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Click HERE for Mass Guidelines
Archived Updates can be found under ABOUT US > Parish Updates
Archived Updates can be found under ABOUT US > Parish Updates
OMC Update July 23, 2021
Celebrating the Sacraments:
Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Regarding Reinstating the Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass - “We have all felt the impact of COVID-19 in as individuals and families. It has been a time of acute hardship and struggle, of separation and isolation. It has also had an impact on our lives of faith. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, has been with us throughout this challenging period and is most especially near to us when we encounter him in the Eucharist. The Eucharist offers us His healing and peace, His mercy and reconciliation. It is now time for everyone to return to the Eucharist with renewed faith and joy.... " continue reading
Sunday Mass: We have begun to celebrate the Eucharist and all the Sacraments, with very few exceptions, in the manner prior to the pandemic. Click HERE for OMC guidelines.
Offertory & In-pew Collection: The offertory procession and the in-pew collection began last week. If you or your family would like to bring up the gifts, please see the usher when you come to Mass.
Livestream Mass: The 11:00 AM Sunday Mass is livestreamed each week and the recorded Sunday Mass is available throughout the week on our parish YouTube channel.
Confessions: Saturday 3:30 to 4:00 PM and Wednesday 7:00 to 8:00 PM.*
Church Open: The Church will be open for personal prayer and confessions on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.*
*The Church will not be open on Wednesday from 7 to 8 PM during August.
Daily Mass: Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM
Visual Mass Schedule for Children: This manipulative can be used with young children to help them follow the Mass. Simply print out to help your child move through the Mass and identify where we are in our prayer. Whether virtual or in-person it can be a great help for our young parishioners and a wonderful teaching tool! Click HERE for printout.
Offertory & In-pew Collection: The offertory procession and the in-pew collection began last week. If you or your family would like to bring up the gifts, please see the usher when you come to Mass.
Livestream Mass: The 11:00 AM Sunday Mass is livestreamed each week and the recorded Sunday Mass is available throughout the week on our parish YouTube channel.
Confessions: Saturday 3:30 to 4:00 PM and Wednesday 7:00 to 8:00 PM.*
Church Open: The Church will be open for personal prayer and confessions on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.*
*The Church will not be open on Wednesday from 7 to 8 PM during August.
Daily Mass: Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM
Visual Mass Schedule for Children: This manipulative can be used with young children to help them follow the Mass. Simply print out to help your child move through the Mass and identify where we are in our prayer. Whether virtual or in-person it can be a great help for our young parishioners and a wonderful teaching tool! Click HERE for printout.
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (July 25): In January 2021, Pope Francis announced the institution of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Recalling the upcoming feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – when the elderly Simeon and Anna encountered the child Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah – Pope Francis said, “the Holy Spirit even today stirs up thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly.” The voice of the elderly “is precious,” he said, “because it sings the praises of God and preserves the roots of the peoples.” The elderly, he continued, “remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between the different generation, to pass on to the young the experience of life.” Read MORE Message form Pope Francis - Click HERE
Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus (July 29) - On January 26, 2021, Pope Francis ordered the inscription of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus into the General Roman Calendar, to replace the existing celebration of Saint Martha alone. Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus are celebrated each year as an Obligatory Memorial on July 29.
OMC Parish Life:
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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 ([email protected]) 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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OMC Adult Choir Returns: We are so grateful that we can return to choral singing this September - just weeks away! OMC Adult Choir is meeting informally on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. We intend for this time to be “come when you are able”--simply to reconnect and get our voices working again. If you are 18 years or older, and are interested in singing with our Adult Choir, please join us. New voices are always welcome! We gather in the church choir loft (enter thru the accessible door in the courtyard) from 7-8 p.m., and will continue to do so through Labor Day, at which time we will begin formal rehearsals. If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact our Choir Director, Barbara Chandler at: [email protected].
East Chestnut Hill Ave Road Work (July 6 -30) The excavation work on East Chestnut Hill Ave has begun. East Chestnut Hill Ave is scheduled to be closed between Germantown Ave. & Norwood Ave. from 7:30 AM to 4 PM Monday thru Friday until July 30. The contractor assured us that those with parish business, and the Oblates who live here, will be able to access the office/rectory driveway via Germantown Ave. E. Chestnut Hill Ave will be open in the evenings and on weekends. In addition, the contractor has agreed to halt construction, and keep the street open, when there is a funeral at OMC. This work will be a major inconvenience for the neighborhood and the parish. It will also delay the office foundation repairs and rectory window replacement project that we have planned. We are all asked to have patience and to support our neighbors at St Paul's as they upgrade their facilities.
