October: So much happening in our local Church!

"There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary."

~Sr. Lucia of Fatima (October, the Month of the Rosary)

Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas

Pray the Rosary with St. Joseph

October is the Month of the Rosary! What better time to pray the Rosary with a special focus on St. Joseph in the Joyful Mysteries. In the video below, Fr. Luke Mary, CFR, shares some insights about how to encounter St. Joseph in a new way through the Joyful Mysteries:

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM8gnoUtktI

Want to Get Evangelization Started in Your Parish?

We often get approached by Catholics who are on fire for their faith and want to help get a movement of evangelization outreach started in their parish. They are concerned about inactive Catholics in their families, declining numbers in the pews, and the other dire statistics about the state of the world and the Church. One great way to get started is to gather a small group of like-minded, faithful Catholics from your parish and do a study of the foundational book, Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell. This book lays an excellent foundation for understanding the current state of our parishes, what evangelization is and what needs to change for a movement to get started.

Links to learn more about this book and the accompanying study guide (available in English and Spanish) can be found below. You will also find a Guide for Starting Evangelization in Your Parish, which gives a more comprehensive overview of the stages for launching an effective movement in your parish.

Forming Intentional Disciples: Book and Study Guide
Formación de Discípulos Intencionales: Libro y Guía de estudio
Guide: Starting Evangelization Ministry in Your Parish

Office for the New Evangelization Events

2021 Catholic Women's Conference

Mini-Conferences

Saturday, October 23, 2021

National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa

654 Ferry Road - Doylestown, PA

CWC2021 will be a modified version of our usual day-long event. This year, Catholic women are invited to attend a 2-hour, in-person mini-conference – morning or afternoon – and then enjoy four video talks at home at your leisure.

Morning keynote by Lisa Brenninkmeyer of Walking With Purpose
Afternoon keynote by Mother Clare Matthias, Mother Superior of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal

Conference flyer (English)

Volante Promocional (Español)

For full information about speakers, talk topics and registration, visit: http://www.catholicwomensconference.org/

Around the Archdiocese

Below you will find online Catholic events being offered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. If you would like to submit an event for inclusion in the newsletter, please email all pertinent information in the format used below to phillyevang@archphila.org by the 23rd of the month for consideration.

Year of Saint Joseph Events

December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021

Everyone is invited to enter fully into the Holy Year of St. Joseph! To find local events, prayers and faith formation resources for the Holy Year, visit our Archdiocesan website at archphila.org/joseph.

Priesthood Sunday, September 26, 2021 through Thanksgiving, November 25, 2021

Event: 2nd Annual “Thank You, Father” Letter Writing Campaign

The Serra Missionaries invite you to send a letter. “THANK YOU, FATHER” is a simple way to show your love and support for our wonderful priests. Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are encouraged to send a letter or email of gratitude to the remarkable priests in their lives between Priesthood Sunday, September 26, 2021 through Thanksgiving, November 25, 2021.

More info: Please mail or email letters directly to the priests. If you have any questions, please contact Kathryn Slaats at serramissionaries@gmail.com.

Fridays, Oct 1, Nov 5 2021-7:00 PM

Event: Healing Mass and Prayer Service

Join us for Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship music and healing prayers.

Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901

More info: https://czestochowa.us/newsevents/upcoming-events/

Saturday, October 2, 2021 - 9 AM-4 PM (Registration at 8:30 AM)

Event: Sisters of Life Co-Workers Formation Training Day Training Includes: Understanding the heart of a vulnerable pregnant woman; Communication skills and reflective listening; How to use your talents at the service of life; Mass and Lunch included
Location: St. Raymond of Penafort School, 7940 Williams Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150

More info: Kindly R.S.V.P. by September 25th to philly@sistersoflife.org

Sundays starting, Oct. 3, 2021, 7-8:30pm (Monthly, 6-part series)

Event: Fearless & Free Bible Study of Ephesians for Women

Church of St. Joseph invites ALL women to Fearless and Free. Based on the book of Ephesians, this bible study from Walking with Purpose, accompanied by 6 video talks will present a firm foundation in Christ on which to stand no matter what life throws our way. Come to any or all sessions as each session is independent of the other. No Bible Study experience necessary.

