A Pauline New Year's

"Come to me, all of you": These words from the Gospel of Matthew were the beginning of Bl. James Alberione's inspiration to found the Pauline Family and the Daughters of St. Paul. He felt Jesus in the Eucharist speaking these words to him on the "night between the centuries," December 31, 1900-January 1, 1901. Bl. Alberione knew that he was being called not only to give all of himself to God, but also to bring all of humanity to God. Because of this "Night of Light," it is now our tradition to spend New Year's Eve and part of New Year's Day on retreat. We make an Hour of Adoration together on New Year's Eve, praying with gratitude for the past year and offering ourselves to God for the coming year. We also pray in a special way for the needs of our families and friends, those we meet in our mission (whether we meet literally or virtually!), and indeed the needs of the whole world. We will remember you as we go before the Master this evening. Your prayer intentions are always welcome, either as a comment or by email: philadelphia@paulinemedia.com. We invite you to spend a few minutes with our Eucharistic Lord this New Year's as well. May 2011 be for you and your loved ones a year of grace and peace!

New Series from Pauline Books & Media

Ever ancient, ever new: Our Pauline Books & Media publishing house is coming out with a series of the writings of classic spiritual authors...with a new twist! Each volume of the new "Classic Wisdom Collection" series draws from the writings of one particular author to answer a specific question that we encounter as we journey through life. For example, the first volume, "Life's Purpose: Wisdom from John Henry Newman," applies the immortal writings of Bl. John Henry Newman to the questions "Does life have meaning? What is the purpose of my life?"

Other volumes in the series include "Solace in Suffering: Wisdom from Thomas a Kempis" and "Strength in Darkness: Wisdom from John of the Cross." Upcoming titles will draw from the writings of Jean Pierre de Caussade, Catherine of Siena, Jane Frances de Chantal, Teresa of Avila, and many more! Each volume in the series also includes an introduction by one of our Sisters that explains both the author and the theme. These books are a great way to revitalize our spiritual lives in the new year.
The books in the Classic Wisdom Collection are available on our website: http://www.pauline.org/, or by emailing or calling Pauline Books & Media in Philadelphia: philadelphia@paulinemedia.com or 215-676-9494.

Merry Christmas & a Blessed New Year!

Today we concluded our Christmas novena in preparation for the celebration of the Birth of Our Lord. During these nine days, we prayed for all of you-our friends, benefactors and those we reach through our mission of communicating the Gospel using the media. As we approach another year, we give thanks to God for the graces and blessings of this year. We are grateful for the apostolic endeavors carried out within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and neighboring dioceses this year. We thank God for the many new friends and collaborators we were able to meet in schools, libraries, parishes and other events. We are grateful for those who have grown closer to Jesus through our Pauline publications, our blog and through our Pauline Book and Media website this year. We give thanks to God for all of you as we continue to remember you in our prayers. May the Lord bless you and your families during the Christmas season and throughout the New Year!

Now Available at Pauline Books & Media

In this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, the Pope sums up the important work done by the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. The document has three major parts:

Part One: The Word of God
Pope Benedict focuses on the ultimate reality of divine revelation as the source of the word. He highlights the role of the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit acts through the word of God. He also highlights Mary as a model for all believers.

Part Two: The Word in the Church
The Church is the "home of the word," the place where it speaks to us especially through the liturgy. The word of God gives life to the Church and plays a vital role in catechesis, pastoral activity, prayer, and the sacraments. Scripture leads us to meet and know Jesus.

Part Three: To Proclaim the Word of God to the World
Pope Benedict focuses on many ways in which the word of God is at the source of the Church's mission. God's word is so powerful that it changes us, and impels us to go out to others to bring them the good news.

To obtain copies of this new document, call (215)676-9494.

Rejoice in the Lord!

Sunday, December 12: Today is the third Sunday of Advent, a Sunday when the Church invites us in a special way to rejoice in the Lord and His coming! Today, as we do almost every Sunday, we took our books, music, and DVDs to a parish (this weekend it was St. Alphonsus in Maple Glen). Through parish exhibits, we make our materials available to people to help them live this beautiful but very busy time in closer union with Christ. Tomorrow, we in the community of Philadelphia will be making our monthly retreat. We invite you to send us your prayer intentions so that we can remember them as we spend this special time with Jesus. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

Baby Jesus Party! And Other Upcoming Events

December 10, 2010: Birthday Party for Baby Jesus at Our Lady of Ransom Parish (6701 Calvert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149), 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

December 11-12, 2010: Pauline Book and Media Exhibit at St. Alphonsus Parish (33 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA 19002), after all the weekend Masses.

December 18, 2010: Birthday Party for Baby Jesus at St. Richard's Parish (1826 Pollock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145), 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

December 18-19, 2010: Pauline Book and Media Exhibit at Christ the King Parish (3252 Chesterfield Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114), after all the weekend Masses.

We invite you to come and see us at any of these events! Please keep us in prayer as we bring Jesus, the Word made Flesh, to His people during this beautiful Advent season. You are in our prayers as well!

Christmas Concert!

Here is a sneak peek of the Daughters of St. Paul Christmas Concert!

Fr. Judge High School
3301 Solly Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Monday, December 6, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, call 215-676-9494