Christmas

Merry Christmas to all our readers and visitors. We thank God for all the graces of this beautiful season. We ask Jesus, who came to us as an Infant in a poor stable, to bless and reward all of you who follow and support our mission of media evangelization.
Here is a prayer to ask for unfailing hope:
A Prayer for Unfailing Hope

Lord Jesus, you see my entire life:
past, present, and future.
You know my thoughts and feelings.
You see how hard life can be,
how unfair it can seem at times.
In all the confusion, one thing is certain—
your love for me never changes.
I place all my hope in You.
You embrace me as I am.
You walk with me and guide me.
Help me to recognize Your presence
and to follow where you lead with trust.
You desire only the greatest good for me;
You are on my side.
I place all my hope in You.
Help me to know how much
you want to be part of my life.
Widen the limits of my heart
to make room for You
and through You for others.
You are God, my Savior.
I place all my hope in You.

Blessing: “May the God of hope fill us
with all joy and peace in believing,
so that we might abound in hope by
the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).

To practice: Read a passage from the New
Testament daily.

www.pauline.org

www.mydiscoverhope.org
© Daughters of St. Paul

Christmas Novena

A tradition among us Daughters of St. Paul is singing and praying a special Novena in preparation for Christmas. The antiphons (used at the Alleluia of each Mass in the 8 days prior to Christmas) form the basis for each day of the Novena. We promise to remember all our blog readers' intentions in our prayers.

Today and tomorrow we will be at St. Martin of Tours Parish on Roosevelt Boulevard. On Tuesday we will be at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.

Our prayers and best wishes to all for a very Blessed Christmas!

The Passing of a Media Apostle and More

This week the universal Church, and especially the Church in Philadelphia has lost a media apostle, John Cardinal Foley. Cardinal Foley spent the major part of his life serving the Church and the people of God as a journalist, television commentator, and head of communications for the Vatican. May Cardinal Foley rest in peace and intercede for all of us as we evangelize with today's media. His authentic Christianity, his ready smile and good humor, and his expertise in media evangelization modeled a way for us to follow. Please visit the Philadelphia Archdiocesan website for more information on Cardinal John Patrick Foley. http://archphila.org/press%20releases/pr001880.htm

Saturday, December 17, we'll be at St. Richard's School hall in South Philadelphia from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. It is our 2nd annual Birthday Party for Baby Jesus at St. Richard's located at 18th and Pollack. With a lovely backdrop, costumes and the centerpiece of it all--Baby Jesus--children and their families may take their pictures with "Baby Jesus." For some families the Baby Jesus Party has become part of their yearly Christmas/Advent celebrations. Of course, there will be a display available of Pauline Books and Media for Christmas gift giving.

On Saturday afternoon, and on Sunday, December 18, we will be at St. Martin of Tours Parish on Roosevelt Boulevard. We will have a book and media display at all the Masses with books and materials in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
On Tuesday December 20, from 10:00 until 2:00, we will bring a book and media display to the auditorium space at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center at 222 N. 17th Street.
We look forward to seeing you at any of these locations.

Dec. 10th and 11th

On this weekend of the Joyful Third Sunday of Advent we will be holding a book and media display at Christ the King Church in Northeast Philadelphia. The books will be in the hallway between the church and the school building. Masses at Christ the King Parish located at Morrell Ave. and Chesterfield Road are at 5:00 PM Saturday evening (tonight); and on Sunday at 8:00, 10:00 and 12:00. We look forward to seeing you this weekend!
To view our Advent newsletter please click on this link:
https://www.cvent.com/e.aspx?3C,E1,a63f8aeb-fdc6-4935-adc9-8d4e3e1873e1
To see information on Christ the King Church, check out the parish website:
http://christthekingparish.net/

Dec. 8 at the Cathedral

This evening, Dec. 7, and tomorrow, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we will hold a display of books and media at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Center City Philadelphia. See you there!

Advent

This year's Advent preparation is one of the longest possible. This allows us more time to prepare for a deeper awareness of Christ at Christmas. The liturgical changes ushered in on Sunday are a great opportunity to slow down and reflect on what we are saying (or rather praying) aloud at Mass. Christ comes in disguise everyday. His advent in our daily life is a preparation for the final Advent when the Lord will come to take us with him.

We are grateful to all the pastors and parishioners who have welcomed us into their parishes with a Pauline Book & Media display. Last Saturday and Sunday we were at home in Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Northeast Philadelphia.

