Missionary Hubs Help People Encounter Christ Through Community Events

Five new hubs in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia are connecting parishes and ministries to serve those feeling distant from the Church.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:07pm

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The Catholic Church of Philadelphia has launched five innovative Missionary Hubs across the region to help connect people to one another and to the Lord through prayerful community events. The hubs, based in existing parishes, are focused on evangelization and building relationships to invite others to encounter Christ. Early events like Advent prayer workshops and candlelit reflection gatherings have drawn warm receptions from parishioners and the wider community.

Why it matters

With 83% of baptized Catholics in the Philadelphia region no longer participating in the sacramental life of the Church, the Missionary Hubs represent a shift from managing decline to pursuing growth, mission, and encounter. By integrating pastoral, educational, and charitable ministries, the hubs aim to serve those who feel distant from the Church and bring them to the Eucharistic table.

The details

The five pilot Missionary Hubs were launched this past fall, with one hub in each of the five counties of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Hub staff members completed training in missionary discipleship and focus on forming relationships, creating community, and inviting others to encounter Christ, rather than being based solely at a parish. Early events like 'Noisy Holy Half-Hour for Families' and Advent prayer workshops and reflections have drawn warm receptions, with parishioners and community members expressing openness, hospitality, and hope.

  • The first five Missionary Hubs were launched in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this past fall.
  • The Missionary Hub at St. Ann in Phoenixville hosted a 'Noisy Holy Half-Hour for Families' event in December.
  • The Missionary Hub at St. Isidore in Quakertown held a candlelit Advent evening of reflection in December.

The players

Deacon Jim O'Neill

Director of Strategic Operations for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, who oversees staff of the missionary hubs.

Lauren Joyce

Missionary Hub director at St. Ann Parish in Phoenixville.

Nina Corona

Missionary Hub director at St. Isidore in Quakertown.

Father Kenneth Brabazon

Pastor of St. Isidore Parish in Quakertown.

Robin Conboy

Principal of St. Isidore's school in Quakertown.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone has been warmly receptive to our new hub. We are grateful for the many groups and organizations who have welcomed us into the Body of Christ here in Phoenixville. Dozens of parishioners have taken the time to meet one on one with hub staff, sharing history and community highlights about each parish's unique story in our local area.”

— Lauren Joyce, Missionary Hub director at St. Ann Parish (Catholic Philly)

“From the beginning, there has been a shared sense of openness and hope—a feeling that God is at work among us doing 'something new,'”

— Nina Corona, Missionary Hub director at St. Isidore (Catholic Philly)

What’s next

The Missionary Hubs are one of the proposed components of a potential capital campaign of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, for which a planning study currently is underway. Parishioners and community members are invited to take part in the planning study survey to share their voice.

The takeaway

The Missionary Hubs represent a shift in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia from managing decline to pursuing growth, mission, and encounter. By integrating ministries and focusing on relationship-building and evangelization, the hubs aim to connect those feeling distant from the Church to one another and to the Eucharistic table.