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2026 print publishing dates:
Jan. 9 • Jan. 23 | Feb. 6 • Feb. 20| March 6 • March 20
April 3 • April 17 | May 1 • May 15 • May 29 | June 12 • June 26
July 10 • July 24 | Aug. 7 • Aug. 21 | Sept. 4 • Sept. 18
Oct. 2 • Oct. 16 • Oct. 30 | Nov. 13 • Nov. 27 | Dec. 11
Send news releases here: news@thedialog.org or mail to: The Dialog, Attention: Datebook, P.O. Box 2030, Wilmington, DE 19899-2030. Please allow several weeks advance notice.
Services
TBA, 4 p.m.: English-Filipino Monthly Bilingual Mass, St. Elizabeth Church, 809 S. Broom St., Wilmington. Bishop Ephrem Esmilla will be the celebrant. More information, contact Millette Angeles (302) 325-0556 or George and Issa Romero (925) 325-3315.
Feb. 2, 6 p.m.: Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, St. Elizabeth Church, Wilmington. Services to ask God for spiritual, physical and emotional healing. There will be Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, Liturgy of the Word, and devotional prayers to St. Elizabeth. All are welcome. (302) 652-3626. (First Mondays)
Feb. 6: First Friday Devotions, St. Matthew Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington. Exposition 5 p.m., Mass following Benediction at 6 p.m. Continues on the first Friday of every month. All are welcome. More information, (302) 633-5850.
Feb. 6-7, 8:15 p.m.-2:30 a.m.: Communion of Reparation All Night Vigil, St. Hedwig Chapel, 408 S. Harrison St., Wilmington. More information, Janet Aluise, (302) 996-0482.
Sundays, 12:30 p.m.: Legion of Mary Junior Praesidium meetings, St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Coffee Run Room, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin. Junior Legion of Mary: Children ages 7-17 are invited to join. For more information email: lom.wilmington.ic@gmail.com
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Millions of Monicas devotion, St. Patrick Church, 1414 King Street, Wilmington. Weekly prayer service inspired by the perseverance of St. Monica, patron saint of mothers. More information www.millionsofmonicas.com or lucy.millionsofmonicas@gmail.com.
TBA, 10:30 a.m.: Mass, Jesus House Chapel, 2501 Milltown Rd., Wilmington. (Suspended during construction.)First and third Tuesdays)
Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-noon: Centering Prayer, Resurrection Parish, 3000 Videre Drive Wilmington. More information, www.jesushousecenter.org
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Come pray with us. St. Helena’s Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. Enter through church door marked with yard sign and ask for Laura or Mena. Feel the healing power of prayer. More information, Mena, (302) 475-4238.
Wednesdays: Mass offered for all who suffer from the disease of addiction, living or deceased. St. Matthew’s Church, 904 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington. More information, call Vince (302)-521-9330.
Postponed until further notice: First Saturdays: Healing Mass & Anointing, St. Helena’s Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Bellefonte, first Saturday of the month after the 5 p.m. Mass. For more information contact: menadamato@gmail.com
Daily, noon: Mass at Sacred Heart Oratory, 917 N. Madison St., Wilmington. Also Sunday Mass at 9 a.m.
Right to Life
Join the Vigils for Life:
- Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon. pro-life vigil outside Wilmington Planned Parenthood, 7th and Shipley Sts. Members of Delaware Right to Life are present. Contact: Mary Miller at (603) 903-5613.
- Thursdays, 9 a.m.-Noon outside of Dover Planned Parenthood, 805 S Governors Ave. Street parking available. Contact: Donna Latteri by text, (862) 266-1099
- Thursdays, 9 a.m.-Noon: Seaford Planned Parenthood, 800 Health Services Drive, 10 am-noon, Tuesdays and Fridays, Call Jim, 443-655-2008. Dover Planned Parenthood, 805 S. Governors Ave., 9 am-noon, Thursdays, Call Donna, 862-266-1099.
