Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Shrine’s hours of operation?
The Shrine is open from 7:45 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
On Saturdays, the Shrine is open from 7:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
On Sundays, the Shrine is open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
How can I enter the Shrine?
The best way to access the Lower Shrine is through the breezeway, which is located on the street level, to the left of the front doors on Broad Street. An elevator at the end of the breezeway can be taken to either the Lower Shrine or Upper Shrine. There are also a set of steps off the breezeway that can be taken up or down as well.
Any time the Upper Shrine is used for Mass, a wedding, or another prayer opportunity, the front doors of the church will be open and accessible from Broad Street.
What time is Mass on Sunday?
Sunday Mass is celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Shrine. There is also a 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday evenings in the Upper Shrine. And, on the third Sunday of the month, September through May, a special Healing Mass is offered at 12:00 p.m. in the Upper Shrine.
What time is Mass during the week?
Daily Mass is celebrated at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Typically this Mass takes place in the Lower Shrine chapel. Signs will be posted if Mass is moved to the Upper Shrine.
When and where is Confession/ the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation takes place Monday through Saturday from 10:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is currently taking place in the Upper Shrine in the right transept of the church, next to the baptismal font.
Penitents have the option to confess anonymously or face-to-face.
Please note that the Sacrament of Reconciliation does not take place on Sundays.
Is the Shrine open for private prayer?
The Shrine is open for private prayer from 7:45 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
On Saturdays, the Shrine is open for private prayer from 7:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
On Sundays, the Shrine is open for private prayer from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
What are the cleaning procedures like?
Shrine Maintenance and Housekeeping staff are responsible for maintaining a clean and safe space for all patrons and pilgrims of the Shrine. Cleaning procedures have been put into place in order ensure each space is properly sanitized.
Hand sanitizer is available at the Shrine’s entrances.
Where can I buy religious gifts or books?
The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia has a Gift Shop on the lower level of the Shrine. It is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. To order items online, please visit the Shrine’s virtual Gift Shop, or call 215-546-8335.
Is the Gift Shop open?
The Shrine’s Gift Shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The Shrine’s Gift Shop is open Saturday, 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The Shrine’s Gift Shop is open Sunday, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
To order items online, please visit the Shrine’s virtual Gift Shop, or call 215-546-8335.
Is there a Spanish Mass at the Shrine?
We do not currently offer a regular Spanish Mass at the Shrine. Spanish Mass is offered at Annunciation B.V.M., a local parish staffed by our Augustinian Friars, on Sundays at 9:00 a.m., and Mondays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Can I have my child baptized at the Shrine?
The Shrine does not offer baptisms because it is not a parish church. The U.S. bishops have designated the Shrine as a national sanctuary of pilgrimage and prayer. The Catholic Church teaches that the sacraments are communal in nature, properly celebrated within the worshipping community of a parish. If you need help finding a local parish, or if you would like to register at Annunciation B.V.M., a local Augustinian parish, please contact us.
Can I get married at the Shrine?
The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia has received special permission from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to celebrate the sacrament of marriage. To learn more about our wedding ministry, please visit the wedding section of our website, or call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333.
Can my name (or a loved one's name) be engraved at the Shrine?
There are a few places throughout the Upper and Lower Shrine that are available for memorial engravings. To learn more about the different options and their availability, visit the memorial engravings section of our website, or call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333.
How can I have a Mass said for someone?
Announced Masses are available for $15 per Mass on a first come, first serve basis. Intentions for the following year are available beginning at the end of October, and are accepted on a rolling basis until they are filled. For more information or to purchase an announced Mass, visit the Mass request section of our website, or call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333.
Are there any volunteer opportunities at the Shrine?
Yes! If you are interested in serving at the Shrine as a tour guide, as a liturgical minister, or in the Gift Shop, please fill out this volunteer form, or call the Shrine Office at 215-546-8333.
What is being done to help survivors of sexual abuse and their families?
For more information and the full text about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s establishment of an Independent Reconciliation and Reparations Program to support survivors of childhood sexual abuse, please click here. For information about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Safe Environment initiatives, visit www.AOPPledgetoProtect.com.
Every member of the Shrine staff - lay and clergy - go through the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Program which includes regular background checks and required training programs. Our staff files are audited by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on a regular basis to ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local laws.