National News
Good news: poverty on decline; Bad news: needs remain great
The poverty rate dropped in 2017 to 12.3 percent, and median family incomes rose to nearly $61,400. But Catholic Charities agencies are seeing a growing income gap as low-wage earners are priced out of high-end housing.
Class-action lawsuit filed against eight Pa. dioceses
The Philadelphia Archdiocese was among all the dioceses in the state to be targets of a lawsuit demanding the dioceses provide proof that they submitted the names of all suspected predators.
Praise – Fall Revival at St. Raymond Church
Join us for two nights of song, reflection, personal testimony and experiences of the Praise of God focused on these seven words for praise. Music provided by the Philadelphia Catholic Mass Choir.
Roman Catholic High unveils new arts center, first of multi-phase expansion
Archbishop Charles Chaput blessed the new 40,000-square-foot Howard Center for the Arts at the historic Catholic high school, which is planning a $25 million investment for future "Sons of Cahill."
Bucks Co. parish tackles addiction head-on at annual event
St. Thomas Aquinas in Croydon hosted dozens Sept. 13 mobilizing against rising levels of substance abuse, and overdose deaths. It's an area "where the church needs to be," said the organizer.
Phila.-based Trinitarian sisters continue work for poor, immigrants
Since the 1920s the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity have had social outreach as their chief focus, especially in poor neighborhoods and prisons. Lay participation has been a constant from the beginning.
Church plans third-party abuse reporting system, bishops’ code of conduct
A U.S. bishops' committee outlined actions to address the abuse crisis, calling for a new system for reporting claims against bishops and policies for restrictions on bishops removed for abusing minors or adults.
Minnesota school’s welcome of Karen children answers parents’ prayers
Karen families, members of an ethnic community in Myanmar, were displaced by civil unrest and lived in refugee camps in neighboring Thailand. Forty-six Karen children in kindergarten through eighth grade are enrolled at St. Jerome this year.
La Salle University hosts lecture on Oscar Romero
The Oct. 9 talk by Augustinian Father Arthur Purcaro will survey the life of the Salvadoran archbishop and martyr, who will be canonized on Oct. 14.
Attending Mass on Sunday night becoming new tradition for many Catholics
The evening Mass is beneficial for families who want a chance to sleep in on Sunday or have weekend obligations that may keep them from attending morning Mass.