"Let every heart prepare Him room."
Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas
COVID19 Vaccines and the Dignity of Human Life
Catholics have an unrelenting obligation to uphold the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. This is leads us to ask important moral questions about vaccines, including the forthcoming COVID19 vaccines. To assist us with our research and to help us know which vaccines are ethical and which are not, our Archdiocesan Office for Life and Family has put together a website with links to the excellent Catholic institutions that are working to provide us with accurate and trustworthy moral guidance on COVID19 vaccines. Please visit this page and explore its resources, checking back often as information develops and becomes available.
- Office for Life and Family COVID19 Vaccines Explained page: http://phillycatholiclife.org/life-affirming-choices-3/covid-19-vaccines-explained/
- Webinar on December 7 at 7 PM by the National Catholic Bioethics Center, "Covid-19 Vaccines and Catholic Moral Teaching" - Click here to learn more and register
Introducing Revive Parishes!
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is grateful to partner with Revive Parishes, an organization that provides online ministry training for those who lead Catholic ministry, especially in a parish. The courses are taught by the best and most experienced Catholic ministry practitioners in the country. Revive provides Catholic ministry leaders with a way to enrich their own outreach and deepen the ministry skills of fellow staff and volunteers so that they can more effectively care for the people of the parish.
There is no cost to use the Revive platform and it is open to everyone in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It is particularly intended for those who have a leadership role in parish ministry (or are discerning a leadership role).
Learn more and get started:
- Get started at archphila.org/revive.
- Revive Introduction Flyer – At-a-glance information about Revive.
- 2-Minute Introductory Video “What is Revive?”
New Podcast Inspired by Blessed Carlo Acutis!
The Acutis Initiative podcast, by Eddie Garcia, Catholic teen from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Ambler
"I learned a bit about blessed Carlo Acutis at church and a little bit at school the week of his beatification. The thing that really struck me about him was how he died so young (15 years old) and how he used technology to bring people closer to Christ. I heard a small talk on Blessed Carlo Acutis and at the end I remember the person said, "We can complain about the fact that people aren't coming to church, we can complain about how people are getting further away from Christ, we can complain about all the evil in this world, and we can question why the world is the way it is today but the real question is what are YOU going to do about it!" That stayed with me, a small seed you could say and I decided to follow Blessed Carlo's example in using the internet to bring people closer to Christ. So I invite all of you to listen to my podcast and hopefully God can use my podcast as an instrument to bring people closer to Him. My name is Eddie Garcia, and this is The Acutis Initiative."
- The Acutis Initiative podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
- Learn more about Blessed Carlo Acutis
#iGiveCatholic
Support the Office for the New Evangelization on Giving Tuesday - December 1, 2020!
We’re excited to announce that we are participating in #iGiveCatholic on #GivingTuesday, our nation’s first-ever Catholic day of giving! This year it will be December 1 from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
All donations to the Office for the New Evangelization will go towards funding grants for parishes that will enable them to enter into formal partnerships with some of the best evangelization ministries in the country who will walk alongside a parish to launch an effective evangelization movement!
- Our iGiveCatholic donation page: https://philadelphia.igivecatholic.org/organizations/office-for-the-new-evangelization-archdiocese-of-philadelphia
Office for the New Evangelization Events
For Your Discernment
Webinar Series on Parish Evangelization
Wednesdays, Jan 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2021
1:00-2:00 PM
Is your parish seeking a way to respond to Jesus’ mandate, “Go, make disciples?" Join us for a series of webinars that will give an overview of three parish evangelization ministries that can help your parish launch a movement of missionary disciple-making. The webinars will provide parish leaders with experience-based information and insight about each ministry in order to help you discern whether one of these ministries might be right for your parish.
- Wed, Jan 6 – 1:00-2:00 PM - For Your Discernment Introduction: What Should Parish Evangelization Look Like?
- Wed, Jan 13 – 1:00-2:00 PM - For Your Discernment: ChristLife
- Wed, Jan 20 – 1:00-2:00 PM - For Your Discernment: Evangelical Catholic
- Wed, Jan 27 – 1:00-2:00 PM – For Your Discernment: Catholic Christian Outreach
Speakers & full details:
Registration:
Each webinar is a stand-alone event. You are welcome to attend as many as you wish. Please register for each webinar separately at: http://www.phillyevang.org/events/
Around the Archdiocese
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 phillyevang@archphila.org for consideration.
