November: Local opportunities to grow in your faith

“Mary belonged to Joseph, and Joseph to Mary, so much so that their marriage was very real, since they gave themselves to each other. But how could they do this? Behold the triumph of purity. They reciprocally gave their virginity, and over this virginity they gave each other a mutual right. What right? To safeguard the other’s virtue.”

~St. Peter Julian Eymard

As the Year of St. Joseph Draws to a Close...

The Holy Year of St. Joseph ends on December 8. We express our gratitude to our Holy Patron for all the graces and blessings we have received from his hand this year. If you haven't yet had a chance to do so, now is your chance to consecrate yourself to St. Joseph before the end of this holy year. Consider using the book below for a 33-day preparation and prayers for your consecration. If you start on November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, you would make your consecration on December 3. Or if you start November 6, you can make your consecration on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and final day of the Holy Year, December 8. :

Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father, by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC: English / Español / eBook
For Young Adults! Consecration to St. Joseph preparation and speaker series starts November 6 and ends December 8: Click here for details & registration

Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas

Ministry with Youth and Young Adults - New Websites

Our new Office for Ministry with Youth and Office for Ministry with Young Adults have now launched their websites. Here you will find great resources and events for teens and young adults. Bookmark these two websites and join their email lists to stay connected to the great work they are doing!

Office for Ministry with Youth: https://phillyym.org/
Office for Ministry with Young Adults: https://phillyyam.org/

In particular...check out this event for teens!

Saturday, November 20, 2021 – 9 AM-6 PM
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! Check-in begins at 9:00am. Day ends with Mass with Bishops at 5:00pm

Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA
More info: Cost is $30 per teen and $15 per adult chaperone; Box lunch and other materials included; Click here for full details; Click here to register

Office for the New Evangelization Events

Holy Hour

with the Good Shepherd

Need some encouragement in these difficult times in the world and 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.

Sunday, December 5, 2021 ~ 2-4 PM

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

Rev. Seán Loomis, Parochial Vicar, Annunciation BVM, Havertown

Location:

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

3422 Dennison Ave ~ Drexel Hill, PA

More details and additional dates: Click here for the flyer

To RSVP, visit phillyevang.org/events.

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.

October 26, 2021 - 7 PM

Event: Young Catholic Professionals Speaker Series
Young Catholic Professionals recently launched its 24th Chapter in Philadelphia and invites adults of all ages to get involved in our ministry focused on Working in Witness for Christ. Join us for our Executive Speaker Series featuring Archbishop Nelson Pérez on Tuesday, October 26th at 7 PM at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. All young professionals in their 20's and 30's are invited to this FREE event! RSVP Today at Bit.ly/ArchbishopPerez.
Additionally, save the date for our next Speaker Series on Tuesday, November 16th, and St. Joseph Saturday on Saturday, December 4th.
Visit www.ycpphiladelphia.org or email info@ycpphiladelphia.org to learn more.

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/.

Saturday, October 30th, 6:30 PM

Event: 19^th Annual Silent Auction and Dinner for A Baby's Breath Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Auction features tickets to Phillies & Flyers games; restaurant and golf course gift certificates, gift baskets & much more! Special Guest is Fr. Stephen Delacy. A Baby’s Breath is an all-volunteer organization providing free services to pregnant women and their families who experience the impacts of a crisis pregnancy.

Location: Crowne Plaza in King of Prussia, PA.

More info: Tickets are $70 per person (includes dinner, wine and beer) For tickets and sponsorship donations, go to ababysbreath.org/auctions/ or contact Kim Granito at 610-792-0737 or email kim@thegranitos.com

Sundays Oct. 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

Sunday, October 31, 2021 – 4:00 PM

Event: African-American Men and Women on the Road to Sainthood

“Are you a close contact?” As we begin the month of November, Black Catholic History Month, join us for a presentation on the history and excellence of Black Catholics.

