RCIA & Inquiry: Mondays, 7:00 PM, St. John the Baptist
Liturgical Music Planners: Monday (2/25), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
SEAM Board: Monday (2/25), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Walking With Purpose I: Mondays, 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
Adult Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
High School Youth Group: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, CLC
Stewardship Council: Tuesday (2/26), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Advisory Council for Evangelization (ACE): Tuesday (2/26), 7:00 PM, St. Mark
Walking with Purpose II: Wednesdays, 9:30 AM, St. Matthew
Legion of Mary: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM, holy hour, chapel; 7:00 PM, Holy Family Room
CRHP Continuation Committee: Wednesday (2/27), 7:00 PM, St. Matthew
Interfaith Action Committee: Wednesday (2/27), 7:00 PM, St. Luke
Women at the Well: Thursdays, 7:00 PM, & Fridays, 9:00 AM, St. Mark
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) Game Day: Thursday, (2/28), 10:30 AM, St. Matthew
Parish School Mass: Friday, (3/1), 11:15 AM, Church
Queen of Peace Marian Prayer Group: Fridays, 1:00 PM, chapel
Cheer Recognition: Saturday, (3/2), after 5:30 Mass, Social Hall
Safe Haven Sunday: Saturday - Sunday, (3/2-3/3), 5:30 PM, 8:00, 9:30 & 11:30 AM
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST
Help Wanted: Saint Joseph parish, Downingtown, is looking for a part-time cook to prepare dinners for the priests at the rectory. The ideal candidate must like to cook, have culinary experience or is a cooking professional interested in some additional hours. This position has a flexible schedule, approximately 8 hours per week. If interested, email Allan Anderson, Business Manager, at
Help Wanted: Guiding Star Ministries, a maternity home in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, is seeking candidates to serve as Live-in Resident Assistant in our Maternity Home in Philadelphia. Responsibilities include: support of the residents and overseeing the home. Assistant may work or attend school during the day. Free housing and stipend for live-in position. Forward resume to
Daylesford Abbey: Join us on Wednesday, March 6, for “Beginning the Forty Days of Lent”. Offering is $30 per person. Presenter is Joseph Serano, O. Praem. Please register before Wednesday, February 27, by calling 610-647-2530 or emailing
SS. Peter & Paul, West Chester, PA: AFIRE is a faith based movement designed to bring education, healing, hope, resources, advocacy and transformational action to families and communities struggling with addiction. If you, your family or anyone you know has been impacted by addiction, or if you’d simply like to join others in providing faith, hope and love to those struggling in the midst of this terrible epidemic, please join us for the next meeting of the SS. Peter & Paul chapter of AFIRE which will be held on Thursday, February 28, 7:00-8:30 PM in the Parish Center. For more information, please contact Kathleen Rosati (
St. Raphaela Center & Charis Ministries, Haverford, PA: Looking for a Catholic retreat this spring in the Philadelphia area? Charis Ministries is a retreat ministry in the Jesuit tradition for young adults in their 20s and 30s. This year, Charis and the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Haverford, PA, are coming together to host the What’s Next? Retreat at the St. Raphaela Center. This particular retreat is designed for men and women in their 20s and 30s and will be held the weekend of March 1-3. The retreat focuses on the variety of life transitions experienced by retreatants in young adulthood. Registration is open online under special events at http://straphaelacenter.org/. If you have any questions, please email us at
Vigil for Life: Pray as a Volunteer Helper of God’s Precious Infants on Saturday, March 2, 8:00 AM Mass at Saint Agnes, West Chester, followed by a Rosary Pilgrimage to Planned Parenthood.
A Path to Hope: S.T.E.P.S. (Services-Therapy-Education-Providers-Support) Information Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, March 2, 12:00-4:00 PM at Lionville Middle School. Come and meet area providers, learn about services in our area. Come for yourself, a family member, a friend! Information is a powerful first step! For more information visit www.apathtohope.org.
