Growing our Faith, Building our Community
Parish Mission Prayer
Nourished by the Word and Eucharist, we, the members of Our Mother of Consolation Parish, strive to create a vital, welcoming Catholic faith community that embraces each person. Acknowledging our blessings and supporting one another, we humbly serve the needs of God’s people and work to be the presence of Christ in our world.
Nourished by the Word and Eucharist, we, the members of Our Mother of Consolation Parish, strive to create a vital, welcoming Catholic faith community that embraces each person. Acknowledging our blessings and supporting one another, we humbly serve the needs of God’s people and work to be the presence of Christ in our world.
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Lenten Schedule at
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Prayer Opportunity for Feast of St. Joseph
Join the Sisters of St. Joseph as they anticipate their Feast of St. Joseph on Wednesday, March 18,
from 12-1.
Charting A Moral Vision of American Foreign Policy
Click here to read a joint statement from Cardinals Cupich, Tobin , and McElroy.
Archbishop's Commission for Racial Healing: Great Lenten Offerings
Upcoming Commission Events
Peace in the Vineyard - Thursdays in Lent - 7pm
Join us for a Lenten conversation series on cultivating peace and racial healing, guided by Bsp. Edward Braxton’s 2015 pastoral letter, The Racial Divide in the United States.
Facilitated by Marcelle McGuirk (chair, Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing), the conversation gatherings will discuss Bsp. Braxton’s text alongside other supplemental materials. Conversations will explore the historical wounds of the sin of racism, the response of Catholic Social Teaching, and our co-responsibility to cultivate peace and racial healing as a synodal, missionary Church. Sessions will last about 90 minutes, and will take place on Zoom at 7pm on Thursdays in Lent.
Dates: Feb 19, Feb 26, Mar 5, Mar 12, Mar 19, Mar 26. Register by Wednesday, February 18th. Participation is FREE and open to all.
Questions? Email [email protected] This program is made possible by the support of the Martin de Porres Foundation.
REGISTER HERE
Embodied Prayer for Unprecedented Times - Mondays in Lent - 7pmJoin us for formation, solidarity, and prayer– guided by the testimony and wisdom of Cole Arthur Riley’s This Here Flesh and Black Liturgies Facilitated by Terrance Fulton and Marcelle McGuirk (chair, Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing), these weekly gatherings are meant to be a space for reflection and sharing, as well as for learning how to engage in embodied prayer. Techniques explored will include breath-work and gentle movement.Sessions will last about 1 hour, and will take place on Zoom on Mondays in Lent from 7-8pm. Dates: Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Mar 16, Mar 23, Mar 30. Register by Wednesday, February 18th. Participation is FREE and open to all. Questions? Email [email protected] This program is made possible by the support of the Martin de Porres Foundation. REGISTER HERE
We Are One Body - Saturday, March 21
Since 2024, we have partnered with New Encounters: Catholics Confronting Racism to host gatherings for parishes engaged (or interested) in racial healing ministries. Using Archbishop Pérez's 2023 pastoral letter on racism as our guide, we engage in prayer, formation, and build community. Our next gathering is on Saturday, March 21st at Saints Agatha & James, at 38th & Walnut Sts. Doors open at 10:30am; program 11 am to 2 pm. The theme for this gathering is: "Where is the Spirit Leading Us Now? Creating a Vision for We Are One Body 2026-28 and Beyond." New attendees are always welcome! Save the date! Registration information to come!
Around the Archdiocese: A Day of Recollection For Healing Racism
Saturday, February 21st - Daylesford Abbey
Featured Presentation: The People of God Standing at the Foot of the Cross with Sister Cora Marie Billings, RSM Unite together in prayer, reflection, & song as we seek to heal the fractures created by the evil of racism. $40 ticket price includes lunch. Scholarships available as needed. To learn more or register, visit: Daylesford.org/events
If you have questions, concerns, or a racial healing event that you would like to share, please email [email protected]
Blessings,
Marcelle McGuirk
Chair, Archbishop's Commission on Racial Healing
Peace in the Vineyard - Thursdays in Lent - 7pm
Join us for a Lenten conversation series on cultivating peace and racial healing, guided by Bsp. Edward Braxton’s 2015 pastoral letter, The Racial Divide in the United States.
Facilitated by Marcelle McGuirk (chair, Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing), the conversation gatherings will discuss Bsp. Braxton’s text alongside other supplemental materials. Conversations will explore the historical wounds of the sin of racism, the response of Catholic Social Teaching, and our co-responsibility to cultivate peace and racial healing as a synodal, missionary Church. Sessions will last about 90 minutes, and will take place on Zoom at 7pm on Thursdays in Lent.
Dates: Feb 19, Feb 26, Mar 5, Mar 12, Mar 19, Mar 26. Register by Wednesday, February 18th. Participation is FREE and open to all.
Questions? Email [email protected] This program is made possible by the support of the Martin de Porres Foundation.
