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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 March 5, 2021
Celebrating the Sacraments:
Sunday Mass: Our regular Mass schedule has resumed with limited seating and our COVID-19 mitigation practices in place. The 4:30 PM Vigil Mass and the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass will continue to be livestreamed. Click HERE for more information.
Reception of the Eucharist: We offer an opportunity to receive Communion after the Saturday 4:30 PM Livestream Mass until 6:00 PM and the after the 9:00 AM Livestream Mass on Sunday, until 10:30 AM. Please enter thru the main doors, wear a face covering, and use the hand sanitizer as you enter Church.
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
Making a Spiritual Communion (Click HERE): If you are unable to join us for Mass, you are invited to make a spiritual Communion.
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.
Reception of the Eucharist: We offer an opportunity to receive Communion after the Saturday 4:30 PM Livestream Mass until 6:00 PM and the after the 9:00 AM Livestream Mass on Sunday, until 10:30 AM. Please enter thru the main doors, wear a face covering, and use the hand sanitizer as you enter Church.
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
Making a Spiritual Communion (Click HERE): If you are unable to join us for Mass, you are invited to make a spiritual Communion.
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.
The Season of Lent 2021
Lent - Fasting And Abstinence : The Bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons who are fourteen years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday (with the exception of Friday, March 19th, The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Further, all persons eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Good Friday, while the other two meals on those days are to be light.
All faithful are encouraged, when possible, to participate at Mass, and to receive the Holy Eucharist daily, to celebrate frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertake spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to participate in Parish Lenten devotions, as well as Lenten education programs. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is especially recommended. All are encouraged to participate in Operation Rice Bowl which has aided countless hungry persons here in the Archdiocese, as well as throughout our nation and our world.
A Lenten Message From Pope Francis: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world. In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ (read More).
OMC Station of the Cross: Wednesdays 6:30 PM (Church)
OMC Confessions: Wednesdays 7:00 to 8:00 PM (Church)
USCCB Lenten Resources - Click HERE
Lent Coloring Page - Click HERE
OMC Lent 2021 - Click HERE
Lent In 3 Minutes - Click HERE
Lent - Fasting And Abstinence : The Bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons who are fourteen years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday (with the exception of Friday, March 19th, The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Further, all persons eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday, are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Good Friday, while the other two meals on those days are to be light.
All faithful are encouraged, when possible, to participate at Mass, and to receive the Holy Eucharist daily, to celebrate frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertake spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to participate in Parish Lenten devotions, as well as Lenten education programs. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is especially recommended. All are encouraged to participate in Operation Rice Bowl which has aided countless hungry persons here in the Archdiocese, as well as throughout our nation and our world.
A Lenten Message From Pope Francis: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world. In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ (read More).
OMC Station of the Cross: Wednesdays 6:30 PM (Church)
OMC Confessions: Wednesdays 7:00 to 8:00 PM (Church)
USCCB Lenten Resources - Click HERE
Lent Coloring Page - Click HERE
OMC Lent 2021 - Click HERE
Lent In 3 Minutes - Click HERE
An Evening of Taizé Prayer - Tuesday, March 9 - 7:00 PM (In-person and Livestream attendance): Beautiful music, silence, and Scripture are the sustaining elements of this unique, peaceful, and inviting style of praying. If you've never experienced this way of praying before, or even if you have, you're in for a special experience using the songs and prayers from the Taizé ecumenical monastery at Taizé, France. We kindly ask that young children not attend this prayer experience. Click HERE
Twenty- Four Hours f or the Lord - March 12-13: 24 Hours for the Lord is an initiative of the Holy Father Pope Francis in which Parishes open the doors of their Church for a period of 24 hours. During this time, the clergy and faithful will have the opportunity to pray before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, reserved in the tabernacle. Confessions will also be made available during this period. 24 Hours for the Lord takes place on the Friday and Saturday preceding the Fourth Week of Lent and will be observed throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Click HERE for schedule.
