As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them, and He said to them, "Peace be with you."
Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas
Spiritual Support for You and Your Family During the Pandemic
During these difficult days, the Lord always remains close to us and provides us ways to receive His grace even when we cannot attend Mass in person. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has created a webpage listing many excellent resources and online events to nourish you spiritually and help you remain as close as possible to Jesus and the Church during this time.
- Explore these resources at: http://archphila.org/resources/
Renewal of Consecration of the United States of America to Our Lady
Friday, May 1st, 3:00 PM EST
Join Archbishop José Gomez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and archbishop of Los Angeles, in renewing our consecration to Mary. We will join the bishops and faithful in Canada as they consecrate their country to Mary.
This moment of unified prayer will give our Church the occasion to pray for Our Lady’s continued protection of the vulnerable, healing of the sick, and wisdom for those who work to cure COVID-19.
- Watch the livestream here
- Worship aid (English / Español)
Archbishop's Arise Easter Video Series begins May 10!
The goal of the Arise: Resurrection and Restoration Easter video series is to help all of us transition back into "in person" life in the Church as the COVID19 restrictions slowly lift. These short videos, given by dynamic local speakers, will offer a teaching on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, its power to restore our lives here and now, and the "in person" nature of our life as Catholics. The series will begin Sunday, May 10 at 7 PM. More details:
- A 15-minute video (one in English, one in Spanish) will be released daily at 7 PM for 7 days beginning May 10 on archphila.org/arise and catholicphilly.com.
- Once released, videos can be watched/shared any time.
More details can be found at archphila.org/arise.
A fun online resource to check out:
Catholicmom.com has a ton of fun resources for moms and families! They have a plethora of articles, daily reflections, recipes, craft ideas, videos and more. They are also hosting a Catholic Family Conference May 1-2nd. Check it out today!
Office for the New Evangelization Events
Pope Francis asks the entire Church to pray the Rosary daily during the month of May. Join us!
Rosary Campaign
for an End to the Coronavirus
“…there is no problem, as difficult as it may be, that we cannot resolve at this time by praying the Holy Rosary.” – Sr. Lucia of Fatima
Join us online, by phone or in spirit as we pray the Rosary every day. We will ask the miraculous intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to put an end to the coronavirus.
When:
Rosary in English: every evening, 8:00-8:30 PM (EST)
Until further notice
Rosary in English: every evening, 8:00-8:30 PM (EST)
Until further notice
Rosario en español: 6:00-6:30 PM (Hora del Este)
Todos los días hasta nuevo aviso
Todos los días hasta nuevo aviso
More log-in details, visit:
http://www.phillyevang.org/rosary
http://www.phillyevang.org/rosary
Events & Initiatives
Below you will find online 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 Sarah at salbanese@archphila.org for consideration.
Virtual Events
April 25 - May 3, 2020
Event: Novena in Preparation for the 57th World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Around the world on May 3, 2020, Catholics will "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38, Lk 10:2). The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is a public, shared prayer for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, as well as to secular institutes and missionary life. Please join the Vocation Office and Philadelphia Seminarians for a 9-day Novena for Vocations which begins on Saturday, April 25th and continues until Sunday, May 3rd.
How to join: Reflections and prayers for each day will be posted on our website at Heedthecall.org/novena and Facebook page at facebook.com/phillypriest
Monday April 27-May 7th, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Event: TEN plagues, in TEN Days with Father Matt Guckin
Beginning on Monday, April 27, Father Matt Guckin will be spending TEN minutes each day at TEN O’Clock in the morning to discuss each of the TEN plagues in Egypt at the time of Moses. The series will last for TEN days. (Emphasis on TEN!) The meaning of each of the TEN plagues, key differences between the TEN plagues and the COVID-19 plague, God’s active will and God’s permissive will and the subject of Divine punishment.
How to join: The series will go live on Monday, April 27 at 10AM on www.phillyocf.org (Click on the icon) Each session will be recorded daily and archived if you are unable to make the 10am time.
Thursday April 30, 2020 at 8:00 PM
Event: Sisters of Life Virtual Gala
In place of our annual in-person gala in New York City, which had to be canceled due to Coronavirus, we are inviting everyone to join with us online for an experience of beauty, hope, and joy with the Sisters of Life, reflecting on the truth of the goodness of each human person — made in the image and likeness of God.
How to join: https://sistersoflife.org/virtualgala
Friday, May 1, 2020, 6:00-7:00 PM
Event: Prioritizing Prayer Especially in Difficult Times
In this Facebook Live presentation, Father Josh will share practical tools for disciples of Christ to cultivate their personal relationship with Jesus. He will discuss timely topics such as strategies for parishes to remain connected, grow spiritually, and being the light of Christ in the community in view of COVID-19.