OMC Parish Religious Education Program - Registration for 2021 - 2022: Do you have a child entering first grade in public school in September 2021? Or do you have children who need religious education or preparation for Sacraments? If so, it is time to register your son or daughter for the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) which also begins in September! Children need to be entering first grade and be six by September 1 to attend.
In addition, if you have a child currently in a special needs learning situation, talk with us regarding preparation for the Sacraments. We are accepting children in Year 1 to 6. Children in Year 7 are admitted on a case-by-case basis and only if they are coming from a Catholic School. First priority is given to OMC Parishioners. To register contact Sr. Christine at 215-247-0430 or [email protected].
In addition, if you have a child currently in a special needs learning situation, talk with us regarding preparation for the Sacraments. We are accepting children in Year 1 to 6. Children in Year 7 are admitted on a case-by-case basis and only if they are coming from a Catholic School. First priority is given to OMC Parishioners. To register contact Sr. Christine at 215-247-0430 or [email protected].
Parish Building Projects – As a parish community, we build upon the legacy of our ancestors in the faith. The spiritual life and the church buildings we have inherited were built by men and women during a time of the anti-Catholic movement in Philadelphia. Due to their sacrifices, we have continued to be a vital welcoming Catholic faith community in Chestnut Hill for over 165 years. In response to our obligation to maintain our heritage, the Parish Finance Council (PFC) has approved the following capital projects totaling $137,808.00, which were submitted by our Parish Building Committee:
In addition, the Parish Building Committee is completing the research to replace one of the two church boilers. The estimate cost is $25,000.00. Once the Building Committee has completed its process, their recommendation will be forwarded to the OMC Finance Council for approval.
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. Presently the Parish Building Fund is in excess of $305,000.00. Since its inception, the Building Fund has invested almost $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.
- Repairs to the Parish Office Building foundation - $18,750.00
- Rectory window replacement Phase 1 (Front & Driveway facades) - $101,653.00
In addition, the Parish Building Committee is completing the research to replace one of the two church boilers. The estimate cost is $25,000.00. Once the Building Committee has completed its process, their recommendation will be forwarded to the OMC Finance Council for approval.
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. Presently the Parish Building Fund is in excess of $305,000.00. Since its inception, the Building Fund has invested almost $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.
All teens in grades 8-12 are invited to our parish youth events.
Click HERE for our Teen Ministry Page, updates and teen gospel reflection.
UPDATED - OMC Summer Teen Activities: The Youth Ministry summer schedule has been finalized. You can find all of the weekly and monthly events here. We hope to see familiar faces and new teens at our summer events! Follow the instagram (@OMCparishyouthministry) page for any last minute changes and details. Click HERE for printable PDF of schedule.
2021 Scripture Challenge: Teens, how well do you know the Bible? Have you memorized any verses to share with others and for your own encouragement? Take our 2021 Scripture challenge. - click HERE for a video with the details. Raffle prizes will be given out at every event in 2021. Join the text list to be sent the verse every Sunday, check Instagram, or install the Verses app and join out group. Links are in the video description as well!
Click HERE for our Teen Ministry Page, updates and teen gospel reflection.
UPDATED - OMC Summer Teen Activities: The Youth Ministry summer schedule has been finalized. You can find all of the weekly and monthly events here. We hope to see familiar faces and new teens at our summer events! Follow the instagram (@OMCparishyouthministry) page for any last minute changes and details. Click HERE for printable PDF of schedule.
2021 Scripture Challenge: Teens, how well do you know the Bible? Have you memorized any verses to share with others and for your own encouragement? Take our 2021 Scripture challenge. - click HERE for a video with the details. Raffle prizes will be given out at every event in 2021. Join the text list to be sent the verse every Sunday, check Instagram, or install the Verses app and join out group. Links are in the video description as well!
OMC Climate Ministry: It’s tempting to start the new year with lists and lists of what we want to accomplish. However, Pope Francis has only one goal for us this year: create a culture of care. Such a culture would overcome “indifference, waste and confrontation,” and help all of us deepen our ecological conversion. Below you’ll find ways to get started on that goal this month by coming together with Catholics around the globe and helping create a world full of “fraternity and solidarity, of mutual support and acceptance.”
OMC Climate Ministry: It’s tempting to start the new year with lists and lists of what we want to accomplish. However, Pope Francis has only one goal for us this year: create a culture of care. Such a culture would overcome “indifference, waste and confrontation,” and help all of us deepen our ecological conversion. Below you’ll find ways to get started on that goal this month by coming together with Catholics around the globe and helping create a world full of “fraternity and solidarity, of mutual support and acceptance.”
