“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior."
Listen below to Archbishop Perez' 4-minute teaching on how a missionary disciple is called to "rejoice." This is part of the Archbishop's Go Forth texting campaign. You can find full details about Go Forth at phillydisciples.org/goforth.
News, Tips and Ideas
Radical Missionary Discipleship
Recently the Catholic news outlet, The Pillar, re-published an article about Vagabond Missions, an evangelization ministry that seeks to bring Jesus to at-risk teens in our inner cities. We have Vagabond missionaries here in Philadelphia, serving in Chester. Read the article for an excellent example of evangelization that truly reaches the peripheries; and then consider getting involved with our local team!
From the article, comments from Micah Spader, Area Director for Vagabond Philadelphia: “And I think that’s pretty much what I've learned - whether it's a good day, whether it's a bad day, whether you're nervous, whether you're scared, the reality is God's asking me to show up each and every day, he's asking me to be on my hands and knees in front of him to minister to these kids, to bring him to this inner city. And that's all he's asking. And from there, trusting that he'll guide me and he'll guide the team.” Showing up every day may sound simple, but in practice, it can be tough. It’s demanding and humbling, and it requires a radical trust in God that takes a daily effort, Micah said. He said his work with Vagabond has challenged some of the romantic ideas of mission work..." Click here to read the full article
- Find out more about our Philly Vagabond Ministry: https://vagabondmissions.com/philly/
Send Mary Rose a note of welcome at: mmitchell@archphila.org
Welcome, Mary Rose!
We in the Office for the New Evangelization are happy to welcome Mary Rose Mitchell Papciak as the new Chair of the Catholic Women's Conference for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She is a professional nurse with over 20 years experience. As Chair of the Catholic Women's Conference she will oversee the planning committee and coordinate all details from start to finish for this annual sell-out event. Mary Rose brings to the position a prayerful heart, a joyful spirit and stellar organizational skills. Click here to learn more about Mary Rose
Meet the New Auxiliary Bishops-Elect!
On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis named Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Reverend Christopher R. Cooke, and Reverend Efren V. Esmilla to serve as Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Their Mass of Episcopal Ordination will be celebrated on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
- To learn more about each Bishop-Elect, click here for the press release.
Office for the New Evangelization Events
Go, Make Disciples:
A Mini Course in Missionary Discipleship
Saturdays, January 13, February 17 and March 2, 2024
9am-12pm
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:
Meghan Cokeley, Office for the New Evangelization, and
members of the Archbishop's Commission for Missionary Disciples
members of the Archbishop's Commission for Missionary Disciples
Location:
Our Lady of Hope Parish, 5200 N. Broad St., Philadelphia
Our Lady of Hope Parish, 5200 N. Broad St., Philadelphia
More Info and Registration:
$25.00 includes all 3 sessions, coffee, snacks and guidebook
Visit phillyevang.org/events to register or click here.
This course is also available in Spanish.
Please contact Paola Herrera for details at pherrera@archphila.org
Please contact Paola Herrera for details at pherrera@archphila.org
Supporting Those
with Mental Health Struggles
A workshop for families, friends and parish leaders
Saturday, January 27, 2024 – 9:15am-2:30pm
It is estimated that one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness (anxiety, depression, bipolar, OCD, etc...). Among children and teens, the numbers are increasing dramatically. This means that every parish and church institution has many members who suffer in this way, and often in silence. This workshop is designed to give parish leaders, as well as family members and friends, practical tools to help you support those who experience mental health struggles. Workshop topics include:
- What do we mean by mental health struggles?
- How to walk alongside someone in a way that is sustainable and resourceful
- How to create space where people can share their struggles while remaining within the boundaries of our competence (e.g. acting as a friend, not as a therapist)
- Question-Persuade-Refer Suicide Prevention Training: how to respond when someone may be thinking about suicide
Speaker: Dave Eckert, M.Div., CPRP, Senior Director of Intersect, Access Services
Location: St. Cecilia Parish Auditorium, Philadelphia
Sponsored by: Office for the New Evangelization and Office for Persons with Disabilities of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Around the Archdiocese
Below you will find 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 22nd of the month for consideration.
