"The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend; He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger; Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!"
Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas
Hans Snel’s 10-Minute Challenge
By Sr. Zelie Maria Louis, SV: Decades ago, one zealous Dutch seminarian named Hans Snel had a conviction: people need silence. So, he decided to make little pin buttons that read, “10 Minutes” (or in Dutch, “10 Minuten”), and he wore one of these buttons everywhere he went. People began asking him what the button meant. He would ask a question right back, “How much is 10 minutes?”
Hans would do some quick math and tell the intrigued listener that 10 minutes is only about 1/1,000th of a week (which, if you’ve ever wondered, is 10,080 minutes). The listener had to admit it really wasn’t that much time. Then came the real zinger: he would challenge the person to spend 10 minutes in silence sometime that week. It could be at a park, in one’s home, or even in a church. The only requirement was that no speaking was allowed. He gave out his phone number and invited each of them to follow up with him. And what he began to hear blew him away. Some individuals said, “I did the silence, and...I think God exists.” Some encountered... Click here to read the full article
- This article was published in Imprint, a publication of the Sisters of Life, shared here with permission. Click here to learn more about Imprint and subscribe!
- Read the full Imprint issue, "What Can We Find in Silence?"
Choose a Saint for the Year!
Some Catholic communities have a tradition of drawing saints from a hat at the beginning of each New Year. Consider starting this as a tradition in your family or group of friends! Here are the steps:
- Print out the list of saints. (Click here for the list of saints)
- Cut up the list, fold each piece, and place all saints in a bag or box.
- Invite people to choose a saint from the bag, first praying with them a Hail Mary or other prayer during which you ask the Holy Spirit to give the person the saint meant for them.
- Learn about the saint you've chosen, pray for your given prayer intention, and watch how that saint "shows up" in your life throughout the year!
Invite non-churchgoers to pick a saint, too! This practice is great for faith-filled friends and family as well as those who might be far away from God and the Church. It's a simple, non-threatening way for someone to take a first step towards God.
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:
Mon, Jan 27 at 7:00 PM - SS Peter and Paul, West Chester
Tues, Mar 10 at 9:30 AM - St. Maria Goretti, Hatfield
Mon, Mar 16 at 7:00 PM - St. Francis of Assisi, Springfield
(These are the final 3 dates for this presentation.)
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.
Friday, Jan 3, 2020 - Sunday, Jan 5, 2020
Event: Serenity Retreat for Women
This event is for women affected by the disease of addiction.
Retreat Director: Fr. Douglas McKay, Our House Ministries
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More info: $215.00 per person; Click here to learn more & register
Event: Serenity Retreat for Women
This event is for women affected by the disease of addiction.
Retreat Director: Fr. Douglas McKay, Our House Ministries
Location: Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA
More info: $215.00 per person; Click here to learn more & register
Sunday January 5th, 12:45-2:45 PM
Event: Liturgy and Church Music
Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people” (1 Pet. 2:9; cf. 2:4-5), is our right and duty by reason of our baptism. (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM No.14) We are very privileged to have two phenomenal speakers who are exceptionally expert in this regard. Please come to learn the glory, beauty, and love of God through the integration of the Eucharistic Liturgy and sacred music.
Presenters: Fr. Dennis Gill and Mr. Mark Loria
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, Room 1307
More info: View the flyer
Sunday January 5th, Various Times
Event: Holy Hours for Vocations
On Sunday, January 5, 2020, on the Feast of St. John Neumann, parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will come together as a community of faith to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. So that as many people as possible can participate, Hours for Vocations will be held at various parishes in the Archdiocese. These Holy Hours are designed to unite Catholics across the Archdiocese in prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Now in its second year, these Holy Hours offer the entire Archdiocese the opportunity to ask Christ to help us bear the fruit that He intends to harvest through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Locations: Various locations
For more info: Visit https://heedthecall.org/holyhour/
Wednesday, January 8th, 6:00 PM
Event: How to Protect Our Kids in the Internet Age by Integrity Restored
Join us for an evening discussion about the pervasiveness of pornography and how you can be better equipped to protect and nurture children of all ages in today's world. Adoration is at 6:00 pm followed by the presentation at 6:30 pm. The evening will conclude at 7:30 with discussion, Q&A and dessert.