This weekend -- Dec. 3 & 4 -- we will be present at all the Masses at St. Alphonsus Parish in Maple Glen, PA. We look forward to seeing you in Maple Glen! http://stalphonsusparish.com/

We will be present at Christ the King Church at Morrell Aveue and Chesterfield Road in Philadelphia on December 10th and 11th.

We will be on Staten Island, NY for the annual Daughters of St. Paul Christmas Concert. Then home to Philadelphia. This year for a variety of reasons we will not host a Philadelphia Daughters of St. Paul concert. Maybe it will be a reality in 2012. May you have a blessed Advent!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The facade of Maternity BVM Church faces Buselton Avenue.
Best wishes to all our readers for a very blessed Thanksgiving holiday!
We will be in Northeast Philadelphia this weekend at all the Masses at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. Maternity BVM is located off of Buselton Avenue near Welch Road (9220 Old Buselton Ave.);
Masses are at 4:30 PM on Saturday; on Sunday 8:00 AM; 9:30; 11:00 and 12:30 and 7:00 PM We will have a display set up in the lobby of the lower level.
See www.maternitybvmchurch.net

Nov. 19th and 20th Sts. Philip and James

Our corner in Harrisburg.

Last weekend Harrisburg was our temporary home. We were present at the Harrisburg Catechetical Conference in the Cardinal Keeler Center. Then we were present at all the weekend Masses at St. Francis of Assisi church. This inner city parish is a pleasant blend of cultures and races--all very fervent and appreciative of books and media in Spanish and English.

During this past week we provided the book table for the annual conference of the Catholic Volunteers Network. The two keynote speakers, Fathers James Martin, SJ, and Richard Rohr, OFM, were on hand to sign their recent books.

Saturday morning, Nov. 19, we will set up a Pauline Book & Media display in the church of Sts. Philip and James in Exton, PA.(See the parish website at http://www.sspj.net/
We will remain at Sts. Philip and James for all the weekend Masses. Prepare for Advent with great reading, music, DVD's for the thanksgiving holiday evenings, and much more! We look forward to seeing you soon. If there is a special title you are looking for, email us at philadelphia@paulinemedia.com.
Have a blessed weekend!
http://www.sspj.net/

This Weekend Nov. 5 & 6

We will be at The Philadelphia Catholic Life Conference on Saturday, November 5 at the Sheraton Hotel on North 17th Street. The Sheraton is directly across the street from the Catholic Archdiocesan Pastoral Center at 222 N. 17th Street.

On Sunday, November 6, we will have a display at St. Cyprian Church at the corner of Cobb's Creek Parkway and Cedar Avenue (525 Cobbs Creek Pkwy.)

And, we will be at the Bucks County Mom Heart of the Home retreat at Archbishop Wood High School cafeteria from 10:30 to 1:00 pm. The address is 655 York Rd., Warminster PA 18974. (The entrance is just a few yards north of Street Road). http://www.archwood.org/contact-us/map-directions/

Want to find out more about American Saints? Come to Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Warminster on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 PM. Sister Mary Peter Martin will shed light on people who became Saints in North America.

Baby Jesus Parties

A great way to help children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas is picture taking with Baby Jesus, at our Birthday Party for Baby Jesus events. Bring your own camera. Dress up as a shepherd, as Mary, or as Joseph, or as a wise man. Many families have made these parties a must on their pre-Christmas lists. A great selection of Pauline Books and Media will be available too.
On Saturday, December 17,
from 10:00 AM -- 1:00 PM St. Richard's School
at 18th and Pollack in South Philadelphia
will be the site of another
Birthday Party for Baby Jesus.

The Mass Explained for Children

A great resource for the new Mass translation for children (and even older folks) is now ready: THE MASS EXPLAINED FOR CHILDREN. ONLY 1.95 PER COPY--Bundled in 10's for easy distribution.

Are you looking for a resource to explain the new translation of the Mass for children? Do you want a simple, affordable, engaging explanation of the Celebration of the Eucharist?

NOW AVAILABLE from Pauline Kids: The Mass Explained for Kids, a 40-page booklet featuring both the official text of the new Mass translation and accurate, kid-friendly, engaging explanations of the entire Liturgy. Perfect for parishes, schools, religious education programs, and families!
Price: $1.95 each
To order call: (215) 676-9494 or email philadelphia@paulinemedia.com.

Faith & Film Night!

Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach

Call (215) 676-9494 to order this book.

