"O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams."
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Fatima Centennial Reflection: Mary, Mother of God
“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners…” Christians say these words at least 53 times each time they pray the Rosary. For us, Mary’s title as “Mother of God” is a given. And yet, this title was a point of great contention for a period in the early Church. While the Church had been calling Mary the Mother of God from the beginning, a 5th century patriarch named Nestorius argued that..." Click here to read the full reflection...
Evangelization News, Tips & Ideas
Great Video on Evangelization and the Path of Discipleship
Check out the video above from our friends in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. It does an excellent job answering these fundamental questions:- What is the new evangelization?
- To whom is it addressed?
- What is the path by which someone becomes a disciple of Jesus Christ and how can we help the process?
Introducing Radiant and Valiant:
Put some awesome (and wholesome) content into the hands of young Catholics!
Radiant Magazine is a quarterly periodical for young, Catholic women spreading the Beauty of Christ and His Church. It covers traditional topics of the Catholic Church and applies them to the lives of young women living in a modern world.
Subscribe here
View a sample of Radiant
Subscribe here
View a sample of Radiant
Valiant Magazine is a semi-annual periodical for young, Catholic men from all walks of life who are not afraid to live out their calling with courage, strength and conviction.
Subscribe here
View a sample of Valiant
Subscribe here
View a sample of Valiant
Office for the New Evangelization
Upcoming Events
Consecration of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
to Our Lady of Fatima
On Sunday, October 15, 2017,
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
will consecrate the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia to Our Lady of Fatima
at the 11:00am Mass
at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
will consecrate the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia to Our Lady of Fatima
at the 11:00am Mass
at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
The 33-day preparation for our consecration begins on Sept 12. For suggested materials to aid your preparation visit archphila.org/fatima.
The AbbeyFest:
Faith, Music, and Family Festival
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, PA
AbbeyFest is the premier celebration of family, friends, and contemporary Catholic/Christian music in the greater Philadelphia area. Over 3,000 kids, teens, and parents attended last year!
Headliners: Matt Maher and Mandisa
Tickets & info: theabbeyfest.com
Around the Archdiocese...
If you would like to submit an event for inclusion in the newsletter, please email all pertinent information to asanders@archphila.org for consideration. Please submit event information in the format used below.
Monday, August 28, 2017, 7:00pm
Event: The Cardinal's Forum: The Gift of the Priestly Vocation
An annual gathering that advances the academic formation of seminary students and provides continuing education for the lay faithful about a topic of contemporary concern
Speakers: Archbishop Charles Chaput, Dr. John Haas, Fr. Thomas Dailey
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Vianney Hall Auditorium, Wynnewood, PA
More info: View the flyer
September 1-3, 2017
Event: Family Labor Day Retreat
Enjoy an opportunity to renew your relationship with God and your loved ones. Retreat includes activities for children, family meals, special liturgies and more. All are welcome, including young children, teens and grandparents. Cost: $395 per family (parents/minor children). Each additional couple is $370. Single adult $195.
Location: Malvern Retreat House
Retreat Director: Fr. John Meyers, Pro Tem Rector of Malvern Retreat House
To register: Call 610-644-0400 or visit malvernretreat.com/register
Tuesdays, starting September 5, 2017, 7:00pm-8:15pm
Event: Support Group for the Divorced
This 10-week program for divorced Catholics includes DVD presentations, offered by expert counselors, author Rose Sweet, and others who have suffered through divorce. Your life will be rejuvenated, your hope restored, and your faith in Christ and his Church renewed!
Location: Saint Jude Catholic Education Center: Library in Chalfont, PA
More info: Click here for more information & to register
September 7-9, 2017 – 9-5pm
Event: The Catholic Medical Association’s 86th Annual Education Conference Theme: “Medicine at the Service of Marriage and Family: Transforming the Culture with Love and Truth”
“As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the world in which we live.”
Location: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Denver, CO
Speakers include: Chris Stefanick; Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila; Sister Terese Auer, O.P.; Mary Rice Hasson; Paul Hruz, M.D., Ph.D.; Abraham Nussbaum, M.D.; Janet Smith, Ph.D.
To learn more: Visit the website: http://www.cathmed.org/events/annual-educational-conference/
Event: The Catholic Medical Association’s 86th Annual Education Conference Theme: “Medicine at the Service of Marriage and Family: Transforming the Culture with Love and Truth”
“As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the world in which we live.”
Location: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Denver, CO
Speakers include: Chris Stefanick; Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila; Sister Terese Auer, O.P.; Mary Rice Hasson; Paul Hruz, M.D., Ph.D.; Abraham Nussbaum, M.D.; Janet Smith, Ph.D.