Starting Wednesday, January 3
Event: Endow study for Women at St. Aloysius Church, Pottstown
Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity Of Women) is a Catholic educational program that brings women together to discover their God-given dignity and to understand their role in humanizing and transforming society. Endow helps women from all walks of life discover their God-given dignity and femininity through the richness and authenticity of Catholic teaching. St. Aloysius is forming an Endow study group that will meet weekly for 8-10 weeks to study John Paul II’s Letter to Women. There is no homework or reading required outside of meeting times!
More Info: The study guide costs $40. We will meet Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. beginning on January 3, 2024 in the Parish Center. Please contact Sophie Schneible to register. 601-326-5877 x426 or Sschneible@saintaloysius.net
Friday, January 5 - @ 7:00 pm
Event: Family Holy Hour for Vocations for Feast of St. John Neumann
In honor of the feast of St. John Neumann, let us join together with our families to pray for in increase of vocations to the priesthood, religious life and sacramental marriage. We will pray for our children and their vocations. All ages welcome. Refreshments to follow.
Location: St. Aloysius Church, 223 Beech St., Pottstown.
More Information: Sophie Schneible, Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation
January 7, 3:30 P.M
Event: National Shrine hosts choral concert
Voices young and old, and in several languages, will close the Christmas season in a choral concert at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa on Sunday, January 7 following the 2:30 p.m. Mass. The concert will feature hymns from several cultures – sung in English, Polish, German and Latin – by various choirs and groups associated with the National Shrine.
Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.
More information: https://czestochowa.us/calendar/christmas-concert-2/
Event: National Shrine hosts choral concert
Voices young and old, and in several languages, will close the Christmas season in a choral concert at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa on Sunday, January 7 following the 2:30 p.m. Mass. The concert will feature hymns from several cultures – sung in English, Polish, German and Latin – by various choirs and groups associated with the National Shrine.
Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.
More information: https://czestochowa.us/calendar/christmas-concert-2/
Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 @ 7:30 pm
Event: Behold Visio Divina - "Encountering Christ: From Trust Unto Surrender"
Behold is a program specifically built to give women the skills needed to pray using Visio Divina. This method of prayer is a complement to Lectio Divina, which is an encounter with God through open receptivity to His Word in Scripture. Visio Divina allows God to change one's life by not only listening to Him, but also encountering Him through art. Our focus is to help women know of their dignity by praying on themes relevant to every woman.
Location: St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Rectory, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill. Adoration is available in Church each Tuesday 7am--7pm; please join us at 7pm for Benediction and Divine Mercy Chaplet before our sessions.
More Information: Nicky Verna, Director of the New Evangelization
610-259-1169 or nverna@standrewdh.org; to order your book, use this link: https://www.beholdvisiodivina.com/shop-1
Thursday, January 11, 2024 – 6-9pm
Event: Missionary Disciple Skill Series: How to Pray with Someone
Every missionary disciple needs to be equipped with skills that will help us more intentionally accompany others into personal friendship with Jesus. One of those skills is the readiness to pray spontaneously with someone for their needs and intentions. Instead of saying, “I’ll pray for you,” we want to be ready to say, “Can I pray with you right now for that?” Join us for a training that will teach you this skill and give you a greater comfort level with praying with others. Sponsored by: Office for Ministry with Youth and Office for the New Evangelization
Facilitator: Meghan Cokeley, Office for the New Evangelization
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center Auditorium, 222 N. 17th Street, Philadelphia 19103
More info: For more details about the workshop, view the flyer; No cost to attend, but please click here to register or visit https://phillyomy.org/event/intercessory-prayer-training/
Friday, January 12, 2024 - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Event: Weep With Those Who Weep
“There is no grief like the grief that does not speak.” This is why Saint Paul calls us to share grief (Romans 12:15). Far too many have lost loved ones to addiction and grieve alone because of the stigma.