Jan. 22: National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Jan. 23: March for Life, Washington DC
Next 40 Days for Life: February 18-March 29, 2026.
Vocations
• Jan. 10, 12-5:30 p.m. “Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit” retreat hosted by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, offered online through Zoom. Considering big decisions in your life? Experience a Franciscan approach to discernment in the online retreat, guided by the wisdom of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. Includes group prayer, short presentations, a reflection booklet, spacious time for personal reflection and small group sharing. Free, but space is limited. Open to all adults considering a major life choice (vocation, school, job, relationship, faith, volunteer of intentional community year, etc. Email Sister Diane Tomkinson, OSF, at dtomkinson@osfphila.org by 3 p.m. Jan. 8 to request participation and additional information.
• Diocesan Vocations Days with the Sisters of Life at IHM Parish. Three opportunities: Jan. 21, 5:15 p.m. for Young Women, includes Holy Hour with music, Benediction and Reposition, dinner with socializing, talk on God’s love and prayer. RSVP to Rita at rmcdowell@ihm.org. Jan. 22, 8:45 a.m., for 6-8th Graders, Talk, prayer, breakout sessions with sisters and priests. Closing 11 a.m. RSVP Mr. Corrigan, fcorrigan@ihm.org. Jan. 24, 9 a.m. Open to all, begins wit Mass, followed by Exposition, Litany for Vocations, talk by the Sisters, Adoration, Confession, Benediction. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is located at 4701 Weldin Rd., Wilmington.
• Jan. 30-Feb. 1 (6 p.m. Friday to 2 p.m. Sunday) Silent Discernment Retreat for single Catholic Women 18-35 years old. Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT Includes Mass, Adoration, talks and silence in which your heart may listen for the Lord’s voice. at the beginning and end of the retreat, participants will enjoy a time of conversation and sharing with the Little Sisters of the Poor and with the other young women in vocational discernment. To register, contact Sister Carolyn at sc@littlesistersofthepoor.org by Jan. 28. More information,, (860) 402-4478. There is no charge, but early registration is appreciated.
Programs
Jan. 11 & 18, 1:30 p.m.: St. Anthony Parish in Wilmington invites students and families to sign up now for “Via Crucis,” the traditional weekly Lenten Passion Play that has been held at the parish for more than 60 years. Students from grade school to college age are welcome, and participation can be counted toward community service or other scholastic requirements. Virtual sign-ups are available by emailing your name, age, grade and contact information to stanthony.viacrucis@gmail.com. In person sign-ups are being held Sunday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. The Jan. 18 signup will be followed by a rehearsal in the church at 2 p.m. Entire families are welcome to be part of cast or crew. Practices are Sundays, Jan. 18 & 25; Feb. 1, 8 & 15 from 2-4 p.m. Performances are Fridays, Feb. 18 & 27; March 6, 13, 20 & 25 and April 3, at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Maria at stanthony.viacrucis@gmail.com
March 5, June 5, 7:30 a.m.: The Catholic Business Network of the Diocese of Wilmington breakfast. Next breakfast March 5, Ss. Peter and Paul, Easton; June 5, Church of the Holy Child, Wilmington. Doors open for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins at 8. Speakers TBA. Breakfast is $40 and first-time attendees are entitled to a free print and digital advertisement promoting their business in The Dialog and thedialog.org. Register at givecentral.org/cdow/Catholic-Business-Networking
Begins Jan. 18: Spiritual program: “Luke, The Story of Salvation Fulfilled.” Offered 8 Sundays at two locations: Corpus Christi Church, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 6:30-8 p.m. And St. Matthew Conference Room, 8 Tuesdays, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 10-11:30 a.m. For more information, call or text Debbie Ciafre (302) 275-8717 or go to stmatthewsde.com
Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10. Book group, sponsored by Jesus House, meets at Resurrection Parish, 1969 Room, 3000 Videre Dr., Wilmington.. Surprised by Hope is a collection of retreat talks given by Timothy Cardinal Radcliffe, OP which focuses on four encounters the disciples have with the Risen Lord in St. John’s Gospel. Daytime and evening group available. Day group meets 1:30-3:00 p.m., led by Angie Malmgren; Evening group meets 7:15-8:30 p.m., led by Joe McClory. $25, includes cost of book. Register online www.jesushousecenter.org or call Angie Malmgren 302-650-0066 and send check to: Jesus House, 2501 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.