Tuesdays, December 1st, 15th, and 22nd – 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Event: Zoom discussion on “Everything You Wanted to Know About the Sacraments but Were Afraid to Ask!”
Please join St. Augustine Parish (Philadelphia) as we host three virtual discussions during Advent on the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Did you ever wonder if babies who die without Baptism go to Limbo/Hell? What does it mean to receive the Holy Spirit in Confirmation? What is meant by “Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist”? We will discuss and answer these and other questions you might have regarding the three Sacraments of Initiation. Please register for each webinar separately.
- 12/1 – Baptism – Fr. Chris Walsh, Pastor, St. Raymond Parish (Philadelphia) – Click here to register for this webinar
- 12/15 – Confirmation – Meghan Cokeley, Director of the Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia – Click here to register for this webinar
- 12/22 – Eucharist – Fr. G. Dennis Gill, Director, Office for Divine Worship and Pastor of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia – Click here to register for this webinar
Hosted by: St. Augustine Parish (Philadelphia) via Zoom
More info: Submit your questions to the speakers in advance to Jacob Marquart, O.F.S. at staugustineparish09@gmail.com or call (215) 627-1838.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 - 7:00 PM
Event: "Tired of Being Tired" Webinar
Event: "Tired of Being Tired" Webinar
It's easy to get burnt out in life. Whether from stress, depression, or even self-defeating thoughts. But, the joyful and exhilarating life God wants for you and your family is right around the corner! Join us as we discuss healthy and Catholic ways to defeat the tiredness and burnout which comes with everyday life. We welcome renowned psychiatrist and recent Catholic convert, Dr. Mohamed Dattu, to share his many thoughts! Webinar ID 919 8474 6957; Webinar Passcode 838651.
Speaker: Dr. Mohamed Dattu, Board Certified Psychiatrist
Hosted by: St. John Vianney Parish, Gladwye, PA
More info: This event is online only.
December 2, 16, 30, Jan 13, 27, Feb 10, 24, Mar 10, 24, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Event: Into the Breach: Formation Series for Men (Virtual)
Join La Rabida Knights of Columbus for a multi-part discussion of Into the Breach, a series produced by the Knights of Columbus that discusses the importance for Catholic men to live a life of conversion in today’s world. Through small group discussions, we’ll learn how to be strong fathers, better husbands and men fit for the breach. Click here to learn more about Into the Breach.
More info: Questions? Contact Fr. Matthew Biedrzycki, Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, at fathermkb@gmail.com or Michael Osowiecki at michael.osowiecki@kofc.org. Please register at the link below.
December 2, 9, 16, 23 – 7:30-8:30 PM
Event: Advent Zoom Chats with Young Adults, “Journeying Together”
Join us as we journey together with Isaiah the Prophet, John the Baptist, Joseph and Mary and Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive), the Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation to Young People
Presenters:
- DECEMBER 2: Sr. Nuala Cotter, Assumption Sister and Brother Patrick Travers, Newman Center
- DECEMBER 9: Sr. Nuala Cotter, Assumption Sister and Mrs. Kathia Arango, Office of Hispanic Catholics
- DECEMBER 16: Fr. Eric Banecker, St. Francis de Sales Parishand Fr. Kurniawan, CM – Indonesian Chaplain
- DECEMBER 23: Fr. Eric Banecker, St. Francis de Sales Parish and Mr. James Andrews, Office of Black Catholics
How to participate: Zoom Meeting ID: 899 9777 6073; Passcode: ADVENT
- Or, click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89997776073?pwd=SHh3eUpZdEUvb2dCSktuM3ExRkNtdz09
- Or, live-streamed on www.facebook.com/PCMRPhilly or www.facebook.com/HispanosPhilly
December 4th, 2020-7:00 PM
Event: Healing Mass and Prayer Service
Join us for Holy Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship music and healing prayers.
Location: The Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
Dec. 4-6th, 2020
Online Advent Retreat: Praying Through Infertility
For those struggling with infertility, the time spent preparing for and celebrating Christmas can be bittersweet. But the Lord offers us great hope! Springs in the Desert invites those carrying the burden of infertility and loss to a FREE virtual mini-prayer retreat. Discover ways to connect more deeply to God and your spouse through prayer; contemplate the Lord's closeness in your suffering; and learn ways to surrender your sorrows to God, and invite Him to guide you and strengthen your marriage. Retreat ends with a Facebook Live event on Dec. 6 at 2pm EST.
