Pentecost Novena for Racial Healing
Register at the link below to receive a daily email from the 11th through the 19th of this month. The daily email will include a reflection on the life of a Saint who was committed to racial justice, an action item for your own racial healing formation, and this year’s novena prayer.
The Seven Last Words: Listening for Jesus' Guidance on Facing and Healing Racism
The Seven Last Words: Listening for Jesus’ Guidance on Facing and Healing Racism - A six week Lenten series with New Encounters: Catholics Confronting Racism.
The Word Made Flesh: Artists of Color Shine Light on the Incarnation
An Advent Series of Visual Meditations and Reflections on Henry Ossawa Tanner, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and multi-cultural religious art.
Uncommon Faithfulness of Black Catholics: An Invitation to All
Join us on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 for a morning with Sister Cora Marie Billings, RSM.
Sister Cora is a Sister of Mercy, who desegregated her order when she joined in 1956. She went on to co-found the National Black Catholic Sisters Congress in 1968, and has been a lifetime advocate for Racial Justice and Equity in the Catholic Church.
She joins us at St. Vincent de Paul Church to share her story and the story of her family, to educate and inspire us.
The event will start with a meet & greet at 9:30 am, and Sr. Cora’s presentation will go from 10am until Noon.
Participation is FREE thanks to generous support from the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia. This program is also supported by the Cranaleith Spiritual Center.
Parking is available in the Church Lot on East Price Street, between Lena and Wakefield Streets.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at: newencounterscatholics@gmail.com
You can learn more about Sister Cora here.
This is a joint presentation of the Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing and New Encounters: Catholics Confronting Racism.
Summer Book Club for Racial Healing
We are so thrilled to continue our in-person group program, in collaboration with the Parish of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul!
This Summer, we'll read and pray our way through a book by Maureen H. O’Connell, Undoing the Knots: Five Generations of American Catholic Anti-Blackness. Maureen is a parishioner in Philadelphia and a professor at La Salle University, and her book explores the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s history through the lens of her Irish Catholic ancestors.
RSVP below if you'd like to be part of our peer-guided gatherings to reflect on how the sin of racism has affected not only our historical past, but also continues into our present. Understanding the historical legacy we’ve inherited is the first step towards learning how to begin to heal the effects of racism on all of us.
The meetings will be facilitated by Marcelle McGuirk.
We will use the 1st meeting as an introduction to the book and to each other, in order to cultivate a space for group sharing and reflection. The second session will have guided reflection on key points from the book.
For the final meeting, the author, Maureen O’Connell, will join us to speak about her journey in writing the book, as well as to answer our questions. The final meeting will also be a wrap-up session, as well as a space for prayerful brainstorming around how each individual is being called to work for racial justice.
The first two sessions will take place on Friday, July 7th and 21st at 7pm ET. The final meeting will take place on Thursday, August 17th at 7pm ET.
We will meet at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia (location of the meeting space will be provided after registration). Parking is available in the Cathedral lot.
Deadline to register for the series: Thursday, July 6th.
Participation is FREE, though you will have to acquire a copy of the book. If you have difficulty obtaining a copy for any reason, please let us know and we will be happy to help!
Recommended ways to order the book: through a Black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia, such as Harriett’s Bookshop or through www.betterworldbooks.com. There is also an ebook version available here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at newencounterscatholics@gmail.com
Registration is now closed.
Pentecost Novena for Racial Healing
Register at the link below to receive a daily email from the 20th through the 28th of this month. The daily email will include a reflection on the life of a Saint who was committed to racial justice, an action item for your own racial healing formation, and this year’s novena prayer.
In addition, we are collaborating with the Archbishop’s Commission on Racial healing, and on the 28th, we will host a Zoom session where we can pray together, watch the Commission’s new video, and have a discussion session with members from the Commission. More details to come on the Zoom event, check back soon!
Lenten Book Club for Racial Healing
We are so thrilled to offer our very first in-person group program, in collaboration with the Parish of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul!
During Lent, we'll read/ journal/ pray our way through the wonderful book by Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J., The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice: A Month of Meditations with St. Ignatius Loyola.
RSVP below if you'd like to be part of a peer-guided weekly in-person gathering to reflect on how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, as Fr. Patrick shares it with us, sheds piercing light on the sin of racism and how to begin to heal its effects on all of us. The meditations follow the framework of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises as laid out by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
The meetings will be co-facilitated by Marisabel Alonso and Marcelle McGuirk.
