“Time spent in prayer is
the most fruitful investment of one's life, because it is there that the Lord
shapes our feelings, purifies our desires and strengthens our vocation. Those
who do not speak enough with God cannot speak of God!”
News, Tips and Ideas
St. Andrew Christmas Novena for the 83%
On January 5, 2025, Archbishop Nelson Pérez launched his initiative Trust and Hope as a response to the stark reality that 83% of Catholics are disconnected from the life of the Church.
This Advent, all are invited to pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena (November 30-December 24) for the intention of the reconciliation of inactive Catholics with the Church, their home. We will especially remember our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who are part of the 83%. To participate, visit phillyevang.org/novena or click the purple button below to sign up.
Spread the word!
- Email or bulletin announcement text
- Social media graphic: English / Español
Office for the New Evangelization Events
Schools of
Missionary Discipleship
A 10-Session Immersion Course in Missionary Discipleship
Ten Wednesdays from 8:45am-11:45am
(Timing is intended to enable parish staff to attend during the workday.)
School of Discipleship: February 4, 11, 25, March 11 and 25
School of Mission: April 8, 15, 29, May 6 and 20
Location: St. David Parish, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove
Facilitators:
Meghan Cokeley and members of the
Archbishop's Commission for Missionary Disciples
Registration:
Cost is $100 for all 10 sessions, including participant’s guides, coffee and snacks. Discounts are available for parish groups.
For more details, visit phillyevang.org/schools.
Register at this link: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=nr4EGA
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 mcokeley@archphila.org by the 22nd of the month for consideration. Guidelines for event submissions
November 30, December 1 and 2, 2025
Event: Annual Eucharistic Devotion, Cathedral 40 Hours
All are invite to spend time in prayer in front of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist during the Cathedral Parish’s 40 Hours Eucharistic Devotion.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: Click here for the schedule; Click here to sign up for a holy hour
Tuesdays: December 2, 9, 16, 2025 - 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (includes lunch)
Event: Singing Our Way Through Advent: A Three-Week Journey of Scripture, Song, & Sacred Reflection
Join us for a spiritually rich Advent series at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, exploring Mary’s Magnificat (Dec.2), the biblical roots of beloved carols (Dec. 9), and the ancient longing of the O Antiphons (Dec. 16) through music, scripture, and prayerful ritual. $25/session or $65 for all three
Speakers: Sr. Theresa Ahern, MSBT and Theresa Leonetti O’Connor, M.Div.
To Register: Email asstdirector@msbt.org Call 267-350-1830. RSVP by November 25 Space is Limited.
December 3, 9, 16, 2025 - Sessions offered twice a day: 3pm – 4:15pm OR 7:00-8:15 pm
Event: Visio Divina – ADVENT waiting in Hope
Visio Divina is a way of praying with sacred art as a place to encounter God's loving gaze and presence. For each session we will reflect upon an Advent image, Advent Scripture passage and liturgical text. In whom do we hope? Emmanuel…God with us in this time?
Presenter: Sister Mary Ann Clarahan, RSM
Location: St. Margaret of Antioch Church Annex, 208 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, PA
More info: Click here for the flyer; Questions? contact Sr. Mary Ann Clarahan, RSM - services@saintmarg.org
Event: Visio Divina – ADVENT waiting in Hope
Visio Divina is a way of praying with sacred art as a place to encounter God's loving gaze and presence. For each session we will reflect upon an Advent image, Advent Scripture passage and liturgical text. In whom do we hope? Emmanuel…God with us in this time?
Presenter: Sister Mary Ann Clarahan, RSM
Location: St. Margaret of Antioch Church Annex, 208 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, PA
More info: Click here for the flyer; Questions? contact Sr. Mary Ann Clarahan, RSM - services@saintmarg.org
Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Event: Flame of Love Philadelphia: A Pilgrimage Day of Hope during the Jubilee Year of Hope
All are invited to attend this special Flame of Love Philadelphia Pilgrimage Day of Hope at the Miraculous Medal Shrine. Schedule is as follows: 11:00 am: Flame of Love Rosary; 11:30 am: Confessions; 11:55 am: Novena to the Miraculous Medal; Noon: Holy Mass. Following Mass, Fr. Kettleberger, CM will give a presentation on the Miraculous Medal and give a tour of the shrine. Bring your own lunch or snacks. No charge but Free Will Offerings are appreciated!