Speaker: Fr. Stephen Thorne

Location: Zoom Meeting

More info: View the flyer; Use this Zoom link to join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8125269359

Every Wednesday night from 7pm-8pm

Event: Mission of the H.E.A.R.T.T. Candlelit Adoration

Come for peace, silence, and prayerful reflection. Mission of the H.E.A.R.T.T. is a parish reach out program that is focused on a parish holy hour. Every Wednesday night, people are encouraged to come and bring their intentions, place them in a prayer box and then light a candle to be placed on the steps of the altar during Adoration. The night is amplified in reverence and beauty with being a candlelit service and live music leading the peacefulness. Come and rest with our Lord
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 136 Saxer Ave, Springfield, PA 19064

More info: Kindly reach out to LukeL@Stewardshipmission.org

Friday, November 5, 2021 - 6:30-9:00 PM (Registration at 6:00 PM)

Event: Young Adult Retreat & Bonfire: Discernment & Decision Making

Description: Young adults (college, 20s, 30s) are invited to join Peak Encounter Ministries for great discussion, reflection, outdoor mass, and fun around a bonfire with s’mores and hot chocolate!

Location: Malvern Memorial Cabin, 600 Monument Ave., Malvern, PA 19355

More info: Register by November 1 at peakencounter.org/new-events.

Friday, Nov 5 and December 3, 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/

November 6 – December 8, 2021
Event: Consecration to St. Joseph Program and Speaker Series for Young Adults
It is at this very moment in our lives that St. Joseph is inviting us into a deeper relationship with him. The Lord has plans for us that we cannot fulfill until we’ve embedded the virtues found in Saints like St. Joseph in our own hearts. This program uses the Litany of St. Joseph as a framework – inviting us to reflect on his titles, privileges, and heroic virtues. We will be starting the 33-day program on November 6th. You will be expected to do the daily reflections independently, except for the days we’ll be meeting in person for the speaker series.
More info & registration: https://phillyyam.org/consecration-to-st-joseph/

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.

November 7-13, 2021

Event: Vocations Awareness Week

This annual week-long celebration is designed to raise awareness of, and promote vocations to, the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life. During this weeklong celebration, the Vocation Office, in conjunction with parishes in the Archdiocese, are hosting several events to promote and foster vocations. These include:

Opening Mass for Vocation Awareness Week, Sunday, November 7th at Noon, St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville; Fr. David Friel, Vocation Director, Celebrant & Homilist
Holy Hour for Vocations, Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00 PM, Nativity of Our Lord, Warminster; Fr. David Friel, Celebrant
Mass & Dinner for Young Adults at the Catholic Center for Young Adults, Wednesday, November 10th. Mass is at 6:30 PM in the Upper Church at St. Stanislaus (240 Fitzwater Street, Philadelphia)
Vocation Awareness Day, Thursday, November 11th from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, for Students in Grades 7-12 enrolled in classical schools or homeschool families/co-ops, are invited to gather at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary for Mass, great talks, and activities.
Holy Hour for Vocations (in Spanish), Friday, November 12th at 7:00 PM. St. Charles Borromeo, Bensalem; Fr. Manuel Flores, Celebrant
Vocation Basketball Game, Saturday, November 13th at 10:00 AM at Holy Rosary Regional School, next to Epiphany of Our Lord, Plymouth Meeting; Come out and watch the seminarians play the local CYO team!

For more information on the above events, as well as resources for use during Vocation Awareness Week, please visit heedthecall.org/VAW

Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 4:00 P.M.

Event: Mass for Deceased Priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist of a Mass for the Dead for the happy repose of the souls of the deceased priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

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

Saturday, November 13^th, 10:30am - 11:45am
Event: Rosary Procession for Life
Join the Sisters of Live as we pray all four sets of mysteries of the rosary for the protection of life and for the healing of the culture.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 1723 Race St. Philadelphia, PA 19103, **Meet in front of the Cathedral**

Wednesday, November 17, 1pm-5pm

Event: Bereavement Retreat - "In the In Between"

Please join us for a retreat designed especially for those suffering from grief and loss. This event will help you cope with grief and will offer spiritual support through the healing comfort of God.

Location: St. Jude Church and Shrine, 321 West Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914

More information: https://www.stjudechalfont.org/bereavement-ministry or Lori Rawski at lrawski@stjudechalfont.org

November 17, 2021 – 8-9 pm
Event: “How to Deal with Loneliness” a Free Virtual Workshop on Zoom from the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith
“How to Deal with Loneliness” is a workshop for those who have experienced sadness and loss offering hope through our Catholic faith. The workshop will offer helpful tips and offer time for questions and dialogue over Zoom. This is part of the “Families in Crisis” series through the Foundation.
Location: Zoom
Speakers: Marek Rudak, Catholic Author/Speaker/Coach and Anne DeSantis, Director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith.

