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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
Through May 31: May Devotions, St. Hedwig Church 408 S. Harrison Street, Wilmington. From Monday to Friday, devotions will take place in the Pope John Paul Chapel after the 6:30 p.m. Mass. On Sundays, devotions in Polish will take place after the 11:30 a.m. Mass in the main Church. All are welcome. For more information, call the parish at (302) 594-1400, ext. 1 or go to sthedwigde.org.
June 5: 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.
June 5-6, 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.
June 1, 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)
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.
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Millions of Monicas devotion, St. Patrick Church, 1414 King Street, Wilmington. Weekly prayer service for women only, inspired by the perseverance of St. Monica, patron saint of mothers. More information www.millionsofmonicas.com or lucy@millionsofmonicas.com.
May 19, 10:30 a.m.: Mass, Jesus House Chapel of St. Joseph, 2501 Milltown Rd., Wilmington. (First and third Tuesdays)
Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-noon: Centering Prayer, Jesus House Chapel of St. Joseph, 2501 Milltown Rd., Wilmington. More information, www.jesushousecenter.org
Daily, noon: Mass at Sacred Heart Oratory, 917 N. Madison St., Wilmington. Also Sunday Mass at 9 a.m.
Fridays, 5 p.m.: Blue Hen Rosary, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 200 E. Main Street, Newark. 5:00pm. Join us each week in praying the Rosary for our youth—especially those who may be struggling with addiction, facing personal challenges, or who have drifted away from the Church. More information, or to add someone’s name to the prayer log, contact bluehenrosary@gmail.com.
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.
Vocations
May 12: Priesthood discernment group, Newman Center, 45 Lovett Ave., Newark. For Catholic men who are considering priesthood. Discussions, fellowship, dinner and Eucharistic Adoration. More information, Fr. Gebhart, father.gebhart@gmail.com
Vocation discerning retreats for young women 18-35, hosted by the Little Sisters of the Poor. June 7-13 Service Week in Gallup, N.M., June 12-14 retreat in Chicago, Ill., Oct. 9-11 retreat in Kansas City, Mo. More information, sc@littlesistersofthepoor.org
Programs
**June 5, 7:30 a.m.: The Catholic Business Network of the Diocese of Wilmington breakfast, Church of the Holy Child, Wilmington. Doors open for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins at 8. Speaker will be Kelly Donahue of the Diocese of Wilmington. 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
May 12, 6-7:30 p.m.: Beauty, A Language of God, presented by Kate Capato, Visual Grace, is a Catholic sacred artist and speaker rooted in the tradition of the faith. Kate studied oil painting in Florence, Italy, has been featured on EWTN’s Women of Grace show and Ascension Presents podcast, Girlfriends. St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. More information, Donna Cofalka, 908-229-0945.
May 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Spring luncheon with speaker Marie Monville, Resurrection Parish, 3000 Videre Drive, Wilmington. Sponsored by Jesus House/Resurrection Partnership. Marie Monville is a highly sought-after speaker, coach, and author known for her ability to inspire audiences with messages of resilience, faith, and personal transformation. On Oct. 2, 2006, her then-husband decided to hold an Amish schoolhouse hostage, forever changing life as she knew it. Marie tells a story of forgiveness, healing, and God’s restoration. Profound challenges have marked her life, yet she lights the way for others through her unwavering faith and desire to discover beauty beyond brokenness. Marie is the host of the podcast “To Help You Heal”and the author of multiple books. Marie shares practical wisdom and powerful storytelling that encourage audiences to embrace life’s challenges with courage and clarity. $45, lunch included. Register by May 10. Limited to 70 attendees. For more information and to register go to www.jesushousecenter.org
June 15-19, 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Vacation Bible School, St. Mary Magdalen, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington. Join us for:“Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God.” For current 4 year olds through rising 5th graders. $55 parishioners, $65 non-parishioners. Volunteers also needed, contact Karen.Yasik@smmchurch.org. Register at: https://smmchurch.org/vacation-bible-school
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
May 22-24: The Life-Giving Wounds Retreat is a for young adults and adults whose parents have divorced or separated. The retreat includes presentations by trained retreat leaders and experts, guided small group discussions with peers, silent journaling sessions, prayer, the Sacraments, and more. It will take place at St. John Paul II National Shrine and Retreat House in Washington DC. All info and registration at https://lifegivingwounds.org/maryland-dc-retreat.