REGISTER HERE
Embodied Prayer for Unprecedented Times - Mondays in Lent - 7pmJoin us for formation, solidarity, and prayer– guided by the testimony and wisdom of Cole Arthur Riley’s This Here Flesh and Black Liturgies Facilitated by Terrance Fulton and Marcelle McGuirk (chair, Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing), these weekly gatherings are meant to be a space for reflection and sharing, as well as for learning how to engage in embodied prayer. Techniques explored will include breath-work and gentle movement.Sessions will last about 1 hour, and will take place on Zoom on Mondays in Lent from 7-8pm. Dates: Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Mar 16, Mar 23, Mar 30. Register by Wednesday, February 18th. Participation is FREE and open to all. Questions? Email [email protected] This program is made possible by the support of the Martin de Porres Foundation. REGISTER HERE
We Are One Body - Saturday, March 21
Since 2024, we have partnered with New Encounters: Catholics Confronting Racism to host gatherings for parishes engaged (or interested) in racial healing ministries. Using Archbishop Pérez's 2023 pastoral letter on racism as our guide, we engage in prayer, formation, and build community. Our next gathering is on Saturday, March 21st at Saints Agatha & James, at 38th & Walnut Sts. Doors open at 10:30am; program 11 am to 2 pm. The theme for this gathering is: "Where is the Spirit Leading Us Now? Creating a Vision for We Are One Body 2026-28 and Beyond." New attendees are always welcome! Save the date! Registration information to come!
Around the Archdiocese: A Day of Recollection For Healing Racism
Saturday, February 21st - Daylesford Abbey
Featured Presentation: The People of God Standing at the Foot of the Cross with Sister Cora Marie Billings, RSM Unite together in prayer, reflection, & song as we seek to heal the fractures created by the evil of racism. $40 ticket price includes lunch. Scholarships available as needed. To learn more or register, visit: Daylesford.org/events
If you have questions, concerns, or a racial healing event that you would like to share, please email [email protected]
Blessings,
Marcelle McGuirk
Chair, Archbishop's Commission on Racial Healing
Designing New Parish Pastoral Plan: Your Input Needed
We are currently choosing new members to replace parishioners whose terms expire at the end of the calendar year. The Parish Pastoral Council must devote the next few months to writing the new five-year plan for us as a parish. Though they represent all parishioners, we now invite you to play a part in this process. Click here for a template for the new plan. As you will see, we decided to design it using the various statements in the parish mission we pray at the end of each Mass. Perhaps, you have an idea for how we can live out each segment. For example, "nourished by the word and Eucharist" you might want two scripture study nights per year. Please print out the template and list bullets under each phrase where you can lend your contribution. Please hand these in at the office or place them in an envelope with the words "parish pastoral plan" in the collection and we will get them to the right people. We ask that you sign this in case we need clarification. We ask you to complete this before Thanksgiving weekend as we begin the process in earnest at our December meeting.
Dilexi Te: Pope Leo XIV's First Apostolic Exhortation (A Must Read)
With tears welling up in my eyes, Pope Leo XIV made so real, so tender, so vivid the presence, challenge, and beauty of the poor in this world. In time, I hope to have parish sessions on this exhortation using the synodal process. For now, be inspired and read his great work. Click here for the exhortation and here for Archbishop Pérez's thoughts on this exhortation.
You Are Not Alone-Justice for Immigrants
Here is a valuable website for resources for all those who want to learn more about the immigrant issue and/or respond to people in need. Click here for the Cabrini Pledge from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Click here for the formal message from the bishops regarding immigration. Click here for a special video message from several bishops regarding the bishops' stance on immigration for their November 2025 gathering.
As Pope Leo XIV stated.“Migrants and refugees remind the Church of her pilgrim dimension, perpetually journeying towards her final homeland, sustained by a hope that is a theological virtue.”
—Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
The history of the U.S. Catholic Church, like the history of the United States itself, is very much intertwined with the phenomenon of migration. The first American citizen to be canonized a saint, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, was the embodiment of this. An immigrant from Italy, she adopted this country as her own. While often facing discrimination and seemingly impossible odds, she never succumbed to hopelessness. With relentless faith, she accompanied her fellow immigrants and others living on the margins of society with a great missionary zeal.
But Mother Cabrini’s challenges, and the challenges of those she served, are not unique among the generations of Catholics and immigrants in general who have come to this land. This is not just a matter of history. It is a present reality in the life of our Church and nation.
As Pope Leo XIV stated.“Migrants and refugees remind the Church of her pilgrim dimension, perpetually journeying towards her final homeland, sustained by a hope that is a theological virtue.”
—Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
The history of the U.S. Catholic Church, like the history of the United States itself, is very much intertwined with the phenomenon of migration. The first American citizen to be canonized a saint, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, was the embodiment of this. An immigrant from Italy, she adopted this country as her own. While often facing discrimination and seemingly impossible odds, she never succumbed to hopelessness. With relentless faith, she accompanied her fellow immigrants and others living on the margins of society with a great missionary zeal.