We will use the 1st meeting as an introduction to the book and to each other, in order to cultivate a space for group sharing and reflection. The next 4 sessions will be structured around the 4 parts of the book. The final meeting will be a wrap-up session, as well as a space for reflection and prayerful brainstorming around how each individual is being called to work for racial justice.
The in-person sessions will take place on Monday evenings at 7pm ET, beginning on February 27th. The final meeting will take place during Easter Week (there will be no meeting during Holy Week).
We will meet at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia (location of the meeting space will be provided after registration). Parking is available in the Cathedral lot.
Deadline to register: Sunday, February 26th.
Participation is FREE, though you will have to acquire a copy of the book.
Recommended ways to order the book: through a Black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia, such as Harriett’s Bookshop or through www.betterworldbooks.com. There is also an ebook version available here.
If you have difficulty obtaining a copy for any reason, please let us know and we will be happy to help!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at newencounterscatholics@gmail.com
February Mass & Meet Up
Our February Mass and Meet-Up is almost here! This month we will be at the beautiful St. Thomas of Villanova - Rosemont Chapel in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Mass is at 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 25th, and our Meet-Up will take place afterward in Harten Hall (the auditorium in the church basement).
Rosemont Chapel is located at 1229 E Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. Parking is available.
Participation is FREE, though, if you're able to contribute, we will pass the hat to offset the costs of the snacks/drinks.
If you’re able, please sign up at the link below so we have an approximate headcount. Feel free to come for Mass, for Fellowship, or for both! We look forward to seeing you!
Making Room for Jesus
Making Room for Jesus
Mondays of Advent
8:00 - 8:45 pm on Zoom
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, & 19
In the spirit of faithful racial healing and reconciliation, New Encounters invites you to join a month of Advent reflection and community. Weekly discussions on how we can embrace our faith and humanity through the examples of Jesus and the saints. Join this informal faith sharing group for an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and a new faith community in this season of growth.
November Mass & Meet Up
Our November Mass and Meet-Up is almost here! This month we will be at the beautiful St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Villanova, PA.
Mass is at 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 20th, and our Meet-Up will take place afterward in a space TBA.
This Mass is also Villanova University's Mass for Black Catholic History Month and the presider is New Encounters' own Father Stephen Thorne. The liturgical music will be led by the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir under the direction of Tonya Taylor-Dorsey!
St. Thomas of Villanova is located at 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085. It is close to multiple public transportation options and parking is available.
Participation is FREE, though, if you're able to contribute, we will pass the hat to offset the costs of the snacks/drinks.
If you’re able, please sign up at the link below so we have an approximate headcount. Feel free to come for Mass, for Fellowship, or for both! We look forward to seeing you!
October Mass & Meet-Up
Our October Mass and Meet-Up is almost here! This month we will be at the beautiful Old St. Joseph’s Church in Philadelphia.
Mass is at 11:30am on Sunday, October 30th, and our Meet-Up will take place afterward in Drexel Parlor.
Old St. Joseph’s Church is located at 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106. It is close to multiple public transit options, and there is street parking available.
Participation is FREE, though, if you're able to contribute, we will pass the hat to offset the costs of the snacks/drinks.
If you’re able, please sign up at the link below so we have an approximate headcount. Feel free to come for Mass, for Fellowship, or for both! We look forward to seeing you!
September Mass & Meet-Up
Our September Mass and Meet-Up is almost here! This month we will be at the beautiful St. Peter the Apostle Church (The National Shrine of St. John Neumann) in Philadelphia.
Mass is at 9:30am on Sunday, September 25th, and our Meet-Up will take place afterward in the cafe across from the Shrine bookshop.
St. Peter the Apostle Church is located at 1019 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123. It is close to multiple public transit options, and there is parking available.
Participation is FREE, though, if you're able to contribute, we will pass the hat to offset the costs of the snacks/drinks.
If you’re able, please sign up at the link below so we have an approximate headcount. Feel free to come for Mass, for Fellowship, or for both! We look forward to seeing you!
August Mass & Meet-Up
Our August Mass and Meet-Up is almost here! This month we will be at the beautiful St. Patrick’s Church in Philadelphia.
Mass is at 11am on Sunday, August 21st, and our Meet-Up will take place afterward in Rittenhouse Square a block away.
