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OMC Update February 18, 2022Worship:Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday Vigil: 4:30 pm Sunday: 7:30 am - 9:00 am - 11:00 am* *Livestream Daily Mass: Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM Confessions: Saturday 3:30 to 4:00 PM and Wednesday 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Examination of Conscience based on Catholic Social Teaching Church Open: The Church will be open for personal prayer and confessions on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. OMC Mask Recommendations - In support of the the City of Philadelphia's mask requirement for businesses, and in order to protect our children and others unable to receive the vaccination, we are asking everyone (vaccinated/unvaccinated) wear a mask in Church. We want all parishioners and liturgical ministers to feel comfortable with attending and ministering at Mass. Let us continue to do our part in defeating COVID 19. For the sake of the common good, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated and get your booster!
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RCIA Rite of Sending (Sunday, February 27 ~ 11 AM Mass ) - On Sunday, February 27, at the 11 AM Mass, we will celebrate the Rite of Sending with Ray Hunter, our RCIA Catechumen. At the Rite of Sending, we will express our support of Ray’s readiness, offer our prayers, and send him to the Cathedral, for the Rite of Election.
Ray has journeyed with us for over a year and is now ready to go forth to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election on Saturday, March 5. During this Rite, Archbishop Pérez will formally recognize Ray’s readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) during the Easter Vigil. Let us pray very specially for Ray and for his family as he begins this very special part of his faith journey.
Ray has journeyed with us for over a year and is now ready to go forth to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election on Saturday, March 5. During this Rite, Archbishop Pérez will formally recognize Ray’s readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) during the Easter Vigil. Let us pray very specially for Ray and for his family as he begins this very special part of his faith journey.
OMC Parish Life:Parish Offices: The parish office is open Monday thru Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM. Please feel free to stop by, call (215-247-0430) or email Mary Cassidy (mcassidy@omcparish.com) for Mass intentions, certificates, letters, etc., which can be mailed or pick-up. The food pantry is available, call St Vincent de Paul Society (215-240-0430 - Ext 5) to arrange for food pickup.
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The “Synod on Synodality - Communion, Participation, and Mission” is a two-year process of listening and dialogue beginning in 2021 and concluding in 2023. Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of Synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.” This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s “renewal” proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through her experience which processes can help her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open herself to mission. (Courtesy of USCCB). Parishioners Fran Feeney and Jason Santini have accepted the invitation to be trained as Synod Facilitators for OMC. In March/April, Fran and Jason will offer a variety of Synod listening opportunities for the parish.
Our Mother of Consolation Parish School Hall of Fame Nominations
OMC Parish School Hall of Fame has been established to recognize individuals who have attended OMC Parish School, or have otherwise been associated with OMC Parish School, and whose deeds and character exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and/or service to their communities and OMC Parish School. Click HERE for nomination form.
Eligibility: Application Deadline: February 28, 2022
Hall of Fame nominees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the OMC School Spring Soiree on April 22, 2022 at the Cricket Club.
Eligibility: Application Deadline: February 28, 2022
- The nominee must have either graduated from OMC Parish School, attended OMC Parish School, or otherwise been associated with OMC Parish School.
- The nominee must have demonstrated a history of achievement in professional, community, religious, educational, cultural, or other civic causes and/or has received honors, awards, or other recognition for those endeavors on a local, regional, national, or international level.
- The nominee demonstrates character and principles that reflect the mission of Our Mother of Consolation Parish School.
- Nominations for posthumous awards will be accepted.
Hall of Fame nominees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the OMC School Spring Soiree on April 22, 2022 at the Cricket Club.
DeSales Weekly - Every Thursday, DeSales Weekly provides our subscribers with some fresh material to aid them in efforts to live Jesus, which is the motto of our patron, St. Francis de Sales. He sought to integrate the sacred and the secular to make the ordinary events of our lives extraordinary by bringing virtue, grace, and Jesus to all we do. Frequently, we may not be able to see the window through which the Spirit may enter a given moment or activity of our day. With reflections on a panoply of topics and experiences by the Oblates, as well as resources to help prepare for Sunday Mass, and other updates from the Oblate world, this weekly email offers a regular, concise resource to life the spirit and help it soar into the weekend. Click HERE to subscribe.
