Local News
62nd annual Christmas party for kids might be biggest, best yet
More than 550 children served by Catholic Social Services' agencies enjoyed the annual Archbishop's Christmas Gala Dec. 21. This year's party had a first: a live Nativity play with animals on a busy Philadelphia street.
Listen to Archbishop Chaput’s Christmas greeting
Archbishop Charles Chaput speaks to all CatholicPhilly.com readers in his new audio message. He hopes that everyone may imitate the boundless love of Jesus Christ and care for the sick, the poor and all those in need as we celebrate the feast of the Nativity.
‘Misinformation’ seen as reason for veto of Pa. abortion bill
Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed pro-life legislation that "would have strengthened" the state's Abortion Control Act "by banning the cruel and brutal practice of dismemberment abortions," said the state Catholic conference.
Filipino tradition of ‘novena’ of Masses becoming popular in Phila.
The Advent custom of Simbang Gabi, popular in the Philippine Islands and wherever Filipinos have migrated, will be celebrated in the archdiocese with Masses on nine successive nights at various churches before Christmas.
Archdiocese names new head of Catholic elementary education
By welcoming Andrew McLaughlin to a restructured post, the Philadelphia Archdiocese seeks to renew focus on parish and regional Catholic grade schools. McLaughlin, currently head of special education, begins his new role in February.
Archbishop brings fellowship, ‘word of Jesus’ to Phila. prisoners
When Archbishop Charles Chaput visited the sprawling Curran-Fromhold prison Dec. 18, assured the inmates they are not forgotten. His message of hope was not lost on his grateful listeners.
At home for disabled youths, $10K helps them feel ‘like any other kid’
A fund drive by the Catholic Charities Appeal on #GivingTuesday will help St. Edmond’s Home to buy equipment aiding children with profound physical challenges. There was reason to rejoice when a $10,870 check was presented -- see our video.
States bring lawsuit challenging religious exemption to mandate
A federal court in Philadelphia heard oral arguments Dec. 14 in a suit that aims to take away the exemption granted to the Little Sisters of the Poor and other religious employers allowing them to refuse to cover contraceptives for their employees.
Archdiocese releases financial info on nearly a dozen church entities
Following last month's release of audited financial statements for its Office for Financial Services, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia released 14 additional statements Dec. 15 for operations concerning human services, education and cemeteries.
Bill to ban dismemberment abortions in Pa. sails through House
A bill that had previously passed in the Senate was approved Dec. 12 by a vote of 121-70 in the Republican-controlled state House of Representatives. Pro-lifers lauded the bill's bipartisan support -- watch a video after the vote.