Christmas 2019
“We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly; let him rejoice.”
Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas
Pick a Saint for 2019 (literally!)
Some Catholic communities have a tradition of drawing saints from a hat at the beginning of each new year. Consider starting this as a tradition in your family or group of friends! Here are the steps:- Print out a list of saints (Click here for a list)
- Cut up the list, fold each piece, and place all saints in a bag or box
- Invite people to choose a saint from the bag, first praying with them a Hail Mary or other prayer during which you ask the Holy Spirit to give the person the saint meant for them
- Learn about the saint you've chosen, pray for your given prayer intention, and watch how that saint "shows up" in your life throughout the year!
Blessing Your Children - For Moms and Dads!
Every human being needs to receive blessing from God the Father, because He is the Source and Origin of our lives and our happiness. Mothers and fathers, in a special way, represent the face of God to their children and therefore can bestow God's blessing upon them. In fact, parents have the authority and calling from God to do this! Blessings are words of love and affirmation spoken over a child especially concerning a child's identity and mission. Here is an excerpt from a teaching on blessing your children by Neal Lozano of Heart of the Father Ministries:"No matter which way you choose to do it, the important thing is that the blessing needs to be spoken. Your children need to hear you say it; they need to hear you say it in front of others as a demonstration of your value for them. You can shape their future by speaking blessings. God is always present in the blessing. He wants to impart life as you speak." Click here to read more
To learn more about how to bless your children, check out these great resources:
- Children's book: Will You Bless Me? by Neal Lozano
- Click here for Neal's guide for parents
Office for the New Evangelization
Upcoming Events
Five Keys to Freedom:
Unlocking the Power of the Gospel in Your Life
Come learn about the Five Keys of Unbound, a simple process of prayer that will help you unleash the liberating power of the Gospel into your life and find greater freedom. This presentation is for everyone. It can be especially helpful for situations such as: relationship problems, habitual sin, chronic anger, fear, sadness, or other areas of life where you feel "stuck" and unable to move forward.
Speaker:
Meghan Cokeley, Director, Office for the New Evangelization & Archdiocesan Unbound Ministry, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
This free presentation is 2 hours including a break and time for Q&A. It will be offered at the following times/locations:
- Sun, Feb 24, 2-4 PM, Our Lady of Peace, Milmont Park
- Tues, Mar 12, 7-9 PM, Visitation BVM, Norristown
- Tues, March 26, 7-9 PM, St. Genevieve, Flourtown
- Fri, May 24, 9:30-11:30 AM (Moms only), St. Pius X Moms Group, Broomall
More info and RSVP:
Spiritual Multiplication
Workshop
Friday, April 5, 2019, 9 AM-12 PM
Come learn what it takes to form disciples who are equipped to form other disciples, igniting a chain reaction of disciple-making in your parish. This workshop, presented by the experienced evangelizers from Catholic Christian Outreach, is relevant for clergy, religious, parish leaders and interested individuals. It will cover topics such as:
- How to foster parish growth by cultivating a climate of spiritual multiplication
- Shifting from investing in programs to investing in people
- The art of intentional accompaniment
- The five spiritual thresholds and how to engage people who are living in a post-Christian culture
Location:
St. Thomas of Villanova Auditorium, Bryn Mawr
Speaker:
Amber Zolc, Coordinator of Parish Outreach, Catholic Christian Outreach
More info:
Cost is $25
Around the Archdiocese...
Below you will find great Catholic events taking place 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 for consideration. Events must be received by the 23rd of each month.
Saturday, December 29, 2018, 11:00 AM
Event: Visit of the Three Magi
Join us for a visit from the Three Kings! They come with camels and candies for all the children present. They will tell us about their journey on their way to see the Child Jesus in Bethlehem. All are invited!
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 20th & Christian St., Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 12 Midnight
Event: Midnight Mass for New Year's and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (holy day of obligation)
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul invites you to celebrate the New Year and the feast of Our Lady at Midnight Mass. This Solemn Mass will take place in the Cathedral Chapel.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: Visit the website http://cathedralphila.org/christmas/
Friday, January 4, 2019, 7:00 PM
Event: Consoling the Heart of Jesus: Holy Hour in Reparation and Prayers for Healing
Join the Sisters of Life every First Friday of the Month at St. Malachy's for a Holy Hour in reparation and prayers for healing.
Location: St. Malachy's Catholic Church, 1429 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA
More Info: To contact the Philadelphia Visitation Mission please call 267-831-3100 or visit www.VisitationCenterUS.org
Sunday, January 6, 2019 – 11:30 to 8:00 PM
Event: Holy Hours for Vocations
On Sunday, January 6, 2019, parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will come together as a community of faith to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. So that as many people can participate as possible, Holy Hours for Vocations will be held at numerous parishes in the Archdiocese. These Holy Hours are designed to unite Catholics in prayer for vocations to the priesthood. Thank you for joining your prayers with those of others throughout the Archdiocese. Holy Hours will be held between 11:30 am and 8:00 pm - for a full list of hosting parishes, visit heedthecall.org/holyhour.