For more information about this book, visit: http://www.pauline.org/ACatholicApproachtoLiving/ForgivenessACatholicApproach/tabid/620/Default.aspx

Presentation by Sr. Kathryn James Hermes, FSP

Sr. Kathryn James Hermes, FSP
Tuesday, September 20, 7 P.M.

Nativity of Our Lord Parish
Street & York Roads, Warminster, PA

See, I am doing something new! “God says, ‘I am going to do something new, something new with your life; something new with your health; something new with your family; something new with your dreams.’”

Have you come through a dark time? Depression, burn-out, financial disasters, death of a family member, or emotional chaos come to us all. We get through, but we want something beyond mere survival.We feel there must be something more. This talk is about something more.

Nativity of Our Lord Church Hall ~ please use back parking lot
Cost: $5 pp (nonrefundable but transferable)
Donation can be made at the door.
Please call the Parish Center (215-675-1925)
or email (ck@nativityofourlord.org) for a reservation.

The Daughters of St. Paul will be present with a display of books, music, DVDs, etc.

About Our Presenter
The study of spirituality has been a life-long pursuit of Sister Kathryn James. She has an M.T.S. from Weston Jesuit Center for Theological Studies and an advanced certificate in Scripture. Sister is the author and during her talk will be referring to Surviving Depression, Surviving Depression Journal, Surviving Depression Prayer Book, Making Peace With Yourself, Inner Peace and Holding on to Hope, among others. Sister Kathryn is a Daughter of St. Paul.

If you plan to join us, please place a check for $5 pp,
along with your name(s) & phone number and mail to:
Nativity of Our Lord Parish Center, 605 West Street Road
Warminster, PA 18974 ~ Attention: Cathy Krzywicki
Checks made payable to: Nativity of Our Lord Parish.

Introducing JClub: Catholic Book Fair Program

There Can Be Miracles!

Welcome Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap.

Discover Hope!

Everything is buzzing these days at Pauline Books & Media.  Why?  We are celebrating the ways that we help people discover hope.  After a lot of conversation, advice-seeking, and soul-searching, we have realized that what we do best at Pauline is help people discover hope for their lives. 

Corporate-type folks would say it’s a “tagline” and that it’s all about “brand,” but we know better.  It’s really all about who we are as apostles, about mission, and being true to God’s call.

Pauline is all about helping you discover hope in your life.  We can do that because we believe that Christ, our ultimate hope, is the Light revealing to each person the mystery and meaning of their life.

Aren’t we all yearning to know the mystery behind who God wants us to be?  In an October audience with Blessed Pope John Paul II, I once blurted out:  “Holy Father, please pray for many vocations for us.”  He looked at me fondly, “Vocations, so, you need vocations?”  “Yes, Holy Father, we have a LOT of good to do,” I answered.  Smiling, he then reached over and made the sign of the cross on my forehead.  I will always remember his gift!  I like to think it was his blessing on me, on my congregation, and all who would work with us to spread the Gospel in this new millennium.  Truly, we have a lot of good to do…and that’s part of the Christian mystery.  

At Pauline, the good we are called to do is immense.  We are called to help people discover hope for their own lives and in their own situations.  With the grace of God, we can do this because we are:

Passionate:  we invest our whole lives to bring the Gospel of hope to people yearning for God’s love.  We will use any form of technology to best proclaim God’s message.

Trusted:  you can trust us to be your authentic resource for books and media solidly rooted in our Catholic identity.

Joyful:  in whatever venue you find us, we will welcome you with joyful hearts.

Sanctuary:  we provide a “sacred space” where you can encounter God, who gives us wholeness and meaning.

Please keep us in your prayers as we work to strengthen God’s gift and do the good that we are called to do.  You can join our celebration by logging on to:  http://www.mydiscoverhope.com/.  

Sr. Mary Martha Moss, FSP

Come Visit Us!

You are invited to stop by our Pauline book and media display and browse through our beautiful and inspiring selection of Catholic books, DVDs and CDs.

Where: Saint Cecilia Church 535 Rhawn Street Philadelphia, PA 19111

When: September 10th & 11th, after all the weekend masses

The following weekend...
Where: Corpus Christi Church 900 Sumneytown Pike Lansdale, PA 19446
When: September 17th & 18th, after all the weekend masses
Call us at (215) 676-9494 to request specific items.

Something New For Teens By Teens!

The Bible can touch us like no other book can. And once we have been touched by God's Word, we cannot keep to ourselves how it has changed us.

