Office for Life and Family September Newsletter
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
NEW STAFF MEMBER!
This month, the Office for Life and Life Family welcomed Mrs. Maria Riedlmeier to the team, serving as Operations Coordinator. Maria Riedlmeier was born in Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She was raised by devout Catholic parents with her four brothers. She currently lives in West Chester, PA with her husband, Erich. She taught at Regina Academy at St. John the Baptist, a classical Catholic elementary school in Ottsville, PA, for four years. A 2020 graduate of DeSales University, Maria received a degree in English/Secondary Education and a minor in Theology. Throughout college, she taught religious education for both third grade and seventh grade. Maria has a deep passion for authentic Catholic marriage as a witness to the love between Christ and His Church. She believes in advocating for the dignity of all life, including those at the end of life. Outside of her role in the Office for Life and Family, Maria is involved in the Shrine of Czestochowa Young Adult Group, St. Agnes Women’s Bible Study, and pro-life events.
215-587-0500
SAINT OF THE MONTH: St. Peter Claver
September 9th is the Feast Day of St. Peter Claver as well as the National Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities. Use this Prayer Service (follows the format of Liturgy of the Hours) in your domestic church or community to celebrate his feast and pray for peace!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chester County Catholic Medical Association Mass and Reception
Padre Pio Festival
AbbeyFest 2025
*Calling for help!*
Abbeyfest is in need of volunteers in three specific areas: parking, ticketing, and security. Each shift is 3 hours long. No previous experience required. You can find more information and sign up at the link below:
OR
Theology of the Body for High School Students
Online Retreat for Adult Children of Divorce
The Life-Giving Wounds Fall Online Retreat is a seven-week virtual journey that gently explores the impact of family wounds and helps participants find Christ-centered healing in community with others who understand.
🗓 Dates: Wednesdays, October 1 – November 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:15–10:00 p.m. Eastern Time
💬 Bonus Session: Visio Divina on Thursday, November 6
💻 Format: Watch pre-recorded talks at your own pace, then join live small group discussions
🎟 Early-bird pricing ends September 22!
⏰ Time: 8:15–10:00 p.m. Eastern Time
💬 Bonus Session: Visio Divina on Thursday, November 6
💻 Format: Watch pre-recorded talks at your own pace, then join live small group discussions
🎟 Early-bird pricing ends September 22!
Over the past five years, this online retreat has created a space for hundreds of adult children of divorce to find healing in Christ—and this fall, we’re inviting even more to join us.
Please consider sharing this with anyone in your life who may benefit, and pray for all those carrying the cross of family wounds.
Catholic Women's Conference 2025
Join Catholic women from the greater Philadelphia area for a day of fun, friendship, faith formation and prayer at the Catholic Women’s Conference.
The 2025 theme is “Women on Mission: The Feminine Genius in the New Apostolic Age” based on the book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age.
At this year’s conference, we will explore the beauty of our feminine genius and the unique position of Catholic women, transformed by Christ, to bring the light of the Gospel to a society that no longer knows it needs Him.
Speakers include: Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV, Bishop Joseph Perry, Fr. Sean Loomis, Fr. Thomas Viviano, Dr. Delia Larrauri and Elizabeth Leon.
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9am-4:00pm, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA.
Tracks available in English and Spanish. Early sellout is expected.
The 2025 theme is “Women on Mission: The Feminine Genius in the New Apostolic Age” based on the book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age.
At this year’s conference, we will explore the beauty of our feminine genius and the unique position of Catholic women, transformed by Christ, to bring the light of the Gospel to a society that no longer knows it needs Him.
Speakers include: Mary Ann Wiesinger-Puig, Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV, Bishop Joseph Perry, Fr. Sean Loomis, Fr. Thomas Viviano, Dr. Delia Larrauri and Elizabeth Leon.
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9am-4:00pm, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA.
Tracks available in English and Spanish. Early sellout is expected.
Pro Life Events
2025 PA March for Life- Monday, September 22
Catholic Teaching on Infertility
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Location: St. Peter's 2835 Manor Road, West Brandywine, PA
Time: 9:30-4:30
Click the PDF link below to learn more about the speakers!
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat
Catholic Teaching on End of Life Decisions
SAVE THE DATE: COURAGEOUS LIFE GALA
The St. Gianna Center of Philadelphia will be hosting it's annual Pro-Life Gala honoring Pro-Life Heroes on November 6, 2025. The keynote speaker will be Matthew Pinto, Founder and President Emeritus, Ascension Press; Founder, The Genesis Group; Co-founder, Theology of the Body Institute, CatholicExchange.com, and Envoy Magazine.
Pro-Life Good News and Prayers
Read the USCCB Respect Life article reflection on Hope:
Download the USCCB Word of Life Petitions for Mass and Bulletin Blurbs for September and October, Respect Life Month:
Events For Your Marriage
Upcoming Pre-Cana Opportunity:
OCTOBER 4, 2025
The Catholic Parishes of East Falls, Manayunk, Roxborough and Andorra will present the Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Program for engaged couples on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025 in Father Sullivan Hall, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 819 E. Cathedral Road. The day begins with registration at 9:30 AM and concludes with attendance at the 5:15 PM Vigil Mass. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided. Certificates are distributed after Mass. Cost is $100.00 per couple, payable in advance. To register, please call Holy Family Rectory, 215-482-0450, Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Evangelization Events
Retreat for YA/Family Ministry Leaders
Learn How to Become a Missionary Disciple
Missionary Discipleship: Join us for a powerful and practical training in the habits and skills of missionary discipleship. This course will help you deepen your personal friendship with Jesus and acquire relational skills to encounter and accompany others into Christ's love.
- 3-day course
- Being offered at three different locations
The Well Conference for Young Adults
From the Office for Persons with Disabilites
Retreat for Adults with Intellectual Disabilites
Religious Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children:
Printable Event Flyers to post in your church:
Dr. Daniel Drain, Director
Dcn. Pat Kennedy, Marriage Prep
Maria Riedlmeier, Operations Coordinator
