The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul at 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103 US - News You Can Use  

• View the Parkway Museums District brochure
• A Deeper Look at the Sacred Liturgy #21
• Retired Religious Collection
• Cathedral Basilica Ambassadors
• The Church's Constant Teaching
• Giving Tree
• Retreat Weekend at Malvern
• Side Altar Raredos Update
• Cathedral Chapel Entrance
• Year of the Priest ~ Confessions
• Prayer for Priests
• Advent Retreat
• Electronic Contributions
• Christmas Crèche Blessing
• Sacred Music Concert
• Parish Non-fiction Book Club
• Elves Needed for Operation Santa Claus
• Catholic Social Services
• Heed the Call
• Opportunities for Ministry & Service at the Cathedral Basilica
• Thoughts of Saint John Vianney
• Plan for Year End Giving
• Exposition and Holy Hour
• Sanctuary Candles
• Adults Interested in the Catholic Faith / Adults Needing Sacraments
• Catholic Bishops of PA Issue Flu Season Directives
• Marriage Preparation Schedule Online
• Food Sunday
• What's Happening at the Basilica
• Winter Bus Schedule
• Extraordinary Communion Ministers for Hospital and 8 AM Mass
• The Easter Vigil — April 4, 2010
• Cathedral Tour Guides & Tours
• Prayer for Our Men and Women in Uniform

The Act of Penitence follows the Greeting. The priest invites those present to acknowledge their sins and seek the mercy of God. The Act of Penitence can be expressed in one of three ways. The first is by reciting the Confiteor, “I confess to almighty God.” The second is by praying the verses: “V. Have mercy on us, Lord. R. For we have sinned against you. V. Show us, Lord, your mercy. R. And grant us your salvation.” The third is by singing or reciting the “Lord, have mercy” or Kyrie Eleison enriched with invocations addressed to Christ. The Act of Penitence concludes with the priests’s absolution: “May almighty God have mercy on us and, with our sins forgiven, lead us to eternal life.” The people express their humble acceptance of God’s mercy by saying, “Amen.”

On Sundays, instead of the usual Act of Penitence, the blessing and sprinkling of water may take place, accompanied by singing from David’s psalm of spiritual resurrection: “Sprinkle me, Lord . . . wash me and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 50:9). The Act of Penitence softens the heart to receive the Word, and purifies it for the celebration of the sacred mysteries.

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Religious face rising costs. Data submitted to the National Religious Retirement Office reveals that the average annual cost of care for women and men religious age 70 and over has more than doubled since 1989. Current statistics put this figure at $35,077 per person annually, with skilled care reaching nearly $55,000. Your donation to the Retirement Fund for Religious provides critical support to religious institutes in meeting the escalating costs of elder care. Please pray for all religious and give generously to this weekend's second collection.

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We have come to believe, and have known
that you are the Holy One of God.
(Jn 6:69)

All are welcome to the annual Advent retreat sponsored by
the Philadelphia Community of Communion and Liberation.

Sunday, December 13, 2009
1:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Cathedral “New Room”
Lesson and discussion led by Fr. Philip Forlano.
Time for confession. Social to follow.

For more information, contact:
Rebecca Cherico at rcherico@comcast.net

www.clonline.org      www.clonline.us

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Are you a college age young adult male who is searching for the true meaning of your life? Then, this retreat is for you. “Come, Follow Me Retreat” will be held at the Malvern Retreat House on December 18, 19 and 20. Join Father Christopher Rogers and other young men from across our Archdiocese for a special retreat weekend. For more information/registration, please contact the Malvern Retreat House.

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In this Year of the Priest, our Holy Father has asked us to pray for priests and to be inspired by the exemplary life of Saint John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, Patron Saint of priests. As previously announced, the priests of the Cathedral Parish are happy to offer an additional time and day for the Sacrament of Penance for the convenience of our parishioners and visitors. Confessions will be heard in the Basilica on Sundays at 9:00 am, in addition to our usual daily schedule of times.

All our registered parishioners received a copy of the Prayer for Priests in the recent Census and Block Collection mailing. We hope all will pray it often. May Jesus Christ be praised!

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Ever-living God and Father of us all,
you give to your Church the Priesthood of your Son, Jesus,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit,
you provide holy priests for a holy people.

We pray for all our priests,
who announce the Word of God
and celebrate the Sacraments,
for those who are young and those who are old,
for those who serve in difficult and trying circumstances,
for those who are faithful and those who are faltering, and
for those who have died.

