Upcoming Events @ the Shrine
Advent Book Club
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
Thanksgiving Day Schedule
In observance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Friday, November 29, 2024. There will be no Confessions on Thanksgiving Day, and no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 and will remain closed until they reopen for normal business hours on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
First Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the First Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
December Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Light is On for You
We’re leaving the light on for you!
You are invited to stop by the Shrine on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for personal prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, an opportunity to speak with a priest, or just to sit in silence. This is open to everyone who might need a few extra moments with the Lord as we prepare for the Christmas season.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Lessons & Carols for Hope
Save the date!
You and your loved ones are invited to join us for a special evening of Lessons & Carols on Saturday, December 7, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visiting choirs and musicians from around Philadelphia will join us for this event of the season as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas and pray for peace in our world, our city, and our hearts. We hope that you will make plans to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Second Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Second Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Even though the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is not a Holy Day of Obligation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this year, we have three opportunities to attend Mass at the Shrine:
8:00 a.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
12:00 p.m. Mass (in the Upper Shrine)
5:30 p.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
Holy Mary, model of life for Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
A Visit from Santa Claus
You and your family are invited to join us on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for a visit with Santa Claus. As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we will have an opportunity for families to meet Santa, enjoy cookies and cocoa, do some crafts, watch a holiday movie, and ring in the Christmas season! All are welcome to join us for this afternoon of fun and cheer!
Saint Nicholas and Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
You’re invited to join us for Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, December 12, 2024! After the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass, we will have a procession from the Upper Shrine to the beautiful statue of Our Lady in the Breezeway, where we will offer a special blessing. All are welcome to join us for this special feast day as we honor the Patroness of the Americas and the unborn.
Saints Rita and Juan Diego, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, keep praying for us!
A Marathon of Mercy: 12 Hours of Confession
Whether it’s been a few days or more than a few years, we invite you to join us on Saturday, December 14, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We will have six Augustinians (a new priest every two hours) to hear Confessions and serve as conduits of God’s mercy and love. Let nothing be an obstacle to experiencing the mercy and love of God in your life!
Saint Rita, generous in forgiving, pray for us!
Third Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Third Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Healing Mass | 12:00 p.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
December Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for the fourth Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Fourth Sunday of Advent
If you’re looking for a place to worship this Advent season, we would be honored to have you join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent:
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Vigil Mass | 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen.
- Henri J.M. Nouwen
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Christmas Novena
The lay staff and Augustinian friars at the Shrine offer gratitude and thanks to God for the many individuals and families who have chosen to accompany us throughout this past year and who remind us of God’s presence along the way. As an expression of our heartfelt gratitude for your support, we will offer a Novena of Masses for you and your loved ones during this Christmas Season. Our annual Christmas Novena will begin on Christmas Day and will conclude on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen.
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual Christmas Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section.
We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Advent Book Club
If you’re interested in learning more, contact Donna in the Shrine Office. Copies of the book are available for sale in the Shrine’s Gift Shop or through the link below.
November Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our third Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Ray Dlugos, O.S.A., the Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Merrimack College, will be the presider and homilist.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Holy Hour + Happy Hour for Saint Augustine’s Birthday
We invite you to make plans to join us on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. for our next evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Reconciliation. After Adoration, we will have a happy hour in the Cascia Center. All are welcome to experience this special time of mercy, prayer, and fellowship!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Veterans Day Schedule
In observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, 2024, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. There will be no 4:00 p.m. Confessions on Monday, November 11, 2024. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Monday, November 11, 2024.
We will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Veterans Day!
All Souls Novena
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Church commemorates all the faithful departed (also known as #AllSoulsDay), an opportunity to pray for our deceased family members and friends. Our Augustinian Friars will offer a special Novena of Masses for your deceased relatives and friends beginning Saturday, November 2, 2024, and extending through Sunday, November 10, 2024.
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual All Souls Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section.
We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.
Through the intercession of Saint Rita, may we, and all those we love, come to know the happiness felt in leaving this life for union with God.
Solemnity of All Saints
Don’t forget that Friday, November 1, 2024, is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation. Our sacramental schedule for the day includes:
8:00 a.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (in the Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (in the Upper Shrine)
4:00 p.m. Confessions (in the Lower Shrine)
5:30 p.m. Mass (in the Lower Shrine Chapel)
All you holy Saints of God, keep praying for us!
Halloween Donut Social
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, October 27, 2024 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
2025 Mass Book Opening
Mark your calendars and get ready to join us on Saturday, October 26, 2024 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for the opening of our 2025 Mass Book!
Do you have someone you want to remember or celebrate?
For just $15, you can have a Mass offered for a loved one or friend at the Shrine. Specific dates fill up quickly, so be sure to make plans to join us on this special day!
October Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our second Healing Mass of this novena cycle on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Fr. Jim McBurney, O.S.A. will be the presider and homilist.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Women's Conference
Join Catholic women from the greater Philadelphia area for a day of fun, friendship, faith formation, and prayer at the 2024 Catholic Women’s Conference. This year’s theme is “The Joys of Womanhood, Sacred, Beloved, & Beautiful.” Throughout the day, the focus will be how women are daughters of God with unique gifts that, when cultivated, will bring joy to themselves and others. The Shrine will also be sponsoring a table at the conference! So, consider joining us on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. Tracks are available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Early sellout is expected.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Columbus Day Schedule
In observance of Columbus Day on Monday, October 14, 2024, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. We will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. There will be no afternoon Confessions on Columbus Day. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Columbus Day!