Miraculous Medal Shrine, 2021 Lenten Series, Prayer in Motion: The Transformative Power of Prayer: Each day during Lent, the Miraculous Medal Shrine will release video reflections that feature men and women from all walks of life, discussing how prayer has led to personal growth and change. These stories will show, if we’re open to personal reflection and open communication with God, our lives will be transformed in unpredictable ways. We’ll experience a deeper peace, a stronger sense of purpose, and sense of personal and communal well-being. All are invited to join the Miraculous Medal Shrine for this journey of faith. The videos will be posted each day during Lent to https://miraculousmedal.org/lent-2021/.
Operation Rice Bowl: Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all. Click HERE for more information.
Lent 2021: A Journey of Hope: Join Laudato Si’ Lent today to receive weekly reminders and ideas about how you can live this journey of ecological conversion with this movement, including opportunities to connect through retreats, webinars, and prayer services. Each week will feature a “mini-fast” challenge that will help all of us reduce our ecological footprint and reflect on our relationship with God and all creation. Click HERE to Join.
Novena For Racial Justice: In the Catholic tradition, a Novena is an ancient prayer tradition, consisting of prayer for a specific intention over the course of nine days. Through this Novena for Racial Justice, the Jesuit and broader Catholic network is invited to unite in prayer for nine days, framed in the example of Catholic saints and servants of God who provide a witness and example for us in our work for racial justice. Click HERE for more information
Parish Life:
Safety Reminders: As we spring into a new season, the 14th Police District offers the following tips to stay safe, especially in light of the recent uptick in crimes in the Northwest part of the city.
- Avoid walking anywhere alone at night…try to run errands in the morning…go for your fitness walk when other people are around you or with a buddy…use Amazon prime to get stuff.
- Listen to your intuition. If you see someone who you do not know lingering in front of or near your house or other destination, call someone to meet you at the door or worst-case scenario call 911.
- Lock your car doors…and avoid leaving your purse, wallet, laptop, tablet, electronics, or anything else of value in your car.
- If you are confronted by an armed robber…surrender your purse, wallet, cell phone, etc. and get to safety. Your valuables can be replaced - you cannot.
OMC St Vincent de Paul Society: Inspired by Gospel values, members of the OMC St Vincent DePaul Society seek to provide comfort and good will to those in need. Men and women of our parish regularly make phone calls, send greeting cards and offer words of consolation to those we know who are homebound and/or isolated. If you know of anyone who could benefit from such caring outreach, please contact Mary Cassidy (mcassidy@omcparish,com) at the parish office and provide contact information. Thank you.
2021 Catholic Charities Appeal: Last week, the Archbishop formally launch the 2021 Catholic Charities Appeal - Giving Hope to All. 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. Our parish goal for the 2021 CCA is $78,762.
Click HERE for more information. Click HERE for video.
Click HERE for more information. Click HERE for video.
Grief to Grace -Healing the Wounds of Abuse (March 21-26) - is an integrated psychological and spiritual program for anyone who has suffered degradation or violation through physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual abuse. It is appropriate for anyone who has endured sexual abuse, rape, incest, or other forms of traumatic violation in childhood or adolescence. It is also appropriate for anyone who has been abused by clergy.
The program will be held March 21th through March 26th of 2021 at the Malvern Retreat Center, Malvern PA. The program offers a very unique process for helping victims of abuse to grieve the past and discover spiritual healing and transformation. Dr. Theresa Burke who is the founder of Rachel’s Vineyard - retreats for healing after abortion, composed the program and will serve as the facilitator for this retreat. Grief to Grace provides professional therapeutic staff, all treatment is based on a firm Christian Foundation as well as sound medical and psychological principles and a perceptive understanding of trauma.
Visit www.grieftograce.org for more information. To request an application contact [email protected] or call
610- 427-1187 Reserve your spot now as space is limited.
