Local News
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia Reports Rise in Giving, Expanded Services in Latest Annual Report
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s latest annual report shows increased charitable giving helped expand services to more than 205,000 people across the region in fiscal year 2025.
Priest Keeps Focus on Prayer, Road Ahead on Fundraising Bike Ride
Msgr. James Oliver’s Pedal for the Parish, a 120-mile ride with parishioners past Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks, aims to raise $60,000 for St. Bridget Parish.
Archbishop Pérez Elected to Papal Foundation Board of Trustees
The Papal Foundation has elected Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia to its Board of Trustees, where he will help oversee global grantmaking and scholarship programs supporting the Holy Father’s charitable priorities in developing nations.
US Bishops Consecrate America to Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Sacred Heart reveals the healing love that Jesus has for everyone, say Catholic leaders, and all are invited to consecrate themselves to the Lord.
Corpus Christi Procession Draws North Philly Residents Closer to Christ
Dozens joined a procession of the Blessed Sacrament from St. Malachy Church across Broad Street to the Church of the Gesu in North Philadelphia, strengthening the faith of Catholics and reaching out to the curious.
Spirituality
Like a Shepherd, Christ Lovingly Leads His Flock to Life
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how sheep who stray from their shepherd are in danger. The imagery of God as shepherd of His flock culminates in Jesus the Good Shepherd, who gives His life for His flock and calls new shepherds for our time.

Sports
More Than 300 Archdiocesan Seniors Set for College Athletics
AOP athletics announced that 310 graduating seniors will compete in college sports in 2026–27, with football, baseball, and basketball topping the most represented sports.
Commentaries
Archbishop Pérez Shares Encouraging Planning Study Results and the Path Ahead
The Catholic Church of Philadelphia has completed a campaign planning study that drew input from more than 2,000 families to help guide Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez’s Trust and Hope pastoral vision. The findings show strong support for Archdiocesan priorities and a readiness among the faithful to help advance the Church’s mission.
Summer Novena at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish to Focus on Faith, Freedom
The Doylestown parish will feature a guest speaker on each of the nine nights of prayer from July 8 to July 16, the parish feast day. The faithful will ask the intercession of the Blessed Mother and renew trust in God’s providence.

Photo features
Archbishop Pérez Celebrates Mass, Meets Parishioners at St. Michael Church
Archbishop Nelson Pérez visited St. Michael Church in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood June 7, celebrating Mass and spending time with parishioners afterward.
Neumann-Goretti Seniors Gather for Baccalaureate Mass at Cathedral
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated SS. John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School’s annual Baccalaureate Mass on June 4 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. See our photo gallery.
Father Judge Seniors Gather for Baccalaureate Mass in Philadelphia
Father Judge High School seniors and their families gathered June 2 at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Philadelphia, where Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated the annual Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2026.

People and Events
Little Flower HS Establishes $300K Scholarship Endowment Honoring Sister Mary Scullion
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls announced a $300,000 endowed scholarship fund June 9, honoring alumna Sister Mary Scullion and expanding access to four-year tuition support for students in need.

Vatican News
This Week: Pope Leo Visits Spain With Message of Unity, Care for Migrants
CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of June 7, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.
Profile
Andrew Santoleri: Faithful Altar Server, Prayer Warrior, and Model of Holiness
The young man with Down syndrome keeps Jesus and the Blessed Mother at the center of his life, and his prayerfulness inspires his family, friends, and parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle in Glen Mills.
Second Chances, New Beginnings: Building Futures for At-Risk Youth
Once a sixth‑grader expelled from school, Ken Whalen now helps Philadelphia teens build skills, confidence, and second chances through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Youth Skills Building Program.
Port Richmond’s Nativity B.V.M. Senior Community Center: Transforming Lives, One Visit at a Time
Jennifer Scornaienchi has spent more than two decades transforming the lives of older adults, offering community, compassion, and vital services through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Nativity B.V.M. Senior Community Center.
Families Open Their Hearts and Homes to People with Disabilities Through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia Program
Wendy Cadet helps lead Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Life Sharing Through Family Living program, giving children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities the chance to grow and thrive in loving homes.
Our New Priests
Power of Prayer, Personal Invitation Lead Montco. Man to Priesthood
Souderton resident Alexander Cross will be ordained a priest May 16 thanks to the encouragement of his best friend in college and the ardent prayers of his late pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Sellersville.
Intense Focus on Prayer, Service Led Seminarian to Cusp of Priesthood
Deacon Dominic Mirenda found the seminary’s Spiritual Year, with its disconnect from media, “the best year of my life.” After his ordination May 16, he’ll grow closer to God and help all souls get to heaven.
Doylestown Man Finally Will Serve People He Loves as a Priest
In college Deacon Charles Cappelli wondered if he could be a priest to bring Christ in the Eucharist to his friends. After his ordination May 16, he will be able to do that, just as Jesus fed the 5,000.
Priestly Calling Woven Throughout Deacon Thomas Cipolla’s Life
The Jenkintown resident began discerning his priestly calling as a boy asking his father to drive past the seminary’s Wynnewood campus. He will be ordained May 16.
Hope Kept Alive Deacon Declan Cole’s Boyhood Promise to Become a Priest
Doubts and other life options put the priestly vocation in question for the young Bucks County man, but a reliance on hope in Christ and on prayer have him ready for ordination May 16.
Sent With Mother’s Love From Nigeria, Called by God to Priesthood
When Deacon Jude Opara is ordained a priest for Philadelphia May 16 by Archbishop Pérez, he will have his mother’s image and cloth sewn into his vestment—a tribute to his African heritage and his Catholic faith.
Calendar of Events
Daylesford Abbey to Host Program on Immigration, Racism, and Climate Justice June 27
Sister Carol Zinn will lead a June 27 program at Daylesford Abbey examining immigration, racism and climate through the lens of justice.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Rummage Sale to Benefit Local Community
The Ladies of Mount Carmel will hold a June 22–25 rummage sale featuring gently used items, with proceeds supporting parish efforts.
Quo Vadis Days Summer Camp for High School Men Set for June 22-25
Participants can expect a blend of engaging talks, recreational activities, and group discussions that encourage thoughtful reflection on their vocation, whether it be the priesthood, religious life, or marriage.

USCCB
U.S. Bishops Affirm Advancement of a Cause of Beatification and Canonization for Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh
U.S. Bishops Affirm Advancement of a Cause of Beatification and Canonization for the Servant of God John Rick Miller, Lay Person

Hispanic Catholics
Llamados a la Esperanza: Del Testimonio del Papa al Futuro de Nuestros Graduandos – La Voz de Dios June 7, 2026
En esta edición de La Voz de Dios, conversamos con el Arzobispo Nelson Pérez sobre el histórico anuncio de que el Papa León XIV recibirá la Liberty Medal 2026 en Filadelfia, uno de los reconocimientos más prestigiosos otorgados a líderes que han dedicado su vida a promover la libertad, la dignidad humana, la justicia y la paz.

