Photo features
Seven Seminarians Called to Priestly Candidacy at Mass
St. Charles Borromeo seminarians from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia received the call to candidacy for ordination to the priesthood during a Mass celebrated Nov. 4 by Archbishop Nelson Pérez.
Black Catholics Honor St. Martin de Porres at 61st Annual Mass
The 61st annual Mass in honor of St. Martin de Porres drew hundreds of Catholic faithful from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Sunday night, Nov. 3 to the Cathedral Basilica.
Local News
Events to Focus on Hearing God’s Call to Priesthood, Religious Life
National Vocation Awareness Week is Nov. 3-9, a time for discovering that priesthood is challenging. According to Father David O’Brien though, “it’s amazing to be a priest.”
St. John’s Parishioners Devote Two Days to Mission of Service, Joy
Members of St. John Chrysostom Parish in Wallingford, Delaware County, hosted MissionFest Oct. 19-20, marked by outreach to the needy, encounter with one another and solemn prayer.
Commentaries
Make November a Time for Total Recall: Of Death, Eternal Life
This month of All Saints and All Souls reminds us of our death. For writer Matthew Gambino, it's not a morbid thought but a link to those who have gone before us, and of gratitude.
Learning to Listen Through Synodality
Sister Constance Veit's recent exercise in synodality in her order, the Little Sisters of the Poor, showed that when we are willing to let go of our own priorities, together we can discern God's will for the world.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health in our Parishes
Whether we realize it or not, people with mental illness are already in our pews, writes the director of the Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities. Natalie Rivera calls for awareness, discussion and prayer, and points toward a new national Catholic campaign this month.
Spirituality
To Lay Groundwork for Vocations, Live in Humility
During Vocations Awareness Week, Father David O’Brien calls on Catholics to nurture the response of young people to follow God’s call to priesthood and religious life.
Profile
Social Worker Has Passion for Protecting Young People, ‘Making a Difference’ in Their Lives
A social worker with a lifelong passion for serving others, Robert Blake is the new Assistant Director of the Office for Child and Youth Protection in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Calendar of Events
St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation’s Annual Celebration Supper Set for Dec. 12
Gather and enjoy great food, fellowship, and learn about the good work of the foundation.
Catholic Charismatic Renewal to Host Archdiocesan Leadership Day Nov. 9
All are welcome to attend and learn more about leading prayer meetings, growing using gifts of the Holy Spirit, and spreading the news about good works within communities.
Culture
Book Shows Signs of ‘Solidarity and Mercy’ in War-Torn Ukraine
Stories of hope, on the part of survivors and the religious sisters, clergy and humanitarian workers serving Ukrainians, are the subject of a new book published this month by author Chris Herlinger, a reporter with National Catholic Reporter newspaper.
Sports
After Coaching 37 Years, Jon Heisman Still Has More to Give
The Bishop Shanahan lacrosse coach, winningest in state history, retains his passion for the sport and for making a difference in a young person’s life.
USCCB
U.S. Bishops’ President Calls for Prayers and Unity Following Presidential Election
Annual Collection Assists More than 20,000 Elderly Men and Women Religious
Pope Francis
Pope: Rome’s Jesuit-Run University Must be Rooted in Gospel, Voice of Poor
Fewer lecterns and more round tables are needed in higher education for students and staff to come together to dialogue, seek the truth and truly fulfill the mandate of a Jesuit-run institution, Pope Francis said.
Pope Offers Mass for Cardinals and Bishops Who Died in Past Year
Remembering the cardinals and bishops who died in the past year, Pope Francis prayed that after their loving service to the Catholic Church "they may exult in eternal communion with the saints."