~October is the Month of the Rosary~
"With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love.”
News, Tips and Resources
Bishop Chylinski invites you to pray for Catholic Education
Our Catholic schools and religious education programs have the beautiful mission of helping children and young people encounter Jesus Christ, grow in their Catholic faith, and become missionary disciples. This mission is important—and it needs our prayers.Bishop Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, is inviting people throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join a new prayer initiative: The St. John Neumann Prayer Guild for Catholic Education.
You do not need to be an educator. You do not need to have children in a Catholic school, though parents are highly encouraged to join. You simply need a desire to pray for our young people and for the Church’s mission of Catholic education.
The commitment is simple: pray the St. John Neumann Prayer Guild for Catholic Education Daily Prayer each day, and remember Catholic education in your daily prayers.
- Click here to sign up for the Prayer Guild
- Click here for the St. John Neumann Prayer Guild for Catholic Education Daily Prayer
Let Your Story Give Hope to Others:
Gun Violence Testimonies
A young adult from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is spearheading a project to collect testimonies of faith-after-tragedy from Catholics who have experienced any form of gun violence. The purpose is to create a Catholic resource* that will convey hope, encourage healing, and decrease isolation among fellow survivors in the Church of Philadelphia. If you have a story to share, whether you are a survivor yourself, have been impacted by gun violence, or have professional experience related to the issue, please contact Emma at submissions.hope4survivors@gmail.com for more details. This project is being carried out under mentorship through the GIVEN Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Program and the Office for the New Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
* Please note that the testimonies sought are non-political and focus on personal experiences of tragedy and healing through the Catholic faith.
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
.
April 3, 10 and 24, 2027 - 9:15 AM-12:15 PM
at St. Matthew, Philadelphia (Northeast Phila)
Click here for the flyer
Click here to register
at St. Matthew, Philadelphia (Northeast Phila)
Click here for the flyer
Click here to register
.
For these and more events from the Office for the New Evangelization,
visit phillyevang.org/events
Made for More:
A Healing Workshop
for Men and Women
Saturday, November 7, 2026 – 9:00 AM-12:30 PM
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! Join us for a workshop in which you will learn a structured process for inner healing and how to claim God's promises for fullness of life.
Speaker:
Elizabeth Leon, author of Let Yourself Be Loved: Big Lessons from a Little Life
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
.
Registration:
$15 per person; Please register at PhillyCatholicMH.org/events or use this direct link: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=UVqfjN
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
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/
Wednesday, September 30, 7:00-10:00 PM
Event: A special showing of the Movie Cabrini
Join us for a powerful and inspiring film about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American saint and a fearless champion for immigrants, orphans, and those on the margins. This woman’s bold faith, resilience, and mission to serve others faced immense odds. We will witness her journey from Italy to New York as she defies powerful injustice and brings hope and healing to those most in need. The film’s producer, Zachary DeCarlo, will be with us that night to engage in some conversation and reflection on the film.
Location: Saint Anastasia Parish, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square PA 19073, Parish Hall (under the church)
More info: Click here to reserve your seat: https://themoviescreener.com/cabrini/invite/887829981; Questions? Theresa Haggerty: thaggerty@saintannies.org
Mondays in October (Registration deadline: October 1)
Event: Get Thee to a Nunnery: Women Religious in American Literature from Longfellow and Hawthorne to Flannery O’Connor (Fall 2026 Global Catholic Literature Seminar)
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.
Facilitator: Collegium Institute
Location: Virtual via Zoom
More info: To learn more and register, please click here or visit https://collegiuminstitute.org/calendar/gcl-fall-2026
Various dates and locations for 2026-2027
Event: Workshops from the Office for Divine Worship
Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are invited to attend a training offered by the Office for Divine Worship. Please click the link for the dates and locations.
- Various dates/locations: Schedule of Trainings for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Members of parish Christian Initiation teams (OCIA) are invited to attend this workshop offered by Fr. Dennis Gill. Click the link for full details.
