"Being in God and with God, Mary is close to each one of us, knows our hearts, can hear our prayers, can help us with her motherly kindness and has been given to us, as the Lord said, precisely as a 'mother' to whom we can turn at every moment."
Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas
Discipleship Quads
Looking for a way to evangelize in your corner of the world? Consider the small group model proposed by Franciscan University of Steubenville called Discipleship Quads. It's a way for 4 people to grow together into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. All the materials you need for starting a quad are free and available for download on their website: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/discipleship-quads/Grab three friends and start a journey!
Biking for Vocations - Support Our Men!
The Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood is organizing the 2019 Biking for Vocations pilgrimage. From August 8-12, several seminarians studying at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary will cycle 150 miles and visit ten churches in the Archdiocese in order to raise awareness of vocations to the priesthood and generate support for the seminarians currently in formation. This pilgrimage reflects the diligence and effort involved in discerning and pursuing a vocation. Visiting many churches reminds us that a priestly vocation is not an individual affair, but instead is built on a collective effort of the whole church praying with and for these men. Here's how you can support their hard work!- Greet the seminarians when they arrive near you! View the biking itinerary here
- Support the seminarians financially! Click here to donate
- Meet the seminarians who are riding! Click here
- Pray for the seminarians during their pilgrimage!
Office for the New Evangelization
Upcoming Events
What Can We Do?
The Role of the Laity in a Time of Crisis
As the Church undergoes this period of profound crisis, many of us feel helpless as we watch a drama unfold that we can do nothing about. But the truth is that we are not powerless. The history of the Church tells us that lay people have a role to play in the Church’s times of turmoil. Join us for an evening of reflection on the mission of the laity in times of ecclesial crisis and learn what you can do to cooperate with Christ’s action to purify and heal His Church.
Dates/Locations:
Tues, Sept 17 at 7 PM - St. Stanislaus, Lansdale
Tues, Sept 24 at 7 PM - St. Catherine of Siena, Horsham
Mon, Oct 7 at 7 PM - St. Andrew Olde Church, Newtown
Mon, Nov 4 at 7 PM - Mother Boniface Ctr, Philadelphia
Tues, Nov 12 at 7:15 PM – Nativity, Warminster
Wed, Nov 20 at 7:00 PM - St. Bede, Holland
Tues, Sept 17 at 7 PM - St. Stanislaus, Lansdale
Tues, Sept 24 at 7 PM - St. Catherine of Siena, Horsham
Mon, Oct 7 at 7 PM - St. Andrew Olde Church, Newtown
Mon, Nov 4 at 7 PM - Mother Boniface Ctr, Philadelphia
Tues, Nov 12 at 7:15 PM – Nativity, Warminster
Wed, Nov 20 at 7:00 PM - St. Bede, Holland
Fruit that Will Last:
Cultivating the Mission of Disciple-Making in Your Parish
Join us for a workshop with internationally-renowned author and speaker, Sherry Weddell, on how to move your parish out of the “business as usual” mentality and into a community that is “on fire for mission.” This workshop is designed for clergy, parish councils, ministry leaders and anyone who desires to see a culture of missionary disciple-making take root in their parish.
Monday, October 14, 2019 – 9 AM-3:30 PM
Check-in & breakfast begin at 8 AM.
Lunch will be served.
Check-in & breakfast begin at 8 AM.
Lunch will be served.
Speaker
Sherry Weddell, author of Forming Intentional Disciples
Location
St. Monica Parish, Berwyn, PA
Registration
$45.00 per person
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.
Five Wednesdays continuing July 31, 2019 – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Event: We Thirst: Christian Reflections on Addiction
All are invited to experience an inspirational and educational series that fosters mercy, faith, hope and love. Expand your knowledge and your heart through these sessions!
Location: Archdiocese of Philadelphia/Catholic Social Services, 222 N 17th Street, Philadelphia
For more information: Cost is $20, inclusive of all 5 sessions; Details and registration at archphila.org/wethirst
Wednesday, July 31st, 2019, 7pm
Event: Drinking with St. Francis de Sales - Catholic Young Adults of Bucks County, Theology on Tap Summer Series "Drinking with the Saints"
We'll be celebrating the saints all summer long, complete with their own specialty cocktail for theology on tap.