June 27, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Joyful Ever After, one-day marriage retreat, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Wilmington. Hosted by Melanie and Damon Owens. Early bird pricing (before May 16) $20 per couple; $30 per couple (May 16-June 6). Light breakfast and lunch included. To register http://ihm.org//2026-marriage-retreat.
July 31-Aug. 2, Oct. 2-4, Retrouvaille retreat, Malvern Retreat House, Family Life Center, Malvern, Pa. Program provides help for marriage problems difficulties or crises. More information and to register, marriagehelpdelval.org or (215) 766-3944. All inquiries confidential.
TBA, 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
Fundraisers
May 16: Houses of Hope Tour, a Hope Dining Room fundraiser, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm. Visit Six churches who serve at Hope Dining Room. Learn interesting facts – history, architecture, stained glass windows, community garden, labyrinth walk, resale shop, recipes and more. This tour includes our St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church on Main Street in Newark. Begin your tour by registering at Kingswood United Methodist Church (300 Marrows Rd, Newark, DE 19713), where you’ll make a donation (suggested $15) and receive a map of participating locations. From there, you’re free to visit the sites in any order at your own pace. Check out their website at https://hopediningroom.org/houses-of-hope-tour for additional information, to volunteer, or make a donation. All proceeds benefit the Hope Dining Room.
July 2, 2 p.m.: Little Sister’s of the Poor 4th of July Parade, in the Mall area at Jeanne Jugan. Build your own indoor float and/or get together a band and/or just come and join us for the fun. More information, 302-368-5886.
June 17: 20th Annual B+ 5K Run/Walk, Salesianum School, 1801 North Broom St., Wilmington. The B+ Foundation honors the life & memory of Andrew McDonough, the original B+ Hero. Andrew’s B+ blood type became the perfect message – to “Be Positive.” More information, https://www.bepositive.org/b-events-info/20th-annual-b-5k-runwalk
The Arts
No listings at this time.
Festivals/Carnivals/Bazaars
Golf Tournaments
June 11, 10:30 a.m.: Swing Fore Little Sisters 18th Annual Golf Tournament, Deerfield Golf Club, 126 Thompson Station Rd., Newark. Includes lunch buffet, shotgun scramble format, putting contest, two mulligans, contest, dinner and raffles. $800 foursome; $200 individual; $50 dinner only. “Early birdie” discount — pa only $175 per player, register by May 8. More information, https://www.wesharegiving.org/App/Form/289e7768-5516-4da7-b247-69da59610682 or call 302-368-5886.
Sales
Dances/Socials
No listings at this time.
Meals
May 10, 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. Prices may increase for Mothers Day; reservations strongly suggested. ($12 for adults, $5 children under 12.) More information or for reservations, contact Nancy, (302) 598-8685 or Natiesmom@me.com.
Bingo/Games
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.
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.: Bingo, St. Helena’s Masci Hall, 601 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. Games begin at 7 p.m. More information, (302) 764-0325.
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.
Trips
June 8-11: Castles of New York group bus tour. Coordinated by the Ministry of Caring. Package includes: three nights lodging at the Edgewood Resort on the St. Lawrence River; three breakfasts; one boxed lunch; three dinners, Uncle Sam’s Boat Tour along the St. Lawrence River, with visits to: Singer Castle with guided tour; Boldt Castle with self-guided tour; Antique Boat Museum; Thousand Islands Museum, The History Place; visit to Alexandria Bay; tasting at Thousand Islands Winery; souvenir gift; baggage handling; taxes and standard gratuities, and motorcoach transportation. From $1,000 pp/double occupancy and $1,300 for single occupancy. To download a sample itinerary, visit: https://www.ministryofcaring.org/castles-of-new-york-trip-june-2026/ To learn more, or to make a reservation, contact: Annie Halverson, The Ministry of Caring Inc. (302) 652-5523.
