The Epiphany of the Lord
January 5, 2025
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel."
Matthew 2: 3
St. Max Parish News & Events
Starting in January Monday Evening Bible Study - CONVERSION
The Monday night Bible Study group will resume this January with Bishop Barron’s program “Conversion”. Our first meeting will be on January 6 th at 7:00 in the Kolbe Room in the church. The cost of the program is $20 per participant which is for the study guide.
There are 9 sessions in the program. Please sign up in the rectory by
December 19th of this year. If you have any questions, please call Joe Pizzino (484 883 8985). The following is a description of this program. Bishop Robert Barron illuminates six biblical stories of conversion, demonstrating how six ordinary people, just like you, were met by Jesus where they were and called to a better life through Him. The common theme in each story is the turning of all one's attention and energy toward an ever deeper, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
December 19th of this year. If you have any questions, please call Joe Pizzino (484 883 8985). The following is a description of this program. Bishop Robert Barron illuminates six biblical stories of conversion, demonstrating how six ordinary people, just like you, were met by Jesus where they were and called to a better life through Him. The common theme in each story is the turning of all one's attention and energy toward an ever deeper, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In his characteristically energetic style, Bishop Barron explains how conversion is not so much a one-time event, but a life-long process. He explains, "Jesus Christ calls us in thousands of different ways to follow Him, as we strive on the path for spiritual excellence."
The Tuesday Morning Bible Study will continue the study of Isaiah beginning January 7 th. Special accommodations will be made for anyone who missed the first half of this study. Come and See:
Isaiah unpacks the truth about God’s mercy and His method for calling sinners back to fidelity. Isaiah, often considered the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets, reveals the depth of
mystery in God’s love and his message remains relevant today.
All are welcome to join this special community on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 – 10:30 AM in the rectory basement. To register, contact the rectory. Deadline for registration is December 30, 2024. For more information contact Judy Armour at
judyarmour23@gmail.com
or call 610-793-2596.
mystery in God’s love and his message remains relevant today.
All are welcome to join this special community on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 – 10:30 AM in the rectory basement. To register, contact the rectory. Deadline for registration is December 30, 2024. For more information contact Judy Armour at
judyarmour23@gmail.com
or call 610-793-2596.
St. Max School News & Events
St. Max PREP News & Events
Come pray the Rosary with us! We will be praying the Rosary every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm in the St. Max Chapel. All are welcome to join - the world needs your prayers!
Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Pilgrim Statue
Our parish invites you to host the Flame of Love Pilgrim Virgin Statue in your home for one week!
Prayerfully consider inviting Our Lady into your home. To reserve your week, please use Sign Up Genius or scan the QR code.
Contact Terry David at 610-316-4445. to learn more about this devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
FLAME OF LOVE RETURNS:
Please join us at St. Max on January 4th for the next First Saturday Devotion.
Our Lady (of Fatima) asks each one of us to repent and confess our sins, receive Holy Communion, pray the Rosary, pray for our Pope while keeping her company with a spirit of reparation for five first Saturdays. Come pray with us and bring your prayer petitions.
Mass at 8:00am
followed by the Flame of Love Rosary
Confession is available
Attention Catholic Singles- DECEMBER Update
The Saint Raphael Fellowship is forming ‘single connect’ groups in the West Chester area Catholic churches. Saint Raphael is the patron Saint of happy meetings.
This Fellowship is geared to providing a ‘happy meeting’ place for those single Catholics who abide by teachings, morals and ethics of our wonderful faith.
Our activities-based group will be engaging in works of service to the church and community, faith-building events such as lectures, video & book discussions, as well as social outings and just attending mass with other singles together!
This is not a dating group but rather a way to engage with other Catholics who happen to find themselves in the single state or vocation.
Saint Raphael Fellowship's Mission is to server the adult single Catholic community with activities based in Faith, Fellowship, and Service. If you would like more information or have questions please reach out to Carolyn Ansley 484-459-1522 or Lisa Lomonaco 484-753-1101.
READ THE NEWSLETTER BELOW for Faith, Fellowship and Service Events coming up in November. Highlights include:
- St. Agnes annual Christmas Market volunteers
"Thinking of becoming Catholic? Do you know someone who's thinking about returning to the church? Or perhaps you know someone who is searching for meaning?"
Christian Initiation at St Max's may be a great start for your journey, or the next step on your journey. We offer a place to gather with warmth and welcome to assist you, with many who have been on that journey, or who are still on that journey. Contact: John Collins at jcollins@stmax.org or call 610-399-9642
Welcome to your New Baby!
Congratulations!
We would love to help walk you through the Baptism process. Please call the Rectory at 610-399-6936, and we will get you started with the information you need.
MANY ON-LINE and IN-PERSON SAFE ENVIRONMENT sessions are available for Safe Environment Training through the year - click below
St. Max CYO Sports
Local News & Events
RETREAT OPPORTUNITY!