-From the Introduction

Does God really speak to us? How can we hear his voice? What does the Bible have to do with us today? The teens who wrote this book asked themselves these questions, and they testify to the impact of God's Word in all areas of their lives- relationships, temptation, prayer, forgiveness, school, life choices, and much more. Teens Share the Word leads teens into a deeper relationship with God by modeling a personal approach to Scripture, and at the same time offers them Scripturally-based guidance for issues they face every day.
You are invited to share the Word on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TeensShare#!/TeensShare?sk=app_4949752878

Celebrating the Beatification of Pope John Paul II

This week the Daughters of St. Paul in Philadelphia celebrated the beatification of Pope John Paul II with the students of John Paul II Elementary School in Stratford, NJ and Regina Luminis Academy in Downingtown, PA. It was a joy to celebrate with these young people the life of a man whose authenticity in living the Gospel inspired and continues to inspire many young people in their following of Christ. At Regina Luminis, the Sisters gave a multimedia presentation on the life and message of the late Holy Father. The Sisters and students through the intercession of the new blessed asked God for the grace to courageously live out the Gospel message. The presentation ended with a Pope John Paul II Contest which revealed how much the students knew and loved the late pope! The Sisters also shared the fruit of their prayer and consecration through the Pauline publications they made available to the students, parents and teachers. Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us!

Ask yourselves, young people, about the love of Christ. Acknowledge His voice resounding in the temple of your heart. Return His bright and penetrating glance which opens the paths of your life to the horizons of the Church’s mission. It is a taxing mission, today more than ever, to teach men the truth about themselves, about their end, their destiny, and to show faithful souls the unspeakable riches of the love of Christ. Do not be afraid of the radicalness of His demands, because Jesus, who loved us first, is prepared to give Himself to you, as well as asking of you. If He asks much of you, it is because He knows you can give much.
-Pope John Paul II (The Meaning of Vocation)

Regional Assemblies on the Roman Missal in the Archdiocese

Know the words, Know the meaning, Know the Mystery!

ARCHDIOCESAN REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES
ON THE REVISED ENGLISH TRANSLATION
OF THE ROMAN MISSAL

SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE FOR WORSHIP

These assemblies are for the person in the pew!

Questions like:
• Why a revised English translation?
• How was the translation accomplished?
• What will be the impact of this revised translation?
will be addressed. Samples of the revised translation will be presented.

All are welcome
to come to one of the following locations for these regional assemblies.
No registration necessary!

7:00—9:00 PM

Delaware County Thursday, May 5, 2011
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Morton

Montgomery County Thursday, May 12, 2011
St. John of the Cross Parish, Roslyn

Philadelphia-North Thursday, May 19, 2011
Philadelphia-South Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

Chester County Thursday, May 26, 2011
Saint Joseph Parish, Downingtown

Bucks County Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saint Ephrem Parish, Bensalem

For more information,
please call Father Dennis Gill, Director of the Office for Worship, at 215-587-3537.

Also, check the website for the Office for Worship for more on the Roman Missal,
http://archphila.org/evangelization/worship/worship.htm

Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Pope John Paul II!

As we prepare to celebrate the beatification of the late Holy Father, we can allow ourselves to be inspired anew by his life and teachings. May these final days of the lent fill us with greater confidence in God's love for us. May we boldly and joyfully proclaim this good news as Pope John Paul II did until the very end of his life.

New titles from Pauline Books & Media on Pope John Paul II

John Paul II, who served as Pope during the last 25 years of the 20th century and who led the Church with hope into the the third Christian millennium, was beatified six short years after his death on May 1, 2011. This new book from the Encounter the Saints Series tells the story of this man whose message to the world throughout his pontificate was,

"Do not be afraid!"

This book collects the memories of John Paul II and brings you into an intimate "talk" with this beloved pope. These stories have been gathered together into this beautiful volume from John Paul's writings and conversations with friends, loved ones, and companions. In John Paul II-The Story of My Life, you are invited to listen to the story of one of the Church's most-loved spiritual fathers, told through his own words.

You are invited to visit www.pauline.org for other titles.

Search for the Lord with Pope Benedict XVI

"Only in this second volume do we encounter the decisive sayings and events of Jesus' life... I hope...that I have been granted an insight into the figure of Our Lord that can be helpful to all readers who seek to encounter Jesus and to believe in him."- Pope Benedict XVI Jesus of Nazareth Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection

Come, learn more about the thought and contributions of Pope Benedict XVI! Explore his writings, view interactive media, participate in discussions and join in a time of prayer introduced and guided by Mrs. Anne Chavez & hosted by the Daughters of Saint Paul.

