MON-FRI:            8:30 AM to 12 PM 
                            1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Closed on Holy Days of Obligation

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic? Have you been away and want to come back to the Catholic Church? Would you like to know more about our Catholic faith? For information, call the rectory at 215-725-1240 and join our RCIA group.

Our parish and school comply with the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of PA regarding a safe environment for everyone.  All individuals 18 years of age and older who come in contact with children must complete background checks and attend safe environment classes.  Every employee must also complete background checks every five years.  Please contact Lisa Hnat, Safe Environment Coordinator for more information at 215-725-2201 or lisa.hnat@stceciliafc.org.

Join us at Lambie Funeral Home located at 8000 Rowland Avenue (Rhawn & Rowland) on the dates listed below. Sessions are 6:30pm to 8:00pm

April 6, 2022 Special Days & Dates
May 4, 2022 Belongings & Reminders 
June 1, 2022 Continuing Bonds

These sessions are facilitated by
Deborah K. Gawthrop, M.S. who has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology.

To register, please email dgawthropcnlt@verizon.net or call
215-624-8190. The number for the Counseling Network for Loss & Transition is 215-624-8290.

Thank you for continuing to bring meals to our freezer. Just add an extra portion to your family meal, freeze it in the trays we provide, and bring it to the freezer here at St. Cecilia. Freezer Hours: Everyday from 8:30am-4:00pm. 

For additional ways you can help, please call Bernadette O’Donnell at 215-379-3448 or Caring for Friends at 215-464-2224. Learn more at caringforfriends.org.

Holy Day of Obligation
Wednesday ~ December 8
Mass Times: 6:30am 8:30am 10:30am 6:00pm

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation.

Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

Wednesday ~ December 8 ~  11:00am to 5:00pm Adoration 
                                                6:00pm Mass Holy Day of Obligation
Wednesday ~ December 15 ~ 7:00pm Talk and Adoration
Wednesday ~ December 22 ~ 2:00pm to 7:00pm Adoration
                                                 4:00pm to 5:00pm & 6:00pm to 7:00pm Confessions
                                                 Extra priests will be available

The Giving Tree 

Every year we provide gifts of love that respond to the practical needs of those less  fortunate throughout the City of Philadelphia. We encourage you to choose a tag from the tree and purchase the item listed.

Due to the need to maintain COVID-19 precautions, and because last year’s program worked well, we will repeat our collection process. Parishioner Kevin Riley, co-owner of Riley and Sons Moving, has once again generously donated a truck to collect and sort the gifts and facilitate delivery. The Knights of Columbus Father Ryan Council #5036 will assist with the process.

We are asking that you bring the gifts to the truck. Please DO NOT place them under the tree in church. Items should be UNWRAPPED AND UNBAGGED with only the tag attached to each item (no shopping bags, no gift bags or envelopes).

And, we ask that you please do not bring gifts any other weekend or day.

COLLECTION DATES & TIMES
Saturday, December 11 (4:00pm—5:30pm)
Sunday, December 12 (6:00am—11:30am)

If you cannot bring your gifts during those times, please call the Giving Tree Coordinator, Theresa Kuhar at 215-694-3709. We will be happy to assist you.

Gifts will be collected for and delivered to the following places:

Our Brother’s Place provides emergency shelter for 149 men and supportive services for an additional 50 men daily.

Birthright is an outreach center for women during crisis pregnancies and the critical months after the birth of their babies.

Guiding Star Ministries is a home for single pregnant women and their children.

Mercy Hospice is a community grounded in faith and service where single women and mothers with children experiencing homelessness and in recovery can find opportunities for new beginnings.

Scrap Metal Recycling 

Join us for "Becoming Women of the Word" by Sarah Christmyer
Thursday evenings ~ January 6 to March 17, 2022 at 7:00pm
Lower Level meeting room in St. Cecilia School

Cost is $20 (by Dec. 15); $25 (after Dec. 15)
Register by contacting the rectory at 215-725-1240 by December 15

Make checks payable to St. Cecilia Church and send to 535 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19111 (include your name, address, phone, email)

CatholicPhilly.com is the news website of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which serves to inform, educate and inspire individuals through news and feature stories on the local, national and international level.