Local News
Local priest takes a step toward sainthood
At an Oct. 19 ceremony, the Philadelphia Archdiocese announced it will send the canonization cause of Augustinian Father Bill Atkinson -- the Catholic Church's first quadriplegic priest -- to the Vatican.
Changes in clergy assignments announced
Archbishop Nelson Perez announced additional assignments for two archdiocesan priests Oct. 21.
Young adults ‘connect, grow and share’ faith to reach others
An Oct. 16 holy hour officially launched the archdiocesan Office for Ministry with Young Adults, beginning a new journey for a new generation, said Archbishop Nelson Pérez.
Obituaries
Lou Baldwin, Catholic journalist for 35 years, dies at 86
The husband, father of nine, journalist and gentleman known by Philadelphia Catholics for his bylines on The Catholic Standard and Times and CatholicPhilly.com, died Oct. 18 in Philadelphia. Funeral services are set for Oct. 23 at St. Christopher Church.
Commentaries
Synod calls us to listen to the Holy Spirit, and one another
The archdiocese, along with all other local Catholic communities in the world, is beginning a period of listening -- to one another and to the Holy Spirit -- writes editor Matthew Gambino. It will take courage both to share our journey of faith, and to listen to people on the margins.
Lessons from a COVID-19 infection
Greg Erlandson's breakthrough COVID infection, now that he is better, has him grateful for the kindness of his wife and friends while quarantined. But he is haunted by 700,000 deaths in the U.S., and those who are still dying unnecessarily.
Knowing when it’s time to pivot
Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger believed birth control was "the pivot of civilization," preventing the "human waste" of the "unfit" from burdening society. After decades of contraception and abortion, we must turn back to the author of life, writes Gina Christian.
Calendar of Events
Theology on Tap coming to St. Charles Seminary
The event for young adults, ages 21-35, is set for Friday, Oct. 22. A holy hour with eucharistic adoration begins at 6 p.m., with the main feature -- a panel discussion with seminarians -- to follow. Music and fun continue until 10:30.
Devon Prep to host 3-on-3 basketball tourney
Devon Preparatory School invites young men and boys from middle school to high school to compete in the tournament with cash prizes in each of four age brackets on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Catholic school in Devon.
Virtual talk on personal authenticity offered Oct. 14
The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia presents its Catholic Leadership Speaker Series with Dr. James Smith Jr. speaking on "The Pursuit of Authenticity: Personal Power, Personal Responsibility and Faith – A Powerful Combination."
Christmas bazaar returns to King of Prussia parish
Mother of Divine Providence Parish will hold its 20th annual Christmas Craft Fair and Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Parish Center will be filled with vendors, food and fun.
National News
Supreme Court keeps Texas abortion ban in place, says it will review it
The high court will give an expedited review of the law Nov. 1. It has been alternately blocked and allowed since it became effective Sept. 1. The court did not agree to use the case to possibly overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide.
Discontent with Biden administration grows among immigrant advocates
With the "Remain in Mexico" policy set to resume in November, a number of migrant allies are increasingly at odds with the President's stance, which continues protocols set by the previous administration.
With numbers growing in U.S., more Hispanics involved in church, community
Representing almost 19% of the country's population, Hispanics are increasingly active in the Catholic Church in the U.S., and pastoral leaders are expanding their outreach to them.
World News
Spirituality, encounter at heart of World Mission Sunday, cardinal says
Ahead of the Oct. 24 observance, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said the church must recover a sense that "each baptized person is a missionary of the kingdom of God."
Vatican formalizes process for approving liturgical translations
The new protocol requires bishops' conferences to "faithfully prepare versions of the liturgical books in vernacular languages," with attention to the original text, the language of translation and those who speak it.
Yad Vashem names two French clergy as Righteous Among the Nations
Cardinal Eugène Tisserant and Msgr. André Bouquin posthumously received the World Holocaust Remembrance Center's highest honor for those who risked their lives to rescue Jews from the Nazis during World War II.
Spirituality
3 steps to a joyful life, not necessarily happiness
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the readings for this Sunday's Mass and how our mindfulness of God's care for his children, our relationship with him and his fidelity allow us to rejoice in hope, no matter the circumstances of life.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read, listen to or watch videos of the Mass readings with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Photo features
Young adults pray, share good company at shrine
Catholic young adults gathered at the St. John Neumann Shrine in Philadelphia for a night of prayer and friendship, joined by Archbishop Nelson Perez, who led a holy hour and benediction.
Holy Child Sisters mark milestone with new shrine at cathedral
The Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus celebrated their 175th anniversary in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, where a new shrine has been dedicated to Venerable Cornelia Connelly, founder of the order of religious sisters, who was born in Philadelphia in 1809.
Documents in Father Atkinson’s cause presented in ceremony
Archbishop Nelson Perez and officials working on the cause for sainthood of Father Bill Atkinson affixed signatures and seals for more than 3,000 pages of documentation on the late priest to the Vatican for further review.
Culture
‘Dune’ brings beloved sci-fi saga back to the big screen
The latest adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic novel blends costume drama, an against-the-odds quest and a parable into a mysterious and gripping film for older teens and adults.
‘Deathloop’ keeps violence on spin cycle
Despite its innovative design, the gritty action-puzzle game featuring a band of reveling criminals circles harsh terrain and morally shaky ground.
‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ gets a lot of things right
The animated comedy about a wayward robot toy teaches valuable lessons about the nature of friendship, and the dangers of consumerism and peer pressure.