Donuts with the Director: An Annual Report
You are invited to join the Shrine’s Executive Director at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024 in the Cascia Center for an annual update on the state of the Shrine. There will be a presentation on the progress of our maintenance projects, an update on the finances of the Shrine, the immediate and long-term ideas for growing the Shrine community, and so much more. This will also be your chance to ask questions and get answers! Coffee and donuts will be served.
And, if you can’t make it in person, fear not! We will stream the presentation through Zoom.
Meeting ID: 989 703 4176
Passcode: 1166
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Rosary Walk for Peace
You’re invited to join the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on Saturday, September 21, 2024 – the United Nations’ International Day of Peace – after the noon Mass at 12:45 p.m. for a rosary walk around South Philadelphia. We will begin in front of the Shrine, and then walk throughout our neighborhood praying the rosary. Our intention will be for a more peaceful world, a more peaceful community, and a more peaceful disposition in our hearts.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
September Healing Mass
Do you find yourself mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, or emotionally burdened?
We invite you to join us for our first Healing Mass of the new novena cycle on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
During this liturgy, we will pray for Saint Rita’s healing intercession, and everyone present will receive a special blessing with Saint Rita oil. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
We invite you to join us for our celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Mass will be offered at 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel, and 12:00p.m. (with music) in the Upper Shrine.
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
(Villanova) Day of Service
The Shrine will be hosting a group of students from Villanova University for a Day of Service on Saturday, September 7, 2024 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. You and your family (or anyone who might be interested in a morning of service) are welcome to join us! We will be picking up garbage around the block, painting around the church, and doing small projects around the property. All are welcome as we beautify our Shrine campus!
Saints Rita and Thomas of Villanova, keep praying for us!
Labor Day Schedule
In observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 2, 2024, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Upper Church. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will not be offered on Labor Day.
Please also note that on Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Shrine, Shrine Office and Gift Shop will close immediately after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.
Have a blessed and happy Labor Day weekend!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
We invite you to join us every Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Whether you stay for a few moments, or you commit to a full hour, please prayerfully consider stopping by the Lower Shrine Chapel. All are welcome!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
The Solemn Feast of Saint Augustine
We invite you to join us at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for our celebration of the Solemn Feast of Saint Augustine on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Mass will be offered at 8:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel and 12:00p.m. in the Upper Shrine.
Saint Augustine and Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Donut Social for the Feasts of Saint Monica & Saint Augustine
You are invited to join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, August 25, 2024 in the Cascia Center for our monthly donut social. We will be celebrating the Feasts of Saint Monica and Saint Augustine! All are welcome as we serve hot coffee and delicious donuts!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Don’t forget that Thursday, August 15, 2024 is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and have three opportunities to attend Mass at the Shrine:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
5:30 p.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
Safe Environment Clearance Event
All liturgical ministers and volunteers at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia over the age of 18 are required to obtain three background checks: the PA State Police Criminal Background Check, the FBI Federal Fingerprint Background Check, and the PA Child Abuse History Clearance.
To help facilitate this process, the Shrine is hosting a “Safe Environment Clearance” event on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, between 12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the Cascia Center. If you have any questions, please contact the Shrine Office. We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Altar Server Training
Have you ever dreamed of donning a cassock and surplice to serve at the altar during Mass? Maybe you are a father-son duo or a mother-daughter team? A single person, a retired couple, or a family of four? If you would be interested in learning how to altar serve, and have received your First Holy Communion, we invite you to join us on Sunday, August 11, 2204, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass for an introductory training session.
Becoming an altar server will put you right next to the action, helping you to learn more about our Catholic faith, celebrate the Mass with more intention, and share your gifts with our community. Previous experience is not required, but an openness to learning about this vital ministry is! If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of the Friars before or after Mass. We hope to see you there!
Saint Rita, keep praying for us!
Independence Day Schedule
In observance of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, 2024, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Friday, July 5, 2024. There will be no Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or Confessions on Independence Day.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also be closed Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Fourth of July!
Juneteenth Schedule
In observance of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, the Shrine will close after the 12:00 p.m. daily Mass. We will reopen for our normal hours on Thursday, June 20, 2024. There will be no afternoon Confessions on Juneteenth. Our sacramental schedule for the day will be:
8:00 a.m. Mass (Lower Shrine Chapel)
10:45 a.m. Confessions (Lower Shrine)
12:00 p.m. Mass (Upper Shrine)
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also close early on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Juneteenth!
Father's Day Novena
Looking for a special way to honor your father and other father-like figures in your life? We invite you to join us in prayer for our annual Father’s Day Novena, Sunday, June 16, 2024 through Monday, June 24, 2024!
If you would like to enroll your loved ones in our annual Father’s Day Novena, please call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333, or visit our donation portal and include the names of your loved ones in the “comment” section. We look forward to praying for and with you throughout this powerful period of intercession.
Saint Rita, heroic in sacrifice, pray for us!
Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, 2024, the Shrine will celebrate only one Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower Shrine Chapel. The Shrine will close immediately after Mass and will reopen for our normal hours on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. There will be no Confessions on Memorial Day.
Please also note that the Shrine Office and Gift Shop will also be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024.
Have a blessed and happy Memorial Day weekend!