Profile

Youngest-ever head of Catholic Charities sees hope Appeal gives

The Catholic Charities Appeal has appointed William J. (Bill) Phelan IV as president of its Board of Directors. The 37-year-old Philadelphia native and lawyer seeks to engage young donors, and everyone, with the CCA.

Protestant speaker proves pro-life isn’t just for Catholics

Scott Klusendorf, an Evangelical Christian, has been committed to the pro-life movement for 30 years, almost as long as the Pennsylvanians for Human Life have held their annual banquet at which he spoke Feb. 23.

Priest mentor to Archbishop Perez still going strong at 89

Father Michael Feketie befriended the family of Archbishop Nelson Perez in his boyhood and inspired him to be a priest. The Newark archdiocesan priest proudly watched his protege while serving in the ministry he loves.

Married couple shares life, hope with people at end of theirs

Funeral director Jim Brady and his wife Amanda, a 911 dispatcher, take nothing for granted -- including each other and the love they've shared since high school.

Retiring from the service, he embarks on new service to church

Lifelong Catholic and U.S. Coast Guard Officer Michael Anastasi will turn his life of service to a new direction, as security director for the National Shrine of St. Rita in South Philadelphia.

Serving the world’s poor, she’s making a difference in it

Clare Pressimone, a program manager for Catholic Relief Services currently serving in Afghanistan, took a home break to speak at Merion Mercy Academy. The Cabrini University grad's work links charity with justice.

Busy exec rallies area businesses to help homeless, hungry

Linda McDonough, president of the Catholic Charities Appeal's board of directors, says corporate giving sustains local Catholic ministries serving the most vulnerable amid challenging times for the church.

From humble means, Fitzpatrick honored as leading banker

Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, president of Citizens Bank Mid-Atlantic region and originally from Northeast Philadelphia, joined distinguished company Nov. 22 when he received the Barry Award by the American Catholic Historical Society.

Beautiful duet: Couple sings of half-century teaching music

Carol Brennan has been sharing the joy of music with students of St. Martin of Tours School -- whom she believes are better academically and socially for their exposure to music -- for 50 years, along with her husband John for 48.

Author, teacher tells how to hang out with women of Bible

In her intimate portraits of the faithful women of the Old Testament, Sarah Christmyer's new book is like "having a cup of coffee" with them. Her life from faithful Protestant to proud Catholic is no less remarkable.