Profile
If Catholic Church owns up to its racism, it can change, says scholar
Tia Noelle Pratt, a St. Joseph’s professor, studies the history of racism toward Black Catholics. “People are working toward justice,” said the member of St. Matthias Parish in Bala Cynwyd. “The church can be fixed.”
With Mercedarians, Anne DeSantis leads ministry to the divorced
The parishioner of Corpus Christi in Lansdale deepened her faith through the Mercedarian Fathers. As director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation, she is "reaching out to people who are suffering, supporting marriage and families in all ways.”
Even with stellar credentials, his hobbies may serve him best
Superintendent of Elementary Education Dr. Andrew McLaughlin has numerous degrees and years of experience. But he will rely on the patience of fly fishing and the attention to detail of woodworking as he leads Catholic grade schools.
Family man now leads area’s largest pro-life organization
Tom Stevens, head of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, has pro-life credentials tracing back to his days as an economics student at Villanova University, where he met his wife. A "bridge-builder," his specialty is helping organizations grow.
Exec with long link to Miraculous Medal Shrine takes the reins
Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag, a former health care executive, has been named to lead the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, the first woman to do so in its 103-year history. Given her own history and devotion to Mary, it's a natural fit.
What’s a nice Presbyterian doing in a Catholic convent?
Ask Sister Kimberly Kessler, who last month took perpetual vows as a Sister of the Redeemer, and she will say the yearning for God in her heart came from her Protestant parents and the witness of Catholic sisters.
From South Philly to corporate suite, Valletta’s business is helping people
Andrew Valletta grew up in a row home with his extended family, where he learned about hard work, love and the Catholic faith. He'll apply them all to growing the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, for which he is the new CEO.
Raised Catholic then lapsed, she now has ‘a love affair with God’
When Cynthia Brown of Our Lady of Hope Parish decided to reengage her Catholic faith in memory of her father, she hit the ground running. She leads so many Catholic initiatives, she was awarded a special medal.
Twin sisters heard God’s call and entered religious life together
Sister Regina Christine O’Brien, I.H.M., and Sister Regina Anita O’Brien, I.H.M., are celebrating their more than 60 years ministering in the archdiocese. They even taught first grade at the same school, with more than 80 children in each class.
Lay woman heads the Philos for first time in 167-year history
Theresa Flanagan Murtaugh recently became the 77th president of the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute. The Delaware County attorney, wife, mother of three and active parishioner is working to "make our area a better place."