Location: Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014, Donnelly Hall, Lower Church (park in rear of church and enter double doors by Liberty Bell)
More info: CLICK HERE for a 2-minute video overview. Contact Dana Westby at danawestby@hotmail.com or find our group on Facebook: St. Joseph's WATW

Mondays, October 4–25, 2021 - 7 PM
Event: Between Two Laws: Seminar on Sigrid Undset’s Olav Audunssøn: Vows
Collegium Institute invites you to join us this October for a Virtual Campus Seminar held via Zoom. In this series, we will explore Olav Audunssøn: Vows by the Nobel Laureate, Sigrid Undset. Engaging with this new translation with Tiina Nunnally allows us to encounter a major figure in Catholic literature as her books reach a broader audience. We will consider the ways in which the novel unites modern and medieval concerns in its exploration of the troubled relationship of Olav and Ingunn. The novel is an expression of the division in the human heart between emotion and duty, love and promises, and above all between the law of the world and the law of the Gospel.

Location: Online

More info: https://undsetvows2021.eventbrite.com/

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - 7:00 p.m.

Event: Praying for Life

Join us as we remember God’s mercy and pray for life on this very special feast of St. Faustina! We will ask for her intercession as we pray. There will be Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; a Period of Quiet Adoration; the Recitation of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayerful Music.

Location: St. Joseph Church (Downingtown, PA)

More info: View the flyer

Thursday, October 7, 2021 - 7 PM

Event: Pontifical Mass celebrating St. John Henry Newman

All are welcome to attend a Pontifical Mass in celebration of Saint John Henry Newman, an English theologian and poet whose remarkable journey brought him from Anglican ministry into the Catholic Church as a priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, and eventually as a cardinal. The liturgy will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Steven J. Lopes, Bishop of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. The homily will be preached by the Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez. The Durandus Institute for Sacred Liturgy & Music is assisting the Ordinariate with a special program of sacred music of the English choral tradition, including works of William Byrd and Edward Elgar, the hymnody of St. John Henry Newman, and Anglican chant psalmody, together with the traditional Roman patrimony of Gregorian chant.

Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

More info: View the flyer

October 8-9, 2021
Event: Unbound: Freedom in Christ Conference

Take hold of the freedom you have been given in Christ! At the UNBOUND: Freedom in Christ Conference, you will learn how to unlock your prison doors by using the Five Keys to Freedom. The conference involves times of prayer and worship, insightful teaching, and personal ministry from our ministry team. This conference will equip you to cooperate with God as He sets you free.

Location: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Morton

More info: Registration, schedule and more at: https://www.heartofthefather.com/events/schedule/morton-pa

October 7-8, 2021: Unbound Leader Training for those who wish to learn how to pray with others using the Unbound model

Tuesday, October 12, 2021 - 7:00 PM
Event: Permanent Diaconate Information Night Webinar
Are You Called to Be a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia? We invite Catholic men (and wives if married) between the ages of 29 and 55 to join us for live webinar with a panel of clergy about discerning a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate and admittance to the School for Diaconal Formation program. To learn more about the School of Diaconal Formation visit https://www.scs.edu/diaconal-formation
Location: Webinar
More info: For more information or to register please visit https://archphila.org/deacon

October 13, 20, 27, 2021 – 7:30-8 pm ET
Event: A Virtual Marriage Enrichment Series: “Growing Together with Christ”

Join a free three-part series on Zoom presented by the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family and Faith. The series is geared especially for families in crisis and offers ways to grow in faith despite challenges.
Speakers include: Robert LeBlanc of Catholic Moment and Anne DeSantis, Director of SRNF

To learn more: Visit the website: https://www.Nonnatus.org

Questions: Email director.srnf@gmaill.com or text 215-870-9913

Saturday, October 16, following the 10:00 AM Mass

Event: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Her Message, and the Tilma of Saint Juan Diego (Power Point Presentation).

Presenter: Massimo Paris, Our Lady of Guadalupe researcher and lecturer.

Location: National Centre for Padre Pio, 111 Barto Road, Barto, PA 19504.

More information: A life-size replica of the Tilma of Saint Juan Diego with the image of Our Lady Of Guadalupe will be displayed. There is no entrance fee; a basket will be available for those who may wish to make a free will donation. For any questions, please contact Massimo Paris at 610-356-6778.

Saturday, October 16, 2021 - 7 PM

Event: Reconnect: Intercultural Gathering for Adoration and Fellowship (Young Adults)

All young adults are invited! We'll begin with adoration at 7 PM followed by an outdoor social. Carpooling is encouraged. See the flyer below for details.