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Springfield
To learn more: View the flyer
Event: How to Protect Our Kids in the Internet Age by Integrity Restored
Join us for an evening discussion about the pervasiveness of pornography and how you can be better equipped to protect and nurture children of all ages in today's world. Adoration is at 6:00 pm followed by the presentation at 6:30 pm. The evening will conclude at 7:30 with discussion, Q&A and dessert.
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Springfield
To learn more: View the flyer
Friday, January 10 – Sunday, Jan 12, 2020
Event: Hope Blooms Healing Retreat
This retreat is for any woman healing from betrayal, trauma, abuse or emotional wounding. Come, as we walk on sacred ground together to share our stories, strengthen spiritually, and immerse ourselves in the healing love of our Lord. The retreat includes opportunities for individual healing work, teachings on the 5 Keys of Unbound, personal reflection time, Mass, Adoration, Confession and more.
This retreat is for any woman healing from betrayal, trauma, abuse or emotional wounding. Come, as we walk on sacred ground together to share our stories, strengthen spiritually, and immerse ourselves in the healing love of our Lord. The retreat includes opportunities for individual healing work, teachings on the 5 Keys of Unbound, personal reflection time, Mass, Adoration, Confession and more.
Speakers: Retreat leaders: Father Allen Hoffa, De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry and Laura Ercolino of Bloom for Catholic Women.
Location: Mariawald Renewal Center in Reading PA
To learn more: visit https://youaremadenew.com/healing-retreats/ .
January 11-12, 2020
Event: Theology of the Body Winter Retreat for High School Boys
Join Brendan McCauley for this retreat to begin a journey discovering yourself through Saint Pope John Paul's Teaching on Theology of the Body. Learn the truth about Love, Life and Sexuality. Learn how to stand for truth in today's culture. All high school boys are welcome to this retreat. College young men are invited too! The retreat will be a time of learning, contemplation and reflection. There will be talks, small group discussions, Adoration, Confession, Mass, food and fun!
Speakers: Brendan McCauley and Fr. Timothy Danaher, O.P.
Location: St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center in Elverson, PA
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theology-of-the-body-retreat-for-high-school-boys-tickets-78198934117
January 13th, 7:00 PM
Event: “The ONE Thing Necessary,” One Night Parish Mission
Are many things demanding your time and attention? How you spend your time can make all the difference! Come to this one night parish mission and take the 1% challenge! See attached flyer for more information.
Location: Our Mother of Consolation Church, 11 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
Speakers: Andre Lesperance, The Evangelical Catholic
Event: “The ONE Thing Necessary,” One Night Parish Mission
Are many things demanding your time and attention? How you spend your time can make all the difference! Come to this one night parish mission and take the 1% challenge! See attached flyer for more information.
Location: Our Mother of Consolation Church, 11 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
Speakers: Andre Lesperance, The Evangelical Catholic
To learn more: Email Sister Christine Konopelski, SSJ at christinessj@omcparish.com
Second Tuesdays beginning January 14, 7-8:30 PM
Event: AFIRE Gatherings
AFIRE is a faith-based movement designed to bring healing, hope, resources, advocacy, and transformational action to families and communities struggling with addiction. Groups are based in parishes throughout the archdiocese and beyond. All are welcome to join the AFIRE community for sharing and collaboration at our monthly gatherings.
Location: Varies each month (see the flyer below)
More info: View the flyer
Event: AFIRE Gatherings
AFIRE is a faith-based movement designed to bring healing, hope, resources, advocacy, and transformational action to families and communities struggling with addiction. Groups are based in parishes throughout the archdiocese and beyond. All are welcome to join the AFIRE community for sharing and collaboration at our monthly gatherings.
Location: Varies each month (see the flyer below)
More info: View the flyer
Wednesday January 15th, 6:00 PM Holy Hour, 7:00 PM Mass
Event: An Evening of Prayer for John Cardinal O'Connor, on the 100th Anniversary of his Birthday, with the Sisters of Life
Join the Sisters of Life in a centennial celebration of a life given to life! January 15th, marks the 100th anniversary of John Cardinal O'Connor's birthday, the founder of the Sister of Life. There will be a 6:00 pm holy hour, with music, followed by a 7:00 pm mass. A social will follow.