- Sat, Oct 17, 2026 – Institute for Christian Initiation (OCIA Workshop)
Monthly on First Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM
Event: Life Resurrected - Suicide Support Group
Have you been touched by the experience of suicide... yourself, a loved one, a friend? Are you struggling with the grief and how to reconcile this experience? Join Fr. Marc Capizzi for this very intentional support group. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, Fr. Marc will guide the group in intercessory prayer, supportive sharing, and accompaniment as each member of your family is invited to be loved and supported, each step of the way. Gatherings are monthly and are confidential.
Location: St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Lower Level of the Rectory - 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
More info: View the flyer; Questions? Fr. Marc Capizzi - 610-259-1169 or pastor08@standrewdh.org
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.
First Thursdays from October - March, 6:30-8pm
Event: Blessed Emilina Small Group at St. Matthew's Parish in Mayfair
Blessed Emilina will be hosting a monthly Visio Divina small group for single Catholic women! We will be praying with sacred scripture and sacred art while following the prayer companion Hope in the Waiting.
Location: St. Matthew Parish, 3000 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia PA 19149
More info: View the flyer; To sign up, you can purchase a physical copy of the prayer companion here or a PDF version here. Use code EMILINA for 10% off your purchase.
Questions? Email Aurora Pomales at blessedemilina@gmail.com
October 2-4, 2026
Event: Relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes Visit Philadelphia
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia invites everyone to join us as we welcome the relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous, the young woman who received the apparitions of Our Lady in Lourdes, France. Please see the schedule at the link below for full details.
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 6315 Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia, PA
More info: Click here for the flyer; Full details at https://www.ourladylourdes.org/pilgrimage-schedule
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.
Mondays, October 5 thru November 2 - 7:00 - 8:15 PM
Event: Parish Life in an Apostolic Age Workshop
Many Catholics, including those who lead in our parishes, are still operating as if we were in Christendom, seeking to maintain forms of ministry that are no longer working. Join us for a series of presentations designed to help those in parish ministry, service and all levels of parish life, shift out of this maintenance mode and into mission mode, fully awake to the reality of our apostolic times and ready to engage it with new Gospel fervor.
Location: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rectory Meeting Room, 2130 Franklin Ave., Morton, PA 19070
More Info: View the flyer; No registration necessary, all are welcome. Questions? Contact Jim Minnick: jimminnick8@gmail.com (610-457-1828)
Continuing Tuesdays, 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.
Friday, October 9, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Event: Solemn Mass Celebrating the Feast of St. John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church
This solemn Mass will be celebrated in accordance with the Divine Worship Missal of Ordinariates. The homilist will be Fr. Paul Check, Assistant Professor at the Pontifical College Josephinum
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
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 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.
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Event: Mercy: Given and Received
We encounter mercy in the Old Testament. Jesus deepens our understanding of mercy and what it means to show mercy to others and to receive mercy. Jesus proclaims the reign of God which is God’s desire for our holiness and wholeness. Considering some of Jesus’ cures and healings, we get a glimpse of the way we are called to show mercy and to proclaim the reign of God. Retreat includes time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass.
Facilitator: Sister Mary Henrich, IHM
Location: IHM Spirituality Center, 210 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355
More Info: Cost $45 (includes continental breakfast and lunch); View the flyer to register or contact Sister Anne Marie at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or 610-647-4136.
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, October 19, 2026 - 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
Event: 2026 Red Mass of the Holy Spirit for Judges, Lawyers and Legal Professionals
This traditional liturgy invokes the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the Bench and Bar of the Metropolitan Philadelphia legal community as we begin a new judicial year. It is a moment of reflection, collegial fellowship, and shared commitment to justice.
Presiders: Most Reverend Michael Fitzgerald, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, retired, and member of the Pennsylvania Bar and Reverend Thomas Betz, O.F.M. Cap., Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish and member of the Pennsylvania Bar.
