Upcoming Parish Events

May 2008

Saturday, May 24: Spring Parish Community Social

Come join the St. Mary of Grace parish community as we greet the spring season with a picnic cookout at beautiful Ridley Creek State Park!

We will be firing up the grill and enjoying the outdoors from 1-6 pm at site 11-B in the park. Come for the whole time or for just a part of the day.

The parish will provide hot dogs, hambugers, and soft drinks for all. Please bring a salad, dessert, snacks, or entertainment and let the fun begin.

Directions to Ridley Creek State Park: Located in Edgmont Township, Delaware County. Reached via Gradyville Road, which runs between State Route 352 in town of Gradyville, and State Route 252 south of Newtown Square. From I-476 (Blue Route) take State Route 3 exit west to Newtown Square, then south on State Route 252 to Gradyville Road. Enter south end of park from Gradyville Road. Pass by Park Office. Follow directional signs to picnic area #11.

Reservations are not required but those planning to attend or those with questions, please send an e-mail to Marian at marian7672@comcast.net just for planning sake.

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Monday, May 5: Rally for All Families, Harrisburg


As we continue in our Easter celebrations, we, once again are reminded
 of the sins of humankind that made the cross necessary for our
 salvation. The Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is, once again,
 seeking to legislate discrimination into the State Constitution baning LGBT
 couples from ever having legal marriage or even union status. Our
 Church believes the Gospel compels us to speak against such discrimination.

On Monday, May 5th at 1 PM there will be a rally in Harrisburg 
(Capitol Building, Rotunda) to decry this legislation. Our parish will be attending. Anyone who can attend
 with Bishop Timothy and I will have our deep gratitude. Please contact
Fr. Joseph Menna at: 610-566-1393 to arrange transportation.

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Sunday, May 4: Equality Forum and National Interfaith Service

On Sunday, May 4 we will be hosting a booth at Equality Forum 2008 during the SundayOUT! Street Festival in Philadelphia (Market St. between 2nd and 5th St.) from 11am-3pm. Stop by, say hello, and learn more about St. Mary of Grace Independent Catholic Church!

Also, on May 4 as part of Equality Forum, Bp. Timothy will be participating in the 4th Annual Interfaith Service at historic Christ Church Philadelphia. Please keep him in your prayers as we will also at our usual Sunday Mass.

If you would like to volunteer to spread the news and talk to others about St. Mary of Grace Parish at Equality Forum or just need more information, please contact Rev. Fran Begonja or Fr. Joseph Menna.

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Friday, May 2: Celebrate!

During the monthly healing Mass of the Heart of Jesus Healing Ministry, a new ministry in the Independent Catholic Christian Church, Marian Bellus will be inducted as a full member of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician. Marian is a seminarian in the ICCC and has been a gracious presence in the St. Mary of Grace parish family, serving as an Acolyte during Sunday Masses and in the Fellowship Ministry.

April 2008

Friday, April 4: New Healing Ministry in the Independent Catholic Christian Church

On Friday, 4 April, Rev. Fran Begonja and Rev. Tony Begonja will be conducting a Healing Mass as part of their new ministry, Heart of Jesus Healing Ministry, in the Independent Catholic Christian Church. Anointing of the Sick will be available during the Mass for all who wish. The Healing Mass will begin at 7pm and be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Levittown.

March 2008

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

PALM SUNDAY (March 16)
5:00 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament/Opportunity for Confession
6:00 pm Mass with Procession of Palms

HOLY THURSDAY (March 20)
7:30 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper
9:00 pm Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10:00 pm Compline

GOOD FRIDAY (March 21)
7:30 pm Holy Communion Liturgy and Veneration of the Cross
10:00 pm Tenebrae/Vigils of Holy Saturday

Saturday (March 22)
7:30 pm EASTER VIGIL

All services will be held at

The Unitarian Church of Delaware County

145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media, PA 19063

Please click here for map and directions

Please note that there will NOT be a 6pm Sunday Mass on March 23. Our regular 6pm Mass will resume on March 30.

February 2008

Sunday, February 10: Canned Food Collection

Starting Sunday, February 10 until Easter, at each Sunday Mass during Lent, St. Mary of Grace parish, as part of the practice of almsgiving during Lent, will be collecting canned and other non-perishable foods for donation.

February 6: Ash Wednesday

6:30 pm Vespers of Forgiveness
7 pm Mass with Distribution of Ashes

All services will be held at The Unitarian Church of Delaware County

145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media, PA 19063

Please click here for map and directions

Call (610) 566-1393 or email Fr. Joseph Menna jmennaaihm@aol.com for details.