Celebrant: Bishop McIntyre
Location: The Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA
More info: View the flyer
Thursday, January 16, 2020, 1:00-2:00 PM
Event: Webinar for Parishes: How to Use Formed and Revive Confession in Your Parish Through the Forgiven Series this Lent
The Office for the New Evangelization released a video back in August about the dire state of sacramental confession in our local Church. (Click here for the video.) One practical way to respond to this troubling situation is for parishes to consider running the Forgiven series during Lent 2020. Forgiven (available in English and Spanish) is a 3-session video series on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, available on Formed.org. To assist those parishes that do not have a Formed subscription, we have made an arrangement to offer all Archdiocesan parishes a 30-day free trial subscription to Formed so that your entire parish can access the Forgiven series for free during the first 30 days of Lent. Join us for a webinar to learn how your parish can take full advantage of this opportunity!
More info: Click here for the webinar flyer
- Click here to register for the webinar
(Can't make the webinar live? Register anyway and a recording of the webinar will be emailed to you.)
Saturday January 18th , 6:30 PM
Event: Sisters of Life "Glory Night" Holy Hour with praise and adoration
Please join us every third Saturday of the month for our Glory nights of music and adoration at St. Malachy's Church. Our next Holy Hour will be on Saturday, Jan. 18th at 6:30pm followed by a social. Here in this little corner of Philly, Our God will be loved and worshiped.
Location: St. Malachy's Church, 1429 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
More inf0: Free and open to the public. All are welcome!
Various dates starting January 17-19, 2020
Event: Come and See Weekends for Men Discerning a Call to the Priesthood
A Come And See Weekend is a perfect opportunity for men (high school and post-high school) who are considering a vocation. These men are invited to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary to see what seminary life is like and explore the possibility of their own call to the priesthood. This is an ideal retreat for someone who is actively pursuing a call to the priesthood. It is also a great opportunity for a man who has been evangelized to explore the possibility of a call to the priesthood! The weekend includes reflections on the priesthood, vocation stories from seminarians, Liturgy of the Hours, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Invite a young man in your life to consider attending!
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, PA
More info: Visit https://heedthecall.org/come-see-weekend/
Event: Come and See Weekends for Men Discerning a Call to the Priesthood
A Come And See Weekend is a perfect opportunity for men (high school and post-high school) who are considering a vocation. These men are invited to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary to see what seminary life is like and explore the possibility of their own call to the priesthood. This is an ideal retreat for someone who is actively pursuing a call to the priesthood. It is also a great opportunity for a man who has been evangelized to explore the possibility of a call to the priesthood! The weekend includes reflections on the priesthood, vocation stories from seminarians, Liturgy of the Hours, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Invite a young man in your life to consider attending!
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, PA
More info: Visit https://heedthecall.org/come-see-weekend/
January 22, 2020 — April 15, 2020
Event: John Paul II Institute's Called to Love Course
This course studies John Paul II’s Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body — his “Wednesday catecheses”— through a reading of the text and a discussion of his scriptural, theological, and philosophical methodology. It shows how the dual unity of man and woman and their interpersonal communion, even in the body, image divine trinitarian life. Special emphasis will be made on the foundations of the Theology of the Body in the Christian tradition. The course will draw also on other works by John Paul II that deal with marriage and the family, such as The Jeweler’s Shop, Love and Responsibility, and Roman Triptych.
Location: John Paul II Institute, Washington, DC
More info: Call 202.526.3799 or email information@johnpaulii.edu. The class fee is $150.
Course website is: https://www.johnpaulii.edu/events/view/continuing-education-course-called-to-love1
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 9:15-10:45 AM or 7:00-8:30 PM
Event: Bishop Barron's Letter to a Suffering Church Discussion Group
Feeling hurt, angry, or demoralized about the sexual abuse crisis plaguing the Catholic Church? Join us for a discussion of the book, "Letter to a Suffering Church" by Bishop Robert Barron. All those registering for this book club receive a free copy of the book (while supplies last).