Location: Miraculous Medal Shrine, 475 E. Chelten Ave., Phila., PA 19144
More info: View the flyer
To reserve your spot, RSVP to: Flameoflovephilly@gmail.com
Friday Dec. 5 - 7:00-9:30PM (Doors open at 6 for photos with Santa 6:00-6:45PM)
Event: Multicultural Christmas Concert
Enjoy an evening of music, faith, and unity as we celebrate the coming of our Savior! Food and drinks for sale — Raffles — and a Special Eucharistic Procession. Come celebrate the joy and hope of Christmas with us! See you there!!
Location: Holy Innocents Parish Hall (1337 E Hunting Park Ave)
More info: Click here for the flyer; FREE admission, free-will donations support our Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9AM-12PM
Event: Women’s Advent Breakfast, Special Moments of Grace: The Year of Jubilee
As we enter the Advent season, we’ll reflect on how God consecrates certain times for us to receive His graces. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Luke 4:18,19) Featuring Dr. Kelly Anderson, Associate Professor for the Major Seminary at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Location: Doylestown Country Club, 20 Country Club Drive, Doylestown, PA
Cost: $40 per person, full hot breakfast buffet
More info: View the flyer; Register online at olguadalupe.org/events; Questions: Email AdventBreakfastOLG@gmail.com
Saturday: December 6, 2025, 9:00 to 11:30 AM
Event: Women’s Advent Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious sit-down breakfast at the start of Advent and hear an inspirational talk entitled, She Who Believes, a Marian call to Hope, Faith, and Spiritual Motherhood in our wounded world. Sponsored by Mary Mother of the Redeemer and St. Jude Parishes.
Speaker: Jeannine Yousif of Walking with Purpose
Location: Normandy Farms, 1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA
More info: https://mmredeemer.org/ Questions: joannehigg115@gmail.com
Event: Women’s Advent Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious sit-down breakfast at the start of Advent and hear an inspirational talk entitled, She Who Believes, a Marian call to Hope, Faith, and Spiritual Motherhood in our wounded world. Sponsored by Mary Mother of the Redeemer and St. Jude Parishes.
Speaker: Jeannine Yousif of Walking with Purpose
Location: Normandy Farms, 1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA
More info: https://mmredeemer.org/ Questions: joannehigg115@gmail.com
December 7 at 2pm
Event: Philly Catholic Singles 30-45: Holiday Speed Dating
Come meet someone new this holiday season! Our popular speed dating event returns for Catholic Singles 30-45, hosted Dec. 7 @ 2pm at Malvern Retreat House. $25 covers snacks, wine, and event entry.
Join the waitlist at www.PhillyCatholic.Singles.
Available now until January, 2026
Event: Exhibit of Michelangelo’s “Pieta”
Exactly identical in size to the original Michelangelo Pietá masterpiece in St. Peter’s Basilica, yet accessible for pilgrims, visitors and art enthusiasts alike! This perfect re-creation will reside in the lower chapel of St. Bede the Venerable Church for all to view and venerate.
Location: Lower Daily Mass Chapel, St. Bede the Venerable Church, Holland, PA
Times: The Pietá will be on exhibit in the chapel: Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 2:30pm, Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Sundays between the Masses.at 7:30am, 9:30am, 11am and 12:30pm
More info: View the flyer
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Event: It’s Advent Time: Discovering the Beauty of the “O Antiphons”
As we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we will spend time together uncovering the depth and meaning that the ancient “O Antiphons” have to offer for our prayer and reflection. Using music, visual and contemplative quiet, participants will come to appreciate more deeply this rich treasure found in our Advent liturgy.