But Mother Cabrini’s challenges, and the challenges of those she served, are not unique among the generations of Catholics and immigrants in general who have come to this land. This is not just a matter of history. It is a present reality in the life of our Church and nation.
School Building Completed
On September 6, Bishop Cooke, representing Arbp. Pérez, presided over our Saturday vigil Mass and dedicated our new school with almost 600 people in attendance. Click here to see a pdf version of "the story," how the Lord built this new home. For a video presentation of the actual dedication ceremony and a tour of Bp. Cooke blessing the school, click here. Here is an article on Catholic Philly. Soon, we will have a slide show of that evening replete with pictures.
Materials from the Office of Persons with Disabilities
At a recent workshop, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate shared some incredible PowerPoint presentations detailing all they are doing including the various programs and services they offer. I have housed them here for your perusal. Click on the title for the presentation: Gaining Awareness of Invisible Disabilities, Celebration of the Sacraments for persons with Disabilities, Peace in the Storm (for persons with chronic illnesses), and Rising Together Alliance (inclusive Catholic education).
Archbishop Pérez's January 2025 Pastoral
Click here to read Arbp. Nelson Pérez's pastoral on the future of the Archdiocese where he seeks our input. There are 51 two-hour listening sessions from February through May in the five counties. Click here to register for one.
Our Mother of Consolation
Capital Campaign Brochure
Our devastating school fire was the genesis of this campaign which includes the overall parish needs as well. The "quiet" phase of the campaign was conducted over the summer and now we are into the "public" phase as we seek to raise $3,544,700. Currently we are at 96% of this goal and are very grateful. Our efforts are under the patronage of St. Joseph. We invite you to join us to bring this to fruition with God's blessing and providence. If you desire to be a part of this, click here for a pledge card and return it by mail or drop it off at the office. In advance, we greatly appreciate you! Click here for message from Fr. Fisher, OSFS |
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St. Francis de Sales: read well the signs of the times
Click here to view an article where Pope Francis lauds Francis de Sales as a great "interpreter" of his time.
Cultivating Real Intelligence
Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS writes well about our need to cultivate our God-given intelligence whose end is love. Please enjoy his piece. Click here to read how Francis de Sales still challenges us today. As we celebrate his feast day on January 24, may the Patron of Journalists and Writers inspire us to seek truth, beauty, and ultimately love. St. Francis de Sales, pray for us!
New Doctors of the Church Series: St. Francis de Sales
Click here to view a wonderful documentary on St. Francis de Sales. One of the contributors is Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS, in residence at OMC, and is on the faculty at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary as the inaugural John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics & Social Communication in 2017.
A Month with St. Francis de Sales
The Oblates are launching a new reflection series! A Month with a Salesian Saint featuring Saint Francis de Sales is a 30-day brief email reflection series. These short reflections, delivered right to the participant's inbox, take only two minutes to read and help to bring the gentle, humble wisdom of Saint Francis de Sales into daily life! Click here to subscribe.
Catholic Charities Appeal 2025: Giving Hope to All
This year's Catholic Charities Appeal begins with the In-Pew Weekend of May 10-11. Click here to view the annual appeal's video featuring Archbishop Pérez and many beneficiaries of your support for the over 180 programs conducted by Catholic Charities. Our parish goal is $71,000. This is lower than last year. Let's see if we can reach it and help others in need, so that we may continue to be the presence of Christ in the world. Archbishop Pérez notes "We all have an obligation to each other." Knowing that 1 in 5 people in the Philadelphia region counts on us, we can agree with Arbp. Pérez that "compassion, love, and hope are at the heart of the Catholic Charities Appeal." Every little bit helps. Click here to donate. Make sure to include OMC as your parish affiliation.
Parish Goal: $71,000 Total Gifts: 137 Present Amount: $71,392 Percentage of Goal: 100.55% (updated 12/18/2025)
Parish Goal: $71,000 Total Gifts: 137 Present Amount: $71,392 Percentage of Goal: 100.55% (updated 12/18/2025)
Parish Mission Recorded: Tools for Living Today Well
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Click here to view the parish mission held on the Feast of St. Francis de Sales. Here are two articles that complemented the talk.
Preparation of the Day Present Moment Salesian Spirituality: Everyday Holiness |
Parish Planning
The Parish Pastoral Council, with help from the Finance Council, is tasked with carrying out the Parish Pastoral Plan 2021-2026 that also incorporates the findings from the Disciple Maker Index and input from the many "listening sessions" of the Synod on Synodality. We have placed all three documents here for your consideration. Please let us know your feelings and how you can help make these a lived experience.
Parish Pastoral Plan Disciple Maker Index Condensed Report
Synod on Synodality (three-page report) Synod on Synodality (summary statements)
Parish Pastoral Plan Disciple Maker Index Condensed Report
Synod on Synodality (three-page report) Synod on Synodality (summary statements)