Where: Corpus Christi Parish Rel. Ed. room, Sumneytown Pk. Lansdale, PA 19446 When: Thursday, April 14th after 12:05 mass

The Daughters of St. Paul will have a selection of titles by Pope Benedict XVI available for purchase during this event. For more information, call (215)676-9494 or email philadelphia@paulinemedia.com

Lenten Reflection From Sr. Kathryn James

Lifted up into his life.... I have recently been inspired by some reading I am doing on the liturgy and the sacraments. At each celebration of the sacraments we are lifted up into the life of Christ. He takes us to himself and presents us to the Father. In the Eucharist there is an overflowing of the presence of Christ, who takes us into himself so that it is he himself who walks out the back of the Church after Mass in order to live again in the world, in your place of work, in my community, in your family, in my place of ministry. I am drawn again and again to immerse myself in the radiance of this reality, a radiant light that dispels sadness and frustration. This Jesus, who gave us his body and blood as nourishment at a meal in which he bent low to wash his apostles' feet, desires to overturn a good deal of society's values, teaching us a humble emptying of self which lies at the heart of the Trinity, new values which would transform our lives and relationships, government, law and education. The rest of Lent will be for me a prolonged retreat in order to reflect on these readings and transform them into practical directives for life. How about you? How is your Lent going? For more beautiful reflections by Sr. Kathryn James visit her blog at http://kathrynhermes.blogspot.com/

New Kids' Book

I will be Your Simon Prayer Campaign

And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry His cross. And they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha" (Mark 15:21-22).

Please join the I WILL BE YOUR SIMON Spiritual Bouquet campaign – a lay-led prayer crusade for the victims of abuse and the priests and seminarians of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Click on the link https://sites.google.com/site/iwillbeyoursimon/ to learn more about this prayer campaign. Fill in the form and click "submit" to register your prayer pledge. At the end of Lent this Spiritual Bouquet will be presented to our shepherd, Cardinal Justin Rigali, at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday.

For additional resources for healing and renewal, please go to http://pauline.org/PublishingHouse/PrayerforOurChurch/tabid/414/Default.aspx

Search for the Lord with Pope Benedict XVI!

Jesus of Nazareth Holy Week:
From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection
By Pope Benedict XVI

“This book is my personal search for the face of the Lord.”

Come, learn more about the thought and contributions of Pope Benedict XVI.
• Explore his writings
• View interactive media
• Participate in discussions
• Join in a time of prayer
Introduced and guided by Mrs. Anne Chavez & hosted by the Daughters of Saint Paul.

This Week
Where: Nativity of Our Lord Church Hall
(Please use back parking lot)
605 W. Street Rd.
Warminster, PA 18974
When: Thursday, March 24th ~ 7:00 P.M.

Coming Soon...
Where: Corpus Christi Parish Rel. Ed. room
900 Sumneytown Pk. Lansdale, PA 19446
When: Thursday, April 14th after 12:05 mass

For more information about this event, call (215)676-9494 or email philadelphia@paulinemedia.com

Prayers for Special Needs

Yesterday two ladies called to order a booklet titled Reflections and Prayers for Visits with Our Eucharistic Lord. They called especially because in the booklet there is a prayer "For Priests." The ladies' response to the current crisis of alleged sexual abuse by priests in the Philadelphia Archdiocese is to turn to God to pray for the priests who may or may not be guilty of abuse. May God reward these dear women and may all of us pray for priests that they may be always more faithful to their vocation.

In an earlier post we gave a link to prayers for victims of sexual abuse and for resources to help towards healing and coping with this wound. We put it here once more for those who may not have seen it: http://pauline.org/PublishingHouse/PrayerforOurChurch/tabid/414/Default.aspx

During this Lenten season we intensify our prayer-life, and we pray for our Church for healing and for holiness.

Let us pray too for those far away who are suffering from natural disasters: for those suffering from the Japan earhquake and tsunami, for the people of Libya, and for peace in all areas of strife--and for peace in our hearts.

Jesus of Nazareth Part II

I realize that I was mistaken about the release date of Pope Benedict's new book, Part II of Jesus of Nazareth. The release date was yesterday, March 10th! If you'd like to order this inspiring book, please email us at philadelphia@pauline.org, or call 215-676-9494 from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM Mon--Sat. If no one answers, leave a message and we will return your call.