- 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.
2021 Catholic Charities Appeal: The 2021 Catholic Charities Appeal - Giving Hope to All is underway. For over 60 years the Appeal has served as a positive source for good in all facets of the Church in Philadelphia. The Catholic Charities Appeal brings hope where hope is needed most. From center city, to the suburbs, from the suburban communities to our most distressed communities, almost a million people each year receive hope through the Catholic Charities Appeal.
OMC parish 2021 goal: $78,762.
OMC Gifts to Date: $54,281 (68% of Goal)
Click HERE for more information. Click HERE for video.
OMC parish 2021 goal: $78,762.
OMC Gifts to Date: $54,281 (68% of Goal)
Click HERE for more information. Click HERE for video.
Weekly Faith Walk - Councilwoman Bass invites you to join her every Wednesday at 12 Noon for a weekly Interdenominational Faith Walk through different communities to address issues of Gun Violence, Crime and Drugs, and to share various resources and pray for our young people and community members. Click HERE for information.
Service Opportunities:
Volunteer at The Villa: Do you enjoy making others happy? Are you looking to share a unique talent? Do you want a chance to meet new people? We can help! Saint Joseph Villa is looking for volunteers to help brighten the lives of our Sisters and lay residents. We have an exciting opportunity to get involved in our community and become a part of the Mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. You can volunteer as little as an hour a week or up to several hours a day. We have many volunteer opportunities available such as Eucharistic Ministry, transporting residents to in-house appointments, taking residents on walks around the Villa property, being a friendly visitor, running activities, and much more. If interested or if you have any questions, you can contact the Director of Volunteers, Maureen Morales at 215-248-7844 or email at [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration.
Take Back The Month: Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), is launching its, “Take Back the Month!” donation drive. This initiative aims to support women in need who experience obstacles to obtaining menstrual care and feminine hygiene products. Women with lack of proper access to feminine hygiene products due to financial hardship or homelessness suffer ill effects to their health and dignity each month. In addition, many women experiencing financial challenges stemming from the ongoing pandemic must choose to put other immediate needs and the needs of their family first such as purchasing food, diapers, and other basic essentials causing inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products for themselves. Those interested in helping can donate items online through YouGiveGoods at https://yougivegoods.com/takebackthemonth.
All goods donated will help stock the shelves of CSS’ “Ladies Locker” pantries. CSS’ housing and social services programs benefitting from the collection include: Mercy Hospice and Mc Auley House; Women of Hope; Visitation Homes; Mercy Café; Chester City Coffee Club; as well as six Family Service Center’s across the five-county Philadelphia area. Donated items will also be distributed to CSS staff working directly with teenage populations. Click HERE for information. Click HERE for article in Catholic Philly.com
All goods donated will help stock the shelves of CSS’ “Ladies Locker” pantries. CSS’ housing and social services programs benefitting from the collection include: Mercy Hospice and Mc Auley House; Women of Hope; Visitation Homes; Mercy Café; Chester City Coffee Club; as well as six Family Service Center’s across the five-county Philadelphia area. Donated items will also be distributed to CSS staff working directly with teenage populations. Click HERE for information. Click HERE for article in Catholic Philly.com
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 Formation Opportunities:
Click Here
ADA 31 - July 26, 2021 - During this month that we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA, it may also be a good time to accompany families who have members with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD). At times it has been my experience that families could use more supports than they are receiving. This could be because when their adult child with IDD or Autism was a child, the supports or services were not needed or not adequate. Approaching the County Office of Intellectual Disabilities again may make it possible to acquire supports that are needed now or in the future. It is good to be registered with the office even if services are not utilized. The Archdiocesan help line can assist parishioners with the steps involved. This help-line, a collaborative effort of Catholic Social Services Developmental Programs, the Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities, and the Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education, can assist families and caregivers to connect to services and programs provided by the Archdiocese, as well as other community resources available to provide needed help and support. To reach the Help-Line call: 484-472-5041 or email: [email protected]. A tip sheet is provided that outlines the steps in accessing services through county offices. Thank you for all you do to accompany families and individuals with disabilities. Sr. Kathleen and Cassandra Doughty
EPIC Marriage Intimacy Challenge (beginning July 28) - There are key moments that will significantly stress your marriage. Almost every marriage will face each of these stressors. But not every couple will deal with them successfully: Birth of a child, Job changes, Financial hardship, Illness of a spouse, Empty nest, Retirement, and The care of aging parents. EPIC is a framework we use to look at the communication breakdowns couples need to think about across four key areas of intimacy: Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, and Communicative (EPIC). The greater drift you have in these areas, the more vulnerable you will be in these stressful moments. The EPIC Marriage Intimacy Challenge was created to help married couples identify, prepare and even grow from the drifts every marriage encounters. It’s 100% free to sign up and only takes a few minutes a day for four days. Click HERE for information
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.