Facilitator: Sister Kathy Benham, IHM
Location: IHM Spirituality Center, 210 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355 (location is handicapped accessible with elevator availability)
More info: $40 (includes meals); For more information or to register, contact S. Anne Marie Stegmaier at 610-647-4136 or visit https://ihmimmaculata.org/wp-content/uploads/Advent-Time-Reg.-Form.pdf
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Event: Archdiocesan Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- 8:00 PM – Rosary for Immigrants
- 8:30 PM – Procession
- 9:00 PM – Mass in Spanish with Archbishop Perez
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: Click here for the flyer
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:00a.m.-1:00pm
Event: Advent Hope: Trusting God Who Comes: A Mini-Retreat for Women
Give yourself the gift of time to encounter Jesus this Advent. Time for Mass, prayer, discussions and our inspiring guest speaker, Tammi McCarthy. Refreshments and Lunch provided.
Location: Saint Aloysius Church, Gathering Center 223 Beech Street, Pottstown.
Cost: $35
More Information: Register here; Questions? Sophie Schneible, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, 610-326-5877 ext. 426, SSchneible@saintaloysius.net
Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 9:30 AM
Event: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Her Message, and the Tilma of Saint Juan Diego (Power Point Presentation)
Along with this presentation, a life-size replica of the Tilma of Saint Juan Diego, with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, will be displayed. There is no entrance fee; a basket will be available for those who may wish to make a free-will donation.
Presenter: Massimo Paris, researcher and lecturer on: Holy Shroud of Turin; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Eucharistic Miracles; The Calvary, the Tomb of Christ, and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher.
Location: Saint Maria Goretti Parish, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield, PA 19440.
More information: Questions? Contact Massimo Paris at 610-356-6778.
Friday, December 13, 2025 - 9:30am-3:30pm
Event: Advent Retreat Day: The Cry of the Poor and the Heart of the Church
Join us for a retreat day including Mass, Confession, personal prayer and talks on Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te
Sponsored by: Archdiocesan Office for Consecrated Life
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer; To register or for more information, contact Sr. Marie Faustina, RSM, Delegate for Consecrated Life, sr.mfaustina@archphila.org
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – 9:30AM-2:00 PM
Event: Milk & Honey: A Theology of the Body for Me and Mommy
Have you started to look at your daughter and thought that maybe it was time to have a conversation? But where to start, what to say, and how much is too much? Come; discover what it means to be feminine and how God guides us to what is true, good, and beautiful.
Have you started to look at your daughter and thought that maybe it was time to have a conversation? But where to start, what to say, and how much is too much? Come; discover what it means to be feminine and how God guides us to what is true, good, and beautiful.
For girls 9-12 years old and their mothers.
Speaker: Jessica Murdolo
Location: The Inn at Twin Linden, 2092 Main St, Narvon, PA 17555
Speaker: Jessica Murdolo
Location: The Inn at Twin Linden, 2092 Main St, Narvon, PA 17555
More info: Visit the website Questions? Email Jessica Murdolo at MilkandHoneyTOB@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 16 - 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Event: Serra Club of Philadelphia Zoom Meeting
Topic: “Christmas Roots in the Sacraments: What We Can Learn from the Faith of the Polish People and Their Advent & Christmas Traditions"
Speaker: Rev. Timothy Tarnacki, OSPPE, D.Min., Vocation Director of the American Province of the Pauline Fathers & Brothers (Doylestown, Pa.); Director of the Office for Ministry with Young Adults of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Fr. Timothy will explain several Polish Advent and Christmas traditions and will show how many Polish faith and traditional religious practices are very much rooted in the Sacraments, some of which, Father Tarnacki notes, can help us to truly "keep Christ in Christmas.”
More Information: Contact communications@serraclubphilly.org or visit website at https://serraclubphilly.org
Monthly: Dec 16, 2025 - 6:30 -7:45 PM
Event: Holy Hour Praise & Worship Series
Spend some time with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament while enjoying beautiful Praise & Worship music. Confession will also be available. All are welcome to join us each month for this event!
Event: Holy Hour Praise & Worship Series
Spend some time with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament while enjoying beautiful Praise & Worship music. Confession will also be available. All are welcome to join us each month for this event!
