
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” — St. Francis of Assisi.
We’ve certainly been enjoying the sun this summer here in the beautiful Diocese of Wilmington. Here are some activities both fun and spiritual to keep you connected to your faith community as we go fully into August. Check these out:
• On Aug. 10, be sure to check out the International Food Festival at St. John/Holy Angels in Newark. The day includes a delightful selection of food from many different countries and entertainment too. For information, contact apress@holyangels.net or (302) 731-2219.
• There are two spiritual events happening next week — on Sunday, Aug. 10, St. Hedwig’s is hosting devotions and Mass in honor of St. Philomena, patron saint of youth. Find out more at www.sthedwigde.org. And St. Helena’s in North Wilmington begins a novena to St. Helena on Aug. 10 that concludes with Mass on Aug. 18. For more information and a schedule go to thedialog.org/datebook-1/ or contact Mena, at menadamato@gmail.com
• If you’re in Ocean City on a Tuesday, let the Knights do the cooking! Join the Knights of Columbus for a delicious and cooked-to-order seafood meal on Tuesdays, Aug. 12, 19, and 26, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. If you wish to have crabs, you must pre-order Monday or Tuesday morning of that week. Call (410) 524-7994 for more information.
• Celebrate “An Afternoon with Andy Cooney,” on Aug. 17, 3-7 p.m. at the New Castle County Irish Society. Tickets are $55 per ticket, and there will be a cash bar and lite fare. For tickets and more information. call (302) 658-8288 or visit www.nccirishsociety.org
• Kate Regan of Resurrection Parish has organized the Concert to Combat Human Trafficking, at Skyline Methodist Church, 3100 Skyline Dr., Wilmington on Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. The concert features performers from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Free-will donations benefit Shared Hope International and Zoe Ministries Delaware. All are welcome.
• Get your appetite ready for the 70th Annual Bull Roast, hosted by St. John/Sacred Heart Church, at Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company on Aug. 17 from 1-5 p.m. The feast features All-You-Can-Eat, beer & soft drinks, music, bake sale, silent auction, and games. Advance tickets are $25 for adults & $12 for kids 7-12. Kids under 7 are free. $30 at the door. For more information, 410-778-3160 or Purchase tickets at www.sacredparish.org/bull-roast
• While you’re enjoying the beautiful resort areas of the Diocese of Wilmington don’t forget Mass. Find the complete Summer Mass Guide here: thedialog.org/our-diocese/2025-diocese-of-wilmington-summer-weekend-mass-guide/.
• And if you’re looking for a Byzantine Liturgy at the beach this summer, Father Volodymyr Klanichka will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Jude The Apostle Church in Lewes on Aug. 31, at 4 p.m. For more information, please call 302-762-5511.
• Other future highlights: Praying for a loved one to return to the church? Plan on attending the Annual St. Monica Teardrop Mass on Aug. 27 at St. Helena Church … On Sept. 4, Father John Aurilia, former secretary to Padre Pio makes an appearance at IHM … St. Hedwig honors the victims of 9/11 at the annual Mass at the church at 6:30 p.m.… There are also two great golf tournaments coming up in September. On Sept. 17, the 33rd Annual CYO Joseph A. McNesby Tournament takes place at Deerfield Golf Club, and on Sept. 18, join the St. Elizabeth Golf Classic at Patriots Glen, Elkton, Md…. More details on these and more events to come.
•••
Attention, Catholic Business Professionals: The Catholic Business Network of the Diocese of Wilmington continues its inaugural year Sept. 5 at Holy Savior Church in Ocean City, Maryland. Doors open for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins at 8. “Balancing faith and ambition” is the focus of the keynote set to be delivered by local businessman and parishioner Sam Card at the parish hall, 1705 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City. 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
•••
From our Dialog partners: Looking for a unique, fun, and relaxing activity to add to your summer bucket list? Look no further than a Sunday Jamz Cruise on the Delaware Bay! The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is proud to offer once again its laidback “Sunday Jamz” cruises every Sunday this summer. The weekly cruises begin on July 6 and continue through August 31. For New Jersey customers, the Cape May Sunday Jamz cruises depart from the terminal at 2:30 p.m. for a three-hour round trip, returning to Cape May at 5:30 p.m. For Delaware foot passengers, the Lewes Sunday Jamz cruises will depart at 4:15 p.m. and return on the 6:00 p.m. departure from Cape May. “Sunday Jamz” roundtrip tickets cost $18 for adults 14 years old and up, $14 for seniors and military, $9 for children 6-13 years old, and free for children under 6 years old. To reserve your ticket(s), please call our Guest Services Center at (800)-643-3779 or book online at booking.cmlf.com. For more information on “Sunday Jamz” cruises and other live entertainment, please visit cmlf.com/entertainment.
•••
Mark your calendar for the Oct. 11 to attend the Diocese of Wilmington Annual Marian Pilgrimage at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Join Bishop Koenig and priests from the Diocese. Day will feature Mass, Rosary, Reconciliation, a tour of the 40 chapels, lunch, Holy Hour, Benediction and gift shop. For more information, call your parish or go to cdow.org/MarianPilgrimage or Facebook.com/cdowMarianPilgrimage
Adoration
If you are looking for opportunities to participate in the peaceful prayers of Eucharistic Adoration, parishes in the Diocese of Wilmington offer many options. Go to thedialog.org/our-diocese/adoration/ to find a parish near you.
Stay in touch
If your parish or organization is hosting an event, be sure to let us know as soon as possible by sending the details to news@thedialog.org, attention Datebook.
Reach more people – Advertise
To give your event or program a higher profile and more exposure, consider paid advertising in The Dialog and on thedialog.org. Call Erica Harmer at (302) 295-0635 or email advertising@thedialog.org for more information and rates. We offer many different options to meet your budget and help you get your message to our readers.
Like what you’re reading? Get faith-based columns in your e-mail every Monday when you sign up for our newsletter, The Angelus. You’ll also get the latest Catholic news and information from our Dialog partners during the week. Sign up today — go to thedialog.org/newsletter/