Local News
High court’s unanimous ruling affirms church’s care of foster children
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous 9-0 decision June 17 that archdiocesan Catholic Social Services may not be excluded from placing at-risk children in foster homes because of the agency's practice not to refer to same-sex households.
After devastating fire, new deacon ‘can’t wait to serve’ those who helped his family
A month before his ordination, permanent Deacon Pascual Mota lost his home in the May 9 blaze that destroyed the former St. Leo Church in Philadelphia. Now, he's more committed than ever to his ministry.
CatholicPhilly.com captures four national media awards
The Catholic Media Association awarded the official news agency of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with awards for work produced in 2020 including photography, sports and a print edition.
Foster parents welcome Supreme Court’s decision
Expressing relief at the outcome, foster parents like Sharonell Fulton said throughout the legal process that she had been approached by same-sex couples who “were never cut out of the foster care process.” Today she remains "ready to open my home.”
National News
Bishops vote to draft teaching document on the Eucharist
The U.S. bishops approved by a wide margin -- 168-55 -- a plan to draft a document to examine the "meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the church" following a lengthy debate during their spring general assembly.
World News
Faith leaders to meet at Vatican in October to discuss climate change
Preparations for the meeting ahead of a global summit in November already have produced "a remarkable convergence of views" among religions whose "belief systems see nature as sacred, and our duty as being to protect the environment."
Seen and unseen: The role of faith, reason in the search for alien life
With the expected release this month of the U.S. Department of Defense's report on unidentified aerial phenomenon, the question of intelligent life beyond Earth's solar system is back in the limelight.
Bishop urges Nigerian government to unban Twitter
Bishop Lucius Ugorji said the nation's economy would suffer a further slide as a result of the ban, adding the country is losing socioeconomic benefits from the social media platform.
Archbishop Perez's messages
Archbishop: Court’s ruling a ‘clear affirmation of First Amendment rights’
"Today’s decision from our nation’s highest court is a profound one that rings loudly in Philadelphia and reverberates throughout the country," said Archbishop Nelson Perez on the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of the archdiocese and its foster care ministry.
Calendar of Events
Mass honoring Father Tolton set for June 26 at cathedral
A Mass honoring the heroic and virtuous life of the Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first Black Catholic priest in the U.S., will be celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Concert of patriotic music coming to St. Bede Church
A concert for the Northampton, Bucks County community will be held on the eve of Independence Day at the Catholic parish in Holland, featuring patriotic favorites and pop classics.
Listen to CatholicPhilly.com
Got enemies? Start with love
Oblate Father Thomas Dailey shares how it's possible to love even those who hurt and despise you, once you look to Christ and his example -- and that's good news for all.
People and Events
St. Eleanor Parish’s youth to hold clothing drive in June
The youth ministry group of the Collegeville, Montgomery County parish will accept clothes, shoes and small household items at the church June 26-27 to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society's outreach.
Catholic education leaders honored by Immaculata U.
Dr. Andrew McLaughlin, secretary of archdiocesan elementary education, and business executive Jerry Parsons were recently recognized for their longstanding devotion to students and their schools.
Sacred Heart parishioners lead healthy walk through town
Members of the Royersford parish organized the HEART Community Walk to celebrate the end of pandemic isolation and bring the community together on Saturday, June 5.
Spirituality
God leads us through the storms of life
Like Job, we may never understand the reasons for the sufferings we experience, but we can know for certain that the Lord who redeemed us will bring us safely through, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Photo features
Archbishop Perez ordains nine new permanent deacons
The archbishop celebrated the ordination Mass on Saturday, June 12 in the presence of the deacons' wives, families and friends, and afterward gave the men their first parish assignments.
High school presidents, principals gather for Mass
Archbishop Nelson Perez and other clergy celebrated a Mass June 14 for leadership of the 17 archdiocesan high schools, along with Office for Catholic Education officials.
Across the Aisles: Our Lady of Consolation Parish
The parishioners and clergy of the parish in the Tacony section of Northeast Philadelphia welcomed Archbishop Nelson Perez on Sunday, June 13.
Video Features
Archbishop Perez shares messages for end of school year
The archbishop offered three videos on his Facebook page for students, for parents and for school teachers and administrators.
Commentaries
More than a social agency, the church lives out teachings of Christ
The Supreme Court's decision allowing the Philadelphia Archdiocese to work without an undue burden from the government reminds all that the church isn't an NGO, but is expressing Jesus' commands of the Sermon on the Mount, writes Father Eric Banecker.
Trust restored by child’s innocence, ‘the Father’s blood’
Augustinian Father Paul Morrissey tells how his chance encounter with a little girl helped him rediscover the sense of trust that was lost in the clergy abuse scandal.
The seven ways St. Joseph models fatherhood
During this year of St. Joseph, Sarah Hanley takes the time ahead of Father's Day to remember the saint's strength and wisdom, and how today's fathers can follow his lead.