POPE FRANCIS APPOINTS OBLATE BISHOP
On February 12, His Holiness, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Bernard de Clairvaux TOHA, OSFS, as the second bishop of the Diocese of Dijougou in Benin, Africa. Fr. Bernard is currently serving as the Provincial Superior of the Oblates in France and West Africa. This is a profound honor for all Oblates and we rejoice especially with the members of the France - West Africa Province. Djougou is located 136 km northwest of our Oblate presence in Parakou. Fr. Bernard de Clairvaux's date to be consecrated a bishop is yet to be determined. Please join us in praying for his new ministry. What joyful news early in the year of our Double Jubilee!
On February 12, His Holiness, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Bernard de Clairvaux TOHA, OSFS, as the second bishop of the Diocese of Dijougou in Benin, Africa. Fr. Bernard is currently serving as the Provincial Superior of the Oblates in France and West Africa. This is a profound honor for all Oblates and we rejoice especially with the members of the France - West Africa Province. Djougou is located 136 km northwest of our Oblate presence in Parakou. Fr. Bernard de Clairvaux's date to be consecrated a bishop is yet to be determined. Please join us in praying for his new ministry. What joyful news early in the year of our Double Jubilee!
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Enhance Your Lent with Live Jesus! Retreat (April 2, 2022) - Join with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales on Saturday, April 2, 2022, for Live Jesus! a morning of reflection, fellowship, and prayer based upon the humble and gentle spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal.
“Healing Relationships…Let It Begin with Me,” is this year’s theme and invites attendees to reflect on the relationships in their lives. Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS, STL, The John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics & Social Communications and Professor of Theology at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is the keynote speaker. Live Jesus! will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Glen Mills, Delaware County. The retreat runs from 8:45 AM to 12:00 PM, with a continental breakfast is available beginning at 8:00 AM. Register at www.oblates.org |
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales celebrate a double Salesian Jubilee Year (January 23, 2022 to January 24, 2023) marking the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales (1622) and the 450th anniversary of the birth of our secondary founder, St. Jane de Chantal (1572). Their friendship gave us what we fondly call "Salesian Spirituality." This jubilee allows for a renewal of The Salesian life. Oblate Superior General, Fr. Barry Strong, OSFS, highlights three pillars of this jubilee year: to increase knowledge and love of the two saints; to encourage imploring their intercession; and to imitate their virtues and devotion. Click HERE for more information.
Parish Building Fund
As a parish community, we build upon the legacy we have inherited. Our spiritual life, and our parish were built by our ancestors in the faith beginning in 1855. Since then, we have continued to strengthen the gift that we have received.
The Building Committee will meet to begin planning the completion of the rectory windows either in the spring or next summer, depending on the funds. We will also discuss other future projects. If you are interested in joining the Parish Building Committee, please contact Fr Bob. |
These projects are funded through the Parish Building Fund, which was established in 2007 for the sole purpose of funding capital improvements to the buildings and property. Since its inception, the Building Fund has invested over $3.2 million dollars in the restoration of our parish buildings and grounds. Funding sources for the Parish Building Fund are the Annual Building Fund Appeal, capital gifts, bequests, a percentage of our yearly excess in operating revenues, and individual donations. We offer our thanks to everyone who has contributed to the restoration and upkeep of our parish building.
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All teens in grades 8-12 are invited to our youth events.
Adult Volunteers Needed - Teen Ministry is in need of adult volunteers to help set up, chaperone, and break down our monthly events. Please email Paul Cillo youthministry@omcparish.com if you are interested in helping.
The Teen Ministry Home Page - Click Here
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OMC Joins EcoPhilly - The Philadelphia Archdiocese is responding to Pope Francis’ call in his encyclical letter Laudato Si’ for “a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet.” As part of the Laudato Si' Movement, the mission of EcoPhilly is to establish a network of creation care teams throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that achieve measurable improvements in their local environment. Click HERE for more information about Eco Philly
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Healthy Planet, Heathy People - The Laudato Si' Movement is relaunching the Healthy Planet, Healthy People petition ahead of the critical United Nations biodiversity conference (April 25 to May 8, 2022). Last year, more than 120,000 people and 420 organizations, representing hundreds of thousands of people, signed the petition ahead of the UN’s Climate Change Conference. Now we’re relaunching the petition to call on world governments to protect God’s creation and lift up the voices of the most vulnerable at the upcoming UN biodiversity conference. “Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right” (LS 33). Here’s one thing you can do today: Sign and share the petition. The upcoming UN conference is huge. It’s how countries around the world will agree to protect nature and our common home. Ahead of this conference, we’re trying to secure at least 100,000 more signatures to really let governments know where Catholics stand on this massive problem.
