Welcome to St. John Fisher Parish, a vibrant Catholic community dedicated to fostering faith, service, and fellowship in Philadelphia. This article highlights the various opportunities available for you to engage with our parish, from spiritual enrichment to community outreach, all centered around the teachings and spirit of St. John Fisher.
Archbishop Perez’s Pastoral Vision for Philadelphia
Archbishop Nelson Perez has recently shared his pastoral letter outlining his vision and 10-year plan for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This important document, accessible through Trustandhope.org, invites all members of the Church to reflect and participate in shaping our future. We encourage you to read the letter and join local discussions to share your insights and contribute to this significant initiative.
Explore Life’s Big Questions with the Alpha Film Series
Looking to deepen your understanding of faith and life’s fundamental questions? The Alpha Film Series offers a compelling and engaging approach to explore these topics in a welcoming environment. We are currently featuring:
- Episode 1 (Feb. 17): Is there more to life than this? Watch Episode 1 – This episode delves into the search for meaning and purpose in life, a question central to the teachings of St. John Fisher, who dedicated his life to his faith and principles.
- Episode 2 (Feb. 24): Watch Episode 2 – Continue your journey of exploration with the second episode, building upon the foundations laid in the first.
Enrich Your Spiritual Life Through Prayer and Reflection
St. John Fisher Parish provides numerous opportunities to nurture your spiritual growth through prayer and sacraments:
- Total Consecration to the Immaculate: Embark on a journey of Marian devotion with Total Consecration. Learn more and begin your preparation with this introductory video. Resources and guidance are available through this video playlist if you do not have the accompanying book.
- Daily Mass and Rosary: Join us for Daily Mass followed by the recitation of the Rosary, Monday through Friday at 7:30 AM in the Church. This daily practice offers a moment of peace and reflection in your day, connecting you with the broader Catholic community.
- Sacrament of Reconciliation: Experience God’s mercy and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, available on Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM in the Church.
- Spiritual Reading: Enhance your daily prayer with THE WORD AMONG US, a booklet providing daily Mass readings and insightful reflections. This resource can deepen your understanding of scripture and its relevance to your life.
- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Spend quiet time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every Monday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Chapel. This offers a unique opportunity for personal prayer and contemplation in the presence of Our Lord.
- Rosary: In addition to daily recitation, the Rosary is also recited after all daily Masses, providing ample opportunities to participate in this powerful prayer.
- Open Chapel: The Chapel is open for personal prayer and reflection at various times throughout the week: Monday 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday – Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Mass Intentions: Pray for Loved Ones
The Mass book for the third quarter of 2025 (July, August, and September) will open on Thursday, January 9th. You can request Mass Intentions for most Sunday, Solemnities, and daily Masses by visiting the parish office during regular hours. A Mass is offered each Sunday for the “People of the Parish,” and these intentions are announced during Mass and in the bulletin.
Unannounced Masses are also available, often offered by priests at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary or missionary priests. The suggested donation (stipend) for both Announced and Unannounced Masses is $10. Due to high demand and the limit on booking intentions one year in advance, the Mass book opens quarterly, ensuring a fair system for all parishioners. The quarterly opening schedule is as follows: July (for Jan. 1 – March 31 of the following year), October (for Apr. 1 – June 30 of the following year), January (for July 1 – Sept. 30 of the same year), and April (for Oct. – Dec. 31 of the same year).
Caring for Friends: Serve Your Community
Extend your compassion and support to needy senior citizens in our community through our “Caring for Friends” initiative. If you are able to prepare an extra portion of your main meal, we provide containers, foil, bags, and content labels in the Parish Center Kitchen by the freezer. Your generosity makes a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Stay Connected with Live Streamed Mass
St. John Fisher Parish is committed to ensuring accessibility to Mass for everyone. We continue to live-stream the 4:00 PM Vigil Mass each Saturday through our website and Facebook page. Father celebrates this Mass live, and it remains available on Facebook until 11:00 PM on Sunday. For those who prefer to watch Mass from home, this online streaming option provides a vital connection to our parish community.
Additional Options for Watching Mass at Home
Beyond our parish live stream, several other options are available for viewing Mass at home. Explore the following links to find a Mass time that suits your schedule and preferences: [Link to suggested resources for watching Mass at home – insert relevant links here if available, otherwise, remove this sentence or add generic links to relevant Catholic Mass streaming websites].
St. John Fisher Parish offers a wealth of opportunities to deepen your faith, engage with community, and live out the Gospel values exemplified by our patron saint. We invite you to explore these offerings and become an active part of our parish family.
