The Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia will hold its regular Monday novena on Sept. 19, Father Sylvester Peterka, C.M., will preach on “Our Lady of Mercy”; and on Sept. 26, Father Richard Kehoe, C.M., will preach on “St. Vincent de Paul.” For more information, including additional Mass and novena times, contact the shrine at 215-848-1010.

Charismatic Prayer Gathering
An outdoor Charismatic Prayer and Praise Gathering will be held Sunday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Martha Church,11301 Academy Rd. inPhiladelphia. The guest speaker will be Barbara Fairburn. Bring a folding chair. In case of rain or extreme heat, the gathering will be held in the gym. For more information, call 215-637-5441.

Spiritual Presentation
Father John McFadden will give a presentation on the apparitions of the Blessed Mother Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. Pius X Church in Broomall.

Farewell Mass
A special farewell Mass for St. Philomena School in Lansdowne will be celebrated Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at St. Philomena Church. After more than 100 years, St. Philomena School graduated its last class this past June. Father Richard Clement, a member of St. Philomena’s class of 1971, will be the homilist. Anyone with a connection to the school ‑ priests, former students, alumni, teachers, staff, Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, parents, volunteers and donors – are invite to say farewell to a wonderful school. Following the Mass there will be a reception in Marian Hall and tours of the school buildings.

Novena to St. Therese
A three-day Novena to St. Therese will be held Sept. 27-29 at 7 p.m. at St. Kevin Church in Springfield. A relic of St. Therese will be available for veneration, and a basket will be placed on the altar with your prayer intentions during the service. For more information, call 610-544-8777.

Weekend Retreat
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center inPhiladelphia is offering a weekend retreat for women Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Sister Christine Wilktrakis, M.S.B.T., will present “Every Woman Meets the Woman at the Well.” For more information, call 267-350-1831.

Bereavement program
St. Dorothy Parish in Drexel Hill will begin an eight-week bereavement program Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 610-789-9914.

Educational

Pre-Cana program
Sacred Heart Parish in Havertown will offer a Pre-Cana program Friday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both sessions must be attended in order to fulfill the Pre-Cana requirements. To register or for more information, call Deacon Tom Woods at 610-789-6621.

Natural Family Planning classes
Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes are offered monthly at various parishes across the Archdiocese. NFP respects the natural rhythms of the body and promotes shared responsibility for childbearing between husband and wife. Two-part classes will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 and 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Pius X Church in Broomall and Wednesday, Sept. 21 and 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Isaac Jogues Church inWayne. For more information, call the archdiocesan Family Life Office at 215-587-3516 or e-mail: famlife@adphila.org.

Foster parents needed
Can you make a place in your family for a foster child? May children need the love and support of a foster family. Catholic Social Services is looking for single or married adults to become foster parents to children of all ages, denominations and races. Homes are also needed for siblings who need to live together. For more information, call 267-331-2502.

Social

Golf Invitational
Immaculata University will host its 36th annual golf invitational on Monday, September 26 at two scenic championship golf courses of Stonewall in Elverson. The event will include an afternoon cocktail reception, a dinner, and auctions. Proceeds will go toward student scholarships. For more information, call 610-647-4400, ext. 3133 or visit www.immaculatagolf.com.

Communion breakfast
As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, St. Anastasia Parish in Newtown Square will hold a Communion breakfast Sunday, Sept. 25 at noon at the Springfield Country Club inSpringfield. The breakfast will follow the 10:30 a.m. Mass, which will be celebrated by former assistant pastor Father Michael A. Colagreco. St. Anastasia alum Tim Chambers, who wrote, directed and produced “The Mighty Macs” movie, will be the featured guest speaker. For more information, call Debbie at 610-325-9428.

Oktoberfest
Join the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer as they celebrate their German heritage during their fifth annual Oktoberfest Saturday, Sept. 24 from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the provincialate, 521 Moredon Rd., Huntingdon Valley. Entertainment includes the G.T.V. Almrausch Schuhplatterler Dancers, the Emil Schanta Band, Josef Kroboth Band and the Philadelphia German Brass Band. This event features German food, beer garden, hay and pony rides, crafts, raffles and games for children. For more information, call 215-787-3288 or 215-938-4008 or visit: www.sistersholyredeemer.org.

Bazaar
The Regina Nursing Center in Norristown will host its annual bazaar Saturday, Sept. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Raffle tickets, refreshments, white elephant antiques and other items will be on sale. For more information, call 610-272-5600.

Catholic Underground
Catholic Underground, a cultural apostolate of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul inPhiladelphia. The evening will feature a performance by Manchild as well as holy hour and evening prayer, confessions and benediction. Catholic Underground is open to young adults 18-39. For more information, call 215-965-4625.

Picnic and raffle
Daylesford Abbey in Paoli will host its fourth annual summer picnic and raffle Sunday, Sept. 11 starting at noon. A 50-50 raffle drawing will take place at the picnic and will help raise funds to sustain the work and mission of the abbey. The picnic is free but reservations are requested. For more information, call 610-647-2530, ext. 118.