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Laudato Si’ Movement - Plans for 2022
“Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation” (LS 14). Everyone’s talents! You can play an important part in helping this movement reach its 2022 goals in achieving climate and ecological justice. This year is packed: From the launch of the Laudato Si’ movie, to our new Global Membership Calls, to the deepening of our ecological conversions through Lent, and the ecumenical Season of Creation, 2022 is going to be an incredible year. How will you take part? Watch the video to learn about our 2022 plans and how you can take part. |
Action on climate change, motivated by faith, emerges from COP26’s mixed bag By Michelle Dugan - When Pope Francis published his encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home” in May 2015, I couldn’t have been more excited and hopeful. As a lay associate of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus (S.H.C.J.), I had been preparing for this document’s release with the sisters in our EcoSpirituality Group. Those of us who were local were meeting monthly in Rosemont (continue reading)......
Laudato sí Movement consolidated and renewed - The Global Catholic Climate Movement on July 29 changed its name to Laudato sí Movement (LSM). Climate and integral ecology are at the heart of the Movement, which takes its cue from Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on care for our common home. Speaking with Vatican News, the executive director of LSM, Tomás Insua, speaks about a “synodal journey” aimed at a deeper ecological conversion. As the Movement continues to renew itself, Pope Francis offers a word of thanks for its work. Click HERE for more information.
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Monthly Laudato Si Prayer Services: Join in these Global Prayer Services every first Friday of the month to hear creation’s song, creation’s cry, and creation’s invitation. Throughout these prayer services we will have a guest's reflection, scripture reading and prayers of the faithful. We look forward to praying with you. Live interpretation available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. Click HERE to register.
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Renewing the Earth: Living Laudato Si' in the Year of Ignatius - This spring the Vatican launched the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a plan that invites the global Church on a 7-year journey toward total sustainability. Renewing the Earth: Living Laudato Si' in the Year of Ignatius invites you to consider St. Ignatius’ conversion as a model for your own ecological conversion in this historic environmental era that requires a renewal of our spirits and of the earth. You're invited to join a journey of discernment to bring the Laudato Si' Action Platform to life with Ignatian spirituality as a guide. . Click HERE for more information
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Service Opportunities:
OMC Red Cross Blood Donor Drive Volunteer Coordinator Needed - For many years, under the leadership of OMC parishioner Sheila Murphy, MD, OMC has hosted two yearly blood donation drives. Even in the midst of COVID we were able to support these drives. With Sheila's passing last year, we have been unsuccessful in finding a parishioner to coordinate our blood drives. Recently the pastors of the Archdiocese have received the following plea for Red Cross:
"Over the last few months the American Red Cross has gone from experiencing a major blood shortage to being in the midst of a major blood crisis. The situation is dire. I have been w/ the Red Cross for over 19 years and have never seen the blood supply so bad. A 5-7 day supply of each blood type is considered a safe level. Currently we are right around a one day supply of all blood types, with O neg, the universal donor, having only a few hours supply."
The Red Cross is desperately appealing for help by having parishes sponsor blood drives. If you are available to coordinate our OMC Blood Donation Drives, with an already established OMC Blood Donation Team, please please contact Fr. Bob - bbazzoli@omcparish.com . Thanks for your consideration.
"Over the last few months the American Red Cross has gone from experiencing a major blood shortage to being in the midst of a major blood crisis. The situation is dire. I have been w/ the Red Cross for over 19 years and have never seen the blood supply so bad. A 5-7 day supply of each blood type is considered a safe level. Currently we are right around a one day supply of all blood types, with O neg, the universal donor, having only a few hours supply."
The Red Cross is desperately appealing for help by having parishes sponsor blood drives. If you are available to coordinate our OMC Blood Donation Drives, with an already established OMC Blood Donation Team, please please contact Fr. Bob - bbazzoli@omcparish.com . Thanks for your consideration.
OMC Walking With Moms in Need - Attention Moms! - Moms before, during, and after the birth of their child are always in need; some more than others, and sometimes more than other times. If you are a mom in need or if you know a mom in need, please email us at wwmn@omcparish.com. Perhaps the need is to network with other moms, or to know how to access needed assistance...whatever. Please email us. You do not need to walk alone.
