Office for Life and Family October Newsletter
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
USCCB Respect Life Novena: October 22-30
October is Respect Life Month. Join Catholics nationwide praying a special novena for the protection of human life from conception to natural death October 22-30. Get daily intentions, brief reflections, and more below!
"The Body Reveals the Person" : A Catholic Response to the Challenges of Gender Ideology
The bishop of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, Bishop Daniel Thomas, has written a document outlining the Catholic response to the challenges of gender ideology. Read the reflection below.
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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT
CATHOLIC GRANDPARENTS ASSOCIATION
"The Catholic Grandparents' Association's goal is to assist grandparents in passing on the Faith and to keep prayer at the heart of family life. An integral part of the Catholic Grandparents Association is setting up branches at a parish level. These act as prayer and support groups for grandparents. Grandparents have a unique vocation that must be fostered and cherished in the spirit of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the grandparents of Jesus and parents of Mary."
Read more about the activities, goals, and how to start your own Catholic Grandparents' Association at https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/about-us/.
There are already some active ministries in our area, including at St. Monica's parish in Berwyn. If interested in joining, or starting your own chapter at your parish, please contact Marti Rodgers at mrodger49@comcast.net.
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PRO-LIFE EVENTS
LIFE CHAIN: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
St. Eleanor Parish in Collegeville is hosting a Life Chain on Respect Life Sunday, 10/5, from 2-3:30. Meet at Main Street and 6th Avenue (across from Ursinus College) at 2pm. Signs will be provided. We space ourselves safely on the sidewalk about five yards apart from each other, allowing passing traffic to see our signs urging a respect for unborn life.
Contact tomandgerrie@gmail.com for more information.
RACHEL'S VINEYARD RETREAT
CATHOLIC TEACHING ON END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS
JOHNNY'S RUN FOR LIFE
WITNESSING TO LIFE W/ SR. DEIRDRE "DEDE" BYRNE
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STAYING HUMAN IN AN ERA OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Thursday, October 30 - 7:00-8:00pm
Our 21st-century lives are increasingly shaped by digital spaces—social media, Zoom, and now AI. While these technologies are not inherently bad, their growing dominance risks eroding what is most human, and for Catholics, threatens a sacramental outlook on the embodied life. In the Magi Project's Fall Lecture, Professor Joseph Vukov (Loyola University Chicago) will explore these challenges and offer a call to resist the most problematic trends of our digital age.
Our 21st-century lives are increasingly shaped by digital spaces—social media, Zoom, and now AI. While these technologies are not inherently bad, their growing dominance risks eroding what is most human, and for Catholics, threatens a sacramental outlook on the embodied life. In the Magi Project's Fall Lecture, Professor Joseph Vukov (Loyola University Chicago) will explore these challenges and offer a call to resist the most problematic trends of our digital age.
Facilitator: Collegium Institute
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania (3417 Spruce St)
More info: To learn more and register, please click here.
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania (3417 Spruce St)
More info: To learn more and register, please click here.
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ST. GIANNA COURAGEOUS LIFE GALA
Thursday, November 6- 6pm-9:30pm. The St. Gianna Center of Philadelphia will be hosting it's annual Pro-Life Gala honoring Pro-Life Heroes. 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. Questions? Contact gianna@TheCFGP.org.
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MARK HOUCK- WITNESS TO CHRIST'S LOVE IN ACTION
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 7pm Mark Houck is a former College Football All-American, high school teacher, coach and counselor turned activist, radio host, evangelist and motivational pro-life speaker. In September 2022, Mark, his wife, Ryan-Marie, and 7 young children made international news with an FBI invasion of their home. Mark was falsely charged with felony violations and faced 11 years in federal prison and $350,000 in fines for his sidewalk counseling and for defending his 12 year-old son from an aggressive abortion escort. Mark was acquitted on all charges on January 30, 2023. Join us to hear of Mark's amazing testimony and how these events have impacted his faith. All are welcome! Light refreshments will be served afterwards in Msgr. McGettigan Hall (across the street from the Church).
