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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 May 14, 2021
Celebrating the Sacraments:
Sunday Mass: Our regular Mass schedule continues with limited seating and our COVID-19 mitigation practices in place. The 4:30 PM Saturday Vigil Mass and the 9:00 AM Sunday Masses will 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 Easter: Easter time is the 50-day celebration that flows from the Triduum. It is the Church’s most ancient and most beautiful season. These are springtime days of blossoming orchards, of open windows, of the great gladness of the awakening earth. In times past, another word for Easter time was “Pentecost.” Now we use that word to mean the last day of Easter time, but “Pentecost” can mean “fifty days” or “fiftieth day.” The ascension of the Lord and the sending of the Holy Spirit are celebrated on two solemnities of the Season, but they also are celebrated throughout Easter time. We can’t really separate these wonders. The Lord’s incarnation, epiphany, passion, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and the gift of the Spirit are one mystery, called the “Paschal Mystery.”
Pentecost Novena (May 14 -22) - The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the directions of Our Lord Himself when He sent His Apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. This novena is traditionally prayed from the Friday after Ascension Thursday until the Saturday before Pentecost. The next traditional time for the novena to begin is Friday, May 14, 2021, and concludes Saturday, May 22, 2021. Click HERE for Novena
Pentecost Sunday (May 23) Pentecost is a Greek word that means either “50 days” or “50th day.” Pentecost sets a seal on the 50 days of Easter time. On Pentecost, Christians celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This great feast is the Birthday of the Church! As the Spirit descended on Mary and the disciples in the upper room, they began to more fully understand the salvation that Christ had brought. Not being able to contain this Good News, they went forth, as a Church, to proclaim it to the world. Pentecost is really our special day because we, like the early followers of Jesus, are called to spread the Good News as disciples of Jesus. Everyone is invited to wear RED to Mass on Pentecost Sunday.
OMC Parish Life:
Parish Offices: The parish office is open Monday thru Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM. 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.
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
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.
OMC Summer Youth 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.
OMC Summer Youth 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 Cub Pack 1855: – Click HERE for the latest Wolf Pack Newsletter
Scout Emblem Presentation: On Saturday April 10, OMC Cub Pack 1855 participated in the Emblem Presentation Program Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, with Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre Presiding. The following OMC Cubs were recognized: Zach Bischoff, Sean Dolan, Ethan Monberg, Owen Pavelsky, John Santini, Joshua Shapit, John Sprandio, and Xavier Vereen. OMC Pack 1855 also received the Pope Pius VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award. Finally, OMC Pack leader, Peter Amuso, received the St. John Neumann Emblem - a local Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Committee on Scouting award, for those "who have served Catholic Scouting in an outstanding manner." We offer our congratulations to all our Cubs and our Pack leaders. Click HERE for gallery.
Scout Emblem Presentation: On Saturday April 10, OMC Cub Pack 1855 participated in the Emblem Presentation Program Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, with Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre Presiding. The following OMC Cubs were recognized: Zach Bischoff, Sean Dolan, Ethan Monberg, Owen Pavelsky, John Santini, Joshua Shapit, John Sprandio, and Xavier Vereen. OMC Pack 1855 also received the Pope Pius VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award. Finally, OMC Pack leader, Peter Amuso, received the St. John Neumann Emblem - a local Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Committee on Scouting award, for those "who have served Catholic Scouting in an outstanding manner." We offer our congratulations to all our Cubs and our Pack leaders. Click HERE for gallery.
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: $39,871 (51% of Goal)
Click HERE for more information. Click HERE for video.
OMC parish 2021 goal: $78,762.
OMC Gifts to Date: $39,871 (51% of Goal)
Click HERE for more information. Click HERE for video.
The Five Friday Series: St Paul's Episcopal Church is very pleased to bring this single virtual concert to St. Paul’s, after the COVID pandemic caused the cancellation of the entire five-concert season in 2020-2021. Since 2011 the Five Fridays series has raised funds to benefit two local organizations that combat hunger and homelessness in NW Philadelphia. Thanks to support from generous sponsors, all ticket revenue and donations from this concert will be shared between Face to Face Germantown and Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network. Click HERE for Information & to purchase tickets.
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:
After all the challenges of the past fifteen months, organizations like Bethesda Project provides a home and a family to people who need it most right now. You can join Bethesda Project in their mission by participating on May 20th at 6pm for the 24th Annual Party & Auction. Event tickets, as well as the 50/50 raffle and silent auction (which includes an overnight retreat at the Daylesford Abbey – Item # 112) can be found at 2021party.givesmart.com. All proceeds will benefit Bethesda Project’s life-changing work in Philadelphia. Click HERE for information on Bethesda Project.
Manna Bag Collection - Return Bags this Weekend!! OMC St Vincent de Paul Society is hosting a Manna Bag Collection during May. Manna Bags will be distributed at all Masses the weekend of May 8 and 9. Kindly return your filled Manna Bag the following weekend - May 15 and 16. Canned food items in greatest need are: beef stew, tuna fish, fruit, vegetables, pasta, soups, and pork & beans. Thank you for reaching out to people in emergency situations!
Manna Prayer - Jesus, many times throughout Your life You fed hungry people and You called others to help. You called the young child with the loaves and fishes to share his gifts. You call each one of us today. Open our eyes to see the needs of others. Open our ears to hear your call to share. Open our hearts to welcome all people to the table of love.
Manna Prayer - Jesus, many times throughout Your life You fed hungry people and You called others to help. You called the young child with the loaves and fishes to share his gifts. You call each one of us today. Open our eyes to see the needs of others. Open our ears to hear your call to share. Open our hearts to welcome all people to the table of love.
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
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
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.
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:
The Miraculous Medal Shrine Presents - May Marian Series: The Motherhood of Mary: Our Blessed Mother has played a unique role in Church history, and for centuries, devotees have looked to her for motherly guidance. Many rely on her graces and intercessions as they make their journey toward Christ, her Son. Learn more about Mary, our Blessed Mother, by joining us every Friday in May as we delve into the life and motherhood of Mary as presented by sisters of the Daughters of Charity. Click HERE for information and to register.
“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.
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:
Vatican Asks Us to Storm Heaven with the Rosary in May - New Evangelization, has asked the universal Church to take up the Rosary during the month of May and to pray it daily for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to learn more about this announcement.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues to pray the Rosary on Zoom Monday through Thursday at 8 PM, join us during the month of May. For details about how to log-in to the Rosary, visit phillyevang.org/rosary.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues to pray the Rosary on Zoom Monday through Thursday at 8 PM, join us during the month of May. For details about how to log-in to the Rosary, visit phillyevang.org/rosary.
Pentecost Vigil Mass Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Charismatic Renewal - Join us at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Saturday, May 22 - 7:30 PM as we celebrate the birthday of our Church with a special time of Prayer, Praise & Worship (7 pm). We ask for the strengthening of the HOLY SPIRIT that we would: follow where the SPIRIT leads, speak as the SPIRIT prompts, and love with GOD’S love. www.PhillySpirit.com When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.... Acts 2:1 Click HERE for flyer & information
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.
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.