Saint Charles Borromeo
2018 Seminary Appeal

The Catholic Church in America just completed Vocation Awareness Week, a time when we focus on vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Here in the Archdiocese, over 1000 students in our religious education programs and Catholic grade schools participated in Meet & Greet Webinars with some of our Philadelphia seminarians. These webinars gave students insights into how a young man discerns his vocation and listens for the voice of call in their lives.

Parishes throughout the Archdiocese also just launched Called By Name initiative, asking parishioners to prayerfully look from within their own parishes for men who they believe have the qualities of a good and holy priest.

We are blessed in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with numerous examples of these good and holy men, who God has called to the priesthood. The Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood, in partnership with Joyful Films, is excited to launch a new video about one such priest whose compassion, understanding, and empathy characterize his. Fr. Douglas McKay, was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1982. Following various parish assignments, Fr. Doug founded Our House Ministries in the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia in 1997 and currently still serves as Chaplain. As 'the living and transparent image of Christ the priest' (JPII), Fr. Doug uses the power of prayer and the sacraments in his outreach to those who are struggling with addition.

We invite you to watch and see how Fr. Doug has received and transmitted the mercy, forgiveness, and love of God in his ministry. In this time when there is so much bad news reported about priests and bishops, it is important to be renewed in the power that our Lord Jesus works through the ordained priest, wonderfully exemplified by Fr. Doug.

Join us on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 7 PM in Holy Family Chapel for our annual Advent Evening of Reflection. This year's presentation is, Oh necessary fault of Adam: Our need for a Savior. We'll explore the second creation account and our fall into sin in an effort to understand why it was necessary for God to become man in order to redeem us. The evening will feature prayer, reflection, and discussion centered on embracing Emmanuel - God with us. There is no cost or need to register.

Walking with Purpose is a parish-based Bible study for women. The program incorporates at-home Scripture study, weekly group discussion, and monthly talks on various faith-related topics. This Bible study leads hearts to Christ where He is found—In His Word! We will begin exploring the foundational series “Opening Your Heart” on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays on the month from 7-8pm beginning on September 20 th in the rectory. This Bible study is an incredibly effective guide to deep, lasting transformation of the heart. Join us as we reflect and discuss the core questions that we need to wrestle with if we want to experience all that God has for us.

The cost for the workbook we will be using this year is $40.00. Contact Christine Regan at 215-947-3500 or by e-mail for more information! Click here for more details or to register for this women's program.