Here's our website: https://www.omcparish.com/walking-with-moms-in-need.html
Here's our website: https://www.omcparish.com/walking-with-moms-in-need.html
The Cenacle family life center in Frankford, run in partnership with Catholic Social Services, has been growing so fast and is now serving over 150 mom's and their children! As The Cenacle grows and we develop more programs to serve the community, we are in need of volunteers to help make these programs a success. bOne of the programs we are developing is family dinners on Thursday Nights. We are still working out some details but we are looking for families/parishes/respect life groups and anyone else who would be willing to help by cooking meals/providing food for the dinners. While we are still working out some of the details, the dinners will be held after work hours beginning at the end of January, estimated between 5-7pm at The Cenacle (1527 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124). The Dinners will be an amazing opportunity to serve the community here in Frankford. If you are interested, or know someone who may be, email cpinto@prolifeunion.org for more information!
Welcoming Afghan Families - As you may be aware, Philadelphia is going to be the home of 700 of the Afghan people who have fled their country recently in fear for their lives. There are 4 local Refugee Resettlement agencies that will accomplish the momentous task of bringing these families into the Philadelphia community and all that entails including housing and furnishing, transportation, schools, and the learning of American daily life.
Many of these families are currently at Joint Base Maguire/ Fort Dix in New Jersey or in a hotel in Center City. Their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are currently being met. The next step is to find affordable housing. Once that is done, each family will have a multitude of additional needs including material needs, but also assistance with navigating a wholly new, unfamiliar world that is to become their permanent home.
Our parish mission statement calls for us to embrace each person and to humbly serve the needs of God’s people. There are a few ways that you could help welcome these new members of our Philadelphia community:
Many of these families are currently at Joint Base Maguire/ Fort Dix in New Jersey or in a hotel in Center City. Their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are currently being met. The next step is to find affordable housing. Once that is done, each family will have a multitude of additional needs including material needs, but also assistance with navigating a wholly new, unfamiliar world that is to become their permanent home.
Our parish mission statement calls for us to embrace each person and to humbly serve the needs of God’s people. There are a few ways that you could help welcome these new members of our Philadelphia community:
- Form a committee to assist these families as they resettle.
- Share information on any 2 and 3 bedroom available rental units in Chestnut Hill/Mt. Airy, University City or other local neighborhoods.
- Sponsor a family.
- Register as a volunteer on the Nationality Service Center (NSC) website: nscphila.volunteermatters.org. You will be emailed with volunteer opportunities as they develop.
We have recently moved Afghan families into housing who have requested specific items to make themselves feel more at home. If you'd like to purchase any of these special items for them, please visit any of the links below. Included at the end is a link for more general items needed at NSC to continue stocking future clients' homes! If you'd like to purchase, please have the items delivered to the gift registry address listed under the address options. If you have any questions, please contact Abby Watson at awatson@nscphila.org. Thank you for your support!
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OMC Food Pantry: We are still collecting food for our sisters and brothers in need. You may leave your bags of non-perishable food items on the rectory porch whenever convenient. If you need food, or know of someone in need of food, please call the parish office 215-247-0430, press 7 when the auto-attendant service answers, and leave a message in the St. Vincent de Paul voice mail box. Thanks again, for helping us to meet the needs of our neighbors during this time of uncertainty and to our St Vincent de Paul Society for coordinating our efforts. |
Caring for Friends – CFF (formerly Aid for Friends): Meals are still needed. You can drop off your frozen meals at the parish or a volunteer can pick them up from your home; please contact me to make arrangements. If you are interested in becoming involved as a volunteer cook, click HERE for information. This is a great opportunity for families to do service at home and to assist those in need. Laura McKenna, our OMC CFF coordinator, can assist you with getting you started. Click HERE to email Laura. |
Faith & Justice Opportunities:
Critical Race Theory (CRT) - We have all witnessed the controversy around Critical Race Theory (CRT). Parents are outraged, school boards are under attack, State legislatures have passed laws "banning it" from school curriculum, and the media (conservative & liberal) have hyped it. It is important to carefully navigate CRT and the many issues around race, racism, history, culture, equity, and education that have been conflated into it by those who have repackaged it for their own, perhaps less than charitable, purposes. This video from Educationweek.com is concise in addressing CRT from an educators viewpoint. The video may be useful in beginning the process of educating ourselves about CRT, helping us to move beyond the hype in order to develop a better understanding of it, and allow us to have productive discussions.
21-Day Racial Equity Challenge: For 21 days, we challenge you to enter into the complex work of understanding the realities of racial injustice and anti-Blackness in the U.S. The Ignatian Racial Equity Challenge is designed for all participants, regardless of race, ethnicity, prior anti-racism work, age or background and will include opportunities to learn, pray, and act on different themes of racial equity. Click HERE for more information
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Revive Courses: An opportunity to grow in our Baptismal Call to leadership! The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is grateful to partner with Revive Parishes, an organization that provides online ministry training for parish leaders taught by the best and most experienced Catholic ministry practitioners in the country. WE ARE ALL PARISH LEADERS by virtual of our Baptism. Revive provides individuals with a way to enrich their own ministry in our world and in our parish so that they can more effectively care for others and “be the presence of Christ in our world.” To learn more and to start for FREE course visit: archphila.org/revive.