Spring Women’s Catholic Bible Study- Walking with Purpose. 22-week course which will be divided into three sessions. This Bible study will take you on an exciting journey closer to the heart of God, help you form a personal relationship with Christ, and help you find answers to life’s biggest questions through the context of the Catholic faith. Purchase study book at Walking with Purpose: https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides/products/opening-your-heart-study-guide or on Amazon. First session not required; second session starts in March/April 2026. Sponsored by Jesus House, held at Resurrection Parish, Room 1969, 3000 Videre Dr., Wilmington. Suggested offering $20. Led by Kate Regan and Mary Eisele. Register at www.jesushousecenter.org or call 302-995-6859, leave message.
TBA, 7:30-9 p.m.: Women’s Faith Sharing, hosted by PWYCM (Parents with Young Children Ministry). For more information, text Ruthie at 484-554-5618 or RSVP to Lisa at 951-315-0804.
Grief Support Group. Holy Angels Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark. Grief is experienced in many ways—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While every loss is unique, having the support of others who have experienced loss and understand it can be comforting. Join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the chapel located in the San Damiano Center (rear entrance of our Holy Angels Church.) For more information, call 302-731-2435 or music@holyangels.net.
Retreats
• Jan. 10, 12-5:30 p.m. “Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit” retreat hosted by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, offered online through Zoom. Considering big decisions in your life? Experience a Franciscan approach to discernment in the online retreat, guided by the wisdom of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. Includes group prayer, short presentations, a reflection booklet, spacious time for personal reflection and small group sharing. Free, but space is limited. Open to all adults considering a major life choice (vocation, school, job, relationship, faith, volunteer of intentional community year, etc. Email Sister Diane Tomkinson, OSF, at dtomkinson@osfphila.org by 3 p.m. Jan. 8 to request participation and additional information.
• Diocesan Vocations Days with the Sisters of Life at IHM Parish. Three opportunities: Jan. 21, 5:15 p.m. for Young Women, includes Holy Hour with music, Benediction and Reposition, dinner with socializing, talk on God’s love and prayer. RSVP to Rita at rmcdowell@ihm.org. Jan. 22, 8:45 a.m., for 6-8th Graders, Talk, prayer, breakout sessions with sisters and priests. Closing 11 a.m. RSVP Mr. Corrigan, fcorrigan@ihm.org. Jan. 24, 9 a.m. Open to all, begins wit Mass, followed by Exposition, Litany for Vocations, talk by the Sisters, Adoration, Confession, Benediction. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is located at 4701 Weldin Rd., Wilmington.
• Jan. 30-Feb. 1 (6 p.m. Friday to 2 p.m. Sunday) Silent Discernment Retreat for single Catholic Women 18-35 years old. Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT Includes Mass, Adoration, talks and silence in which your heart may listen for the Lord’s voice. at the beginning and end of the retreat, participants will enjoy a time of conversation and sharing with the Little Sisters of the Poor and with the other young women in vocational discernment. To register, contact Sister Carolyn at sc@littlesistersofthepoor.org by Jan. 28. More information,, (860) 402-4478. There is no charge, but early registration is appreciated.
March 6-8, Worldwide Marriage Encounter retreat, Brighton Suites, Rehoboth Beach: Learn tools to revitalize romance and deepen communication in your marriage. Get away for an intimate weekend. No group sharing required. For information or to register visit our website http://www.wwme.org or call Tony and Linda Massino at 302-648-2228.
