“Receive every trial, every annoyance, every lack of courtesy in the light that springs from the Cross; that is how we please God, how we advance in the ways of love.”
News, Tips and Ideas
Cor ad cor loquitur
and the New Evangelization
by Bishop James Conley, Diocese of Lincoln
"'The heart is commonly reached,' [St. John Henry Newman] wrote, 'not through the reason, but through the imagination, by means of direct impressions, by the testimony of facts and events, by history, by description. Persons influence us, voices melt us, looks subdue us, deeds inflame us. Many a man will live and die upon a dogma: no man will be a martyr for a conclusion.'
Instead, Newman believed souls are won to Christ by the heart through 'personal influence' —that love for Jesus Christ precedes knowledge, and that love, and love alone, makes knowledge meaningful. Hearts long for Christ, Newman knew, because they were made for Christ. Revealing Christ to the heart, and to its longings, would bring souls to communion with God..." Click here to read the full article
Get Ready! The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage culminates in Philadelphia July 2-5, 2026
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA, the United States Bishops are sponsoring a Eucharistic Pilgrimage that will bring our Eucharistic Lord along the east coast, ending in the City of Philadelphia the weekend of July 4th. Join us at the Cathedral for the culminating events, including:- Continuous Eucharistic Adoration at the Cathedral
- Mass and Confessions
- Service projects
- Screenings of the film Cabrini
- Solemn Eucharistic Procession from the Cathedral to the Shrine of St. John Neumann
- Click here for the flyer and schedule
**Adorers needed**
We are especially in need of people to sign up to adore Jesus in the Eucharist during the continuous adoration happening at the Cathedral from July 2-4. Click this link to sign up for time slots: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EADA72BA0FD0-62440950-holy#/For the full schedule and event sign ups, visit archphila.org/underGod.
Office for the New Evangelization Events
Go, Make Disciples:
An Introductory Training
in Missionary Discipleship
Saturdays, May 30, June 6 and June 13
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.
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
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:
Fr. Matthew Biedrzycki, Parochial Administrator, St. Malachy Parish
Stacy Williams, Director, Office for Black Catholics
and Meghan Cokeley, Director, Office for the New Evangelization
Location:
Temple Newman Center, 2129 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
(Street parking available on Park Ave.)
More info:
$25.00 includes all 3 sessions, coffee, snacks and guidebook
Visit phillyevang.org/events to register
or use this link to register now: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=6RZbkFAround 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.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Event: Philadelphia March for Life
Join us as we give witness to the Gospel of Life! Day begins with 8 AM Mass at the Cathedral after which we will march to Independence Mass where we will have a rally at 10 AM.
Location: Begins at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: https://www.prolifeunion.org/events
Beginning April 25, 2026
Event: Evangelism Training and Discipleship Groups hosted by the St. Katharine Drexel Missionary Hub
- The Saturday Evangelism Workshops are about the fundamentals of sharing your faith - skills, knowledge, and technique.
- The Wednesday Discipleship Groups are about depth and growth as followers of Jesus, both individually and in community. We'll be unpacking God's Truth, discovering personal charisms, and caring for one another as we build up the Body of Christ.
- Both gatherings are designed for Beginners: no missionary experience required!
More info: Click here; Questions? Contact Josh Bean, Missionary Hub Director at St. Katharine Drexel, jbean@archphila.org
April events hosted by F.L.A.M.E.
F.L.A.M.E. is a ministry group for male & female Catholics in their 40’s and 50’s who want to strengthen their Faith, engage in Fellowship and participate in Formation. The goal is to support one another in following Jesus Christ by our words, thoughts and deeds.
- Saturday, April 25 from 12:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. - Afternoon at the Cathedral - Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103 - Click here for details
Thursday, April 30, 7 pm
Event: Dilexit Nos and Consecration of the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
In light of the request from the US bishops to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, Rev. Daniel Joyce, SJ will discuss Pope Francis' encyclical, Dilexit Nos (On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ). What's the connection between this devotion and contemporary Catholic life and culture?
Presenter: Rev. Daniel Joyce, SJ, Vice-president of Mission and Ministry, SJU
Location: St. Margaret of Antioch Church, 208 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, PA 19072
More information: Click here for the flyer; Questions: Contact Sr. Mary Ann Clarahan, RSM at services@saintmarg.org.
Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3
Event: Malvern Young Adult Retreat
Parents Divorced or Family Life Dysfunctional? You’re Not Doomed to Repeat Your Parents’ Story. If you want to build love that lasts but your family wounds keep getting in the way, this weekend retreat is for you. You’ll start healing those wounds and learn how to build the happy, healthy marriage you never saw growing up.
Facilitator: Joey Pontarelli from Restored and the Office for Ministry with Young Adults (OMYA)
Location: Malvern Retreat House
More info: View the flyer; Learn more and register here: https://restoredministry.com/philly
Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 5:15 PM Anticipated Mass
Event: Wedding Anniversary Mass
The Catholic Church of Philadelphia warmly invited married couples throughout our Archdiocese to celebrate their wedding anniversaries at this Mass. A special blessing will be offered for those celebrating milestone anniversaries.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
May 4, 5, 6, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Event: Following His Lead (A Parish Mission)
Join us for a three-night parish mission that draws us into the lived story of Jesus — the people he met, the places he walked, and the moments he faced. Through storytelling, music, and visual reflection, we discover how the life of Jesus meets our own and learn to recognize his presence in everyday moments.
Brought to you by AFIRE Ministries, a 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit Catholic Charity | apeopleafire.org
Location: St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 910 Watkins Street, Philadelphia, Pa
More info: https://www.apeopleafire.org/events; Questions? Contact the parish at 215-463-1326, stnicks910@verizon.net
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Event: Mothers of Children with Disabilities Retreat
Vicki Szostek and Susan Schuller will lead a retreat for mothers and grandmothers who are raising children with disabilities and those who have adult children with disabilities. Vicki and Susan are two of the founding mothers of the Rising Together Alliance, a local organization advocating for inclusive Catholic Education. The day will include a presentation by Vicki and Susan, time for quiet prayer and Confession, opportunities to connect with other mothers, and Holy Mass with Fr. Dennis Weber.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More info: https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/mothers-of-children-w-disabilities/
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 6:30-9pm
Event: OMYA Formation & Fellowship - The Vocation to Marriage: Discerning It and Living It
Join the Office for Ministry with Young Adults for our Spring 2026 Quarterly Formation, an evening of prayerful reflection, meaningful conversation, and joyful fellowship focused on the Vocation to Marriage. This formation is designed both for young adults who are discerning the call to marriage and who are living the vocation of marriage out in their daily lives. Whether you are single, dating, engaged, married, or simply seeking deeper formation, this evening offers a welcoming space to explore the beauty of the sacrament of marriage!
Facilitator: Office for Ministry with Young Adults (OMYA), Fr. Carlos Keen, John & Stacey Cardone
Location: St. Matthew Parish Hall, Conshohocken
More info: View the flyer; Click here to register
Friday, May 8th, 2026 6:30-9:00pm
Event: Rosary Making Night For Single Catholic Women
Blessed Emilina apostolate in collaboration with the Missionary Hub of St. Matthew's is hosting a rosary making night for single Catholic women. Join us for a night of friendship, prayer, and fun as we learn to make rosaries! This event is open to all single catholic women, age 18+, and is BYO food and drink.
Location: St. Matthew Parish 3000 Cottman Ave Philadelphia PA 19149
Location: St. Matthew Parish 3000 Cottman Ave Philadelphia PA 19149
More info: questions? Email Aurora Pomales at blessedemilina@gmail.com
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Vigil Mass
Event: Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference
Speakers: Patrick and Joy Campbell and Sr. Mary Gianna, DLJC and Vigil Mass with the Most Revered Efren V. Esmilla
Location: Epiphany of Our Lord Church, Plymouth Meeting
More info: Click here for the flyer or visit ArchphilaCCR – Archdiocese of Philadelphia
May 9 at 1pm
Event: Philly Catholic Singles Speed Dating (Ages 25-35 and 30-45)
Join dozens of Catholic singles for speed dating! Stop swiping on the apps and come meet real people in real time! $30 covers entry and snacks, optional Vigil Mass at the parish to follow. This is our most popular event, come join us for a great time!
Location: Holy Innocents, Juniata Park
More info: Join the waitlist here
May 9, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Event: Cana Date Night at Saint Ann's in Phoenixville
Join us for May's Cana Date Night!
We will share a meal and enjoy time for couples reflection as well as group discussion. Note that there is a 4:30 vigil Mass at Saint Ann Church - couples are welcome to attend Mass and then come down to the parish hall, or to simply come straight to the hall between 5:30 and 6:00. Cana Date Night is a ministry dedicated to enriching marriages and thereby strengthening families, parishes, and communities. All couples are welcome, whether you've come before or are thinking of attending for the first time.
Location: Saint Ann Church Hall, 3rd Ave & Main Street, Phoenixville PA 19460
To learn more and to RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DA4AA28A4F58-62246786-may2026
Questions: Contact Monica & Dave Ryan - monica.paddock@gmail.com / 845-649-8640
Sunday, May 10 – Sunday, May 17, 2026
Wednesday, June 3 – Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Monday, June 15 – Monday, June 22, 2026
Friday, June 26 – Friday, July 3, 2026
Event: Ladies Silent Retreat (Private retreat; Spiritual Directors are available if requested)
Ladies of all ages and walks of life, come join the IHM sisters during the summer of 2026 for a private retreat (with the option for Spiritual Direction if requested in advance). The retreat includes daily Mass, the opportunity for confession, and meals. Located in scenic Chester County, Pennsylvania on the grounds of Villa Maria House of Studies (the Motherhouse of the IHM sisters), the retreat center is surrounded by the beauty and peacefulness of expansive grounds for walking, reflection, and prayer.
Location: IHM Spirituality Center, 210 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355 (location is accessible with elevator availability)
More Info: Visit https://ihmimmaculata.org/mission-ministry/ihm-spirituality-center/ for more information. To register, contact Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136.
Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM
Event: Reboot: A Life-Changing Event
This high-energy, 2-hour event with internationally acclaimed speaker Chris Stefanick will awaken your faith, reignite your joy and equip you with tools to live the life God created you for: A life of JOY! It is perfect for everyone… even friends, family and children (12+) who may not be actively practicing their faith. Space is very limited. Get your tickets today!
Presenter: Chris Stefanick
Location: Saint Elizabeth Church, 110 St. Elizabeth Dr., Chester Springs, PA
More Info: annemarie@reallifecatholic.com
Purchase tickets: https://buytickets.at/reallifecatholic/1785111
Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 8:30am-4pm
Event: Loving God Heart, Soul & Mind
You love God with your heart, but do you know how to love Him with your soul? And what is mind-love? Learn how to deepen you love of God, as Jesus asks us, across heart and soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). Psychologist, Dr. Andrea LaFountain, presents practical steps for spiritual formation from her Catholic-approved book Living in Love with God.
Facilitator: Dr. Andrea LaFountain, Psychology Professor, Divine Mercy University; Team Lead, Harvard, Measurement of Love; Founder, Truth First Ministry.
Location: Malvern Retreat Center, Malvern, PA.
More info: $85, includes light breakfast, lunch & snacks, and training materials ($65 without materials); For more information or to register click here
Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 8:30am-5pm
Event: Unbound One-Day Conference
Unbound is a simple, gentle, and powerful prayer ministry where you will learn how to claim the freedom that Jesus Christ promised. Struggling? Want more? Find the freedom Christ offers from repetitive sin, unforgiveness, resentment, anger, deep wounds of the past, and resulting physical challenges.
Facilitators: Join Neal Lozano and Matt Lozano, along with the Heart of the Father Ministries Team
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Aston, PA
More info: heartofthefather.com/events/unbound-one-day-conference; use code disciples26 for $26 off the $75.00 Early Bird registration; Email info@heartofthefather.com with questions
Saturday, May 16, 2026 – 10:00 AM-2:30 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. For girls 9-12 years old and their mothers.
Speaker: Jessica Murdolo
Location: Saints Simon and Jude, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382
More info: Visit the website Questions? Email Jessica Murdolo at MilkandHoneyTOB@gmail.com
Monday, May 18, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Event: Church of Philadelphia Flame of Love - Mary, Our Mother
We are joyful to invite you to a special day of celebration honoring Mary, Our Mother with Bishop Efren V. Esmilla and Father Ryan Nguyen. Please see the flyer below for schedule and details.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, 315 S. Warren Ave., Malvern, PA 193552; Retreat will be held in the St. Joseph Hall
To reserve your seat, RSVP to: Flameoflovephilly@gmail.com. No charge for this event - Free Will Offerings are appreciated.
More info: View the flyer
Friday, May 22 - Sunday May 24, 2026
Event: Men's Weekend Retreat with St. Pius X group
Take some time to gain some inner peace and spiritual refreshment with like-minded men. Come and relax, refresh, rearm and restrategize. Use this opportunity to become a better father, son, brother, friend, Catholic - a better man.
Retreat Director: Fr. Thomas Dailey, Chair of Homiletics and Social Communication at St. Charles Seminary
Location: Malvern Retreat House, 315 S Warren Ave, Malvern Pa. 19355 https://www.malvernretreat.com
More info or questions: View the flyer or email: jtate.cac@gmail.com or call: Joe Tate 267-808-4913
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 6PM
Event: Interparish Women’s Evening of Reflection: Koinonia*
(*Apostolic Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread; and Prayer)
You are warmly invited to join women from neighboring parishes in Montgomery County for Mass, dinner, and fellowship. Let this be a sacred pause in your week—a time to reconnect with God, yourself, and one another.
Speaker: Rev. Patrick J. Brady of Saint Stanislaus Parish, S.T.D., S.S.L., M.DIV. Fr. Brady was ordained to the Priesthood in 1993 and currently serves as the Parochial Administrator of Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church.
Location: St. Stanislaus Parish, Lansdale, PA 19446
Contact/Questions: Please RSVP May 18, 2025 to Eileen-emckeron@gmail.com or Anita-arpeters75@hotmail.com
Thursday May 28 - Sunday, May 31, 2026
Event: Restore: Healing Retreat for Young Adults (ages 21 – 39)
How do anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or emotional wounding get in your way of the meaningful and authentic relationships you were made to experience? God desires to bring us restoration and healing so we will live from the truth that we are His beloved sons and daughters. He desires the restoration of womanhood and manhood to their full glory, empowering us to embrace our unique gifts and complementarity. Come…and let Him Restore you!
Retreat Leaders: Father Stephen DeLacy, Vicar, Office for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults, Archdiocese of Philadelphia and De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry
Location: Camino Farms, Bally PA
More info: https://youaremadenew.com/restore-retreats/ or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.
Friday - Sunday, May 29-31, 2026 - 4:00pm - 1:00pm
Event: Omorphia Retreat for Creatives
Are you a creative individual looking to reconnect with God? Centered around intentional time for creativity, Omorphia is a chance for rest and reconnect with the Creator. Come be surrounded by beauty and inspired by your fellow creatives!
Speakers: Bill Donaghy, Theology of the Body Institute; Jillian Speranza; Fr. Alexander Brown
Location: St. Mary of Providence Center, 227 Isabella Rd, Elverson, PA 19520
More info: View the flyer; $350.00 includes 2 nights lodging and all meals from Friday evening to Sunday morning; Click here to register or visit wwww.eventcreate.com/e/omorphia-spring-2026
Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Event: A Musical Pilgrimage through the Church Year: An Organ Concert of Familiar Hymns
Join us for a unique organ concert! This concert will be presented by Rev. Brandon Artman, Pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Fr. Artman is the former Director of Music at St. Matthias Church in Bala Cynwyd. He has played the organ extensively throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for decades and is presenting this concert as a fundraiser for the Church; your generosity in the free-will offering is appreciated.
Location: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Ave. in Morton, PA
For more information, view the flyer or visit www.olphmorton.org.
June 3-11, 2026
Event: National Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
This Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus draws its daily devotions from the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Each day reflects on the wisdom of saints and pontiffs on the Sacred Heart and offers opportunities for prayer and action, framed by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) and Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You). Join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying this Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
More info: Access the prayers and reflections for each day of the novena at https://www.usccb.org/novena-sacred-heart-jesus
LOOKING AHEAD...
August 6-8, 2026 - ChristLife Equip Conference, Severna Park, MD
29 de agosto, 12 y 26 de septiembre del 2026 - Vayan, y hagan discípulos (Course in Spanish), Parroquia Santos Inocentes, Filadelfia ONGOING...
- Catholic Support for Mental Health: archphila.org/support
- Mental Health Referral Network: archphila.org/mental-health-referral-network
- 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
- Young Adult Groups and 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
- World Mission Rosary, Mondays at 8 PM - phillyevang.org/rosary
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