December: Events for Advent and beyond

“St. Joseph was chosen among all men, to be the protector and guardian of the Virgin Mother of God; the defender and foster-father of the Infant-God, and the only co-operator upon earth, the one confidant of the secret of God in the work of the redemption of mankind.”

– St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas

Welcome, Paola!

We in the Office for the New Evangelization are pleased to welcome Mrs. Paola Cubides Herrera as the new Assistant Director of the Office! This is a new position created by Archbishop Pérez to bolster the work of evangelization in our local Church. As the Assistant Director, Paola will work closely with Meghan Cokeley, Director of the Office for the New Evangelization, on all programs and initiatives. One of the many gifts that Paola that brings to the office is that she is bilingual in English and Spanish. Her presence will allow the Office for the New Evangelization to work within the Hispanic communities of the Archdiocese to launch new movements of missionary disciple formation. To read more about this newly created position in the Office for the New Evangelization and to learn more about Paola and her ministry, click the links below:

Introducing the GIVEN Forum!

Do you know a faith-filled young adult woman between the ages of 21-30 that you would love to see formed for leadership and mission? Invite her to apply for the GIVEN Forum!

GIVEN Catholic Young Women's Leadership Forum - June 21-25, 2022

This year, the GIVEN Forum, which usually takes place in Washington, DC, will be hosted here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at Neumann University in Aston, PA. The GIVEN Forum is a five-day event designed to help young adult Catholic women (age 21-30) with a heart for mission and an aptitude for leadership identify their particular gifts and find practical pathways to put them in the service of the Gospel. Acceptance to a GIVEN cohort includes a year of one-on-one mentorship after the Forum, when women grow in leadership skills as they implement an Action Plan. An application, including the formulation of an Action Plan, must be submitted by February 18, 2022.

For more details about cost, speakers and the application process, visit https://giveninstitute.com/forum/.
Click here for the press release regarding GIVEN in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Immaculée is Coming to Town!

Immaculée Ilibagiza's story of surviving the Rwandan genocide through the power of the Rosary and finding the grace to forgive those who slaughtered her family has the capacity to touch and change hearts, no matter where a person might be in their walk with God. Consider inviting a loved one who may not be practicing their faith at this time to join you for this most compelling talk:

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. Her story is internationally known, especially through her best-selling book Left to Tell: Finding God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.

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. Full details and ticket sales at: https://stdavidparish.org/advent-2021/

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 pherrera@archphila.org by the 21st of the month for consideration.

November 28-30, 2021

Event: 40 Hour Eucharistic Devotion at the Cathedral

Starting November 28, Archbishop Perez is asking the entire Archdiocese to invite fellow Catholics who have not already done so to return to the in person celebration of Mass after the many long months of the pandemic. As part of this initiative, called Nothing Compares to Being There, all are invited to participate in the 40 Hours Devotion at the Cathedral, praying for a renewed love and devotion to our Eucharistic Lord to spring forth in our local Church.

Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

More info: View the schedule here; Click here to sign up for a holy hour time slot

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December 1st, 8th and 15th at 7pm

Event: "The Pursuit of a Dynamic Prayer Life", 3-night mini-retreat led by CCO Co-Founder, Andre Regnier.

We are so excited to offer this to parish movement leaders, coaches, faith study leaders and participants. We want to celebrate and strengthen what God is doing in their lives and movements! Every movement member of each CCO Partner Parish is invited and welcome!

Location: Virtual by zoom.

More info: Registration required click here to register

Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Event: Friends of FOCUS Breaking Bread Event

FOCUS Breaking Bread events bring the FOCUS family together, including current and former FOCUS missionaries and students, mission partners and religious and anyone who has experienced a FOCUS event such as SEEK. The event invites us to live like the apostles in Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” Will you join us for Mass at 6:45 PM, followed by food and drinks, a talk? We look forward to praying with you as part of the FOCUS Family.