Our Lady's Missionaries of the Eucharist
(OLME) invites you to take some time apart from your busyness, and attend one of our two special Time Apart retreats where you will be introduced to the Church's rich heritage of praying with the Sacred Word of God, as well as praying the universal prayer of the Catholic Church, the Liturgy of the Hours.
Retreats include daily Mass, an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the gift of an atmosphere of silence, as well as ample time for prayer and reflection before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
January 10-12, 2025 at the Ave Maria Retreat House, Doylestown, PA
To Register, visit our website at www.olme.org/events. For more information about Our Lady's Missionaries of the Eucharist, please contact Barbara McFadden
banmd@comcast.net
So many activities planned for young adults in Chester County and the greater Archdiocese.
SPECIAL NEEDS MASS/SENSORY FRIENDLY @ ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH
For families with special needs children or adults, and who are reluctant to bring their children to Mass -- please take note! St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, in Glen Mills, Pa., celebrates Mass for children and adults with special needs, the 3rd Sunday of every month, at 2:00pm, ALL ARE WELCOME! If you have any questions, the St. Thomas the Apostle rectory phone number is 610-459-2224
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Archdiocesan News & Events
Training Opportunities for 2025 from the Office for the New Evangelization
Great Ways to Get Formed in Missionary Discipleship!
Saturdays, Jan 25, Feb 8 and Feb 22, 2025 – 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Saturdays, Jan 25, Feb 8 and Feb 22, 2025 – 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Event: Go, Make Disciples: An Introductory Training in 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.
Facilitators: Ryan Morris, Chris Massaro, Jen Keller and Fr. Matthew Biedrzycki, Missionary Discipleship Facilitators, Office for the New Evangelization
Location: St. Norbert Parish, Paoli, PA
More info: View the flyer; $25.00 includes all 3 sessions, coffee, snacks and guidebook; Visit phillyevang.org/events to register or use this link to register now: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=4NCPq4
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Friday January 10, 2025, at 5PM to Sunday January 12, 2025, at Noon.Event: Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Weekend
Fr. Simeon Gallagher, OFM CAP, a Philly native, will serve as Retreat Director for this traditional Malvern retreat for men. The retreat weekend will include Mass, Confession, Adoration, conference talks and time for personal prayer and reflection. Location: Malvern Retreat House. 315 St. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355. For more information and to register, visit https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/our-lady-of-fatima-2025/
Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Event: Retreat- Mothers Be Still and Know That I Am God.
This retreat offers a space for faith sharing and reflection with other mothers. Come as you are and let God delight in you. It's a meditative retreat designed for mothers to slow down, be present to God, breathe, relax, and start the New Year with a spiritual reset. The retreat costs $55 and includes continental breakfast and lunch.
Location: Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Avenue, Phila, PA 19136) Speaker: Stephanie McCarthy, a Catholic wife, mother, spiritual director, and companion on the journey.
More info: For more information and to register, click here. Any questions, or to register by phone, please call 267-350-1830.
Monthly on Wednesdays - January 22, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12 NOONEvent: Mornings of Quiet Prayer
Enjoy a quiet morning in the presence of God. The day begins with Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), followed by a Conference on Prayer. Quiet time will be available to spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacred Heart Chapel, to pray the Stations of the Cross (available in the chapel, the arcade, and outside), and to walk around the grounds, enjoying nature, and visiting the outside shrines. You will gather for Midday Prayer followed by departure.
Location: IHM Spirituality Center, 210 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355
More info: To register or for more information, contact Sister Anne Marie Stegmaier, IHM at ihmspcenter@gmail.com or (610) 647-4136.
Friday, January 24, 2025Event: National March for Life
The March for Life is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of pro-lifers converge on the National Mall and march on Capitol Hill. It’s the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world.Location: Washington D.C.
More info: Mass for pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is at 10am at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception celebrated by Bishop Efren Esmilla. Details: https://marchforlife.org/national-march-for-life/
Begins January 2025Event: The Institute for Christian Formation presents "Foundations of the Catholic Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism"
The Institute for Christian Formation (ICF) at the School of Theological Studies (STS) at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary seeks to provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of Catholic doctrine as found in the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” and is an invitation to ongoing conversion of heart in the company of brothers and sisters sharing a desire to grow in faith. ICF has in-person sessions on eight Tuesday evenings each Spring and Fall. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of all four seasons. A new group will begin in January 2025. The cost is $270.00 per season.
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 1400 Evans Road, Ambler, PA 19002
More info: Registration is now open. Please visit https://www.scs.edu/school-of-theological-studies/institute-for-christian-formation/ to register. Please contact STS at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary at 610-785-6287 or at sts@scs.edu with any questions or for more information.
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 1400 Evans Road, Ambler, PA 19002
More info: Registration is now open. Please visit https://www.scs.edu/school-of-theological-studies/institute-for-christian-formation/ to register. Please contact STS at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary at 610-785-6287 or at sts@scs.edu with any questions or for more information.