To learn more: Visit the website: http://www.cathmed.org/events/annual-educational-conference/
Friday, September 8, 2017, 6:00 PM
Event: Montgomery County Flame of Love Evening Retreat
All are welcome to attend Montgomery County's Flame of Love Retreat. This event is bi-lingual and will prove to be a beautiful Spirit-filled evening.
Location: St. Anthony Parish, 259 Forrest Ave., Ambler, PA 19002
Saturday, September 9, 2017, 4:00 PM
Event: Feast of Our Lady of Good Health Vailankanni
All are cordially invited to celebrate this feast in collaboration with the Indian Catholic community and St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Philadelphia. Included will be special prayers for the sick, Miraculous Medal Novena, Our Lady of Good Health Novena, Solemn High Mass, Procession with Our Lady of Good Health Statue, Rosary in different languages.
Location: Miraculous Medal Shrine, 475 E. Chelten Ave, Philadelphia 19144
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Event: 33-day Preparation for Archdiocesan Consecration to Our Lady of Fatima begins
Everyone is invited to spiritually prepare for 33 days prior to our Archdiocesan consecration to Our Lady on Sunday, October 15!
Location: Preparation is personal and can be done on your own time
More info: Recommended Marian consecration preparation guides can be found at archphila.org/fatima
Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 7:00 PM
Event: Fatima Holy Hour
Sponsored by Our Lady of the Rosary Society.
Location: Sacred Heart Parish, Swedesburg/Bridgeport, PA
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 7:00pm
Event: Solemn Pontifical Mass in the Traditional Latin Rite
Come and experience the beauty and splendor of Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Latin Mass) for the Solemnity of the Triumph of the Cross!
Celebrant: Most Rev. Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
Thursday, September 14, 2017, starts with 11:15am Mass
Event: Vocations Presentation
This presentation is for individuals and families (children are very welcome!) to learn about vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Speakers: Fr. Tom Whittingham (Pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester), two Vincentian seminarians, and Sr. Grace Marie (Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth in Jackson, PA)
Location: National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020 http://www.katharinedrexel.org/national-shrine/
More info and registration: View the flyer
On Thursday, September 14 at 7 PM
Event: Come to a Bilingual NaPro Road Show in Northeast Philadelphia!
Dr. Delia Larrauri and nurse practitioner Barbara Rose will explain the many benefits of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTechnology, authentic Catholic pro-life health care for women and couples Presentations in English and Spanish. Information session and film starts at 7 PM.
Location: Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Avenue, Philadelphia PA
For more information, contact Barbara Rose at 215 884 2922 or go to www.fertilitycarefriends.org/events
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Event: The AbbeyFest: Faith, Music, and Family Festival
AbbeyFest is the premier celebration of family, friends, and contemporary Catholic/Christian music in the greater Philadelphia area. Over 3,000 kids, teens, and parents attended last year!
Headliners: Matt Maher and Mandisa
Location: Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, PA
More info: Visit the website http://www.theabbeyfest.com/
Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 10:00 AM—Noon
Event: CHRISTIAN INITATION (RCIA) COORDINATORS FALL MEETING
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Topic: Crafting the Syllabus for the Catechetical Sessions for Adults and Children
Presenter: Father Dennis Gill, Director of the Office for Divine Worship
More info: Email the Office for Divine Worship, worship@archphila.orgFriday, September 22, 2017, 7pm
Event: Mary-The Way of Beauty - A Reflection on the Virgin in Art
Speaker: Bill Donaghy
Location: The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, 475 E. Chelten Ave, Philadelphia 19144
Cost: $15 - includes hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine (21+ with ID).
RSVP by Sept. 15
More info: Call 215-848-1010 or visit https://cammonline.org/wayofbeauty/
Saturday, September 23, 2017, 8-11:30 am
Event: Manly Dad Breakfast
For fathers and men who plan to be fathers, this breakfast will discuss manliness and its life-changing effects in children's lives. Cost: $15
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 N 17th St, Philadelphia 19103
Speaker: Mark Houck, president - The King's MenEvent: Manly Dad Breakfast
For fathers and men who plan to be fathers, this breakfast will discuss manliness and its life-changing effects in children's lives. Cost: $15
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 N 17th St, Philadelphia 19103
More Info: Call Steve Bozza: 215-587-5661 or visit www.phillycatholiclife.org
Saturday, September 23, 2017, 9am-12pm
Event: Come Learn About Walking With Purpose (Information Session)
Do you have a heart for other women and a desire to connect them in your parish...to meet women where they are and draw them closer to Christ? Attend an information session about Walking with Purpose, a fast-growing women’s Catholic Bible study now offered at 15 parishes in the Archdiocese and over 200 parishes in the US, Canada, Switzerland and Argentina.Event: Come Learn About Walking With Purpose (Information Session)
Location: Church of St. Monica, 635 First Ave, Berwyn
More info: Continental breakfast will be provided. No cost to attend. Contact Laura White at laurawhitewwp@gmail.com for more information or to register.
