Local News
Monthly music fest moves the young, and others, to deeper prayer
A thunderous noise emanates from St. Norbert Parish, Paoli, the first Friday of each month as the Festival of Praise draws Catholic teens and a range of older folks for rousing contemporary music and worship.
Three parishes in So. Phila., two in Delaware County, will partner in June
As announced last weekend, two groups of parishes each will begin a “partnership” that calls for parishes and their churches not to close but to be managed jointly by one pastor.
Transition plan eases sting of Hilltown Catholic school’s closure
Although declining enrollment is forcing St. Agnes-Sacred Heart School to close, financial aid will amount to half of the $3,935 current tuition rate to encourage enrollment at one of six nearby Catholic schools.
Music director hits the high notes at Glenside Catholic school
St. Joseph the Protector School has a music program that is producing top musicians in the archdiocese, thanks to band director Alex Schmauk, who sees the value of teaching children over a four-year period.
Archbishop Chaput: Thankful for pope’s thoughts on marriage, family
The archbishop called "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love") "a serious and extensive reflection on Christian marriage," and he echoes Pope Francis' advice to read the unusually long document with patience. In English and en Espanol.
Pinwheels point to church’s child abuse prevention efforts
Archbishop Charles Chaput led about 150 Catholic students in displaying pinwheels, "symbols of a carefree childhood," Thursday, April 7 in Philadelphia. He noted the archdiocese's training and prevention efforts.
Bishop Shanahan students lay wreath at Arlington National Cemetery
Visiting the cemetery as part of their history classes, 43 honors students of the archdiocesan high school in Downingtown participated in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Local refugees recall peace in the Middle East, not long ago
Five refugees from Middle Eastern countries who worship at St. Maron Church in South Philadelphia spoke to CatholicPhilly.com about the problems in their homelands and their peaceful lives before the wars to control oil began.
New life of faith springing from troubled city neighborhood
The Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia has many problems, but due to the efforts of a Norbertine priest, St. Gabriel Parish is strengthening from a renewed focus on the Mass and prayer outreach on the streets.
Pa. bill would ban late-term dismemberment abortions
Because a fetus can feel pain after 20 weeks' gestation and the risk to the mother's health can rise during abortions that remove the limbs of the fetus, state Rep. Kathy Rapp has called for banning the procedure.