Location: St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill, PA
More info: Contact Nicky Verna, Director of the New Evangelization - nverna@standrewdh.org; https://www.standrewdh.org
More info: Contact Nicky Verna, Director of the New Evangelization - nverna@standrewdh.org; https://www.standrewdh.org
Download the USCCB Word of Life Petitions for Mass and Bulletin Blurbs for October, Respect Life Month:
EVENTS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
UPCOMING PRE-CANA OPPORTUNITIES
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.
OCTOBER 24-25, 2025
For more Pre-Cana opportunities, please visit Marriage Preparation Classes – Office for Life and Family // Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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RETROUVAILLE: REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE
Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced "Retro-vy"). If you know anyone who could benefit from this program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase intimacy. It provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. The next program begins the weekend of October 3 - 5 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information, or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
MARRIAGES OF GRACE CANA NIGHTS
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COUPLES' FORMATION EVENT - MARRIED AND ENGAGED
“It takes a village…” but how does that really work in the life of Catholic couples and families today? Join the Czestochowa Young Adult Couples Group and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Life and Family for an evening dedicated to strengthening marriage and family life through the gift of community. Married and engaged couples are invited for a time of fellowship, dinner, and special presentations by the Director of the Office for Family Life and Catholic speaker Mark Houck. Together, we’ll reflect on the sanctification of couples, the holiness of children, and how we grow in holiness as families within the Body of Christ. Childcare will be available for $5 per child. Come be nourished in faith, friendship, and your vocation to marriage and family life.
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MORE EVENTS
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
AN EVENING WITH ST. CARLO ACUTIS
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 7pm
We welcome Mary Bea D'Amico from Malvern Retreat House as she speaks about the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who tugged at her heart to establish a Shrine to Blessed Carlo Acutis. Join us in our Fr. John Hughes Building, Msgr. McGettigan Hall, to hear of the amazing blessing which has become the Shrine of Carlo Acutis and how it has welcomed thousands to hear of his amazing life of virtue which led to the canonization of the first millennial saint! Light refreshments will be served and a goodwill offering will benefit the Shrine.
Location: St. Andrew the Apostle, Fr. John Hughes Bldg, Msgr. McGettigan Hall, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
More info: Contact Nicky Verna, Director of the New Evangelization - nverna@standrewdh.org; https://www.standrewdh.org
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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.
VIRTUAL FACTS ABOUT FERTILITY CONFERENCE
A virtual conference on how lifestyle impacts the woman's cycle, featuring a range of experts from the fields of physician wellness, nutrition, hormonal health, sleep, and exercise.
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.
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.
TICKETS ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT.
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THEOLOGY OF THE BODY AND NaPro RETREAT
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THAT MAN IS YOU (TMIY), "THE FIGHT OF FAITH"
Saturday mornings through December 13th
TMIY is an interactive men’s program that combines the latest findings of modern science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop authentic male leaders capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society. This 13-week series offers a host of well-known teachers and motivational speakers that will help men identify, be equipped and engaged in the battle raging today for our souls and the souls of our loved ones. Join us for food, fellowship, and faith. Coffee and Refreshments: 6:30-7AM; Presentation: 7-7:30AM; Small Groups: 7:30-8AM; Dismissal: 8AM. Men of all ages are welcome.
Where: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 2130 Franklin Avenue, Morton PA. 19070
To Register: For more details on the program and to register, go to www.olphmorton.org. Or contact Jim Minnick 610-457-1828 or email jimminnick8@gmail.com.
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EVANGELIZATION EVENTS
RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULT/FAMILY MINISTRY LEADERS
EMBRACING LIFE: THE TRUTH ABOUT GENDER
The Respect Life Group of St Andrew in Newtown is hosting an educational program entitled "Embracing Life: The Truth About Gender". This 4-hour program will include a showing of the movie “Dysconnected” followed by two exceptional speakers. Lunch will be provided.
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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 Disabilities
Please share this information with the attached website widely in your parish.
RETREAT FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Religious Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children:
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Downloadable Event Flyers to post in your church:
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Dr. Daniel Drain, Director ddrain@archphila.org
Dcn. Pat Kennedy, Marriage Prep pkennedy@archphila.org
Maria Riedlmeier, Operations Coordinator mriedlmeier@archphila.org