Join us to remember and pray for those who have died from addictions. AFIRE board member Robin Rader Knaap (Heartfelt Praise with Robin) will provide comfort through song and reflections. There will be time for sharing, and the evening will conclude with a prayer service. This will take place in the church.
Location: St. Nicholas Of Tolentine Church, 1700 block of South 9th Street Philadelphia, Pa 19148
More info: There is no cost to attend, you may email us at info@apeopleafire.org to let us know you will attend. See flyer
Sunday, January 14th from 2-3 PM (Additional dates: Sundays February 11, March 10, April 21, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 15)
Event: Eileen George Prayer Group
Join us for the Prayer Group in the spirit of Eileen George and her Meet the Father Ministry. We meet on a monthly basis to pray for specific intentions through Eileen’s intercession, to study and reflect on her teachings, and to pray for her beatification & canonization. There will be Adoration, Confession and Benediction.
Social to follow. ALL ARE INVITED. For more information about Eileen, visit www.EileenGeorge.org.
Location: Annunciation BVM Church, 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, PA
More Info: Questions? Contact Jeanmarie Lorello at 610-547-7308 (phone or text).
Date: Sunday, January 14 to Monday, January 22, 2024 (Following the 3:00 PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Event: Novena to Three American Saints for Life
Saints Elizabeth Ann Seton, Frances Cabrini, and John Neumann are powerful witnesses to the Gospel of Life, each in their own time. This novena suggests three days of prayer to each of the saints for the promotion of life in our country and our Church today. Pray this novena along with us either in person at the National Centre for Padre Pio or via livestream on Facebook or YouTube.
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PadrePioInc
Location: National Centre for Padre Pio – 111 Barto Road – Barto, PA
More Information: Flyer Attached
Friday, January 19, 2024 – 7am-11am
Event: Life Fest
Life Fest is a morning rally to inspire and educate a new generation on the next steps for a new spirituality of love and life. Because every human person is made in God's image. Because our world is crying us for healing. Because Love is the answer. Doors for Life Fest will open at 6:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus
Speakers: Sarah Kroger, Damascus Worship, Sean Cardinal O’Malley
Location: D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C.
Friday, January 19, 2024 – 12pm Rally; 1-4pm March
Event: National March for Life
The March for Life is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge on the National Mall and march on Capitol Hill on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in all 50 states. It’s the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. But this is not just a protest… Together, we gather to celebrate life. We celebrate each and every life, from the moment of conception. We envision a world where every life is celebrated, valued, and protected.
Location: National Mall, Washington, DC
More info: For the full schedule, maps and travel information, visit: https://marchforlife.org/national-march-for-life/#events
Friday, January 26, 2024, at 6:00 pm
Event: Mass and Healing Service at Saints Simon & Jude Church
Saints Simon & Jude Charismatic Renewal Prayer Group eagerly invites all to attend a Mass and Healing Service at our parish.
Confessions will begin at 6:00 pm with the recitation of the Rosary. The Holy Mass will be at 7:00 pm. Fr. Kenneth Omeke will be the chief celebrant. Fr. Chris Walsh is the guest speaker. Adoration will follow. There will be intercessory prayer teams available. Music is by Mark Griswold. A display of relics from Blessed Carlo Acutis will be presented.
Location: Sts. Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382
Saturday, January 27, 2024 – 10am-5:30pm
Event: Choose Life: A Discernment Day with the Little Sisters of the Poor for Catholic Young Women Ages 18-35
Location: Holy Family Home, 5300 Chester Ave, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
Sunday, January 28th, 2024, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Event: Martin Saints Classical High School Open House
Kick off Catholic Schools' Week with a visit to Martin Saints at our new location!
