Local News
Blessed for Broad Street at the Mummers Mass
The Dec. 31 liturgy at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in South Philadelphia drew hundreds together for a celebration of faith, family and fun.
Bikers rev up Christmas for teens at archdiocesan home
The Delaware Valley Iron Indian Riders braved the cold on Dec. 21 to deliver toys to kids living at the St. Francis-St. Joseph and St. Vincent Homes for Children.
A Philadelphia story: Christmas Eve, 1941
A Philadelphia native, now living abroad, shares the story of his family's roots in the now closed Immaculate Conception Parish in Germantown, and of the Catholic faith that endures generations later.
Archdiocesan outreach ‘builds the blessings’ at Christmas
Teri Mitchell and the staff at Catholic Social Services' Bucks County Family Center involve parishes, family and friends in an annual toy drive that brightens the holiday for hundreds of area kids.
Santa, priest and police ‘raise a holiday ruckus’ for archdiocesan agency
More than 30 Philadelphia Police officers and their families, led by Oblate Father Steven Wetzel and a jolly man in red, spread Christmas cheer on Dec. 19 to kids at a Catholic Social Services center in the city's northeast section.
Latino tradition is a ‘dress rehearsal’ for Christmas
"Las Posadas," which reenact Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem over nine evenings, keep area faithful focused on the true meaning of the holiday through song, Scripture and homemade snacks.
Christmas show turns tears into triumph
After his mother's death last month, Father Angelo Hernandez didn't have the heart to stage his annual kids' Christmas drama -- until he consulted his executive producer.
Released from ICE detention, couple comes home to South Philly for Christmas
Five months after being arrested by immigration officials -- and 20 years after fleeing religious and ethnic persecution -- an Indonesian husband and wife return to family and friends, with stronger faith and hope for eventual U.S. citizenship.
At Christmas party, 500 kids enjoy bash for Jesus’ birthday
Archbishop Charles Chaput and scores of volunteers hosted the cap on a year's worth of fundraising for Catholic Social Services' programs for at-risk children and youth -- with a party just for them Dec. 19.
Solar robots, slime top afterschool program’s Christmas list
Archdiocesan Out of School Time sites have launched an Amazon Smile Campaign asking donors for much-needed materials that will provide science education for hundreds of at-risk youth.