September 25 & 26, 2017, 6:30pm Prelude; 7:00pm Revival
Event: Revival: Two Evenings of Preaching and Praise
All are invited! Sponsored by the Office for Black Catholics & the Parishes of Black Catholic Community
Featuring: Fr. Paul Whittington, O.P., Homilist; Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir; Immanuel Movement Praise Team
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: View the flyer
September 26 - 28, 2017
Event: Dorothy Day Retreat - Faith, Spirituality, Hospitality and a Love for Land
This unique retreat will offer an experience of the Benedictine spirituality of Dorothy Day, who in her life integrated her love of God, neighbor and nature. This integration will be experienced through spiritual talks, quiet time and some light hands-on work - the "ora et labora" of St. Benedict. Cost: $250 pp.
Location: Malvern Retreat House
Directed by: Dr. Carmina Chapp, Ph.D.
More info: To register, visit malvernretreat.com/register or call 610-644-0400
September 27 to November 5, 2017
Event: 40 Days for Life
A public, peaceful, prayerful witness for the end of abortion.
Location: Various abortion clinics in the greater Philadelphia area
More info: Search for a location near you and sign up for a time slot(s) https://40daysforlife.com/browse-campaigns/
September 28 - 30, 2017
Event: The Society for Catholic Liturgy 2017 Annual Conference
Theme: The Liturgy and Post-Modernity
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, Philadelphia
More info: Learn more & register at liturgysociety.org/conference/
September 29 - 30, 2017
Event: Walking in Confidence, Trusting in God's Promises - A 24-hour Women's Retreat
Join us for a message about the mercy and hope God provides, even in the face of unexpected life events. Cost: $150, including meals.
Speaker: Jennifer Hubbard, a mother who lost her 6-year old daughter Catherine Violet Hubbard during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
Location: Malvern Retreat House
More info: To register, call 610-620-0400 or visit malvernretreat.com/register
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 – 7-9:30 PM
Event: Reboot Live! with Chris Stefanick
A fun, inspiring and practical experience for all (ages 12 and up) for applying the beauty and genius of the Gospel to every aspect of your life, from prayer and spirituality, to work, dating, marriage, parenting, health and more!
Location: St. Agnes, Sellersville, PA.
Speakers include: Internationally renowned Catholic speaker, family man, father of five, musician and author Chris Stefanick, along with top performing live music artists
To learn more: Visit www.reallifecatholic.com/reboot. or contact Lesia at 215-804-7975
Thursday, October 5, 2017 – 7-9:30 PM
Event: Reboot Live! with Chris Stefanick
A fun, inspiring and practical experience for all (ages 12 and up) for applying the beauty and genius of the Gospel to every aspect of your life, from prayer and spirituality, to work, dating, marriage, parenting, health and more!
Location: St. Philip Neri Parish Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA.
Speakers include: Internationally renowned Catholic speaker, family man, father of five, musician and author Chris Stefanick, along with top performing live music artists
To learn more: www.reallifecatholic.com/reboot. Look for October 5th and St. Philip Neri to purchase online.
Friday, October 6, 2017, 6:30 pm
Event: St. Mary's Franciscan Shelter for Homeless Families's 30th Anniversary Gala
Since 1987, St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter has housed more than 600 families, provided over 112,500 nights of shelter and over 336,000 meals for homeless families in Chester & Montgomery counties – including case management and on-site coaching to foster dignity and independence. Join us to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. The event will include appetizers, dinner, open bar, dessert, speakers, and live and silent auctions.
Location: River Crest Golf Club, Phoenixville,PA
More Information: Visit our website at stmarysfs.org. Or, email us at 30gala@stmarysfs.org.
Friday, October 6, 2017 - 7pm-11pm
Event: Anthem Ministries Oktoberfest
For young adults 21 and over: We're all about bringing people together to laugh, hang out, and show off our lederhosen. We're pretty sure that one of the best ways to do that is beer, German food, live music and having the place all to ourselves.
Location: Frankford Hall, PhiladelphiaMore info: Visit the webpage
Sunday, October 8, 2017 - 6:30pm Mass
Event: Queen Takeover: Consecration of Archdiocesan Youth and Young Adults to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
At this Mass, Archbishop Chaput will dedicate the youth & young adults in Philadelphia to Mary, a woman whose courage ultimately changed the world.