Martin Saints is a private Catholic high school currently located in Oreland, PA and moving to the campus of St. Titus parish in East Norriton in Summer 2024. As a member of the Chesterton Schools Network, MSC provides a rigorous, integrated curriculum taught through the lens of the Catholic faith. Our mission is to pass the Catholic faith to the next generation. Our goal is not merely academic excellence, but to cultivate love for all that is good, true, and beautiful. Daily worship and the classical liberal arts are at the core, centering everything we do. Additionally, our curriculum integrates craftsmanship, service learning, the fine arts, and outdoor adventure. Come and visit us to learn more -- you are most welcome!
Location: 3006 Keenwood Road, East Norriton, PA 19403
Register: www.whymsc.org/admission/#events
Friday, February 2, 2024, at 5:30 pm
Event: Candlemas: Flame of Love Feast Day Celebration
All are invited to join Flame of Love devotees joyfully gather on Candlemas, their Feast Day, shared with the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord to pray the rosary and ask for the grace of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who is Jesus Himself. It begins at 5:30 pm with the St. Michael Chaplet and the Flame of Love Rosary, a speaker at 6:30 pm - Dr. Antone Raymundo, National Spokesman, and a Procession, Blessing of Candles and Holy Mass at 7:00 pm - Fr. Michael Davis, Celebrant.
Mass will also be live-streamed: http://saintanastasia.net
Location: St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073
More Information: See flier.
February 9th, 6:30 PM
Event: Cana Date Night: Mass and Dinner
Event: Cana Date Night: Mass and Dinner
Join us during National Marriage Week to celebrate your marriage and share in fellowship and prayer with other married couples. We will have an opportunity to renew sacramental marriage vows during Mass, which will be followed by a delicious catered meal in the parish hall.
Location: Saint Ann Church: 502 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA, 19460
Celebrant: Reverend Daniel Arechabala, Parochial Administrator at Saint Ann Parish
To learn more: View the flyer;
Questions and RSVP: Contact Monica & Dave Ryan - monica.paddock@gmail.com / 845-649-8640, or RSVP here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DA4AA28A4F58-46360290-february?useFullSite=true
January - March 2024
Event: Come and See Weekends for Men Discerning a Call to the Priesthood
Come & See events offer men (high school and post-high school) 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
More info: Visit https://heedthecall.org/comeandsee/ or contact Fr. David Friel, Vocations Director, fr.dfriel@archphila.org
February 16 - 18, 2024
Event: Retrouvaille: Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage
Some 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.
2024 Spring Semester
Event: The School of Theological Studies Online MA Course Moral Theology
The Graduate Program at the School of Theological Studies (STS) at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary consists of 36 credits in Catholic theology plus comprehensive examinations. Once accepted into the program students can work at their own pace to complete the required 36 credits consisting of ten (10) required courses and two (2) elective courses. Up to three (3) graduate courses may be taken through our Single Course Application before officially applying to the MA program.
Location: Online
More info: Please visit
https://www.scs.edu/school-of-theological-studies/master-of-arts-in-theology/online-ma-program/ to apply to the MA Online Program or to complete the Single Course Application. Please contact the School of Theological Studies at 610-785-6287 or by email at sts@scs.edu with any questions. The tuition per online graduate course is $1,500.00 plus $105.00 student fee per semester.
Event: The School of Theological Studies Online MA Course Moral Theology
The Graduate Program at the School of Theological Studies (STS) at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary consists of 36 credits in Catholic theology plus comprehensive examinations. Once accepted into the program students can work at their own pace to complete the required 36 credits consisting of ten (10) required courses and two (2) elective courses. Up to three (3) graduate courses may be taken through our Single Course Application before officially applying to the MA program.
Location: Online
More info: Please visit
https://www.scs.edu/school-of-theological-studies/master-of-arts-in-theology/online-ma-program/ to apply to the MA Online Program or to complete the Single Course Application. Please contact the School of Theological Studies at 610-785-6287 or by email at sts@scs.edu with any questions. The tuition per online graduate course is $1,500.00 plus $105.00 student fee per semester.
