Office for Life and Family November Newsletter

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Happy Feasts of All Saints and All Souls!

November 1st is the Feast of All Saints, where we as Catholics celebrate those who are in perfect union with God in Heaven. Immediately following is the Feast of All Souls on November 2, a day in which we remember all those we have lost. Did you know you can gain a plenary indulgence on All Souls Day by visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead between November 1-8? Here are two simple prayers from the USCCB to pray at the cemetery:

Prayers at Graveside

Lord Jesus Christ,

by your own three days in the tomb,

you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you

and so made the grave a sign of hope

that promises resurrection

even as it claims our mortal bodies.

Grant that our brother/sister, N., may sleep here in peace

until you awaken him/her to glory,

for you are the resurrection and the life.

Then he/she will see you face to face

and in your light will see light

and know the splendor of God,

for you live and reign forever and ever.

R/. Amen.

O God,

by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest,

send your holy Angel to watch over this grave.

Through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.

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"Samaritanus Bonus" : A Catholic Response to End-of- Life Practices

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. In 2020, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith put out Samaritanus Bonus- a letter outlining the ever increasing attacks against life in those who are sick or dying. The letter describes how we are to approach death as Catholics.

Summary of Samaritanus Bonus

Read the USCCB's Compendium of Samaritanus Bonus, which goes into further detail about the document:

samaritanus-bonus-compendium.pdf

More Resources on End of Life Care/Assisted Suicide/Advanced Directives:

Dr. Drain Meets Bishop Barron!

While October was a busy month full of events for the entire office, Dr. Drain's calendar of events also included travelling to two conferences for leaders in theology and formation. The first conference was hosted by Word on Fire (specifically, for their academic journal, The New Ressourcement). Dr. Drain was invited to present a paper at that conference, and got to spend three days in (brisk!) Rochester, MN. Besides the enriching conversations and potential partnerships and shared projects that came from that experience, the highlight was getting to spend one-on-one time with Bp. Robert Barron. Dr. Drain converted to the Catholic faith in high school in large part due to +Barron's witness and ministry, and so the opportunity to thank +Barron in person for all of his work for the Church was a great joy!

!!NEW FEATURE: MONTHLY GIVEAWAY!!

The Office for Life and Family team would like to send you a Catholic family gift bundle. In order to enter for a chance to win this month's bundle, here’s what you have to do:

Read the highlighted document for the month (this month is the "Summary of Samaritanus Bonus" above.)
Answer the questions below in the text box when you sign up
a. What did you learn from this document?.
b. Is there anything from the document that either inspired or challenged you?
c. How can you live out the principles of Samaritanus Bonus in your life?

OR

Post a picture of you putting up a flyer for one of the events in your church OR a pic of your family praying the highlighted prayer of the month together, found at the beginning of the newsletter. (Only the Office will see this picture.)

Newsletter Giveaway

Sign Up

Click the Sign Up button to enter the giveaway!

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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT

RED BIRD MINISTRIES

Red Bird Ministries offers support and resources for parents who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, as well as loss of older children. They offer guides on miscarriage and how to honor the baby as well as virtual workshops and in-person programs to support those grieving their children. You can find out more information about this important ministry as well as how to start a chapter at your parish at redbird.love.

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PRO-LIFE EVENTS

GIANNA CENTER: COURAGEOUS LIFE GALA: November 6

Register Here

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RACHEL'S VINEYARD RETREAT: November 7-9

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

STAND UP FOR LIFE DINNER: November 23

Register Here

Download the USCCB Word of Life Petitions for Mass and Bulletin Blurbs for November:

Word of Life-2025-11.pdf

EVENTS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

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. For more information, or to register for a retreat, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

More Info + Registration

MARRIAGES OF GRACE CANA NIGHT: November 7

Register Here

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COUPLES' FORMATION EVENT - MARRIED AND ENGAGED- November 9

“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, Dr. Daniel Drain, 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.

Register Here

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MORE EVENTS

RESTORE: RETREAT FOR WOMEN HEALING FROM BETRAYAL TRAUMA - November 13 - November 16

This retreat is for women healing from sexual betrayal trauma due to an intimate partner’s infidelity, pornography use or sex addiction. Through unique, facilitated healing encounters, we listen for the Holy Spirit’s promptings as He reveals the wounds, the memories, the circumstances that caused dis-integration within us. With Him, we are gently invited into a fully integrated experience – mind, heart, body, spirit, soul. Come…and let Him Restore you!

Retreat Leaders: Father Allen Hoffa of the Diocese of Allentown PA, De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry and Laura Ercolino of Hope’s Garden

Location: St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA

Email De at de@youaremadenew.com for more information.

More Info + Registration

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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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EMBRACING LIFE: THE TRUTH ABOUT GENDER - November 15

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.

More info + Registration

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BECOME A MISSIONARY DISCIPLE- Saturdays in November

Missionary Discipleship: Join the Office for the New Evangelization 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.

Register Here

"THE WELL"- CONFERENCE FOR YOUNG ADULTS - November 15

More Info + Register Here

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TWO EVENTS W/ ROBERT CARDINAL SARAH- November 21

3:00-4:00pm
Why Sacred Music Matters: Cardinal Robert Sarah on the Past Traditions and Possible Futures of Liturgical Song

Collegium Institute is pleased to invite you to an exciting upcoming event featuring coauthors Peter Carter and Cardinal Robert Sarah in discussion about their forthcoming book, The Song of the Lamb: Sacred Music and Heavenly Liturgy (November 2025, Ignatius Press).

Location: Penn Newman Center (111 S 38th St, University City Philadelphia)
More info: To learn more and register, please click here or visit collegiuminstitute.org/calendar/why-sacred-music-matters

7:00pm

Pontifical Vespers

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ADVENT RETREAT @ THE CATHEDRAL - December 13

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COME HOME ADVENT RETREAT: December 20

Join the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith for a special half-day retreat this Advent Season. The “Come Home Advent Retreat” welcomes anyone seeking to deepen their faith—especially those longing to return to the Catholic Church. Enjoy inspiring talks, quiet time for reflection, a delicious lunch, the opportunity for Confession, and the celebration of Mass at 4:00 pm. Come and rejoice in the coming of Christ with us! Please register on or before December 6^th.

Time: 11:30am-5pm

Place: The Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19031
Speakers: Fr. Joseph Serano, O. Praem, Dr. Anne DeSantis, Mickey Kelly, and Julieanne Bartlett
Cost: $70 per person
Questions: Email director.srnf@gmail.com

Registration

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2025 Catholic Christmas Catalog

Looking for a Catholic Christmas Gift Catalog? Search no more! Download the free catalog here: https://catholicchristmas.carrd.co/

Amy Brooks of Prayer, Wine, Chocolate has led the charge on putting together the Cozy Christmas Catalog- a compilation of Christmas gifts from different Catholic small businesses and organizations. Read more about how this came about below:

Find out more about this ministry