Local News
Two priests ruled unsuitable for ministry in Philadelphia Archdiocese
An archdiocesan board of experts deemed Father Andrew McCormick (substantiated child abuse) and Msgr. Gregory Parlante (drug and theft conviction) unfit for ministry.
Prayers of ‘reparation’ for sex abuse set for Sept. 14 at Cathedral
The archdiocese is planning a seven-hour vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, “Have Mercy on Us, O Lord" to atone for "our own sins and those of our bishops and priests" and pray for a "restoration of holiness."
Sexual harassment claims at St. Charles Seminary under investigation
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Investigations is looking into allegations of sexual harassment from a former student at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary dating to 2010-2011.
Report details rape of children, culture of secrecy that fanned it
Even though the Pa. grand jury report is long and painful, knowing what happened is "the only way to fix these problems," wrote the 23 jurors who probed child sexual abuse in the church over 70 years.
Statements from bishops of dioceses named in grand jury abuse report
The following are excerpts of statements, links to the full statements and other resources, made by the bishops of the six Pennsylvania dioceses named in a grand jury report Aug. 14 on clergy sexual abuse.
Archdiocese lays out 10 steps of care for children, aid to victims, in 15 years
Although the Philadelphia Archdiocese was not named in the new grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, the church detailed reforms since 2003 to protect young people.
Hotlines aim to help ease trauma of sexual abuse revelations
The Pa. Office of Victim Advocate, Pa. Coalition Against Rape and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Child and Youth Protection are offering to help anyone reading the grand jury report.
Bishops ‘shamed’ by ‘sins, omissions’ of priests, bishops leading to abuse
The prelates' joint statement was issued in response to the release Aug. 14 of a grand jury report based on a two-year-long probe into sexual abuse claims in six Pennsylvania dioceses.
Pennsylvania grand jury says church was interested in hiding abuse
A Pennsylvania grand jury report issued Aug. 14 paints a picture of a Catholic Church in six of the state's dioceses that for decades handled claims of sex abuse of minors under its care by hiding the allegations and its victims.
Calix Society counters addiction through life in Christ
Often called the "Catholic AA," the Glenside-based international organization helps members stay sober from alcohol and drugs through the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.