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Archived Updates can be found under ABOUT US > Parish Updates
Archived Updates can be found under ABOUT US > Parish Updates
OMC Update July 9, 2021
Celebrating the Sacraments:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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) On Tuesday, July 6, contractors will begin excavation work on East Chestnut Hill Ave in order to connect St Paul Episcopal Church to the city sanitary sewer system, as we did at OMC in 2008. 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.
Men’s Summer Clothing Needed for Homeless: OMC parishioner, Regina Beck, is collecting all sizes of new and gently used men’s summer clothing (t-shirts, short sleeve shirts, shorts, boxer briefs, etc.) for homeless men. The clothing will be distributed on Saturday, July 24 in Trenton, NJ at the Cathedral of the Assumption of St. Mary. La Salle University supports this program along with the Cathedral Parish. The program is desperate for men’s summer clothes because 90% of the homeless population they minister to are male. Please place clean, new or gently used summer clothing, in a plastic bag and place it in the bin on the rectory porch. Please contact Regina [email protected] if you need to arrange a pick -up. Your donations are greatly appreciated and needed. Thanks for your support.
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
- Exterior painting (Rectory - Office - Church) - $17,405.00 - Completed
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: $47, 209 (60% of Goal)
Click HERE for more information. Click HERE for video.
OMC parish 2021 goal: $78,762.
OMC Gifts to Date: $47, 209 (60% 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
Alpha Care Pregnancy Center: Alpha Care Center in West Philadelphia provides prenatal care, financial support, job training, supplies, mom support groups, and more, for moms and families in need. All of their services are 100% free and they don't turn anyone in need away. They empower women with the tools to embrace motherhood and still accomplish their goals. They have been hit hard over the past year. An OMC young adult parishioner, who is also an Alpha Care volunteer, is organizing an Amazon registry for supplies that Alpha Care needs in providing care to pregnant women and their families. Please consider purchasing items off the registry. Thank you so much for your support and God bless! Alpha Care Services - Click HERE. Amazon registry - Click HERE.
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:
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.
Come & Rest Awhile: The Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, located in Northeast Philadelphia, is offering the opportunity to make a private or directed/guided retreat the week of July 25-31. In a Guided or Directed Retreat, you “come apart” from your ordinary activities to rest, in prayerful silence, in the Lord’s company. You meet once a day, individually, with an experienced guide who listens to the Holy Spirit with you and helps you spend the time well, for example, by suggesting Scripture readings for your meditation. In a Private Retreat, the Holy Spirit alone is your Director. There will be daily Eucharist, meals, and (optional) Morning and Evening Prayer. The retreat begins with supper on Sunday, July 25, and ends with Mass and brunch, on Saturday, July 31. Click HERE for more information
“Lectio Divina: Prayerful Reading of the Scriptures.” Have you learned to read and listen to God’s Word in a way that invites a personal, prayerful response and moves you to greater love of God and neighbor? Learn the method of “lectio divina” at a day-long program (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at the Mother Boniface Spirituality Center in Northeast Philly on Saturday, July 17. Our guide will be Father Peter Damian Akpunonu, SSL, STD, professor of Sacred Scripture for many years in seminaries in Nigeria and in the U.S., and consultant to the Holy See. Fee for the day is $35.00. Continental breakfast and lunch included. To register, call 267-350-1831 or email [email protected] by July 9th.
“Lectio Divina: Prayerful Reading of the Scriptures.” Have you learned to read and listen to God’s Word in a way that invites a personal, prayerful response and moves you to greater love of God and neighbor? Learn the method of “lectio divina” at a day-long program (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at the Mother Boniface Spirituality Center in Northeast Philly on Saturday, July 17. Our guide will be Father Peter Damian Akpunonu, SSL, STD, professor of Sacred Scripture for many years in seminaries in Nigeria and in the U.S., and consultant to the Holy See. Fee for the day is $35.00. Continental breakfast and lunch included. To register, call 267-350-1831 or email [email protected] by July 9th.
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:
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.
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.