Location: National Shrine of St. John Neumann / St. Peter's Catholic Church, Philadelphia

More info: View the flyer / Click here to RSVP

Saturday, October 16, 2021 - 9:00am to 8:00pm

Event: Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God, have faith also in me.” John 14:1

Speakers: Fr. Chris Walsh, Fr. Rafal Walczyk, OSPPE and Deacon Larry Oney

Location: National Shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown

More info: https://phillyspirit.com/2021-ccr-conferencebroctober-16

Sunday, October 17, 2021 - 6:30 PM

Event: Opening Mass for the Archdiocesan Phase of the Synod

This Synod of Bishops will take place in three phases, the Diocesan Phase, the Continental Phase and the Universal Phase, from October 2021 through October 2023. The theme of the Synod, For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission, anticipates serious reflection and action to deepen an understanding of the role of all the members of the Church, journeying together with Christ as our Head, in living the Gospel in our time.

Presider: Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

More info: View the flyer

October 2021 through March 2022

Event: Come and See Weekends for Men Discerning a Call to the Priesthood

Come & See events offer men considering a vocation the opportunity to visit the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary to see what seminary life is like and explore a possible call to the priesthood.

Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, PA

More info: https://heedthecall.org/comeandsee/

Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 @ 7pm

Event: Open House at Martin Saints Classical High School

The halls of Martin Saints Classical High School (Oreland, PA) are buzzing this first week of classes and we are pleased to be hosting our FIRST open house of the school year on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 @ 7pm. We will host the event in person, on our campus, while observing the necessary safety precautions (face masks required). We would love to invite you and anyone else you think may be interested in attending.

More info: You are welcome to RSVP through our website here: https://www.martinsaintsclassical.org/open-houses

Continuing October 19, 2021

Event: Archdiocesan Novena to St. Joseph

(To be prayed on the 19th of each month from March 19-November 19, 2021)
The Archdiocesan Novena to Saint Joseph can be prayed in any setting, especially before or after Holy Mass and/or at parish meetings, in the classroom and in the family home. The praying of this Novena is to unite everyone in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on the 19th of each month, from March through November 2021, in single petition of confident prayer to the Lord through the heavenly intercession of Saint Joseph. Please keep in mind the monthly Archdiocesan intention, found on page 4 of the Novena below.

Click here for the Novena prayers (Español)
More events and resources for the Year of St. Joseph can be found at archphila.org/joseph

Thursday, October 21, 2021 – 6 PM

Event: What is Catholicism? An Evening Lecture with Cardinal Gerhard Müller

Collegium Institute and the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute are pleased to invite you to an evening lecture featuring Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), who will be speaking about his forthcoming book, What is Catholicism?

Location: Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute, which is located at 1923 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

More info: https://whatiscatholicism2021.eventbrite.com

Friday, October 22, 2021 - 7 PM
Event: Pontifical Mass with Cardinal Müller: Feast of St. John Paul II

The Collegium Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture, together with the Durandus Institute, welcome Gerhard Cardinal Müller—Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith—to Philadelphia. His Eminence will celebrate a pontifical Mass (Ordinary Form) on the memorial of St. John Paul II, pope, at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, where St. John Paul II celebrated Mass in 1979. Pope John Paul II was formally canonized in 2014.

Location: The Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul (1723 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103)

More info: View the flyer or visit https://www.collegiuminstitute.org/calendar/pontifical-mass-with-cardinal-muller

Friday, October 22 - Saturday, October 23 2021
Event: Hope Blooms, A VIRTUAL Retreat for Catholic Women Healing from Betrayal Trauma
This virtual retreat is for women seeking healing from betrayal trauma, that is, the trauma of discovering a spouse’s or significant other’s pornography use, infidelity, and/or sex addiction. Gather with us as we lay our pain, our sorrow and our betrayals at the Lord’s feet. Virtual retreat experience includes: talks by retreat leaders, meditations, Q&A sessions with our priest as well as women on the healing journey, small group healing prayer, Mass and Adoration. This retreat is offered in partnership with Integrity Restored, a Catholic ministry providing resources to break free from pornography, heal relationships, train clergy and assist parents in effectively dealing with the scourge of pornography.