Location: Aronimink Golf Club, 3600 St Davids Rd, Newtown Square, PA

More info: View the flyer; Please RSVP HERE

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Thursday, December 2, 2021, 10:30AM

Serra Club of Philadelphia - Newly Ordained Mass and Luncheon

All are invited to join the Serra Club of Philadelphia for Mass and a celebratory luncheon on Thursday, December 2, 2021 as we honor the two priests, newly ordained for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Principal celebrant will be The Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald concelebrated by our newly ordained Rev. Kenneth L. Cavara and Rev. Mark A. Tobin. A luncheon will follow at the Philadelphia Sheraton across from the Cathedral where our new priests will share their vocation path stories and give us their blessing. Attend the Mass, the luncheon or both.

Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newly-ordained-mass-luncheon-tickets-203779328457?aff=ebdssbeac

Friday, 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/

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.

Friday-Sunday, December 3-5, 2021

Event: The Carolers of Christmas

"Singing the Lucan Canticles: An Advent Weekend of Prayer"

Speakers: Clare A. D’Auria OSF, a Sister of St. Francis

Location: Mother Boniface Spirituality Center / Philadelphia

More info:https://msbt.org/event/singing-the-lucan-canticles/

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Saturday, December 4, 2021, 9AM-12PM

Event: Women’s Advent Morning of Reflection

Featuring Sarah Christmyer, Catholic author, Bible teacher and speaker.

“Advent: What are you waiting for?” Do you long for God’s light to shine into your life? Do you long for joy? Enter into the waiting-time of Advent. Discover the gift of longing as Sarah Christmyer draws inspiration from women of the Old Testament who prepared the way for Mary and her Son. Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required for this free event. Register by 11/26/21 at olguadalupe.org/events or email OLGAdventMOR@gmail.com

Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, PA 18902

More info: View the flyer

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

December 5, 2021 at 3:00pm

Event: Cathedral Christmas Concert

Join the Cathedral Basilica Choir and instrumentalists as they perform works by Abbie Betinis, Benjamin Britten, Gustav Holst, Malcom Archer, as well as beloved Christmas Carols for all to sing along. May we all experience the hope, joy and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, throughout the Christmas season.

Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

More info: Purchase tickets at https://cathedralphilaconcerts.org/

Tuesdays, 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!

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.

December 11, 2021 – 11:30am-5pm
Event: One-Day Advent Retreat at the National Shrine of Saint Rita

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith presents a one-day Advent retreat focusing on the life of Saint Rita of Cascia. This is part of the “Families in Crisis” Series through the Foundation. Talks, a tour, and Confessions available.

Location: National Shrine of Saint Rita, 1166 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. On-street parking and lots available close to Shrine.
Speaker: Fr. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A.

More info: Cost: $25 (includes lunch); Payable the day of the event to the National Shrine of Saint Rita. Visit the website: https://www.Nonnatus.org or email director.srnf@gmail.com.

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

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Saturday, December 11, 2021

Event: An Advent Experience towards Christmas - SINGING THE PSALMS’ in THE DIVINE OFFICE

Join the Assumption Sisters for a morning of prayer where the singing of the Liturgy of the Hours will be introduce as a form of prayer.

Location: 1001 s 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143

More info: View the flyer

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

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Monday, December 13, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Event: “Light” Lunch in Honor of Saint Lucy

On the feast day of Saint Lucy, you will have the opportunity to venerate her relic and enjoy a hot lunch and a sweet treat by candlelight while viewing this comical “holy-day” classic, Come to the Stable. In this film, two Religious Sisters are determined to fulfill a promise made to God for saving a hospital from destruction during World War II. When they arrive in Connecticut with the dream of building a children’s hospital, they only need two things: land and money! Of course, they already possess the most essential ingredient…faith.

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

More info: Contact Angela@PadrePio.org or view the flyer

Registration: Pre-registration and pre-payment for lunch are necessary for this event by Monday, December 6 by visiting our website at www.padepio.org and clicking on the event calendar for December 13th.

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 and can be purchased at: https://stdavidparish.org/advent-2021/

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December 18, from 7 to 9pm

Event: Drive – Thru Living Nativity

Nativity of Our Lord Parish will be offering a Drive-Thru Living Nativity on Saturday December 18 from 7 to 9pm. This is a free event! All are welcome!