Location: Penn Taproom, Doylestown, PA
Speaker: Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS, John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics and Social Communications, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
To learn more: Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buckscatholicya/
Instagram: @Bucks Catholic YA
Thursdays, August 1 & August 8, 2019, 10-11:30am
Event: A Taste of Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) Discovery Series
If your parish is interested in learning more about a powerful and effective evangelization outreach tool that is simple to execute, consider participating in the first two of six sessions of Catholic Christian Outreach's Discovery Series to get a hands-on look at this tool.
Location: Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014, (Enter lower church through rear, ground floor doors)
Facilitator: Gina Mesko, Discipleship Coordinator, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Cost: $10 for the Discovery booklet
More Info: Visit our website to learn more about CCO, and contact Gina Mesko at gmesko@archphila.org to RSVP
Friday, August 2, 2019, 7:00 PM
Event: First Friday Holy Hour: Consoling the Heart of Jesus
Join the Sisters of Life every first Friday for a holy hour of reparation and prayers for healing of the Church.
Location: St. Malachy's Church, 1429 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia
More info: No registration required; all are welcome!
Saturday, August 3, 2019 8:00 AM
Event: A Day of Pilgrimage with Dr. Scott Hahn
Join World Renowned Scholar, Dr. Scott Hahn, for a day of pilgrimage at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine as he talks on the power of the Eucharist and beauty of the Holy Family.
Location: Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine, Doylestown, PA
Speakers include: Dr. Scott Hahn
To Learn more and to register: Visit https://stpaulcenter.com/shrine/
Tuesday, August 6, 2019, 6:00 PM
Event: Extraordinary Year of Mission Summer Saint Series
Hear the dynamic story of St. Dominic and the power of the Rosary as a spiritual weapon.
Speaker: Dr. Antone Raymundo, physician and Carmelite
Location: Cathedral Basilica SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP at http://phillymissions.org/
Second Thursdays continuing August 8, 2019, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Event: Nourish for Caregivers meeting
Nourish for Caregivers is for anyone juggling the challenges of everyday life, health, career and caring for a loved one, whether it be a loved one with a disability, an ill or aging parent, spouse, friend or grandparent, in town or at a distance. Nourish provides caregivers a faith perspective, as well as practical and emotional supports, useful tools, and shared experiences.
Location: St. Anastasia Rectory Meeting Room, Newtown Square, PA
More info: No charge, walk-ins welcome, Questions? Contact Aimee at 610-724-8950 or aimeegustitis@outlook.com
More details and online RSVP: http://www.phillyevang.org/nourish/
Friday-Sunday, August 9-11, 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 https://www.helpourmarriage.org/ or call 215-766-3944
Thursday, August 22, 2019, 2:30-4:30 PM
Event: Introduction to CREDO for Christian Initiation
Join us for an introductory presentation to CREDO, Saint Benedict Press’ new, World-Class RCIA program by the Dominican Friars and the Thomistic Institute. CREDO is a full, 36-session RCIA video program (including 7 sessions of Mystagogy) that will change the way you look at RCIA. This program is approved by the Office for Divine Worship of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Presenters: Dominican Friars and Fr. Dennis Gill
Location: Auditorium Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 N 17th Street, Philadelphia
More info: No charge to attend; Please RSVP by August 9 to Mary Ann Johnson, 215-587-3537, majohnson@archphila.org
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 10:30 AM
Event: Mass of Thanksgiving Marking the 150th Anniversary of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Philadelphia
Reception to follow at the Logan Philadelphia Hotel. All are welcome!
Presider: Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
Tuesday, August 26, 2019, 6:00 PM
Event: Extraordinary Year of Mission Summer Saint Series
Kelly Anderson, professor of Biblical Studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, shows Mary's response to God's call "Let it be..." and her influence as the Queen of Heaven and Earth and the Missions!
Location: Cathedral Basilica SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP at http://phillymissions.org/signup/
Weds September 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2019, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Event: Real Suffering, A Four-Week Study
Why do we suffer so much in this life? What is the purpose and meaning of our trials? How can we find hope and healing amidst our sorrow? This four week study seeks to answer these difficult questions.
