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Pictures from 40 Hours Devotions 2020
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40 Hours Devotions 2020
Thank you to Fr. Jeff Stecz for his wonderful talks on the theme “Our Universal Vocation - The Call to Holiness, the Call to Love in Union with the Saints.” Using "Making Missionary Disciples" by Curtis Martin as his blueprint, Father shared with us the three habits of holiness and evangelization: Divine Intimacy, Authentic Christian Friendship, and Clarity and Conviction about Spiritual Multiplication (mentoring others in Christ). Father's handout is available below.
Father also encouraged us to listen regularly to Relevant Radio 640AM, also available as a free app. Thank you, Fr. Stecz, for your inspirational talks! -
Fr. Stecz's handout
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Homilist - Fr. Jeff Stecz
Fr. Jeff Stecz is currently the pastor in nearby Saint Agnes Church in Sellersville, PA. He has been a priest of Jesus Christ for 21 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He was born in Phoenixville, PA in 1970, attending Sacred Heart Parish and graduating from Phoenixville High School.
He studied at Millersville University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education in History and Secondary Education before attending St. Charles Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity in Theology. He has served as a parochial vicar at SS. Philip and James (Exton), St. Maria Goretti (Hatfield), St. John Bosco (Hatboro) and St. Agnes (Sellersville). He also served as school minister at St. Pius X High School and as pastor of St. Ignatius and Our Mother of Sorrows in West Philadelphia for 3 years before returning to St. Agnes in Sellersville as pastor in 2013.
Some of his interests include Contemporary Christian Music, singing, going to Phillies games, and enjoying time with family at the beach. Some of his favorite books include Arise from Darkness by Fr. Benedict Groeschell, Life of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen, and Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. Important devotions in his life include the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Lectio Divina.
If he could give one reason to deepen devotion to the Eucharist is… “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.” St. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
See below for the history of the 40 Hours Devotion.
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Photo Albums
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2020 40 Hour Devotions
24 Photos
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2019 40 Hours Devotions
25 Photos
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2018 40 Hours Devotion
13 Photos
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What is 40 Hours?
40 Hours Devotion is a 40-hour period of continuos prayer made in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in solemn exposition. The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian Life." (CCC 1324)
The 40 Hours Devotion existed in Europe since the 1500s but was instituted in America in the 1850’s by our own St. John Neumann, fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. The purpose of 40 Hours Devotion is to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus through dedicated time of communal and individual Adoration and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
If you grew up in Philadelphia, you might remember that our churches were always filled for the 40 Hours Devotion. Families prioritized 40 Hours as an important devotion, making a conscious effort to attend as a family. To help foster that practice here, no other parish activities take place during these nights so that we are not competing with spending valuable time with Our Lord.
Please bring your families to pray before the Lord and grow in faith through our reflections and Confession.
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