June 24-July 3, 2026: Discover Reflections of Italy, with Father Michael Darcy. Optional two-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, Serenaded Gondola ride, Lake Como, scenic ferry ride. $5,589 double $6,589 single $5,539 triple. More information, gateway.gocollette.com/link/1343920A or e-mail pastor@stmatthewsde.com
Aug. 9-14: Bus excursion to Montreal & Quebec City Canada, hosted by The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver. This all-inclusive trip includes motorcoach transportation, five nights lodging in Canada, ten meals: five breakfasts and five dinners, local guide each day in Canada, guided tours of Montreal, Quebec City & Canada’’ Capital City, Ottawa. Visit Notre Dame Basilica, go to Montreal’s Underground City and Ottawa’s Parliament Hill; narrated Cruise on the stunning St. Lawrence River, visit to St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. Reserve your seat with a $100 deposit by contacting Damita MacFarlane @ 610-806-2359 or Dana Crumety @ 302-463-0290.
Join Brother Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap. on an unforgettable trip to explore The Best of Ireland, Aug. 12–22. Visit Dublin, Cork, Galway, Londonderry, and Belfast before heading back to Dublin. Double occupancy: $4,976. Single occupancy: $5,876. With direct, round-trip flights from Philadelphia to Dublin/Dublin to Philadelphia. For details, Debbe Philips,: (302) 652-5523, dphilips@ministryofcaring.org
Sept. 13-22: Pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes with Barcelona, hosted by St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. Ten days, 14 meals. Highlights include Fatima, Aljustrel, Valinhos, Cathedral of Burgos, Lourdes, Grotto of Massabielle, Barcelona, Barcelona Cathedral. Cost $4,699 PPDO, (Single $5,399) includes r/t air from Phila. International Airport, air taxes, fees/surcharges, hotel transfers. For more information and brochures, Fr. Volodymyr Klanichka, 570-328-3818, Vovaklan@gmail.com
Dec. 8-16: Pilgrimage to Mexico and the National Basilica, Santa Maria de Guadalupe. Spiritual Director Father Janusz Brembor, Associate Pastor, St. Hedwig Church, Wilmington. Direct round trip flight from Philadelphia to Mexico City, some meals included. Price $2,990 (including the cost of the air ticket). Deadline for registration is June 15, 2026. $1,000 deposit and a copy of passport due at that time. Full payment due Aug. 15, 2026. The trip application and itinerary can be printed from our website at sthedwigde.org. For more information, please contact the parish office at 302 594-1400, Ext. 1, or email atsthedwigchurch@comcast.net
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 Joanne Joyce, director of volunteers, volnewark@littlesistersofthepoor.org or (302) 368-5886, ext. 137.
Groups
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
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. Coming events: April 6, Easter Monday Egg Hunt, 3 p.m., Brandywine Springs Park, contact Ruthie, (484) 554-5618. May 23, “Those Catholics sure know how to party” gathering, Garnet Valley, Pa. More information, Rob, (267) 221-8829.
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 or contact Anthea T. Piscarik at 302-373-3916.
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
Reunions
Save the date: Sept. 25, 6-10 p.m.: Saint Mark’s High School Class of 1976 50th Class Reunion, Christiana Hilton, 100 Continental Drive, Newark. Saint Mark’s is also hosting a meet and greet and tour of the school for Class of 1976 Alumni on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The reunion committee would like to connect with alumni. Contact Patty Curtin White at: patriciacurtin@comcast.net or PCurtin@christianacare.org or Terri Larson Seeman at: Glennsman@comcast.net (302)893-3479.
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/