We entrust all our priests to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
that they may persevere with fidelity
to you and to your Church.
With Saint John Vianney, patron of priests,
we pray that our priests may never fail to lead us to you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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We are most deeply grateful to our parishioners for your faithful and consistent giving in support of the Parish. It is inspiring! Fall is traditionally a busy time for review of finances and year end gift giving to charity. History shows that even in difficult financial times, charitable giving is a high priority for many, many people. There are many different opportunities for making a gift to the Cathedral Basilica; for example, outright gifts – cash, stocks, real estate; or, planned gifts – bequests, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, life insurance policy, etc. If you wish more information about any of these, please call the Parish Office at 215-561-1313. God bless you!

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This annual opportunity to give a gift to someone less fortunate continues to be a success. Please take a tag from the tree and drop off your wrapped gift at Church by December 18. We will distribute your gifts locally. Thank you!

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Do you use electronic bill paying or other electronic fund transfer options? Many of us do regularly. As we previously announced, we have been able to secure the assistance of Acceptiva.com through the cooperation of the Archdiocese to provide such a service to all our parishioners and visitors. You can make your weekly contribution or other donations on-line, either from your personal checking account or by a credit card. Simply go to our website: sspeterpaulcathedral.catholicweb.com, click on the box-icon “Support the Cathedral Basilica” and follow the simple instructions. We are happy to see a number of people already using this fast and efficient way to make their contributions and donations to the Cathedral Basilica. Thank you for your truly generous support and for your continued interest in our Parish!

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On Tuesday, December 15, 4 pm at 15th Street and JFK Boulevard, in front of the Municipal Services Building, a publicly displayed Christmas Crèche will be blessed by Monsignor McCulken. This annual display and blessing is supported by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus. The service will last about a half hour; songs will be sung by children from Saint Francis Xavier School. Hope you can be there.

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The Non-Fiction Book Club will meet on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:30 PM in the Rectory. Their third book is Sea Biscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. All are invited! Bring a friend. For more information, please contact Charlie Jones at 215-913-7574. This is an outgrowth of the Social Group.

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You are cordially invited to the Basilica this Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2:00 PM to a concert of sacred music celebrating the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany with choral, solo and instrumental works from over five centuries. The concert will feature the Cathedral Basilica Choir, and Cathedral Brass Quartet, as well as vocal and organ solo works. Included will be the singing of traditional carols for all. No tickets required; a free will offering will be accepted.

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The new marble and mosaic image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to be installed above the Altar next to Saint Joseph, Chapel side of the Basilica has arrived in the U.S. It is in Customs and should be picked up this week. The work will begin as soon as possible and will take several weeks to complete. This image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will replace the present wood and painted Nativity triptych at this Altar. A new home for the Nativity triptych has not yet been identified. On January 22, 1999, Pope John Paul II named Our Lady of Guadalupe the Patroness of the Americas. Her feast day is December 12.

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Work has continued on the brownstone at the Cathedral Chapel entrance. It should be open for use in the near future. Some of the work to be done will occur at a later date. New wood doors for the north side entrance will be installed this coming week. The south side entrance will be closed off while new doors are fabricated for there. Installation of the final set of doors is planned to occur before Christmas.

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The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus. When you see the priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Catechism on the Priesthood

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We are most grateful to those who have responded and continue to seek additional volunteers to serve as Greeters, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Members of our Hospital Teams, Tour Guides and Collection Counters. We have had a number of our volunteers who can no longer serve for various reasons.

We really need your service, time and talent for our Parish community and our visiting guests. Your service will help us and help one another. We will provide the necessary information, training and formation. Please consider offering the gift of your time; in most cases it is only an hour or so monthly. To do so, you can complete this form, call the Rectory Office or email us. Thank you and God bless you!

Please provide the following:

Name
Phone Number
E-Mail

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The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law” (No. 2271).

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While our Ambassadors have been staffing the Cathedral Basilica since March, we recently celebrated the first anniversary of this incredible program of outreach, welcome and information. Bill Mignucci of Di Bruno Brothers catered a delicious meal providing the centerpiece for an evening of celebration and sharing for all our Ambassadors, new and old. Currently we have 75 Ambassadors who welcome and assist visitors to the Cathedral Basilica. They come from all areas of the Archdiocese and are an enthusiastic and joy filled group. Look for them in Church, they will now be sporting new maroon jackets during their time of service. We thank Di Bruno Brothers for donating the initial order of jackets for their use.