Location: Saint Maria Goretti Parish Center, Hatfield, PA
More info: Cost is $15.00; View the flyer
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Event: Gender Matters – Fighting for the Integrity of Persons
Please join us as we discover together the compassion and clarity of Jesus for persons facing sexual identity problems. The Father designed us and Jesus redeems us. His redeeming love ushers in the splendid challenge of becoming whole: men and women who are integrating the powers of life and love in our lives, one day at a time.
Speakers: Andrew Comiskey and Desert Stream Ministries
Location: St. Katherine of Siena Parish, Wayne PA
More info: The parish Mass at 8AM is open to participants. Please register at: https://gendermattersphilly.eventbrite.com
Monday PM, September 9, 2019 to Friday AM, September 13, 2019
Event: Marian Movement of Priests Clergy Retreat
The schedule will follow the format of a cenacle and include the recitation of the Holy Rosary prayed throughout the day, and the reading and meditation on Our Lady’s messages. Daily Mass will be celebrated, and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Eucharistic Adoration.
Location: Malvern Retreat House - Malvern, PA
Retreat Master: Fr. Gerry McCloskey Belfast, Ireland - Fr. Gerry hopes to remind us of the light-filled way along which all of us must walk in order to live the consecration which we have made to her Immaculate Heart.
To register, go to: www.malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400
FMI, call MMP Headquarters: (207) 398-3375
Four Tuesdays beginning September 10, 2019, 7-8:30 PM
Event: Tea with Therese
Learn how to live the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood and have fun at the same time! The evenings include tea, treats, small group discussion, and lots of fun with fellow devotees of the Little Flower! The same course will also be taught on-line on Thursday evenings from 8-9 p.m. beginning Sept 13.
Speaker: Susan Brinkmann, OCDS of the Catholic Life Institute
Location: Fatima House in Bedminster, PA
More info: Visit https://www.catholiclifeinstitute.org/calendar/special-events/ to learn more and to register!
Thursdays beginning September 12, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Event: Discovering Christ
The Evangelization Team of St. Kevin, St. Francis, and Holy Cross Parishes will be presenting the nationally recognized and Archdiocesan approved program, Discovering Christ. The program is designed for all who desire to learn more about the Catholic Faith, whether they are already practicing Catholics, inactive Catholics, or persons seeking to learn more about the Faith. Please join us on this journey!
Location: Holy Cross Parish Center, Springfield (Delaware County)
To learn more: Registration: email discoveringchristinspringfield@gmail.com Call or text: 484-868-8571 with Name, Phone Number & Parish.
Friday PM, September 13, 2019 to Sunday AM, September 15, 2019
Event: Marian Movement of Priests Lay Retreat
The schedule will follow the format of a cenacle and include the recitation of the Holy Rosary prayed throughout the day, and the reading and meditation on Our Lady’s messages. Daily Mass will be celebrated, and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Eucharistic Adoration.
Location: Malvern Retreat House - Malvern, PA
Retreat Master: Fr. Gerry McCloskey Belfast, Ireland - Fr. Gerry hopes to remind us of the light-filled way along which all of us must walk in order to live the consecration which we have made to her Immaculate Heart.
To register, go to: www.malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400; FMI, call MMP Headquarters: (207) 398-3375
September 14 & 15, 2019
Event: Padre Pio Festival
Join us for a weekend of prayer and worship along with music and fun festivities for the whole family in honor of one of the Church's most powerful saints, Padre Pio!
Location: St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland, PA
More info: https://padrepiofestivalhollandpa.com/
Sunday, September 15, 2019, 2:00 PM-4:30 PM
Event: Mini-Conference on Marriage
Join us during the third and final year of the Archbishop’s Remain in My Love initiative! At this mini-conference, national Catholic speakers will present the splendor of Christ’s teachings on the high dignity of the vocation of marriage and Christian family life. This event is for everyone!