Location: Saint Maria Goretti Parish Center, 1601 Derstine Road Hatfield, PA 19440
To Register: Contact Angela.McClellan@stmariagoretti.net or 215-721-0199 (ext. 202) or fill out the form attached to the flyer; View the Flyer
Thursday Evenings, January 23-February 27th, 7:00-8:30 PM
Event: Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) Discovery Facilitator Training
Starting a successful evangelizing mission takes a lot of work, and it can be difficult to know where to begin. CCO’s Faith Studies Series, has been designed to proclaim the Gospel, equip the faithful and commission them to become missionary disciples. These materials are used in a small group setting and allow for dynamic proclamation of the Catholic Faith. They are easy to lead and have proven effective in bringing about personal conversions. This course is for parish representatives who are interested in being trained to facilitate CCO's Discovery Series and are making the decisions to move forward with CCO at their parish.
Location: Church of St. Joseph (Lower Church Hall), 3255 Concord Road, Aston, PA (enter lower church through rear ground floor doors)
Cost: $10 for participant guide only; $22 for Leader's Guide and partipant's guide
RSVP: By Jan. 3, 2020 to Gina Mesko, Discipleship Coordinator, Office for the New Evangelization, gmesko@archphila.org
More Info: Visit the Website or View the Flyer
Sunday, January 26th, 2020 at 2pm
Event: Re-Discover the Beauty and Blessings of the Mass!
Presenter: Nicky Verna
The beauty and unfathomable benefits of the Mass are deep and rich, and the Mass brings sacramental graces and merits to the soul. Do you sometimes wonder if this is happening to you while participating in the Mass? Have you lost that loving feeling for Mass after all these years of faithful attendance? Maybe you're feeling bored and unable to motivate yourself to even get to Mass some days. Nicky Verna is a Catholic convert of 30+ years and Masters Candidate at St. Charles Seminary School of Theological Studies. As a fellow layperson in the pews, Nicky will guide us on a heartfelt journey through the Mass, so that we will uncover and experience the tremendous outpouring of Jesus' love for us in each Holy Mass.
Location: Our Lady of Peace Church (in the church!) 208 Milmont Ave. Folsom, PA 19033
Cost: Completely FREE. All are invited - plenty of seating in church!
More Info: Please contact Pat Ireland at pireland9@yahoo.com for more information
Saturday, February 1, 2020, 7:00 PM
Event: Sarum Vespers for Candlemas Eve
This evening will feature Thomas Tallis and other masters of music before the English Reformation. A reception will follow this event.
This evening will feature Thomas Tallis and other masters of music before the English Reformation. A reception will follow this event.
Location: St. Patrick Parish, Rittenhhouse Square, Philadelphia
For more information, direct all inquiries to chantphiladelphia@gmail.com
Saturday, February 1, 2020, 9:00-12:00 PM
Event: Chosen: Daughters, Sisters, Warriors Retreat
Event: Chosen: Daughters, Sisters, Warriors Retreat
We can get caught up in the noise of our hurried, unfulfilling and hyper-sexualized culture, becoming disconnected from the truth of who God says we are: beloved and chosen, of infinite value and undeniable dignity. Come spend the day with us as we: remember our feminine genius, understand common spiritual obstacles we encounter as women, talk about our Blessed Mother’s role in protecting and strengthening us and gain tools to stand and stay in the Father’s blessing.
Conference team: Father Stephen DeLacy, De Yarrison, Jenn Lozano and Megan Murphy
Location: Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, PA
Learn more and register: https://youaremadenew.com/chosen-conference or contact De Yarrison at 610.287.2989.
Saturday February 8th , 1:00-3:00 PM
Event: Mindful Like a Catholic Workshop
By combining the centuries-old devotions of the Sacrament of the Present Moment and the Practice of the Presence of God, a Catholic can not only learn how to live mindfully, but how to use this method to achieve perfect peace of soul – something today’s popular version of mindfulness, which is based in Buddhism, can never do. Join Susan Brinkmann, OCDS, for a 90-minute workshop entitled “Mindful Like a Catholic” designed to teach you how to live mindfully in an authentic Catholic way! On-line workshop is January 18 from 1-3 PM.
