Archbishop Perez's messages
Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Regarding Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia
Archbishop Perez released the statement Jan. 31 regarding the crash of a plane in Northeast Philadelphia. Catholic Social Services stood ready to assist individuals in need.

Local News
Bronze Sculptures of Father Bill Atkinson to Help Keep His Legacy Alive
In addition to raising funds to complete up to three sculptures, friends of the late Augustinian quadriplegic priest from Delaware County, who is on the path toward sainthood, say he continues “to offer people hope.”
City Archdiocesan High Schools and Parochial Elementary Schools to Utilize Flexible Instruction Day Feb. 6
Archdiocesan high schools and elementary schools in Philadelphia will utilize a flexible instruction day Feb. 6 due to projected inclement weather in the region.
Hundreds of Students Learn Value of Service at Catholic Schools Week Project with Archbishop Pérez
Students of Catholic elementary and secondary schools, plus schools of special education, packaged 1,500 care bags for people visiting a Catholic social agency during an activity Jan. 30 that underscored everyone’s vocation to serve those in need.

Photo features
St. Charles Seminary Hosts 12th Annual John Cardinal Foley Lecture
The annual John Cardinal Foley Lecture was held on Monday, Feb. 3 at Gwynedd Mercy University. This year’s speaker was Monte Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News.
Photos: Mass for World Day for Consecrated Life
See photos from the Feb. 2 Mass for the World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrating the total and lifelong offering to God made by those in the consecrated life.
Profile
Young Catholic School Teacher Receives Top Award for Literacy Work
Erica Braunlinger, 24, of St. Mary Magdalen School in Media, was recognized by the International Literacy Association for her work in helping fourth-grade children overcome reading difficulties in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
Commentaries
In This Jubilee Year, Let’s Sing a Hymn to Human Dignity
Sister Constance Veit points out that the holy year the church is celebrating calls everyone to sing in a choir of hope, which we experience by visiting the sick and the elderly.
Spirituality
Prayer of Praise to God Quiets Our Busy Lives Before Sleep
Msgr. Joseph Prior shows how the prayer of Simeon in the Temple, consoled by the infant Jesus, eases us into rest and prepares us for a new day of doing good in God's service.

Calendar of Events
Cardinal Dougherty Class of 1975 50th Reunion Set for Apr. 5
Save the date: Cardinal Dougherty Class of 1975 50th reunion will take place Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025.
Delco School to Hold Eagles Pep Rally, Raise Funds for California Wildfires Feb. 7
Saints Peter and Paul School will hold a Pep Rally to spur on spirit for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX and raise funds for victims of the wildfires in California.
EWTN News Leader to Speak in Cardinal Foley Lecture Series
Montse Alvarado will speak on “The Church and Social Communications” on Monday, Feb. 3. Sponsored by St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, due to the large expected audience, the lecture will be held at Gwynedd Mercy University.

USCCB
Human Trafficking is a Rejection of the God-given Dignity of Every Human Being
Commitment to Fidelity and Love in Marriage is a Source of Hope, says Bishop Barron

People and Events
Youth and Young Adult Ministers Retreat Highlights Importance of Jubilee Year
The Jan. 25 event, joined by Archbishop Pérez, brought ministers together to refresh and restore as they embark on the Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis
Welcoming a Child Opens New World of Joy, Pope Tells Health Workers
Health care professionals who help expectant mothers have a vocation that is an ode to life, Pope Francis said.
Warm Welcome, Hot Tickets: Sisters Help U.S. Visitors See the Pope
Smiles, laughter, prayer and strategizing abound at the Bishops' Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican.

Hispanic Catholics
La Voz de Dios Feb. 2, 2025
¡No te pierdas el próximo episodio de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos! Conversaremos con Erick Barragán, Representante Acreditado del Departamento de Justicia en la Oficina de Servicios Legales de Inmigración de Catholic Social Services de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia.