"If we earnestly endeavor to love Jesus, this alone will drive all fear from our hearts and the soul will find that instead of walking in the Lord’s paths, it is flying."
News, Tips and Resources
Learning to Listen Well
When we seek to win others for Christ, we must start by loving the person sincerely and from the heart. A big part of loving well is knowing how to listen well. This means having an open heart to the person, keeping quiet and letting the person speak, and asking good questions that help the person share more of himself. In this way, we build authentic friendship, which paves the way for the person's heart to begin to open to God. To learn more about the habit of listening well, work your way through these video teachings from the evangelization apostolate Catholic Christian Outreach.- Prophetic Listening, Part 1: Click here
- Prophetic Listening, Part 2: Click here
- The Art of Asking Good Questions: Click here
Be Encouraged: Catholic Support for Mental Health, New Website: PhillyCatholicMH.org
Over a year ago, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia launched a ministry for Catholic mental health support to respond to the growing need for pastoral care for those who experience mental health struggles and those who love them. The ministry is called Be Encouraged: Catholic Support for Mental Health. As more and more Catholic resources continue to become available, we have launched a new website to centralize the information and make it easier to find what you need. On the website you will find resources such as crisis numbers, directories to find a Catholic therapist, recommended mental health ministries for parishes/schools, Catholic podcasts, local mental health events and more.
- Check out the new website today at PhillyCatholicMH.org
Office for the New Evangelization Events
Go, Make Disciples
An Introductory Course
in Missionary Discipleship
Join the Office for the New Evangelization for a 3-session practical training in the habits and skills of missionary discipleship. This course will help you deepen your personal friendship with Jesus and acquire skills to encounter and accompany others into Christ’s love. Please see the flyers below for more information.
UPCOMING COURSES
October 3, 10 and 17, 2026 - 9 AM-12 PM
at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Doylestown (Bucks County)
October 3, 17 and 31, 2026 - 9:45 AM-12:45 PM
at St. Patrick, Malvern (Chester County)
.
February 6, 20 and March 6, 2027 – 9 AM-12 PM
.
For these and more events from the Office for the New Evangelization,
visit phillyevang.org/events
Catholic Women's Conference
Real Beauty in an Artificial Age
.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
.
.
Sr. Anna Laura Karp, O.P., Colleen Carroll Campbell, Samantha Kelley, Katie Weiss, Catherine Rose, Naomi Levis and Sr. Lucero Espitia
.
More info
For details and registration visit catholicwomensconference.org
For details and registration visit catholicwomensconference.org
or click here to register now
An early sellout is expected.
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
September 1, 15, 29, October 13, 27, November 10, 24, December 1, 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. Join us this Fall, as we delve into the intricacies of The Brothers Karamazov and its characters, its major themes, as well as its historical context and contemporary relevance.
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 1400 Evans Road, Ambler
Please visit https://www.scs.edu/sts/institute-for-christian-formation/great-books-program/ to register.
September 4-6, 2026
Event: Labor Day Family Retreat at Malvern Retreat House
Families of all sizes and ages are invited to wrap up your summer adventures by stepping away from the noise at Malvern Retreat House's annual family retreat from Friday to Sunday of Labor Day weekend. The retreat will feature Mass, adoration, confession, music, talks and plenty of family time.
Location: Malvern Retreat House: 315 South Warren Ave Malvern, PA 19355
To learn more and to register, visit https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/family-labor-day-2026/
Mondays, September 7 thru October 5 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM OR Wednesdays, September 9 thru October 7 - 9:15 - 10:45 AM
Event: Autumn Bible Study "A Biblical Walk Through the Mass"
Please join us every week for weekly Bible Study! Everything we say and do in the Liturgy is steeped in biblical language. We will explore the extraordinary biblical roots of the Liturgy and reveal why it all matters. It will renew your faith and deepen your love of the Holy Eucharist. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind study with Deacon Tom Taylor, who will kick off our first session. PICK THE TIME that is best for you. Light refreshments are always served. This study is FREE. Please join us!
Location: Holy Cross (Delaware County) Parish Center, 651 E Springfield Road, 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
September 12-15, 2026
Event: Veneration of First Class Relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
This past June, as part of the Consecration of the United States to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Knights of Columbus made possible the visit of the Major (First Class) Relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque to the United States. Before the Major Relics are returned to France, they will be here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for public veneration in two locations:
- September 12 & 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
- September 14 & 15 at the Sacre Coeur Perpetual Adoration Shrine on the campus of St. Denis Parish, Havertown
September 12 & 13, 2026 during Sunday Masses
Event: Veneration of a Relic of the True Holy Cross
All are welcome! The Relic of the True Holy Cross will be on display for veneration during all our Sunday Liturgies on the weekend of September 12 & 13.
Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, PA
More information View the flyer or visit olguadalupe.org. All inquiries, please contact the Director of Hispanic Ministry DHM@olguadalupe.org or call (267)-247-5386.
Tuesdays, Sept. 15, 22, Oct. 6,13, 27, Nov. 10, 24 - 10:30am – noon
Event: Virtual PILGRIMAGE to Cathedrals and Shrines
Each session we will virtually visit a famous Catholic cathedral in France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and the US. Through media and discussion we will explore the architecture, art, history, faith expression and cultural significance of each site. All are invited to a local cinema to view Bishop Robert Barron’s new film – “Heaven in Stone and Glass” – which will be released in September.
Facilitator: Sister Mary Ann Clarahan, RSM, parish coordinator of Adult Faith Formation
Location: St. Margaret of Antioch Parish Annex. 208 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, PA 19072
More info: Click here for the flyer; To register please contact Sister Mary Ann Clarahan: services@saintmarg.org by September 7, 2026.
Thursday, September 17
Event: A Constitution for Equals? Debating the Priority of Liberty or Equality in the American Constitutional Tradition
This special Constitution Day Spirited Debate luncheon will feature Villanova Law Professor Patrick Brennan arguing for the proposition that equality is paramount in the American constitutional tradition and ought to be pursued as such. His lecture will be followed by two responses by Prof. Anne Norton (Penn Political Science) and Prof. Stefan McDaniel (Notre Dame Law).
Facilitator: Program for Research on Urban Civil Society
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus
More info: To learn more and register, please click here
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Event: AbbeyFest
AbbeyFest 2026 is coming! This year, we are welcoming these amazing artists: Our headliner Danny Gokey, along with Seph Schlueter, Sarah Kroger, Brother Isaiah, Lost and Found, Joe Melendrez, Hannah Schaefer, Jesus Youth Philly Band, and our Mark Christmyer Emerging Artist, Gio Morales. The day includes the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with principal celebrant Archbishop Perez; Confessions, our Vendor Village, food trucks, Kids’ Zone, candlelight Eucharistic Procession and Adoration, and so much more! Get your tickets for this family-friendly day of Catholic faith, music and fun before they’re gone at theabbeyfest.com. Family pack and group rates are only available until September 18th. Gates open at noon, music begins at 12:30pm, Mass at 3:35pm.
Location: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901
More Information: Visit theabbeyfest.com; Contact info@theabbeyfest.com for sponsorships, questions, parish groups, and any other needs.
- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Find out how you can volunteer at AbbeyFest: https://theabbeyfest.com/volunteers/
September 22-25, 2026
Event: Pilgrimage for the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Pilgrimage Chaplain: Fr. Chris Rogers, Pastor
Guest Speaker: Chris Stefanik of Real Life Catholic
Location: St. Louis, MO
Sponsored by: St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown, PA
More info: View the flyer
Seven Wednesdays 7:00- 8:45 PM, starting Sept 23 and ending Nov 4
Event: Sharing Christ
Sharing Christ is a prayerful, practical and encouraging 7-session faith study that helps every Christian to understand how to share our faith in a more comfortable and confident way with those we love and all those the Lord brings into our life.
Speaker/Format: Deacon Joe Hosak will be the spiritual leader with topic introduction, 30 minute video, beverage and dessert and small breakout group discussion.
Location: St. Rose of Lima Parish Center, 425 Pennsylvania Avenue, North Wales PA
Contact: Rusty Beardsley @ 267-272-9108 or rusty.beardsley@gmail.com
Wednesdays - September 23, September 30, October 21, October 28, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Event: Four Evenings, Four Topics on Prayer
Participants will be introduced to various methods of contemplative praying and have time to practice each method of prayer during the course of the evening.
Facilitator: Sister Kathryn Benham, IHM
Location: IHM Spirituality Center, 210 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355
More Info: Come to one or all sessions! $15.00 each night or four nights for $45.00; View the flyer to register or contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136. Visit our website at https://ihmimmaculata.org/mission-ministry/ihm-spirituality-center/ for more information on each session.
Sat, Sept 26, 2026 - 12:00-9:00 PM and Sun, Sept 27, 2026 – 11:30 AM-5:00 PM
Event: 11th Annual Padre Pio Festival presented by St. Bede the Venerable Parish and Knights of Columbus Council 15478
Saturday – Community Family Picnic with food, games, entertainment and amusements; free evening concert at 7:30 (The Jersey Tenors)
Sunday – Solemn High Mass at 11:30 (Celebrant: The Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia) followed by a street procession and healing service with Padre Pio Relics; Also food, games, entertainment and amusements.
Location: Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, St. Bede the Venerable Parish, 1071 Holland Road, Holland, PA
More info: https://padrepiofestival.org/
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Feast Day of the Archangels
Event: Mass of Healing with the Archangels hosted by the Catholic Church of Philadelphia Flame of Love Cenacles
Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration, Holy Mass with Rev. Michael Davis, U.S. National Spiritual Advisor for the Flame of Love. Mark Griswold will lead worship.
6:00 PM - Confession & Adoration, St. Michael Chaplet, Flame of Love Rosary
7:00 PM - Holy Mass
Location: Saint Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA
More Info: View the Flyer
Mondays in October (Early bird registration deadline: September 5)
Event: Get Thee to a Nunnery: Women Religious in American Literature from Longfellow and Hawthorne to Flannery O’Connor
Collegium Institute invites you to join us for the next season of our virtual Global Catholic Literature seminar, which will focus on three figures: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Rose Hawthorne, and Flannery O’Connor, whose writings fictional and non-fictional paint a comic picture of the American nun. On the 250th anniversary of the American Founding, Longfellow, Hawthorne, and O’Connor will take us to the nunneries and trace the subtle, indispensable role women religious have played in the American Church from the Founding to the present day.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
More info: To learn more and register, please click here or visit https://collegiuminstitute.org/calendar/gcl-fall-2026
October 2 - 4, 2026
Event: RETROUVAILLE: Rediscover the love in your marriage
Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille
(pronounced Retro-vy). Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase
intimacy. It provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises.
Location: Family Life Center in Malvern, PA.
More information, or to register, visit www.MarriageHelpDelVal.org
or call 215-766-3944. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 - 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Event: Catholic in Recovery Retreat: “I Can’t, HE Can, I Think I’ll Let HIM”
Catholic in Recovery (CIR) is a nonprofit ministry serving those affected by addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. CIR combines the Twelve Steps with the healing and sacramental grace of the Catholic Church. The CIR group at St. Joseph Parish invites you to a day of hope, healing, and renewal centered on Steps 1, 2, and 3. The retreat will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, personal testimonies, and fellowship.
Cost: $25 — includes a continental breakfast and lunch; Payment will be collected at the event. Cash only, please. Contact Theresa if financial assistance is needed.
Location: St. Joseph Church, 1795 Columbia Avenue, Warrington, PA
More info: View the flyer; Questions? Contact Theresa McDermott at 215-589-8366 or Maureen Grimes at maureenmac03@gmail.com.
Monday, October 12– Wednesday, October 14
Event: Parish Mission at Our Lady of Mount Carmel
This year marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in the history of the Church. Our parish mission, beginning on October 12 at 7 PM, will focus on Francis and the radical simplicity with which he followed Jesus Christ. The presenter on the three consecutive 7 PM evenings will be Father Chris Walsh, Pastor, St. Cecilia Church, Philadelphia.
Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Doylestown.
For information: Email Christine Weyer, Director of Parish Discipleship, parishdiscipleship@ourladymtcarmel.org
Our Parish Website: www.ourladymtcarmel.org
October 12 - 21, 2026
Event: Extraordinary Sound of Music Tour with Father Timothy O’Sullivan
Join Father Timothy O’Sullivan for a spiritually enriching and joy-filled journey through Germany and Austria, organized in partnership with Cloverdale Travel. This unforgettable pilgrimage follows the route: Munich arrival – Munich (3 nights) – Salzburg (2 nights) – Vienna (3 nights) and spans 10 days / 9 nights (8 hotel nights and 1 in-flight).
More info: https://cloverdaletravel.wetravel.com/trips/extraordinary-sound-of-music-tour-with-father-timothy-o-sullivan-cloverdale-travel-1086675191#about-this-trip
October 13, 14 & 15, 2026
Event: Our Lady of Confidence Retreat for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
The Our Lady of Confidence Retreat is a three-day retreat at Malvern Retreat House for adults with intellectual disabilities. Liturgies, presentations, and communal prayer based on the theme, St. Francis, Friend of the Poor and Creation, will be conducted in a serene environment together with comfortable, accessible facilities.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, 315 S. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355
More info and registration at https://opdarchphilly.org/our-lady-of-confidence-retreat/; Please register by October 2.
October 18 - 23, 2026
Event: Come and Rest Awhile: 5-Day Silent Retreat
Whether you are new to Silent Retreats or looking to reconnect with the Lord, this retreat is for you. Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, this retreat offers sacred space for silence and renewal. The unstructured silent format, with the exception of meeting with an experienced Spiritual Director daily, provides a blank canvas for you to pray, rest , read, walk in nature, and listen deeply to where God is speaking in your heart. All at your own pace. Space is limited! Reserve your spot today and give yourself the gift of silence and spiritual connection.
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More info and registration: https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/5-day-silent-retreat-fall-2026/
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, October 19, 20, & 21, 2026
Event: Behold I Make All Things New, St. Eugene Parish Mission
Nightly topics: Bringing Your Loved Ones Back to God, Source and Summit: The Holy Eucharist, All Things New (Conversion Testimony)
Speakers: JMJ Missions
Location: St. Eugene Parish, 200 S. Oak Avenue, Primos (Delaware County)
More info: Check out the flyer on our parish website, https://sainteugenechurch.net/. This is a free event. Come join us.
Friday, November 6, 2026– 6:00-8:30 PM
Event: Remember: An Evening of Support and Healing for Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones to Suicide
The loss of a loved one to suicide has its own unique complexity of grief and pain. Join us for an evening of reflection that will weave together the hope found in our Catholic Faith with a deeper understanding of the grieving process.
Speakers: Sr. Kathryn Maney, MS, Author of Remember, a Catholic program for grief and suicide loss and Elizabeth Leon, Director of Family Support, Red Bird Ministries
Location: St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Warrington, PA
More info: View the flyer; No cost to attend, but please register at PhillyCatholicMH.org/events or use this direct link: https://form.jotform.com/261793709450161. Seating is limited to 50 people. Early registration recommended.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 – 9:00 AM-12:30 PM
Event: Made for More: A Healing Workshop for Men and Women
Do you wrestle with unworthiness or believe God is displeased with you? Do you desire to grow in holiness but sometimes feel stuck? Do you struggle to hope that healing is even possible? You are made for more! Discover how our brokenness can lead to healing and claim God's promises for fullness of life.
Speaker: Elizabeth Leon, author of Let Yourself Be Loved: Big Lessons from a Little Life
Location: St. Andrew Parish, Drexel Hill, PA
More info: View the flyer; $15 per person; Please register at PhillyCatholicMH.org/events or use this direct link: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=UVqfjN
Wednesday, November 11 - 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Event: Reboot, A Life Changing Event with Chris Stefanik
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed or just going through the motions? Are you wondering how to get your loved ones back into church? It's time for a reset. It's time to REBOOT! Internationally acclaimed speaker Chris Stefanick is coming to St. Andrew Parish in Newtown for a powerful, high-energy, 2 hour event that 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's a life changing experience that will help you break free from stress, fear, doubt and start living your faith with passion and purpose.
Location: St. Andrew Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa
More info: View the flyer; Tickets are going fast. Only $35.00
Thursday Nov 12 - Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
Event: Restore Healing Retreat (for men and women)
Do you struggle with anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or emotional wounding? Do you feel stuck in patterns of fear or powerlessness? 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 meets us in past moments of wounding that are most in need of His healing touch. Come…and let Him Restore you!
Retreat Leaders: Father Steve DeLacy and De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry
Location: Camino Farms in Bally, PA
More info: https://youaremadenew.com/restore-retreats or email De at de@youaremadenew.com.
LOOKING AHEAD...
ONGOING...
- Catholic Support for Mental Health: PhillyCatholicMH.org
- Mental Health Referral Network: archphila.org/mental-health-referral-network
- Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction - archphila.org/hope
- Archdiocesan Missionaries of Mercy - archphila.org/mercy
- Young Adult Groups and Events: phillyyam.org
- Events for Teens: phillyomy.org
- Prayer Teams for Priests: phillyevang.org/sevensisters
- Institute for Christian Formation - Click here for website
- World Mission Rosary, Mondays at 8 PM - phillymissions.org
- Religious Education for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals - Click here
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