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Sunday, February 3: Candlemass

We will celebrate Candlemass on Sunday, February 3 with the blessing of candles. Feel free to bring candles to be blessed that you use at home for prayer or meals.

December 2007

Advent and Christmas Liturgy Schedule

Christmas Services

Christmas Vigil (December 24)
10pm Candlelight Vigil and Eucharist

All services will be held at The Unitarian Church of Delaware County
145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media, PA 19063
Please click here for map and directions

Advent: Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

Advent marks a new Church year, a time for renewal and recreation as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. We mark this season with prayer, evergreens, and light. We light the wreath of greens and remember that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light no darkness can extinguish. We invite you to celebrate with us these Sundays of preparation at the St. Mary of Grace Parish weekly Mass (6pm).

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Saturday, December 8: "Getting Ready for the Coming of the Lord" and Immaculate Conception Celebration

On Saturday, December 8 we will mark the celebration of the Immaculate Conception at Fr. Joseph's friary in Media with a "Getting Ready for the Coming of the Lord" celebration of prayer and a good Italian pasta dinner. We invite you to come to mark this day with prayer at 3pm followed by dinner and fellowship from 4-8pm.

Immaculate Conception Friary
304 Media Station Road A302
Media, PA

E-mail Marian Bellus at marian7672@comcast.net for details or more information.

November 2007

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�Care not for where you rest this body, just remember me at the altar of God� - St. Monica

St. Mary of Grace Parish will remember the beloved memory of our departed family and friends at each Eucharist in November. If you wish particular names to be listed in our parish roll, please contact Fr. Joseph Augustine at JMennaAIHM@aol.com.

"O Creator, in the depths of your wisdom You lovingly govern all people and distribute what is good for each. Now give rest to the souls of your servants, for they have placed their hope in you, our Creator and Our God.

With the saints, O Christ, give rest to your servants where there is no pain, sorrow, or mourning, but life everlasting."

Troparion and Kontakion from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

October 2007

Sunday, October 14: Feast of St. Luke and Solemn Mass of Healing

On Sunday, October 14 at the St. Mary of Grace Parish weekly Mass (6pm), we will be commemorating the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist and Physician with a Solemn Mass of Healing. Annointing of the Sick will be available during Mass for all who wish.

August 2007

Sunday, August 19: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This week we celebrated the Assumption of the BVM on our Liturgical Calendar. As usual, the parish, with Bishop Timothy's approval, is transferring the feast to our Sunday celebration, August 19. We will be having a solemn procession with the Marian Icon around the Church and into the Sanctuary, weather permitting. There is an ancient Byzantine custom that we have adopted of blessing cut flowers for the feast that can be used then at home in honor of the BVM. Feel free to bring flowers for the event. We will also be giving out carnations to those who wish them.

We will also be presenting to Bishop Timothy a new Miter from the AIHM Order and the Parish as the Assumption is also the 14th Anniversary and Founder's Day for the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. St. Mary of Grace Parish is under the pastoral care of the AIHM Order.

One of our parishioners, Donald, has graciously opened his home near Media for a celebration right after Mass tomorrow. We hope that many of you will be able to join us on this special day in the parish and our Liturgical cycle.

July 2007

Saturday, July 28: Summer Parish Community Social

On Saturday, July 28 the parish family will head out for an evening appreciating the natural beauty of Longwood Gardens and enjoy a musical performance of "Anything Goes". Don, a member of the parish, is also a member of the Brandywiners and is performing in the musical. The ticket price is $25.00 and includes entrance to Longwood Gardens. We will have dinner at Longwood Gardens, which individuals can bring from home or purchase at the cafeteria on the grounds.

Those in Media can gather at the UUCDC Church Parking Lot at 3:30pm and car pool. Those in Philadelphia can meet at Bp. Timothy's home (721 Melon Terrace, Unit A, Philadelphia, PA) at 3:00pm. The group will meet at the entrance of Longwood Gardens at 4:00pm.

UNLIKE PREVIOUS EVENTS WE NEED TO RESERVE TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME. PLEASE EMAIL MARIAN (marian7672@comcast.net) BY THURSDAY, JULY 26 TO RESERVE A TICKET.

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June 2007

Sunday, June 3: Happy Anniversary, St. Mary of Grace Parish!!!!