December 4-5th, 2020
Event: Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation Courses For Engaged Couples
We are thrilled for you and your upcoming marriage! The Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers the Joy-Filled Marriage Program, a thorough, enjoyable, and comprehensive program, which discusses practical “life skills” and the sacramentality of marriage. The purpose of Marriage Preparation is to introduce you to the theology behind the sacrament and give you practical advice using sound psychology that will equip you for your life journey together. All courses are being delivered in a live online format until further notice.
For more information and to register, visit: phillycatholicmarriageprep.com
Saturday December 5, 2020 - 7:00 PM
Event: Presentation: The Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales
Speaker: Rev. Thomas F. Dailey, O.S.F.S
Please join us for a presentation on the Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. Fr. Thomas Dailey is a priest in the religious congregation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (the patron saint of journalists and Catholic writers). He holds the John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics and Social Communications at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He also serves as a research fellow for the Catholic Leadership Institute and as a scholarly expert in the Sophia Institute for Teachers.
Location: St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 259 Forest Ave. Ambler, PA 19002; In person in the sanctuary & Livestreamed at www.saintanthonyparish.org
Questions? info@saintanthonyparish.org
Saturday, December 5, 2020 - 10:00-11:00 AM
Event: Women's Advent Morning of Reflection (on Zoom)
Topic: Understanding Mary's Heart: Letting Her Fire Ignite Our Hearts
Our Lady's heart burns with a fire of love for God and for each one of us. Join us for a virtual morning of reflection in which we will seek to understand the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her role in our lives as Mother, and the peace and tranquility she wishes to bring into our lives, especially in these times of turmoil. We will also look to Mary to understand more deeply what it means to be a woman and how, during this Advent, we can grow closer to her and by doing so, ignite our feminine genius.
Speaker: Meghan Cokeley, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Sponsored by: St. Andrew Catholic Church, Newtown PA
Speaker: Meghan Cokeley, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Sponsored by: St. Andrew Catholic Church, Newtown PA
December 6-10, 2020
Event: Pastoral Conversion Advent Conference
Sponsored by the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary, LaTrobe, PA, this online conference will engage church leaders & lay ministers in the most important questions & approaches to pastoral conversion. “Catechesis needs to be presented as an ongoing proclamation of the Mystery of Christ, the objective of which is to foster in the heart of the baptized that full stature of Christ (cf. Eph 4:13) that is derived from a personal encounter with the Lord of life.” - Instruction on the Pastoral Conversion of the Parish, 23
Speakers: Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, Dan Cellucci, Annie Sarlo, Msgr. Brian Bransfield, Dr. Michel Thierren and more!
Learn more and register at: https://www.pastoralconversionconference.com/
Monday, December 7, 2020 – 7:00 PM
Event: Webinar: Covid-19 Vaccines and Catholic Moral Teaching
Can a Catholic in good conscience be vaccinated against Covid-19?
With a new surge in cases of the coronavirus hitting the United States, we also have the promise that a vaccine will soon be available, possibly even before the end of the year. Catholics may have questions and concerns about the origin of these vaccines and if they can accept them in good conscience. Dr. Brehany will provide an overview of the vaccines currently in development with regard to the morality of their origin and manufacture, and answer questions you may have about their use.
Speaker: John Brehany, PhD, STL, a moral theologian at The National Catholic Bioethics Center.
More info: Click here to register
Tuesday, December 8, 2020-7:00 PM
Event: Online Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Although we cannot go to France or visit your parish community during this extraordinary time, we are blessed to bring Lourdes virtually to you with an exceptional blessing from the Holy Father! Pope Francis has proclaimed a Plenary Indulgence for Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage ExperienceTM to be broadcast or live-streamed directly to you with the same grace as if we were in your local parish or the Sanctuary in France! Each experience is led by a one of our trained guides. Together we will journey to the Lourdes Grotto in our hearts and unite together under the mantle of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Location: Live-streamed online at the website below
More info: Please go to the website for more details, to register and to order your Lourdes pilgrimage kit: https://lourdesvolunteers.org/online-lourdes-virtual-pilgrimage-experience-2/
Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 4:00-5:00 PM
Event: Catholic Leadership Speaker Series
This virtual event features special guest speaker, Montse Alvarado
Vice President and Executive Director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
More information: To register for the event, visit TheCFGP.org/leadershipseriesdec20, There is no cost to register for this event.