St. Patrick’s Church is located at 242 S. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. It is close to multiple public transit options, and there is street parking available (though it can be tricky to find a spot).
Participation is FREE, though, if you're able to contribute, we will pass the hat to offset the costs of the snacks/drinks.
If you’re able, please sign up at the link below so we have an approximate headcount. Feel free to come for Mass, for Fellowship, or for both! We look forward to seeing you!
July Mass & Meet-Up
Our July Mass and Meet-Up is almost here! This month we will be at the beautiful St. Malachy’s Church in Philadelphia.
Mass is at 10am this Sunday, July 24th, and our Meet-Up will take place afterward in the Parish building next door.
St. Malachy's Church is located at 1429 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122. It is four blocks from both the Girard and Cecil B. Moore stops on the Broad Street Line. There is also parking available if you drive.
Participation is FREE, though, if you're able to contribute, we will pass the hat to offset the costs of the meal/drinks.
If you’re able, please sign up at the link below so we have an approximate headcount. We look forward to seeing you!
Pentecost Novena for Racial Justice
Join us for this year’s Pentecost Novena for Racial Justice!
Every day durning the Novena, we will send you an email that includes: a novena prayer inspired by the life of a Saint of Color and short action items to help you grow in your journey towards racial healing.
Every evening during the Novena, you can also choose to meet with us on Zoom at 7pm EST to pray the day’s prayer in community. The prayer time is approximately 15 minutes long, and the Zoom link with be included in the daily emails.
Click the link below to sign up!
Easter Meet-Up
The launch of our monthly Mass & Social meet-ups!
Join us in prayer for Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Germantown, followed by dinner and fellowship! (Feel free to come for one part or both!)
St. Vincent’s is located at 109 E. Price Street, Philadelphia. It’s conveniently three blocks from the Germantown stop on the Chestnut Hill East Line. There is also a parking lot available for those who drive!
RSVP at the link below. Participation is free, though we will pass the hat to help cover expenses for the meal.
We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
RSVP is now closed.
Lenten Journey to Heal Racism
During Lent, we'll read/ journal/ pray our way through the wonderful new book by Fr. Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J., The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice: A Month of Meditations with Ignatius Loyola.
RSVP below if you'd like to be part of a peer-guided weekly online gathering to reflect on how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, as Fr. Patrick shares it with us, sheds piercing light on the sin of racism and how to begin to heal its effects on all of us.
Zoom meetings will take place on Tuesday evenings at 7pm ET, beginning on March 1st. The final meeting will take place on April 5th.
Deadline to register: Sunday, February 27th.
Participation is FREE, though you will have to acquire a copy of the book.
Recommended ways to order the book: through a Black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia, such as Harriett’s Bookshop or through www.betterworldbooks.com
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at newencounterscatholics@gmail.com
Registration is now closed.
Anti-Racism for Young Catholics- Advent 2021
This Advent series invites young adult Catholics to do the inner and outer work of dismantling racism.
Taking place on Zoom, this series will meet once a week on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm ET.
Week 1: November 28
Week 2: December 5
Week 3: December 12
Week 4: December 19
Each session will last approximately 90 minutes, and will have an opportunity for community and prayer, in addition to guest speakers and breakout sessions.
Our Advent series will aid participants in their racial healing journey, as well as culminate in the formulation of a personal action plan to take with you into the New Year.
Homework is assigned each week to prepare for the next session, typically in the form of a short article/video/podcast, a journaling prompt, etc. There is also an opportunity for 1-on-1 coaching and/or feedback with our facilitators.
Participation in the program is free, thanks to generous funding from the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia. If you would like to financially support our work, a donation link will be provided at the end of the program.
Questions? Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Email us at newencounterscatholics@gmail.com
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Click here to join our mailing list to be notified about future programs!
Thursday Social - October 2021
Join is on Thursday, October 21st at 6pm to meet the team and to connect with other catholics committed to anti-racism and racial healing!
We’ll be at Frankford Hall in Fishtown, Philadelphia, which is close to lost of public transit, and there is also street parking available.
New and familiar faces are welcome to join!
Please share and we’re looking forward to meeting you!
**Please note that at this time, the venue requires everyone present to present proof of vaccination and a photo ID to enter.
Questions? Email us at newencounterscatholics@gmail.com
Stay Connected
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