Local News
St. Elizabeth Honored as Only Catholic Blue Ribbon School in Pa.
The parish school in Chester Springs celebrated a “blue Christmas” with joy upon its recognition as an Exemplary High Performing School. The new state award replaces the federal awards cancelled after 43 years.
Catholic School Choirs Doubly Blessed in Christmas Competition
Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Swarthmore and Holy Innocents School in Philadelphia won a local radio station’s contest that garnered them thousands of dollars in prize money and an invaluable experience.
Advent Retreatants at Cathedral Reminded ‘Christ Himself is Present in the Poor’
Dozens of participants at a retreat Dec. 13 reflected on “Dilexi Te,” the recent letter of Pope Leo XIV, on the need to encounter marginalized people with love, and on the ways indifference to them can occur.
Local Parishes Evangelize with Advent, Christmas Decor
Many parish volunteers are hard at work decorating their church as they’ve done for years, while others place laser-focus on the days of Advent at hand.
17 Catholic High School and Special Education Educators Honored for Long Service
Teachers and administrators marking 25 years of dedicated service, including one teacher celebrating his 50th year, will receive the Archdiocese of Philadelphia High School and Special Education Service Award.
Local Catholic Relief Services Group Raising Funds for Humanitarian Aid
The CRS Philadelphia Advocacy Chapter is seeking community support for its Save Lives campaign, which aims to sustain critical humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations worldwide amid significant funding cutbacks.
Local Donors Raise Record $2.2 Million Through #iGiveCatholic
Nearly 9,000 donors raised a record-breaking $2,213,146 for Catholic parishes, schools, and charitable ministries throughout the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia through #iGiveCatholic on GivingTuesday.
Surprise Engagement Proposal at School Shows Couple’s Deep Catholic Roots
Ed Peterson shocked Ashley Dougherty – both teachers in Catholic grade schools – when he asked “Will you marry me?” in the presence of her young students. The couple (she accepted!) will join a long family line of Catholic educators.
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Launching Program to Mentor Young Priests
Thanks to a $10 million grant, St. Charles and three other U.S. Catholic seminaries will provide training and ongoing evaluation to ensure transitional deacons and newly ordained priests receive guidance in their early parish assignments.
Audited Reports Show Surplus in Archdiocese’s Finances for 2025
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia reported a $2 million core operating surplus. It was the eighth consecutive year for a surplus, marking a significant improvement from the $17.6 million deficit in 2012.