The program will be held March 21th through March 26th of 2021 at the Malvern Retreat Center, Malvern PA. The program offers a very unique process for helping victims of abuse to grieve the past and discover spiritual healing and transformation. Dr. Theresa Burke who is the founder of Rachel’s Vineyard - retreats for healing after abortion, composed the program and will serve as the facilitator for this retreat. Grief to Grace provides professional therapeutic staff, all treatment is based on a firm Christian Foundation as well as sound medical and psychological principles and a perceptive understanding of trauma.
Visit www.grieftograce.org for more information. To request an application contact [email protected] or call
610- 427-1187 Reserve your spot now as space is limited.
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.
OMC Climate Ministry: It’s tempting to start the new year with lists and lists of what we want to accomplish. But 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 two 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.”
- How to reduce energy use during the pandemic: A new study says that despite a record drop in global carbon emissions in 2020, a pandemic-driven shift to remote work and more at-home entertainment still presents significant environmental impact due to how internet data is stored and transferred around the world. Just one hour of videoconferencing or streaming, for example, emits 150-1,000 grams of carbon dioxide (a gallon of gasoline burned from a car emits about 8,887 grams), requires 2-12 liters of water and demands a land area adding up to about the size of an iPad Mini. But leaving your camera off during a web call can reduce these footprints by 96%. Streaming content in standard definition rather than in high definition while using apps such as Netflix or Hulu also could bring an 86% reduction, the researchers estimated.... read more.
- 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.
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.
Teen Lenten Activities - Click HERE
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 Cub Pack 1855: – Click HERE for the latest Wolf Pack Newsletter
National Catholic Scouting Service Scholarships Available: - The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) awards seven service scholarships totaling $20,000. If you are a service oriented Catholic Scout, who is a high school senior, has received the Ad Altare Dei, Light is Life or Pope Pius XII award, and earned the Eagle Scout, Summit or Quartermaster Award you may qualify. Check the NCCS Website at http://nccs-bsa.org/index.php/college-scholarship for complete eligibility requirements and application information about the Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship. Applications are due by March 31st, 2021.
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.
Teen Lenten Activities - Click HERE
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 Cub Pack 1855: – Click HERE for the latest Wolf Pack Newsletter
National Catholic Scouting Service Scholarships Available: - The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) awards seven service scholarships totaling $20,000. If you are a service oriented Catholic Scout, who is a high school senior, has received the Ad Altare Dei, Light is Life or Pope Pius XII award, and earned the Eagle Scout, Summit or Quartermaster Award you may qualify. Check the NCCS Website at http://nccs-bsa.org/index.php/college-scholarship for complete eligibility requirements and application information about the Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship. Applications are due by March 31st, 2021.
Parish Offices: The parish office is open Monday thru Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM on a restricted basis. Please call (215-247-0430) or email ([email protected]) Mary Cassidy for Mass intentions, certificates, letters, etc., which can be mailed or pick-up. We ask only 1 person be in the office at a time, that you wear a face covering when in the office and limit your stay to 10 minutes. The food pantry is available, call St Vincent de Paul Society (215-240-0430 - Ext 5) to arrange for food pickup.
Faith Formation Opportunities:
People of Life Faith Formation Series: Join us at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul as we explore the Church’s teachings on the urgent social issues of our day so as to be strengthened in our resolve to defend them and also be equipped to dialogue fruitfully with others. “Those who really desire a more human society need to begin with the root, not with the trunk and branches, of the tree of injustice.” –Pope Benedict XVI . Click HERE for information.
A Vincentian Approach to the Virtues of St. Joseph. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has dedicated 2021 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. While little is known about this saint, his virtuous actions speak volumes as the ideal “provider and protector.” To celebrate the occasion, join us every Friday in March as the Shrine’s Vincentian priests delve into the life and personhood of St. Joseph in an intriguing series: “A Vincentian Approach to the Virtues of St. Joseph.” Click HERE for information
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
“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.
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 of FREE course visit: archphila.org/revive.
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 of FREE course visit: archphila.org/revive.
Service Opportunities:
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.
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.