Profile

Young pro-life leader makes time for prayer, witness at UPenn

Standing up for the sanctity of life at a large secular university takes courage. Junior nursing major Theresa Dierkes of Drexel Hill is undaunted in her commitment of joining prayer and action for life.

Bristol man traces path from Jewish youth to Catholic diaconate

Richard Malamut was raised in the Jewish tradition, and people thought he'd be a good rabbi. After marriage, parenthood and getting to know Jesus, Deacon Rich now serves and talks "about the One I love to those I love."

Part of growing order, Sister leads outreach to other religious

Sister Gabrielle Mary Braccio is settling nicely into her new role as delegate for consecrated life, representing the archdiocese to local congregations. Formerly a beautician and nurse from Atlantic City, she's among "joyful and happy" sisters.

What a person of faith looks like: At 100, she values God and family most

The big extended family of Vera Morris-Pleasant came out to celebrate her 100th birthday last month, but before the party, they complied with her request to join her at daily Mass at St. Athanasius Parish.

Immaculata senior blends prayer life, commitment to social justice

Maria Pisano looks to "light others' spark" by sharing her faith through a variety of spiritual and social outreaches on campus.

Banking, nonprofit expert ready to roll up sleeves at Faith in Future

Irene Horstmann Hannan, a successful bank manager and advocate for women and the poor, takes the reins as CEO at the foundation that runs the archdiocese's high schools and special ed schools.

Longtime parish volunteer now heads St. Charles Seminary program

After a career in health management, parish catechist, wife and mother Suzanne Mulrain now runs the School of Theological Studies at the seminary, from which she earned her graduate degree.

New Shrine director helps people ‘share your needs with Mary’

Vincentian Father Michael J. Carroll feels right at home as head of the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Germantown because his mother brought him there as a boy. Now he leads others to the Blessed Mother, and she leads them to Jesus.

Music stirred his heart, led him to cusp of priesthood

Always active in music, Deacon Kyle Adamczyk's spirituality deepened the more he led choirs and experienced the Catholic liturgy in high school and college. He will be ordained a priest for Philadelphia May 19.

Drawn by music, immersed in parish life, he’s ready for ordination

Transitional Deacon Brandon Artman will be ordained a priest in Philadelphia May 19, culminating a journey that had its seed in a model priests and sprouting through the words of an old woman in a nursing home.