News

Bishops to concelebrate Mass at historic African-American Catholic church

The Mass at St. Peter Claver Church in Baltimore Nov. 14 is the first day of their fall general assembly. St. Peter of Claver has the largest African-American Catholic congregation in the city and has a long-standing tradition of civil rights activism.

Deceased cardinals, bishops witnessed to God’s mercy, pope says

The Vatican booklet for the Mass listed the seven cardinals and 136 bishops from around the world who died since Oct. 25, 2015. The deceased included five bishops from mainland China, all of whom had served time in prison or labor camps because of their ministry.

Catholic women celebrate ‘spiritual sisterhood’ at shrine

More than 1,200 women attended the Catholic Women's Conference Saturday at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, featuring Mass with Archbishop Chaput, strong speakers and rich faith.

Cardinal Nichols apologizes to unmarried women coerced to give up babies

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster expressed regret for the actions of the church in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s when about 500,000 British women were encouraged to give up their babies for adoption.

SS. Simon and Jude School welcomes new principal

Sister Regina Elinich, I.H.M., now leads the 345 students of the West Chester parochial school. She brings years of educational leadership experience in Philadelphia, Allentown and other areas.

All people long for mercy, pope tells religious leaders

Authentic religions help people understand that they are, in fact, loved and can be forgiven and are called to love and forgive others, Pope Francis said.

Election outcome expected to influence religious freedom in health care

The panelists expressed concern over the erosion of conscience protections for hospitals and health care workers and the rights of individuals to choose a doctor who aligns with their religious beliefs and to purchase insurance without paying for health services that they morally oppose.

With deficit dwindling, archdiocese’s finances firming up

Audited financial statements released Nov. 3 for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's 2016 fiscal year showed a $300,000 deficit, down from $700,000 the previous year. A similar report for the World Meeting of Families showed it exceeding its $45 million goal.

2015-2016 Audited Financial Statements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

See the statements for the archdiocesan Office for Financial Services with supplemental narrative and statements for the World Meeting of Families with supplemental narrative.

Foundation of faith: Religious patch cracks left in wake of disaster

When the Benedictine monks in Norcia led residents in prayer before the ruins of their medieval city, they showed one way the church steps into action in times of crisis.