Presenter: Fr. Josh Johnson, Pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant, Louisiana
To watch: This webinar will be presented on Facebook Live on https://www.facebook.com/joshua.johnson.79
Event: Prioritizing Prayer Especially in Difficult Times
In this Facebook Live presentation, Father Josh will share practical tools for disciples of Christ to cultivate their personal relationship with Jesus. He will discuss timely topics such as strategies for parishes to remain connected, grow spiritually, and being the light of Christ in the community in view of COVID-19.
Presenter: Fr. Josh Johnson, Pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant, Louisiana
To watch: This webinar will be presented on Facebook Live on https://www.facebook.com/joshua.johnson.79
Friday, May 1, 2020, 2-3 PM
Event: Webinar: Mission and Money - Catholic Parish Fundraising
We have closed our churches out of a love for neighbor in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yet, given that parishes depend upon the weekly offertory for operational revenue, parishes are feeling the impact of the shutdown. Join us for a webinar exclusively focused on fundraising for Catholic parishes in the midst of pandemic. How can you engage your parishioners as donors — without obfuscating their relationship to the parish? How can you raise funds without having Mass? How can you come out of this crisis stronger? Bring your questions and join us for a one-hour webinar focused on keeping your parish thriving through pandemic!
Event: Webinar: Mission and Money - Catholic Parish Fundraising
We have closed our churches out of a love for neighbor in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yet, given that parishes depend upon the weekly offertory for operational revenue, parishes are feeling the impact of the shutdown. Join us for a webinar exclusively focused on fundraising for Catholic parishes in the midst of pandemic. How can you engage your parishioners as donors — without obfuscating their relationship to the parish? How can you raise funds without having Mass? How can you come out of this crisis stronger? Bring your questions and join us for a one-hour webinar focused on keeping your parish thriving through pandemic!
More information and registration: Click here
Sunday, May 3, 2020 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Event: Discerning God's Will for the Average Catholic
Discernment honors the place of God's will in our lives. To be in line with God's will for us, our choices require deep thought, prayer, and consideration. To learn better how to discover and discern God's will your life, men and women, high school age and above, are invited to gather for this online retreat. This retreat will be based on the writings of Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
Presenters: Fr. DeLacy, Vocation Director for the Diocesan Priesthood and Sr. Marianne Lallone, Vocation Directress for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
To register for this ONLINE retreat, visit Heedthecall.org/GodsWill. For questions, please contact Fr. DeLacy at fr.sdelacy@archphila.org.
Presenters: Fr. DeLacy, Vocation Director for the Diocesan Priesthood and Sr. Marianne Lallone, Vocation Directress for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
To register for this ONLINE retreat, visit Heedthecall.org/GodsWill. For questions, please contact Fr. DeLacy at fr.sdelacy@archphila.org.
Mondays at 7:30 PM starting Monday, May 4
Event: Life in the Spirit: A Virtual Conference
The Lord has more for you! He desires an intimate relationship with you through openness to His Holy Spirit and His gifts. Renew and ignite the power of the Holy Spirit within you! Come and experience freedom with the Holy Spirit!
The conference team includes: Host, Maria Richardson of Saint Maria Goretti Parish; Father Stephen DeLacy, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Kathleen McCarthy, In His Sign Catholic Radio Network; Gloria Domino, Catholic Charismatic Renewal; and Gina and Russ Montalbano, Bethany Music Ministry.
More information and registration: https://youaremadenew.com/life-in-the-spirit-registration/
The conference team includes: Host, Maria Richardson of Saint Maria Goretti Parish; Father Stephen DeLacy, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Kathleen McCarthy, In His Sign Catholic Radio Network; Gloria Domino, Catholic Charismatic Renewal; and Gina and Russ Montalbano, Bethany Music Ministry.
More information and registration: https://youaremadenew.com/life-in-the-spirit-registration/
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Event: Delaware County’s National Day of Prayer (virtual event)
“Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth!”Celebrate with us on digital platforms from the comfort of your own homes. Daytime Program: Praise and Worship interspersed with Powerful Prayer accessible at www.NationalDayofPrayerDelco.com and www.facebook.com/DelawareCountyNDP.
Night time Program: 8-10 pm ET National Prayer Leaders participating remotely at www.NationalDayofPrayer.org and www.facebook.com/natlprayer as well as television (GodTV, Daystar) and radio (Moody Broadcasting, Bott Radio Network).
