAFE ENVIRONMENT sessions are available for Safe Environment Training through the year - click below
St. Max CYO Sports
Archdiocesan News & Events
MISSIONARY HUBS COME TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA
Today, Archbishop Pérez announced a multipronged effort to raise awareness about the Catholic Church of Philadelphia and its deeply positive impact on the people of the Philadelphia region, while welcoming all those who have been distant from the Church or who are seeking to learn about the Catholic faith.
This effort includes an extensive and privately funded marketing and advertising campaign covering Philadelphia and its suburbs. A standout feature of the plan is the creation of five missionary hubs, a new method of evangelization that will be instrumental in reaching out to Catholics who no longer attend Mass regularly and an outlet to serve those who need assistance from the various charitable ministries of our local Church.
Initial Missionary Hubs Designated
An essential part of this initiative is direct outreach to people through the creation of missionary hubs that integrate the pastoral, educational, and charitable ministries of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia in a particular area to reach people who feel far from the Church. More information about the missionary hub concept can be found at https://TrustAndHope.org.
Archbishop Pérez is beginning this multiyear effort by planting one hub in each of the five counties served by the Church. The first five hubs are listed below.
- Delaware County: Saint Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester
- Montgomery County: Saint Alphonsus Parish in Maple Glen
- Bucks County: Saint Isidore Parish in Quakertown
- Chester County: Saint Ann Parish in Phoenixville
- Philadelphia County: Saint Matthew Parish in Northeast Philadelphia
‘Catholic. Every Day.’ Marketing Campaign Launched
The marketing campaign –“Catholic. Every Day.” – features ads showing the many faces of Catholicism in the region. They will appear on local TV and radio stations, digital outlets and social media platforms, billboards, and bus shelters. These ads, which are paid for by generous donors, will continue to run through early January 2026. A second flight will launch in February through early April, with a final flight scheduled for May through July 2026.
As part of this effort, the Archdiocese also unveiled a redesign of its website (catholicchurchofphila.org). Earlier this year, the Archdiocese launched a video series on CatholicPhilly.com, its official digital news agency, called Faces of Hope that illustrates the compelling stories of individual Catholics living extraordinary lives of generous service to the community and vibrant Catholic faith.
The attached news release was issued to the media by the Archdiocesan Office for Communications this morning and contains additional information. Please share this material broadly with others and join in prayer for the success of these efforts, which build upon the vision outlined by the Archbishop in his Pastoral Letter issued in January of this year. Thank you.
Kenneth A. Gavin Chief Communications
OfficerArchdiocese of Philadelphia215-587-3747
More Archdiocesan News & Events
We would like to invite you to register for our...Spooktacular Halloween Dance!
Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: St. Monica's Parish Gym
(63 Main Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312).
This event is for all ages! Costumes are welcome and encouraged.
Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: St. Monica's Parish Gym
(63 Main Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312).
This event is for all ages! Costumes are welcome and encouraged.
The Gianna Center of Philadelphia invites you to attend the
Third Annual Courageous Life Gala
Honoring Pro-Life Heroes
The Gould Family, Dr. George Isajiw, KM, and
The Sisters of Life
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
The Union League Liberty HilL
800 Ridge Pike | Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Cocktails | Elegant Grazing Stations | Raffle for a Luxury Jersey Shore Getaway
The Gould Family, Dr. George Isajiw, KM, and
The Sisters of Life
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
The Union League Liberty HilL
800 Ridge Pike | Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Cocktails | Elegant Grazing Stations | Raffle for a Luxury Jersey Shore Getaway
Featuring Keynote Presentation by Matthew Pinto,
Founder and President Emeritus of Ascension Press; Founder of The Genesis Group; and Co-founder of the Theology of the Body Institute,
CatholicExchange.com, and Envoy magazine.
You can support the Courageous Life Gala by
purchasing tickets, becoming an event sponsor, or
placing an ad in the program bookRSVP for the Courageous Life Gala by October 17!
purchasing tickets, becoming an event sponsor, or
placing an ad in the program bookRSVP for the Courageous Life Gala by October 17!