Location: Saint Monica Church, 63 Main Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Event: Morning of Quiet Prayer
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. There will be Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Location: IHM Spirituality Center, 210 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355 (location is handicapped accessible with elevator availability)
More info: View the flyer; Free will offering; for more information or to register, contact S. Anne Marie Stegmaier at 610-647-4136 or visit https://ihmimmaculata.org/wp-content/uploads/December-Morning-of-Quiet-Prayer-Reg.-Form.pdf
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11:30 am-5 pm
Come Home Advent Retreat
Join the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for the “Come Home Advent Retreat”. Do you have relatives or friends who are away from the Church and would like to come home? This retreat is for anyone, but especially for those who are interested in coming back to the Catholic Church. Join us for talks, lunch, Confessions, and the anticipated Mass for Sunday held on Saturday at 4 pm at the Daylesford Abbey.
Speakers: Father Joseph Serano, O.Praem, Dr. Anne DeSantis, Mickey Kelly, and Julieanne Bartlett
Place: The Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19031
Register: https://www.nonnatus.org/retreat.html
Cost: $70/per person
Questions: Email director.srnf@gmail.com
January 2026
Event: The Great Books Program
Classical Liberal Arts Education has been making a comeback in Catholic circles in recent years. The Institute for Christian Formation is pleased to offer adults the opportunity to experience (or revisit) the Great Books of Western Civilization, guided by knowledgeable facilitators.
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 1400 Evans Road, Ambler, PA 19002
More info: Registration is now open. Please visit https://www.scs.edu/sts/institute-for-christian-formation/catholic-adult-formation/ to register. Please contact STS at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary at 610-785-6287 or at sts@scs.edu with any questions or for more information. Cost is $280.00
Wednesdays, 6:30-9:15 P.M. starting January 14
Event: Introduction to Catholic Spirituality course
The School of Theological Studies at. St. Charles Borromeo Seminary will be offering an in-person 3-credit undergraduate course for the 2026 Spring Semester. This course explores how to live a life deeply connected to God within the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition, focusing on prayer, spiritual practices and devotions, discernment, and the wisdom of spiritual writers and saints. Tuition is $1,350.00 plus $110.00 student fee. St. Charles Borromeo Seminary is a fully accredited institution of higher education. Check with your local registrar to confirm transferability of courses.
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 1400 Evans Road, Ambler, PA 19002
More info: Please visit https://www.scs.edu/sts/undergraduate-courses/ to apply. Please contact STS at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary at 610-785-6287 or at sts@scs.edu with any questions or for more information.
Saturdays, January 17, 24 and 31, 2026 – 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Event: Go Make Disciples: A 3-Session Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
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. It's a great way to respond to the Archbishop's call to help him create a culture of missionary discipleship in our local Church!
Location: Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, PA
For more details and to register, visit click here for the flyer or visit phillyevang.org/events
Saturdays, Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31, and Feb 7, 2026 - 9:00 to 10:30 AM
Event: At the Service of the Sacred Liturgy: An Intensive Liturgical Music Program
This program is designed to provide a focused presentation on the many aspects of liturgical music in a parish program over a four week workshop. It is for parish directors of liturgical music, choir directors, choir members, leaders of song and cantors. Liturgical musicians in non-parochial settings, priests and deacons are also welcome to participate.
Speakers: Father Dennis Gill, Father Jordan Kelly, O.P., Father David M. Friel, S.T.D., and Charlene Angelini
Location: Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 3050 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting, Pa 19462 (Parking available)
More info: Click here for the flyer or visit https://www.odwphiladelphia.org/workshops/ Questions? Please email worship@archphila.org.
Thursday Jan 29 - Sunday, Feb 1, 2026
Event: Restore Healing Retreat (for men and women)
Event: Restore Healing Retreat (for men and women)
How do anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or emotional wounding get in your way of the meaningful and authentic relationships you were made to experience? Through unique, facilitated healing encounters, our Lord gently invites us into a fully integrated experience – mind, heart, body, spirit, soul. We will follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings as He reveals the memories, the moments, the circumstances that caused dis-integration within us. It is there that our Lord longs to meet us with His mercy and His love, which are the true balm for our wounded hearts. Come…and let Him Restore you!
Retreat Leaders: Father Steve DeLacy and De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry
Location: Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA
More info: https://youaremadenew.com/restore-retreats or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.
