Catholic Philly – News from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Archbishop Perez's messages

Archbishop Pérez offers Ramadan greetings to area’s Muslims

In the holy month, the archbishop lauded the friendship of Christians and Muslims that "bears great fruit during a time of anxiety. Together as a united human family, we are people whose hearts are grounded in faith and hope."

Local News

‘Ministry of belonging’ connects young adults with, without intellectual disabilities

An archdiocesan effort is working to create genuine, person-to-person encounters among the next generation of faithful to "build a more just and compassionate community" for all. Several archdiocesan parishes and schools are doing just that.

Donation drive lets women and girls ‘Take Back the Month’

Archdiocesan Catholic Social Services has launched a new campaign to collect feminine hygiene products for low-income households, preserving both health and human dignity.

Scholarship auction offers ‘Tuition4Me,’ and a win for all

An online fundraiser hosted by SS. Neumann-Goretti High School is helping to cut college costs, while raising money and boosting pandemic-hit higher education admissions.

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Knowing what to die for shows you how to live, says archbishop

Philadelphia's recently retired shepherd, Archbishop Charles Chaput, sits down with Inside CatholicPhilly.com to share key insights from his latest book, "Things Worth Dying For: Thoughts on a Life Worth Living."

Photo features

St. Kevin Parish, Springfield hosts archbishop for youth Mass

The parishioners of the Delaware County parish, led by their pastor, Father John Moloney, welcomed Archbishop Nelson Pérez as he celebrated a Mass for youth on Sunday, April 11.

Archbishop Pérez confirms young Catholics at cathedral

The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul was a fitting place for the sacrament of confirmation April 11 as the archbishop confirmed several young people in a solemn Mass.

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Commentaries

EcoPhilly launches local effort to take better care of creation

Backed by Archbishop Pérez and led by Nicholas Collura and John Humphreys, the group is empowering Catholic parishioners to take up ways of combatting climate change, caring for local wildlife and practicing environmental stewardship.

Sharing abundantly, without holding back

Katie Prejean McGrady's young daughter wanted to give a gift because she loved her teacher, showing how we should take intentional time this Easter to look for ways we can give.

Our colorful answer to the culture’s greyness

Homes, walls, clothes: grey is a popular color that reflects the conformity of our age, writes Father Eric Banecker. The vigor of a robust Catholicism can bring beauty and light to our world.

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Spirituality

Proclaiming Jesus’ victory in what we say and do

It is our responsibility to proclaim the peace and joy of the risen Jesus to all through our words of encouragement and caring deeds, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on this Sunday's readings for Mass.

Readings of the Holy Mass – Third Sunday of Easter

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.

Dancing on our graves with the risen Christ

The Resurrection creates a new soundtrack for life, one that enables us to move through loss with grace and joy, writes Gina Christian.

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National News

California lifts indoor worship rules; bishops say safety still a priority

A day after California lifted its mandatory limits on indoor worship, the bishops of the state's 12 Catholic dioceses called for "responsible and safe" worship, and for people to get vaccinated.

For true healing, abuse survivors urge church to hear their stories

Survivors of sexual abuse are inviting the Catholic Church -- from parishioners to the bishops who lead dioceses -- to join them on their journey toward healing and reconciliation during April.

Court says Ohio can ban Down syndrome abortions

A federal appeals court, in a 9-7 decision, upheld an Ohio law that prohibits doctors from knowingly participating performing an abortion because of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

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World News

U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan may risk civil war, says priest in Kabul

An Italian Barnabite priest questions whether talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban can succeed as the U.S. prepares to pull out of the country after 20 years.

Christians, Muslims must spread hope, says Vatican message for Ramadan

God calls the faithful of both religions to be "witnesses, restorers and builders of hope" both in this life and the next, said the leaders of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

As pandemic worsens in Brazil, pope tells bishops to be one with people

"Everyone knows what it takes. It is possible to overcome the pandemic," Pope Francis said in a video. "But we can do so only if we are united." Critics say Brazil has refused to adopt "evidence-based public health measures."

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Calendar of Events

Virtual career fair for teachers slated for April 16

The Philadelphia Archdiocese is seeking educators interested in teaching pre-K3 through eighth grade for the 2021-2022 academic year. Registration deadline is April 13.

Women veterans invited to free online retreat

“The Flower That Shatters the Stone: A Springtime Retreat for Women Veterans” will be held April 17 -- join other women vets in discovering the beauty and promise we hold.

St. Rita Shrine hosts healing Mass Sunday, April 18

The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia invites you and your loved ones for the monthly healing Mass to offer your burdens to the loving and tender mercy of God.

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Obituaries

Sister Joan Grelis dies, was Sister of St. Joseph for 78 years

After graduating from Little Flower High School, she entered religious life in 1942 and would go on to minister in four dioceses, including in Philadelphia.

Sister Mary Elizabeth Kratzinger dies at 85

She was a Sister of St. Joseph for almost 68 years, ministering for all those years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, primarily as a longtime teacher at archdiocesan high schools as well as St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Sister Cora Marie McGuire, M.S.B.T., dies at 91

The Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity spent 72 years of religious life primarily in religious education and parish life, from New England to the Mid-Atlantic states.

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Culture

What would St. Thomas Aquinas think of marijuana?

"How to Feel Good and How Not To" offers a Thomistic framework for thinking through the ethics of using marijuana, alcohol and other mood-altering drugs.

‘American Oz’ peeks into flawed wizard behind the curtain

The adventurous and complicated life of Frank Baum, who wrote the children's novel that transformed into the beloved "The Wizard of Oz" film, is the subject of a PBS documentary.

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