Location: Parishes in each deanery across the Archdiocese.
To learn more:Visit the website: https://heedthecall.org/holyhour
Sunday, January 6, 2019 - 2 PM Mass followed by carols and cookies in church hall
Event: Sisters of Life Epiphany Celebration
In gratitude for your friendship, the Sisters of Life invite you and your family to join us for an Epiphany Event of Prayer and Festivity. Bring the gift of yourself!
Location: St. Malachy’s Church, 1429 N 11th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
More info: Kindly R.S.V.P. at 267.831.3100
Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Event: On-line LIVE Support Group for Families/Individuals Affected by Divorce/Separation
Join us weekly every Tuesday for a LIVE support group for families or individuals that are affected by divorce and separation.
Location: On-line via Laptop or Call-in with Phone
Speakers: Presented by the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith. Prayer, Reflection, Sharing in a Safe Setting. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church.
To Learn More/Sign Up: Email director.srnf@gmail.com and type SUPPORT in the title to receive sign-in link. Call/Text 215-870-9913 for more information. www.nonnatus.org
January 9th-February 11, 2019
Event: Marian Consecration for healing in our church during this time of crisis
Beginning January 9, we will individually be reading Father Michael Gaitley's book, 33 Days to Morning Glory. We will gather on February 11th at St. Pius X Church in Broomall, PA for the 8:00 a.m. Mass to meet for our final consecration, at the end of Mass.
Location: February 11th 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Pius X Church; 204 Lawrence Road Broomall, PA
More info: Contact Sarah Albanese at sarah.albanese@gmail.com
Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 7pm
Event: St. Genevieve Parish Pro-Life Lecture
The pro-life community rightfully focuses on Roe v. Wade. But whether Roe is reversed or not, our pro-life goal won’t be achieved unless we convert the culture, the work primarily of the laity. The lecture will focus on the role of the laity & offer suggestions on the ways we can best work to convert the culture, especially on life issues.
Speaker: Marie Joseph, Founding Executive Director of Legacy of Life Foundation & Women’s Crisis Pregnancy Centers.
Location: St. Genevieve Parish Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031
To Learn More Contact: St. Genevieve Rectory-215-836-2828 or rectory@stgensparish.com.
Saturday, January 12, 2019, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Event for Women: A Day of Healing with You are Made New Ministry
Do you struggle with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, self-doubt, self-criticism? Come! Let the Lord meet you right where you are and guide you forward. Retreat activities include inspiring talks, community-building, healing prayer, personal reflection, music and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for any woman seeking healing and freedom from adverse patterns or habits - of body, mind, and emotion – in order to live fully in the love and freedom that the Lord desires for us.
Facilitators: De Yarrison, CPCC and Fr. Stephen DeLacy
Location: Pope John Paul II High School, Royersford PA
Learn more & Register: https://youaremadenew.com/healing-retreats/
Monthly on Sundays continuing January 13, 2018 - 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Event: Holy Hours of Reparation and Petition for the Scandals of the Catholic Church
All Catholics of the greater Philadelphia area are invited to attend a monthly holy hour of prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to ask for His mercy upon His Church in this moment of profound crisis. We come to make reparation for our own sins and those of our bishops and priests. We come also in confident hope that from Christ’s superabounding mercy will come the purification, healing and restoration of holiness for which we long.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer English / Español
Monday, January 14, 2019 - Friday, January 18, 2019
Event: The Church is a Field Hospital: Catholic Priest Retreat for Training in Unbound
Learn a simple, personal way to pray with your parishioners to be free of their burdens. At the retreat, receive your own personal ministry and connect with other priests who use or want to use Unbound in pastoral care.
Location: Sacred Heart Retreat House / 920 E. Alhambra Road, Alhambra, CA 91801
More Information: Register Online or by Phone (610-952-3019 Ext. 1). Visit their flyer
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 7:00 PM
Event: St. Jude Parish presents Coronas and Christ
Join us at Borghis Restaurant in Chalfont for Coronas and Christ, with faith, food, fun and friends! Attendance is free and food/drink are available for purchase. Adults of all ages are welcome. Come a learn about the Five Keys of Unbound a simple process of prayer that can help you find freedom from the things that bind you!
Location: Tower Hill Brewery, 237 W Butler Ave, Chalfont (new location!)