New Revive Course - Everyday Apostles: Ordinary Methods to Help you Share an Extraordinary Message The world tells you to be quiet about your faith, that’s its just personal and not meant to be shared. Yet Christ calls us to make “disciples of all nations” - so how do we actually do it? You are invited to learn new mindsets, skills, and habits on how to share your faith with those around you in our latest course hosted by Ryan O’Hara. Click HERE for information 
“EC Next Step”: Grow closer to God one step at a time! This is an innovative discipleship tool which offers individuals an opportunity to deepen their spirituality and call to discipleship through short modules which include input, short videos, questions and reflections on various topics. It is FREE and available to anyone through our parish Reach More subscription. To learn more and/or to sign visit ecnextstep.com.
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The Archdiocese of Philadelphia:
Worldwide Marriage Encounter (March 6-20) – Resolve to “Live your best life in love” in 2022: Why not give yourselves some time together by making a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience? The next virtual experience is: Sunday and Wednesday evenings beginning March 6 and concluding March 30, 2022. This is a great opportunity to spend time improving your communication in the comfort of your own home. For more info contact: Marge and Michael Walsh at 609-741-8012 wwmejerseylovers@gmail.com.
Click HERE for more information
Click HERE for more information
Archdiocesan Family Festival 2022 (April 30) - Join us for ‘Family, become what you are!’, a fun-filled and blessed day for families in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Come as you are and grow in the Lord together. Join Archbishop Pérez for Mass, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers for a dynamic presentation on marriage and fatherhood, Dr. Sax for family social media guidance, Corazón Puro for dynamic youth activities, and Mike and Alicia Hernon from Messy Family Project, with amazing tips for your irreplaceable family! Location: Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield, PA More information: phillycatholiclife.org/archdiocesan-family-festival-2022/ Click HERE for Flyer
Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass (Saturday, May 7, 2021 – 5:15 PM) Are you celebrating a special anniversary this year? The Annual Archdiocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday, May 7th, 2021 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul at the 5:15 pm Mass with Archbishop Nelson Pérez presiding. This Mass will be commemorating all married couples who are newlyweds , or celebrating their 5, 10, 25 or 50 year wedding anniversary milestones. RSVP HERE or call The Office for Life and Family at 215-587-0500. More information: visit our website at www.phillycatholiclife.org
Office for the New Evangelization Rosary Campaign (Monday thru Thursday 8 PM) - Join 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 obtain a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Church, bringing about our deeper conversion to the heart of Jesus Christ and institutional renewal at every level. Click HERE for more information or to join.
Catholic Women’s Healthcare - The Gianna Center of Philadelphia located in East Norriton (very close to Plymouth Meeting Mall) and is accepting new patients. The Center provides an authentically Catholic approach to women’s reproductive healthcare and follows Catholic medical ethics. The providers treat women in various age groups - from teens to seniors, and offer general gynecologic care, yearly women's check-ups and natural family planning instruction in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. For more information see www.phgiannacenter.org or call the center at 844-204-0005
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Young Catholic Professionals Philly (YCP Philly) - In a world that can be void of meaning and leave them restless and dissatisfied, YCP brings together young professionals in their 20s and 30s into a community of belonging, support, and encouragement at all stages of the faith journey. YCP empowers and equips them to live their Catholic faith through everyday work, and to perform all work with excellence for the glory of God. Click HERE to learn more. Click HERE for video.
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Hope in Christ: Spiritual Support for Addiction - You are not alone! The Church desires to be close to her children who are struggling with addiction and to bring them the healing power of Jesus Christ's love. The Archdiocesan Hope in Christ website is full of Catholic resources for those who have an addiction as well as for their families and loved ones. You will find one-time events such as retreats and evenings of reflection, ongoing support ministries, and links to websites, articles and videos. To learn more, visit archphila.org/hope.
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Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Help-Line: Do you need help accessing services and supports for someone with an intellectual disability or Autism? A collaboration of Catholic Social Services-Developmental Programs, The Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Schools of Special Education of the Archdiocese is offering this convenient help-line to assist families connect to disabilities services provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. To reach the Help-Line call: 484-472-5041 or email: IDDhelp@chs-adphila.org
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