Anyone interested in becoming an Ambassador, please call or email the rectory office. We will be happy to provide you with information and the necessary training.

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This Weekend is Food Sunday. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food items and trial size toiletries for St. John's Hospice. Also, as the weather begins to turn colder, Saint John's Hospice is always in need of the following:

• winter coats
• hooded sweatshirts
• heavy socks
• workboots
• underwear (shorts & tee shirts)

Please bring all items to Mass and leave them in the Sacristy. Anything you donate is very much appreciated!

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Can you make a place in your family for a Foster Child? Thousands of children need the love and support of a foster family. Catholic Social Services is looking for married or single adults to become foster parents to children of all ages, races and denominations. Homes are also needed for children with special medical or emotional needs and for siblings who wish to live together. Catholic Social Services provides professional training, support, financial reimbursement and catholic school tuition to foster children. For more information about becoming a foster family, call Melissa or Pat at 215-587-3960.

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The priests of tomorrow are in our midst.
They are members of this parish.
They are members of our own families.
Encourage Vocations, pray for the gift.
Visit — www.HeedTheCall.org

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At this solemn Mass, Cardinal Rigali will administer first Sacraments to adults. This includes those requesting Baptism into the Catholic Church, those already validly baptized Christians asking to be received into the Catholic Church, and baptized Catholic adults who have not yet received Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion.

Our parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program of instruction in the Catholic Faith begins this Fall. The group meets Thursday evenings (except holidays) from 7 to 8 PM in the rectory, beginning on September 24th.

Inquirers are most welcome. Perhaps YOU who read this notice can pass this invitation along to a relative or friend or neighbor whom the Lord may be calling to these Sacraments of Christian Initiation. For further information, contact Father Burke through the rectory office.

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The Office for Youth and Young Adults is proud to sponsor the 42nd annual Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an Archdiocesan gift-giving program that will provide toys for over 5,000 children throughout the greater Philadelphia area. We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help Santa and his elves prepare for the BIG DAY. You can help through donations of your time, talent and treasure-donating toys, loading Santa’s sleigh, making a monetary contribution, and so much more. To learn more about Operation Santa Claus and how to help, check out www.oyya.org for information or call Kathy at 215-965-4636 to volunteer.

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Donations are accepted for the Sanctuary Candle in the Basilica and in the Cathedral Chapel. This candle burns always as a reminder to all who enter that Jesus is truly present in the Tabernacle. If you wish to make a donation for your personal intentions or for others, please call the rectory (215) 561-1313 for more information and to make arrangements.

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Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith? Would you like to become a Catholic? Are you a baptized Adult Catholic in need of Confirmation? The Cathedral Parish extends an invitation to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This is a weekly, one hour program [Thursdays, 7 to 8 PM ,except for holidays] that begins September 24 and runs until Holy Week. Those who are ready will receive their Sacraments from Cardinal Rigali on Holy Saturday evening at the Easter Vigil Service. For more information, contact Father Burke through the rectory office.

Parishioners, be sure to invite your non-Catholic relatives, friends or neighbors to consider becoming a Catholic and joining the RCIA program. Many are waiting for such an invitation to get started.

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December 12 7:00 – 12:00 AM	Religious Retirement Fund Collection Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass—Cardinal Rigali after Mass, praying of rosary, singing of hymns.
December 13 9:00 AM 1:00 – 5:00 PM 2:00 PM	Religious Retirement Fund Collection Confessions in Basilica Communion and Liberation Retreat—Chapel Hall, New Room Sacred Music Concert—Basilica
December 15 6:30 PM	Bible Study—New Room
December 16 6:00 PM	Charismatic Prayer Group—New Room
December 17 11:30 - 12:05 PM 7:00 PM	Confessions in Basilica Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults—New Room
December 18 11:30 - 12:05 PM	Confessions in Basilica
December 19 11:00 - 12:00 PM 4:00 - 5:00 PM	Confessions in Basilica Confessions in Basilica
December 20 9:00 AM	Confessions in Basilica
December 21 11:30 - 12:05 PM 3:00 PM	Confessions in Basilica Archdiocesan Office Center Advent Mass—Cardinal Rigali
December 22 11:30 - 12:05 PM 6:30 PM	Confessions in Basilica No Bible Study
December 23 11:30 - 12:05 PM	Confessions in Basilica
December 24 Midnight Mass	5:00, 7:30 PM — Cardinal Rigali, celebrant Prelude Music with Cathedral Basilica Choir and Brass Quartet at 11:00 PM — Cardinal Rigali, celebrant
December 25	8:00, 10:00 AM & 12:00 Noon Mass — Basilica

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Each Wednesday from 11 AM to Noon, we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral Chapel, providing everyone with the opportunity for private prayer and quiet time with our Eucharistic Lord. We hope that these opportunities will allow many more people to spend quiet time and prayer time with our Eucharistic Lord. Please pass this information along to family, friends and co-workers.