Flame of Love: First Saturday Devotions (as requested by Our Lady of Fatima) will be held on Saturday, March 2 at two locations: St. Charles Borromeo, Drexel Hill, will have Holy Mass at 8:30 AM, followed by First Saturday Devotions, refreshments, a teaching and concludes at 12:00 noon; St. Mary Magdalen, Media, will have Holy Mass at 8:30 AM, Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Saturday Devotions. Concludes at 10:00 AM.
Mothers’ Home, Darby: 8th Annual Bowl-A-Thon, Saturday, March 2, 3:00-5:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM, at Sproul Lanes, Springfield, PA. For more information and/or to reserve a lane, visit www.mothershome.myevent.com. There are sponsorship opportunities available and there will be a 50/50 raffle.
Charismatic Mass and Healing Service: Please join the Archdiocesan Charismatic Prayer Communities of Chester County on Monday, March 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oxford. Prayer and Praise at 7:00 PM, Mass at 7:30 PM. Celebrant is Rev. Christopher Rodgers. All are welcome (bring a friend)! Wheelchair accessible! For more information and directions contact Jean Gottel (
Malvern Retreat House: Please join us for the following events: Ash Wednesday Lenten Day of Reflection on Wednesday, March 6, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, directed by Fr. James McGuinn. This is the perfect day for you to begin Lent with the distribution of ashes, a sit-down lunch with Mass and Confessions. $40 per person; Domenica Retreat for Women, March 1-3, directed by noted evangelist and author, Kathleen McCarthy, and will focus on the theme, “Embracing the Lord’s Peace in Turbulent Times,” and Women Afire Retreat for Women, March 8-10. The theme for this retreat is “For God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear and Timidity, but of Power, Love and Self-Discipline.” 2 Timothy 1-7. For more information or to register for any of these events, visit www.malvernretreat.com or call 610-644-0400.
SS. Philip & James, Exton: Our Bereavement Support Group is open to all those who are grieving, no matter how long it has been. Our next session will be held on Thursday evenings, March 7 through April 11, 7:00-8:30 PM in the school library. Light refreshments will be served. For more information and/or to register, please email or call Theresa Ferrari (
Man Up Philly 2019 Catholic Men's Conference: Now in its 11th year, Man Up Philly Men's Spirituality Conference seeks to encourage men to be better fathers, husbands, brothers, and Catholics through enlightening and energizing talks, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, along with the reception of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. Join us on Saturday, March 9, 2019, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM at the Neumann University Mirenda Center, 1 Neumann Way, Aston PA 19014. Speakers include: Eagle star Ron Jaworski, Matthew Kelly, Evangelist Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Irish tenor Mark Forrest. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Senior. For more information and/or to register, visit our website at www.manupphilly.com.
Spaghetti Dinner: The Eagle-Glenmoore Lions Club will hold their annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 9, 4:30-7:00 PM in the social hall. You may eat-in or take-out. Adults-$10; children, 4-10 years-$4; under 4 years -free. For tickets call 610-942-4123. Proceeds benefit local Volunteer Fire Companies (Glenmoore, Lionville, Ludwigs Corner).
Good Works Annual Celebration Dinner: All are welcome to join us on Sunday, March 10, 5:00 PM, at the Downingtown Country Club for a sumptuous buffet, inspiring testimonies, fellowship and thanksgiving. Tickets are $35 per guest and guests may choose their seats upon arrival. For more information visit the website at goodworksinc.org or call 610-383-6311.
St. Joseph Parish, Spring City: Join us for a Mass in support of those suffering from addiction, on Saturday, March 15 at 11:00 AM. All are invited! Celebrant is Rev. Charles R. O’Hara, Pastor. Healing blessing offered after Mass. Addiction has touched far too many families and taken away far too many of our loved ones. Join us that we may draw strength from one another in the power of our faith. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.
Bishop Shanahan High School: Seventh Grade Visitation Day, Wednesday, March 20, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Visit shanahan.org/whybshs to register and for more information.
Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries: Post-Abortion Healing Retreat, March 22-24 in Malvern-Frazer, PA. For more information and/or to register call or email Lauren (215-720-5828;
Ss. Simon and Jude, West Chester: Honor Flight Philadelphia presents Designer Bag Bingo, Saturday, March 23. Only 100 tickets available. Doors open at 6:00 PM, Bingo starts at 7:00 PM. 10 games/4specials/extra cards available. Tables of 8 can be reserved. Tickets: $35.00; tables: $250.00. All proceeds benefit our veterans with a day of honor in Washington, D.C. For more information contact: Andrew 610-662-1812;
Villa Maria Academy High School: All 7th graders are invited to take the Practice Exam on Saturdays, March 23 and 30. VMA has also scheduled Preview Breakfasts for 6th & 7th grade families on April 8 & 10. This will offer a “sneak peek” at Villa Maria’s high school life. 7th grade Visit Villa Days will be offered on May 13 & 14. Visitors will receive a preview of our school community by attending classes and having lunch with current students. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at 610-644-2551 or register online at www.vmahs.org.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas: Join us on Saturday, March 23, at SS. Simon & Jude (Sacred Heart Chapel) for a presentation by Sr. Sheila Galligan, IHM, entitled “Forgiveness: The Name of Love in a Wounded World.” The presentation begins at 9:45 AM following the 9:00 AM Mass. Please contact Martha Schmidt (267-772-3630) for more information. Check out our website on http://cdapa.com/2739/index.html. Regular meetings are held the second Sunday of each month (1:30 PM) at SS. Philip & James (rectory conference room).
Office for Persons with Disabilities & the Deaf Apostolate: All are welcome to join us on Saturday, March 30, 10:30 AM at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul for our annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities. To RSVP visit www.opdarchphilly.org or call 215-587-3530.
Mothers of Children with Disabilities Retreat: Join us on Wednesday, May 1, at Malvern Retreat House for a retreat for mothers and grandmothers who are raising children with disabilities and also those who have adult children with disabilities. For a flyer or registration information, visit www. opdarchphilly.org, call 215-587-3530 or contact Malvern Retreat House directly at 610-644-0400.
Spiritual CPR: A Retreat for All Nurses: Paging all nurses! Come join us for a morning of spiritual reflection, fellowship & fun with other nurses. As nurses, we face unique spiritual challenges that often go unaddressed. Come share a morning with other nurses who share some of the same joys and burdens. Nursing personnel of ALL professional and spiritual backgrounds welcome. Please join us on Saturday, March 30, 8:30 AM-12:00 Noon at Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli. Breakfast will be served. A donation of $20 is requested. For more information and/or to register, please email Theresa (
Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ: Join us on the weekend of March 29-31 for the Spirituality of Knitting & Needle-crafting Retreat. Come explore how the work of your hands is also the work of our Creator’s hands. All who knit, crochet or needle-craft with some experience are welcome. Cost is $140 per person (includes, program, lodging & meals). Sign up on line at www.capemaymarianists.org or call 609-884-3829 for more information.
Little Sisters of the Poor: Spring Concert, Scythian and McLean Avenue Band. Come and enjoy lively Irish music, March 30, at Villanova University’s Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. Concert benefits the elderly poor of the Holy Family Home. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Bands begin playing at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $50 ($20 for students and $10 children 12 and under). Ticket price includes admission, food and drinks. For reservations please send name, address, phone and check to Sister Veronica, Holy Family Home - Dept. PB, 5300 Chester Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143. For more info, or credit card payment visit www.littlesistersofthepoorphiladelphia.org.
St. Mary of the Assumption, Phoenixville: All engaged couples planning to marry are invited to our Pre-Cana Program on Saturday, April 12. Program begins at 9:00 AM and ends with 4:00 PM Mass. The day includes talks, lunch, snacks and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This one-day program meets all the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. A certificate is provided upon completion of the day. Call 610-933-2526 or visit www.stmaryassumption.org - click on Forms/PRE-CANA for more information and to register.
Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne: We invite women (ages 19-45) who are discerning a religious vocation to join us for a weekend of sharing in our life of prayer and apostolate. 2019 weekends will be held in Hawthorne, NY on March 8-10, July 26-28 and November 15-17; and in Atlanta, GA, on May 24-26 and September 20-22. Reservations are required. For information and/or reservations please contact Sr. Catherine Marie (845-745-1319 or
Shanahan High School: Spring Open House - All are Invited! Thursday, April 4 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Featuring tours; academic presentation; classroom demonstrations; Q&A with department chairs, teachers and coaches and refreshments. Visit shanahan.org/whybshs to register and for more information.
