Commentaries
Reason for Hope: Catholics Entering Local Church at Highest Level in Decade
Writer Matthew Gambino has seen “lightbulb moments” when people preparing to enter the Church learn something profound about their faith. Expect more moments in the future, as the number of converts is rising.
Local News
Survey Invites Parishioners to Assess Parish Life This Lent
By asking Catholics to evaluate their faith journey and engagement with their parish, the Disciple Maker Index will help parishes refine their pastoral plans. In 2022 more than 30,000 local Catholics responded to the survey.
Little Flower Alumnae Help Students Blossom via Academic Enrichment Program
The Northeast Philadelphia Catholic high school’s Klarich Center features programs such as fashion design and vertical farming to help Little Flower students work hard on projects that challenge their creativity and achieve excellence.
Eagles Great Brian Dawkins Speaks of Faith Through Struggle at Man Up Philly
Joined by Ed Morris, father-in-law of fallen NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, presenters at the annual men’s conference March 8 pointed to Jesus Christ as the best model for how to “man up.”

Video Features
Lenten Reflection with Deacon Franz Fruehwald: Week Two
Deacon Franz Fruehwald, permanent deacon at Queen of Peace Parish in Ardsley, offers faithful a Lenten reflection for week two.
Five Reflections for Archbishop Pérez’s Fifth Anniversary: Trust and Hope
In this bonus episode, Archbishop Pérez encourages faithful to put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

Photo features
Rite of Elections Welcomes Those Entering Catholic Church
Archbishop Pérez welcomed and blessed hundreds of people preparing to enter the Catholic Church fully this Easter during recent liturgies at the cathedral.
Archbishop Attends Pastoral Listening Session at Chester County Parish
Archbishop Pérez attended a pastoral listening session held Mar. 6 at SS. Simon and Jude Parish in West Chester.
Spirituality
In Transfiguration, Christ Embraces Suffering, Transforms it Into New Life
A famous painting by Rafael presents a "wonderfully beautiful" insight into the human condition and Jesus' mission. It fills us with hope in Lent and through life, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

People and Events
Roman Catholic Mock Trial Team Wins City Championship, Heads to States
Roman Catholic High School’s mock trial team captured the city championship with a win over Central High School Sunday, March 9.

Calendar of Events
Archbishop Pérez to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day Mass
The theme for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia is “Saint Patrick, Bless Those Dedicated to Serving Others.”
7th Graders Invited to Tour Archdiocesan High Schools March 20
The event gives seventh graders throughout Philadelphia’s five-county area the opportunity to spend a day touring one of the Catholic high schools.

USCCB
The Catholic Relief Services Collection Strengthens Bishops’ Mission to the Vulnerable at Home and Abroad
Bishops Barron and O’Connell Respond to Failure of U.S. Senate to Advance Protections for Female Athletes

Pope Francis
Papal Anniversary: For 12 Years He’s Said, ‘Don’t Forget to Pray for Me’
As Pope Francis prepared to spend the 12th anniversary of his election at Rome's Gemelli hospital, people at the Vatican and around the world were responding to his most frequent personal request.
Pope Out of Danger but to Remain in Hospital
Pope Francis is no longer considered in imminent danger from his lung infection, but he will remain in Rome's Gemelli hospital for several more days to continue receiving medical treatment, the Vatican said.

Hispanic Catholics
La Voz de Dios Mar. 9, 2025
La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos presenta una poderosa conversación con el Padre Frank Depman, párroco de la Iglesia Católica de San Rocco, la primera Parroquia Nacional Hispana en la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia.
Sports
St. Andrew’s, Newtown, Captures CYO Girls Basketball State Title
St. Andrew Parish, Newtown, girls varsity CYO basketball team captured the state championship March 9 in Pittsburgh.
Strong Defense, Eventual Offense Propel Father Judge to PCL Crown
After a barren first quarter the Crusaders roared back, blocked shots and topped Roman Catholic, 41-34, for the boys basketball championship.