Every Wednesday and Second Saturday, 12-1 PM
Event: Lunch in the Park with Christ in the City
Join Christ in the City missionaries as we serve over 50+ men and women experiencing homelessness, building relationships while enjoying lunch.
- Every Wednesday, 12-1 PM on the lawn next to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia (required training for new volunteers begins at 11:15 AM)
- Second Saturdays, 12-1 PM on Logan Square (required training for new volunteers begins at 10 AM)
More info: Registration is required and all new volunteers must attend a training prior to the event. Full details and registration available at: https://christinthecity.org/philadelphia-lunch-in-the-park/
Second Thursdays of each month, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Event: Adoption Support Group Meeting
This group is open to anyone interested in learning more about the process of adopting children, in the process of adopting a child, or already a parent through adoption. Come meet and talk to caring, supportive families that share their experience with the adoption process and parenting.
Location: (In Person or Virtual) In person: Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales PA 19454. Virtual: Email Maria for a Zoom link.
More info: Email Maria Malone at mariamalone@mmredeemer.org to attend in person, get a meeting link and get any updates on meeting times and locations.
Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
One-day Lenten Retreat at the Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA.
Join the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for a one-day Lenten retreat geared for individuals and families who have faced crises and adversities of all kinds.
The day will feature talks and reflections, prayer time, Confessions, and the Sunday Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. All are welcome!
Place: Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301.
Speakers: Father Carl Braschoss, O.Praem and Anne DeSantis, Executive Director of the SRNF.
Cost: $50 includes lunch and snacks.
Register at this link: https://www.nonnatus.org/lenten-retreat.html or send a check to: St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation, P.O. Box 951, Skippack, PA 19474-0951. Questions: Email director.srnf@gmail.com
First Tuesdays through May 2024
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: zoom meeting
More info: Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7PM by zoom. If you need more information, want to be added to our email list and get the zoom link, please contact Lidia Manieri 610-350-7232 lidia@mmanieri.com.
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: zoom meeting
More info: Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7PM by zoom. If you need more information, want to be added to our email list and get the zoom link, please contact Lidia Manieri 610-350-7232 lidia@mmanieri.com.
2023 Workshops for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors
Presented by: Rev. G. Dennis Gill, Office for Divine Worship, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
More info: For the current schedule, click here; Please register by sending an email to worship@archphila.org. In your message, please include your name, home parish and the workshop/date for which you would like to register.
First Fridays at 7:00PM
Event: Mass and Healing Service @ the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA
Description: Following Mass, there will be Praise & Worship, Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and Healing Prayer Service. This is a special opportunity to encounter Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit to touch you deeply and heal those emotional, mental, physical, relational, or spiritual places that are in need of God’s healing graces. All are welcome!
Questions: Email rafal@czestochowa.us Call: 215-345-0600 or Flyer
May 20-29, 2024 - Marian Shrines Pilgrimage with Fr. Eric Banecker, Spain, Portugal, France
May 31-June 2, 2024 - National Eucharistic Procession passes through Philadelphia
June 8-12, 2024 - GIVEN Catholic Young Women's Leadership Forum, Washington, DC
July 17-21, 2024 - 10th National Eucharistic Congress, Indianapolis, IN
ONGOING...
- Eucharistic Revival: phillyeucharisticrevival.org
- Young Adult Groups & Events: phillyyam.org/events
- Events for Teens: https://phillyomy.org/events/
- Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction - archphila.org/hope
- Intercessory Teams for Priests - phillyevang.org/pray4priests
- Archdiocesan Missionaries of Mercy - archphila.org/mercy
- Institute for Christian Formation - Click here for website
- Pro-Life Pregnancy Care Resources - Click here for the free guidebook
- Be Encouraged: Catholic Support for Mental Health: archphila.org/support
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