Souls Shot Portrait Project Hosted by The Church of St Martin in the Field (June 2, 2021 to August 28, 2021) - This summer, St. Martin's will be displaying the 2019-20 Souls Shot Portrait Project exhibition in our sanctuary. The Souls Shot Portrait Project pairs fine artists with families and friends of victims of gun violence to make portraits of their loved ones. The diverse approaches of the artists emphasize the individuality of the victims and present a truly moving tribute. Please join us for this powerful experience. Exhibition hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call before visiting to ensure there are no schedule changes 215.247.7466.
The Miraculous Medal Shrine Summer Novena 2021: The Heart of St. Joseph - For nine consecutive Mondays beginning June 7 through August 2, the Miraculous Medal Shrine continues the church’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. Click HERE for details
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
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.
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
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia:
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Joins with Other Cuban American Bishops to Issue Joint Statement Regarding The Protests in Cuba: "In dramatic and courageous images that have been seen throughout the world, the people of Cuba went to the streets in massive demonstrations of solidarity, in towns, villages and cities on July 11 and 12. Their motto ‘Patria y Vida expressed their frustrations as they experience record cases of Covid-19, a lack of vaccines, adequate medical care and needed supplies – inhuman circumstances that add to the existing lack of food and essential human necessities. Their chant of ‘Libertad’ underscores their desire for every Cuban citizen to enjoy basic human rights, as recognized as part of our human dignity by the United Nations, and defended for centuries by the Catholic Church in its social teaching..." continue reading .
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.
World Wide Marriage Encounter Opportunities - MARRIED COUPLES – After the Back-to-School rush winds down, take time to refresh your relationship! Why not give yourselves some time together by making a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend? The next in-person experiences are: September 17-19 and November 12-14 at Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown. For more info visit: https://www.wwme-philly.org/. Click HERE for information.
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: [email protected]
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Deaf Apostolate: The Archdiocese of offers weekly Religion classes in American Sign Language and other activities for children and adults who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. This Summer, the Deaf Apostolate will host a two-week Religious Education Camp at St. Joseph University. For information about the camp, Interpreted Sunday Masses and/or to receive the Deaf Catholic Newsletter email [email protected] or call 215-587-3913 (voice) or 267-507-1215 (video phone). Click HERE for more information
RETROUVAILLE: Rediscover The Love in Your Marriage (August 13-15, 2021) - Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vy). 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 August 13 - 15, 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.
Sixth Annual Padre Pio Festival St. Bede the Venerable Parish( September 18-19, 2021) - Saint Bede the Venerable Church, welcomes all to its Sixth Annual Festival to honor St. Pio of Pietrelcina, better known as "Padre Pio," on Sept. 18 and 19. The two-day event begins with Saturday’s Picnic Buffet (tickets will be sold at the event), featuring games, amusements for children, food and craft vendors, and live music. The highlight will be a 5:30pm Vigil Mass, followed by blessings with holy relics. The Sunday 12:30pm Solemn Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Pio Mandato, followed by a street procession with a statue of Padre Pio through the surrounding neighborhood. After the procession, there will be a healing service with confessions and veneration of holy relics. All day there will be specialty food and craft vendors, amusements for children, and live musical entertainment. Plenty of free parking will be available, and pilgrim buses are welcome. For more information, go online to padrepiofestivalhollandpa.com, or call the St. Bede parish office at 215-357-5720.
2021 Catholic Women's Conference: Strong and Beautiful (Saturday, October 23, 2021) - CWC2021 will be a highly modified version of our usual event due to continued pandemic limitations. This year, Catholic women are invited to attend one, 2-hour, in-person mini-conference – morning or afternoon – and then enjoy four video talks at home at your leisure. Morning keynote by Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Afternoon keynote by Mother Clare Matthias, CFR. The Spanish track takes place at Holy Innocents Parish in Philadelphia with keynote by Yamilka Genao. National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa , 654 Ferry Road - Doylestown, PA. Click HERE for information
Year of St Joseph: In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of St Joseph being proclaimed the patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has declared a Year of St Joseph ( December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021). You can read the Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde, on Saint Joseph HERE. Click HERE for information from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Click HERE for an Introduction to the Year of St Joseph and a bi-monthly reflection on St. Joseph from Sr Marie O'Hagan, SSJ.