Pope Benedict has a way of drawing the reader into the story. This makes for a deeper appreciation of who Jesus is and what he has done for us.

May your Lenten observance bring you closer to Jesus of Nazareth!

The Best Lent Ever

I formulated my main Lenten resolution a few weeks ago: I plan to read and absorb Pope Benedict' s message called "The Word of the Lord", or Verbum Domini in Latin. Especially for Holy Week, I plan to read and meditate on Pope Benedict's newest book, Jesus of Nazareth, Part II. We already have the book, however its release date, or street date, is March 15. So we are not allowed to distribute it before the ides of March!

Tomorrow we Philadelphia Paulines will be at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Center City Philadelphia with a display of Lenten titles and other books and media. With the media we make available, we hope assist all who read, view or hear our media to receive the message of Christ through these means. The Italians call Lent one of the "tempi forti", literally the strong times of year, when we are invited to pay more attention to Christ and to what he did for us. And, through deeper prayer and reflection we can see what he is doing for us and inviting us to do for him in Lent. If you are in Center City Philadelphia on Ash Wednesday, stop in at the Cathedral to see what Pauline Books & Media offers for Lenten reflection.

In another part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will have a media display at Holy Martyrs Church in Oreland on Ash Wednesday. We look forward to meeting some of our readers at either the Cathedral or at Holy Martyrs Church.

Goodbye Sr. Emily!

Last week Sr. Emily concluded her apostolic experience with our community in Philadelphia. She returned to Boston to continue her time of novitiate. We had a simple but beautiful "good-bye", celebrating our shared apostolate, life in community and prayer during the past 5 months. While we miss Sr. Emily, we are excited about the wonderful things that await her as she continues her journey in the school of Jesus, the Divine Master. Thank you Sr. Emily & blessings on your journey!

Pauline Cooperators Elly and Stephanie joined Sr. Mary Peter and Sr. Neville Christine at the Annual Philadelphia Catechist Convocation last weekend. The Sisters and Cooperators offered the catechists teaching resources and inspiring new books from our publishing house, Pauline Books & Media. To learn more about the Pauline Cooperators, an association of laity living the Pauline charism, click on the link below.
http://paulinelaity.blogspot.com/

Prayers for Healing in Troubled Times

This is my first blog on our Philadelphia blog site. I am Sister Mary Peter, one of the older members of our community in this City of Brotherly Love. Although many people whom we have met love and respect their parish priests and deacons, others may feel apprehensive because of the allegations of sexual abuse by some of the clergy in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. As we continue to support our faithful and dedicated clergy, we pray to for those who remain victims of the ordained ministers of the church who are guilty of sexual abuse.

There are prayers directed to God asking for healing for individuals and for entire parishes. Below is a link to a number of prayers and meditations to help heal the victims and strengthen all of us. The link also leads to articles and resources to help in this time of sadness for so many people.

http://pauline.org/PublishingHouse/PrayerforOurChurch/tabid/414/Default.aspx

May these prayers be a source of peace and healing for victims, and for anyone who suffers at the very thought that a clergy person would violate their innocence. May Jesus, our Sea of Peace, gift the wounded with healing and unshakable peace. May this month of March which will soon usher in the Lenten season bring with it a return to prayer, spiritual reading, reflections and good works.

On the calendar you may notice that this weekend will be a busy one. With the help of friends and Pauline laity, we will have a display of Pauline Books and Media at the Catechists Convocation to be held at Archbishop Carroll High School, 211 Matson Ford Rd., in Radnor, PA on Saturday from 8:00 AM until 2:30; Saturday evening we will be at St. Albert the Great Church for their 5:00 PM Mass. St. Albert's is at 212 Welsh Rd., Huntingdon Valley. On Sunday, March 5, we will return to St. Alberts for all their Masses; and also we will be at St. John the Evangelist Church in downtown Philadelphia. St. John's is at 21 S, 13th Street, between Market and Chestnut Streets. We look forward to seeing you at one of these upcoming events. God bless you! Sister Mary Peter

Jesus of Nazareth Part Two

Pope Benedict XVI's new book, Jesus of Nazareth - Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection, will be available soon! This sequel to Jesus of Nazareth - from the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration is an excellent choice for Lenten reading and reflection. Purchase your copy before March 14 and save 20% per copy! For more information, call the Daughters of St. Paul/Pauline Books & Media in Philadelphia at 215-676-9494 or email us at philadelphia@paulinemedia.com.