Presenter: Meghan Cokeley, Director for the Office for the New Evangelization Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Topic: Five Keys to Freedom: Unlocking the Power of the Gospel in Your Life
More information: Questions? Contact Fr. Jeff Rott at St. Jude 215-822-0179 or frjeffrott@stjudechalfont.org
Friday, January 18, 2019
Event: 46th Annual March for Life 2019
Join us in Washington D.C. for the World's Largest Pro-Life Event, the March for Life! This year's theme is "Unique from Day One", and listen to speakers and performers such as Abby Johnson, Ben Shapiro, and the Sidewalk Prophets!
Location: The March for Life Rally will take place at noon at 12th St. on the National Mall, in between Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive. Following the Rally, the March will begin on Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets at approximately 1:00 pm.
More Information: Visit their website for schedules, travel info, and more!
March for Life Bus Trip to Washington, DC - leaving from St. Ignatius Parish in Yardley, PA
- Bus departs 8 AM from Church parking lot, returns 8 PM
- No cost for this trip
- To reserve a seat, contact Jeannie Ivcic at cicvi17@verizon.net or call rectory at 215-493-3377 ext 211 or lruppersberger@gmail.com
Monday, January 21, 2019, 6:30 PM
Event: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Join us in celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a music prelude at 6:30 PM followed by a Keynote speaker, Bishop Edward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D., Bishop of Belleville. Check out the flyer here!
Location: Saint Joseph University, Chapel of St. Joseph, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
More Information: Contact the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Black Catholics, Fr. Richard Owens, O.F.M. Cap, Director at fr.rowens@archphila.org or by phone at 215-587-3541
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 7:00 PM
Event: Liturgical Music is the Song of the Supper of the Lamb: A Workshop presented by Fr. Dennis Gill
Liturgical Music has a different starting point than any other type of music. It is the song of Salvation, the Song of the Supper of the Lamb. The workshop will focus on how an authentic understanding of the Christian Mystery is the starting point for understanding the Church’s norms for liturgical music. The workshop will also look at how liturgical music sings this mystery all throughout the Mass and thus become song that unites heaven and earth, becomes itself a form of worship and demands a participation that is at the time internal and external.
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center Auditorium, 222 N. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
More Information: Free admission, all are welcome! Check out the flyer here
Monday, January 28, 2019 - 7:00 PM
Event: "From Anger to Renewal: Communications and the Crisis in the Church" Lecture
Please join us for a very special evening by guest speaker Kim Daniels, Associate Director Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University! Admission is free, but registration is kindly requested.
Location: St. John Vianney Auditorium, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 100 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096
More Information: Visit here for more info, and Click here to RSVP. Please contact Sharon Presta at 610-785-6287 or by email at spresta@scs.edu for any questions.
Thursday, January 31, 2019 - 8:00 PM-9:00 PM
Event: On-line LIVE Support Group for Adult Children of Divorce (Must be 18 or Older)
Join us monthly on the Last Thursday of Every Month for a LIVE support group for adult children of divorce. Participants must be 18 years or older.
Location: On-line via Laptop or Call-in with Phone
Speakers: Presented by the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith. Prayer, Reflection, Sharing in a Safe Setting. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church.
To Learn More/Sign-up: Email director.srnf@gmail.com and type THURSDAY in the title to receive sign-in link. Call/Text 215-870-9913 for more information. www.nonnatus.org
Friday- Sunday, February 8-10, 2019
Event: Retrouvaille for Stressed or Troubled Marriages
A healing program that offers a welcoming and loving space to married couples who have been living with the misery of a failing marriage. Retrouvaille offers hope that it is not too late for a different and better marriage.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center, 315 S. Warren Avenue Malvern, PA 19355
More Information: Visit the website
Saturday, February 16, 2019, 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM
Event: Marriage Preparation Day
St. Jude Parish offers a fun, engaging and instructional Marriage Preparation Day for engaged couples. The day is designed to assist couples prepare for a strong, successful, lifelong marriage in a joy-filled, welcoming, environment.
Location: St. Jude School, 323 West Butler Avenue, Chalfont, PA 18914.
More Info: Contact: office@stjudechalfont.org (215-822-0179)
Sunday, February 24, 2019, 2:00-4:00 PM
Event: Five Keys to Freedom: Unlocking the Power of the Gospel in Your Life
Come learn about the Five Keys of Unbound, a simple process of prayer that will help you find greater freedom from the things that bind you. This presentation is for everyone. It can be especially helpful for situations such as marital/family discord, habitual sin, chronic anger, fear, sadness, or other areas of life where you feel "stuck" and unable to move forward.
Speaker: Meghan Cokeley, Director, Office for the New Evangelization & Archdiocesan Unbound Ministry, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Location: Our Lady of Peace Parish, Milmont Park (Delaware County)
More information: This free presentation includes 2 talks including a break and time for Q&A. View the flyer or RSVP online here
Monday, February 25, 2019, 7:00 PM
Event: USCCB Listening Session on Racism
Join us in a USCCB listening session on Racism lead by Bishop Shelton Fabre. Check out the flyer here!
