Archbishop Perez's messages
Archbishop Sends Greetings on Jewish High Holy Days
As the Jewish faith community celebrates Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Archbishop Nelson Pérez extends prayerful best wishes of the Catholic community in the Philadelphia region.
Commentaries
Leaving ‘Mother Overbrook’ for the Last Time, With Gratitude
Bishop Keith Chylinski, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, drove away from the permanently vacated Overbrook campus on September 30. He thanks God for the thousands who built, supported and served within those hallowed walls for over 150 years.
The Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference: A Transformative Encounter for Youth
The day-long event Nov. 23 will provide a way for faith to flourish amid the challenges youths face. Marisally Santiago, director of the Office of Ministry for Youth, tells how young people have found in PCYC a lifeline for direction, connection, and hope.
Respect Life Month: Abortion is About All of Us
Respect Life Month asks that we stop and see life in order to better love it, live it, and protect it, writes Daniel Drain, director of the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family.
Spirituality
Married Couples: Missionaries of God’s Love for the World
In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus gives a reply about divorce and teaches on the gift of marriage. Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on the married couples he has known and how they imperfectly but beautifully witness to God's love in the life they live together.
Local News
Joyful Films’ Katharine Drexel Story Wins Mid-Atlantic EMMY
The award-winning film “The Total Gift: A Katharine Drexel Story” delves into what fueled the Philadelphia saint’s inspiration for her extensive service to African Americans and Native Americans: her devotion to the Eucharist.
Faithful Citizenship 2024 Election Information Resources
In advance of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, CatholicPhilly presents materials to inform voters on the positions of candidates for public office.
Profile
New Director Looks Forward to Guiding Catholic Men in Finding Their Vocations
Father David O’Brien, appointed last June to head the Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood, says he desires “to be a good example of the priesthood” and to help those interested view this vocation as a viable option.
Local Woman’s Kindness Ministry Surprises Strangers with Fresh, Recycled Flowers
Patricia Gallagher, a parishioner at Corpus Christi Parish in Lansdale, leads the Happy Flower Day Project, spreading kindness to others by giving recycled flowers a fresh purpose.
Photo features
Archdiocese Kicks Off New School Year with Pep Rally, Mascot Races
The Office of Catholic Education kicked off the 2024-2025 academic year with a pep really for school students from throughout the five-county region on Oct. 2. Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills served as the host site. See photos here.
St. Richard Parish Celebrates 100 Years in South Philadelphia
The South Philadelphia parish marked its 100th anniversary on Sept. 29 with a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Pérez. See scenes from the day here.
Calendar of Events
St. Martin de Porres Mass Set for Nov. 3
The Office for Black Catholics will hold a Mass of celebration for St. Martin de Porres on his feast day, Nov. 3, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Catholic Historical Research Center to Hold Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Latest Exhibit Oct. 24
Get a behind the scenes look at "Finest Wheat: The Story of the 41st International Eucharistic Congress" on Oct. 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
IHM Sisters to Hold Young Adult Holy Hour Oct. 17
Young adults are invited to join the IHM Sisters in praying for the needs of our Church and world as well as each other during a Eucharistic Holy Hour at Villa Maria House of Studies at 7:00 p.m.
People and Events
Catholic Foundation Welcomes New CEO
In an Sept. 26 announcement, The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia announced the appointment of Ted Qualli as president and CEO, effective Oct. 16.
Video Features
Spirit of Synodality About ‘Relationships and Dialogue,’ says Archbishop
In a new video, the archbishop sits down with Julia Osęka, St. Joseph University student and voting delegate for the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, for a candid conversation ahead of the Oct. 2 synod opening in Rome.
Pope Francis
UPDATE: Vatican Doctrinal Chief Tells Synod It’s Not Time for Women Deacons
"Rushing" to open the diaconate to women in the Catholic Church would short-circuit a necessary reflection on the relationship between ordained ministry and charismatic leadership, particularly as it impacts the participation of women in the church, said the head of the Vatican's doctrinal office.
Diaconate is ‘Surrender’ to Jesus, U.S. Archbishop Says at Ordination Mass
Before the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica, a symbol of the Catholic Church's unity behind the successor of St. Peter, 15 men laid prostrate to express their humility and take vows of chastity and obedience to their bishop.
Hispanic Catholics
La Voz de Dios Sept. 29, 2024
En este episodio especial de 'La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos,' Marianela Nunez cuenta con la participación de Karla Amezcua, una Mujer Consagrada de Regnum Christi, quien compartió sus valiosas reflexiones sobre el libro 'El Poder de la Mirada.'