Protect Your Family. Honor Your Faith, With My Catholic Will As a member of the St. Cecilia Church and School family and community and through our partnership with My Catholic Will, you can use their FREE online tool to create a legal will in as little as 30 minutes by visitingMyCatholicWill.com/StCeciliaFC
Planning a will protects your loved ones and provides you with the opportunity to leave a legacy of your values and faith for generations to come. Creating an estate plan helps to ensure that your intentions are clear and that your legacy endures. While it is not a condition for you to take advantage of this free service, we invite you to prayerfully consider leaving a gift to St. Cecilia Church as part of your plans.
Saint Cecilia had 588 parishioners complete the DMI survey in Lent 2025 (we had 399 participants in 2022 when it was first taken).
Over the summer, we will share “the results” of the survey. Father Chris, the Next Generation Parish Team, the Parish Staff, and others will begin reviewing the results to set new goals for our Parish Pastoral Plan for 2026-2029.
There will be listening sessions for the whole parish in the Fall to gain more feedback and ideas as we move forward, guided by the Holy Spirit!
The first set of data we will review is called the Four Factors for a Thriving Parish. These data points, based on research with parishes across the United States, help us be a “thriving” parish, leading others to Christ and living as authentic missionary disciples. The four areas are: Leadership, Sunday Experience, Spiritual Practices, and Missionary Impulse.
Leadership Indicators (the number shared is the percentage of parishioners who “strongly agree”; the second number was the percentage in 2022 to show movement):
the Parish is involved in making decisions 32% (10%); the Parish practices Financial Transparency 44% (29%), the Parish follows up when I want to get involved 36% (18%), the parish provides opportunities for me to serve 45% (26%), I would recommend my Pastor 70% (51%), I would recommend the Parish 69% (44%), I would recommend the Parish Staff 60% (38%), I would recommend priests in the Parish other than Pastor 57% (23%).
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to share them with someone on the Parish Staff or use the Suggestion Box in the back of the Church.
Are you experiencing a difficult time emotionally?
Know that you are not alone. Most people experience ups and downs in life and through the grace of God. good friends, a little help - they find a path to wellness. The Archdiocese offers BE ENCOURAGED with many resources. In addition, you are welcome to contact one of the deacons or priests of the parish who are willing to have a conversation, listen, and pray with you. They may be able to refer you to professional services as well. You are also welcome to use these Prayer Resources.
Are you experiencing a difficult time financially?
The Lord rejoices when brothers and sisters help one another. Our Parish Social Ministry Fund has resources to assist with rent, utilities and food on a limited basis. We serve members of the Parish and those referred by our members. Please contact Ruth in our Parish Office.
Are you depressed and considering suicide? God loves you. God will give you the grace to get through the trial you are experiencing. Please call one of the priests in the Parish Office is you are feeling tempted to choice suicide. You should also call the suicide hotline which is 988. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem - let God and others help you see a brighter tomorrow!
Are you struggling with an addition and want to talk to someone? Experts say that 17% of Americans suffer with an addiction at some point, including people of faith! Our parish hosts a Men's AA group on Thursdays at 7pm in the School cafeteria and we are happy to connect you to other resources on your journey to sobriety. Calix Society is a Catholic group for those who suffer with alcoholism and allows faith to be integrated in the journey. Pregnant and Scared? God loves you and your child. There are many ready to help you at this moment and remain with you for the years to come. Alpha Care serves women in Philadelphia and beyond - and are ready right now!
Hurting After an Abortion? You are not alone. Many men and women suffer from the memory of choosing to abort their child. There is hope and healing. Hope after Abortion offers retreats and counseling from those who understand. Call 215-587-2462.
St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation Support group for individuals/families affected by divorce or separation is offered EVERY FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH (8:00-9:00pm). Support group for adult children of divorce is offered VERY LAST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH (8:00-9:00pm) Sign up at www.nonnatus.org or call/text 215-870-9913or email director.srnf@gmail.com
Disabilities and Autism Help-Line Do you need help accessing services and supports for someone with an intellectual disability or autism? The CSS Developmental Programs Help-Line is available to answer your questions at 484-472-5041 or iddhelp@chs-adphila.org
Foster Parents Needed Catholic Social Services is recruiting foster care parents to welcome unaccompanied children from Mexico and Central America into their homes. The children have come here alone or been separated from their families. They need caring individuals or families to provide foster care for 2 to 3 months while the children attend a daily educational and counseling program at the former St. Bernard School at 7340 Jackson St.. For more info please contact Robert Montoro at 267-331-2443 or rmontoro@chs-adphila.org Mary, Mother of Captives Mary Mother of Captives is a support group for those coping with a loved one in prison. The group meets every second Thursday of the month at 7PM in the St. Charles Borromeo Parish Hall (3422 Dennison Ave., Drexel Hill, PA). For those recently released, a prison transition group meets every first Thursday at 7PM of the month at St. Cyprian’s Church (525 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Phila.) There is also a Pen Pal writing program for those interested. For more information, please contact John or Sue at 610-259-3178. Total anonymity guaranteed.