Retreat Leaders: Father Allen Hoffa of the Allentown Diocese, De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry and Laura Ercolino of Hope’s Garden.

More info: hopesgarden.com/hope-blooms-virtual-healing-retreats or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.

October 24, 2021 - 11:00 am
Event: Annual St. Luke’s White Mass and Brunch (for Medical Professionals)
The St. John Neumann Guild of Philadelphia, Guild of The Catholic Medical Association invites you to celebrate the annual St. Luke’s Mass followed by a brunch with keynote speaker, Dr. Joseph Meaney, PhD, KM, President of the National Catholic Bioethics Center on the topic “Conscience and Healthcare: A Bioethical Analysis”. See the flyer for full details and registration information.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer; Please RSVP by 10/10/2021

October 24-25-26, 2021

Event: 40 Hours Celebration with Fr. Jim DeGrassa leading Evening Prayer at 7:00 pm each night
Adoration will begin after the 11:30 AM Mass on Sunday, October 24th and end Tuesday, October 27th with Evening Prayer and a Candlelight Procession at 7 PM. All are welcome! It is the words of Jesus that call us to fall on our knees and accept the wonderful opportunity for personal spiritual growth provided to us by the Holy Eucharist. This three-day mini-retreat nurtures the love of the faithful for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and gives us the precious time to implore the Lord to pour forth His abundant graces not only for ourselves but for the entire faith community.
Location: Saints Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester
For more information: Learn more at www.simonandjude.org.

Sundays Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and Jan. 9, 16, and 23 at 10:30 AM

Event: Sacraments - Do You Understand What They Do?

"The Seven Sacraments continue the saving work of Jesus until he comes again...Participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, is not simply an option; rather, it is foundational to sustain the faithful in union with the very life of the Trinity and to strengthen them for the rigors of living their faith as committed disciples." USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis Join Dr. Joe Zalot to learn more about what the Sacraments do in the Adult Faith Enrichment series at Saints Simon and Jude. From 2004 to 2015, Dr. Zalot was a tenured professor at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. He joined The National Catholic Bioethics Center as a staff ethicist in July 2017.

Location: Saints Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester in the Meehan Center. All are welcome.

For more information: go to www.simonandjude.org or contact Sister Mary Agnes at smaryan@simonandjude.org / 610 696-3624

October 29-31
Event: Fight Like a Catholic: Spiritual Warfare in the Catholic Tradition
At this 3-day retreat, presenter Susan Brinkmann, OCDS will conduct five conferences detailing who Satan is, what kind of powers he has, how he uses them against us, and what weapons the Church provides us to fight this infernal foe. Father Isaac Haywiser, OSB, will be on hand to celebrate daily Mass, hear confessions, and answer questions. A large selection of resources will be available. Cost is $225 per person. A commuter rate is available for those who live nearby.

Location: St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA
Register at https://catholiclifeinstitute.org/.

Sunday, November 7, 2:00- 3:30 PM

Event: Talk by Catholic author Gary Zimak: Give Up Worry for Good

Join us for this special presentation by Catholic author, radio show host and speaker Gary Zimak on the topic of worry and anxiety. Q &A, discussion afterwards in the church hall with light refreshments.

Guest Presenter: Gary Zimak

Location: Saints Peter and Paul Church, 1325 East Boot Road, West Chester, PA

More info: No admission fee; a free will donation is appreciated the day of the event. If you have any questions, please contact Judy Magee at 484-473-8205 or email, jmagee@sspeterandpaulrc.org.

Friday, November 12, 2021 – 7:30 PM

Event: Fauré Requiem

The Cathedral Basilica Choir will be collaborating with the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and the Villanova Pastoral Singers to perform the Fauré Requiem, as well as works by Bainton, Tavener, Walker and Elgar. Please join us for this opportunity of communal remembrance as we commemorate the faithful departed. In addition to buying tickets, you may add names of deceased loved ones to the concert program for a donation amount of your choice. All names must be received by Nov. 2 in order to be included in the printed materials.

Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

More info: Click here for tickets

November 12-14, 2021
Event: Marriage Encounter Weekends

Marriage Encounter weekend experiences are once again being held in person in the greater Philadelphia area. Register today!
Location: Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA

More information: Visit the Marriage Encounter website

Save the Date! Saturday, November 20, 2021 – Doors open 9 AM
Event: NCYC Ablaze – Enciende el fuego (Event for high school teens)

This day event seeks to bring the National Catholic Youth Conference experience to our teens right here in Philadelphia. The event features talks, breakout sessions, Adoration, Mass and much more!

Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA
More info: View the Save the Date; More details coming soon.

November 18-21, 2021

Event: David Healing Retreat for Veterans - Growth, Redemption, Restoration

Join us for this inaugural retreat for Active Duty, Reservists & Retired Military Personnel. The retreat is directed by veterans and includes Mass, Confession, Adoration and outdoor activities in a peaceful and tranquil setting. Sponsored by The King’s Men

Location: Discovery House, 3730 Richards Ave., Hammonton, N.J.

More info: View the flyer; To register, visit, https://davidretreat.com/retreat/healing-retreat-for-veterans/

Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 12:15 PM
Event: Gold Mass for Catholic Scientists
The Collegium Institute invites Catholics who are or have been involved with science, including scientists, retired or former scientists, science teachers at any level, science graduate students and undergraduate majors, as well as all of those with an interest in science, formal or informal to attend the Gold Mass for Catholic Scientists. Fr. Joseph Laracy will give the homily for the Mass. A reception will follow, co-sponsored by the John Templeton Society, the Society of Catholic Scientists, and the Penn Catholic Newman Community.

Location: St. Agatha-St. James Church (3728 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19104)

More info: https://gold-mass-11-20-21.eventbrite.com

Saturday, November 20, 2021
Event: High School Workshop on Reconciling Science and Religion
Register now for On Reconciling Science & Religion, the next session of the Collegium Institute's Young Catholic Leaders Initiative! On Reconciling Science & Religion will feature lectures by world-renowned Catholic scientists and speakers, breakout seminars with peers led by Collegium Institute facilitators, interactive exercises, and a panel discussion on vocations in science, medicine, and engineering, along with a special Gold Mass for Catholic Scientists at midday!

Location: St. Agatha-St. James Church (3728 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19104)

More info: https://collegium-science-religion.eventbrite.com

Sunday, November 21, 2021 – 4:30 PM Cocktails, 5:30 PM Dinner

Event: Stand Up for Life Dinner

The Stand Up For Life Dinner gives the pro-life community in greater Philadelphia a chance to gather and further our mission of making abortion unthinkable.

Speaker: Patricia Sandoval

Location: Sheraton Hotel Downtown Philadelphia

More info: https://www.prolifeunion.org/2021-sufl

Sunday, December 5, 2021 - 2-4 PM

Event: Holy Hour with the Good Shepherd

Need some encouragement during these difficult times in the world and in the Church? Join us for a holy hour with fellow priests, religious and lay faithful as we seek strength and hope from Jesus, our Good Shepherd, the saints and one another. The Holy Hour includes Rosary, Litany and Benediction. Afterwards join us for a short talk on a saint, exploring how he or she remained faithful to Christ and His Church during the trials of his or her time.

Talk topic: How Carmelite Nuns Brought an End to the French Revolution

Presenter: Fr. Seán Loomis, Parochial Vicar, Annunciation BVM Havertown

Location: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 3422 Dennison Ave, Drexel Hill

More info: View the flyer or Click here to RSVP

First Tuesdays until December 7, 2021

Event: 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.

Location: St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish , 15 E. Pleasant Grove Rd, West Chester, PA

More info: Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7PM in the Maximilian Room (basement of rectory), Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 7. If you need more information and to be added to our email list, please contact Lidia Manieri 610-350-7232 lidia@mmanieri.com or Paul and Mary Kay Dunne 610-724-6534.

September 2021 to May 2022

Event: Walking With Purpose Women’s Bible Study

Walking with Purpose is a parish based women's ministry with a mission of helping every Catholic woman and girl in America encounter Jesus Christ through our Bible studies. WWP Bible studies involve personal study and small group discussions that link our everyday challenges with the solutions given to us through the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church.

Location: Our Lady of the Assumption, 35 Old Eagle School Rd., Strafford, PA.

Meeting Schedule: Meetings are held every Wednesday evening starting September 15^th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the School Hall of Assumption Academy. Virtual meetings via ZOOM are also an option.

More Information: For more information, please contact Patty Donato at 610-585-9656 or dmdphd08@gmail.com or check the OLA website at https://www.olastrafford.org/wwp/.