Local News
Eucharistic Procession Winds Through Olney, Joins Catholic Faithful, Residents, Police
St. Helena and St. Ambrose parishes in Lower Northeast Philadelphia hosted a procession and benediction with other local clergy and officers of the city’s 35th Police District to strengthen the neighborhood.
St. Charles Borromeo Parish’s Milestone Reminds All of God’s Love, Mission in Delco
The Drexel Hill parish, the fourth oldest in Delaware County, will launch its 175th anniversary year with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Pérez on Oct. 13 followed by a banquet.
Photo features
Alumni of St. Charles Seminary Tour New Campus
Alumni Priests of St. Charles Seminary gathered Oct. 11 at the new campus in Lower Gwynedd for Solemn Vespers followed by a reception and tours of the new buildings. See scenes from the evening.
Scenes: Annual Fall Workshop for Phila. Priests
Last week, priests throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gathered for the annual fall clergy workshops.
People and Events
Philadelphia Archdiocese Names Eileen Keefe Senior Deputy General Counsel
Keefe brings over two decades of professional experience as a lawyer, specializing in employment law and liability litigation.
Local Youth Gain Skills for Home Improvement, Carpentry, and Life
The young adults were awarded their certificates, and their own personal tool kits, in a Oct. 7 graduation ceremony.
Commentaries
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.
The Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference: A Transformative Encounter for Youth
The day-long event Nov. 23 will provide a way for faith to flourish amid the challenges youths face. Marisally Santiago, director of the Office of Ministry for Youth, tells how young people have found in PCYC a lifeline for direction, connection, and hope.
Leaving ‘Mother Overbrook’ for the Last Time, With Gratitude
Bishop Keith Chylinski, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, drove away from the permanently vacated Overbrook campus on September 30. He thanks God for the thousands who built, supported and served within those hallowed walls for over 150 years.
Spirituality
Following Jesus Requires Us to Overcome Obstacles
In this Sunday's Gospel, a man's riches pose an obstacle to following Jesus. Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the things we cling to must be renounced so we may follow Jesus on the path of life.
Profile
New Director Looks Forward to Guiding Catholic Men in Finding Their Vocations
Father David O’Brien, appointed last June to head the Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood, says he desires “to be a good example of the priesthood” and to help those interested view this vocation as a viable option.
Local Woman’s Kindness Ministry Surprises Strangers with Fresh, Recycled Flowers
Patricia Gallagher, a parishioner at Corpus Christi Parish in Lansdale, leads the Happy Flower Day Project, spreading kindness to others by giving recycled flowers a fresh purpose.
Calendar of Events
St. Martin de Porres Mass Set for Nov. 3
The Office for Black Catholics will hold a Mass of celebration for St. Martin de Porres on his feast day, Nov. 3, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Catholic Historical Research Center to Hold Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Latest Exhibit Oct. 24
Get a behind the scenes look at "Finest Wheat: The Story of the 41st International Eucharistic Congress" on Oct. 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
IHM Sisters to Hold Young Adult Holy Hour Oct. 17
Young adults are invited to join the IHM Sisters in praying for the needs of our Church and world as well as each other during a Eucharistic Holy Hour at Villa Maria House of Studies at 7:00 p.m.
Video Features
Archdiocese Kicks Off New School Year with Pep Rally | Watch Replay of Event
Watch a replay of the official kick-off celebration for the 2024-2025 school year in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with a pep rally led by Archbishop Pérez Oct. 2 at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills.
Spirit of Synodality About ‘Relationships and Dialogue,’ says Archbishop
In a new video, the archbishop sits down with Julia Osęka, St. Joseph University student and voting delegate for the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, for a candid conversation ahead of the Oct. 2 synod opening in Rome.
Pope Francis
Synodal Leadership Can Ease a Bishop’s Burdens, Speakers Say
A bishop who runs his diocese like a "monarch" is not only not acting synodally, but he probably is lonely and stressed, said theologians advising the Synod of Bishops.
From on High: A Rare Glimpse from the Top of St. Peter’s Baldachin
More than two dozen popes have celebrated Mass under the giant canopy that rises over the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica, but the impressive view from the top of 100-foot-tall bronze structure has been reserved for a select few: cleaners, contractors and restoration experts.