New Book on Pope John Paul II!

Pope John Paul II will be beatified on May 1st 2011. Be inspired by the late Holy Father as you learn more about him from his writings, and conversations with friends, loved ones and companions gathered together in this new book, John Paul II- The Story of My Life: Collected Memories.

"I find myself before you without notes. I must find the notes within me, because everything that I want and must tell you is written in my heart." -John Paul II

Mother Thecla Merlo, Co-Foundress of the Daughters of St. Paul

Sunday, February 20: Today is the anniversary of the birth of Venerable Thecla Merlo, the co-foundress of the Daughters of St. Paul. Mother Thecla's cause for beatification has been opened. She is a true mother who readily intercedes for all our needs! We invite you to join us in praying in thanksgiving and in petition through her intercession:

Most Holy Trinity, we thank you for the singular gifts of light, grace and virtue which you granted to Sister Thecla Merlo, and we thank you for having chosen and constituted her the wise mother and sure guide of the Daughters of Saint Paul.
Through her intercession, grant that we may live of her great loves: Jesus Master in the Holy Eucharist, the Church, the Gospel and souls--souls sought and served through evangelization with the instruments of social communication--to the point of total sacrifice.
O Lord, if it be in the designs of your divine wisdom, carry out even on this earth, for this very devoted Daughter of Saint Paul, your divine promise: "If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him."
Exalt this faithful Servant to the joy of the Church and the good of many souls, and grant us, through her intercession, the favor we ask of you. Amen

Presentations by Fr. Brian Bransfield

Fr. Brian Bransfield is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He currently serves at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as Assistant General Secretary and Executive Director of the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis. Fr. Bransfield was the keynote speaker for the first National Congress for the Theology of the Body. He will be giving presentations at different locations in Philadelphia on the writings and teachings of Pope John Paul II. One of these upcoming presentations is based on his book- The Human Person According to Pope John Paul II, published by Pauline Books & Media. The Daughters of St. Paul will be present during these presentations with a display of Fr. Bransfield's book and other related titles for purchase.

Presentation on The Beautiful Truths of Catholic Teaching & the Thought of Pope John Paul II on February 12th 2011 at St. Coleman Parish, 11 Simpson Rd. Ardmore, PA 19003

Presentation on The Human Person According to Pope John Paul II on February 26th 2011 from 10:00am-12:00pm at The Old Church of St Andrew, Newtown 135 South Sycamore St. Newtown, PA 18940

Movie Night!

Join us at St. Anselm's parish spirituality center this Friday at 7:00pm for a Movie Night featuring the movie The Jeweler's Shop.

The Jeweler's Shop is an adaptation of the play written by Pope John Paul II.
There will be a brief discussion and some refreshments after the movie. The Daughters of St. Paul will have a display of books and media related to the movie available for purchase. See you at St. Anselm's Parish Spirituality Center, 12670 Dunks Ferry Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19154. Phone (215) 637-3525

Catholic Schools Week -- Bookfair at St. Teresa's in Runnemede, NJ

This week, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Our Sisters around the country are holding bookfairs at many different Catholic schools. Through our JClub Bookfair "do-it-yourself" program (http://www.jclubcatholic.org/), many more schools are holding bookfairs with our books in places where we are not physically present. Praise God!
Here in Philadelphia, we will be traveling to St. Teresa's Regional School in Runnemede, NJ for their bookfair. We will be there on Wednesday, February 2 from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm; Thursday, February 3 from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm; and Friday, February 4 from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit St. Teresa's website: http://www.stteresaschool.org/ or call us at 215-676-9494.

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Tuesday, January 25: Our community in Philadelphia celebrated the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul in a very special way. Sr. Neville Christine renewed her vows at morning Mass at our parish. (Sr. Neville is a junior professed Sister, so she renews her vows each year until perpetual profession.) After Mass, we had brunch at our house with our friends. It was a beautiful way to celebrate our Pauline commitment to "live in continual conversion"!

Music for kids by the Daughters of St. Paul

The Daughters of St. Paul award-winning choir has recorded many and varied albums! These include traditional Catholic hymns, praise and worship, chant, Christmas music, and children's music.
Kids learn best when they are having fun! These enhanced CDs combine upbeat music and easy-to-learn lyrics that teach and inspire. The accompanying reproducible activities make this a unique and valuable resource for classroom and home. CDs feature sheet music, lyrics, hand motions, and more!

