Dear Friends of Saint Rita,

For the past 117 years, the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia has relied on the generosity of our patrons to help us spread the story and virtues of our beloved patroness with every person we encounter.  Now, more than ever, we believe that Saint Rita's message is needed:

• Every student pilgrim who walks through our doors deserves a chance to learn about how they can become peacemakers in a world plagued by violence. Since January of this year, we have welcomed 760 students to the Shrine for a pilgrimage or retreat!
   

• Every mourner who seeks healing and consolation deserves a spiritual oasis where they can befriend Saint Rita and grow an authentic relationship with God. The Shrine has been open to visitors for a collective 1,037 hours since the start of 2024; that's 61 hours each week!
   

• Every person struggling with mental health deserves psycho-spiritual resources, spiritual direction, and pastoral counseling that helps them heal their mind, body, and spirit.  Six Augustinian Friars minister at the Shrine throughout the week, providing sacramental, spiritual, logistical, and counseling support to patrons in Philadelphia and throughout the country.
   

• Every visitor to the Shrine deserves a beautiful space that will testify to the strength of our Catholic faith, both now and for the next generation of devoted patrons. Over the past year, repairs to the roof, stained-glass windows, HVAC, and IT infrastructure of the Shrine have helped us preserve our sacred space.

As we begin our 2024 Annual Appeal, I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting our work once again. Our goal is ambitious, but so are the dreams we have for the future of the Shrine. Some think it is impossible to raise $250,000 in a week, but we believe, through the intercession of Saint Rita, nothing is impossible for God.

With your support, I am confident we will continue the important work entrusted to us. Whatever you are able to contribute, please know that our sacred mission and the ministries we offer continue to thrive because of you and your generous support. Thank you!

Saint Rita, keep praying for us.

Jonathan Jerome
Executive Director

jjerome@saintritashrine.org
215-546-8333  |  ext. 1200

Ways to support our
2024 Annual Appeal:

1. Donate at least $30 through our online donation portal, through the mail, or by calling us during the day.

2. Save the Shrine’s phone number (215-546-8333) in your phone so that when we call during the “Week of Giving” we can get through to you.

3. Add the "Week of Giving" to your calendar: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (Tolle Lege Day) through Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

4. Share your love of Saint Rita with friends and family through social media. Tag the Shrine (@SaintRitaShrine) in your posts.

5. Join us for the Solemn Novena and Feast of Saint Rita in South Philadelphia (Monday, May 13, 2024 through Wednesday, May 22, 2024).

6. Pray for the Shrine’s benefactors, patrons, and staff throughout our “Week of Giving,” and the year ahead.