TBA: Rachel’s Vineyard Catholic Retreat. This retreat offers emotional and spiritual healing for anyone who has struggled with grief and loss from abortion. Whether you are post-abortive or know someone who is, freedom awaits. Contact Nan Bernardo-Freeman at 302-463-7711 (call or text) or lucyminn929@gmail.com
TBA, Retrouvaille retreat, Malvern Retreat House, Family Life Center, Malvern, Pa. Program provides help for marriage problems difficulties or crises. More information and to register, www.HelpOurMarriage.org or (215) 766-3944, or 800-470-2230. All inquiries confidential.
Fundraisers
No listings at this time.
The Arts
No listings at this time.
Festivals/Carnivals/Bazaars
Golf Tournaments
No listings at this time.
Sales
No listings at this time.
Trips
April 15-25, 2026: A Spiritual Journey to Poland In the Footsteps of Beloved Saints: Edith Stein, Maximilian Kolbe, John Paul II and Faustine Kowalska. Visit Krakow, Wadowice, Auschwitz, Niepokalanow, Our Lady of Czestochowa Warsaw and more. Spiritual leaders Father James Ash and Amy Schisler of Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Easton, Md. More information, Amy Schisler, amyschisler@me.com, 410-725-1693.
June 24-July 3, 2026: Discover Reflections of Italy, with Father Michael Darcy. Optional 2-night Rome pre-tour extension includes: Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica. Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis Perugia: The Corso, Tuscany, Cortonoa, Lake Trasimeno. Florence: The Duomo, The Baptistery, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Certosa Monastery. Venice: Cooking class, Apennine Mountains, Venice Canals, Serendaded Gondola Ride. Lake Como: Scenic Ferry Ride. $5,589 double $6,589 single $5,539 triple. For more information gateway.gocollette.com/link/1343920A or e-mail pastor@stmatthewsde.com
Aug. 12-22, 2026. Join Brother Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap. on an unforgettable trip to explore The Best of Ireland. Double occupancy: $4,976. Single occupancy: $5,876. With direct, round-trip flights from Philadelphia to Dublin, Ireland – Dublin Ireland to Philadelphia. We will visit Dublin, Cork, Galway, Londonderry, and Belfast before heading back to Dublin. For details, please contact: (302) 652-5523 dphilips@ministryofcaring.org
Dances/Socials
No listings at this time.
Meals
Jan. 11, 8 a.m.-noon: Second Sunday Breakfast Buffet, St. Helena’s Masci Hall, Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. Large assortment of hot foods, baked goods, fresh waffles, omelets, beverages and more. Reservations recommended for large parties. $12 for adults, $5 children under 12. More information or for reservations, contact Nancy, (302) 598-8685 or Natiesmom@me.com.
Bingo/Games
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.: Bingo, St. Helena’s church hall, Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. Games begin at 7 p.m. More information, (302) 764-0325.
Tuesdays: Bingo, Holy Rosary Parish Hall, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Door prizes, pull tabs, food and drinks available. Must be 18 to play. More information, (302) 798-2904 or www.hrparish.com.
Fridays, Bingo with the Knights, 5-9:30 p.m.: Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md. (Behind St. Luke’s Church.) Doors open at 5 p.m.; Bingo starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Every night, at least $1,000 in payouts and a chance for the $1,000 big jackpot at the end of the evening. Light snacks available before Bingo and at intermission. More information, 410-524-7994. (Fridays)
First Fridays: Bingo, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish hall, 345 Bear-Christiana Rd., Bear. More information, (302) 322-6430.
Volunteers
Emmanuel Dining Room, coordinated by the Ministry of Caring, is seeking fully vaccinated volunteers and meal partners to help reopen their three sites for daily sit-down meals. Faith groups, clubs and other organizations can help by becoming meal partners, preparing one meal a month, and serving. Individuals can help by setting tables, welcoming guests, serving meals, and cleaning up. For more information, (302) 652-3228.
