Features
Blessed Mirth
The old Baltimore Catechism set us straight right off the bat in first grade. The answer to question number four: “God made me to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.” In plain words, life is serious stuff; the happiness comes […]
Closures to impact Catholic League
The year is 1982. In the Catholic League Northern Division football quarterfinals, a Bishop McDevitt team that had squeezed into the playoffs with a 3-3-2 record blindsides Father Judge, 10-0, and leaves legendary Judge coach Whitey Sullivan staring in utter disbelief as the seconds drip away and melt what seemed like a sure Catholic League […]
A Lenten sacrifice so that others may eat
As the liturgical year brings us closer to the season of Lent, Catholic Christians worldwide will soon reflect on beautiful traditions in preparation for the observance of Christ’s Passion and the celebration of His Resurrection. These traditions may include simple Lenten meals, Scripture studies, abstaining from favorite foods and adding spiritual activities to their daily […]
Update on Catholic League basketball teams
The 2011-2012 season continues for the Philadelphia Catholic League boys’ basketball teams. While some have gotten off to a better start than others, all of the teams believe they can end the year on a strong note and have a shot at the playoffs. Archbishop Wood, under the direction of head coach Jack Walsh, brings […]
Movie Review: “There Be Dragons”
You probably didn’t get to see “There Be Dragons” during its short theatrical release in spring 2011. Now it’s about to be released on DVD $22.98 (Amazon $15.99), and it might be worth taking a look. From a Catholic standpoint, it tells the story of St. Josemaria Escriva (1902-75) the sometimes controversial founder of the […]
Different lives, same call to priesthood
Two men, very similar yet uniquely different. Jim Cardosi and Kevin Mulligan attended classes together and shot hoops together for four years at Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown, graduated in 1973 and then went their separate ways. Cardosi went to the U.S. Naval Academy, became a pilot and married father of five. After attending […]
God still has a mission for her
When you are 92 years old, it’s quite understandable if you just want to sit back, relax and let others do the work. Don’t tell that to Eleanor Stretz; she’s just about as involved as you can get at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem, and that’s just the way she wants it. For […]
Boys Basketball preview
The 2011-2012 basketball season is well under way. Among the city Catholic League boys’ teams that are off to a fine start are the Father Judge Crusaders, the Roman Catholic Cahillites and the Archbishop Ryan Raiders. Father Judge officially opened their season Friday, Dec. 9, when it hosted and upset Strawberry Mansion, 71-61. The Crusaders […]
Former Flyers’ goal: serve food, help others
On a brisk afternoon in late December, Philadelphia Flyers legend Bobby Clarke had just finished serving food for about 90 minutes at St. John’s Hospice. Exiting the Center City respite that feeds roughly 350 men five days a week, he was asked about the importance of volunteerism. “Well,” he said, “I know I got a […]
Father Judge off to a hot start
When it comes to making playoffs and winning championships, a team’s record against non-league competition doesn’t exactly amount to a whole lot. It might garner a tournament trophy or two. Or perhaps provide some fun braggers’ rights. Or aid in the cosmetics of personal statistics. But as soon as the games that count in the […]