Shanahan High School: Seventh Grade practice scholarship test, Saturday, April 6 - 8:00 AM to Noon. Visit shanahan.org/whybshs to register and for more info.
Shanahan High School: All middle school students are invited to an Ignite retreat! Experience faith, friends and fun! All are welcome. The next Ignite retreat will be held on April 27, 2019. For more information and/or to register visit shanahan.org/ignite or email
Daughters of Mary, Mediatrix of Mercy: We are in the process of forming a new congregation of teaching Sisters, who, by God’s grace, will serve within those Catholic primary and secondary schools that implement a classical curriculum. If you would like more information concerning a vocation of the Daughters of Mary, Mediatrix of Mercy, email
Save the Date: Daylesford Abbey welcomes back Don Bisson, FMS, for “Healing the Hole in the Heart”, on Saturday, May 5, 2019, 9:00 AM-3:30 PM. General Admission-$60; Religious & Clergy-$45; Students-$15, includes conference & lunch. For more information and/or to register call 610-646-2530, ext. 133 or visit www.daylesfordabbey.org.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish: All are welcome to join us for a Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy, June 2-14, 2019. We will be visiting Venice, Florence, Bologna, Siena, Assisi, San Giovanni Rotondo and Rome. Holy Mass will be held daily. Cost if $4,199 per person which include air from Philadelphia and breakfast and dinner daily. For a flyer or more detailed information, please call Cathie or Michael Milano (1-800-773-2660).
Safe Haven Sunday - Equipping the Family, Safeguarding Children
Next weekend (March 2-3), the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is conducting a special program entitled: Safe Haven Sunday - Equipping the Family, Safeguarding Children. This awareness- building effort is intended to draw our attention as a church community to the seriousness of the issue of pornography and to recommit ourselves to take steps to ensure our homes are safe havens for all, adults and children alike.
The family home is called to be a safe haven for everyone in the household. But the inappropriate use of technology in the home deprives the family of this safety and is a critical threat to the sanctity of marriage and family life today. Pornography and other online threats are often one click away, and parents can feel overwhelmed with not knowing how to best protect their children in our fast-paced digital world.
In November of 2016, the USCCB released a pastoral response to pornography, called Create in Me a Clean Heart. The Bishops’ intention in writing this document was: 1) to offer healing and hope to those who have been wounded by pornography; 2) to articulate the Catholic Church's response to the pastoral crisis brought about by the production and use of pornography; and 3) to raise awareness of its pervasiveness and harms.
As the Bishop’s document explains, pornography is hurting many people, including marriages and families, single people, priests and religious, and even young children. It cripples the healthy process of spiritual maturity for our young people. The use of pornography impacts the relationships of children with their parents, husbands with their wives (and vice versa), the pastor with his community, and most importantly, our relationship with our Lord. The Bishops state, "The use of pornography by anyone in the home deprives the home of its role as a safe haven and has negative effects throughout a family's life and across generations."
In a means to help protect families, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is setting aside next weekend as Safe Haven Sunday in order to give focused time and resources to address the harmfulness of pornography and other online threats to marriages, family life and culture. In addition to our prayers at Mass next weekend, practical resources will be provided that all caring adults can use to protect themselves and our young people from online risks.
After Mass next weekend, a number of free copies of the booklet, Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture, will be available in the church narthex. This booklet includes a unique seven-day text-to-opt-in program: The Equipped 7-Day Challenge. This Challenge provides practical tips parents and other adults can use to create safer digital environments for themselves and for our young people. But you don't have to wait. You can begin learning now by joining The Equipped 7-Day Challenge: A Digital Crash Course by texting SECURE TO 66866 to receive seven days of emailed digital tips!
Look for Archbishop Chaput’s personal reflection on Safe Haven Sunday in next week’s parish bulletin, along with several readily available online resources. To learn more, please contact the Archdiocesan Office for Life and Family (215-587-5661) or visit www.phillycatholiclife.org.