Obama ‘accommodation’ offers no fundamental change, USCCB attorneys say

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Although the Obama administration’s proposed “accommodation” for religious employers to the mandate that contraceptives and sterilization be included in most health plans “may create an appearance of moderation and compromise,” it does not change the administration’s fundamental position, attorneys for the U.S. bishops said in comments filed May 15.
“We are convinced that [...]

Father Michael Heim, 55, parochial vicar at St. Dominic Parish, dies

Father Michael J. Heim, parochial vicar at St. Dominic Parish, Philadelphia, died at Holy Redeemer Hospital, on Friday, May 4.
Father Heim was born Jan. 3, 1957, in Levittown. He is the son of the late William Heim and the late Sophia Rydzewska. Father Heim attended St. Joseph the Worker Parochial School, Fallsington, and Bishop Egan [...]

Charles Madden, local artist, dies at 78

Charles L. Madden, 78, a noted area artist proficient in various media, died May 7. Born in Philadelphia Madden had an interest in art from an early age, and he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Philadelphia College of Art in 1956. He immediately began his career as co-founder of Madden, Baron [...]

Mexican priest who helps migrants takes break after increased threats

MEXICO CITY (CNS) — A Mexican priest known for sheltering undocumented Central American migrants — and defying organized criminal groups and corrupt politicians — has withdrawn from his work temporarily due to threats, but says he will return.
News of the threats came the same day officials in the northern state of Nuevo Leon found 49 [...]

Six men to be ordained priests on May 19

Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will receive six new priests as Archbishop Charles Chaput ordains transitional deacons Daniel J. Dwyer, Anthony R. Hangholt, Robert A. Ianelli, John Paul Masson, Timothy J. McGuire and Thomas P. Whittingham on Saturday, May 19 at the Cathedral [...]

Wedding Anniversary Mass

Couples from across the archdiocese come to the cathedral to celebrate their anniversaries.

Continuing coverage of Archbishop Chaput’s decisions on priests

Archbishop Chaput announces decisions on eight suspended priests

‘Swift and transparent’ investigation leads to resolution of clergy abuses cases

Archdiocese initiates plan to promote healing among the faithful

Archdiocese initiates plan to promote healing among the faithful

Church action following the clergy sexual abuse scandal is most importantly about justice for the victims. But it’s also about healing – not only for the victims, but for the entire Church community.
With that in mind the Archdiocese has begun a new initiative, “Honesty, Healing and Hope in Christ: Confronting Sexual Violence in Our Archdiocese.” [...]

‘Swift and transparent’ investigation leads to resolution of clergy abuses cases

When Gina Maisto Smith, a veteran child abuse prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, was hired by the Archdiocese to review all cases of living priests accused of child abuse in the Archdiocese in the aftermath of the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report on clergy sex abuse, Philadelphia Catholics might be excused if they [...]

Details of a rigorous review process revealed during press conference about suspended priests

After intensive review, eight of the 26 cases of priests placed on leave last year by Cardinal Justin Rigali following the 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report have been resolved, Archbishop Charles Chaput announced at a May 4 press conference held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.

All eight priests had allegations against them of sexual abuse of minors or violations of the Archdiocese’s Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries. The Archbishop also said a number of the remaining cases should be decided within coming weeks.