More information: Please contact Gabrielle Bruno at nationaldayofprayerdelco@gmail.com.
Night time Program: 8-10 pm ET National Prayer Leaders participating remotely at www.NationalDayofPrayer.org and www.facebook.com/natlprayer as well as television (GodTV, Daystar) and radio (Moody Broadcasting, Bott Radio Network).
More information: Please contact Gabrielle Bruno at nationaldayofprayerdelco@gmail.com.
Friday May 8th-Sunday May 10, 2020
Event: Theology of the Body Virtual Conference
Hosted by Theology of the Body Institute, the TOB Virtual Conference May 8-10 will feature dozens of prominent speakers and artists who will share their “ache” and joy with you — showing how Theology of the Body applies to everyday life, how it will transform your prayer life, how it can bring healing of the deepest wounds in yourself and with others, and how it will bring your Catholic faith alive in new and brilliant ways.
More information: Visit: https://www.tobvirtualconference.com
Sunday, May 10th (Mother’s Day), 12:00 PM
Event: Live-streaming of MMR May Crowning
On Sunday, May 10th (Mother’s Day), at 12:00 pm Mary, Mother of the Reedemer will live-stream from their chapel the Crowning of an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary within the Celebration of the Word of God. Please join us virtually as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as our Lady and our Queen.
Stream live at: https://www.mmredeemer.org/mass-streaming (Click on May Crowning)
Wednesday, May 13th, 1:00-2:15 PM
Event: Webinar: For Your Discernment: An Introduction to Three Ministries That Can Help Your Parish Evangelize
Event: Webinar: For Your Discernment: An Introduction to Three Ministries That Can Help Your Parish Evangelize
Join us for a webinar giving an overview of three major evangelization ministries that help parishes create and sustain ongoing missionary disciple-making in their community. It is designed to assist parish leaders in their discernment of how Christ is calling them to respond to the evangelical imperative, "Go, make disciples."
Ministries covered will be: ChristLife, Evangelical Catholic and Catholic Christian Outreach
Presenters: Meghan Cokeley and Gina Mesko, Office for the New Evangelization, Jane Selner, St. Rose of Lima, North Wales, Kurt Zampier, St. Helena, Blue Bell
Location: Webinar
Ways You Can Help
St. Francis Home for Youth Needs Your Help!
A message from Deacon Anthony Willoughby: The youth at St Francis Home, while safe, are confined to their group homes to comply with social distancing. It is with great humility that I ask if you could help us to keep them active. I am humbly aware of the tough and troubling times that we are experiencing and this “ask” is not something I do lightly, but our youth are so important to me that I believe this will give them a sense of certainty in these uncertain times. Here are some of the items we need:
- board games
- videos
- gift cards to procure them some special meals (McDonalds, Chick–fil-A, Wendy’s, Burger King etc.; $5.00 dollar denominations)
- coloring books, word spell, word finds, etc.
- small electronics
Please mail requested items to:
St. Francis Homes for Youth
Attn: Deacon Anthony Willoughby or Carolyn Connelly
3400 Bristol Pike.
Bensalem, PA 19020
Questions? Contact Deacon Anthony at 267-270-6600 or Carolyn Connelly at 215-642-3119. To learn more about St. Francis Home, visit: http://sfsj.org/
Emergency Relief Fund – Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia
As result of COVID-19, Catholic Social Services food pantries are experiencing a shortage of food and personal items due to their increase in client volume, with some pantries seeing a 100% increase. It’s become nearly impossible for them to accommodate each individual and family that visits them. Please consider a donation to CFGP’s ERF to purchase supplies for the CSS food pantries that are trying to feed those impacted by COVID-19. 100% of ERF’s proceeds will go directly to the food pantries.
Parish Support Initiative
As we navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving health crisis involving the COVID-19 pandemic, The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia (CFGP), is diligently working to respond to the needs of our faith community at every level. The suspension of the public celebration of Mass had directly impacted our parish communities in many ways. As a result, the CFGP has established the Parish Support Initiative.
- To learn more about the initiative, visit https://www.thecfgp.org/donate/parish-support-initiative/
LOOKING AHEAD...
Please note that these events, especially those during the summer, are tentative depending on developments related to the COVID19 restrictions. We share them with you so that you can note the dates.
June 29-July 2, 2020 - Quo Vadis discernment retreat for young men, Quarryville, PA
July 6-16, 2020 - Philadelphia Catholic Scholars Program for young men, Wynnewood, PA
August 5-9, 2020 - Biking for Vocations
Did someone forward you this newsletter?
To receive it each month directly in your inbox click the button below!
Follow us on social media!