Offer a welcome to seafarers who visit the ports of Delaware by volunteering at the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington. SCW volunteers join with people from the maritime, business and religious communities providing help for seafarers on shore leave from the isolation of life aboard their merchant vessels. Volunteers host at the center or serve as escort drivers for the crewmen. For more information contact Christine Lassiter at (302) 575-1300 or email scw@scsde.org.
The Little Sisters of the Poor, a nursing home which serves low-income seniors located at 185 Salem Church Road in Newark, is seeking volunteers. Flexible schedule available: Volunteer once a month, once a week, or more. Help is needed with breakfast, lunch or dinner, driving to medical appointments, kitchen prep work, folding laundry, cleaning the chapel, photography, and more. For information, please contact Sandra Cloutier, director of volunteers, volnewark@littlesistersofthepoor.org or (302) 368-5886, ext. 137.
Groups
Young Adults group, “The Upper Room” meets Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Learn more about Scripture, pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and have fellowship with a community of believers. St. Matthew’s Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington. More information, call or text, (302) 281-4677.
Authentic Intentional Catholic Families (AICF) is a group for Families looking for others who share their Catholic faith in the northern part of the Diocese. Activities include faith sharing for parents with young children, book club, mixers, retreats and more. Location varies. Men’s Bible Study every Tuesday morning before work. For information, text Jorge at 908-787-8104. Ladies Faith Sharing every first Thursday of the month. For information, text Lisa at 951-315-0804. Anyone interested in joining AIFC or finding out more about the organization can contact Ruthie Coutinho at slcordero@aol.com, or text (484) 554-5618.
Parents with Young Children Ministry (PWYCM). Activities include faith sharing for parents with young children, book club, mixers, retreats and more. Location varies. For more information about the group, call or text Ruthie, (484) 554-5618.
The Columbiettes, a nonprofit charitable organization that supports the community and the Knights of Columbus, is welcoming practicing Catholic women with serious convictions to help others who are interested in serving and growing in the faith. For more information go to decolumbiettes.org. Inquiries will be directed to an auxiliary in the Diocese of Wilmington closest to your location.
Third Saturdays: The Secular Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) is a Catholic lay order of men and women undertaking to live an evangelical life of fraternity and contemplative prayer, according to the Carmelite Saints. We meet in Newark on the third Saturday of each month. To learn more, contact Diane at ThirdOrderCarmelitesofDE@yahoo.com.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic, meets monthly on second Saturday, 2-4 p.m., in Newark at Holy Angels Church.Please email: laydominican514@gmail.com for more information.
Second Saturdays, 9:15 a.m.: Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, and meeting, Community of Mary of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. Meets at St. Jude The Apostle Church, Lewes. The Community welcomes Roman Catholic lay men and women who, by special vocation, choose to live, in the world, with the spirit and the practice of contemplative prayer and service as it was taught by St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Therese of Lisieux and lived by following the Rule of Carmel. More information, John Kudlick, OCDS, 302-415-9731 or Lauriana Lundy, OCDS, 609-456-3086
Calix is an association of Catholic alcoholics, drug addicts, and family members and friends affected by addiction, who are maintaining their sobriety through participation in their Catholic faith and a 12 Step program. For more information, www.calixsociety.org/directory/
Reunions
No listings at this time.
Young Adults
Philadelphia chapter of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP). YCP brings together young professionals in their 20s and 30s into a community of belonging, support, and encouragement at all stages of the faith journey. YCP empowers and equips them to live their Catholic faith through everyday work, and to perform all work with excellence for the glory of God. For more information, www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/chapter/philadelphia
Wilmington Catholic Young Adults (WilCYA) is a young adult ministry serving the greater Wilmington-Newark Area which strives to connect young adults in their 20’s and 30’s with the Catholic Church through spiritual, social and service events. Each Tuesday, young adults from 15 parishes throughout the Diocese gather together for events such as social nights, Mass & fellowship, Holy Hour/Happy Hour and Catechesis. They also meet up other times during the month for events such as 5ks, and service projects. More information, https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Wilmington-Catholic-Young-Adults-WilCYA-118522335477971/