Event: Arise! Youth Evenings of Adoration
An Arise! Youth Evening of Adoration is an evening of Encounter for teens. An encounter with Christ, the Trinity, self, and each other. Encounter with Christ in the Eucharist, the mercy of the Father through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Holy Spirit in the communion of prayer with an Intercessory Prayer Team.
Upcoming events:
- January 29, 2026, St. Ambrose, Philadelphia
- February 15, 2026, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales
Saturday, February 28, 2026 - 8:00AM - 3:45PM
Event: Together in Holiness - A Catholic Marriage Enrichment Conference
Together in Holiness is a marriage conference series presented by the St. John Paul II Foundation for dioceses that inspires spouses to grow together in holiness and empowers parents to form their children in the Catholic faith. Talks include "The Holy Eucharist and the Domestic Church," "Liturgical Living in the Home," and "The Eucharistic Mission of the Family." Childcare available for a small fee.
Speakers: Ryan Hanning, PHD, Fellow, St. John Paul II Foundation ; Steve and Becky Greene, Catholic Speakers, Writers, and Co-hosts of "The Catholic Conversation"; and more
Location: St. Peter Church, 2835 Manor Road West Brandywine, PA 19320
More info: https://forlifeandfamily.org/events/th26-phpa/ Questions? Contact Maria Riedlmeier at mriedlmeier@archphila.org.
Various dates and times during the 2025-2026 year
Event: Training Workshops for Lectors, Altar Servers, Liturgical Musicians and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Those who serve the Church’s liturgy are invited to attend a training workshop to deepen your knowledge of the richness of your ministry and how to carry it out with due reverence and fittingness. Please see the flyer below for the schedule of trainings.
Instructor: Reverend Gerald Dennis Gill, Director, Office for Divine Worship
More info: View the flyer; To register for one or more workshops, email: worship@archphila.org. In your message, please include your name, home parish and the workshop/date for which you would like to register.
Mondays thru May 2026 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM OR Wednesdays thru May 2026 - 9:15 - 10:45 AM
Event: Winter Bible Study - "Foundation of Faith; A Journey Through the Catechism"
This series unpacks the biblical and historical foundations of the Catechism, and shows how its teachings have developed from the time of the Apostles to today. As always, we study at your convenience, either Monday evenings or Wednesday mornings in the Parish Center, so PICK THE TIME that is best for you. Come a few minutes early to meet others and to get your seat. Light refreshments are always served. This study is FREE and all materials will be provided. Please join us!
Location: Holy Cross (Delaware County) Parish Center, Springfield PA 19064
More Info: To save a seat or for more information, please contact Pattie Stevens at pattiejstevens@comcast.net or 484.868.8571
Various dates and times
Event: Mass For Healing - Catholic Charismatic Renewal
The Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal’s local prayer groups offer regular opportunities to attend Mass and receive prayer for healing for many issues, physical, emotional and spiritual. These events may include praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, prayer teams or other moments of grace. Please see the website below to find a healing event near you.
For dates, times and locations, visit https://archphilaccr.org/events/
LOOKING AHEAD...
February 28, 2026 - Man Up Philly: Men's Conference, Cardinal O'Hara High School, Springfield, PA
March 14, 2026 - Workshop: Parish Life in an Apostolic Age, St. Matthew, Philadelphia
March 18 and 19, 2026 - National Catholic Partnership on Disability Two-Day Mental Health and Access Training
April 11, 2026 - Workshop: Parish Life in an Apostolic Age, St. Katharine Drexel, Chester
August 6-8, 2026 - ChristLife Equip Conference, Severna Park, MD
ONGOING...
- Catholic Support for Mental Health: archphila.org/support
- Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction - archphila.org/hope
- Liturgical and Sacramental Updates from the Office for Divine Worship - Click here for website
- Archdiocesan Missionaries of Mercy - archphila.org/mercy
- Eucharistic Revival: phillyeucharisticrevival.org
- Young Adult Groups & Events: phillyyam.org
- Events for Teens: phillyomy.org/events/
- Intercessory Teams for Priests - phillyevang.org/pray4priests
- Institute for Christian Formation - Click here for website
- Pro-Life Pregnancy Care Resources - Click here for free guidebook
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