Local News
Montco food pantry serves up love, ‘crazy blessing’ for hundreds at Thanksgiving
Martha's Choice Marketplace, part of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services, provided some 400 holiday dinners -- along with a deeper sense of community -- for area families earlier this week.
Archdiocese, police team up to brighten Thanksgiving for Phila. families
For the fifth year in a row, dozens of clients served by Catholic Social Services received full course holiday dinners thanks to the Michael the Archangel Ministry at FOP Lodge #5.
Agency working overtime to feed hungry during second wave of COVID
The resurging pandemic has "wreaked havoc" on efforts to counter record levels of food insecurity, said staff from archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services, making donations more vital than ever.
Archdiocesan finances show slim surplus in fiscal ’20
Against a challenging economic backdrop, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia showed a core operating surplus of $100,000 in the past fiscal year, according to new financial information released Nov. 24.
National News
Court says N.Y. limits on houses of worship restrict religious freedom
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court lifted the pandemic restrictions on congregation sizes at houses of worship imposed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, siding with the Diocese of Brooklyn and two Jewish synagogues.
Advent during pandemic can be time to draw closer to Jesus
The global pandemic and new limits on daily activities present a special time for a renewal of faith and a deeper appreciation for Jesus in daily life, bishops across the country said in Advent messages.
Food banks do their best to help families have a hearty Thanksgiving meal
Catholic Charities in a New Jersey diocese has partnered with a foodbank to assist the 500% surge of people seeking food assistance in the weeks leading to Thanksgiving.
Video Features
Happy Thanksgiving, from their ‘wacky family’ to yours
Patrick Walsh and Eli Wenger of Martha's Choice Marketplace, an archdiocesan food pantry in Norristown, want you to remember that in good times and bad, "we're all in this together."
Photo features
Seniors share their thoughts on Thanksgiving
Residents of several archdiocesan affordable housing complexes reflected on the blessings they treasure most during this season of gratitude.
World News
In new book, pope urges making ‘space at the table’ for all
As a pastor, Pope Francis has seen how the global economy has cast aside many people, and he knows that Catholic social teaching calls for more than "just crumbs from the table."
Groups that take their own ‘path’ lack Holy Spirit, pope says
Pope Francis said he was dismayed by Catholic communities that work to improve church life but do so without prayer, the Eucharist and unity with the church, instead becoming "a nice club."
Vatican says bishop ordained in China is in communion with pope
A 58-year-old bishop was named and ordained within the framework of the provisional agreement between China and the Holy See regarding the appointment of bishops.
Commentaries
To everything a season: to weep, to social distance, to dance
This season indeed is a time to die and a time to grieve, but it is also a time to live fully, writes Moises Sandoval. At Thanksgiving, we have much more to be thankful for than in ordinary times.
Bishops’ balancing act on Biden’s policies just beginning
President-elect Joe Biden once opposed the abortion industry's extremism. The church's task will be to call him to the better angels of his nature, writes Richard Doerflinger.
Catholic social teaching can restore our nation’s soul
The tenets of Catholic social justice, which dovetail with America's dearest values, can replace the misguided and exhausted ideology of unfettered free market libertarianism, writes Basil Merenda.
Spirituality
Advent’s call to discipleship, and what that means
Effie Caldarola admires Jesus and hopes his teachings make an impact in daily life, but is she a disciple or merely a fan? She offers recent examples of people who were "all in" for Jesus.
Advent Week 1: Seeking the face of God? Look around you
For many, 2021 can't come soon enough. But as the year comes to a close the church begins a new year Nov. 29 with Advent -- a time to "straighten out" our lives, and our world.
Advent Week 1: A collection of Advent poems
Writer Shemaiah Gonzalez offers three reflections in verse of the first week of Advent - a time when the wait for the unseen miracle of Jesus' coming is nearly over.
Sports
One classy sisterhood: St. Hubert’s girls show love for Hallahan players
At the finale of the girls' soccer season, St. Hubert's players gave roses and wore the colors of their opponents from John W. Hallahan, which is set to close, in a gesture that moved everyone.
Pope meets with NBA players’ union delegation at the Vatican
Former 76er Kyle Korver and other players who met Pope Francis Nov. 23 praised his "openness and eagerness" to discuss their work in promoting social justice, and was a reminder that their efforts "must continue moving forward."
People and Events
South Philly seniors enjoy early Thanksgiving
Residents of St. John Neumann Place I and II, two of several archdiocesan senior housing complexes, kicked off the holiday Nov. 23 with turkey and all the trimmings.
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Be alert! The First Sunday of Advent
Catholic author and speaker Gary Zimak reflects on the readings for this Sunday's Mass, which begins Advent, and offers practical advice for making the most of the season.
Culture
‘The Last Vermeer’ frames art with intrigue in post-war Europe
Though the film plays intelligently with moral twists and turns, the main character offers a reliable ethical compass as he gradually uncovers the levels of truth that the script craftily reveals.
Book offers practical advice on women’s ministry in church
People complain about what's wrong with the church. "Joyful Momentum," with its worthwhile recommendations for building strong ministries, offers solutions for women to do something about it.
‘Come Away’ is messy mash-up that sparks imagination
Take "Peter Pan," add a dash of "Alice in Wonderland," stir in the poetry of William Butler Yeats and you have the recipe for this intriguing if schizophrenic fairy tale.