Location: Saint Joseph University, Chapel of St. Joseph, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
More Information: Contact the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Black Catholics, Fr. Richard Owens, O.F.M. Cap, Director at fr.rowens@archphila.org or by phone at 215-587-3541
March 9, 2019 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Event: Man Up Philly 2019 Catholic Men's Conference
Now in its 11th year Man Up Philly Men's Spirituality Conference seeks to encourage men to be better fathers, husbands, brothers, and Catholics through enlightening and energizing talks, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, along with the reception of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.
Location: Neumann University Mirenda Center 1 Neumann Way, Aston PA 19014
Speakers include: Eagle star Ron Jaworski, Matthew Kelly, Evangelist Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Irish tenor Mark Forrest. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Senior
For more information or to register visit our website - www.manupphilly.com
Saturdays, March 23 and 30, 2019, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Event: Unbound Basic Ministry Training
This is an intensive training that will use the Unbound Basic Ministry Training videos from Heart of the Father Ministries. It is for those who wish to be trained to pray with others using the Five Keys of Unbound. Discussion and Q&A will be facilitated by members of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Unbound Prayer Team.
Location: St. Margaret Parish Annex, Narberth, PA
More info: Participants attend both days; Cost is $15.00; A spiritual reference person is required for all participants. View the flyer for more details
Saturday, March 23, 2019, 2:00 PM Procession and 2:30 PM Mass
Event: Cultural Heritage Mass 2019
We welcome all in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia community to join us in the celebration of the Extraordinary Year of Mission! Our principal celebrant and homilist will be Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., and the procession will begin at 2:00 PM followed by Mass at 2:30 PM at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul. Many cultures join in one faith to create one family in Christ!
Location: Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
More Information: View the flyer here
March 29-31 or April 25-28 or May 17-19
Event: Father/Son Retreat at St. Joseph's Farm (North Carolina)
Fathers, bring your son (age 13+) to this one-of-a-kind retreat for a weekend of adventure, spiritual formation, and prayer. Included: a traditional pig slaughter and roast; all lodging, etc. (just bring your son!); skeet shooting; prayer; talks; farm-fresh food; a copy of Leaving Boyhood Behind
Retreat Host: Jason Craig, farmer, Fraternus Co-founder and author of Leaving Boyhood Behind will be hosting father/son retreats in the hills of Western North Carolina
Location: St. Joseph's Farm in Western North Carolina
More info: Cost is $250 per person, More details and online registration
Sunday, March 31, 2018 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Event: Dynamic Catholic Event- Find Your Greatness- with Dr Allen Hunt
Our lives change when our habits change. Based on Matthew Kelly’s book The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic, Find Your Greatness will introduce you to four simple ways to reach your full potential. Great habits create great lives. Are your habits helping you become the-best-version-of-yourself? At the Find Your Greatness Event learn the habits for a great life! This half-day event features live music and includes a free bag of Dynamic Catholic resources for every attendee.
Location: St. John the Baptist Church 146 Rector Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Tickets and local details: https://dynamiccatholic.com/find-your-greatness-philadelphia-pa-mar-31-2019
Friday, April 5, 2019, 9 AM-12 PM
Event: Spiritual Multiplication Workshop
Come learn what it takes to form disciples who are equipped to form other disciples, igniting a chain reaction of disciple-making in your parish. This workshop, presented by the experienced evangelizers from Catholic Christian Outreach, is for all parishes and will cover topics such as: how to foster parish growth by through spiritual multiplication; shifting from investing in programs to investing in people, the art of intentional accompaniment, the five spiritual thresholds and how to engage people who are living in a post-Christian culture.
Location: St. Thomas of Villanova, Bryn Mawr
Speaker: Amber Zolc, Coordinator of Parish Outreach, Catholic Christian Outreach
More info: Cost is $25; View the flyer or register online
Friday April 5, 1:30-4:30 PM or Saturday, April 6, 9 AM-12 PM
Event: Discovery Facilitator Training
Are you or is your parish planning to run a CCO Discovery group to evangelize? Send your group facilitators to be trained at this half-day workshop. The CCO Discovery Series is available in 3 languages, English, Spanish and French. Click here to learn more about CCO.
Location: April 5 - St. Thomas of Villanova, Bryn Mawr; April 6 - Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, Philadelphia (The same event is offered in both locations; choose one.)
More info: Cost is $20; View the flyer or register online
- Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction events: archphila.org/hope
LOOKING AHEAD...
May 10-11, 2019 - Unbound: Freedom in Christ Conference, MediaJune 22, 2019 - Relevant Radio's Elevate National Conference, Philadelphia
SUPPORT OUR MISSION! Consider making a donation to the New Evangelization Fund: Igniting the Faithful, Seeking the Lost. Your donation will go directly to supporting the work of the Office for the New Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Click here to DONATE.
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