This week Catholics will gather in Indianapolis, IN for the National Eucharistic Congress. From Wednesday, July 17 to Sunday, July 21 there will be processions, Masses, keynotes and catechetical opportunities focused on the Eucharist. Bishop Koenig will be there with pilgrims from our diocese, priests and our seminarians. Keep our delegation in prayer. There will be coverage on EWTN as well as information at eucharisticcongress.org. Click here for more info.
Eucharistic Congress Invitation from Bishop Koenig: "Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I cordially invite you to join me and your fellow Catholics at the Eucharistic Congress on October 5, 2024. Let's explore and celebrate the Eucharist, which sustains and empowers our spiritual lives. Gather with us at the Ocean City Convention Center for a transformative experience of fellowship and prayer." For additional information, Click here to visit cdow.org/EucharisticCongress.
The Delaware State Senate, in an 11-10 vote, passed HB 140. This bill legalizes suicide in Delaware by drug overdose. The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington has consistently opposed assisted suicide and every attempt to legalize it. We condemn these efforts because all life is sacred and should be protected from conception to natural death. The bill now goes to Governor John Carney. We ask Delaware Catholics and all people of good will to contact Governor Carney and ask him to stand up for the elderly, sick and disabled, by vetoing this dangerous and immoral legislation. Click for more info.
As part of our ongoing Renew Refresh Rejoice Capital Campaign, we wanted to provide a brief update on some of the progress we are currently experiencing in the Family Center. Click for more info.
The Jubilee Year will offer the faithful opportunities to participate in various jubilee events at the Vatican and in their own dioceses. The great tradition of opening the Holy Door will begin when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on December 24, 2024. This is usually the first door opened to signal the start of the Jubilee Year. A Cathedral or popular Sanctuary of each diocese will also designate or open its Holy Door to allow the entry of pilgrims. The jubilee years also traditionally offer opportunities for reconciliation, indulgences, and other events intended to strengthen and revive faith. The overview calendar and tentative schedule for the Jubilee celebrations in Rome can be downloaded here.
The Dialog has published their Summer Mass Guide for the resort areas of Delaware and Maryland. If you're planning on going to the beach, plan ahead for Mass. Click to view.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a respectful and serene environment for all who visit and honor their loved ones, we will be conducting a thorough clean-up of decorations. Our next clean-up is scheduled for June 3. Click for more info.
What a grace that we will have the opportunity to welcome and adore Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist as the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route, passes through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia between May 30 and June 3. All are invited to join in the pilgrimage as it makes stops at many of our parishes. For the full schedule of opportunities for prayer, processions and other Eucharistic events, click here.
A bill permitting Physician Assisted Suicide has passed in the Delaware House of Representatives and is now before the State Senate. Our opposition to assisted suicide is rooted in the Church's belief in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death and the dignity of the individual, both of which are objective and non-negotiable truths and principles of our faith. Tell your senator to VOTE NO to HB140! Click for more info.
St. Joseph on the Brandywine Music Ministry will perform a Spring Concert on May 19 at 2:00 PM in the church. The theme of the Concert is "A Prayer to Our Lady of Peace." There is no admission fee, free will offerings are accepted. Click for more info.
The Church of Wilmington joyfully announces the Ordination of James Gebhart into the Sacred Order of the Priesthood by the Most Reverend William E Koenig, D.D. on Saturday, May 18 at 11am from the Cathedral of St Peter in Wilmington. The Ordination Mass will be live-streamed by the Diocese. Click for more info.
The Church of Wilmington joyfully announces the Ordination of Dennis Stameza to the Order of Deacons through the Laying On of Hands and the Invocation of the Holy Spirit by the Most Reverend William E Koenig, D.D. on Saturday, May 11 at 11am from St. John the Beloved Parish in Pike Creek.
We are saddened to announce the death of Father Thomas A. Flowers, a priest of the Diocese of Wilmington for more than 46 years, who died April 17 at the age of 73. Father Flowers was a longtime pastor until his retirement in 2020. Please keep the repose of the soul of Father Thomas A. Flowers and the consolation of his family and friends in your prayers. Click here for more information. A viewing will take place on Friday, 4/26 at 10am at St Elizabeth Church in Wilmington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12pm, which will be live streamed by the Diocese at https://www.youtube.com/dioceseofwilm
Birthright of Delaware will host its Annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale at our parish. Please support Birthright’s crisis pregnancy services by purchasing roses after Masses on Mother’s Day weekend, May 11 & 12 after all Masses. Thank you for your support! Click for more info.
The SJOTB Knights of Columbus are partnering again this year with Hockessin Cub Scout Pack 959 to plant U.S. stick flags on all our Veterans graves in our three cemeteries prior to Memorial Day. The 2024 date for the flag planting is Saturday, May 11th from 9:00-11:00 AM.
Did you have an opportunity to participate in our Lenten Speaker Series? If not, you're in luck! All the lectures have been recorded and are available for replay. Click here to access all the videos and simply click "Watch Replay" next to the speaker's name.
I am sad to announce the death of Fr. Daniel W. Gerres on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 83. Please keep the repose of the soul of Father Gerres and the consolation of his family and friends in your prayers. Click here for funeral information.
The Delaware State Council of the Knights of Columbus is pleased to announce SJOTB parishioner Amelia Haydu the state winner of the 28th Annual Jerry E. Dawson Memorial Vocation Essay Contest for Religious Education. Click here for more info and to read the winning essay. Congratulations Amelia!