Location: St. John the Evangelist Church, 21 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
More info: View the flyer; Members of the various local Courts may choose to vest for Mass in their judicial robes. If enough judges express interest to Fr. Betz at (215) 563-4145 beforehand, a civil procession of enrobed judges will take place.
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.
Tuesday, October 20 - 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Event: Lecture, "Pope Leo XIV and the Coming Catholic Decade"
Presented by the Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy
Speaker: George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center's (EPPC) Catholic Studies Program
Location: Laurence E. Hirsch ’71 Classroom (Room 101), John F. Scarpa Hall, Villanova University
More info and registration: https://www.villanova.edu/university/law/about/news-events/events/2026/0917.html
Seven Thursdays starting October 22 at 7:30 PM
Event: Life in the Spirit Seminars
All are invited to participate in the Life in the Spirit Seminars, a series of talks and discussions which take place over a period of seven weeks. The Life in the Spirit Seminars are designed to offer help in finding a fuller release of the Holy Spirit to live a deeper Christian life. Come join us! You will be glad you did.
Location: Saint Katharine of Siena Church, 104 S. Aberdeen Avenue, Wayne, PA
More Info: View the flyer; Questions: Paul Hayes, 610-687-8835 or temeaus@verizon.net OR Linda Brill, 484-802-7099 or brilll@mlhs.org
October 23-25, 2026
Event: Life Giving Wounds Retreat for Adult Children of Divorce
The Life-Giving Wounds Retreat is a unique opportunity to reflect intentionally on the wounds caused by one's family’s breakdown, together with others who know this pain, facilitated by compassionate and experienced retreat leaders. Life Giving Wounds is a Catholic Ministry to Adult Children of Divorce or Separation: College Students, Young Adults, and Adults with a local chapter and chapters/retreats across the country.
Location: St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA
More info: Click here for the website; Contact Dr. Daniel Drain at ddrain@archphila.org for more information.
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 | 7:00 AM to 2:45 PM
Event: Heroic Men Leadership Summit
ThinkHope Foundation in collaboration with ManUp Philly and Live Vertical invite all Catholic men to a powerful day of hope, brotherhood, faith, and action! Led by renowned priest and speaker Fr. Larry Richards, the Heroic Men Leadership Summit will challenge you to live with hope, lead your family in faith, and become a spiritual leader in your parish and community!
Speaker: Fr. Larry Richards, renowned preacher and author; Click here for Fr. Larry's video invitation to men
Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA
Registration: $50, including breakfast and lunch / www.HeroicMen.org/Doylestown
Attendance: Limited to the first 200 men. All men are welcome. Men over 40 are especially encouraged to prayerfully consider bringing a man under 40.
November 7, 2026
Event: The Well Conference for Young Adults
Young adults ages 18 to 39 are invited to an afternoon of faith, community, and encouragement filled with inspiring speakers: Fr. Gregory Pine, Sarah Swafford, and Dr. Matthew Breuninger. As well as music, Adoration, Confession, and Mass with Archbishop Perez and Bishop Christopher Cooke. This year’s theme is “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
Location: Sheraton Hotel Downtown Philadelphia Liberty AB Conference Room and Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia
More info and registration: https://phillyyam.org/thewell/
November 8-10, 2026 - 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Event: Encountering Jesus with Steubenville’s Elevated Parish Missions
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Hilltown invites you to experience a powerful and uplifting encounter with Jesus through Steubenville’s Elevated Parish Mission. Come take time away from the busyness of life, deepen your relationship with Christ, and discover His love and presence in a new way. Everyone is welcome—come and experience this special opportunity to encounter Jesus! Please see the link below for full details.
Location: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, 100 Broad Street, Hilltown, PA
More info: Details and Registration at https://olsh-hilltown.com/2026-olsh-parish-mission
LOOKING AHEAD...
ONGOING...
- Catholic Support for Mental Health: PhillyCatholicMH.org
- Mental Health Therapists Referral Network: phillycatholicmh.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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