Location: Catholic Life Institute, Fatima House
More info: Visit www.catholiclifeinstitute.org/course-registration to register or email CatholicLifeInstitutePress@gmail.com
Friday-Sunday, Feb 21-23, 2020
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 info: https://www.helpourmarriage.org/
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 info: https://www.helpourmarriage.org/
Saturday, March 14, 2020 - 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
Event: Unbound Leader Training
Event: Unbound Leader Training
A workshop for those who wish to learn how to pray with others using the Unbound model. Training topics include: leading a prayer session from start to finish; how to conduct the interview; asking good questions and more. There are some prerequisites for attending this training. Please see the flyer below for full details.
Workshop facilitator: Meghan Cokeley, Director, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Location: Servants Retreat and Conference Center, Springfield, PA
More info: View the flyer
Thursday, March 26th, 7:00 PM
Event: An Evening with Catholic Speaker Mary Lenaburg
This FREE event is open to mothers of all ages. Mary Lenaburg is a writer, speaker, wife and mother, sharing her witness and testimony to groups of all ages, about God's redeeming love. She has learned through her experiences that healing and hope live in fiery moments of grace and no matter what you are facing, God always remains. Mary's first book,"Be Brave in the Scared: How I Learned to Trust God During the Most Difficult Days," was recently published in 2019.
Location: St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media, PA
More info: View the flyer or contact Sarah Albanese at sarah.albanese@gmail.com or Dana Westby at danawestby@hotmail.com
Friday-Saturday, March 27-28, 2020
Event: ChristLife Training: "Let Down Your Nets"
Event: ChristLife Training: "Let Down Your Nets"
Come and be trained in ChristLife’s three-part evangelization process - Discovering Christ, Following Christ, and Sharing Christ. This conference will help you, revitalize the Catholics in the pews, reach fallen away Catholics and evangelize all people to Jesus Christ! For those already experienced with ChristLife Process, this NEWLY REVISED AND UPDATED training conference is an excellent opportunity to take the updated training for Discovering, Following and Sharing Christ, train potential new team members and meet with Dave Nodar and the team.
Location: Saint Mary Church, 94 Walnut Rd., Hamburg, PA 19526 (Diocese of Allentown, about an hour away)
More Info:Visit the website for details and registration.
More Info:Visit the website for details and registration.
First Thursdays of the Month through May 7, 2020, 6:30-8:30 PM
Event: FREE! Women's Evenings of Reflection (Mini-Retreats)
Women's Evenings of Reflection with retreat director, Father Scott Reilly, will be offered the first Thursdays of the month through May 2020 (no meeting in January).Come refresh your soul each month by setting aside a few hours with Christ. The theme for the year is the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Evenings begin with Mass, followed by supper, reflection and a personal testimony. Come to just one evening or as many as you choose. All are welcome!
Retreat Director: Fr. Scott Reilly, Legionaires of Christ
Retreat Director: Fr. Scott Reilly, Legionaires of Christ
Monthly meetings, various times and locations
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 for Caregivers provides caregivers a faith perspective, as well as practical and emotional supports, useful tools, and shared experiences.
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 for Caregivers provides caregivers a faith perspective, as well as practical and emotional supports, useful tools, and shared experiences.
Location: Various times and locations, visit phillyevang.org/nourish to find a group near you
More info: No charge, walk-ins welcome, Questions? Contact Aimee at 610-724-8950 or aimeegustitis@outlook.com
More info: No charge, walk-ins welcome, Questions? Contact Aimee at 610-724-8950 or aimeegustitis@outlook.com
LOOKING AHEAD...
March 7, 2020 - Man Up Philly: Men's Spirituality Conference, Aston, PAApril 17, 2020 - FOCUS Making Missionary Disciples Workshop, Wynnewood, PA
June 10-14, 2020 - GIVEN Catholic Young Women's Leadership Forum, Washington, DC
June 10-14, 2020 - GIVEN Catholic Young Women's Leadership Forum, Washington, DC
FIND LOCAL CATHOLIC ENCOURAGEMENT...
- Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction: archphila.org/hope
- Nourish for Caregivers Support Groups: phillyevang.org/nourish
- Find a Catholic Moms Group: phillyevang.org/moms
- Local Catholic ministries: phillyevang.org/fire
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