This Sunday, June 3 marks the 3rd Year Anniversary of the founding of St. Mary of Grace Parish. The parish was founded in 2004 by the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary beginning with 2 deacons and one occasional parishioner. The parish has grown over the years and now includes 2 priests, 2 visiting clergy, a seminarian, and a dozen or so laity. During Advent, the parish set out to create our motto, Building and Being an Inclusive Church in the Catholic Tradition, and a mission statement. The clergy wanted the whole parish family to have and feel ownership for what we all were doing. We are a catholic faith community of young and old, Caucasian, Black, Asian, and Hispanic ethnicity, gay and straight, male and female, single, divorced, partnered, and married--all equal and welcome at God's Table. Come and celebrate with us!

Happy Anniversary!!!!

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Saturday, June 2: Spring/Summer Parish Community Social

On Saturday, June 2 the parish family will head out for an evening of miniature golf at Fox Meadow Golf Center. The cost is $7. The day's activities include a game of miniature golf at 6pm followed by ice cream either at the golf course or at Maple Shade Custard. We hope to see many of you there.

Those in Media can gather at the UUCDC Church Parking Lot at 5:30pm and car pool. Those in Philadelphia can meet at Bp. Timothy's home (721 Melon Terrace, Unit A, Philadelphia, PA) at 5:30pm. We will then join those from New Jersey or those who wish to go directly to the golf center, who can gather at the front entrance of Fox Meadow Golf Center at 6pm.

Directions to Fox Meadow from Center City Philadelphia:

US 30 East - Ben Franklin Bridge

Slight left onto Kaihn Ave/NJ 38E

Take Rt 41 N ramp toward RT 73/Palmyra/Tacony Bridge

Merge onto NJ 41

Turn right onto School House Lane

Turn Right onto Kings Highway

Merge onto NJ 73 N

End at Fox Meadow Golf Center

Directions from Fox Meadow to Maple Shade Custard:
Go North on NJ 73 toward Helene Street

Take the CR 537 ramp toward Mape Shade/Moorestown

Turn Left onto E. Main Street/CR 537.

End at 340 W. Main Street (Maple Shade Custard)

Reservations are not required but those planning to attend, please send an e-mail to Marian at marian7672@comcast.net just for planning sake.

May 2007

Sunday, May 6: Equality Forum

On Sunday, May 6 we will be hosting a booth at Equality Forum 2007 during the SundayOUT! Street Festival in Philadelphia (Market St. between 2nd and 5th St.) from 11am-3pm. Stop by, say hello, and learn more about St. Mary of Grace Independent Catholic Church!

April 2007

Please note that there will NOT be a 6pm Sunday Mass on April 8. Our regular 6pm Mass will resume on April 15.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

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Morning Tenebrae

In addition to evening Holy Week services at the UUDC, we will be holding Tenebrae in the morning.

Maundy Thursday (April 5) and Good Friday (April 6) at 9 am
Cathedral Friary of St. Michael and St. Timothy
721 Melon Terrace, Unit A
Philadelphia, PA 19123
For details contact Bp. Timothy at stmikeandsttim@yahoo.com or at (267) 909-3333

March 2007

Saturday, March 31: Congratulations, Fr. Joseph!

On Saturday, March 31 (12noon) our parish and friends celebrate a special Mass of Thanksgiving with Fr. Joseph. Father Joseph completed his Master of Science in Education degree this month from Walden University. Fr. Joseph Augustine Menna has been in education ministry for nearly two decades and will use his new degree to further his ministry of education and human development. The parish family congratulates Fr. Joseph on his accomplishment and celebrates with heartfelt joy.

Lenten Retreat: An Afternoon of Prayer and Reflection

Saturday, March 24th at 12noon
4830 Osage Ave, Philadelphia, PA
(between 48th and 49th Streets in the University City district of Philadelphia)

Join us for an afternoon of prayer and reflection during this season.
A simple potluck meal will follow.

Call (610) 566-1393 or email Fr. Joseph Menna jmennaaihm@aol.com for details. No reservations are needed but please let Fr. Joseph know if you will be attending for planning sake.

Lenten Study Series: Introduction to the Liturgy

5 pm on Sundays at The Unitarian Church of Delaware County
(145 W. Rose Tree Rd., Media, PA)

We will explore the worship of the church and why we do some of the things we do in the liturgy.

2/25 - Why liturgy? and the basic structure of the liturgy

3/4 - The Liturgy of the Word

3/11 - The Liturgy of the Eucharist

3/18 - Space, Vestments, Music, and other Stuff of Liturgy

3/25 - The Church Year

4/1 - Holy Week Rites

Call Bishop Timothy at 267-909-3333 or e-mail stmikeandsttim@yahoo.com for details.