To learn more: Visit the website: http://www.Nonnatus.org or email director.srnf@gmail.com

November 17-21, 2021
Event: Knights of the Immaculata Men’s Retreat
Speakers: Jeff Cavins, Bishop Joseph Coffey
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More info: https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/knights-of-the-immaculata-4/

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/

Continuing November 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

Saturday, November 20, 2021 – 9 AM-6 PM
Event: NCYC Ablaze – Enciende el fuego (Event for high school teens)

Saturday, November 20^th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Event: GLORY Holy Hour with Praise & Adoration
Join the Sisters of Life for an hour of adoration before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It will be followed by a courtyard reception.
Location: St. Malachy Parish, 1429 N. 11th St. Philadelphia, PA 19122

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: Click here

Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 11 AM-2:15 PM

Event: Unbound Virtual Leadership Conference

Even in the midst of chaos, shut downs, and change the Kingdom of God is still moving forward. Join us as we seek the Lord and move forward together into this new season our Heavenly Father has for us. The Unbound Leadership Conference is for anyone who wants to grow in using the Unbound model to minister to others.

Speakers: Neal Lozano, Matt Lozano, of Heart of the Father Ministries

Location: Online event

More info: This event is free. Please register at:

https://www.heartofthefather.com/events/schedule/virtual-leadership-conference

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

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.

Tuesdays, November 30th, December 7th, 14th, and 21st – 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Event: Zoom discussion on “Everything You Wanted to Know About the Mass but Were Afraid to Ask!”
Please join St. Augustine Parish (Philadelphia) as we host four virtual discussions during Advent on the what we celebrate at the Mass. “Is everything we believe in included in the Creed? Are my sins forgiven when we pray the Kyrie? Why don’t we pray the Mass in Latin anymore? Are the Scriptures truly the Word of God?” We will discuss and answer these and other questions you might have regarding the Mass. Join us and our special guest participants via Zoom on the dates and times listed!

11/30 – What is the Mass? – Rev. David Friel, Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Professor of Theology, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
12/7 – The Introductory Rites – Rev. Daniel Mackle, Director of Liturgy and Professor of Pastoral Theology, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
12/14 – Liturgy of the Word (The Scriptures) – Dr. Kelly Anderson, Assistant Professor of Sacred Scripture, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
12/21 – Homily, Creed and Prayer of the Faithful – Rev. Tom Dailey, O.S.F.S., John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics and Social Communications, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Location: Via Zoom from St. Augustine Parish (Philadelphia)

More info: To register for these Zoom events, click here for the registration links.
Please email Jacob Marquart, O.F.S. at staugustineparish09@gmail.com or call (215) 627-1838 to submit your questions.

Friday, December 3, 2021 - 6:30-9:00 PM (Registration at 6:00 PM)

Event: Young Adult Advent Retreat & Bonfire: A Night of Hope

Peak Encounter Ministries invites young adults (college, 20s, 30s) for an inspirational and fun retreat with outdoor Adoration, plus a bonfire with s’mores and hot chocolate!

Location: Malvern Memorial Cabin, 600 Monument Ave., Malvern, PA 19355

More info: Register by November 29 at peakencounter.org/new-events.

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

Saturday, December 11, 9 AM-3:30 PM

Event: Advent Day of Reflection: St. Joseph in Advent

This retreat day, sponsored for the Office for Consecrated Life, is open to all Catholics and features, spiritual talks, adoration, Confession and Mass. Join us as we ponder the heart of St. Joseph as he lived the Advent mysteries of salvation.

Presenter: Msgr. John Savinski

Location: Drexel Hall, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

More info: View the flyer; Please RSVP to Sr. Gabrielle Mary at sr.gbraccio@archphila.org

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 7 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM and close at 6:30 PM)

Event: Immaculée Ilibagiza: Finding Forgiveness in God's Mercy

St. David Church invites you to join us for an evening reflection on forgiveness from the perspective of a Rwandan genocide survivor. Immaculée Ilibagiza will share her beautiful account of how God inspired forgiveness in her heart for the murderers that raged outside her cramped hiding spot for 91 days. You are invited down to our Church Hall afterwards for light refreshments and a book signing by Ms. Ilibagiza.

Location: St. David Church, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove

More info: View the flyer; For a description of this event, click here.

Tickets: Tickets are required for this event. Ticket sales open November 1 at: https://stdavidparish.org/advent-2021/

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.

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/

Through 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/.