Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

From time to time, St. Philomena will change, add or create new schedules and special events. Kindly check back as often as you want since we update our schedules on a weekly basis.

Upcoming and Previous Events

Lenten Week	What is Lent? Lent is a Christian Festival. In the past it was a long, strict religious fast when people gave up all rich food. The day before Lent starts is known as Shrove Tuesday. Lent is the time when Christians prepare for the greatest of the Christian festivals known as Easter, by thinking of things they have done wrong. It was a time for spring-cleaning lives, as well as homes. What happens during Lent today? The Christian church no longer imposes a strict fast. Lent is a time when some Christians try to overcome their own faults because they believe that it was man's sin which led Jesus to be crucified. Some Christians try to follow the example of Jesus in the desert by giving up luxuries and practicing self-discipline. And they try to put aside more time to prayer and religious acts so that they can really let God into their lives. Bible Study - Many churches hold special Lent services. In some towns the churches of different denominations join together in groups to discuss and share their Christian faith. When does Lent begin? Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts for six and a half weeks. Lent is a moveable feast which means the date changes from year to year. In 2011 Ash Wednesday is on 9 March. 2010 — 17 February 2011 — 9 March 2012 — 22 February 2013 — 13 February 2014 — 5 March 2015 — 18 February 2016 — 10 February 2017 — 01 March 2018 — 14 February 2019 — 06 March 2020 — 26 February 2021 — 17 February 2022 — 02 March When does Lent end? When is Lent over? Lent ends at Easter when Christians remember the execution of Jesus and then celebrate his rising from death. The last week of Lent begins with Palm Sunday, which celebrates the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and the people lay down palms at his feet. The last day of Lent is Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday (Easter Day)copyright of projectbritain.com In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), with the beginning of the mass of the Lord's Supper.
Pentecost Sunday(United We Praise) Celebration	Is a time when we celebrate Pentecost Sunday (explained below) with a rendition of praise and worship (United We Praise).Pentecost Sunday is a commemoration and celebration of the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the early church. John the Baptist prophesied of the first Pentecost where Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Jesus confirmed this prophesy with the promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples in John 14:26. He showed Himself to these men after His death on the cross and His Resurrection, giving convincing proofs that He was alive. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Father’s gift of the Holy Spirit, from whom they would receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:3-8). After Jesus’ ascension to heaven, the men returned to Jerusalem and joined together in prayer in an upper room. On the Day of Pentecost, just as promised, a violent wind filled the house and tongues of fire came to rest on each of them and all were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were given the power of communication which Peter used to begin the ministry for which Jesus had prepared him. After the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples did not stay in the room basking in God’s glory but burst out to tell the world. This was the beginning of the Church as we know it. Today, in many Christian churches, Pentecost Sunday is celebrated to recognize the gift of the Holy Spirit, realizing that God’s very life, breath and energy lives in believers. During this service, John 20:19-23 may be the core of the message about our risen Savior supernaturally appearing to the fear-laden disciples. Their fear gave way to joy when the Lord showed them His hands and side. He assured them peace and repeated the command given in Matthew 28:19-20 saying; “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-23). The celebration of Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the reality that we are all have the unifying Spirit that was poured out upon the first century church in Acts 2:1-4. It is a reminder that we are co-heirs with Christ, to suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him; that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7); that we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13); and that the Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead lives inside believers (Romans 8:9-11). This gift of the Holy Spirit that was promised and given to all believers on the first Pentecost is promised for you and your children and for all who are far off whom the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:39).

Bundle Sunday	For the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Please bring your usable clothing and usable household items to the pick-up site here at our church. Help them in their efforts to assist the needy. For large items including furniture and appliances, please phone (323) 224-6280 or (800) 97-HELP-1 for a special pickup at your home.
Book Fair	For the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Please bring your usable clothing and usable household items to the pick-up site here at our church. Help them in their efforts to assist the needy. For large items including furniture and appliances, please phone (323) 224-6280 or (800) 97-HELP-1 for a special pickup at your home.
St. Philomena Ministry Training	There will be a review for current ministers and training for new the people who are interested in serving the church. Please sign up in the rectory as follows: - Eucharistic Minister - Minister to the Sick - Sacristan - Bereavement Minister - Lector - Catechist - Usher - St. Vincent de Paul Advocate
St. Philomena Parish Catholic School Registration	St. Philomena Parish Catholic school is in the midst of the application and registration process for the new school year. DON’T BE LEFT OUT! The Carmelite Sisters and Faculty would like to assist you in raising your children according to your Catholic faith and values. COME NOW; space is still available in Kindergarten and most other grades. The school office is open each day from 8:00am to 3:30pm
San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Celebration	The first Filipino saint (protomartyr) venerated in the Roman Catholic Church. He was martyred during persecution of Japanese Christians under the Tokugawa Shogunate in the 17th century.
Simbang Gabi Or Advent Masses	Christmas in the Philippines, one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East Timor), is one of the biggest holidays on calendar. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season,[1][2] with Christmas carols are heard as early as September and the season lasting up until Epiphany. Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. Known as the Misa de Gallo ("Rooster's Mass") in Spanish and in Filipino as Simbang Gabi, or "Night Mass", this novena of Masses is the most important Filipino Christmas tradition. These nine dawn Masses are also considered as a Novena by the Catholic and Aglipayan faithfuls. This refers to the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan practice of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtain special graces.