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: Visit the ANTHEM Ministries website
Sunday, October 8, 2017, 2:00-6:00pm
Event: Sidewalk Advocates Training by Dr. Monique Ruberu
Sidewalk Advocates training is an opportunity to learn how to be the hands and feet of Jesus on the sidewalk in front of abortion centers. It teaches us how to effectively and lovingly offer alternatives to those entering or leaving the centers and engage in conversations when the moment arises. It allows us to bring peace, prayer and love to where it is needed most. It helps us to be the voice for the voiceless.
Location: The Neumann Room, located behind the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, next to Our Lady of the Apostles Garden. Free parking available: 222 North 17th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103.
More info: Space is limited, RSVP here
Friday, October 13, 2017, 7:00 PM
Event: Fatima Holy Hour
Sponsored by Our Lady of the Rosary Society.
Location: Sacred Heart Parish, Swedesburg/Bridgeport, PA
Saturday, October 14, 2017, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Event: Critical Life Issues Conference - “Be Not Afraid! Love Unleashes Life!”
Speakers: Stephanie Gray – “Abortion and the Art of Communicating Truth”; Sean O’Hare – “Evangelization and Building a Pro-Life Culture”; Eileen Benthal – “Breathing Underwater – A Caregiver’s Journey of Hope”; Fr. Edmund Luciano lll – “Organ Donation – The Gift of Life in the Midst of Sorrow”
Location: St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Event: Consecration of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to Our Lady of Fatima
Celebrant: Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
Friday, October 20, 2017 - 7:00 pm
Event: Therese The Story of a Soul
An inspiring live drama based on the autobiography of Thérèse of Lisieux, a French Discalced Carmelite nun, later recognized as a saint.
Performed by: Audrey Ahern, directed by Patti Defilippis
Location: St. Anthony of Padua Church, 259 Forest Ave, Ambler PA 19002
Cost: $15 Adults / $10 Youth 12 & under
More info: 215-646-4742 or www.saintanthonyparish.org
October 20 - 22, 2017
Event: Our Lady of the Rosary and St. David's Family Retreat
Enjoy an opportunity to renew your relationship with God and your loved ones. Retreat includes activities for children, family meals, special liturgies and more. All are welcome, including young children, teens and grandparents. Cost: $395 per family (parents/minor children). Each additional couple is $370. Single adult $195.
Location: Malvern Retreat House
Retreat Director: Fr. Michael Shea, Associate Director, Central Association of the Miraculous Medal
To register: Call 610-644-0400 or visit malvernretreat.com/register
Saturdays, Oct 21, 2017, Jan 3, 2018 and Mar 3, 2018, 9:00 AM—3:00 PM
Event: Institute for Christian Initiation
Location: Archdiocesan Pastoral Center, 222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Presenter: Father Dennis Gill, Director of the Office for Divine Worship
More info: View the website; email: worship@archphila.orgSaturday, October 21, 2017 - 8:30am-4pm
Event: WINE National Catholic Women's Conference
Join women across the country for the first-ever National Catholic Women’s Conference hosted by WINE: Women In the New Evangelization! This event is expected to sell out around mid-September...register today!
Speakers: Kelly Wahlquist, Teresa Tomeo, Kitty Cleveland, Sarah Christmyer and musician Amanda Vernon
Location: National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestoshowa, Doylestown, PA
Cost: $55 per person; $50 for groups 5+; $15 for religious sisters & consecrated
More info: View the flyer or visit the website wineconference.org
Sunday, October 22, 2017 - 3:00pm
Event: St. Lucy Parish Anniversary Celebration
Saint Lucy Parish, Manayunk, if it were still open, would be celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. In thanksgiving for the many blessings God has continued to bestow on this community of faith, a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 3:00 P.M, at Holy Saviour Church, Norristown, PA. A dinner will follow at 5:00 P.M. at the Presidential Caterers. $50 per person, cash bar. Checks may be sent c/o Father Michael Olivere, Saint Timothy Church, 3001 Levick Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149. Please make checks payable to Saint Timothy Church.
More info: Any questions please call Saint Timothy Rectory at 215.624.6188.
Catholic Family Fun Club
As always, families can stay tuned to the Catholic Family Fun Club Meetup Group for events and activities for Catholic families in our area!
LOOKING AHEAD...
All of 2017 - Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima!
October 28, 2017 - Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC
November 2 - 5, 2017, Samson:A Men's Healing Retreat, Hammonton, NJ
November 2 - 5, 2017, Samson:A Men's Healing Retreat, Hammonton, NJ
November 3, 2017 - Save the Date! Book Talk on the Benedict Option with Rod Dreher, Martin Saints Classical High School, Oreland
February 1-11, 2018 - Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy LandMarch 3, 2018 - Man Up Philly: Men's Conference, Philadelphia
Save the Date! March 8, 9, & 10, 2018 - The Cross and the Light Passion Play, Hatboro