Location: Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 605 West Street Road, Warminster, PA

More Info: https://www.noolp.org/

Tuesday, December 21, 2021, 6-9 PM

Event: Mass, Matt Talbot Novena and Talk
Our House Ministries invites you to join us as we pray for freedom from addiction for ourselves or our loved ones through the intercession of Venerable Matt Talbot. We will gather in St. Gabriel Church at 6 PM with the Angelus, Eucharistic Adoration, an opportunity for Confession, the Rosary, Novena prayers. Mass begins at 7 PM followed by a talk in the School Building.
Talk Topic: The Life of Venerable Matt Talbot, by Ken Johnston, Executive Director of Our House Ministries
Location: Matt Talbot Shrine at St. Gabriel’s Church, 29th & Dickinson Streets, Philadelphia
More info: No registration required, all are welcome.

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Friday, December 31- Sunday January 2

Event: Young Adult 'New Years' Retreat

“The Word Became Flesh: God’s Yes, Mary’s Yes, My Yes”

Young Adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to Malvern Retreat House for a weekend retreat to usher in the New Year! Led by Fr. Emmanuel Mansford and Br. Samuel Thomas, CFRs, this retreat will focus on the mystery of holy obedience to the divine will in God's plan of salvation- from the Incarnation as God's yes to a fallen and broken humanity to Mary’s “fiat” to the Father’s will and our call to imitate Mary, that the Word of God may become incarnate in our own lives. The weekend will include Adoration and the celebration of Holy Mass, Confession and Spiritual Direction, meals and lodging, free time to enjoy the peace and beauty of the retreat grounds, a night bonfire, New Years social, and more! Cost: $165. Scholarship is available!

Location: Malvern Retreat House, St. Joseph’s Hall

More info or to register: www.malvernretreat.com/calendar or call 610-644-0400

Sundays 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

Tuesday, January 18, 2021, 6-9 PM

Event: Five Keys to Freedom Talk with Mass, Adoration and Matt Talbot Novena

Our House Ministries invites you to an evening devoted to healing and freedom. Evening begins at 6:00 PM in the Church and includes Holy Hour, Confession, Matt Talbot Novena, Benediction, Mass & a talk on the Five Keys.

"Five Keys" talk presenter: Meghan Cokeley, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Location: St. Gabriel’s Church & School, 29th & Dickinson Streets, Philadelphia
More info: No registration required, all are welcome to attend any or all parts of the evening. Click here for the flyer

Friday January 21 - Sunday, January 23 2022
Event: Restore: A Women’s Healing Retreat at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA

Restore: return to its original condition; return what was lost, stolen, or taken away.

God longs for us to believe that we indeed are who He says we are: His beloved daughters, carefully created, infinitely loved and valued beyond measure. Yet, here amidst the darkening caused by sin, betrayals, lies and trauma, we struggle to experience the Truth of who we are. Our pain and woundedness distort the lens through which we look at ourselves and others. Come…and let Him Restore you!

Retreat talks and experiences reconnect us with the Truth of our inherent dignity, beauty, and wholeness. Retreat also includes: small groups, individual healing prayer, Mass, Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Retreat Leaders: Father Stephen DeLacy and De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry

More info: https://youaremadenew.com/restore-womens-retreat or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.

February 4-6, 2022

Event: FOCUS SEEK Small Group Conference (Virtual Event)

SEEK22 is a multi-day event centered on the heart of the Gospel. This year, the full conference experience is coming straight to your parish! With exciting talks from some of today’s best Catholic speakers, times for prayer and the sacraments, deep discussions on relevant issues of the faith and community fellowship, SEEK will give you the hands-on experience you need to go deeper in mission with your local parish community.

How it works: Your parish or ministry assembles a group(s) of up to 10 people who want to participate in SEEK. You create your own schedule, incorporating the livestreamed and recorded conference talks, as well as in-person adoration, Confession, small group discussion and Mass at your parish.

Cost: $565 for a group of up to 10 people (The Office for the New Evangelization expects to be able to offer grants to help offset this cost - details coming soon!)

For more details and to register: https://seek.focus.org/details/at-your-parish/

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/

First Tuesdays at 7 PM, January 2022 to May 2022
Events: 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: Zoom meeting

More info: Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 4. For more info and to request the Zoom link, please contact Lidia Manieri 610-350-7232 lidia@mmanieri.com or Paul and Mary Kay Dunne 610-724-6534.