"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn..."
Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas
Year of Saint Joseph
Catholics around the world rejoice over the Holy Father's proclamation of the Holy Year of St. Joseph, which began on December 8, 2020 and ends December 8, 2021. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will begin its official observance of this holy year after the New Year. Many groups are already beginning to plan their initiatives. The entire Archdiocese of Philadelphia is encouraged to spend this year growing closer to St. Joseph, honoring him, imitating his virtues and asking for his intercession. May this be a year of great grace for all of us as we grow closer to our spiritual father!
- A preliminary website has been set-up where we will post resources and events for our Archdiocesan observance of the Year of St. Joseph. Check it out and come back often for updates at: archphila.org/joseph.
Vatican Note on COVID19 Vaccines
On December 21, the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released an important statement on the question of COVID19 vaccines. Please click the link below to read:
- Note of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 vaccines (Español)
Thank You, Father - Letter Writing Campaign
The New Serra Missionaries would like to introduce the program called “THANK YOU, FATHER” to show our appreciation, affection, and support for our wonderful priests. Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to send a letter or email of gratitude for the remarkable priest in your life by December 31, 2020. Tell us how he made an impact by God’s grace. Include your name and Parish. All letters will be sent to the corresponding priest. The Vocation Office, on social media, may post select letters. Click here to learn more about this project
- Please mail your letter to: Serra Missions; Attn: Thank You, Father; 100 East Wynnewood Road; Wynnewood, PA 19096
- Or please email to: Cynthia Brown at cynthiaarlenebrown@gmail.com
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/
Holy Hour
with the Good Shepherd
Join us for a holy hour with fellow priests, religious and lay faithful as we seek strength and encouragement from Jesus, our Good Shepherd, the saints and one another during these difficult times in the Church and in the world. The Holy Hour will include a Rosary, Litany and Benediction. Afterwards there will be a talk on a saint, exploring how he or she remained faithful to Christ and His Church during the trials of his or her time.
Sunday, January 17, 2021 ~ 2-4 PM
Talk topic: St. Charles Borromeo: Confidence, Courage and Constancy in the Storm
Fr. Matthew Biedrzycki, Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
3422 Dennison Ave ~ Drexel Hill, PA
3422 Dennison Ave ~ Drexel Hill, PA
More details and additional dates: Click here for the flyer
To RSVP, visit 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.
Continuing Dec 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.
Sunday, January 3, 2021 - 2:00 PM Preludes; 2:30 PM Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Event: Epiphany Celebration with the Sisters of Life
Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
More info: Please RSVP to philly@sistersoflife.org
Starting Mon., January 11, 2021 or Wed., Jan 13, 2021 or Fri., Jan 15, 2021 (Choose which day/time of the week works best for you.)
Event: Hearing God's Voice through Deeper Prayer Life (4-Part Series)
Event: Hearing God's Voice through Deeper Prayer Life (4-Part Series)
Do you desire to hear God's voice? Do you long to be filled up by Him, led by Him, and live a dynamic relationship with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
You're not alone. So many of us see the relationship that we want with God, but don't know how to get there. Join one of Catholic Christian Outreach founders, Andre Regnier, as he leads us toward the deep prayer life that we all desire. As we reach out to others, we are being invited to first continue our own journey with God into the depths of our souls. Make your New Year’s resolution this year to grow in your prayer life, and get it started by joining us for a weekly 1 hour video call with Andre beginning the week of January 11th for 4 weeks. All are welcome.
Location: Virtual Via ZOOM
Enroll for FREE: https://forms.gle/D1PNT8FDegymDie1A
For more info: View the flyer
Various dates beginning January 17, 2021
Event: Come and See Events for Men Discerning a Call to the Priesthood
Come and See events, hosted by the Vocations Office for the Diocesan Priesthood are designed to let young men (high school age and above) who are discerning the priesthood. Come and See Events are available for high school men (single day program) and post-high school men (overnight). These events are held monthly between January and March 2021. Ongoing online discernment groups are also available.
More information and registration: Visit https://heedthecall.org/comeandsee/
Saturday, January 23, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Event: Philadelphia March for Life (first-ever!)
With the Annual March for Life in Washington, DC being extremely limited by COVID restrictions, join us instead for a March for Life in Philadelphia. Come and give joy-filled witness to the dignity and sanctity of human life from conception to natural death!
Schedule: 9:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul followed by a March, ending with a rally on Independence Mall. Event will conclude at 1:00 PM.
Saturday, January 23, 2021 - 6:30 PM
Event: Holy Hour with Praise and Adoration
Join the Philadelphia Sisters of Life as we adore Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament!
Location: St. Malachy's Catholic Church; 1429 N 11th St.; Philadelphia, PA 19122
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM
Event: Zoom Webinar: Human Trafficking Awareness 101
This webinar sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection will cover the following topics related to human trafficking: What does it mean to be “groomed”; What are the red flags to look for when someone is trying to groom a child?; How is grooming connected to Human Trafficking?; the origins and conditions that create/enable human trafficking and more.
Presenter: Pattie Cavalli, Education/Awareness Prevention Coordinator for Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) in Bucks County, PA
More info: Click here to register
Friday, January 29, 2021
Event: March for Life, Washington, DC
The March for Life is an inspiring, peaceful. Vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge on the National Mall and march on Capitol Hill on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in all 50 states. It’s the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world.
More info and regular updates: https://marchforlife.org/
- For all those who are unable to attend the March for Life in Washington DC this year, you are invited to celebrate Mass on Friday, January 29th at 10 am with Archbishop Pérez at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Philadelphia. Contact the Office for Life and Family for more information: http://phillycatholiclife.org/
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/parishes/; 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.
Friday, February 5, 2021-7:00 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: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
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.
Third Sundays of every month at 11:30 AM
Event: Secular Carmelite Meetings
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.
Event (For Engaged Couples): Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation Courses
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. A variety of dates are available in the following course formats:
- Live Online (dates are posted quarterly):
- Friday night and Saturday
- 2 Saturdays
- 4 Weeknights
- 6 Weeknights
- Self-Paced Online with 2-Hr Live Virtual Mentorship Session
For more information and to register, please visit: phillycatholicmarriageprep.com
Date, time: View on Your Own Schedule
Event: Online Course: Theology of Liturgical Music
Liturgical music has taken many forms over the centuries, but what is its purpose in the Mass? We know that song is elevated speech and liturgical music goes far beyond the usual four hymns that we sing on Sundays. In fact, the Trinity are constantly praising each other in the eternal love song of the Sacred Liturgy. In this course you will learn the definition and nature of liturgical music and finally to how we view it from with the context of the Sacred Liturgy today.
Instructor: Dr. Denis McNamara, Associate Professor and the Executive Director of the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas
More info: 50% discount available until December 31; Full details and registration can by found by clicking here.
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
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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