Vice President and Executive Director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
More information: To register for the event, visit TheCFGP.org/leadershipseriesdec20, There is no cost to register for this event.
Thursday, December 10, 2020 - 12:30 PM EST
Event: Rowan Williams on “Saving our Order: Thomas Becket, Henry II and the Law of Church and State” - Webinar
Event: Rowan Williams on “Saving our Order: Thomas Becket, Henry II and the Law of Church and State” - Webinar
The Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy at Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law is co-sponsoring a virtual public lecture to mark the 850th anniversary of the murder of Saint Thomas Becket. Thomas Becket, saint and martyr, was the 39th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 1162 to December 29, 1170 when he was brutally murdered in his cathedral by knights loyal to King Henry II. His death sent shockwaves through medieval Europe which continue to resonate in the present day. The speaker, Rowan Williams, theologian and poet, was the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 2002 to 2012. He subsequently sat as a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords, and was Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge until his retirement from both in the summer of 2020. The Zoom lecture is free of charge but registration is required.
Speaker: Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury
More info: Register at https://ecclawsoc.org.uk/events/rowan-williams/ and a code will be emailed to you allowing entry to the lecture.
Friday, December 11th, 2020, 6:30-9:00 PM
Event: A Night of Hope An Outdoor Evening of Reflection for Young Adults
This event is sponsored by Peak Encounters, a ministry to help you engage your mind, body, and spirit as you connect with the untamed, mysterious God who created you! Leap, hike, paddle, zip-line, float, walk, sail, and more into the abundant life with God. Pope Benedict XVI once said, “The one who has hope lives differently.” But what does it really mean to have hope? Join us at the Malvern Memorial Cabin for an evening of reflection, prayer, and fellowship as we delve deeper into what it means to live as people of hope, especially during Advent. There will be a bonfire, hot cocoa, outdoor Adoration, and excellent company! BYOS – Bring your own s'mores! We will provide hot cocoa & water bottles.
Location: Malvern Memorial Cabin in Malvern, PA
More information: Visit: https://peakencounter.org/new-events or email Heather at hello@peakencounter.com
Saturday, December 12, 2020 - 10:00 AM
Event: Sung Latin Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Join us for Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Latin Mass) as we honor Our Lady with great solemnity and reverence. All are welcome to attend! (Click here for a helpful introduction to the Latin Mass.)
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
Saturday, December 12, 2020 - 11:00 AM
Event: Our Lady of Guadalupe Brunch for Catholic Women
Event: Our Lady of Guadalupe Brunch for Catholic Women
This Our Lady of Guadalupe potluck brunch is an opportunity for Catholic women in Philadelphia to meet, share fellowship and honor Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast day. A local woman will be hosting in her home with limited attendance to allow for social distancing. RSVP is required.
RSVP online: Click here to RSVP by December 5
Questions? Contact: The GIVEN Institute communications@giveninstitute.com
Sábado, 12 de diciembre, 2020, a las 3 pm (Hora del este)
Evento: Peregrinaje Virtual a Lourdes vía Internet en español
Juntos iremos a la Gruta en nuestros corazones y estaremos unidos bajo el manto de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. Preparemos nuestros corazones (en lugar de nuestros equipajes) para este peregrinaje spiritual. No habrá turbulencia ni usaremos millas de viajero frecuente—¡pero recibiremos la misma Gracia! Un sobre conteniendo Agua de Lourdes y una imagen de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en la Gruta que ha tocado una reliquia de primer grado de Sta. Bernardita Soubirous será enviada por correo postal a todos los que respondan (RSVP).
Mas información y inscripción gratis: https://lourdesvolunteers.org/online-lourdes-virtual-pilgrimage-experience-spanish/
Sunday, December 13th, 2020-2:00 PM
Event: Cathedral Virtual Christmas Concert
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul proudly presents our first-ever Virtual Christmas Concert, Prayer for Peace,on December 13, 2020 at 2pm. Join the Cathedral choir and instrumentalists as they perform works by Abbie Betinis, Frank La Rocca, Julian Wachner, William Walton, as well as beloved Christmas Carols for all to participate. May we all experience the hope, joy and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, throughout the Christmas season. A link to the concert will be emailed to you on the day of the concert, or any subsequent day after Dec. 13 when a ticket is purchased.