For more information on the Daughters of St. Paul music, contact the Daughters in Philadelphia: 215-676-9494, or philadelphia@paulinemedia.com. You can also follow our choir on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DSPchoir.

"Come, Follow Me!"

Sr. Neville Christine and Sr. Emily were a traveling team this week. As we celebrated National Vocation Awareness Week, it was a joy to join the young people in a couple of different schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to reflect on the meaning of vocation.

We shared our vocation stories with the students -- they were very interested to hear about our journeys.The students had many good questions about the process of becoming a sister, how to know if God is calling them to the priesthood or religious life, and what the Daughters of St. Paul do.

After traveling together to bring the "good news" about vocation to many students from Kindergarten to 8th grade this week, Sr. Neville Christine and Sr. Emily compared notes and realized that they agree on many things:
1) Vocation is a great gift!
2) We need to PRAY and ask God what He wants for us.
3) Trusting God is very important.
4) God wants us to be happy.
5) It's a wonderful life! :)

To learn more about the Daughters of St. Paul, you are invited to listen to a message from Sr. Margaret Michael, the National Vocation Director of the Daughters of St. Paul, by clicking the link below. You will also find on the page some answers to frequently asked questions about the Daughters of St. Paul and becoming a Daughter of St. Paul. http://dsp.pauline.org/Vocation/tabid/106/Default.aspx

May you find profound joy and peace in seeking the Lord and serving Him with all your heart, strength, mind and talents!

National Vocation Awareness Week

January 9-15, 2011 is National Vocation Awareness Week. Let us take time this week to pray for the men and women discerning their vocation. Let us also pray for those who have already responded to their call - priests, religious, married couples and single men and women, that the Lord will grant them the grace to continue to say "yes" to Him each day in faith, joy and love.

Vocation Prayer to Mary, Queen of the Apostles

We turn to you, Mother of the Church. Through your "fiat," you have opened the door which makes Christ present in the world, in history, and in individual lives. In humble silence and in total availability, you welcomed the call of the Most High. May there be many men and women in our day who respond to your Son's invitation, "Follow me!" Grant them courage to leave family, work, and earthly hope to follow Christ along the road that He walked. Mary, Queen of Apostles, pray for us and for an increase of priestly and religious vocations. Amen.

Pauline Evangelization Events in January

Mark your calendars for our January Pauline Evangelization Events:

Thursday, January 13, 7:00 pm: Presentation -- "Getting Past Depression" -- at Nativity of Our Lord Parish (605 West Street Rd., Warminster, PA 18974). Beth McKenna and Dr. Heidi Dalzell will be presenting and the Daughters of St. Paul will be present with a display of our books on depression, personal growth, and healing. Call Nativity of Our Lord Parish at 215-675-1925 or email ck@nativityofourlord.org to register.

Saturday, January 15-Sunday, January 16: Book and media exhibit at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish (2625 B St., Philadelphia, PA 19125). Masses: Saturday at 5:00 pm in English; Sunday at 8:00 am in Spanish; 9:30 am in English; 10:00 am in Spanish; 12:00 pm in Vietnamese; and 1:15 pm in Spanish.

Saturday, January 22-Sunday, January 23: Book and media exhibit at St. Vincent de Paul Parish (654 Hatboro Rd., Richboro, PA 18954). Masses: Saturday at 5:00 pm; Sunday at 7:30 am, 9:30 am, and 11:30 am.

More to come! Call us at 215-676-9494 or email us at philadelphia@paulinemedia.com to schedule a book exhibit, school bookfair, vocation talk, or other event.

Catholic Schools Week!

Today is the Feast of St. John Neumann, a native of Bohemia who became the bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. There is much to celebrate and learn from the life of this humble and hardworking Redemptorist. St. John Neumann was fond of children and worked tirelessly to improve their education. As bishop of Philadelphia, he established the parochial school system in the United States. Let us remember to ask this local saint to intercede for us as we look for new ways to share the love and message of Jesus with our children in this age of advanced technology. Let us ask him to implore Our Lord to bless our children and our schools as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week from January 30 - February 5, 2011.

To celebrate this special week, we will be delighted to assist you in hosting a J-Club (J stands for Jesus) Book Fair at your school. For more details about this Catholic book fair, visit our J-Club website at http://jclubcatholic.org/book_fair/index.php or call us at

(215)676-9494.