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From a comment shared by a parishioner, we thought it important and helpful to explain the reason for what happens after the distribution of Holy Communion at the Sunday 8 AM Mass. You will have noticed that the Celebrant places consecrated Hosts into pyxes (small, round gold containers) and the coming forward of some of our people into the Sanctuary to receive the pyxes.

As you are aware, the Cathedral Parish arranges to have Holy Communion distributed on Sunday mornings to Catholic patients at Hahnemann Hospital. This traditionally has been done after the 8 AM Mass. It is the desire of the Church that those who cannot be present for Sunday Mass be able to receive Holy Communion outside of Mass, especially on Sunday. Having the Extraordinary Communion Ministers come forward at Mass connects their ministry to our sick brothers and sisters with our celebration as a community of Faith at the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It also reminds us to keep in prayer all those who cannot be present with us around the Altar. The Communion Ministers then proceed from the 8 AM Mass over to Hahnemann Hospital to bring the Body of Christ to the Catholic patients. Afterwards they return the pyxes to the Cathedral. If you are interested in assisting in this ministry, please call the rectory, 215-561-1313, for more information and for training. It usually takes about an hour of your time every other month.

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For the convenience of our parishioners, the Parish sponsors bus service to and from the 9:30 am and the 12:30 pm Masses on Sundays. Please feel free to make use of this service. At the moment, the schedule of pick-up is as follows:

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Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania encourage the clergy and faithful to observe the necessary standard precautions to protect the health of others during this flu season, and especially with the risks related to H1N1 influenza (swine flu). The Bishops additionally direct the following for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy and for flu prevention:

• The distribution of the Precious Blood for the faithful is generally suspended. The faith of the Church teaches that Christ, whole and entire, is received even under only one species.

• The exchange of the sign of peace is to be offered without any physical contact. If the priest celebrant chooses to extend the invitation for the sign of peace, the faithful, instead of a handshake, may bow to the persons nearby.

These directives issued by Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania are effective Sunday, October 18, 2009 until determined otherwise by the local Bishop.

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The Family Life Office is now publishing the Archdiocese’s Marriage Preparation program schedules exclusively on line. Couples can access the schedule and registration form at http://archphila.org/evangelization/famlife/marriage.htm#couples. A partial schedule of dates for 2010 is on line now, including the 4-session program and the Marriage Preparation Retreat at http:/archphila.org/evangelization/famlife/2010archregmarpresess.htm.

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We have a small and very dedicated group of trained Tour Guides for the Cathedral Basilica. We are grateful for the service which they provide to the many interested visitors and tourists that come to visit us. Additional volunteers would be truly welcome. The necessary information and training needed will be provided by our present group. It is not complicated and you will learn a lot in the process. If interested please call the rectory at 215-561-1313. Mr. Nicholas McAllister, our Tour Guide Coordinator, will return your call to answer any questions and to get you started.

Remember, a tour is available after the 11 AM Sunday Mass. Please assemble in the front in the Basilica, at the side altar of the Sacred Heart. Tours can be arranged, during the week, for parish groups by contacting the rectory by letter, e-mail or telephone. We are always glad to welcome visitors to our historic and beautiful Cathedral Basilica.

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As we remember and pray for all our fellow Americans, who gave their lives in battle for freedom and democracy, let us also pray for all who serve courageously now.

O God, You led your servant Abraham from his home and guarded him in all his wanderings. Guide our men and women in uniform, and all who are called upon to defend the right to a life blessed with freedom, justice and peace. Be a refuge in times of loneliness, shade in the heat, shelter in the storm, rest in weariness, protection in trouble and a strong staff in danger. For all our days together, we give you thanks: bind us together now, even though we may be far apart. May your peace rest upon them and us. May we never tire in the effort to become instruments of Your peace and good will for all. Amen.

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