Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish (Philadelphia) will commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation by holding a joint study program with Reformation Lutheran Church Philadelphia. The two churches are neighboring houses of worship, located within walking distance of each other on East Vernon Road.
The goal of this program is for all participants to gain a common understanding of each tradition’s beliefs in a context of Christian fellowship and common prayer.
All are invited to participate in the free seven week study which will kick off with topics including, “Why commemorate the Reformation together?” as well as a historical sketch of the Reformation and Catholic response.
Wednesday, September 13th, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Saint Raymond of Peñafort (Rectory Basement)
1350 East Vernon Road
Philadelphia, PA 19150
Saint Raymond of Peñafort Joint Study Schedule:
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. (Rectory Basement)
Location: Saint Raymond of Peñafort, 1350 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Topics include: Understanding the religious formation of Martin Luther (monastic mysticism), shared experience of Lectio Divina, and Luther’s understanding of justification and a Catholic response.
Wednesday, September 27th , 2017 at 7:00 p.m. (Sanctuary)
Location: Saint Raymond of Peñafort, 1350 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Topics include: A Catholic understanding of the Eucharist and Catholic worship today: prayer, devotions, liturgy, and sacraments.
Wednesday, October 4th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Reformation Lutheran Church, 1215 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Topics include: Shared faith reflection on scripture and Luther’s understanding of the common priesthood of the baptized and the ordained office and a Catholic response.
Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Reformation Lutheran Church, 1215 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Topics include: Luther’s understanding of scripture, its interpretation and tradition(s) and a Catholic response, and the renewal of common baptismal promises as we pray for unity.
Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. (Sanctuary)
Location: Reformation Lutheran Church, 1215 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Topics include: A Lutheran understanding of the Eucharist and Lutheran worship today: prayer, devotions, liturgy, and sacraments.
Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. (Ecumenical Outdoor Prayer Service)
Location: Vernon Road
Members of both churches will meet on Vernon Road for common prayer and song with the sign of peace and a joint blessing.
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Editor’s Note: The Protest Reformation is recognized to have begun in October 1517, when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, prompting a schism from the Roman Catholic Church.
For more information please contact Father Chris Walsh, Pastor of Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish, at 215-549-3760.