“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
-St. Maximilian Kolbe
Sunday readings for September 10, 2023- Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Ex 33:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Rom 13:8-10
Gospel: Mt 18:15-20
Announcements
Archdiocese Capital Campaign
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is initiating a major change in the way it will train its future priests. For many years, Saint Charles Seminary has been a massive presence in Wynnewood and hundreds of priests have been trained there. However, the seminary buildings are much too large for the number of seminarians now enrolled. There is no realistic expectation that we will have again 500 or more seminarians who would fill the buildings.
The seminary property has been sold and the seminary program will move to the campus of Gwynedd Mercy University. Even though this change is in large measure an economic response to declining enrollment, in my opinion, training seminarians on the campus of a Catholic co-educational college is a better way of preparing future priests. The seminarians will have a positive impact on the Catholic identity of the university and the seminarians will regularly associate with typical college and graduate students each day.
It is necessary for the Archdiocese to build new buildings to accommodate this change. Archbishop Perez has initiated a capital campaign to fund the transition, including the building project.
Ed Town, a seminarian, will come to speak at Holy Redeemer on behalf of this campaign. There will be pledge/offering envelopes in each pew.
Our seminary also trains lay leaders and future deacons. Investing in Saint Charles Seminary, soon to move to Gwynedd Mercy, is an investment in the future of the Church in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Holy Sepulcher Catholic Cemetery
Many Holy Redeemer parishioners have expressed interest in purchasing graves at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, essentially creating a Chinese Catholic section of the cemetery. On Sunday, September 17 at 2:30 PM, Holy Redeemer parishioners are invited to visit the cemetery, see the section that can be reserved for Chinese Catholics and learn about purchasing cemetery lots. Father Tom and Father Joseph will be present. Refreshments will be served.
Holy Redeemer Upcoming Open House
The 1st Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 21st at 9:30 AM. The school welcomes anyone who is interested in enrolling their child. Applications are accepted at any time by calling the school at 215-922-0999 or submitted online at https://www.holyredeemerschool.org/application
Church Website
Until the church website is complete with the information from the original website, we will be making updates to the Parish section of the School website. In particular:
– parish events will be added to the school calendar for now
– news items and announcements will also be added and updated
– photos and videos will be posted the Photo Gallery within the Parish section
– all of Fr. Tom’s writings are still here.
Please send any announcements, photos, videos, or items of news to mlouie@holyredeemerschool.org
PCA Listening Session on PA’s Master Plan for Older Adults
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging will host a listening session on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults – a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. The master plan will also reflect the needs and preferences of this population to live where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place. The listening session will take place at 10:00 AM on September 11, 2023 at On Lok House. Stakeholders, older adults and people living with disabilities, their families, caregivers and community leaders are invited to hear an overview of the plan and why such a plan is needed for Pennsylvania. There will be opportunities for those in attendance to provide comments and input on the plan.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
We will begin our weekly zoom classes on Monday, October 8 at 7 PM. These classes are for adults who are considering joining the Catholic Church through baptism or confirmation (for those who are already baptized). However, those who wish to update and expand their knowledge of the faith are also invited. If you wish to received email invitations to our RCIA classes, email Father Tom at frtomcap@yahoo.com.
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center, Stone Harbor, NJ is now welcoming lay people as well as clergy and religious to participate in our spiritual programs. Formerly a retreat house reserved solely for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Malvern, PA), our new building accommodates 45 overnight guests. Our Catholic faith is rooted throughout our property. Mass is celebrated in Mary, Star of the Sea Chapel and has the Blessed Sacrament present for Eucharistic Adoration. There are serene indoor and outdoor porches for quiet reflection or small group sharing. The Stations of the Cross are located inside the chapel and outside where you are invited to pray this beautiful devotion. The Saint Joseph Garden is a peaceful place to enjoy God’s beauty.
Please visit VMbytheSea.com to view our Fall 2023 offerings of spiritual workshops and weekend retreats. Contact Sr. Emily Vincent, IHM, at 609-964-7696 or S.ERebalsky@VMbytheSea.com with any questions.
Eucharistic Procession
The Catholic Church in the USA is in the midst of a “Year of Eucharistic Revival”. Our bishops ask us Catholics to learn about and celebrate the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We are planning a Eucharistic procession from Holy Redeemer Church to Saint John Church on Sunday, October 15. There will be ONE MASS at 11:15 AM Mass at Holy Redeemer followed by a procession through the streets of Center City to Saint John’s where we will conclude with prayer and Benediction. Please mark your calendars!
Holy Redeemer School Spotlight
Full day school starts on Monday, September 11. Free breakfast and lunch are provided. School hours are 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
The 1st Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 21st at 9:30 AM. The school welcomes anyone who is interested in enrolling their child. Applications are accepted at any time by calling the school at 215-922-0999 or submitted online at https://www.holyredeemerschool.org/application
On Friday, September 22nd, there will be a Home & School Conference at 12:00 PM wherein school highlights and information are provided to the parents and guardians of the students. School will be dismissed at 11:30 AM.
Thanks again for all the school supplies donated for the students of Holy Redeemer School. These supplies will be very useful for the students’ education.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Spotlight
In crisis-affected communities in Nigeria, we’re working with families to improve nutrition by providing demonstrations. Thanks to funding from USAID, we are working with local partners to reach over 74,000 individuals to show them new cooking techniques, the importance of a balanced diet, proper washing of vegetables and other best practices when it comes to cooking. Visit www.crs.org for more information and to see how you can help!
“Poverty is the flesh of the poor Jesus, in that child who is hungry, in the one who is sick, in those unjust social structures.” ~ Pope Francis
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