Speaker: Fr. Dennis Gill, Megan Murphy and Damon Owens
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer here; Free & open to the public; Childcare will be provided; Free parking
Please RSVP at http://archphila.org/remain2019/
Saturday, September 21, 2019, Noon-9:30 PM
Event: The AbbeyFest: Faith, Music and Family Festival
Join over 4,000 Christians for a day of music, praise, prayer, sacraments and fun at the largest Catholic music festival in the area!
Musicians: Matt Maher, Mac Powell, Hannah Schaefer and more!
Location: Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, PA
Tickets and more info: http://www.theabbeyfest.com/
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Event: Masculine Genius Institute Summit
Join us for the 4th annual Summit of the Masculine Genius Institute, which aims to promote serious discussion and research on Christian manliness. This year Summit presentations give an in-depth look at the difficulties shaping “The University Man” and offer positive practices as a man journeys through the academic or apprenticeship phase of adult life.
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 N 17th Street, Philadelphia
More info: View the website
Sunday, September 22, 2019, 9:30 AM
Event: Blue Mass for Law Enforcement, Firefighters and First Responders
Join us in the celebration of the the Blue Mass to pray for local law enforcement officials, firefighters and first responders. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to the common good.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: http://cathedralphila.org/bluemass/
Beginning the week of Sept 24, Tuesdays, 10-11:30AM and Thursdays, 7:30-9PM
Event: Foundational Bible Study for Beginners and Beyond
If you want to… • Understand the bible’s context, historicity, and interpretation according to the Catholic Church’s teaching • Be confident about using the bible to deepen your faith • Personalize the bible in your daily life …THEN YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PLACE!
Location: Olde Church of St. Andrew, 135 S. Sycamore St; Newtown, PA 18902
Presenter: Rebecca Dougherty and guests
To learn more: Visit the website: www.stapn.org
Tuesday Evenings, October 1-November 12, 2019, 6:30-9pm
Event: Discovering Christ (FREE-dinner included! We welcome non-parishioners)
Discovering Christ is a seven-week experience where anyone and everyone, from the baptized in the pews to the unbaptized, is invited to hear the Good News and personally encounter Jesus Christ. Discovering Christ helps people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children.
Location: Church of St. Joseph (Lower Church Hall), 3255 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014, (Enter lower church through rear, ground floor doors)
More Info: Visit the website for more on Discovering Christ. To register, email: christlife.stjoes@gmail.com
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Event: Hispanic Heritage Mass and Family Retreat
Retreat speakers: Lucila y Ricardo Luzondo
Location: St. Peter the Apostle Hall, Philadelphia
More info: View the newsletter
Saturday, October 5, 2019, 9 AM-8:30 PM
Event: Philadelphia Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference 2019
We invite you to celebrate with our charismatic family, our annual Catholic Charismatic Conference. Our theme this year is “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” You will experience a day of healing, refreshment, joy and empowerment through anointed praise & worship, personal prayer teams, Eucharistic adoration, benediction, & healing service. Music by Martha's House. Vigil Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Sam Jacobs. Come, praise, worship and receive!
Location: Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Essington, PA
More information: https://phillyspirit.com/philly-ccr-conference-2019broctober-5-2019
October 8, 9 & 10, 2019
Our Lady of Confidence Christian Retreat for Persons with Disabilities
A three day retreat at Malvern Retreat House has been scheduled for for adults with disabilities. The retreat is geared for adults with intellectual, physical or emotional disabilities. The retreat directors are Fr. Jim McGuinn and Fr. Mike Speziale and the theme is: We All Belong. If you or someone you know would enjoy a three day retreat that includes having your faith in God refreshed and strengthened please email OLCRetreat@gmail.com or call Malvern Retreat Center at 610-644-0400 for a brochure and registration form. The registration form is below or also on line at www.opdarchphilly.org. If you would like to be a volunteer companion on this retreat contact Jenny Mars at marsfam1@gmail.com.
More info: OLC brochure / Registration/Medical Profile Form
Thursday, October 10, 2019, 7:00 - 9:30PM
Event: Chris Stefanick - REBOOT! Live!
Featuring internationally acclaimed speaker, author and TV host Chris Stefanick, REBOOT! is the fun, inspiring and practical experience of applying the beauty and genius of the heart of the Gospel to every aspect of your life. From prayer and spirituality, to work, dating, marriage and parenting, health and more! For ages 12 and up! Order tickets online.