For any questions, please contact us by email at
GIANNA@THECFGP.ORG, or phone at (215) 587-5650.
Saturdays, November 8, 15 and 22, 2025 - 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Event: Go, Make Disciples: An Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship Join us for a powerful and practical training in the habits and skills of missionary discipleship. This course will help you deepen your personal friendship with Jesus and acquire relational skills to encounter and accompany others into Christ’s love. Facilitators: Jenifer Keller and Ryan Morris, Missionary Discipleship Facilitators, Office for the New Evangelization Location: St. Elizabeth Parish, Chester Springs More info: Click here for the flyer; $25.00 includes all 3 sessions, coffee, snacks and guidebook; Visit phillyevang.org/events to register or use this link to register now: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=cppbQX
Event: Arise! Youth Evenings of Adoration
An Arise! Youth Evening of Adoration is an evening of Encounter for teens. An encounter with Christ, the Trinity, self, and each other. Encounter with Christ in the Eucharist, the mercy of the Father through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Holy Spirit in the communion of prayer with an Intercessory Prayer Team. Finally, the encounter with themselves and each other through the sharing of this experience in community.
Upcoming events:
- October 3, 2025, St. Margaret Parish, Narberth, PA
October 3 - 5, 2025
Event: Retrouvaille Weekend: Rediscover the Love in Your MarriageSome couples feel lonely, frustrated, or angry in their marriage, often feeling shut off from one another. Other couples experience severe conflict and never-ending arguments. Retrouvaille offers hope for all these marriages by teaching couples to communicate in a deeper, more meaningful way, healing hurts and rebuilding trust and intimacy. No relationship is beyond help.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More Information: Visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
October 14, 15 & 16, 2025
Event: Our Lady of Confidence Retreat for Adults with Intellectual DisabilitiesThe Our Lady of Confidence Retreat is a three-day retreat at Malvern Retreat House for adults with intellectual disabilities. It is scheduled for October 14, 15, and 16, 2025. Liturgies, presentations, and communal prayer will be conducted in a serene environment together with comfortable, accessible facilities.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, 315 S. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355 Registration: Please register online by October 1 at www.opdarchphilly.orgWhile there is no cost for this retreat, free will donations are accepted. Checks can be made payable to Malvern Retreat House or you can donate online: www.malvernretreat.com/donate/ .
More info: Click here for the flyer; If you have any questions or concerns or are interested in volunteering for this retreat, please email theolcretreat@gmail.com.
Catholic Women’s Conference 2025 – 10 Year Anniversary
Join over a thousand Catholic women for the Catholic Women’s Conference on our 10th anniversary! Our theme is “Women on Mission: The Feminine Genius in the New Apostolic Age” based on the book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age. At this year’s conference, we will explore the beauty of our feminine genius and the unique position of Catholic women, transformed by Christ, to bring the light of the Gospel to a society that no longer knows it needs Him. Breakout sessions will feature examples of holy Catholic women who lived this reality in the midst of their own apostolic times.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
National Shrine of
Our Lady of Czestochowa
654 Ferry Road
Doylestown, PA
Our Lady of Czestochowa
654 Ferry Road
Doylestown, PA
Outreach Opportunities
*Important Information*
Our Collection bin at ST. MAX has been moved from the vestibule near the doors to the room to the left of the Narthex (where the liturgical ministers sign-in for Mass). Please do not leave donations at the doors any longer, but rather bring them inside to the donation bin. No liquid donations of any kind will be accepted (i.e. liquid soaps, syrup, cooking oil, juice)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARING FOR FRIENDS IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS - CAN YOU HELP?
Please click on the flyer below
Helping You Stay Connected
Prayer to Our Lady of Ukraine
We humbly implore Our Lady of Ukraine to continue to extend her blessed mantle of protection over all the people of Ukraine.
May she obtain eternal rest for the deceased, healing for the wounded in mind, spirit, body and courage for those who are defending their beloved country.
May she obtain eternal rest for the deceased, healing for the wounded in mind, spirit, body and courage for those who are defending their beloved country.
Amen.