Continues monthly, January 28, February 25, March 25, April 29 - 6:30 PM Event: Wholeness in Christ - Praise and Worship Holy Hour Series
Join us each month as we invite God to transform a particular area of our lives, such as work, family, health, rest, and friendship. Each month Saint Monica’s Holy Hour Series will offer time for Adoration, Prayer, Confession and Praise and Worship Music.
Location: The Church of Saint Monica, 635 First Avenue Berwyn PA 19312
More info: View the flyer; Questions? Email Alexandra LaMastra at alamastra@saintmonicachurch.org
SAVE THE DATE:
FEBRUARY 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
The John Cardinal Foley Chair at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is pleased to announce The 2025 Lecture Series featured speaker on “The Church and Social Communication” MONTSE ALVARADO President & Chief Operating Officer of EWTN News, Ms. Alvarado served as an Emcee of the 10th Annual National Eucharistic Congress and is the recipient of the 2024 Religious Freedom Impact Award.
This event is free and open to the public. Due to the anticipated large turnout, this event will be held in the Julia Ball Auditorium at Gwynedd Mercy University, adjacent to the Seminary’s new campus in Lower Gwynedd.
More information about the Lecture Series can be found on the Cardinal Foley Chair webpage.
Every Wednesday and Second Saturday, 12-1 PM Event: Lunch in the Park with Christ in the City
Join Christ in the City missionaries as we serve over 50+ men and women experiencing homelessness, building relationships while enjoying lunch.
- Every Wednesday, 12-1 PM on the lawn next to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia (required training for new volunteers begins at 11:15 AM)
- Second Saturdays, 12-1 PM on Logan Square (required training for new volunteers begins at 10 AM)
More info: Registration is required and all new volunteers must attend a training prior to the event. Full details and registration available at: https://christinthecity.org/philadelphia-lunch-in-the-park/
JOIN ARCHBISHOP PÉREZ ON PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY
FOR THE CANONIZATION OF BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS
APRIL 23 - 29, 2025
From $3171 pp
Click here for the pilgrimage brochure
Please consider joining Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on pilgrimage to Italy for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis this spring! This pilgrimage has been facilitated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Malvern Retreat House in partnership with Virginia-based ProRome Tours.
The dates of the trip are April 23 - 29, 2025, with an optional extension to Assisi from April 29 May 1, 2025. With luxury accommodations at the five-star Westen Excelsior in Rome, the trip features a flexible touring program in order to accommodate all ages. As this is a large group (up to 200 max), the daily program will be organized in order to run as smoothly as possible. Mass and dinner will be group events, whereas part of the day will be optional (yet always included in the price). Highlights include the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Saint Peter’s Square, the Papal Basilicas and Holy Doors, the Catacombs, the Pantheon and so much more.
For more information or to register please visit www.prorometours.com/adop (password “carlo”) or contact ProRome Tours directly at (434) 964 6352 or by email at office@prorome.com.
Jubilee Pilgrimages
- April 23-29, 2025, Jubilee Pilgrimage for the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis with Archbishop Perez and Fr. Stephen DeLacy
- There will be an information session for this pilgrimage on December 9 at Malvern Retreat House. Click here for details.
- July 26-August 4, 2025, Archdiocesan Pilgrimage for Young Adults for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome with Archbishop Perez and the Office for Ministry with Young Adults
- September 7-16, 2025, Miracles of the Eucharist Pilgrimage to Italy with Fr. Dennis Gill
- More pilgrimages and events will be posted to the Jubilee website as information becomes available.
Who Does Your Donation Help?
Did you know 1 in 5 people in the Greater Philadelphia area count on the Catholic Charities Appeal for help and hope? We may not notice them, but they are there in every county, town, parish, and neighborhood.
It’s time we focus on the women and children looking for shelter, focus on those experiencing poverty and looking for a meal, and focus on individuals with special needs looking for opportunity.
Every year, the Catholic Charities Appeal impacts nearly one million lives. But this is not possible without your help. Your gift matters more than you know.
Help us multiply the love and generosity so graciously gifted by God through His Son and allow us to continue doing His work among the most vulnerable in our community. Thank you!
Outreach Opportunities
*Important Information*
Our Collection bin at ST. MAX has been moved from the vestibule near the doors to the room to the left of the Narthex (where the liturgical ministers sign-in for Mass). Please do not leave donations at the doors any longer, but rather bring them inside to the donation bin. No liquid donations of any kind will be accepted (i.e. liquid soaps, syrup, cooking oil, juice)
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CARING FOR FRIENDS IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS - CAN YOU HELP?
Please click on the flyer below
Helping You Stay Connected
Prayer to Our Lady of Ukraine
We humbly implore Our Lady of Ukraine to continue to extend her blessed mantle of protection over all the people of Ukraine.
May she obtain eternal rest for the deceased, healing for the wounded in mind, spirit, body and courage for those who are defending their beloved country.
May she obtain eternal rest for the deceased, healing for the wounded in mind, spirit, body and courage for those who are defending their beloved country.
Amen.