Location: Archbishop John Carroll High School, Radnor, PA
Speakers include: Chris Stefanick, Real Life Catholic
To learn more: Visit the website: https://reallifecatholic.com/reboot-live-participants/
Friday, October 11, 7-9:30pm
Event: Array of Hope Concert: An Evening of Faith, Hope and Love - A Musical Multimedia Experience. A FAITH- FILLED CONCERT EXPERIENCE!
The Array of Hope concert is a wide-ranging live concert experience that features multiple musical acts, motivational speakers and thought-provoking films. Array of Hope is a journey of faith, hope and love that entertains the audience, touching and transforming hearts through powerful witnessing to God’s love for us.
Location: St. Andrew Catholic Education Center, 51 Wrights Road, Newtown, PA 18940
To learn more: Visit the website: www.arrayofhope.net or www.stapn.org
Saturday, October 12, 2019, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Event: Called and Gifted Workshop
You have received gifts in Baptism and Confirmation through which God intends His love to reach others. Come and discover these charisms in you! The Called & Gifted discernment workshop includes Church teaching on the laity and lay apostleship, the nature of charisms, call and vocation, and how to undertake the process of discerning your charisms (spiritual gifts).
Speakers: Sherry Weddell and Katherine Coolidge, Catherine of Siena Institute
Location: St. John Neumann Hall, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer; Cost is $45; More details & registration at archphila.org/gifts
October 12, 2019 – 7:30 pm
Event: Elisabeth von Trapp In Concert
Concert by the granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp whose story inspired “The Sound of Music”
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: https://cathedralphilaconcerts.org/
Monday, October 14, 2019
Event: Fruit that Will Last: Cultivating the Mission of Disciple-Making in Your Parish
Join us for a workshop with internationally-renowned author and speaker, Sherry Weddell, on how to move your parish out of the “business as usual” mentality and into a community that is “on fire for mission.” This workshop is designed for clergy, parish councils, ministry leaders and anyone who desires to see a culture of missionary disciple-making take root in their parish.
Speaker: Sherry Weddell, author of Forming Intentional Disciples and co-founder of the Catherine of Siena Institute
Location: St. Monica Parish, Berwyn, PA
More info: Cost is $45/person; View the flyer or visit http://archphila.org/fruit/
Saturday, October 26, 2019, 9 AM-4:30 PM
Event: Catholic Women's Conference
Join over 1300 Catholic women from the greater Philadelphia area for a day of fun, friendship, faith formation and prayer. Through our 2019 theme, "Unique and Unrepeatable: Your Mission as a Catholic Woman," we will explore the amazing truth that God has given each one of us a personal and unique mission, a share in His plan to save the world.
Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA
Speakers: Gloria Purvis, Mary Cruz Guzman, De Yarrison, Dr. Monique Ruberu,
Meghan Cokeley, Sue Brinkmann and the Sisters of Life
Meghan Cokeley, Sue Brinkmann and the Sisters of Life
More details and registration: www.catholicwomensconference.org
October 28, 29, 30 at 7 PM
Event: Science Tests Faith event (Designed especially for the inactive Catholics in your life-invite them to join you!)
Seeing is believing! From altar boy to party boy, from non-denominational mega church to the Roman Catholic Church, dynamic Lay Evangelist Tim Francis shares the journey that brought him back to the Church with video footage from a documentary examining amazing miracles occurring in the Church today that ultimately convicted him of the Truths of our faith. Tim’s presentation is impacting practicing, lukewarm, and fallen away Catholics of all ages in churches across the country. He will conduct his first-ever live presentation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on the following evenings.
Dates/Locations (same event each night):
- Monday, October 28 at 7 PM – Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton
- Tuesday, October 29 at 7 PM - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton
- Wednesday, October 30 at 7 PM - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton
LOOKING AHEAD...
October 20, 2019 - World Mission Sunday during the Extraordinary Month of MissionNovember 2, 2019 - Nourish for Caregivers Workshop, Philadelphia
November 13, 2019 - Purified: A Life-Changing Event for Families with Jason Evert, West Chester
- Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction events: archphila.org/hope
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