December 2017
Dear Friends of St. John Neumann Shrine:
You are among those who are devoted to St. John Neumann and show your gratitude often in support of our ministry to God’s people at the Shrine. We are most grateful for your generosity, especially at this time of the year. We thank God for you!
Bring St. John Neumann your thoughts and prayers, and experience the peace of our Shrine this Advent Season! Our doors are always open 7 days a week, as you prepare yourself spiritually in the upcoming ‘Season of Hope.’ My Redemptorists Brothers and I extend to you and your family our sincere prayers for a blessed and peace filled Advent-Christmas Season. We remind you that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available for you Monday through Saturday before the daily 12:15 PM and 5:30 PM Masses.
We welcome all who come through our doors! Week by week, our life at the Shrine has seen an increase in pilgrim visits. Quite often we now hear from many returning to us, who have not made pilgrimage to the Shrine since they were young children. We have dedicated some of our evangelizing efforts towards bringing our Saint to distant parishes. The Redemptorists share through preaching and relics, the life and charism of St. John Neumann.
Join us for both of our 2018 St. John Neumann Feast Day Celebrations
Our Shrine was BLESSED in 2017 ! ✦ Over 100 Scheduled Pilgrim Tours with an increase in larger groups! ✦ Over 7000 Pilgrims total in those groups! ✦ Over 100 walk-ins a day for Mass, Confession or a visit to the crypt! ✦ Over 700 New Members to our Mailing List! ✦ Weekly increase in website hits & shrine emails! ✦ Shrine Expansion Project Kick-Off & Donors showing increased interest & support! ✦ Construction proceeding on timeline!
Friday, January 5th 12:15 PM
Mass Presider: Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.SS.R., Archbishop of Newark, NJ
Sunday, January 7th 3:30 PM Mass
Presider: Fr. Paul Borowski, C.SS.R., Provincial, Baltimore Province
Homilist: Fr. Matthew Allman, C.SS.R.
Our Shrine Expansion Project will help more people touch God through the intercession of St. John Neumann! The new Museum and Media Center will assist us to further educate about our rich faith, our blessed Saint and the power of prayer, while the new Gift Shop and Café will provide the final touches to complete the pilgrim experience at the Shrine. We are confident with our planning for a Fall 2018 opening.
You have received a mailing requesting a donation for the Shrine Expansion Project. If you are able to make an additional gift at this time, we would most appreciate your generosity and sacrifice. We will continue to focus on this project in our mailings for the next year as we build the building, and the momentum of excitement!
All gifts add to making the Shrine what it is: the holy ground of God’s presence in Philadelphia!
Sincerely in the Lord,
Rev. Raymond Collins C.Ss.R.
Shrine Director
P.S. We hope you enjoy this prayer card of St. John Neumann (click to download).