Lenten Vespers and Eucharist

Each Wednesday at 6 PM
at
Cathedral Hermitage of St. Michael and St. Timothy

721 Melon Terrace, Unit A

Philadelphia, PA 19123

Vespers is the ancient evening prayer of the Church. This Liturgy of the Word consists of the singing of psalms, the reading of scripture, and the petitions of the faithful. The traditional use of Gregorian Chant compliments this meditative and inspirational liturgy.

All are welcome to join the parish and AIHM communities in this ancient compliment to Eucharistic worship.

Call Bishop Timothy at 267-909-3333 or e-mail stmikeandsttim@yahoo.com for details.

January/February 2007

February 21: Ash Wednesday Service at 7pm

Please join us for distribution of ashes and Mass at 7pm at Bp. Timothy's home (721 Melon Terrace, Unit A, Philadelphia, PA).
A simple supper will follow. Please call Bishop Timothy at 267-909-3333 or email stmikeandsttim@yahoo.com for details/directions. All are welcome.

Reservations are not required but those planning to attend, please send an e-mail to Fr. Joseph at JMennaAIHM@aol.com just for planning sake. Or for more information call 610-566-1393.

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Sunday, Februrary 18: Rejoice!

During the Sunday Eucharist of St. Mary of Grace Independent Catholic Church (6pm) in Philadelphia, Carol will receive the tonsure and surplice and be admitted as a cleric of the Independent Catholic Christian Church. Carol has blessed the parish with her flute music, and in many other ways.

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Saturday, February 10: Winter Parish Social

The parish family will head to the New Jersey Aquarium on Saturday, February 10 . The cost is $17.50. The day's activities include a visit to the NJ aquarium at noon and dinner at the Ruby Buffet on Delaware Avenue at about 5pm. We hope to see many of you there.

Those in Media can gather at the UUCDC Church Parking Lot at 11:00 and car pool and caravan to Bp. Timothy's home to meet those in Philadelphia. Those in Philadelphia can meet at Bp. Timothy's home (721 Melon Terrace, Unit A, Philadelphia, PA) at 11:30. We will then join those from New Jersey who can gather at the front entrance of the Aquarium at 12noon.

Reservations are not required but those planning to attend, please send an e-mail to Fr. Joseph at JMennaAIHM@aol.com just for planning sake. Or for more information call 610-566-1393.

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Sunday, February 4: Candlemass

We will celebrate Candlemass on Sunday, February 4 with the blessing of candles and throats (St. Blase). Feel free to bring candles to be blessed that you use at home for prayer or meals.

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Sunday, January 28: Clothing Drive

During the next two weeks, at Mass, we will be collecting scarves, gloves, underwear, and socks for Broad Street Ministries to distribute to the homeless. Socks and underwear are especially needed.

December 2006

Friday, December 1: World AIDS Day Rememberance

Imago Dei MCC (Route 352)

7 PM Evenign Prayer and Anointing

Sunday, December 24: Christmas Candlelight Vigil Mass

Our Home at the UU Church of Delaware County Main Sanctuary

Rose Tree Road, Media PA

10 PM

All Are Welcome!

November�2006

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Sunday, November 5: Solemnity of All Saints.�Solemn procession and Liturgy. Bells and Smells!

Saturday, November 11: Autumn Parish Social. The parish family will head to Longwood Gardens for their Chrysanthemum Festival. The cost is $14.�We can gather at the UUCDC Church Parking Lot�at 12:00 (Noon)�and car pool and caravan�to Longwood. The park is open until 5 PM. Those who wish can�gather for dinner after we return to the UUCDC parking lot�shortly after�5 PM.

Reservations are not required but those planning to attend, please send an e-mail to Fr. Joseph at JMennaAIHM@aol.com just for planning sake. Or for more information call 610-566-1393.

Sunday, November 19: One Year Anniversary Mass for Dorothy Menna, benefactor and first�saint in heaven�of our parish community.

Thursday, November 23, Thanksgiving: Mass at Bishop Tim's Hermitage Chapel in Philadelphia at Noon. Contact Tim (267-909-3333) for directions.

Sunday, November 26: Solemnity of Christ The King. Solemn Eucharist with Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to end our Liturgical Year.

Looking Ahead: Friday, December 1: World AIDS Day. The Parish will join Imago Dei MCC Church on Rt. 352 for an Evening Prayer Service. More info tba.