More info: For tickets, please visit.
Third Sundays of every month at 11:30 AM
Event: Secular Carmelite Meeting
Interested in becoming a Secular Carmelite? Secular Carmelites live in allegiance to Jesus, seeking to imitate the Virgin Mary’s contemplation of the word of God and detachment. We strive to follow the teachings and example of Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint John of the Cross and other Carmelite saints. The Discalced Carmelite Secular Order invites those faithful, who desire to deepen their spiritual life through prayer, to inquire by attending a meeting.
Location: We meet at the Carmelite Monastery, 1400 Old York Road, Philadelphia. 19126, the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 am.
For information call Maribel at: 215-431-2817.
January 31, 2021-10:00 AM (also Feb 18, Mar 21 at 7 PM)
Event: Open House for Martin Saints Classical Academy (High School)
Are we the right school for your student? Please come, learn more, and meet our team. Martin Saints Classical Academy hosts Open Houses throughout the school year. We would love to meet you and tell you more about our school and admissions process!
Location: Martin Saints Classical Academy, Oreland, PA
More info: Visit the website
More info: Visit the website
February 4-7, 2021
Event: FOCUS SEEK Small Group Conference (with Making Missionary Disciples Track for Parishes)
Whether you’ve attended FOCUS events in the past or have never been to a SEEK conference, this year we’re putting together a whole new immersive conference experience you can have right from home — no travel or time off required! SEEK21 will have live broadcast programming that will give you the flexibility to experience SEEK as a group with enough time for fellowship, prayer, meals, discussions and more built into each day. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, Bible study, parish group, etc. to join you for SEEK!
Speakers: Bishop Barron, Chika Anyanwu, Curtis Martin, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Sr. Bethany Madonna, Fr. Mike Schmitz and more
Cost: $449 per group (up to 10 people)
More info and registration: https://seek.focus.org/; Limited funding is available to help offset the cost for parish groups to participate in SEEK. Click here to learn more about the SEEK grant.
Rosary Campaign for an End to the Coronavirus and Peace in Our Nation
“…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 asking the miraculous intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to put an end to the coronavirus and to bring restoration to those most severely impacted by the pandemic. We are also asking Our Lady to bestow peace on our country during these tumultuous times.
“…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 asking the miraculous intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to put an end to the coronavirus and to bring restoration to those most severely impacted by the pandemic. We are also asking Our Lady to bestow peace on our country during these tumultuous times.
- Rosary in English: Monday through Thursday at 8 PM until further notice
- Rosario en español: Please email pherrera@olguadalupe.org for details
For more details and log-in, visit: http://www.phillyevang.org/rosary
February 12-14, 2021
Event: RETROUVAILLE: REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE
Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vy). If you know anyone who could benefit from this program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase intimacy. It provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. The next program begins the weekend of February 12 - 14, 2021 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA.
For more information, or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Monthly meetings, various times and locations
Event: Nourish for Caregivers Support Groups
In a recent Sunday Gospel Jesus reminds us that he desires mercy, not sacrifice. Mt 9:13 For caregivers, life is often all about sacrifice. Whether it is putting their own needs aside until the end of the day or forgoing self-care altogether, exhaustion and frustration can be ever present companions. We focus on caring for the caregiver because this role is not just about sacrifice, but also availing one's self to the loving embrace from our merciful Jesus and his most Blessed Mother. The ministry meets in-person at a variety of times and locations throughout the Archdiocese as well as virtually via Zoom.
More information: visit http://www.phillyevang.org/nourish/ or contact Aimee Gustitis at 610-724-8950 or aimeegustitis@outlook.com.
More information: visit http://www.phillyevang.org/nourish/ or contact Aimee Gustitis at 610-724-8950 or aimeegustitis@outlook.com.
LOOKING AHEAD...
March 6, 2021 - Man-Up Philly Men's Spirituality Conference
June 9-13th, 2021- 2021 GIVEN Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Forum, Washington D.C.
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